Love and honour written by W. Davenant, Knight.

Love and honour written by W. Davenant, Knight.

Table of contents

Title page

Dramatis Perſonae.

Act 1. Scaena 1.

Act. 2. Seane 1.

Act. 3. Scaena 1.

Act. 4. Scaena. 1.

Act. 5. Scaena. 1.

PROLOGUE

EPILOGUE.

[Page]LOVE AND HONOVR.

§

[Page]

[Page] LOVE AND HONOVR, Written by W. DAVENANT Knight. Preſented by His Majeſties Servants at the Black-Fryers.

LONDON, Printed for Hum: Robinſon at the Three Pidgeons, and Hum: Moſeley at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1649.

Dramatis Perſonae.

[Page]

The old Duke of Savoy

His brother

The Duke of Millaine

Diſguiſed like Embaſſadors.

Alvaro, Prince of Savoy

Leonell, Prince of Parma

Proſpero, a young Count

Caladine, an old Counſellor

Vaſco, a Collonell

Alteſto

Frivolo

Triſtan

Officers and Souldiers.

Evandra, Heire of Millaine

Melora Siſter to Leonell

An old Widow

Lelia, her Maide

Boy

Muſitians

Souldiers

Servants

The Scaene Savoy.

Act 1. Scaena 1.

A Retreate being ſounded as from far, Enter Vaſco, Alteſto, Frivolo.

Vaſco.

HEark boyes? they ſound us a retreat? this skirmiſh (ſirs)

Was no rare paſtime to continue at;

'Tis ſaffer wraſtling in a bed; give me

Hence-forth your white fac'd foe, a plumpe faire enemie

That weares her head peece lac'd; I'm for a cambrick helmet, I.

Alteſto.

And yet theſe mighty men of Millain got

But little by the ſport; ſome of them ſhall

Vouchſafe to weare a ſingle arme heareafter,

Two wodden leggs too, and limpe their dayes out

In an Hoſpitall.

Frivolo

How? an Hoſpitall?

Vaſco.

A rode, a rode; your highway ſir is now

Your onely walke of ſtate for your maim'd ſoldier.

Your Hoſpitalls and penſions are reſeru'd

For your maim'd Mercer, decay'd ſonnes o'th ſhop,

That have been often crackd not in their crownes

Like us, but in their credit ſir.

Frivolo.

And placket ſquires, that have bin long diſeas'd

In their Lords ſervice; a ſcore of duckets

Shall bribe them into place, where they may ſleep,

And eate, and pray too, but with breath ſo much

Vnholſome, th'ayre can hardly purify't

And make it fit to reach neare heaven.

Alteſto.

Well, the ſurprize o'th cittadell, wherein

The Duke had plac'd his daughter, with the Ladies

Of her traine, and treaſure too, was a ſervice

Of moſt rare work.

Vaſco.

Juſt when they ſally'd out

To cut our Rere in peeces, then ſteale in

By Ambuſh wiſely layd, and make them all

Our prize, was miracle.

Frivolo.

They ſay his daughter ſcap'd, and fled, with her

As her beſt guard, one they call Leonell

Enter Triſtan.

Whom our Count Proſpero purſu'd.

Vaſ. Triſtan?

Welcome; is all our pillage waggond

Shall it to night ſee Turin?

Triſtan.

Alls ſafe my luſty leader; our horſe too

Have ſounded a retreat; and the foe ſneakes▪

He walkes with's hands in's pockets like a skipper

In a froſt.

Vaſ.

Well, let me reckon my eſtate;

Firſt a widdow priſoner.

Alteſto.

Mine's a maide priſoner,

Young my Vaſco, ſhe's yet in her firſt bluſh,

And I've diſpatch'd her unto Turn too

My Mothers houſe, thy priſoner in her company,

They are acquainted.

Vaſco.

You have the luck; theſe bald chinnes are as familiar

[Page] With their good ſtarrs, as with ſpur-rowells,

Play with them, and turn'em which way they pleaſe;

I fought as well as he; and yet (forſooth)

His priſoner muſt be faire, and young, & mine

So old ſhe might have given Hercules ſuck,

Now ſhe ſucks too, for ſhe hath no teeth left,

In one moneth ſhe'l coſt me as much in cawdles

And ſweet candy, as her ranſome comes too.

Fri

But you have other pillage Captaine.

Vaſ

Let me ſee, 3 Barbarie horſes with rich

Capariſons, 2 Cheſts o'th Generalls cloths.

Alt.

And I 2 cheſts o'th Generalls plate.

Friv.

In thoſe I ſhare Alteſto.

Uaſco

How? plate? ſhall we incounter our ſowe'd fiſh

And broyld Pullen in ſilver ſervice rogues?

Like furr'd Magnificoes?

Frivolo.

We ſhall Captaine, but you may dip your morſell in good china earth.

Alteſt.

All your plate Uaſce, is the ſilver handle

Of your old priſoners franne.

Enter Proſpero (wounded) and Evandra (her armes in a ſcarfe Piniond.)

Triſt.

Here comes Proſpero the valiant Count.

Uaſ.

And with him the brave prize.

Praſ.

Evandra do not mourne, I that have made

You captive thus with hazard of my youth

And blood, ſhall think you now as worthy of

My care, as of my volour in the fight;

Can I eſteeme you leſſe by being mine?

Evand.

What have I done (unknown unto my heart)

That I ſhould tempt your valour to ſo great

A [...] as my captivity? or are my crimes

Obſerv'd more than my prayers, that heaven ſhall leave

Me to become the ſcorne of victorie?

Proſ.

It is the ſad preheminence of your

Exemplar birth, and beauty, to conferr

Honour on him that is your conqueror.

Evan.

Honour? is that the word that hath ſo long

Betrayd the Emulous world, and foold the nobleſt race

Of men, into a vex'd and angry death?

If 'twere a vertue 'twould not ſtrive t'inthrall,

And thus diſtreſſe the innocent.

Proſ.

I am the warrs diſciple, and ſince firſt

I had the growth to weare a ſword, I nere

Was taught how to ſubdue by reaſon but

By ſtrength. Alteſto?

Alteſto.

My Lord.

Proſ.

Take here this Lady to your charge, conduct

Her unto Turin, and there guard her in

My houſe till my approach.

Alteſto.

I ſhall my Lord.

Proſ.

Let her be ſafe Alteſto in thy care

On forfeiture of life, ſhe is my priſoner

And th' nobleſt in the field, the beautious

Heire of Millaine; had not my niggard ſtars

Intended me but halfe a courteſie,

The Duke her Father had lamented now

Under the ſame fate.

Vaſco.

I could wiſh your Lordſhip would beleeve me,

A fitter man, to take charge of the Lady.

Proſ.

VVhy Captaine?

Vaſ.

You could not commit her to an Eunuch

VVith more ſafety; if the great Turke knew me

(Honeſt Achmet) he would truſt me in's Seraglio

(By this hand) without defalking one graine beneath the waſte.

Proſ.

Succeſſe hath made you wanton Cap.

Uaſ.

Beſides (my Lord) I have tane an old Abeſſe

Priſoner, O ſuch a Governeſſe for a

Young maid, ſheel read to her ſuch homilies,

And teach her ſuch receipts out of the Fathers,

How to cure the toothach, preſerve plumms,

And boyle Amber poſſits, will make her ſir

In three dayes a very St.

Proſ.

VVell you ſhall take my bounty too cloſe by

The valley that doth joyne to th' neighbour grove

Lyes conquerd by my ſword a Millain knight,

His wounds medcin'd, & ſtopt by the beſt art

I had, but by much loſſe of blood unable yet

[Page] To move, him, and his ranſome I beſtow on you,

Uaſ.

I thank your Lordſhip

Proſ.

But uſe him nobly Uaſco; for he hard

A courage that well merited his cauſe,

And fought with eager and with ſsillfull, ſtrength

To free that lady from my bonds, but the glad day was mine.

Vaſ.

He ſhall be kindly us'd,

Only your ſweet lordſhip muſt give me leave

When he pay's his ranſom to weigh his gold,

Were he my father, ſir, he muſt indure

The tryall of my ſcales; follow Triſtan.

Proſ.

Make haſte; ſee him well waggond, and provide

A ſurgeon to attend his cure.

Ex Vaſ. Triſt.

Evan.

Sir, can you find no pitty yet within

Your breaſt? you have already ſhewn enough.

Of your ſterne fathers ſpirit, is there not

In all your heart ſo much of ſoftnes as

Declares you had a mother too, muſt I

Be led a captive, land in a cruell land

Lament your victorie?

Proſ.

Alteſto, be are her from my ſight? make haſte?

I am not ſafe, when I converſe with teares.

Exeunt Alteſto, Evandra.

I would ambition were not brave in war?

Or that the rage of Princes had not made

It lawfull to ſubdue whom they diſlike,

Or 'twere ignoble to inflict a miſerie,

As to indur't our ſelves; Frivolo, where

Didſt thou leave the prince?

Friv.

In purſuit of the Duke, who ſince we heare

Recovered Millaine, which cauſs'd him ſound us.

Drum march afar off

A retreat,—heark ſir, his march leades hither;

It is his way to Turin.

Enter Calladine.

The prince, the prince; my Lord Proſpero

You have been ſought for, the valiant prince

For this day's action hath advunt'd you to

The publique eare, and we your friends rejoyc'd.

Proſ.

I did but as his bold example gave

Me fire; I ſaw him conquer kill, and leade

In fetters ſad Faces, which I [...]

Before, and I beleev'd 'twas good; I wiſh

That heaven may thinke ſo too; I do converſe

VVith bookes, but I have heard our enemies

(Although they wrong'd not me) muſt be ſo us'd.

Enter Alvaro, Soldiers ſtripping off his Corſlet.

Vnbuckle Calladine, the day is hott,

And our great buſineſſe cooles like to their heates,

That fled to humbled Millaine, & have leſt

Their fainting honour hovering over our creſts,

Leade on my horſe in triumph; I will march

On foot, he hath perform'd his worke, as he

Had equall'd me in ſence of what he did.

Cal.

Sir, Proſpero the Count, whom your kind feares

Proſ-kneeles kiſſes his hand

So heartily inquir'd for i'th retreat

Alva.

Paſſe noble youth, and let me hold thee neere

My heart, joyne thy ſtout breſt to mine that we

May grow a while together in our love,

Yet when divided, be the ſame in thought

And act, this day then haſt begot an hiſtorie,

And given our Savoy Chronicles a theame

To teach them boaſt, and be beleev'd

Proſ.

Alvaro? my dread Prince; why ſhould you loſe

Your prayſe on me, that did but imitate

The fainteſt of your vigour, and your skill?

You bred mee from my childhood to doe things

That they call glorious, though (dull and much unlearnd)

I cannot teach the cauſe of what I doe,

More than your example, and command.

Alva.

Since thou gott'ſt ſtrength to weare a ſword, thou haſt

Been mine, and t'hath been drawn to execute

My will, and though (I know not why) thou waſt

A verſe to arts, and written labours of

The wiſe, yet diſcipline of warre thou lov'dſts

And bring thee to a [...] ſteed, him thou

VVouldſt ſit, and mannage with ſuch gentle rule

That our Idolatrous Philoſophers

Beleev'd thou hadſt created, whom thou I caught'ſt

Proſ.

Your love will breed me envy ſir; ſomething.

[Page] I've done (ſince you are pleas'd to vallew ſo

My weaker toyles) which may perhaps deſerve

Your fathers thanks, and yours, and's yet unknown

Vnto you both, Evandra, heir of Millaine,

I have ſought for, tane priſoner, and ſent

To Turin, a reward for our juſt war.

Alva.

Hah! the faire Evandra made priſoner?

And Proſpero by hee?

Proſ

Why ſhould you thinke him whom you prais'd

So much, unfit for ſuch a victorie.

Alva.

Now all the bleſſings of my faithfull love

Are loſt; ſhe whom I doated on with my

Moſt chaſt, and early apetite, is ſent

In bonds, t'apeaſe my cruell fathers wrath.

Call.

My Lord, he lov'd her much though temp'rately

Conceald from gen'rall knowledge, and his friends.

Proſ.

Then mount my courſer Frivolo, and try

If by the happy quickneſſe of his ſpeed,

Thou canſt recover her returne, and uſe

Her with ſuch faire reſpective homage as

May expiate my violent ſurprize.

Ex. Friv.

Alva.

Fly, fly; I would thy nimble motion could

Oretake the arrow from th' Aſſyrian bow,

Or ſwifter lightning whom our fight purſues

And is to ſlow to reach.

Proſ.

What have I done, that I ſhould thus miſtake

An act of valiant glorie, for a deed

That argues an auſtere Ignoble rage?

Alv.

Faire Evandra, the pide of Italy,

In whom the Graces met to rectifie

Themſelves, that had not cauſe enough to bluſh

Vnleſſe for pitty they were not ſo good

As ſhe; think now the Eaſterne ſpices ſweet,

And that the bloſſoms of the ſpring perfume

The morning ayre; neceſſity muſt rule

Beliefe, lets ſtrew our Altars with them now,

Since ſhe's impriſond, ſtifled, and chok'd up

Like weeping Roſes in a ſtill, whoſe Inarticulate breath

Heaven through a purer ſacrifice than all our orizons.

Proſ.

Is ſhe not fitter then

For Turin, than for Millaine ſir? I ſaw

You take priſoners, and in my fury had

Diſcretion to atchieve the beſt.

Alva.

O thou haſt loſt my heart; hence doth proceed

This recreant act, that to thy ſavage courage

I could never joyne the temperature

Of ſweet Philoſophy; hadſt thou been learnd,

And read the noble deeds of gentle knights,

Reaſon had check'd thy rage, thy vallor would

Have been more pittifull than to have lead

A virgin into harſh captivity.

Proſ.

I thought I had done well.

Alv.

How! well? draw back that falſhood in thy breath

Agen, or I will pierce thy heart, that thou.

Mayſt dye Impenitent.

Drawes his ſword, Call. ſtayes him.

Vnhand me Callandine, I've already met

My better thoughts; why ſhould I waſte my wrath

On ſuch a foreſter? wild as the woods,

Where he ſhould graze with the brute heard, who though they want

Diſcourſive ſoule, are leſſe inhumane farre than he.

Proſ.

She was the daughter of our greateſt enemie,

And ſo I us'd her ſir.

Alva.

A cholerick Beare; or hungry Panther would

Have us'd her with more ſoft remorce; had I

Incounterd her in the mad heate of chace,

In all the fury of the fight, I would

Have taught my angry ſteed the eaſie and

The peacefull motion of a lambe,

She ſhould have ſet his back, ſoft as the ayre,

And in her girdle bridle him, more curb'd

Than in his ſoaming bitt, whilſt I her ſlave,

Walk'd by, marking what haſty flowers ſprung up,

Invited by her eye-beames from their cold rootes;

And this would each true ſoldier do, that had

Refin'd his courage with the ſober checks

Of ſweet Philoſophy.

Proſ.

Would you had taught me ſome Philoſophy

Before I learn'd to fight.

[Page]

Enter Frivolo.

All hope is paſt; ſhe was convey'd in one

Of your ſwift chariots ſir, which it doth ſeem

Alteſto did unhappily oretake,

And ſhe's ere this within our Turnt walls.

Proſ.

Such language and ſuch newes better become

The fatall birds of night, ſo Ravens croke

When they fly ore the manſions of the ſick

And bode their deaths.

Alv.

Proſpero, ſee me no more,

Th'art a diſeaſe unto my injurd ſight:

Flye to ſome luſtfull coaſt, where none but Goates

And Satyrs live, where the name of virgin is

As ſtrange as this thy cruelty, there thou

Mayſt hope to wander not contemn'd, ſhould I

Behold thy face agen, and let thee live,

My patience would become my vildeſt guilt.

Cal.

See, ſir, he weepes; can you indure him mourne

And languiſh thus, whom heeretofore you did

Embrace in the chiefe ranek of love, not mov'd

(Sir) with his teares?

Alv.

No more than to behold

The pudled channell overflow; he ſaw

Her weepe, and could indur't; the drops fell downe

Me thinks, as when the pitteous Pelican

Wounds her remorſefull hreaſt.

Proſ.

Sir, have I in one haſty moment, ſo

Farre merited my ruine that no meanes

Is left to winne me to your former grace.

Alv.

Never, unleſſe thou couldſt reſtore

Evandras liberty, ſhe is ere this

Within my fathers reach, whoſe nature is

Severe, and mortall to her fathers blood,

An ancient vow he tooke, will make her deſtine.

So ſad, I feare to thinke on it, poore Evandra.

Proſ.

I ſent her in good conduct to my houſe,

VVhere is a cave, ſo art fully cenceld

Within my gardens verge, that not the ſunnes

Moſt prying beames, not humane ſearch

Can ere diſcover it, He hide her there,

Till time and apt convenience can diſpoſe

Her unto Millain.

Alva.

Fly then, looſe not the ſick hope with ſlow

Purſuit, fate keepe her from my father.

Proſ.

I [...] ſtrive to groane away my breath, and die.

Exit Proſ.

Cornet flouriſh afarr off.

Frivo.

Heark ſir, the Duke your father ſure

Doth ride in triumph through the towne, to meete

And celebrate your victorie.

Alva.

Give order that our troops march, march ſlowly on;

Our Drums ſhould now in fable caſes beate

Our collours ſoulded, and our Muskets be

Reverſt, whilſt our dejected pikes we traile,

But that I feare, t'would breed inquirie in

My father of a cauſe, he muſt not know,

O Callandine Evandra is in bonds.

Exit. Enter Vaſco, Triſtan, Leonell wounded and led.

Vaſco.

Prepare the waggon Triſtan, ſpread a matt in 't

And (doſt here) bid my Ancient teare of's collors

For a coverlet, tis thine ſir, all our ſhift?

Triſt

All's ready ſir, ith bottom of the hill,

He ſhall us'd like a Queen when ſhee lyes in.

Vaſ.

Softly Triſtan, he moves as weakely as

His ſinnewes were of ſpinners threads, ſo cutt

And carv'd; he hath made your skin, ſir, only

Fit to be worne in ſummer; this Proſpero

Is a Turke when's whinyards drawne, and ſhines in's eyes.

Leonell

He us'd me nobly ſir, when I had bled (could

My ſelfe paſt ſtrength to conquer him, wee

I hope to finde ſuch mercy in an Enemie,

Leſſe I had fallen beneath the force of your

Alvaro, Prince of Piemont.

Vaſ.

I there's a man; tis true, Lord Proſ. poro vallant,

I thinke he dares meet the devill in Duell,

And give him two flaſhs of lightning odds, but

He wants that they call learning ſir, Prince Alvaro;

Is (as they ſay) a philoſopey man:

He takes of Rabins, and ſtrange Hebrew roots;

Things we dull Souldiers hither learn then mention.

[Page]Triſt.

He can tell you ſir how many ſhowers fell

Since Noahs flood.

Vaſ.

I, and how many cloakes thoſe ſhowers have wett.

Leonell.

Have you no knowledge of the Lady ſir

That was ſurpriz'd from my protection by young Proſpero?

Vaſ.

Good; was ever creature of heavens making

So libidinous as paltry man? now

Has he a mind to the Lady? ſhe ſir,

Is ſafe in Turin, whither ſtrait we mean

To lead you too.

Leon.

Some comfort yet, it is decreed I muſt

Indure my bondage where ſhe ſuffers her's,

Poore Evandra's was fater ſo niggardly

She could allow no more protection for

Thy beauty than my ſingle fortitude?

Triſt.

Come move on ſir, it will be late ere we

Shall reach the towne.

Leon

What other for tune had the bat taile?

Veſ.

We ſwadled your Duke home he and the reſt

Of your bruis'd countymen have woundrous need

Of capon's greaſe.

Leon

Strange giddineſſe of warre; ſome men muſt groane

To further others mirth, what furie rules

Ore humane ſence, that we ſhould ſtruggle to

Deſtroy in wounds, and rage, our life, that heaven

Decreed ſo ſhort? in is a myſterie

Too ſad to be temembred by the wiſe,

That halfe mankind conſume their noble blood,

In cauſes not belov'd, or underſtood.

Exeunt.

Act. 2. Seane 1.

Exter Vaſco, Frivolo, Triſtan.

Fri.

You have heard the proclaim'd law Vaſco.

Vaſ.

I would there were no law, or that no man

Were learn'd enough to read em, or that we had

Courage enough not to obey them

Triſt.

Frivolo, what law is this?

Friv.

It is proclaim'd all female priſoners

After a yeare ſhould have free libertie

To returne to Millaine, and ranſomleſſe.

Only a yeare is given to us the conquerors,

That thoſe we took of birth, and dowry may

(If we can wooe them to conſent) marry us,

But wee have no power to uſe conſtraint, nor to

Inforce a maidenhead, on paine of death.

Vaſ.

My beldam hath tane order with her maidenhead

Ten yeares ere I was borne.

Friv.

I'th meane time Triſtan,

As a requitall for our hopes, we muſt

Maintaine them at our own charge?

Triſt.

Muſt not the men wee tooke pay ranſome?

Vaſ.

Yes, yes, they pay: I have a Knight given me

By young Count Proſpero ſhall ſell his ſpurrs

Ere he ſcape free, I will pawne him till he

Be worne toth' title of a Squire.

Frivo.

Thou art as cruell as a Conſtable

That's wak'd with a quarrell out of his firſt ſleepe.

Vaſ.

Hang him bold Caraian, hee indites finely;

And will live as well by ſending ſhort Epiſtles

Or by th'ſad whiſper at your gamſters elbow

When the great by is drawne, as any baſhfull

Gallant of em all.

Triſt.

But whats the cauſe our Duke is ſo ſevere

Unto the heire of Millain (whom 'tis ſaid

Shall ſuffer inſtant death) yet is thus kind

To others of her ſex.

Frivo.

She dies to ſatiſfie

A vow hee made in's youth, when thoſe of Millain

Took his brother priſoner, and would not be

Appeaz'd without the for feiture of's head.

Triſt.

I am not yet inſtructed Frivolo,

VVhy ſhould not then the reſt we took dy too?

Frivo.

Evandra is a ſacrifice for all;

His other mercy takes from th'crueltie

He ſhowes on her.

[Page]

Enter Alteſto

Vaſ.

From whence Alteſto comes your loftineſſe?

Alteſt.

Why, from the Duke; I had laid me

For breakfaſt a fine comfortable ginne.

Vaſ.

VVhat was't, a wench?

Alteſt.

A rack Vaſco, a rack;

A certaine Inſtrument that will extend, and draw

Our ſinnews into treble ſtrings, and ſtretch

Our great ſhinne bones, till they become ſlender

As knitting needles, or a Spiders leggs.

Vaſ.

Didſt thou commit Treaſon? 'tis well thou haſt

A braine for any thing, the age requires

Parts, we cannot eat elſe; but quick, the cauſe.

Alteſt.

'Twas to diſcover where I left Evandra,

VVhom Proſpero deliver'd to my charge;

I anſwer'd a full truth, that I reſtor'd

Her to his hands, at his returne to's houſe,

And this (as fortune would vouchſafe) the Duke

Beleev'd without applying (Gentlemen)

The recreation of the rack.

Fri.

But ſhe is not yet found.

Alteſt.

No, and the Duke beleeves her ſtill I'th Town.

Therefore a guard is plac'd at all the gates to hinder her eſcape.

Vaſco.

I do not like

This cutting off young wenches heads; 'tis thought

They cannot kiſſe hanſomely without them.

Triſt.

But how does Proſpero excuſe her flight?

Alteſt.

He ſaies ſhe's ſtoln away, but ſhews no manner how;

And th' angry Duke, though he be precious in

His love, threatens him much.

Vaſ.

Some Angell ſtole her from him, and Gentlemen

If I have any skill in Magick you

Shall ſee her three daies hence pirking in a Cloud,

Southward of yonder Star; look up, juſt there;

With her Ivory Lute hanging at her back,

And working me a ſcarfe of sky-colour'd Sattin.

Alteſt.

A halter (Vaſco) to ſave the poore State

The charge of a penny, thou'lt have need on't.

Vaſ.

What's become of Melora, your faire priſoner?

You heare the Proclamation.

Alteſt.

Yes, and am well pleas'd, I meane to wooe, and marry her, ſhe hath

Twelve thouſand crowns by good intelligence.

Vaſ.

If ſhe conſent; but I am of the faith,

Such Suckets are but ſeldome ſwallow'd by

Us wealthy Aldermen o'th Campe; a joynture

Is the word Alteſto, and then you'l ſhew her

A young back with a Sword hanging over't,

Worſe than a handſaw.

Alteſt.

Juſt now I left her at my mothers houſe;

And ſirra Vaſco, ſhe looks, oh rogue, rogue!

A Flanders peake i'th middle of her brow,

Which ſtraight I ſpy, and ſhake, and melt, then ſpeak

Fine language to her, and am dutious with

My Bonnet at her Inſtep thus—

Vaſ.

Th'aſt ſound the way.

Alteſt.

Then Vaſco ſhe moves back, diſcovering but

The very verge of both her picked toes,

But in white Shoes, and then I'm taken that

I ſtand like one of the Turkes chidden mutes,

A girle in a Bongrace thus high may raviſh me.

Fri.

Alas poore Gentleman!

Alteſt

But Vaſco, her fiugers, by this good day,

I think they are ſmaller than thy point tags,

And ſhe behaves them on the Virginaſs

So prettily, I'ld wiſh no more of he ven,

Than once to hear her play Fortune my Foe:

Or John come kiſſe me now.

Vaſ.

Thoſe are tunes my old widdow priſoner ſings

With more diviſion than a water work

When the maine pipe is halfe ſtopt.

Fri.

You have a yeare allow'd to wooe her Vaſco.

Triſt.

She's rich; I knew her husband, he thriv'd much

By a monopoly he had of dead womens hair,

[Page] All Millaine talk'd of it; ſhe kept another ſhop

Under St Maudlins wall, and quilted uſhers Calves.

Vaſ.

Well Gentlemen, let's waſte no time, I'le to

My Barbers ſtraight, purge, ſhave, and waſh, for know

If cleaneneſſe and good looks will do't Ile teach

Her Grandameſhip to mump, and marry too,

Or my arts faile; Frivolo, you and Triſtan

Follow me, I ſhall employ you both.

Alteſt.

I am for Proſpero, he ſent to ſpeak with me.

Exeunt.

Enter Alvaro, Proſpero (with a Key, and Lights.)

Proſ.

Sir, you have made me know my cruelty,

'Twas ſuch incomely valour, that I bluſh

To name't, and truſt me, could I ſink low as

The Center whileſt I kneel, ſtil would I thus

Implore your pardon, and your love. Kneels

Alva.

Ariſe, I have a memory ſo apt

T'advance my pitty 'bove my anger when

It mentions thee, that Ile forget the cauſe

That made thy guilt, and me to mourne; but O,

This diſmal place brings it again to thought,

This lookes methinks like to the dark

And hidden dwelling of the winds, as yet

Unknown to men, where ſtorms ingender, and

The whirling blaſts that trouble Nature till

She tremble at their force, and ruine all

The ſumptuous piles of Art.

Proſ.

Neceſſity hath caus'd this choice, till the

Severe inquiry of your Father be

Appeas'd, and we can ſhape her a diſguiſe fit to

Convey her from the Towne.

Alva.

VVith ſoft and gentle ſummons call, that ſhe

May clime unto the top, and verge o'th cave.

Prof.

Evandra ſpeak, aſcend to us; I am

Your penitentiall Enemy, that come

To weep away my treſpaſſe at your feet.

Alva.

Evandra, riſe, break from this thick

And ſilent darkneſſe, like the eldeſt light.

The Stage opens, Proſpero lifts Evand. vn.

Evan.

Ha! my Lord the Prince?

Alva.

O noble mind, what expiation can

Make fit this young and cruell Souldier for

Society of men, that hath defir'd

The Genius of triumphant glorious war

VVith ſuch a rape upon thy I berty?

Or what leſſe hard than marble of

The Parian Rock, canſt thou beleeve my heart,

That nurc'd and bred him my Diſciple in

The Campe, and yet could teach his valour no

More tenderneſſe than injur'd Scythians uſe

VVhen they are vex'd to a revenge? but he

Hath mourn'd for it, and ſure Evandra thou

Art ſtrangely pittifull, that doſt ſo long

Conceale an anger that would kill us both.

Evand.

Sir, I am nobly recompenc'd, in that

You will vouchſafe me worthy of your grief,

And though I dye forgotten here (a poore

And luckleſs maid) loſt like a bloſſome which

Th' injurious wind buries in duſt, yet ſo

Much courteſie deſerves to be remembred even in heaven.

Alva.

Was this a ſubject fit to beare the pride

And inſolent calamity of war?

As well had it become in the worlds youth

The Giant Race, to hunt with mighty ſpeare

And iron ſhield, the ſoft and tender Ermine;

Evandra, I have lov'd thee much, and long.

Why doſt thou ſtart, as if ſome jealous thought

Did whiſper that my love devis'd this ſnare

To keep thee here within my power and reach?

Evand.

I cannot think you are ſo cruell to

Your ſelf, t' afflict the thing that you eſteem.

Alva.

No beautious maid, had I behold thy flight

In our ſterne exerciſe of wrath, I would

Have made the bloudy field a garden fit

I' adorne the ſhews of a triumphant peace;

And ev'ry ſoldier like a reaper cloth'd,

Fitter to uſe his ſickle than his ſword.

Still thou recoyl'ſt like the chaſte Indian plant, at the

That ſhrinks and curles his baſhfull leaves,

Approach of man.

[Page]Evan.

I've loſt my reaſon, and I want the courage

To entertaine you kindneſſe as I ought.

Alva.

Is it becauſe my yeares a little have

Oregrowne my youth, or that the enmity

Our Fathers interchange begetts in thee

A factious hate, till't make thy duty ſinne?

But tis not poſſible thou canſt create

A thought will merit ſuch a name.

Evan.

The gentle buſineſſe ſir of love is fit

For howers more calme, and bleſt than thoſe

A captive can injoy.

Alva.

Theſe are not words

To quiet me in ſleepe, & peacefull thoughts.

Proſ.

Nor ſhall I evermore relliſh delights

And triumphs of the court, or haughty joyes

Of warre and victorie.

Alva.

Evanara live, be yet ſome happineſſe

Vnto thy ſelfe, and with the patience that

Becomes a maids divinitie, relieve

Thy heart with eaſie hope of libertie,

Inforcing a content within this darke

And ſolitarie cave, till I have power

With apt diſguiſe to further thy eſcape,

Which ſhall be haſtned with my ableſt skill.

Beleeve me good Evandra, the honour of

My birth and ſoule ſhall warrant it.

Evan.

You are a Prince renound, and precious for

Your faith, and courteſie.

Alva.

Thinke not Ile uſe advantage, or conſtraint

Vpon thy love, a virgins heart (I know)

Is ſooner ſtrok'd than check'd into a kind

Surrender of her breaſt.

Evan.

Sir, all the bounties that the heavens provide

For truth and clemency, fall on your ſtill.

Alva.

If thou ſuſpect'ſt I've not enough of cold

And holy temper to reſiſt the flames

Of appetite, command that I ſhall ſee

Thee here no more, & my obedience ſtraite

Shall be reſtraind within a ſacred vow,

For I would have thy thoughts (Evandra) ſafe

As thy beauties are.

Evan.

It were a crime

Greater (I hope) than I ſhall ere commit

To doubt ſuch princely goodneſſe can pervert it ſelfe.

Alva.

Then I ſhall cheriſh oportunities

To haſten my returne.

Evan.

Not Angells ſure when they converſe, can meet

VVith leſſe intent of ſinne, and more of joy?

Alva.

VVell, I muſt ſee thee oft, thy wondrous eyes

Have ſoftned all my ſpirits to a calme

And eaſie temper for thy ſway, that I

Could change my corſlet, and my iron veſts

Of rugged war, to move in gentle pace,

Vnto the tunefull whiſpers of thy Lute,

Still cloth'd in tender garments of thy work,

And for a plumed Helmet weare chapletts

Of flowers, in a myſterious order rank'd

By thy white virgin hand, theu like thy neat

Ore'buſie maid, bind up thy looſer philetting,

And pleate in curles thy ſoft diſhevelld haire.

Ile make my frequent viſits here till thou

Confeſſe how much I am ſubdu'd.

Evand.

I am oppreſt with feare, the watchfull Duke

Your father ſhould obſerve, unto this ſad

Vnuſuall place, your ſtolne approach, & then

My ſorrowes would be doubled in your danger.

Alva.

Danger? how noble lovers ſmile at (ſuch

A thought? 'tis love that onely fortifies

And gives us mighty vigor to attempt

On others force, and ſuffer more than we

Inflict; would all the ſouldiers that I leade

In active war, were lovers too, though leane,

Feebled, & weakned with theit ladys frowns;

How when their valours ſtirrd, would they march ſtrong,

Through hideous gulphs, through numerous herds

Of angry Lyons, and conſuming fire?

Knock within.

Evan.

What doubtfull noyſe is that?

Alva.

'Tis Colladine, I did appoint him here.

Stay Proſpero, let him not enter yet;

O envious chance, muſt we depart ſo ſcone?

They put Evendra downe in the cave.

Deſcend like the bright officer of day,

Whilſt darkned we thy beauteous abſence mourne,

And every flower doth weepe till thy returne?

[Page]

Opens the doore, lets in Calladine.

Proſ.

His looks declare there's hazard, and ſome haſte.

Alv.

What wouldeſt thou? ſpeake.

Cal.

The Duke your father (ſir) is much perplext;

He calls for Proſpero, and it is feard,

Will torture him to find Evandra's flight.

Alva.

He ſhall not yet appeare; I will indure

His angers edge with venture of my ſelfe.

Stay till I ſend.

Exit.

Cal.

My Lord, I grieve to ſee your ſorrowes beare

So great a weight, as makes you groane unto

Your ſelfe; this ſilence, and fixation of

Your eyes, untill unchanged objects cauſe

Them ake, is much unlike your wonted mind;

Suſpect not but the Prince will qualifie

His Father to a peace, and a more juſt

Interpretation of your worth.

Proſ.

Know Calladine, 'tis not Evandras bonds,

Nor all the torments that th' incenſed Duke

From cruelty or art can miniſter,

Have power to freeze, and fixe me like a ſtatue thus;

I have another cauſe that ſwels my heart,

Till 't grow too ſpacious for my breaſt.

Cal.

'Las ſir! your favours have oblig'd me ſo

That I muſt ſhare your griefe, and 'twould perhaps

Afferd ſome remedy to ſhare the cauſe.

Pro.

I know not Calladine in the vaſt world

One I more love, or would ſo boldly truſt;

But thou wilt think me mad.

Cal.

My Lord, Ile forget then my manners, and

My reaſon too.

Pro

Come, thou ſhalt know, I love—

How wilt thou ſmile to ſeem ambitious eyes

Looke higher than the Eagle, when he ſoares

To elevate his ſight? I love—

Cal.

Who is't you love?

Pro.

Evandra; now mixe pitty in thy ſcorn.

Cal.

'Tis ſad the Prince and you ſhould meet with ſo

Much violence in the ſame choice.

Pro.

At firſt, i'th rage of fight, I gaz'd on her,

With halfe diſcernings of her forme, a mi [...]

Of fury hung between us then, but ſince

That I have viewd her beauty with ſome care,

And ſeen how ſweetly ſhe demeanes her in

Calamity, I have orethrown my heart

With liking her too much.

Cal.

It will require great wiſdome to perſwade

In this, the cauſe is dangerous.

Pro.

Would I had nere been born, then I had miſs'd

The ſight and memory of her, and my

Fond errors ſhould have been as much unknown

As m' uncreated ſelfe.

Enter Alteſto.

Alt.

My Lord, your ſervant gave me entrance with

Command that I ſhould ſpeake with you.

Pro.

'Tis true; Alteſto y'have a maiden priſoner,

Call'd Melora; 'tis my requeſt that you

Conduct her hither in diſguiſe; though law

Newly proclaimd, allow no ranſome for her,

You ſhall be paid your own demand.

Alteſt.

Ile obey your Lordſhip, ſhe ſhall attend

You ſtraight; what uſe can he imploy her to?

Proſp.

Come Calladine, eaſe me with thy counſell.

Exeunt.

Enter Vaſco, Triſtan, Frivolo, Lelia.

Vaſ.

Is Lelia your own priſoner Triſtan?

Triſt.

The powerful purchaſe of my ſword.

Vaſ.

What is ſhe heire to? a braſſe thimble, and

A skeane of brown thread? ſhe'l not yeeld thee in

Algiers above a ducket being ſtrip'd;

And for her clothes they'r fitter for a papermill

Than a Pallace.

Fri.

Let her ſerve your captive widdow.

Vaſ.

Why Triſtan, that's a yeares wages for you;

'Tis well thought on; will you ſerve Lelia?

Lel.

I hope ſir I ſhall be fit to ſerve.

Vaſ.

Yes, ſerve for an Hoſpitall, when the ſins

[Page] Of the Campe are retir'd into your bones;

She's vilely out of Linnen.

Triſt.

How can I help't?

Vaſ.

Let her make love to a Sexton, and ſteale ſhrowds.

Fri.

Truſt my knowledge Vaſco, ſhe's for thy turne,

Preſent her to thy widdow, ſhe may wooe

In thy behalf, toſte plum cakes for her Muſkadine,

And bruſh her velvet hood on holy-dayes.

Vaſ.

Triſtan convey her to her as my gift;

But Lelia you muſt ſpeake notable words

Of me, firſt what a goodly man I am;

That I get Matrons at a hundred and ten

VVith double Twins, and how in time of warre

I fill up the muſter with mine own Iſſue.

Lel.

Marry ſir, heaven forbid.

Vaſ.

D'you heare? this wench has been villanouſly

Ill bred; and Ile lay my life

She ſings at her work too the holy caroll

O'th Ladies daughter converted in Paris;

She was of Paris properly, &c.

Triſt.

Fie Lelia, you muſt now take care, you are

Not now i'th Campe, but in a civill Common wealth.

Lel.

I ſhall endeavour ſir to learne.

Vaſ.

Nor muſt you perſwade you Miſtris riſe

Too early to her beads, ſhe may catch cold,

Having already a peſtilent cough,

And ſo will dye before I marry her.

Lel.

I hope I ſhall not be ſo miſchievous.

Vaſ.

VVell Gentlemen, the fruitfull houre is now

Drawn neere that gives ſucceſſe, this morning muſt

Expoſe me to great charge.

Fri.

Thou doſt not meane

To court her at her window with rare muſick?

Vaſ.

No, ſhe's very deafe, ſo that coſt is ſav'd.

Fri.

What other charge? ſhe hath no teeth ſit for

A dry banquet, and dancing ſhe is paſt,

Unleſſe with crutches in an Antimaſque.

Vaſ.

I muſt provide her Culleiſes, and Broths

That may ſtir metall in her, in this caſe

She is, know my good friends, I find

Her no more fit for the buſineſſe of encreaſe,

Than I am to be a Nunne.

Triſt.

Thou wilt take care to trim thy perſon.

Vaſ.

I came juſt now from conſultation with

My Barber, who provides me a large maine,

A lock for the left ſide, ſo rarely hung

With Ribbanding of ſundry colours ſir,

Thou'lt take it for the Rainebow newly criſp'd

And trim'd, Bucephalus nere wore the like.

Fri.

VVhen you have reach'd Sir Leonels Ranſome,

And the rich widdows wealth, we are forgot,

Like creatures of Japan, things hardly to

Be ſearch'd for in the Map.

Triſt

In one ſhort month I ſhall not know his name.

Vaſ.

'Tis then becauſe thou canſt not read, for thou

Shalt find it fairely carv'd on each new Church

And Hoſpitall, I meane to build apace,

And have my blew boyes March through the ſtreets

Two and two, provided for in guilded Primmers,

And their chops of mutton; go haſte to the widdows,

Preſent your Damſel, Ile be with you ſtraight;

My captive Knight would ſpeak with me.

Exeunt. Manet Vaſ.

Enter Leonell.

Leon.

I am bold ſir to make free uſe of your

Moſt ſpacious roomes for benefit of aire.

Vaſ.

Sir you are welcome, 'tis a liberty

That I expect, and I joy much your wounds

So proſper in their cure.

Leon.

You ſhew your inclination kind and noble:

But is there of Evandra yet no newes?

You promis'd to enquire whether her flight

Be true, or to what place ſhe made eſcape.

Vaſ.

No certaintie is known, but all the Court

Troubled with doubts, ſhortly you will heare more.

[Page]Leo.

If you could bring me ſir to Proſpero,

Or to the Prince, on ſome affaires that may

Perhaps advantage them, and my own good,

You ſhall oblige me much to ſerve you in

My better ſtate of fortunes

Vaſ.

I will endeavor it, and as you find

Me ready to aſſiſt all your requeſts,

I hope ſir, youle ſee cauſe to pay your ranſome

With what haſte you can, for I would faine be able

To doe good deeds, & we have many poore

I'th towne that want their charitie, who have

A will as ready as their wealth.

Leon.

Beleeve me you expreſſe a ſoule that hath

Been bred, and exercis'd in holy thoughts.

Vaſ.

Faith ſir not much, only you know a man

Would joy to doe ſome good whilſt he's alive,

For after death our gifts I ever thought

Rather proceeded from a devout neceſſity,

Than any free deſire.

Leon.

Tis wiſely urg'd.

Vaſ.

It hath been a maxime I have held long.

Leo.

And it becomes you ſtill; my ranſome ſhall

Be ſuddenly prepard.

Vaſ.

I thanke you ſir; follow, & Ile procure

You an addreſſe toth' prince or Proſpero.

Exit.

Leon.

If ſhe were fled, her perſon is of ſo

Eſteem'd, and eminent a rate, that ſtraight

Her inſtant reſidence muſt needs be known.

There is much art in theſe affaires; how will

She looke on me, that in ſo great a cauſe

Could ſtrike, or yeeld to angry fate? I will

Indure her ſcornes, as a deſerv'd reward,

Nor ſhould a lovers hopes grow cold becauſe

The Influence that laſt did governe him,

Was ſick, and cold, that deſtiny is gone,

The firmament containes more ſtarres than one.

Exit.

Act. 3. Scaena 1.

Enter Leonell and Proſpero, (with a light and a key.)

Proſ.

It glads me to behold your ſtrength ſo well

Reſtor'd, and ſir, I wiſh the fortune of

My ſword, had met another cauſe, & enemie;

Your ranſome I have paid, and ſo much prize

Evandra's happineſſe, that ſince you make't

Appeare your company will render her

Some quietnes, and joy, in this her ſad

And ſolitarie ſtate, you ſhall both ſee, and ſtay with her.

Leon.

From my firſt infancy I tooke my ſpeech

And breeding in her fathers court, and by

My neerenes to her, both in deeds and place

I'th day of fight, you may beleeve I am

Of qualitie enough to be eſteemd and wellcom'd in her miſerie.

Proſ.

Your valour then did ſpeake you more than all

The praiſe your modeſtie can urge,

Leon.

My Lord, it is your gentleneſſe to have

A courteous faith, but I am bold to think

My ſight will comfort her ſo much that ſhe

Will pay you thanks for giving ſo free truſt

Vnto my confidence.

Proſ.

My kindnes to you I ſhall reſerve

Till happier howers, this ſir, is for her ſake,

That ſhe may have the benefit of your

Approach, retire a while within, that key

When I am gone, will open you a doore,

That leades unto a cave.—

Exit Leonell.

Melora? where art thou? this way, the light

Conducts thee; thou art ſafe.

Enter Melora.

Mel.

How darke, & like the duſty hollownes

Of tombes where death inhabits, this appeares?

Proſ.

Now you ſhall know the cauſe why I have bought

Your liberty, Evandra, daughter to

Your Millain duke, lyes here impriſond by

The chance of battaile, and thus hidden, and

Reſerv'd, till we can free her by diſguiſe.

Melor.

O ſad diſcoverie of a ſorrow worſe

Than I indure, I hop'd ſhe had eſcap'd.

Proſ.

I heard that thou wert taken in her traine,

But when the ſtoryes of thy beauty and

Thy vertues reach'd mine eare, I did beleeve

Thou hadſt familiar knowledge of her face

And thoughts.

[Page]Mel.

I know too much of her, to think that Heaven

Could thus permit her languiſh in a Cave.

Pro.

None can reſiſt their deſtinie; but good

Melora comfort her, and prethee for

Kind pitty when your converſation ſhall

Beget ſome pleaſant houre, mention my care,

And then my love; for know, ſhe hath ſo wrought

Upon my heart, that truſt me I ſhall melt

Like Tapers overcharg'd with flame, and die;

Wilt thou implore in my behalfe?

Melo.

Your bounties have oblig'd me to performe

My beſt, elſe I were cruell ſir.

Pro.

Feare no ſurprize, you are ſecure, for twice.

To day, my houſe by ſterne Authority

Was ſearch'd, but vainly they ſuſpect, and ſtrive

To find this hidden dwelling, that no art

Can imitate for ſecrefie and depth.

Mel.

will you be gone?

Proſ.

I'm ſent for to the Pallace where I'm told

I ſhall endure for this concealement more

Than natures ſtrength can beare, but L've a ſoule

Dares welcome it with ſcorne.

Ent. Evand.

Mel.

Lend me the light; look, there's Evandra ſir.

Pre.

It is, remember me, that I may live.

Exit.

Mel.

This mingled paſſion of ſtrange griefe and joy,

I can no longer quietly containe;

Hail the moſt beautious virtue of the world.

Evand.

Lov'd Melora, what diſmall chance, more than

My ſorrow can digeſt, hath brought thee here?

Mel.

Why am I thought on, or enquir'd for as

A creature that deſerves a life, whilſt you

Remaine within the houſe and armes of death?

Evan.

I feare thou art a captive too.

Mel.

Or elſe the tyranny of war had been

Too much unjuſt; wer't fit you languiſh thus,

And I like to a wanton bird ſhould play

And wing the aire at liberty? and yet

My ranſome's freely paid.

Evan.

Then tho' art now no priſoner?

Mel.

A priſoner to you, or elſe my heart

Were dull, and rudely mannerd to permit

Evandra ſuffer here alone; this war

Hath quickly nurc'd ſtrange Ridles too of love.

Evan.

Thou doſt complaine with cauſe, 'tis in the Prince.

Mel.

Another of your Enemies; too much

Of leaſure I ſhall have t'acquaint you with

The accident that brought me to your ſight.

Enter Leonell.

Evan.

Melora, who is that?

Mel.

Bleſſe me how miracles increaſe to fright

Aſtoniſhment! ſure there is Magick in

This place; Madam, my Brother Leonel.

Leon.

Ha Melora? art thou here too? ſuch myſteries

In change ſo ſoon ariv'd I have not read.

Evan.

But what unheard of ſtar directed thee

To ſee, and taſte our miſerable ſtate?

Leon.

Ere I begin the little hiſtory

Of the ſhort time that thus hath varied us,

Low as the earth I full to make you pittifull. Kneeles

For give the crime of deſtiny, not me,

That left me feeble as an Aguiſh girle

With the faint loſſe of bloud, when I had tooke

Upon my youth & ſtrength, the nobleſt cauſe

That ere imployd the anger of a man,

Your liberty; but Leve [...]ites, and Doves

Are valianter than I, for elſe what make

You in captivity?

Evan.

Beleeve me ſir, your paſſion is ſo great

I underſtand it not; pray riſe, I know

You fought with all the forward will and might

That humane rage could ſhew, but the ſucceſs

Of valour they above diſpoſe, that are

More wiſe and ſtronger than our ſelves.

Leon.

Sure I could weep, but that my eyes

Have not enough of ſunerall dew to melt

Away [...], pray pardon my neglect.

You'l find I am not courteous to my ſelf.

[Page]Melora.

The time compells diſtracted thoughts in all.

Evan.

There is a banke within, though cold and bare,

Where never flower (in a diſpaire of ſunne)

Durſt fix his root, there we will fit, talke and

Compare our miſeries; then ſing like Philomel.

That wiſely knowes the darkneſſe only fit

For mourning and complaint; leade there the light.

Exeunt.

Enter Duke (with letters) Alvaro, Proſpero, Calladine, attendants.

Duk.

Evade me not with ſuch fond circumſtance,

Fit only to perſwade the eaſineſſe

Of untaught babes; have I not here receiv'd

Her fathers letters, that petition her

Releaſe? why ſhould he ſooth me thus with low

Demeanour in his phraſe, if ſhe were free?

Or if not in the towne inclos'd and hid,

Where would ſhe ſooner fly than to his armes?

Alva.

Sir, give my duty boldnes to beleeve

If ſhe were here, & ſome good man (that now

Conceales her in his pittious feare) ſhall to

Aſſwage your wrath deliver her, you would

Nor marke her out for death?

Duk.

No ſir, how cheape then, and how fraile will you

Suppoſe my vowes? what need we trick,

And dreſſe our Altars with ſuch reverend care

Lets rather ſtraight pervert their uſe, greaſe them

VVith gluttony, and feaſts, defile and waſh

Them with the riots of exceſſefull wine;

Is perjurie the leaſt of guilt you can

Perſwade me to commit?

Alva.

I wiſh you would allow m' obedience leave

To utter truth; the vow you made was raſh,

And not confirmed with oath, or church ſolemnitie.

Proſ.

And I am taught the cruelties, or the

Revenge we threaten, heaven is pleas'd when they

Are never acted but forgot.

Duke.

Her ſterne, and deathed father, when we ſought

And woo'd his mercy with humility,

More than dejected Hermites on their knees

Render to Saints, us'd not my brother with

Remorſe, but ſnatch'd him from the world in all

His pride of youth, his wiſe, and ripened thoughts,

When he was fit to rule a nations fate,

And exerciſe mankind in what was bold,

And good, then ſhall I not revenge the beſt

Of all my blood, whilſt I have here the chiefe of his.

Alva.

Alas, this act ſir, was not hirs, nor in

The juſtice of our reaſon is it poſſible

By derivation or deſcent to ſhare a guilt.

Proſ.

Would I had loſt the benefit of ſtrength

When I ſurprizd her, to become the inſtrument

And pleaſure of your rage.

Duke.

How Count? ſo bold? heare me thou ſaucy child

And minion of the war, whom fortune, not

Succeſſe from vertue ſprung, hath liſted to

A pride more dangerous than traytors thoughts,

Though I have ſearch'd thy houſe, & am defeated by

Some charme of my diſcoverie, I ſtill

Beleeve thou know'ſt her reſidence, & bring

Her to my ſight, ere yet the Sun decline, or thou ſhalt die.

Alva.

I muſt not live to ſee it then, nor can

My buſineſſe here on earth, intice me to

One minutes ſtay in my mortality,

When I behold your goodneſſe ſo decaid.

Duke.

Alvaro was that ſaid like one that knowes

His duty to a Father, and a Prince?

Alv.

I would be heir unto your vertue ſir,

As well as to your bloud.

Duke.

Have I outliv'd my courage, office, and

My reaſon too, tamely to ſuffer this?

I know thy falſe ambitious cunning well,

Thou fain wouldſt vexe my weary ſoule away

That thou mightſt raigne, and triumph ore my tombe;

But heare, and tremble at my vow.

Cal.

Sir, for regard of heaven repent what you

[Page] Would ſpeak, ere utter'd it become too great

A ſin for mercy to excuſe.

Duke.

No more fond Calladine, I am reſolv'd,

Since thou art covetous to own his guilt,

He ſhall be ſafe, and thou endure his puniſhment;

Bring me Evandra here ere yet the day

Conceale his light, or the next darkneſs ſhall

Eternally be thine

Alv.

If on my knees I can perſwade you to

An eaſier doome, thus I endeavour it.

Proſ.

I beg not to entreat your rigor leſſe,

But as 'twas firſt deſign'd you would convert

It all on me.

Alva.

That kindneſs was ill manner'd Proſpero;

Doſt think thou art more worthy of the cauſe

When 'tis to be Evandra's Sacrifice?

Duke.

Nere ſtrive, thou ſhalt have ſufferance enough,

And gloriouſly, alone; hence from my fight

Thou birth ill gotten, and my marriage ſtain.

Alva.

Ile keep my duty ſtill, though not your love.

Ex. Alva. & Pro.

Cal.

Dread ſir, call back your vow, and then the Prince,

Yet comfort him; what will the world eſteeme

Of ſuch an act as time nere paraleld,

And no Poſterity be ſo unkind as to believe?

Du.

Thou maiſt as well perſwade th'aſſembled winds

From all their violence at Sea; lend me

Thine eare—do this, but Calladine take heed

Thy proſecutions are not faint; I have

A younger ſon in Sicilly, renown'd

And deare to Fame, him I will ſtrive to plant

I'th peoples hearts; as thou are Loyal follow me.

Exeunt.

Enter Alteſto, Frivolo, Vaſco, (fanteſtically accouterd.)

Vaſ.

Juſt in the poſture as you ſee me Gentlemen,

Not a haire leſſe i'th Lock; and I beleev'd

The heart of woman was not able to

Reſiſt ſuch amorous formes.

Alteſt.

But ſhe would none?

Vaſ.

Name her the pleaſures of the marriage bed,

She cries ſhe is more taken with the grave,

'Cauſe there we are not wak'd with cough not aches.

Alteſt.

Why ſure ſhe knows, for ſhe looks as ſhe had

Been long buried.

Vaſ.

And then I us'd fine phraſes,

And talk'd (what call you it?) of Hymens Tapers,

Which ſhe interprets ſir, according to

Some modern Doctreſſe of her Sect, Hel fire,

A warmth (you know) we Souldiers do abhor.

Fri.

'Tis baſe to need it after death; we have

Been hardly bred, and can endure the cold. Enter Widow, and Lelia.

Vaſ.

She comes, this is her breathing roome, uſe your

Endeavours Gentlemen; tell her, her frowns

Already have ſo wrought, that my life now

Will nere be fit to come into a Leaſe.

Wid.

Lelia a Chaire, I cannot laſt; 'tis more

Than 58 yeares ſince I had hams to trudge.

Vaſ.

I am your Guardian that come to viſit you.

Wid.

What need it ſir? I practice no eſcape, I cannot flye.

Vaſ.

No? were the window open

You would behave your ſelfe as nimbly on

Your wings as any witch in Europe.

Wid

What ſaies he Lelia, a witch?

Lel.

He ſaies we muſt one day all flye upward,

Heaven is the place we wiſh for.

Wid.

'Tis well ſaid ſir, for thither we muſt go,

Both old and young, no remedy.

Vaſ.

As ſoone as you pleaſe if you'r but marry me.

Wid.

Does he talk of marriage?

Lel.

He ſayes, if you pleaſe for ſooth.

Wi.

Alas my vow of widowhood is not yet

Expir'd; if he comes ſome ten yeares hence—

Alteſt.

About that time ſhe'l make a good wife

For an Antiquary to get Records on.

Frt.

Although her skin be Parchment, 'tis not large

[Page] Enough to write her Annals in, ſn'ath liv'd ſo long already.

Uaſ.

How did you like the cullelſe widow that I ſent you laſt?

Wid.

Why ſir? It went down.

Uaſ.

Though the Sea were turn'd to plum broth, t'would all down;

I have meaſur'd her throat, 'tis wider (gent.)

And deeper than a well; alas the Duke

Conſiders not my charge, I'ld rather boold

Too Young Giants, and allow each of them

A wolfe in ſtead of a dog t'eat) their fragments.

Alt.

Thou ſhouldſt get her month ſearch'd, I'le lay my life

Sh'ath new furniſh'd her gummes with artificiall teeth,

She could not grinde ſo elſe.

Friv.

Though you muſt ſeede her at your owne coſt, the proclamation

Beleeve me allowes none but naturall teeth.

Uaſ.

When ſhe is once i'th fit of ſwallowing,

If a cap on float in her broth, why ſhe

Conſiders it no more than a ſmall bee, or a May fly.

Lelia.

You ſhould beare up, you are too backward ſir.

Uaſ.

Sayſt thou ſo wench; widow prepare your ſelfe,

For I muſt marry you to night, or elſe

You faſt to morrow; if the Duke will not

Afford us faſting dayes, I ſhall make bold

To borrow em o'th Kalender; this night;

No longer time to delay a good deed.

Wid.

Vh, uh, uh.

Alteſt.

This cough (Vaſco) is of ſome great antiquity.

How wilt thou ſleep by her?

Frivo.

A little Opium after ſupper, and let her cough like a

Cannon from a ſort, I'le free thee from waking.

Vaſ.

Come, come, provide; trimme up your hood widow.

And ayre your petty coates i'th ſunne, it is

A caſe of conſcience Gent. we muſt

All marry, and live chaſt.

Wid.

Why ſir, if we muſt needs.

Alteſt.

I thought ſhe would conſent; good heart; it is

As towardly an old thing. Deare Vaſco,

Provide us muſick, wee'l dance her to death:

Thou ſhalt be her husband ere night, and her

Executor before morning.

Vaſ.

Sooth Gent. that's all I deſire,

Any thing, that is reaſon contents me.

Friv.

Go, kiſſe her, by this hand a Browniſt (is

More amorous; a notch'd premice a very

Aretine in compariſon of thee.

Vaſco kiſſes her.

Vaſ.

By your leave widow.

Wid.

Much good may't do you ſir; theſe comforts come

But ſeldome after foureſcore, the world (indeed)

Is grown ſo wicked that we never thinke

Of comforting one another.

Lel.

I told you ſhe would ſoften ſir; alas,

A little raw, and modeſt at the firſt.

Alteſt.

A very green pippin of the laſt yeares growth.

Vaſ.

You ſhall finde me a kind of ſparrow widow,

A barly corne does as much as a potatoe.

Wid.

Bleſſing on your heart ſir, we ſhould doe good

Freely (as they ſay) without egging on.

Uaſ.

Riſe, and ſtir your feet, 'tis healthfull for you.

They lift her up,

There—ſoftly,—ſo—

Alteſt.

If one of the haires of my eye brow lye

But in her way, ſhe's gone, and falls like an

Elephant, whoſe leggs are cut with a chaine ſhot.

Friv.

Her Os Sacrum needs a little Prop.

Vaſ.

Why Gentlemen, ther's nere a wench in Italy

Moves farther in a day, provide her litter

But eaſie, and her two mules well fed.

Courage widow; how is it now?

Wid.

A certaine ſtitch ſir in my ſide, but t'will away in time.

Vaſ.

I you are young enough,

But given too much to hoyting, and to barly breake,

Then dance naked till you take cold; good faith

You muſt looke too't Lelia, take heed you aire

Her wedding ſmock.

Alteſt.

Let it be made of Catts skin furre:

[Page]Frivo.

Or a watch mans rugge gowne, but that her skin

Will weare it out too ſoone.

Vaſ.

Frivolo, yo are too lowde.

Frivo.

I warrant thee I have meaſured her eares,

She heares in diſtance but an inch length.

Uaſ.

You'l in, and ſet the houſe in order widow? I'le fetch a prieſt.

Wid.

Truly ſir, I'ld faine aske my friends advice,

One that hath ſeen but little of the world

Would be glad you know of counſell.

Vaſ.

No counſell widdow, nay, if you want metall

Let them call't raſhneſſe, our youth will excuſe all.

Wid.

VVell Sir, you know where marriages are made,

'Tis not my fault; Lelia, provide a broome

And ſweepe away the rhume neere the green Couch;

And (d' you heare) look for one of my cheek teeth

That dropt under the wanſcore bed.

Lel.

And ſhall I ſtop't forſooth with ſalt?

Wid.

I, and fling't 'ith fire; you are weary ſir?

Uaſ.

No quite ſo luſty (widow) as your ſelfe,

But ſhall keepe pace the journey being ſo ſhort.

Enter Alteſto.

Alt.

Quick, in with her Uaſco, whilſt the fit holds.

Exeunt Widow, Uaſ. Lel.

With cable and thong he drew her along,

ſo heavily to the Prieſt,

And vow'd to untoe her, ere he did wooe her,

make her up after who liſt.

Frivo.

Ah Rogue, thou art a very Larke in the morning.

Alteſt.

And what at night Frivolo?

Friv.

A very owle.

Alteſt.

Thou art a coxcombe, beyond all redemption

Of wit, leſſe thou ſtraight reſolve to marry Lelia;

Thy friends will think the match ſo fit, none ſhall

Forbid the banes; I knew her mother too:

She's wondrous rich in pewter, ſmall wine caske,

And ſpits.

Friv.

Yes, I have heard o'th wealthy Dowager,

She kept a the ch'd Nunnery in my quarter.

Enter Triſtan.

Triſt.

Wher's Uaſca Gentlemen? I am in haſte.

Alteſt

Why then for more diſpatch anſwer you ſelfe.

Triſt.

The Duke hath ſent for him, by Calladine,

Who told me 'twas for buſines of import;

The Court is all diſturb'd, but for what uſe

He is deſignd, I cannot learne; where is he?

Alteſt.

Follow, wee'l convey thee to him; ſtrange luck;

Sir Leonells ranſome, this widowes wealth,

And now imployd at Court? Uaſco th'art a gon man,

Vſury, furrd gownes, long dinners, and ſhort ſleepes,

Thou art condemd to without help; or hope.

Exeunt.

Enter Evandra, Melora, Leonell, (at one dore) at the other Proſpero, (muffled and hid) A Table and lights ſet out, Evandra ſits to reade.

Leo.

Siſter, where is your tenderneſſe? ſhall I

Be ever loſt through your defect of will

And courage to preſent me to her care

In winning characters? tell her how long

VVith fervencie I have purſued my love.

Melo.

Vnhappy Leonell, why doſt thou tempt

Me with impoſſible deſires how oft

Have I ſollicited thy ſute with a

Repulſe? and ſhe hath charm'd me by a vow

Never to mention's more, till her releaſe.

Proſ.

Falſe Leonell, did I for this aſſiſt

Thee to injoy her lov'd ſocietie,

That thou ſhouldſt rivall me, and have more fit

Convenience for thy wiſhes, than me ſelf?

Melora is his ſiſter too, what ſtrange

New chances have theſe later howers produc'd?

I have no Advocate, nor am I hold

Enough to be mine owne.

[Page]Leon.

I ſee you love me not;

And ſince I am a trouble to your ſight,

Ere long thou ſhalt behold my face no more.

Pro.

Thou art a Prophet to thy ſelf, and I

Thy Prieſt to cut thee out in Sacrifice,

Although unworthy of Evandras deity.

Leon.

Melora, can you ſhew no kind remorſe?

Mel.

Alas, you do miſtake my power and will;

Think on ſome other beauty, for the world

Hath many that may make you fortunate.

Leon.

None but Evandra governs in my breaſt.

Pro.

Her thou ſhalt nere enjoy; lend me thine eare—

Leads him aſide.

Leon.

Ha! Proſpero?

Pro.

Falſe Knight; was this the cauſe

That made thee beg conceal'd admittance here

To practice love where I had planted mine?

Leon.

My Lord I underſtood not of your love.

Pro.

If thou art bold, and ſince thy vanquiſhment

Darſt tempt a ſecond hazard of my ſword,

Go waite me on the garden mount, there I

Will order, though my heart is doubtfull to

Enjoy Evandras love, thine never ſhall.

Leon.

I will expect thee there, and fiercely long

To raviſh from thy creſt the honour that

I lent thee in our former fight.

Exit.

Enter Alvaro.

Alva.

Evandra, reach me thy faire hand that I

Seale on it my laſt farewell.

Evand.

Ha, whither do you go?

Alva.

Where ſhadows vaniſh when the worlds eye wincks,

Behind a cloud, and they are ſeene no more;

The place of abſence where we meet (by all

The gueſſe of learned thought) we know not whom,

Only a prompt delight we have in faith

Gives us the eaſie comfort of a hope,

That our neceſſitie muſt rather praiſe than feare as falſe.

Evan.

O horrid myſtery! my tender ſenſes are amaz'd▪ I faine

Would learne what it is dangerous to know.

Mel.

Why do the ſtars neglect us thus? why ſhould

VVe loſe the nobleſt and the beſt of men?

Pro.

Me thinks my ſpirits climbe and life me to

A valiant envy of his ſufferings.

Alva.

That thou mayeſt live here ſafe till Proſpero

Reſtore thee unto liberty and light,

I muſt to darkneſſe go, hover in clouds,

Or in remote untroubled aire, ſilent

As thoughts, or what is uncreated yet:

Or I muſt reſt in ſome cold ſhade where is

No flowry ſpring, nor everlaſting growth,

To raviſh us with ſent, and ſhew, as our

Philoſophy hath dreamt, and rather ſeems

To wiſh than underſtand.

Evan.

All this for me; you ſhall not dye; why will

You lay ſo cheape a value on your ſelfe,

To think the world ſhould loſe you for my ſake,

Alas, a needleſſe triviall Virgin that

Can never ſhew in hopefull promiſe halfe

That excellence which you reveale in art?

Alv.

It is decreed; Evandra thou mayſt live

T' encreaſe the ſmall example we have leſt

Of vertue, which hath made thy breaſt her throne;

Time hath begun to weare away my youth,

And all the good I can performe is to

Preſerve the future hope of it in thee.

Evan.

Melora, help, ſorrow hath fild my heart

With ſuch a heavineſſe, that I muſt ſink

Beneath its weight—here let me lye, and mourne,

And chide that haughty deſtiny that thinks

Us ſo unworthy of their care.

Mel.

My Lord the Prince, Is it no leſſe than death

Of her, or you, can eaſe your Fathers wrath?

Alv.

'The doome is paſt, and the ſad houre will want

No wings to haſten its approach; come hither Proſpero.

Pro.

It muſt not be; though I want phraſe to ſhew

My nature ſmooth, it ſhall appeare in deeds.

[Page]Alv.

I charge thee by our love, by all my care

That bred thee from thy childhood to a ſenſe

Of honour, and the worthieſt feates of war,

Thou keep Evandra ſafe till happier daies

Conſpire to give her liberty, uſe her

With ſuch reſpective holineſſe as thou

Wouldſt do the reliques of a Saint inſhrind,

And teach thy rougher manners tenderneſſe

Enough to merit her ſociety.

Pro.

What need this conjuration ſir? I meane

To dye for her, that I may ſave your life;

A brave deſign, diſſwade me not, though I

Faile oft in choice of fitting enterpriſe,

I know this is becoming ſir, and good.

Alva.

Thou dye for her? alas poore Proſpero

That will not ſatisfie, the ſhaft aimes here,

Or if it would, I do not like thou ſhouldſt

Thus preſſe into a cauſe that I reſerve

To dignifie my ſelfe; urge it no more.

Proſ.

VVhat am I fit for then, if not to die.

Eva.

How am I worthy of this noble ſtrife?

Alva.

Evandra riſe, that I may ſee ſome hope

And comfort in thy ſtrength, before I take

My everlaſting leave.

Evan.

You have the voyce of death already ſir.

Mel.

Diſmall it ſounds, like the laſt groane which men

In torture breath out with their ſoule.

Alva.

I could have wiſh'd I might enjoy thee and

Be mortall ſtill, mix in a love that ſhould

Produce ſuch noble vertues as would ſoone

Entice the Angels to live here, yet not

B'our converſation grow impain'd; but theſe

Are wiſhes made too high, and late to thrive.

For evermore farewell.—

Evan.

O ſir, where will you leave me then?

Alva.

How pittie moyſtens me? there in the Cave.

Evan.

It is the manſion Sir of death, ſomething

Horrid as midnight thoughts can forme ſo frights

Me ſtill, I tremble when I enter it.

Alva.

Ha! what that is but humane dares diſturbe thy quietneſſe?

Pro.

Sir let me ſee, it dies if it be vulnerable.

Alva.

Still you uſurpe my Buſineſſe Proſpero—

Bide there, I will go down my ſelfe.

Evan.

Sir, 'twill not preſently appeare.

Alva.

I will attend its ſaucy leaſure then. deſcends the Cave.

Evan.

Lock ſafe the doore Melora with this Key.

Pro.

VVhat's your deſigne? meane you t'impriſon him?

Evan.

Diſcover (Proſpero) the inſide of

Thy breaſt; doſt thou affect the Prince?

Pro.

Next to the abſent bleſſings that our faith

Perſwades us to, eternity of joyes.

Evan.

VVhy then wilt thou permit that he ſhould taſte

A long forgetfulneſſe in a darke grave?

Let us invent ſome way to eaſe him of

This penance undeſerv'd, and ſuffer it our ſelves.

Mel.

O glorious maid! th's goodneſſe will confer

A dignity for ever on our Sexe.

Pro.

I'm ſtrangely taken with this virgins thoughts,

Let me embrace your hand upon my knee—

I thank you much, you have ſome mercy on

My dull unknowing youth, and can believe

Me fit for noble enterprize, though he

Unkindly did deny my ſute: Ile to

The Duke and tempt his fury till he cauſe

My death, perhaps when his revenge hath quench'd

Her thirſt with my warm bloud, it may grow cold,

And kindly temperd to you both,

And then I've fully ſatisfied the crime

Of your captivity, and his free ſufferance.

Mel.

This Souldier hath a great and daring heart.

Pro.

But how ſhall I enjoy her then? I ſcarce

Can underſtand the happineſſe it beares:

Tis odd ambition this, but yet 'tis brave,

He do't: beſides, though I'm not learn'd to know

VVith certainty, yet I have hope I ſhall

Be ſenſible of all her viſits to

[Page] My tombe, and ev'ry flower ſhe ſtrewes will there

Take growth as on my garden banks, whilſt I

(Delighted ſpirit) walke and hover 'bout

Their leaves, comparing ſtill their ſent with hers;

O twill be wondrons brave! Lady, diſpatch,

That I may goe, and die.

Evan.

Since you expreſſe your will, ſo kinde, and violent,

That ſmall proviſion there allotted to

Suſtaine my life, reach up, and ſtraight convay

Into the cave, that he may finde it out,

And not exchange the paine his father would

Inflict, for famiſhment.

Proſ. takes from behind the Arras a bottle and bag, they open the Cave.

Proſ.

I had almoſt forgot falſe Leonell,

He waits me on the mount, I will be with

Him ſtraight, and end his hopes by a long ſleepe

Ere I begin mine owne.

Deſcends the Cave.

Evan.

Once more Melora lock the doore; now they

Are both ſecure, tis thou and I that muſt

Take ſolemne leave, and never meete in this

Our beauty, colour, or our warmth agen.

Melo.

I am aſtoniſh'd at her excellence,

And ſcarce have humble grace enough to keepe

Ambitious envy from my thoughts.

Evan.

VVhy ſhould theſe mighty ſpirits lay ſo vaſt

An obligation on our ſex, and leave

Eternall bluſhes on our ſoules, 'cauſe we

In acts of kinder pitty, and remorſe

(The vertues ſure, wherein we moſt excell)

Durſt not adventure like to them?

Melo.

The Prince deſerves a liberall choice of lives

To ranſome his; would mine would ſatisfie.

Evan.

How Melora? I cannot thinke thou doſt

So faintly love my happineſſe, and my

Renowne, to wiſh to hinder me of both.

Melo.

Alas, th'example is ſo good, I faine would follow it.

Evan.

But there is reaſon that I ſuffer firſt.

I have a mourning weed within which thou

Shalt dreſſe, and teach me weare, then ſo

Apparelled like my cauſe, I'le walke to'th Duke.

Melo.

O leave me not behind, let me accompany

Your mourning too, perhaps my death may be

Accepted beſt, and you bee thought more fit to live.

Evan.

Thy inclinations have a noble ſence,

Thou ſhalt along; go, call thy brother in,

And call aloud, this hollowneſſe is ſuch

He will not heare thee elſe.

Mel.

Hoa, Leonell? my brother Leonell.

Enter Leonell

Leo.

Tis ſtrange, this Proſpero appeares not yet,

Sure he is faint, and's aguiſh courage comes

To him by fitts; what is your will?

Evan.

If thou doſt love me Leonell (as thou

Haſt ſworn, and with aſſertions moſt devout)

I know there is no ſtrict command I can

Preſent, but thy obedience will performe.

Leo.

Bring me to triall ſtraight, if I prove weake

Or falſe, I am unworthy to appeare

In the ſuns light, or evermore enjoy

The better influence of your eyes.

Evan.

Give me confirm'd aſſurance on your knee

That you will execute with reall faith,

And punctuall circumſtance, what I injone.

Leo.

Let me ſalute your hand, I breath on it my vow.

Evan.

Now Ile informe thee Leonell; the Prince

And Proſpero are both within the cave,

Shut and inclos'd by us, where hourely thou

Through a ſmall ſlender wicket ſhall't convay

Such food, as a diſguiſed ſervant of

The houſe (who heretofore provided our

Reliefe) ſhal helpe thee to, take here this key

And not permit their paſſage forth, till I

Am gone t'ordaine by death their liberty

Secure, which I will ſuffer to appeaſe the angry Duke.

Leon.

Furies and Fiends ceaſe on my ſences ſtraight;

What have I promis'd in the raſhnes of

My dull and inconſiderate love?

[Page]Evan.

If thou doſt break thy vow the curſes of

The Saints, and mine (which dying will not leaſt

Afflict thy perjury) fall on thy heart.

Mel.

Never be call'd my brother, nor aſſume

The honour of my valiant Fathers name.

Evan.

Melora come, we are too ſlow in ſuch

An act as will outlive all hiſtory.

Ex. Evan. and Mel.

Leon.

O what a dull inhumane Lover am

I grown! that ſimply by a forward and

Unskilfull duty can conſent the Queene

And Lady of my life ſhould be a Sacrifice

To hinder others deaths? this ſure is ſuch

A great example of a female fortitude

As muſt undo all men, and bluſhing make

Us ſteale from our unjuſt advancement ore

The world; teare off our ſawcy beards before

The ſcatt'ring winds that give us the preheminence

Of Sexe; when this is known let women ſway

Counſels, and war, whilſt feeble men obey.

Exit.

Act. 4. Scaena. 1.

Enter Calladine (in a night Gowne,) and a Servant.

Cal.

A Lady ſayſt thou in a mourning Veſt?

What ſhould this earely viſit meane, ere yet

By full appearance of the Sun we can

Diſtinguiſh day from night?

Ser.

Sir, ſhe importunes much to ſpeak with you,

Saies her affaire asks ſecrecy and haſte.

Cal.

Retire a while without, and let her in.

Exit Ser.

Enter Melora (in mourning) ſhe unvailes,

Since firſt my eyes had judgement to diſcerne

A meane from excellence, they nere beheld

A beauty ſo ore coming and exact;

What are the lov'd commands you'ld lay on me?

I not remember that I ever ſaw

A face I would more willingly obey;

If it were civill too I'ld aske your name.

Mel.

Beleeve me gentle Sir when that is known

You'l think me too unfortunate to live;

I am call'd Evandra.

Cal.

Ha! the Princeſſe? wiſely did Proſpero

Preſerve thee from my ſight, thy beauty is

Too great and dangerous for youth to know

And be ſecure; though I nere ſaw her till

This bleſſed houre, yet Fame aſſiſted me

T'imagine an Idea like her ſelfe;

But why have you forſaken your conceal'd

Aboad, and thus adventure into th'view

Of men? I feare it is not ſafe.

Mel.

'Tis to employ your vertue ſir; I know

You love the Prince, though not with ſo devout

A heart as mine; for that I may reſtore

Him unto liberty and's Fathers love,

I here preſent my ſelfe to cruell death.

Cal.

This is a valiant piety, a gratitude

That ſhews her mind more noble than her ſhape;

She is not known unto the Duke more than

By gueſſing Characters tane from report;

She muſt not dye; though lately his commands

Have ſingled my allegiance out, it is

Religious ſure to faile in this.

Mel.

Sir, expectation of the ills we muſt

Endure do more perplex us than the paine

It ſelfe. I crave you'ld not protract my ſufferance.

Cal.

My thoughts have faſhiond it unto my wiſh;

Is there not a captive call'd Melora,

(Moſt beautifull and young) that hath of late

Familiar been to your ſociety?

Mel.

I feare he hath diſcoverd me;

D'you know the Lady ſir?

Cal.

Only by Proſpero's report, and I

In charity deſire her perſon ſafe;

Your death alone will ſatisfie the Duke.

Mel.

My prayers have much endeavor'd that it may;

And Sir t' aſſiſt your kind humanity

Receive this key, 'twill give you entrance where

[Page] She now remaines a priſoner by my art;

It is a narrow Cloſſet that ore looks

The Orchard grove; you know the houſe, 'tis Proſpero's.

Cal.

I am familiar there with all the vaults,

And hidden paſſages.

Mel.

Sir, for regard of honour ſuffer not

Her freedome from that place, till I am dead,

For ſhe's ſo much delighted with this cauſe,

That with unwilling falſhood I was faine

To take advantage of her orizons,

And whilſt ſhe kneeling lengthned her diſcourſe

With heaven, ſteale on this funerall habit, and

In haſte cloſe up the dore to hinder her

Purſute, where now ſhe ſtays lamenting her

Inforc'd ſecure eſtate, and envying of

This danger which I chearefully embrace.

Cal.

My life ſhall warrant hers, be pleas'd to enter there,

And ſtay till I informe the Duke of your appearance and approach.

Melo.

Moſt willingly; but ſtill ſir I implore your mercy would

Secure that Lady, and the Prince, how ere

The angry ſtarrs provide for me.

Cal.

It is no leſſe unkind t'importune than

To doubt my care; there Lady, through that doore—

Expect my ſad returne will be too ſoone.

Melo.

Forgive me beſt Evandra, that I thus

Aſſume thy name, and have beguil'd thee of

So brave a death, the motive that perſwades me to't

Did not become thy knowledge nor my tongue.

Exit

Cal.

This Princeſſe hath a ſoule I could adore

Whilſt it remaines eclips'd on earth, nor ſhall

It yet reach heaven; both being utterly

Vnknowne, will make the plot with eaſy help

Succeed. Melora ſtraight I will preſent

T'appeaſe the fury of the Duke, and then

This Lady and the Prince are free; through blood

Is the beſt iſſue of our hopes; if fate

Ordaine it thus, I ſhall prove fortunate.

Enter Frivolo, Triſtan, Muſitians, and Boy.

Alteſto.

Come boy, lift up your voyce to you 'bay window.

Sing the Song I gave you laſt night, and firke

Your fidles bravely too, beare up the burthen.

Boy.

No morning red, and bluſhing faire, be through your glaſs, or curtaines ſpyd,

But cloudy gray, as the ſhort hayre, of your old everlaſting Bride.

Chor.

So old, ſo wondrous old, i'th nonage of Time,

Ere Adam wore beard, ſhe was in her Prime.

Boy.

Whoſe ſwarthy, dry'd weſtphalia hipps, are ſhrunk to mummie in her skin,

Whoſe gummes are empty, and her lipps, like eyelids hairy and as thin.

Chor.

So old ſo wondrous old, &c.

Boy.

For Am'rous ſighs which virgins uſe, ſhe coughs aloud from lungs decayd,

And with her palſey cannot chuſe but ſhake, like th'trembling of a maid.

Chor.

So old, ſo wondrous old, &c.

Boy

And when her nightly labour ſwells, to vaſt extent, her pregnant wombe,

Midwives believe, that it foretells, a hopefull Timpany to come.

Chor.

So old, ſo wondrous old, &c.

Boy.

What need her husband then vex heaven, and for a plenteous off-ſpring begge,

Since all the Iſſue can be given, is that which runneth in her legge.

Chor.

So old, ſo wondrous old, &c.

Alteſt.

Good morrow to the right worſhipfull leader Captaine Vaſco,

And to's his right reverend Bride.

Now gentlemen ſcrapers you may be gone:

Ex. Muſick.

Enter Vaſco (dreſſing himſelfe.)

Vaſ.

My good friends, a certaine ſalt ſhower ſhould have

Seaſon'd your feathers, had not my luck bin

To marrie with one that conſumes all her moyſture

In thume, a meere Egyptian cloud for drowth.

Alteſt.

But why ſo ſoone abroad? Vaſco are theſe

[Page] A Bridegroomes howres? thou art as early up

As creditors i'th Terme.

Fri.

Or Sergeants when

The needy gallant meanes to ſteale a journey.

Triſt.

And they prevent it by arreſting his innocent horſe.

Vaſ.

Buſineſſe at Court; but Gentlemen this is

A reſurrection to me, beleev't

I'm riſen from the dead, from bones more duſty

Than theirs that did begin their ſleep beneath

A marble Coverlet ſome thouſand yeares ago.

Enter Widow, and Lelia.

Alteſt.

'Las poore Vaſco! widdows can ſtrangely mortifie.

Wid.

Put Dates and Amber in the Gruell Lelia,

And let it boyle long.

Lel.

And ſhal I make the Poultice ſtraight, and ſend

Your other hood forſooth to be new lin'd?

Wid.

Firſt ſtay till you have ript my velvet muffe,

Ile have that lining ſerve.

Vaſ.

She's riſen too; pure ſoule,

Devotion and Aches keep her ſtill waking.

Wid.

How do you Sir? we muſt comfort one another.

Vaſ.

There is need of't, no Marriner ere had

A worſ [...] [...]ight in a ſtorme.

Alteſt.

[...] is uſage Vaſco wil hardly mollifie

Her Iron Cheſt, and make her bags open.

Vaſ.

Nay, I've tane order for her wealth if ſhe

Would be ſo courteous now to dy.

Alteſt.

Beleeve me, you'l find her very obſtinate

Touching that point; 'tis true, a woman that

Had the leaſt dramme of kindneſſe or of reaſon

Would for her husbands benefit depart

This tranſitory at a minutes warning,

Make a low courtſie, take her leave and dy,

She liſtens.

With leſſe noiſe than flies forſake us in a froſt.

Vaſ.

I, you ſpeake of kind reaſonable women,

Alas ſhe's of another mould; ſhe'ld think't

A ſtrange requeſt if I ſhould urge it to her,

Though it be evidently for my good.

Fri.

What is't for her to dye once? alas,

She knows well ſhe hath eight lives more to come.

Alteſt.

Frivolo ſaies right. I think Captaine 'twere fit

You make a motion to her; ſee how 'twill worke.

Vaſ.

Never Gentlemen; if her own good nature

Will not perſwade her to't, let her e'ne live

Till ſhe be thought ſo much a Ghoſt, that the ſtate

Command her take a houſe in a Church-yard,

And never walke but at midnight.

Wid.

What do they ſay Lelia?

Lel.

Forſooth deviſing for your worſhips good.

Wid.

Kind heart! me thinks you are not merry Sir.

Vaſ.

Who, I? as joviall as a condemn'd man I.

Wid.

Will you fit down and eat a little broth?

Vaſ.

I ſhall be cawdled like a Haberdaſhers wife

That lies inn of her firſt child; but methinks

Upon a ſtricter view you look not well,

Your bloud abſents it ſelfe, are you not faint?

Alteſt.

I, and her eyes ſhrinke, and retire into

Their melancholly cells; your breath ſmells ſomewhat

Of earth too, but 'tis nor much.

Fri.

By'rlady but take heed, my Grandam thus

Was taken ſpinning at her wheele, and dy'd

So quickly (as they ſay) as one would wiſh.

Triſt.

I've ſeene a Coarſe look better in a ſhrowd.

If you have any buſineſſe now with heaven

'Twere fit your prayers were ſhort, for I much feare

You'l not have breath enough to utter it.

Wid.

'Tis more than I feele; look I ſo ill Lelia?

[Page]Lel.

As you were wont forſooth, moſt ſtrange and uggly.

Wid.

Come, leade me in: pray husband do not grieve,

Tis but a ſit that ever takes me once

In fifty yeares: but weepe hot, 'twill away.

Vaſ.

Every teare ſhall be as big as a turnip

When I weepe; the good pox comfort you, Wench

Follow the game cloſe, ſtill breath death to her.

Lel.

Warrant you ſir, I cannot do a better

Deed than put her in mind ſtill of her end.

Exit Widow and Lelia.

Vaſ.

Marry a widow, and be coffind up

VVith clouts and a skelliton? by this day,

I lay laſt night lock'd in ſurgeons box;

Compard unto her bed, a Pothecaries bing

Is a Venetian cowch, and Canopie.

Alte.

Thoſe that ſeek gold, muſt dig for it in mines.

Vaſ.

VVell my camp companions, what thinke you now

O'th court? I am ſent for thither to take charge

Of what is yet the moitie of a miracle.

But you are all content to thrive, to jet

And ſtrut like luſtfull Turkeys with your plumes ſpread.

Alteſt.

Tis not amiſſe; my good Lord Frivilo,

I kiſſe your ſoft hands; noble ſir keepe on

Your Cordovan, I ſweare your glove is a

Preferment, 'bove the merit of my lips.

Fri.

You cheriſh my ambition ſir—ſignieur

Triſtan?

your profeſs'd ſlave: I pray keepe on

Your way, I'ld rather build another wall

Than to diſhonor you by taking this.

Triſt.

Beleeve it ſir, both hands muſt be cut off

Ere I miſtake to place you neere the left.

Vaſ.

This practiſe will do well, follow apace,

I muſt with ſpeed to Caladine.

Exeunt.

Enter Evandra, Caladine.

Evan.

'Tis ſtrange, it ſeemes he knowes me not, and that

The falſly, kind Melora weares my name

He ſpeakes as if her life he tendred more

Than mine, 't is a miſtake I faine would cheriſh.

Cal.

I did not thinke the ſtock of nature could,

In this her colder age, be rich enough

To ſtore the world with two ſuch beauties that

Together take their growth, and flouriſhing,

And this unto my inſtant judgement ſeemes

(If ſuch amazeing formes admit of difference)

The more exact, but that the blood & ſtile

Of Princeſs makes the other claime our reverence

As well as love, and for Alvaro's ſake, I wiſh

I could procure that ſhe might live.

Evan.

I have conſider'd what you told me ſir,

And though the Princeſſe through a fond exceſſe

Of love, would haſten a calamity

That all the world muſt grieve and wonder at,

Yet I could give her reaſon an excuſe,

For I my ſelfe to eaſe her ſufferance

Could willingly indure the ſame.

Cal.

It ripens more, and ſwifter than my hopes

Deſigne; you reach at an ambition Lady,

So great and good, my wonder interrupts

My language ſtill, I cannot prais't enough.

Can ſuch a vertuous courage dwell in your ſex?

Evan.

If you uprightly love her and the Prince,

(Whoſe care ſhe is) ſtraight leade me to the Duke,

And try how reall my profeſſions are.

Cal.

Forgive the office you invite me to,

Which by the hopes of my religion could

My life excuſe, I ſhould eſteem't too cheape

An offering; this, Lady, is the fatall way—

Evan.

Melora, now my fortune is above

Thy art, and I ſhall equall thee in love.

Exeunt.

Enter Duke (with Letters) Vaſco, Alteſto, Frivolo, Triſtan, Attendants.

Duke.

Againe in low petitionarie ſtile

He beggs me by theſe letters to releaſe

His daughter, and doth proffer ſummes ſo vaſte

To ranſome her, as would orecome the covetous:

[Page] But I have ſent him ſuch deniall, with

Diſdaine, as muſt diſtract and breake his heart.

Vaſco, yo've heard how ill I am obeyd

By theſe perſum'd ſmooth traitors of the Court,

And I have choſen you to ſhow a duty

Fitting the ſtricter diſcipline of warre,

To actuate all my wil with inſtant diligence.

Vaſ.

You muſt injoyne me ſir commands that are

Moſt horrid, and unnaturall, when I

Prove ſlow, or faint to execute.

Duke.

If theſe your officers and friends become

Diſloyall to your will, you may provide

The rack and tortures to inforce em too't.

Va.

If their own appetites wil not perſwade.

There is ſmall hope from puniſhment.

Marke ſir, that whey-fac'd fellow in the red,

The Rack is his delight, and gives him as

Much eaſe, as when he's ſtretch'd with lazineſſe

And a coole mornings ſleepe.

Duke.

Is't poſſible!

Vaſ.

I've ſeene him ſuffer the Strapado thrice,

Hang in this politique poſture in the ayre,

As he were ſtudying to circumvent nature,

And no ſooner downe but calls for a wench.

Duk.

I know you have the skill to govern them.

Be ſure that Proſpero's houſe be diggd untill

The pinacles and the foundations meet.

Vnleſſe they deale by ſorcery and charmes,

I'le finde theſe buried lovers out, and my

Falſe ſonne the Prince, that covets darkenes more

Than bleſſed light, or my reſpect.

Vaſ.

I doe not like this buſineſſe ſhould concerne

The Prince; although the rack be ſomewhat out

Of ſeaſon with my old bones, for his ſake

Enter Melora and Servant.

I ſhall become a parcell traytor too.

Mel.

I feard that Caladine delaying his

Returne ſo long, might fruſtrate all my glory;

And how Evandra's skill might worke with him

Was dangerous. I doe not ſee her here.

Ser.

Pray heaven my Maſter do not check my forwardneſs

T'obey your will; he meant you ſhould keepe home.

Melo.

My preſence here will make his benefit;

I told thee ſo before; truſt my excuſe in thy behalfe.

Duk.

What Ladye's that?

Melo.

One that to pleaſure you with a revenge,

Preſent my ſelfe to execution, with

As liberall ioy, as to the marriage prieſt.

And when I name my ſelfe Evandra, you

Will know enough to ſatisfie your wrath.

Duke.

Is the belov'd Bird flown from the darke cage?

Their magick was not ſtrong enough to hinder deſtinie,

And you will find ſmall am'rous pitty in

My frozen age. My guard ceaze on her ſtraight.

Enter a Guard, and bind her.

Alteſt.

Vaſco, this is Melora my priſoner?

Vaſ.

Peace Devill, peace, thou wilt deſtroy brave myſteries.

A noble girle; I conceive all; now would

My gratious widow be burnt to char-coale

Ere ſhe had braine, or nature for a plot

Like this; I could eat her, and her cloathes too,

By this hand, her very ſhooes were a rare meſſe.

Melo.

Yf you expect to find me here a lowly ſutor,

Tis but to haſten ſir your glad content

With a diſpatch upon my life, and that

The Prince may be [...]ton'd unto your love.

Duke.

Her ſpirit ſeemes to ſtir my manhood more

Than it aſtoniſheth my ſence. I am

Reſolv'd to farther your deſires (brave dame)

With all the helpe of cruelty and haſte.

Enter Caladine and Evandra.

Cal.

Death ſlave, what make you here? the Princeſſe too?

Why did you give her liberty?

Serv.

She told me ſir, it was with your conſent.

Cal.

She hath ore'reach'd my skill, I am undone.

Duke.

Stay Caladine, another prize? come back

And render me that Ladies name.

[Page]Evan.

He knows it not; my name's Evandra ſir.

Mel.

I feare I am depriv'd of my intent.

Duke.

We muſt to Delphos ſure t'untie theſe doubts

And wonders with an Oracle.

Evan.

Do not beleeve that Lady ſir, ſhe hath

Beguil'd me of my name, and is ſo ſick

And fond with an improper love, ſhe would

Betray her ſelf unto a paine, ſhe knows

Not how to merit nor endure like me.

Mel.

O Sir, I find her language is moſt apt

And powerfull to perſwade, but let your faith

Conſider my affections too.

Evan.

Why doſt thou let thy kindneſſe wrong we thus,

Undoing thy Religion with thy love?

Mel.

'Tis you confer the Injury, that will

Not ſuffer me to dye in peace.

Vaſ.

Rare wenches both; all this is for the Prince.

Duke.

Though ſmall inquiry would diſcover ſoone

Who juſtifies the truth, yet I will end

The difference ſo as ſhall afford you equall joy,

And not endanger a miſtake in me;

Convey them to the Fort, they ſhall both die.

The Guard laies hold on them.

Vaſ.

Hath this Duke buried all his goodneſſe in's

Reverge! ſure he is libd, he hath certainely

No maſculine buſineſſe about him.

Duke.

Lead them away.

Cal.

Ile follow too, and mourne the obſequy

Ere ceremonious death make it compleat.

Mel.

Forgive this emulation (Madam) you

Shall know a cauſe that will invite you to't.

Evand.

Poore Melora! I pitty not my ſelf but thee

Exeunt Cal. Evand. Mel. and Guard.

Duke.

Now let my Son, and's Minion Proſpero

(Rebellious as himſelf) reſign toth' Fiends

Their dark and hidden tenements again,

Come forth free and ſecure, for ſince they valued death

As a delight they ſhall not ſuffer it;

Go ſtraite proclame their next appearance ſafe,

For it wil pleaſure me they ſhould ſtand by

To ſee, and not be able to reſiſt, the juſtice of revenge.

Vaſ.

Sure revenge is a ſtrange kind of Lechery;

How it hath alterd him!

Duke.

Vaſco, now the inchanted houſe may ſtand;

But be you here to morrow with ſome ſtrength

To guard their execution from impediments

Of rage, or pitty; they ſhall ſuffer early.

Exit.

Vaſ.

I thank your grace for any employment.

Alteſto, art thou a rogue?

Alteſt.

A little (Sir) infected with your company.

Vaſ.

Art thou ſo very a rogue, if I command.

Thee from the Duke, to cut off theſe Ladies heads,

Thou'lt whet the Axe thy ſelf, and doit with the

Dexterity of a Flemming?

Alteſt.

I will ſee thy head in a leatherne caſe firſt,

Kickt in a footbal match from gole to gole.

Vaſ.

Why I thank thee; what ſay you Frivolo,

Wenches and Surgeons have coſt you deare,

Have you remorſe enough to do't?

Fri.

I've a mind rather to rebell, break ſhops

Open, and make choice of my ſilks, without

Taking notice (ſir) of the Mercers book.

Triſt

Such wholſome buſineſſe would more take me too

Than cutting off poore Ladies heads, unleſs

Your faire widow (Vaſco) come in my reach,

I could behead her for her left eare ring,

Though it be but an Agat ſet in Copper.

Vaſ.

Come let's to bed; the Sun to morrow will

Riſe black, or I ſhall think him a dull inſenſible

Planet, and deſerves no more adoration than a farthing candle.

Exeunt.

[Page]

Enter Leonell, Alvaro, Proſpero.

Leon.

Sir, you have heard how ſhe betraid me to

A Vow, and with what cruell menacings

My Siſter and her ſelf petitiond heaven

T'aſſiſt their curſes in a puniſhment

Upon my after-life, if I were perjur'd by

A breach of what my promiſe did aſſure.

Alva.

It was a vow no leſſe unkind than rare,

T'impriſon us that had no cauſe nor will

To do a noble ſtranger injury;

But I have learnt a tame Philoſophy,

Perſwades me to forgive all but my ſelfe.

Pro.

How comes the date of your ſtrict vow expir'd,

And that you now afford us liberty?

Which if my memory be juſt, you ſaid

She did enjoyne you ſhould not be, ere ſhe

Was gone to ſuffer death.

Leon.

Sir, ſhe is gone, my Siſter too; one that

Attends by your command theſe hidden walks

In breathleſſe haſte juſt now diſtill'd the poiſonous news

Through my ſick eare.

Alva.

Gone? and to dye? adorn'd

(Me thinks) like to an ancient ſacrifice

With flowers, which are not ſure the iſſue of

The ſpring, but of her beauty, and her breath.

Pro.

Would I had patience to endure calamities

Like this! but I'm forbid by my galld heart;

Why did you keep us limited and lockt

I'th Cave when we had power to hinder her

Departure, and her death? 'twas a bold crime.

Leon.

Sir, I have hope I gaind your pardon when

I mention'd the misfortune of my vow.

Pro.

I underſtand not ſuch injurious vows:

Thou lov'dſt her Leonel, and through the pride

Of envy couldſt not yeeld, ſince thy own hopes

Grew faint, that mine ſhould ere be proſperous;

Therefore with cunning willingneſſe endur'd

Her deſp'rate fally to the Duke.

Leon.

That I did love her ſir is a moſt true

And fitting glory to proclame; but that

I'm guilty of ſo baſe a ſlander as

Your raſhneſs hath devis'd provokes me to

A rage that may prove dangerous: reclame

Your thoughts, and teach them more civility.

Pro.

The Prince grows ſolemne with his griefe, leſt we

Diſturbe him let's retire aſide, and Ile

Whiſper ſuch reaſons to thee as ſhall want

No courage to be truths, though they inflame.

They walke aſide.

Alva.

Fountaines that ever weep have in their teares

Some benefit, they coole the parched earth,

And cheriſh a perpetuall growth; the ſad

Arabian tree that ſtill in Baulmy drops

Diſſolves her life, doth yield for others help

A medicine in thoſe teares: but triviall man

Though he hath ſence to mourne, may weep and melt

His injur'd eyes to viewleſſe aire, yet all

Th' expence affords is vainely to diſcerne

His mourning gives his ſorrows life, and length,

But not the guiltleſſe cauſe a remedy.

lies down.

Leon.

My Lord, I ſtayd upon the garden Mount,

And in the heate of my impatience was

So kind, much to lament your tardineſſe;

But now I muſt have leave to think one that

Delights to heape up wrongs, hath fury more

To dare than do.

Pro.

Were this a Temple, and the Prince

Imploy'd i'th rev'rend buſineſſe of a Prieſt,

I could not ſuffer ſuch a boaſt from one

That I have us'd with ſo much clemency

In fight—defend thy life, or it is mine.

(They draw and fight)

Leon.

Are you ſo maſterly—again—I find

No lightning in your eyes, nor in your ſword.

[Page]Proſ.

You have the skill, but I'le diſtemper it—

Alva.

Hold, hold, eager and ſilly miniſters

Of wrath, is this a time to bleed, when ere

The morning ſun uncloud his penſive face,

There will bee ſtreames of blood let out enough

To make him drinke till he be ſick with ſacrifice?

Give me thy ſword. How Proſpero? are my

Commands grown weariſome and cold—

Proſ.

There ſir—I'm ſtill rebuk'd like to a boy.

Alva.

How long ſhall I direct thy temper to

A gentle and a ſoft demeane ere thou

Grow wiſe, and milde Enough to governe it?

Let me intreat you ſir, to ſheath your weapon too.

Leo.

Sir, you are worthy to command; and know

I weare it for my guard, not inſolence.

Proſ.

I am appointed all my actions ſtill,

As my ſtupiditie made me not fit

To know, but ſuffer injuries.

Alva.

Why doſt thou frowne? the ſullen wrinckles on

A lyons brow carry a grace, 'cauſe they

Become a beaſt, but he that can diſcerne

The nobleneſs of valor ſhould be ſmooth

As Virgins in their bridall ornaments.

Proſ.

Sir, I am taught; how ere my ſences are

Not ſo miſtaken and ſo weake, but that

They know him falſe; he lov'd Evandra.

Alva.

Is that a crime? thou told'ſt me in the cave

Thou lov'dſt her too.

Proſ.

I nere durſt tell you ſo,

Till you diſcern'd my paſſions, and inforc'd

A true diſcoverie of their hidden cauſe.

Alva.

But I eſteem'd it for a vertue knowne,

And it indeerd thee more to my reſpect.

Pray tell me ſir, did you love Evandra?

And with a heart ſincere as ſhe deſerv'd?

Leon.

Sir, the confeſſion may be honour, but

No ſhame I did, and with a ſervencie

Vpright as my Religion could produce.

Alva.

O what a prompt and warme delight I feele

When others reaſon are inclin'd unto

My choyce? 'tis ſtrange the ſenceleſſe world ſhould ſo

Miſtake the privilege of love, the beſt

Of objects! heaven affects plurallitie

Of worſhipers, t'adore and ſerve, whilſt we

In that chiefe hope are glad of Rivalſhip;

And why ſhould Ladies then that imitate

The upper beauty moſt to mortall view,

Be barr'd a numerous adreſſe? or we

Envie each others lawfull, though ambitious aime?

Come, joyne your hands, and ſeale a friendſhip here,

Good as inviolate, laſting as truth.

Leo.

You give my wiſhes ſir, a full content.

Proſ.

I want the skill to promiſe ſir, but Ile

Performe all your deſires with noble ſaith.

Alva.

And now let me imbrace you both, for we

Are lovers all, though when the morne muſt riſe

To ſee and bluſh at th'actions of the world,

Like ſad diſtreſſed Turtles we ſhall want

Our mate, then we may ſit and mourne beneath

The willow that ore'ſhaddowes every brook,

There weepe, till we are vaniſht quite in teares

T'increaſe the ſtreame, whoſe ſenceleſs murmurings

Will be excus'd hereafter in our cauſe.

Proſ.

O that my heart would be the officer

Of death unto it ſelfe, and breake without

My irreligious helpe; my life is tir'd.

Leo.

And I have thoughts ſo wild, ſo much unſafe,

They would be ſinne in utterance, as in act.

Alva.

Give me your hands; with a ſlow fun'rall pace

Weel move, to ſee this diſmall Tragedie.

Let's beare it bravely, like ſuch lovers as

Have reaſon can perſwade their courage to

Attempt things bold and fit; whil'ſt there was hope,

We cheriſh'd it with proffer of our lives,

But now the ſtrength of Armies cannot free

Her from my fathers wrath; nay, hand in hand—

[Page] To ſhew this truth in loves Philoſophy,

That as one object equally allures

Th'ambition of our hope, ſo we not interchange

Malignant thoughts; but ſev'rall lovers, like

Strange Rivers that to the ſame Ocean trace,

Do when their torrents meet, curle and embrace.

Exeunt.

Act. 5. Scaena. 1.

Enten 2. Embaſſadours with letters, Caladine, Vaſco, Alteſto, Frivolo.

Cal.

Your Letters merit to have power on my

Reſpect and diligence; I ſhall afford

You both; but when I bring you to the Duke

'Tis to be fear'd you'l find the privilege

Of all my favor there is loſt.

1 Emb.

Acceſſe and audience Sir is all our hopes

Preſume to get, the times befriend us not.

2 Emb.

We had ſwift notice of theſe Ladies danger;

And Sir, how ere it prove, your wiſhes muſt

Oblige us to a laſting gratitude.

Alteſt.

What are theſe ſtrangers Vaſco, that envy

Our ſleep, and wake us before day?

Vaſ.

Embaſſadors from Millaine, whoſe hopes want

Some cordiall water, for they'r very ſick.

Cal.

Vaſco, it is the Dukes command that you

Aſſemble ſtraight ſome ſtrength from the caſt Regiments

To guard the Pallace yard.

Vaſ.

What need it Sir? to my knowledge the two Ladits have no

Other weapons than Bodkins, and their nailes

Cloſſe par'd; beſides, a thread of Eglantine,

Or a ſmall wood bine ſtalke, will ſetter them

As faſt as Cables of a Galley-groſſe.

Cal.

I but deliver what I had in charge.

My Lords Embaſſadors this is your way.

1 Emb.

Theſe preparations are ſevere; I doubt

His mind will not be eaſily reclaim'd.

2 Emb.

You ſee the gen'rous people like it not.

Exeunt. Emb. and Cal.

Vaſ.

Alteſto, go and muſter up from all

The Lanes and Alleys in the Town a troop

Of fine fleet rogues, ſuch as will turne their backs

To a bullet and outrun it, yet love

Commotion too, I would have ſuch Alteſto,

Fri.

Let me furniſh you; hell ſhall not yeeld a Regiment

Of Fiends that will be more inviſible

At the approach of Juſtice or Religion.

Alteſt.

O for a tiny ſhort truſs'd Bakes that

I knew; A Carman too, that dy'd ſome three

Months ſince with eating meazled porke; they would

Have march'd to ſuch a war with cowleſtaffe and

Batoone like Hercules.

Enter Triſtan (leading the Widow) and Lelia.

Vaſ.

How now? whither move you ſo faſt, like a

Fleet ſnaile over a cabidge leaf, ſo early too?

She ſleeps leſſe than carriers, traytors, or Madmen.

Tri.

She requeſts me to be the ſtaffe of her age.

Vaſ.

But whither I pray?

Wid.

Why ſir, to ſee the ſhew.

Vaſ.

The ſhew! the motion of Queene Guinivers death

Acted by puppets would pleaſe you as well;

The Jade too is as full of remorſe as

A Beare that wants his ſupper.

Wid.

I would have a ſafe place, where I may ſtand

And weep without having my handkerchiefe

Stolne away.

Lel.

It is of pure Cambrick forſooth,

And made of her Grandmothers wedding Apron.

Wid.

Yes truly, and wrought when I was a maid.

Alteſt.

That's an antiquity beyond all record.

Vaſ.

Sirra Triſtan, be you ſure you avoid

No throng; a croud well ſhuffled, and cloſe pack'd,

May do now a ſpeciall courteſie;

Let her be ſqueez'd, for ſhe's as rotten as

[Page] A hollow tree that ſtands without a root.

Triſt.

My ſhoulder ſhall help too at a dead lift.

Fri.

A Scaffold that were weakly built would ſerve.

Wid.

VVe muſt make haſte; farewell Lambe.

Exeunt. Triſt. Wid. Lel.

Vaſ.

Lambe, which my own tranſlation renders calfe.

Alteſt.

'Twill be long ere thou grow up to a bull:

For few will venter to help thee to hornes.

Vaſ.

VVell Gentlemen pitty my caſe, I have

Endur'd another night would tire a Perdu,

More than a wet furrow and a great froſt.

Fri.

VVill ſhe not dye?

Vaſ.

I have perſwaded her, but ſtill in vaine;

And all the help the Laws afford us poore

Miſtaken men, that marry gold inſtead

Of fleſh, is a divorſe, it muſt be thought

On ſuddenly; Alteſto, haſte to your charge.

Alteſt.

Good morrow Cavaliers.

Vaſ.

'Twill be an houre yet before that greeting

Be in ſeaſon; pray heaven Triſtan remember the crowd.

Exeunt.

Enter Alvaro, Proſpero, Leonel. and Boy (to ſing.)

Alva.

This glorious hazzard in thy ſiſter (Leonel)

Doth equally perplex my ſufferance

With what the faire Evandra muſt endure.

Leo.

You now have heard the chearefull Art ſhe us'd

To be the firſt that ſhould confirme her love

With proſtitution of her virgin life.

Alva.

But why for me? how poore they make me now,

That have betra'yd me to a debt the wealth

Of Saints (that are in kindneſſe ever rich)

Is not of able value to diſcharge;

I love them both with equall flame, and I

Diſtinguiſh neithers beauty when compar'd;

'Tis vertue and remorce give Ladies eminence

In the ſevere diſcretion of my heart.

Pro.

I want the wiſdome how to love; but I

Am ſure I find I love, and 'tis too much

Alva.

Come ſing; would muſick had the power to give

A life, as it hath had to move things dead.

Song.

O draw your Curtaines and appeare, Ere long, like ſparkes that upward flie,

We can but vainly ſay you were, So ſoon you'l vaniſh from the eye.

And in what Star we both ſhall find (For ſure you can't divided be)

Is not to Lovers Art aſſign'd, 'Twill puzzle wiſe Aſtrology.

Enter Evandra, and Melora, above.

Evan.

Who is it that aſſumes the office of

The dying Swan? all Muſick now (me thinks)

Is obſequy, and he that fings ſhould ſing his death.

Mel.

The gentle and moſt valiant Prince, bold Proſpero.

Evan.

And there behold the faithfull Leonell.

Leon.

O pardon me that I have kept my vow.

Evan.

Brave youth! I prize thy truth great as thy love;

We now are mark'd here, and inclos'd for death,

So you have all a bleſſed liberty.

Alva.

A liberty? we are more bound than ſlaves unto

Th' unwieldy oare; like harneſs'd cattell in

A Teeme, we draw a load of ſorrow after us

That tires our ſtrength.

Evan.

There was no way but this

To keep you ſtill among the living, who

Before endeavour'd nobly to procure

Our freedome with your deaths; do not repine

At deſtiny, all remedy is paſt.

Alva.

A fatall truth; for we but now dejected on our knees

[Page] Did wooe my Fathers mercy, and in vaine.

Mel.

Then ſtrive not by untimely rage to help

And further our impoſſible releaſe

With certaine hazzard of your ſelves; our laſt

Sute is, we may begin our willing death

As quietly as undiſturbed ſleep.

Evan.

The silly crime of envy which unlearn'd

And haughty Lovers uſe, I ſhall prevent;

You'l want the object now, that makes you interchange

The vext remembrance of each others claime.

Alva.

Were you to live we could not ſhare that guilt;

Though number make us three, wiſe love hath given

Us all one peacefull heart.

Evan.

O Melora! were it but timely now

To wiſh continuance of mortality,

Like them, we ſhould not differ though the ſame

One virtue were our mutuall hope and choice;

But you ſhould chide her ſir, for ſhe hath lov'd

Your happineſſe too much, vainely to loſe

Her life when mine would ſatisfie.

Alva.

Why Melora didſt thou undo my ſoule

VVith ſo ſtrange courteſie? but why did you

Evandra? ſtay, o ſtay, leave us not yet.

Evan.

The Guard are entred here, and now the laſt

And ſhorteſt of our houres is come; farewell

Brave Prince; brave Leonell farewell; farewell brave Proſpero.

Mel.

The gentle valiant Prince

Farewell; and valiant Leonell farewell;

Farewell the hardy Proſpero Ex. from above.

Leon. and Pro. draw their ſwords.

Alva.

Nay, ſtir not Gentlemen, it is in vaine,

They are beyond all humane help; would you

Scale heaven, and coole the ſawcy Sun with your

Fraile breath when he doth ſcorch you with his beames?

For ſuch is now the enterpriſe that ſtrives

To reſcue them from this high Fort.

Leon.

Would I were in a Cannon charg'd, then ſtraight

Shot out to batter it, and be no more.

Pro.

Would all the ſtones might be ordain'd my food

Till I could eat their paſſage out.

Alva.

Theſe angry exaltations ſhew but poore.

Pro.

Sir, whither ſhall we go?

Alva

To ſee them dye; but not like vaine and colerick boyes, to ſhew

A fury that can hazzard none but our

Diſdained ſwords; yet ſtill my worthy friends

There is an undertaking left, and ſuch

As valiant lovers may performe; why ſhould

The baſe and durty Guard be honour'd with

Our oppoſition or our bloud? have we

Not griefe enough to dye without their help?

Let us with fix'd and watry eyes behold

Theſe Ladies ſuffer, but with ſilence ſtill,

Calmely like pinion'd doves, and when we ſee

The fatall ſtroak is given, ſwell up our ſad

And injur'd hearts untill they break.

Leon.

I do not find my ſelf unapt for this.

Pro.

My breaſt containes an angry lump that is

Too ſtubborne for a quiet bravery;

He that ſhall ſtrike Evandras life ſhall feele

Me till he ſink low as the hollowneſſe where Devills dwell.

Alva.

This way; let us avoid the gazing multitude.

Exeunt.

Enter Duke, Caladine, Vaſco, 2 Embaſſadors, and Attendants.

Du.

Have you unto your Officers given charge

To guard the paſſage from the Fort unto

The Pallace yard with bold well-govern'd men?

Vaſ.

All is directed Sir as you command;

But for their government, if it be to be had

In priſons, galleys, or ſtews, you may

Truſt them with a mutiny.

[Page]Cal.

His reſolution's fi'xd, and there remaines

No comfortable ſigne to flatter hope.

Du.

My Lords Embaſſadors ſit down; and though

You now behold a Prince that rather loves

To be thought cruell than to break his vow,

Do not beleeve to be ſeverely juſt

Is tyranny; you ſhall have faire admittance,

Yet your requeſt unkindly ought to be

Deny'd; and though your Maſter (when the chance

Of war rendred my brother in his power)

Stole in the dark his noble life, and durſt

Not give the wrathfull act a gen'rall view;

I'm not aſham'd to publiſh my revenge,

It ſhall be openly perform'd, to ſhew

I not ſuſpect mens cenſure or diſlike.

1 Emb.

Sir, he that miniſters revenge may hurt

And damage others, but can bring no good

Or reall profit to himſelfe.

2 Emb.

And with your Highneſſe leave, we think it were

More wiſe to mulct our Maſters treaſure, which

Shall be exhauſted freely to your own

Proportion and content, ſo you will take

His Daughter and her lov'd companion from

The danger of this day.

Enter Evandra, Melora, Guard, at one doore: Alvaro, Proſpero, Leonell, at the other.

Du.

I will not ſell my brothers bloud;

The priſoners approach; make roome; ere long

They ſhall enjoy the liberty of ſoules;

Vaſco, lend me thine eare.

whiſpers.

Alva.

How beautifull is ſorrow when it dwells

Within theſe Ladies eyes? ſo comely, that it makes

Felicity in others ſeeme deform'd.

I wiſh my patience may be ſtrong enough.

Leon.

I now begin to doubt I am not fit

To ſee their hazard and indur't.

Pro.

Nor I; my loyalty already ſtird

Beyond the temp'rate ſuff'rance of a man.

Du.

Thou ſeeſt the Prince weares trouble in his locks;

Though any oppoſition he can make

Be but impertinent and weak, yet charge

Thy Officers, if he endeavor to

Diſturbe my will, impriſon him i'th Fort.

Vaſ.

I ſhall obſerve him Sir; I do not like

This employment; the Prince will find no

Enemies in all my tribe.

Du.

If you have any words from Millaine th [...]t

Imports their knowledge, ere they dye, be briefe

My Lords Embaſſadors; I give you leave

To whiſper your affaire, or if you pleaſe,

To make it publique to the world.

1 Emb.

Your cruell reſolutions ſir, have ſo

Confin'd our liberality, that all

We ſhall deliver to Evandra now

Is but her Fathers and her Countries teares,

And thoſe we can by deputation pay

To the indang'ring of our eyes.

2 Emb.

And to Melora, that in kindneſſe thus

Hath ſhar'd her deſtiny, we do confer

The worlds eternall wonder and applauſe.

Evan.

It will deprive me of ſome joy in death, to think

My Father needs muſt ſuffer by a vaine

Unprofitable griefe, and 'tis the laſt

Requeſt I make, that he would wiſely now

Forget my obſequies and name.

Mel.

And my deſires make ſute, that thoſe who ſhall

Hereafter write the buſineſſe of this day

May not beleeve I ſuffer for the hope

Of glorious Fame, but for a ſecret in my hidden love.

1 Emb.

Queſtion your juſtice Sir, muſt they both dye?

Du.

Both; and I think my payment is but ſhort,

When I conſider well the meaſure of

My brothers worth, with their unvalu'd Sex,

And wiſh ſome man that boaſts your maſters bloud

Were ſingly here to undergoe their fate,

It would more pleaſure my revenge, but ſince

There is no hope in that deſire, away, lead them to death.

[Page]Leon.

Stay Sir, reprieve them but one minutes ſpace

Untill you heare a ſtranger ſpeake.

Alva.

What meanes this noble youth?

Du.

Be ſudden in thy ſpeech, for my revenge brooks no delay.

Leon.

If I produce a man ally'd unto this Family you ſo abhor,

Great as your ſelfe in title and deſcent,

Will you with ſolemne vow confirme their liberty,

And take his life to ſatisfie your wrath?

Du.

By th' honour of a Princes faith I wil;

And ſuch a miracle would raviſh me.

Leon.

I dare beleeve your vow, you were ſo juſt

Though cruell in your laſt, and know my joyes

Muſt take the privilege to boaſt you now

Have loſt the power to make them dye.

Duk.

It ſhall be wonderfull if that prove true.

Leo.

I am not Leonell the Millaine Knight,

But Leonell the Duke of Parmas Son,

Heire to his fortune and his fame.

Evan.

O Melora! thy brother will reveale

Himſelfe and quite undoe our glorious ſtrife.

Leo.

By this you find I am to Millaine neer

Ally'd; but more to tempt your fury on

My life, know 'twas my valiant Father took

Your brother priſoner, and preſented him

Where he receiv'd his death; my Father that

So oft hath humbled you in war, and made

His victories triumph almoſt upon

The ruines of your State.

Alva.

So young, and fill'd with thoughts ſo excellent,

That they ſurpriſe my wonder more than love!

Well mayeſt thou worſhip, Proſpero, but darſt not envy him.

Pro.

B'ing your Diſciple Sir,

I'm better taught; but 'tis no crime to wiſh

Fortune had made me Heire of Parma and

Not him, then I had dy'd for them.

Vaſ.

This is ſome comfort yet; I'm for the Ladies.

Cal.

But 'thath not given our ſorrows a full cure.

Du.

Sir you are boldeſt with your ſelfe; but you

Shall ſee I need no provocation to

Obſerve my vow; unbind the Ladies there,

And beare him ſtraight to death.

1 Emb.

Stay Sir, he muſt not dye.

Du.

How? age and griefe makes thee a foole, and mad.

1 Em.

He muſt not Sir, if your revenge be wiſe,

And fix your anger where 'tis moſt deſerv'd;

Takes off a falſe beard.

Behold Millaine himſelfe your Enemy;

Live princely youth, and let my yeares (which time

Would ſoone determine) be the ranſome of

My chiefeſt bloud; Evandra do not weep.

Evan.

O Sir, there was leſſe uſe of me; why would

You with this danger on your ſelfe deſtroy

That noble fame I vertuouſly purſu'd?

Mel.

Our hope of endleſſe glory now is loſt.

Alva.

Sure heaven intends more bleſſings to this day.

Du.

I have atchiev'd my wiſhes in full height;

This was a juſtice ſir, more than I could

Expect from my own Stars; free Leonell

And let him ſuffer the prepared ſtroake.

2 Emb.

Firſt heare me ſpeak, and fir how ever you'l

Interpret the diſcretion of my words

I am reſolv'd he ſhall not dye, nor none

Of theſe, though all in your command and power.

Vaſ.

Say'ſt thou ſo old Shaver? make but that good,

The maids of Savoy ſhall everlaſtingly

Pay thee tribute in dainty gloves and Noſegays

To ſtick in thy girdle.

Du.

This were a myſtery would pleaſe indeed.

2 Emb.

Look on me well: I am your brother Sir;

(Pulls off a falſe beard)

And though ten years I have been hidden from

Your ſight, this noble Duke hath us'd me ſo,

I cannot call it baniſhment, but the

Retir'd and quiet happineſſe of life.

Alva.

How wiſely have the heavens contriv'd this joy!

[Page]1 Emb.

And though his fortune in the war, which made

Your Armies ever flouriſh with ſucceſſe,

Taught me prevent my Countries ruine by

Detaining him from your employment there,

Yet he enjoy'd all the delights that ſolitude

Affords: and when he choſe his happineſſe

In Books and deep Diſcourſes of the learn'd,

I ſearch'd the moſt remote and knowing world

For men to furniſh his deſires.

2 Emb.

It is acknowledg'd ſir, and with a bounteous thanks.

Duk.

How welcome are theſe miracles? let me

Embrace thee as the greateſt joy that ſince

My birth I have receiv'd. O my lov'd brother,

Thou ſee'ſt though abſent I've been faithfull to

Thy vertues, and thy memorie.

2. Emb.

But ſir, too ſtrict a maſter of your vow;

Yet tis a fault my gratitude ſhould more

Admire with thankfulneſſe, than chide.

Duk.

This happy day deſerves a place ſupreme

And eminent i'th Kallander.

2. Emb.

Firſt I will give into your courteous armes

The Duke of Millaine ſir, good & renoun'd;

And now the bold and princely Leonell;

Then Alvaro my honourd nephew that

Deſerves the beſt of humane praiſe and love.

The Duke embraces them.

Alva.

Dread ſir, that every one may ſhare the joy

And bleſſings of this precious houre, let me

Reſtore poore Proſpero into your breaſt.

Duk.

He ſhall bee cheriſh'd and his faults forgiven.

Proſ.

I ſhall deſerve it ſir in future deeds

Of honour, and of loyall faith; how I

Am rap'd to ſee thoſe wonders ſtrangely thrive?

Vaſ.

What thinke you of the ſtarrs now Caladine?

Doe theſe ſmall twinkling Gentlewomen

Looke to their buſineſs well? have they a care of us?

Cal.

It is beyond our merit or our hope.

Vaſ.

Ile buy me an optick, ſtudy Aſtrologie,

And viſit e'm ev'ry faire night ore my houſe leds.

Duk.

The chiefeſt happineſs of virtue is

Th'increaſe, which to procure, with Hymens help

Wee'l knit, and intermingle lovers hearts.

Come my Alvaro, Ile beſtow thee ſtraight.

Melo.

A little patience ſir, and heare me ſpeake

Before you give what lawfully is mine.

Duk.

Indeed thou doſt deſerve him by thy love.

Mel.

In love Evandras intereſt juſtly

Doth equall mine, but I appeale unto

His vow, which ſure her goodneſſe will aſſiſt.

Alva.

And my religion ſhall perſwade me keepe;

But where (Melora) was it made?

Melo.

Within my fathers court, when five yeares ſince

(Diſguis'd you ſtole to ſee a triumph there)

You promis'd if our houſes enmity

VVere ever reconcil'd, the church ſhould joyne our hands.

Leon.

Sir, VVhat my ſiſter ſpeakes I'm witneſſe to,

And hope this day ſhall end our parents ſtrife

In a kinde peace.

Duk.

VVhich thus I doe confirme;

Take him Melora, with him all the joyes

Thy virtues or our prayers can procure.

Alva.

Didſt thou for this with kind Evandra ſtrive

VVho ſhould encounter danger firſt? although

Thy beauty's chang'd, it is not loſt; I now

Remember thee, and my vowes prophecie.

Embrace.

1. Emb.

Now my beſt Evandra give me thy hand;

And heare receive it valiant Leonell;

That I may ratifie the faith I gave,

If ere this war expir'd ſhe ſhould be thine.

Duke.

Then hee may challenge preſent intereſt,

For we may meet to heare voyces and lutes,

But never more the angry Drum.

Evan.

Alvaro's virtues ſir, and yours, have both

[Page] An equall claim; perſons I nere admir'd

So much to make a difference in my choyce;

Therefore my fathers promiſe, and my love

Have made me yours.

Leon.

I am orecharg'd with my felicitie.

Alv.

To Evandra, gladneſs be ſtil renew'd,

VVho ſince I ſee ſo worthily beſtow'd,

My love is quieted in everlaſting reſt.

Evan.

And mine by your exact, and perfect choyce.

Proſ.

Theſe glad archievements are ſo well deſerv'd,

I not maligne your loyes; Ile to the warr

And fight to win you a perpetuall peace.

Vaſco takes Millaine aſide.

Vaſ.

I'm bold to crave acquaintance with your grace,

And to begin it with a ſute.

1 Emb.

It ſhall be granted Sir.

Vaſ.

I have married your Graces Countrywoman,

And was a little (ſir) miſtaken in her age,

Would you'ld procure us a divorce.

1 Emb.

If you can make't appeare ſhe is too old.

Vaſ.

She writes a hundred and ten (Sir) next graſſe.

1 Emb.

'Tis a faire age; well Sir, you ſhal have a divorce,

And what the profits of her dowry would

Have been, I will my ſelfe beſtow on you.

Vaſ.

Such another good day makes us all mad.

Du.

Come, to the Temple, and let's joyne thoſe hearts.

That with ſuch pious courage have endur'd

The tryall of a noble conſtant faith,

Whom tortures nor the frowns of death could move.

This happy day wee'l conſecrate to love.

Exeunt.

FINIS.

PROLOGUE

But that the Tyran cuſtome bears ſuch ſway,

We would preſent no Prologue to our Play,

Since we have learn'd in Prologues all the ſcope

Is with weak words to ſtrengthen weaker hope,

When with ſad ſolemn phraſe we court each eare

Not to obſerve, but pardon what you heare:

Or if there were but one ſo ſtrangely wiſe

Whoſe judgement ſtrives to pleaſe, and truſt his

Him at an eaſie charge we could provoke (eyes,

To a kind doome with this grave long old cloak.

Now for the over-ſubtle few, who raiſe

Themſelves a triviall fame by a diſpraiſe,

Our bold opinion is, they may deſcry

Some eaſie wit, but much more cruelty.

EPILOGUE.

Troth Gentlemen you muſt vouchſafe a while

T' excuſe my mirth, I cannot chuſe but ſmile,

And 'tis to think, how like a ſubtle ſpy

Our Poet waits below to heare his deſtiny;

Juſt in the Entry as you paſſe, the place

Where firſt you mention your diſlike or grace:

Pray whiſper ſoftly that he may not heare,

Or elſe ſuch words as ſhall not blaſt his eare.

Information about this book

Title statement

Love and honour written by W. Davenant, Knight.

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

Edition statement

1649

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A69900

ID [STC]

Wing D329

ID [STC]

ESTC R17488

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12395166

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12395166

ID [VID]

61120

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Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A69900)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 61120)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 275:10 or 451:24)

Source

— Love and honour written by W. Davenant, Knight., D'Avenant, William, Sir, 1606-1668..

Extent

[3], 35, [1] p.

Printed for Hum: Robinson ... and Hum. Moseley ...,. London :: 1649.. ("Presented by His Majesties servants at the Black-Fryers") (Reproduction of original in Yale University Library and Huntington Library.)

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