The royall exchange. A comedy, acted with general applause at the Black-Friers, by His Majesties Servants. Written by Mr. Richard Brome. Brome, Richard, d. 1652? 1661 Approx. 191 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 24 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2014-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 2). A77574 Wing B4883 Thomason E1045_18 ESTC R208019 99867025 99867025 119315

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 Early English books online text creation partnership. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A77574) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 119315) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 155:E1045[18]) The royall exchange. A comedy, acted with general applause at the Black-Friers, by His Majesties Servants. Written by Mr. Richard Brome. Brome, Richard, d. 1652? [48] p. printed for Henry Brome at the Gun in Ivie-lane, London : 1661. In verse. Signatures: [A]² B-F⁴ G² . Running title reads: The queens exchange. A reissue, with cancel title page, of: The queenes exchange. Annotation on Thomason copy: "Septemb: 29". Reproduction of the original in the British Library.

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 eng English drama -- 17th century. 2020-09-21 Content of 'availability' element changed when EEBO Phase 2 texts came into the public domain 2013-01 Assigned for keying and markup 2013-02 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2013-05 Sampled and proofread 2013-05 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2014-03 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE Royall Exchange. A COMEDY, Acted with general Applauſe at the BLACK-FRIERS, BY HIS Majeſties SERVANTS.

Written by Mr. Richard Brome.

Regia res amor eſt—

LONDON, Printed for Henry Brome at the Gun in Ivie-lane, 1661.

The Stationer to the Readers. Gentlemen and Ladies,

THis ſhort account I thought fit to give you of this Poem, that it came to my hands among other things of this nature, written, and left by Mr. Rich. Brome, a perſon whoſe excellency in Comical wit has been ſufficiently proved, and needs not my partial and weak commendation. There are publiſhed already of his Playes, the Northern Laſs, the Antipodes, the Sparagus-garden, the Merry Beggers, the Lancaſhire Witches, beſides the 5. Playes lately publiſhed in a Volume. The good acceptance of all which encourages me to publiſh this, being no way inferior to the reſt; but when 'twas written, or where acted, I know not. Your kinde entertainment of this will enable me to make known to the World divers more of the ſame Authors works of this kind, which have not yet ſeen light; for my ayme is, & prodeſſe & delectare, by delighting thee to profit my ſelf.

H. B. Farewel.
The Queens Exchange. The Perſons in the Play. OSriick, King of Northumbria. Theodrick his Favourite and Embaſſador. Ethelſwick, his Subſtitute. Theodwald, Eaufride, Alfride, Edelbert, Lords of his Council. A Phyſition. Jeffrey, the Kings fool. 4. Clowns. BErtha, Queen of Weſt Saxons. Segebert, Alberto, two baniſhed Lords. Anthynus, Offa, Segeberts Sons. Mildred, Segeberts daughter, Oſriicks Queen. Arnold, an old ſervant of Offa. Kelrick, Elkwine, Elfride, three ſycophant Lords. Hermit and his Servant. Keeper of Priſon. Edith, Mildreds Nurſe. A Carpenter, A Maſon, A Smith, three Thieves. Scene England.
Prolouge to the Queens Exchange. THe writer of this Play who ever uſes To uſher with his modeſty the Muſes Unto the Stage, He that ſcarce ever durſt Of Poets rank himſelf above the worſt, Though moſt that he has writ has paſt the reſt, And found good approbation of the beſt; He as he never knew to bow, he ſaies, As litttle fears the fortune of his Playes: He yields their right to us, and we ſubmit All that they are in learning or in wit To your fair cenſure. All is then but th •… , As you approve they are good or bad to us; And all by way of favour we can crave, Is that you not deſtroy where you may ſave.
The QUEENES Exchange.
ACT. I.
SCEN. I. Enter Celerick, Elkwin, Segebert, Bertha, and Attendants. Hoboyes. Bart. SInce it has pleaſd the higheſt Power to place me His ſubſtitute in Regal Soveraignty, Over this Kingdom, by the generall vote Of you my loyall Lords, and loving Subjects, Though grounded on my right of due Succeſſion; Being immediate heir, and only child Of your late much deplored King my Father. I am in a moſt reverend duty bound Unto that Power above me, and a wel- Befitting care towards you my faithfull people, To rule and govern ſo (at leaſt ſo neere As by all poſſibility I may) That I may ſhun Heavens anger, and your grief. Which that I may, at our laſt conſultation The better to paſſe through my weighty charge, I gave you to conſider of the Propoſition Is made to me by the Northumbrian King Of marriage, not only to enable me In my government, but therby to ſtrengthen This Kingdom in ſucceeding times, by a line Of lawfull Succeſſors. I gave you all My ſtrong & moſt unanſwerable reaſons: To which you ſeemd contented, all but one, Who with the reſt by this I hope is ſatiſtisfied. 'Tis you, Lord Segebert, you it is I mean: Does it appear to you yet reaſonable, That I be matcht to the Northumbrian King? I have with patience waited a whole moneth For you to rectifie your ſcrupulous judgement, Whereby it might comply with theſe, no way Inferiour to your ſelf, but are your Peers, As well in their kown wiſdom, as my favour. Seg. Thus low unto your ſacred Majeſty I here devote my ſelf; and thus I meet With equal love, th' embraces of theſe Lords. Ile joyn & grow one body, and one voice With them, in all may adde unto your Honour, And your dear Kingdoms good. But pardon me My ſoverain Queen, and I beſeech you my Lords, To weigh with your known wiſdom the great danger This match may bring unto the Crown and Country. Tis true, the King Oſriick as wel in perſon As in his dignity, may be thought fit To be endow'd with all you ſeem to yeild him. But what becomes of all the wholſome Laws, Cuſtoms, and all the nerves of Government Your no leſs prudent than Majeſtick Father With power & policy enricht this Land with; And made the Saxons happy, and your ſelf A Queen of ſo great eminence. Muſt all, With ſo much Majeſtie and matchleſſe beauty, Be now ſubjected to a ſtrangers foot; And trod into diſorder? All your wealth. Your ſtate, your laws, your ſubjects, and the hope Of flouriſhing future fortunes, which your Father By his continual care, and teadious ſtudy Gave as a Legacy unto this Kingdom. Muſt all be altered, or quite ſubverted, And all by a wilful gift unto a ſtranger: Bart. Peace: ſtop his mouth. Unreaverend old man, How darſt thou thus oppoſe thy Soveraignes will, So well approvd by all thy fellow Peers; Of which the meaneſt equals thee in judgement? Seg. Do you approve their judgments, Madam, which Are grounded on your will? I may not do't. Only I pray, that you may underſtand, (But not unto your loſs) the difference Betwixt ſmooth flattery, and honeſt judgements. Bert. Do you hear this, my Lords? Celr My Lord Segebert. Though you except againſt this King, He may hereafter thank you in your kind. Seg. Mean time I thank you for your propheſie. Cel. You cannot but allow ſucceſſion is The life of Kingdoms; & if ſo, you cannot But wiſh the Queen (which Heaven grant ſpeedily) An happy huſband. Bert. I thank you, good my Lord. Elk. And if an huſband, why not him ſhe affects? Can it befit a Subject to controle The affection of his Princeſſe? Heaven forbid. Seg. This is • ar taking Muſick. Elk. Or ſuppoſe, You might controle it; whom in your great wiſdom Would you allot the Queen? Seg I ſee your aym; And know, when I have ſaid all that I dare, What cenſure I muſt undergoe. And thus Ile meet it boldly you are ſycophants all, And doe provide but for your ſelves, though all. The Kingdom periſh for't. May the juſtice. That follows flattery overtake you for't. Seg. Take hence the mad man. Colr. We are ſorry for you. Elk. And wiſh the troubleſome ſpirit were out of you, That ſo diſtracts your reaſon. Elf. We have known you Speak and anſwer to the purpoſe. Seg. Your queſtion to no purpoſe, Sir, was this: Whom my great wiſdom would allot the Queen? You are not worth my anſwer. But my Soveraigne, I do implore your gracious attention To theſe few words. Celr. Leſſe ſenſe. Elf. No matter. Elk. Silence. Speak your few words, the Queen can give you hearing. Seg. I wiſh your Highneſſe would command your women, That know their qualities to take up your Beagles. Their Petulances ſort not with this place Nor the more ſerious matter of my ſpeech. Bert. Speak, I can hear you though. Forbear him Lords. Seg. The King your Father, and my ne'r to be Forgotten Maſter, (pleaſe you to remember) Although his memory be loſt with theſe, Who nere had grace to know him rightly, gave me Before his death ſtrictly this charge; and in Your preſence too, charging your ſelfe withal To give it due obedience: That you ſhould Before all mens advice take mine for marriage, And that eſpecially I ſhould take care 'Gainſt Innovation. That the laws he left Eſtabliſht with ſuch care for good oth' Kingdome Might be maintaind by whomſoere you matchd with. I know, and you, if you knew any thing, Might know the difference twixt the Northumbrian lawes And ours: And ſooner will their King pervert Your Priviledges and your Government, Then reduce his to yours: pure common ſenſe, Even you me thinks, my Lords, may foretell that Bert. You have ſaid enough. Seg. I doe beſeech your Highneſſe But for this little more. Bert. Ile hear no more. Celr. Pray heare his little more although you ſend him Out of your hearing then for evermore. Seg. Your Father added this to his command, That rather then by marriage you ſhould bring Your Subjects to ſuch thraldome, and that if No Prince whoſe lawes coher'd with yours did ſeek you (As ſome there are, and neerer then th' Northumbrian) That he would have you from ſome noble Stock To take a Subject in your own Dominion. Bert. Traytor! Seg. To urge your Fathers Teſtament? Celr. But did the King your ne're forgotten Maſter Bequeath her an affection to ſuch blood? Bert. Forbear. Now he's not worth your ſpeaking to. Celr. Now ſhe'l ha'me I hope. What a foul beaſt Was I to undervalue ſubjects blood? Bert. I have forborn you long, for the old love My Father in his life conferr'd upon you And ſtill I yield to it ſo much as ſaves Your head, bold talking fellow. But Sir hear Your doom. Since the Kings love hath puff'd your dotage With ſwoln conceit (for what can it be leſſe) That you are now my King (for ſure you think ſo) I'll try my Title with you. Hence you Exile: Go in perpetual baniſhment from this Kingdome. Speak not a word for him. All. Inſooth we meant it not. Celr. But may it pleaſe your Majeſty, you mention'd His head erewhile. Now if I might adviſe— Bert. Away, you'l be too cruel. Celr. Another hope loſt. Elkw. His lands and goods, Madam, would be thought on. Bert. No, he has children. Elfr. I'le take his daughter with all faults, and half his lands. Bert. Why are ye not gone? Seg. I have not much to ſay. Bert. Out with it then, and then out with your ſelf. Seg. In the large Hiſtory of your Fathers life You find but one example for this doom Of Baniſhment. And that was of Alberte five years ſince, For wronging me unto his Highneſſe, when He ſtood in competition with me for The Honor in the State the King then gave me. Bert. And what of this? Seg. But thus. I ſtood by then, and then all knowing Heaven Saw that though he for wronging me was Baniſh'd, I was right ſorry, and much pleaded for him. Bert. It follows now that you would have theſe Lords, Whom you have ſo abus'd, to plead for you. Seg. Quite contrary, for they are my Abuſers; Yet I do grieve for them, but more for you. To think on all your ſorrows, when too late You'l wiſh for me to ſteer the State. Bert. Pray if you meet that good old Lord Alberto, Now in your exile, ſend him home to us; I'l promiſe him your Honour in the State. All. Ha, ha, ha. Bert. Go from my ſight, and if after three dayes Thou art ſeen in my Dominion, I will give A thouſand crowns to him that brings thy head. See Proclamation ſent to that effect. Celr. I will, and as many Informers after The Proclamation, as there be crowns in't. Come we have ſpoken for you all that we can. Elfr. The Queen's implacable. Bert. Be gone I ſay, Why doſt thou ſtay? S • g. But to applaud your Mercy and Bounty, In that you poſt me from a world of care And give me the wide world for my ſhare. Exit Seg. & Celr. Elk. Your Majeſty has perform'd a point of juſtice Mingled with clemency beyond all preſident. Bert. Enough to give a warning to all ſuch As dare oppoſe their Princes purpoſes; Conduct in now th' Embaſſador of Northumbria. Whilſt I review his Maſters brighter Figure Exit Elkw. Elf. As ardently, (but with more pure affection) As ere did Cynthia her Endimion. Ent. Emb. My Lord, you have attended long, but now I ſhall return that anſwer to your King, That if his love be as you have pretended May well excuſe your ſtay. Tell him this ſtory, A King ſent forth a General to beſiege A never conquered City. The ſiege was long, And no report came back unto the King, How well or ill his Expedition thriv'd; Until his doubtful thoughts had given loſt, His hope oth' City, and his Army both. When he being full of this deſpair, ariv'd Oth' ſuddam his brave General with Victory; Which made his thanks, as was his conqueſt double. You may interpret me my Lord. Emb. If ſo, I am to tell the King he has won your love. Bert. A bluſh may be excus'd in the confeſſion: 'Tis my firſt anſwer to the queſtion: Yes. Emb So from the doubtful darkneſſe of the night, The bluſhing morn Uſhers the cheerful Sun, To give new light and life unto the World: I ſhall revive my King with theſe glad tydings. Bert. You have ſaid well, Let us enform you better, (Talk aſide with him) Elkw. I can but think what old Segebert ſaid Concerning Laws, Cuſtomes and Priveledges. And how this match will change the Government. I fear, how e'er the Laws may go, our Cuſtomes will Be loſt; for he me thinks out-flatters us already. Elfr. He's the Kings Favourite; and has woed ſo well For him, that we may fear he'l wrigle in Twixt him and us, the prime man in her favour. Bert. Let it be ſo. The tenth of the next month I'l be prepar'd to entertain his Highneſs. Firſt to confirm a contract; then as ſoon As he ſhall pleaſe to conſummate our marriage. In the mean time this Figure, which you ſay Reſembles him, as Painters ſkill affords: Indeed it is a ſweet one. (Kiſſes it) Shall be daily My deer companion moſt unſeparably; And when I ſleep it ſhall partake my Pillow. Does he love mine as well d'ye think my Lord? Emb. Juſt with the ſame devotion; If I durſt I would ſay more. Bgrt Nay, ſpeak my Lord, pray ſpeak. Emb. He do's allow't a Table, Waiters and Officers That eat the meat. Bert. Indeed. Elkw. O horrible. Elfr. Nay, We ſhall ne're come near him. Emb. And at night He lodges it perpetually on his boſome. Elkw. We are dunces to him. Emb Here, juſt here; And't pleaſe your Majeſty o'the hearts ſide. ſhrugs Bert. Indeed I am pleas'd. I'l ſtay you but to night, To morrow you ſhall haſten towards the King. And for your ſpeed wear this. Emb. Moſt gracious Queen kiſſes her hand. Exeunt Omnes.
SCEN. II. Enter Segebert, Apthynus, Offa, Mildred. Seg. 'Tis the Queens pleaſure children; I muſt bear it. Off. To Baniſhment, good heaven forbid. And Heaven I hope will not yet ſuffer it. Seg. Whilſt we expect the beſt from Heavens high will, It ſuffers Princes to reward us ill. Yet can I think it ſhakes an angry hand Over my head, for ſome miſdeed of mine, Which I have unrepented let go by. It muſt be ſomething ſure was pleaſure to me. What in the World has moſt delighted me? To love my King and Country, Neighbours, Friends, And ſometimes Enemies. (I'l paſſe o're that) I have done well (though I do not to boaſt it) To ſuccour and relieve all kind of wretches; Poor ſouls that have half deafned me with Prayers, Loud Prayers. They'l miſſe me now; and I Shall have a miſſe of them too. (Let that paſſe) What have I done at home, ſince my Wife died? No Turtle ever kept a widowhood, More ſtrict then I have done. Then for my Children, Offa. Come you hither. Off. My Lord Father. Anth. He might have call'd me firſt, I am the Eldeſt. Seg I am ſure thou'lt anſwer in behal of one. Have I not lov'd thee alwayes? Off. O dear Sir, I am all unworthy to acknowledge half, Half of your pious bounties on a Son, A wretch ſo ill deſerving as my ſelf; Your hand has evermore been open to me, Your bleſſings ſtill more readily have ſhowr'd Upon my head, then I had grace to aſk them. (For to my knowledge I ne're aſk'd bleſſing yet With a good will in all my life; ſome would Do Pennance in the Church with leſſe perplexity.) Seg. I, thou waſt ever an obedient child, Next, you my Daughter. Anth. Then I muſt be laſt. Seg. How have you found my love? Mild Sir, far above my duty. Seg. Do not weep, but ſpeak good child. I have not long to ſtay with yee; my three dayes Will ſcarce afford this hour to bide with you. (Weeps) Mild. Had I no tears nor ſobs to interrupt My flattering Tongue, but had ſpeech as free As the beſt Orator that ſpeaks for fee Could, or durſt I attempt t' expreſs your goodneſs, More then to ſay, 'tis more then I can ſay. Seg. 'Tis a good maid; O Queen thou art too cruel! Mild. But honour'd Father, grant me yet one Bone. Seg. What's that my Girle? Mild. You ſhall know preſently Dries her eyes. Pray give me leave to kneel unto the Queen To try what I can do for your repeal. 'Twere ſhame we ſhould ſit down and loſe you thus. The Queen affects me well. You know ſhe loves me. And promis'd once ſhe would deny me nothing. Seg. For this thou ſhalt not trouble her: beſides You put me well in mind to charge you Daughter, Upon my Bleſſing, go no more to Court. Shun it I charge thee as thou wouldſt my curſe. If you have lovers there whom they call Servants, Do as neat Surgeons do when they have touch'd Loathſome or peſtilent Sores; waſh clean your hands Of all of'em, that are far more infections, And hear me daughter Mildred, I am told The N •… humbrian Embaſſador now at Court, The great Kings greater Favourite made hot love to you. And that he obtained your Picture which he wears, More proud of't then his undeſerved Honours. Let me now charge you further, and obſerve it, Shake off all thoughts of him. Upon the match now He and whole Sholes of upſtart Braveries, Muſt hither needs attend their King. But if Thou marry with him, or any amongſt them, Though the greateſt ſubject that his Maſter has, Thou art divored for ever of my bleſſing. Mild. I will in all obey you. Off. I ſhall look to that Sir. Seg. Enough. Anthynus. Anth. At laſt, yet I am thought on. Seg. Now there reſts Of all my children but you to reſolve me, How you have found my love? Anth. You aſk me laſt Sir I preſume, cauſe you have had me longeſt, To crown their teſtimony. Seg. Yet you ſeem Anthinus, by your leave, the leaſt to know me, But like a ſtranger look upon me when Theſe give me due reſpect. Anth. Leſſe then due I dare not give you; and more were to abuſe you. Though I do not applaud, I muſt approve You are a right good father. Off. Umh. Seg. Yet you ſpeak in this but coldly. Off. No, no, it ſounds not well. But you are wiſe. Anth. I have obſerv'd, but ſpecially at Court, Where flattery is too frequent, the great ſcorn You have ever caſt upon it, and do fear To come within ſuch danger of reproof. Knowing your reaſon may as well deteſt it In your own houſe, as in Kings Pallaces. And when I hear another (my dear Siſter, Heaven know I mean not you) Speak like a flatterer, I hold my peace, And ſo come ſhort of doing what I would, For fear of over-doing. But honour'd Sir, When a Son can be found that dares do more For's Fathers life or honour then my ſelf, I'l forfeit mine inheritance and your bleſſing; So much your love engages me. Off. If this were hearty now, not hollow. Seg. No more, Time calls away apace, and I am ſatisfied Since I muſt undergo the Queens hard cenſure, That it falls not upon me like a curſe, For wronging Crown or Country, Neighbours, Friends, Or you my dearer children. I will take it Not as a puniſhment but bleſſing rather. To be remov'd from miſeries Are like to fall on this unhappy Kingdom. And I will think the Queen has done me favour To caſe me of my cares a thouſand wayes, To make my reſt of life all holidayes. Now take my laſt directions. Son Anthynus. Anth. Son! It is holyday with me to. 'Tis The firſt time he call'd me Son theſe three years. Seg. Though you are eldeſt, and my lawful heir, And muſt be Lord at my deceaſe of all My large Poſſeſſions. Yet it is my will That till my death my Offa have the ſway And government of all, allowing you That yearly ſtipen formerly I gave you. Let me not hear of any grudge betwixt you. And be you both reſpectful of your Siſter, And you of them good Girle. It is decreed That I ſhall never ſee you more. Mild. Ay me. (Cries) Seg. Go get thee in I prithe Mildred, Go in I ſay, thy brothers ſhall a little Shew me my way. Go in, I ſhall not ſpeak elſe, And I have more to ſay to them. Good now go. Mild. O, O, O. Seg. You will not diſobey me? Heaven bleſſe my Girle (go and come again) Mild. But muſt I never ſee you more? Seg. Yes child in Heaven; and then for evermore. Mild. To wait your coming thither I'l afore. Exit. Seg. Thither ſhall be my firſt journey. But after you ſhall ſtill hear from me where e're I wander. Anth. Not I Sir, by your favour. Seg. Why I pray? Anth. I muſt be nearer you. I kneel for't Sir, And humbly pray I may not be denied To wait on you in Exile. Take me with you. Off. Do you not find him? Seg. This is but your ſtoutneſs (Though you ſeem humble unto me) againſt Your brother, becauſe I leave the rule to him. Anth. Far be it from my thoughts dear Sir, conſider He has had that rule already divers years Ere ſince my mother die, and been your darling Heaven knows without my grudge, while you were pleas'd. Off. Heaven knows his thoughts the while alack a day. Anth. I never envied him, though I have found You have ſeverely over look'd my Actions, When you have ſmil'd on his, though but the ſame. I have been ſtill content while I have found my duty firm. Seg. You ſhall along. Anth. You have new begotten me. Off. Sir. Seg. Peace, I know thy fear my deareſt Boy. Off. Does not your blood begin to chil within you? Great heirs are overhaſty Sir, And think their Fathers live too long Pray Sir Take heed of him. Though he ſhould act the Parricide abroad, our laws acquit him. S • g. I'l give my ſelf to Heaven, quit thou thy fear. I am not worth a life. I'l take him hence That thou mayſt be ſecure from bloody ſpite. I fear him not, miſchief has ſpent her ſelfe And left her ſting within me for a charme That quit me from the fear of further harm. Go get thee home, my bleſſing and farewell. Off. Pray Sir excuſe me, I cannot ſpeak for laughing. (aſide) Seg. And farwel Countrey, ſhed not a tear for me; I go to be diſſolv'd in tears for thee.
ACT. II.
SCEN. I. Enter Oſriick the King, Theodrick, Theodwald, Eaufrid, Alfrid, Elelbert, 2. Lords. OSr. Let your diſpatches inſtantly be ſent Through all the Kingdom to incite the people (As many as are mine, or would be thought ſo) To expreſſe with me their joy, for the enjoying Of the ſo long deſired happineſſe, In this our beautious and magnificent Queen. 1. Lor. See that through all the Cities, Towns and Villages, With ſolemn Feaſts, and publique ſign of joy They celebrate a day for theſe glad Tydings. 2. Lor. Poſt every way, that the third day from this The general joy may ſound and ſhine through all The Kingdom. Attend. That's with Bells and Bonefires. 1. & 2. Lor. Goe. Ex. Attendants. Kin. And now my Lords, I muſt require your care To ſet down a fit order for our journey Unto this Queen, to perfect my worlds bliſſe. I would not fail in the leaſt Article Of ſtate or decency in this Affair. Provide ſo that we may in all appear Worthy th'Atchievement of our fair ambition. And let our followers be choſen ſuch Whoſe inward worth no leſſe then outward ſhew May make us glorious in this expedition. Do ſpeedily and effectually good my Lords, The time haſts on. 1. & 2. Lor. Our duty ſhall prevent it. King. Methinks the ſilent Picture ſeems to ſay, 'Tis fit I ſhould anticipate a day, Ex. Lords. Rather then loſe one minute from that light Whoſe very ſhadow is ſo Angel bright. Emb. But when your Highneſs ſhall behold, nay more Shall touch, nay more and nearer ſhall embrace, Nay more and nearer yet, enfold and handle, Nay more and neareſt of all, enjoy The lively (that's too little) heavenly ſubſtance Of this poor imaginary, which is as ſhort, As far inferiour to the life, As a weak ſtar-light to the mid day Sun. King. O do not raviſh me with expectation. This is a way to make each hour untill I ſhall enjoy my bliſſe, a tedious night; Each night a death: Yet can I not deſire To ſhift the Argument off our diſcourſe. Did ſhe appear ſo fair, ſo lovely? Emb. Sir, Suppoſe you ſee a glorious Firmament, Bedek'd with heavenly Stars; ſo ſhines her Court With Ladies might be thought of matchleſſe beauty, Striking meer humane ſight with admiration. Imagine now you ſee break through a Vail Amidſt thoſe Stars, though heavenly leſſer beauties The bright Cynthia in her full of Luſtre. So this no leſſe to be compared Queen, Shines above beauty to an humane eye That is not mix'd with powerful Majeſty. You may behold her your Divinity, My King may comprehend what can befit Me only to confeſſe, I do admire. King. O thou art mine. In ſuch a Queen And ſuch a Servant nev'r was King ſo bleſs'd. But are there in her Court (although inferiour To her more Excellent) ſuch ſpecial Beauties, And in my Theodricks apprehenſion? You have made choice of one then? Emb. I have ſeen One ſo agreeable to my affection Above all the reſt, I cannot but confeſſe I ſtrove to be her Servant. King. Doubtleſſe then She was a fair one. Theodrick, never fear, She is thine own, my ſelf will be thy Spokeſman If ſhe be worthy of thee. Emb. For fair Vertue With all the graces which adorn the mind, In beſt opinion ſhe's unparallel'd By any Subject, Lady, (I muſt ever Allow Supremacy unto the Queen) And for her Perſon, it appears in all Moſt anſwerable to her face. Of which here is Th' exacteſt Copy that I could get drawn, And without flattery, by the Queens own Lymner. King. Pray let me ſee't. Indeed it is a ſweet one. Did he that drew this of the Queen, draw that? Emb. With the ſame hand. King. But not with the ſame colours. Truſt me they're much unlike, He wrongs the Queen And merits her diſpleaſure even to death, T'advance a Servants beauty 'bove her own. Emb. What ſayes your Majeſty? King. Keep off a little, You ſtand juſt in my light. And ſo he does, Twixt me and the prime beauty of the world. But I'l be even with him, and cauſe my Picturer To ſet this Crown upon this head, and then— Fie, what a fancie's this? He will perceive me. But now I note this Forehead, and this Brow, This Eye, this Lip.— (lets fall the other) Emb. You have let fall the Queen Sir. (takes it up) King. I cry her mercy. What a ſhame it is That I ſhould fall in his diſcovery? Are Courts ſo fraught with fraud and flattery? And can a King that governs ſuch profeſſors No whit diſſemble to obſcure his paſſions? I muſt, and thus begin to practice it. Theodrick, didſt thou note my contemplation Over theſe Pictures? Emb. I could but perceive Your Highneſſe viewing them well. And I have learn'd To make no ſearch into my Soveraigns thoughts. King. Thou art ever modeſt. Thus it was Theodrick. (Proteſt it rap't me bove the pitch of Mortals) Firſt to conſider what an abſolute beauty This Queen has in herſelf; but then to gather The circumſtances, many ſuch as this (As thou affirniſt) inferiour • ights to her, That ſhine about her, rendring her more glorious. Lights her above affection, to an height That claims her adoration. Then marvel not That now when this but in Effigy Was but plac'd by her. By which her Majeſty So much the more appear'd, I could not hold This Figure of that all to be commanding beauty When my high thoughts were fled up to her preſence. Now take thy piece of craftſmanſhip again, Which truſt me is a pritty one; whilſt I Devote my ſervice to this Deity. Emb. Sir, you have given me the Queens Picture. King. Ha! What a miſtake was here? But thou art honeſt, And coveteſt but thy own; Take it Theodrick. Now tell me of what houſe or Parentage Your Miſtriſſe is. Emb. I told you firſt her Vertues, Her perſon next, and by this her beauty, Which you are pleas'd to deem not much amiſſe. King. 'Tis ſuch Theodrick that had I not ſeen This ſo much above it (pardon my hypocriſie) I ſhould have envied any man but thee In ſuch a choice. But ſpeak her parentage. Emb. That's all her blemiſh. King. Is ſhe of tainted blood? Emb. You ſearch with Kingly wiſedom. She is daughter To that hold obſtinate Baron I enform'd you of, Whom the Queen in her juſt diſpleaſure baniſh'd. King. Thy love to her may hereafter plead for him. But ſoft, I am not well. Emb. Heaven bleſſe the King. Who waits within there? King. Tarry, let me ſee That Picture once again. It wants exceedingly Of this in many things. Emb. I ſhould want judgement Not to grant that. King. Here it wants palpably The drooping of the brow; and here again The dulneſſe of the Eye, which here ſhews deadly But for a little ſquint it has Good Queen You look a ſquint. Then look you Sir, yours wants. You ſhall not hear me neither, cauſe I will not Spoil your conceit of it. Your Lady wants The furious ſharpneſſe of the noſe, which here My Queen has very ſhrewly. And again, You han't the hanging of the nether lip, Which the beſt Phiſiognomiſts do tell us Shews women apt to luſt, and ſtrong incontinence. Phew, This is all too ſweet for mortal ſenſe, Here, take't again, and keep mine for me with it. Lay'em together, th'one may mend the tother. Emb. I have known women oft marry one another. Their Pictures may perhaps have greater vertue. King. I am not well, what kind of Changeling am I? A wild confuſion rumbles in my brain, My thoughts are all at ſtrife. Emb. How fares your Highneſſe? King. Sick, ſick, Theodrick. Emb. Retire Sir to your Couch. Enter 2. Lords. 1. 2. Lor. Where is my Lord the King. King. Here yet my Lords. Emb. The King's not well. 1. Lor. We have provided for your Highneſſe journey, In ſuch a ſort as never King went forth. King. Whither, to Heaven my Lords? 2. Lor. Yes, to the Queen. Lovers count marriage Heaven before they wed, But afterwards I know what ſome have ſaid. Oh this is your honey moon. Yes, yes, you ſhall to Heaven, your Heaven as you call it, In ſuch a royal manner. See the Order. King. Pray peace. Emb. You do not well to vex the King You ſee he's ſick. 1. Lor. Sick? marry Heaven forbid. 2. Lor. Sick o'the Wife before he has her. Come, a very trothplight qualm, into your Chamber, And at we find you we'l our ſelves beſtir. Emb. Who waits within there? call the Kings Phyſitians. Exeunt omnes.
SCEN. II. A ſhout within, the Muſick, ſound the Bells. Enter 4 Clowns with tools. 1. AND what's the reaſon of all this merry glee? 2. The King, the King man muſt be married. 3. And muſt he have a Wife? 2. A Wife? a Queen man, and all the Wives in her Dominion Muſt be his Commonwealth, and under us. 4. O brave. 2. And we muſt ſon and daughter it upon their Nation. 4. That will be brave indeed. 1. O but where is Jeffrey, jolly Jeffrey now? the prick and praiſe, The very prick and praiſe, and prime Spark of our Pariſh, to ſet our Bonefires and our Mirth a blazing. 3. The Bells a ringing, and the Bowls a trowling, the Fidlers tumbling & Tumbling. O Jeffrey, where art thou Jeffrey? 2. He's at hand I warrant you, he went but to Church E'en now. 4. What, to pray at ſuch a time as this? 2. No but to help to rear the Tennor, and will come Preſently. 3. That's to be born withal. It is indeed a diveliſh Lopheavy Bell. I would the Church-warden that Should have mended it when he robb'd the poor, were Hug'd in's place. 2. There ſaid you well. The Curate could ſay almoſt as much When 'twas. But it makes no matter what he ſaies, I ſee Little amended. 3. Whoop, here comes Jeffrey ſweating in theſe affairs. Ent. Jeffrey. Jeff. The great Bells of our Town, they tingle they tangle, They jingle they jangle, the Tenner of them goes merrily. 4. O Jeffrey, welcome Jeffrey. Jeff. And ſhall we have a Queen? All. So they ſay Jeffrey. O the braveſt Woman! Jeff. Take heed o'that, woman did you ſay? Take heed, I Give you warning. No man muſt know ſhe is a woman But the King himſelf, But a brave Queen ſhe is they ſay, And loves a man with all her heart. Where art O Queen? we'l make thee Such an holy day, as ſhall Juſtle all the working dayes out of our Almanack. It Shall be ſaid that we will work no more till thy Seventh Son, O Queen, who muſt be born a Prophet, ſhall Foretel, the Age to come ſhall not have a true labourer Or honeſt workman in it. 1. So we may make a long holyday indeed. Jeff. Let work no more be thought on, we will revel it out Of remembrance, we will not ceaſe our joy to ſleep, for Fear we dream of work again. Down with your prophane Tools; and Implements of Huſbandry, the very ſight of 'em Diſhonours our new holy day. 1. But Jeffrey, our Maſters grudge to give us wood Enough to make a beaking Bonefire. Jeff. How? 2. They ſay 'tis waſte. Jeff. Not wood to make a Bonefire? Your Sheeplocks, Flayles, Spades, Shovels, Rakes and Pitchforks, ſhall all be made a Bonefire. 2. And ſo we may be ſure to make holy day till. We get new ones. Jeff. The maids ſhall bring their Rocks, their Wheels and Reels, their Tubs, their Pales & Buttocks. 4. Buckets thou wouldſt ſay. Jeff. Where was my mind? Their Buckets ſhall they bring, Waſh-bowls and Butter-churns, Their Buckingtubs, Baſkets and Battle-doors; And all be made a Bonefire for the Queen. 3. My mother will not let her houſe-holdſtuff go ſo. Jeff. We'l burn her for a witch then with all her traſh, And her thatcht manſion too about her Ears, But we will ſhew our zeal unto the Queen In fire ſufficient. All. 4. Ah good Boy. Jeff. Sfoot, if our Maſters do rebel againſt us Now Majeſty's on our ſide, and not give fewel, When we mean to give fire, as duty binds We'l have their Carts by th' arſes, Hardles, Wheelbarrows, The Ploughs and Harrows, and the Whips; Becauſe the Beaſts ſhall play too; only we'l ſpare Their Racks and Mangers. All that's made of wood Belonging to our work beſides, ſhall periſh, Shall periſh, I have ſaid it. Not the Politique Molecatchers ſtaff ſhall ſcape the flame. Not low us wood? we'l drink up all the drink to the Queens health And burn the Hogſheads, Barrels, Kilderkins, Firkins and Rundlets, all to the wooden diſh Shall ſmoak for't in our bonefire for the Queen. All. Good boy again. 1. But where ſhall we make this Houge and monſtrious Bonefire? Jeff. Here, here, juſt here, in this very place, I come to mark The ground, here it ſhall blaze up to the Heavens, and We will roaſt our Town Bull at it, with a thouſand Puddings in his belly. All. 4. Ah good Jeffrey ſtill. Jeff. Nothing too dear to ſignifie our loves to the King and Queen, let us beſtir us therefore, And enact this as a law amongſt us, That He that does not gall his hands to day with. Ringing, ſhall be hang'd up in the bell-rope; And he that is not ſoundly liquor'd by night ſhall Be made fewel for our Bonefire; ſuch dry Raſcals Will burn better then Hereticks. And laſt of all, he that does not keep his wench Waking in the way that we wot of till to morrow milking time, ſhall either be Gelt, or elſe led through the Town by that which Shall be nameleſſe in a cleft ſtick. And ſo God ſave The Queen. 1. And the King to. Jeff. The King we make no doubt of, we have pray'd For him theſe ſeven years. All 4. A Jeffrey, a Jeffrey. Enter a Conſtable and Alfride. Conſt. Whither away my friends? Jeff. To make the braveſt bonefire that ever blaz'd ſince. Troy, or that which the Tyrant Emperor warm'd His hands at. Conſt. You muſt forbear. Jeff. We muſt forbear, what Hebrew's that? We underſtand not what muſt forbear means. Conſt. You muſt forbear to make your Bonefire. Jeff. Muſt? that word had nev'r been nam'd had all been Jeffrey; We muſt forbear to ſet our loves on fire Unto the King, Doſt thou not feel thy ſelf O man what e're thou art, becoming a Traytor? Knowſt thou the words thou ſpeakeſt againſt the King? Conſt. I know what I do ſpeak, and what I am. 1. It is the Conſtable. Conſt. I know my Office too, by vertue whereof I charge you in the Kings name, lay by Your ſports and paſtimes, I'l lay you by the heels elſe. Will you Sir know a reaſon? the King is ſick. Jeff. Then let us drink his health. Conſt. He is ſick exceedingly. Jeff. Then let us drink exceedingly. Conſt. He's ſick even unto death. Jeff. Then let us ring our Bells for that, and make a Funeral Bonefire. Conſt. I ſay no drinking at all, no Bells, nor no Bonefires, It is his Majeſties command, Jeff. I ſay his Majeſties firſt word ſhall ſtand for Bells and Bonefires, Though we ſet the Town a fire, and ring the Bells backwards. Conſt. Ye will not be all hang'd will ye? ſee Here's a Gentleman and a Courtier, that ſo ſignifies his Majeſties pleaſure. Jeff. A Gentleman and a Courtier, where be they? I ſee but one. Alfr. Sir I am both. Jeff. What monſters are bred in Affrica? I take you but For one at moſt; well, for the Gentleman that you Are, thus I ſalute you; Now for the Courtier that Is within you, I muſt wait upon it here; this poſterior poſture did I learn of a Spanniel whoſe name was Courtier. Now let me tell you Maſter Gentleman and Courtier, that we are Sorry that ſickneſſe ſhould make our King and Maſter So fickle headed as to croſſe our ſports thus, that we Meant to have made him ſuch an holyday as might Have prov'd more worth to him than a Wife and Twenty ſickneſſes beſides: Yet can we not be ſo ſorry for his ſickneſs as that it Was his miſhap to play mock holyday with us. Alfr. The King ſhall know your loves, and for your part Maſter Speaker. Jeff. Your Friend and Jeffrey. Alfr. Then Jeffrey be it, I'l promiſe you preferment, if You will up to Court with me. Jeff. Up to the Gallows ſhall I not? Alfr. My life for thine. And thou ſhalt not deny me, Here's Gold in earneſt, take it. The Kings diſeaſe Is melancholy, and thou mayſt do him more good Then a whole Colledge of Phyſitians. Jeff. He takes me for a fool, I'l make a venture on't, The beſt is, many a Fool has thriv'd at Court; and The worſt is, I am not the firſt that has forſaken His Country. I'l along with you Sir, and if I riſe By you, I ſhall quickly learn Courtſhip enough To forget to thank you: And for your parts my Old Friends, what need ſoever you may have of Me, you muſt be ſure I'l be a ſtranger to you. All 4. Wilt thou forſake us Jeffrey? then who ſhall daunce The hobby horſe at our next Revel rout? Jeff. The hobby horſe of preferment gallops me from you; If you chance to ſee me in my rolies hereafter When I come to be the Fool Royal, you may admire my Garments, and whiſper to your acquaintance very ſoftly, That you knew me once, But on your Allegiance look Not that I ſhould know you then. 1. Nay, we are not ſuch Clowns but we have heard that Courtiers in favour will know no body. Jeff. 'Tis true, for when they are in diſgrace the ſillieſt Clown will not know them. Conſt. You were beſt look to your faſt footing then when You are high in favour. Jeff. High in fooling thou wouldſt ſay ſilly Conſtable; yet there's no Great danger. One fool may outſtand ſix favourites. Alfr. Away then as thou art. Jeff. I Sir, I'l take no ſhift with me, I ſhall ſhift The better when I come there. All 4. Well, farewel Jeffrey, thy like will nev'r come here. Jeff. Commend me to all the Laſſes, and let not them, nor Do not you grieve for my departure, nor for The holyday that here is loſt; inſtead of which, that You may haue a new one, I wiſh that one of you, even he That loves me beſt, as ſpeedily as may be would deſerve Hanging, that the reſt may make holyday for him. Sic valete valetote. 1. Now the Dee'l braſt crag of him. 2. He's a right Courtier already. 4. I'm glad he us'd us no better, If he had I ſhould have cried out mine eyes for him. Exeunt omnes.
SCEN. III. Enter Segebert, Anthynus. Seg. 'TWas a miraculus eſcape. Good Heaven Is with me ſtill. I have not heard That any of theſe native Salvages, Theſe home-bred monſters in humanity, Theſe out-laws, theſe deteſted Thieves and Robbers, Have enterpriz'd a villany like this, To ſet with ſuch a violence on men Of our weak ſeeming, poor and needy Pilgrims, When I did offer them to ſhun their blows, All that we had even to our bare apparel Anth. It ſeems their aym was at our blood, not means. And doubtleſſe they were ſome that knew our perſons Through our diſguiſes, and perſu'd us hither With an inveterate malice to deſtroy us In this wild Deſart. Seg. Was it not enough. Thou impious Queen, and more unnatural Country, To baniſh me unjuſtly? but thou muſt Purſue my life by treacherous cruelty? Art thou not hurt at all my Son? Anth. Not touch'd, To the leaſt danger of one drop of blood Seg. They are three ſturdy Knaves and ſtrongly weapon'd. Anth Had they been forty Sir, while I was arm'd By your white Innocence and holy Prayers, Heavens juſtice lent me hands to bear them off. Yet give me leave dear Sir, to aſk you now Why you have bent your Pilgrimage this way? Leading into a country of more danger Unto your life and ſafety, then your own Northumberland, whoſe King cannot but rage In greater heat againſt you then the Queen, That ſo unjuſtly baniſh'd you; you may fall (Though you eſcape the danger of this Forreſt) Into the reach of his revengeful fury. Seg. It was and is my purpoſe to appear In perſon to that King at my lifes price, Which I am no more fond of then my Country Is of my truth. And when I have made known Th' unfitneſs of the march, by the diſhonour Hell run into if he proceed in it; If then he take my life, I am at home, Eternally at home. Anth. But made you none Acquainted that you meant to travel this way? Seg. None But my dear ſon Offa. Anth. Then ſure the Queen Sent her Blood-hounds after you, I perceive They could not be mere Thieves. Seg. Good Angels guard us; They have made head again in greater numbers. Enter Offa diſguis'd and Outlaws. Anth. Take greater courage then. Off. Faint-hearted ſlaves. Muſt I give hire and do the taſk my ſelf? 1. Outl. 'Tis not amiſſe to help for expedition. All. Upon 'em all at once. They fight. Anthynus knock down 1. Outlaw. Offa wounds Segebert in the head, he ſincks. Anthynus diſarms Offa. Offa runs off, whilſt Anthynus ſpeaks. Anth. This ſword thou never handleſt more. Take you it and freſh courage Sir. (Anth. Beats off the other and ſpeaks on.) May you not ceaſe your flight till you reach Hell, That bred ye villans; to purſue ye further Were to neglect a nearer duty. Dear honour'd Sir, look up; Father, how do you? Seg. Even almoſt well I hope. Anth. He means with death, Alas he's deeply wounded and bleeds much. But what do I in this? I have not tears Enough to waſh theſe wounds, although ſome linnen To bind them up. But mearly to bewail him With looks and lamentations is as fruitleſſe As here to leave him languiſhing to death, And run in purſuit of his enemies To work revenge, Neither of theſe bring eaſe. Mount up my thoughts to Heaven then for a bleſſing Upon my ready induſtry, and let each faculty Of mine as prompt to works and prayers be. How is it now Sir? do I not bind it too hard? Pray Sir ſpeak to me. Seg. Offa, oh ſon Offa! Anth. Offa is not here Sir, 'tis I, your ſon Anthynus. Why look you on that ſword ſo? Seg. O ſon Offa! Anth. Pray Sir look on me, I fear his memory fails him. And as his mind was ever on Offa Before unfortunate me; ſo now he gives The merit that belongs (if any be) Due to the duty of a ſon in this From me to him. But envy be thou from me. Why look you on that ſword, and not on me? 'Twas I that wonne it for you. Seg. O Anthynus! Anth. That's well ſaid Sir, ſpeak though but faintly to me, I had rather hear your groans then find you ſpeechleſſe, Better will come I hope. Seg. Help me to riſe. Anth. That's comfortably ſpoken; ſo, well done Like a ſtrong man again. Seg. O I am weak. Anth. Reſt upon me, my ſtrength, my all is yours. Aeneas that true Troian ſon, whoſe fame For piety ever crowns his name Had not a will (although my means be poor) Exceeding mine to anſwer nature more, Well ſaid, that ſtep became you, we ſhall on I ſee apace, give me your ſword, it troubles you. Seg. No, not this ſword. Anth. That's the beſt ſign of all. Keep it and hold it faſt Sir, we will back A little to the Spring we came by, where I'l ſomewhat more accommodate your wounds. Heaven, which mens honeſt pains doth ever bleſſe, Will when we leaſt can hope afford redreſſe. Exeunt. 1. Outl. Oh, oh, ſome help, oh. Enter an Hermit and Servant with a Basket. Herm. Hark, didſt thou not hear a cry? Serv. Of nothing but My guts that cry within me Sir for meat. I hear no other cry, nor have not done. Outl. Oh. Serv. Almoſt theſe 5. years. Herm. Peace thou belly-god, 'twas there again. Serv. It is a belly-divel rather, that has tormented me E're ſince I ſerv'd you under ground hereby. No man Above ground could have faſted like me. Herm. Haſt thou not dayly food thou Caterpiller? Serv. Yes, ſuch as Caterpillers eat; Bloſſomes and Buds, many green growing things, Such as you make your medicines of, and Roots, would I could get Some of the Caterpillers. A diſh of Caterpillers fryed, Let me ſee in what? in Uſurers greaſe, if one Knew where to get it, might ſerve to feaſt an Emperour. But we live out oth' world by Prayer and Faſting. Herm. Thou fareſt as I fare, feedeſt as oft as I. Serv But Sir, there's difference in our exerciſes. If I Could ſpend my time, whole dayes in prayer, as You do, this kind of fare or faſting Rather, would not be ſo bitter to me. Outl. Oh. Herm. Didſt thou not hear it now? Serv. Yes, ſomething like the croaking of a Frog me thought. If it Were one, I would wade up to the waſte for't For my ſupper. Here, here Sir, here 'tis, here's more Work for you. Once a week we are commonly troubled Either to cure or bury one or other, thank the Outlaws, they make us work for nothing here, as if we dwelt Here for the purpoſe, nor do I know other indeed. Herm. Look up man, canſt thou ſpeak? Outl. O no. Serv. There's great hope of recovery, you hear he Sayes he cannot ſpeak. Herm. Canſt thou hold up thy hands, and lift up thine eyes? Serv. He does, he does; hang't he'l do well enough. Herm. Help up his body, then down into my Cave. Serv. And to morrow up with him again, and then down Into a grave. Better let him lie now Sir, You'l ne're do good on him I doubt; He looks So damnably as if the Divel were at my elbow For him. Herm. Peace knave, in charity I'l do my beſt. Heaven hitherto my labours well has bleſs'd. Serv. Nay, had I his weight in Veniſon ſo neer kill'd, and might be allow'd to Eat it; I would aſk no more fleſh while I liv'd. (Here enter Offa and the Outlaws aſſuring him they are dead) Enter Anthynus carrying Segebert in his Arms. Anth. Can no releaſe be had? is this the place, That curſed piece of ground which Nature meant Should be call'd Hell on Earth? where outrage reigns, Murder and cruelty beyond it; deep deſpair To a poor remnant of diſtreſſed life Of al reviving comforts, food, or medicine? Seg. Oh ſet me down. Anth. And muſt we needs be ſet By the malitious ignorance of Fortune On this internal way? Seg. Patience good Son. Anth. Where ill abounds, and every good is wanting, Was't not enough that ſo much blood was ſpilt From this white reverend head, from which hath flow'd Counſels that have preſerv'd the blood of Nations? And fitter now to wear a Diadem It ſelf, then thus be ſtain'd with his own wrong. Had it not been enough to have left him ſo, Thou Tyrant Fortune, but to take away All means of Succour? no relief? no comfort? Seg. Good Son, be not impatient. Anth And ſee, ſee, Accurſed Fate! he bleeds a freſh again, As if his blood I now but waſh'd away Cry'd for the reſt to follow it. Seg. Indeed, Son, this impatience hurts thy ſelf and me. Better let me bleed ſtill (bleeding's an eaſie death) Then thou diſpleaſe the awful power of Heaven, By chiding at the feign'd ones, good take heed. Anth. Me you have juſtly chidden, and I beg Pardon of Heaven and you, and now methinks I am inſpir'd unto a further duty Of ſeeking remedy. I'l leave no way untried To find it, if I may. And though my abſence Will ſore perplex me; I will with your grief Leave you a while to forrage for relief. But firſt pray let me change a ſword with you Sir; Not that I think yours better, but becauſe I fear ſome charm is in't, or ſecret ill Gainſt you, you ſigh ſo when you view it ſtill Seg. Good Son, forbear 't, and me unto my thoughts, Till thou returnſt. Heavens & my bleſſing with thee. Anth. So ſtrengthned I ſhall ſure find remedy To raiſe you out of this calamity. Exit Anthynus. Seg. This ſword Anthynus? no, ſhouldſt rhou but know This ſword as I do, it would raiſe thy Fury Unto an execution of that horror Would ſhake me in my grave: this ſword Which now I cannot but with tears remember, Was once mine own. I gave it to thy Brother, (I will not call him ſo) but to my Son, (Why ſhould I call him ſo?) but to Offa, And ſo I fear I na • e my murtherer. For when I gave it him, I charg'd him never To part with it; he firmly vow'd the ſame, And that whilſt I or he ſhould live, no man Should ever give it motion but himſelf. Wer't thou ſo greedy of my life, my Offa, To ſnatch it from me thus? when as the wounds Thy Parricidial hands has given me, Are not ſo bitter as the wronged thoughts, Though they are deep and overflow their btinks; I have two wounds within me that are deeper, Which have diſcover'd in my heart and bowels A trebbled Spring of deerer blood then this. One pricks me with compaſſion for thee, My good, my charitable, pious Son. All bleſſing due to ſanctimonious vertue Be ever thy companion, till thou art crown'd Mongſt Sons of men the pattern of true Piety. What foul miſtruſts? puddles of jealouſie Were lodg'd in this dark boſome againſt thee? And of affection what a pure ſtream did run By a falſe Current to my ſecond Son? Who by thy truth appears not now thine own. Which makes my other wound, in that ſo long I cheriſh'd him by doing of thee wrong. Now from my heart iſſue two ſtreams of blood, One thick and clotty, th' other clean Vetmilion. In the groſſe blood I vent the wrong conceit I ſwallow'd againſt thee my good Anthynus. And in the cleer I ſee Offa's falſhood may In both my blood runs forth apace. O My thick blood Anthynus be forgiven by thee. And the clear cleanſe my Offa's treachery Oh— (ſincks) Enter H • rmit and Servant. Herm. Didſt thou not heat a groan? a dying groan? Serv. Not I Sir, I heard nothing. Herm. Hark, look about; I am ſure I heard a groan. Ser Here Sir, here's ſomething that perhaps has groand. But it's out of hearing now. Herm. And ſo is pitty amongſt men. Ay me! an old man Murthered! A ſeeming ſimple innocent old man, And yet he holds a ſword. Serv. So, more work ſtill. Whilſt we are gathering Simples to cure one, Here's another J • hn Simple laid in our way to bury. Herm. He is yet warm. Serv. I, but he has no breath, not ſo much I'l undertake as a Scolding wiſe that has been 9. dayes in the grave. Herm. Alas, he's gone indeed; What ruthleſs villains Could have done this on ſuch an aged man, In this ſo harmleſſe habit? Serv. Good maſter, let it warn you; though we have hitherto Paſs'd by theſe man Tygers, theſe wolviſh Outlaws ſafely, early and late, as not Worth their malice. Yet pray Sir now ſince they Begin to kill men of this coat, and theſe years, let us Forſake this Salvage habitation, and live In the world o • meat again. Herm How ill are theſe white hairs beſtain d with red? Methinks I ſhould have known this face. Nothing to wipe The blood off? come, help away with him. Serv. He's holp away, and made away enough already methinks. Herm. Why doſt not lift? Serv. Sure they have blown their ſins into him that kill'd him, He's ſo heavy, he's deadly heavy. Pray Sir let me Fetch my grave inſtruments & your book and beſtow him here. You will not bury him in your Cave I'm ſure. Herm. I ſay I'l have him down; perhaps the wounded Man that's there may know him. Serv. I would I had but this Fellows weight in buttock Beef. Exeunt. Enter Anthynus. Anth. I come my Father, chide not now my ſtay; In which I was more tardy I confeſſe, Then e're I was in duty. I have brought you— Where are you Sir? Ha! this was ſure the place, And this the very Oak at which I leſt him; I mark'd it carefully, and took due heed Even to the number of my ſteps in my Departure, how to make my back return, Nor was my tarriance ſuch, that in that ſpace He could recover ſtrength to ſhift his ground. I wiſh it were ſo well with him. My Lord, My father, what a miſt of doubts ſtand I Amaz'd in? and my unſpeakable amazement Is ſuch, that I begin to call my ſight And memory in queſtion, whither this place? Or whither he? or I? or any thing Be, or be not; good ſenſes do not leave me, My ſearch will be in vain if you forſake me. Father, my Lord! where are you? how? or where? Ecch. Here. Anth. That was well ſaid, ſpeak on. (Ex.) Now where? Ecch. Now here. (Anth. within) Anth. Now here? where is that here? Ecch. Here. (Ent. Anth.) Anth. I hear and follow, but I know not where. Ecch. Here. Anth. At the ſame place again? If there be place, or I know any thing, How is my willingneſs in ſearch deluded? It is the Wood that rings with my complaint, And mocking Eccho makes her merry with it. Curs'd be thy babling, and mayſt thou become A ſport for wanton boys in thy fond anſwers, Or ſtay, perhaps it was ſome gentle Spirit Hovering ith' Air, that ſaw his flight to Heaven, And would direct me thither after him. Good reaſon, leave me not, but give me leave A little to conſider nearer home; Say his diviner part be taken up To thoſe celeſtial joys, where bleſſed ones Find their inheritance of immortality. I cannot think his earthly properties So ſoon could find the paſſage to that height. His body would be here, poor martyr'd body, That though it yet did live, could not part hence Without the help of others legs & hands. And here haunt none, but ſuch whoſe Cruelty Would toſſe him into further miſery. Wild Beaſts, if here were any half ſo ravenous As thoſe inhumane mankind monſters were, (That drew his blood and theſe unuſual tears) Could not devour him all, ſome particle, Some remnant would be left to bleſſe a Son with. But here is none but that too ſure a ſign For me to know the place by, where I left him. Part of the blood I ſaw run ftom him. O Dear hallowed blood inſpire me with this kiſſe To find the fountain whence this ſtream did flow. I will not eat, nor ſleep until I know. No? canſt thou tell me nothing? Then I'l take A Sample of the precious ſtore was ſpilt, To keep me ſtill in memory of the guilt: And of my vow, never to feed or reſt, Until I find him here, or with the bleſt. Exit.
ACT. III. Enter Theodwald, and meet Ethelſwick. Theod. I have not known, nor read, nor heard ſince I Was of diſcretion to know any thing Worthy a mans capacity of the like. Eth. You are well met my Lord. And you as welcome to the Court my Lord, although a ſad one. Eth. Came you now from the King my Lord. Theod. Even now. Eth. How left you him good my Lord? Theod. As the Phyſitians I fear muſt ſhortly do, not knowing what To ſay to him. Eth. Heaven bleſſe the King, is he So dangerouſly ſick? Theod. He's ſick enough To be pray'd for my Lord: Although I cannot properly call it A ſickneſs: I am ſure 'tis a diſeaſe Both to himſelf and all that come about him. I fear he's brain-crack'd, lunatick and Frantick, mad; And all the Doctors almoſt as mad as he, Becauſe they cannot find the cauſe: ſomething They gueſſe afflicts his mind, but of what nature It is, or how the ſtrong conceit may grow They can by no means win or wreſt from him. Such is the obſtinacy of his diſeaſe. Eth. Where is Theodrick then, his boſome Friend, His ſpecial Favourite? He methinks might gain The knowledge of his in moſt thoughts. Theod. 'Tis thought He put theſe wild tormenting thoughts into him. For which the King has baniſh'd him the Court And with a guard upon his perſon ſent him To live confin'd at his houſe. My ſelf and all, The faithful body of the State have mov'd The King for his repeal again to favour. Even we that for theſe two years ſpace have wiſh'd him For good State-reaſons, favourleſſe and headleſſe, Have beg'd for his enlargement that the King Might vent his troubled thoughts into his Breſt, And ſo find way to eaſe: but all in vain, He will not hear of him. Eth. You tell me wonders. But good my Lord, how takes the King his reſt? Theod. Troth as mad mortals do; we cannot tell Whether he ſleeps at all or not. Sometimes He ſeems to ſleep, but then his troubled thoughts Expreſſe themſelves in ſighs, in ſuddain ſtarts, In groans, and ſometimes ſpeech of od confus'd And indigeſted matter; then he leaps From off his bed, calls for his horſe and Armour, Swords, Spears and Battelaxes. But anon Bids all be let alone; and calls for books, Shoffels Divinity and Poetry, Phyloſophy & Hiſtorical together, ſports, And throws all by. Then calls for merry Which e're they be preſented, he forbids, With ſtrong rebukes to all that ſpend their time In any exerciſe but contemplation In ſolitary places; then walks forth Into the Groves and Thickets, charging thoſe That follow him (nor dare they diſobey) To keep aloof at ſuch proportion'd diſtance As he unheard by all may vent his paſſions Unto the Air, the Woods, the Rocks, the Springs. And twice in theſe Retirements have we loſt him In thoſe obſcure Meanders which his melancholy Has led him to; and when much induſtry And care had found him out, 'twas double trouble To wind him and his fancies home again Eth. It is moſt pitiful. Enter Phyſitian. Theod. Now, how does the King? Phyſ. Full now my Lord of a new fancy. He Is now becoming Pilgrim. Eth. A Pilgrim, why? Phyſ. I know not why, nor to what ſhrine, nor do I hold it fit to aſk him; but to give Free way unto his fancy yet a while, In all to pleaſe and play with his infirmity. 'Tis our beſt way to cool Phrenetique humours Before we kill 'em Sir. His Pilgrimage ſhall not be far, though he pretends a long one. He has on his weeds already. And who aſſociates him? Phyſ. Only my ſelf, and his new fool he ſaies. Theo. Good, a fool and a Phyſitian. Phyſ A Phyſitian and a fool you would ſay. The Phyſitian ever Before the fool, my Lord. Theod. And why the fool before my Lord, I pray? Phyſ. Your Lordſhips pardon, we muſt have no Lord Along with us; though I was ſent to enquire If you Lord Ethelſwick were come to Whom the King ſent for. Exit Phyſitian. Theod. Sent the King for you, After your long retirement in the Country? Eth. He did indeed my Lord. Theod. There's ſomething in't then That ſavours not of madneſſe altogether. That having put by your Antagoniſt, The trouble of the Court, his favourite, He ſends for you immediately upon't. Enter King, Jeffrey, Alfride and Edelbert. Here comes our Pilgrim King. King. Stand all apart To be compleatly arm'd from head to foot, Cannot advance the ſpirit of a King Above the power of love, nor to be clad In pooreſt habit of humility Can mortify the leaſt of the deſires That love enflames man with. No outward dreſſe Can change or make affection more or leſſe. I have tried all the wayes I can to conquer Or to humiliate my raging paſſion, Which ſtill grows more predominant ore my reaſon. I find it in my ſelf, and know my error, Though no means to correct it. I do know 'Tis fouly done to ſlight the Queen that loves me. And it was an act no leſſe unprincely To caſt into ſuſpence my friendly ſervant For what tranſgreſſion was't in him to love One fairer then my choice? before he knew My wavering inconſtancy. I know Withal my puniſhment is juſt, how e're My ſufferings make me wiſh it leſs ſevere. For my unjuſt removing of Theod • ick, I loſe all helpful counſel, all relief, That my oreburdend breaking heart cries out for. Into his breſt I could unload my grief, Were it compos'd of ought but his abuſe I muſt not, dare not truſt him with this ſtory, Leſt for redreſſe I meet revenge. Who's there? All. My Lord the King. King. O you are welcome Ethelſwick, I am now To truſt you in a ſerious affair. Eth. My duty binds me to your Highneſſe ſervice. Kiſſes the Kings hand. King. We will walk forth together Ethelſwick. Let none preſume to follow. Not a man Give the leaſt motion this way on your lives. Jeff. not I, neam King? wilt thou not take me with thee? King. Pull the fool off me. Jeff. O but they ſhall not neam, 'tis more then they Can do. 2. Lor. No Sir, we'l try. King Again, I charge you all that none preſume To follow us. Ex. King and Ethe ſwick. Jeff. All? wilt thou leave all thy fools behind thee neam? 1. Lor. All fools, Sir, ſhall be whipt. Jeff. And where will you find wiſe men to whip 'em all? We ſhall make whipping one another ſhortly. Truſt me a trim Court-complement. I am advanc'd To high promotion, am I not? to wear long coats again, And feed on whipping cheer? but hark you Couſin Lord, do you reward fools at Court? 1. Lor. Yes fool, if they deſerve it. Jeff. And is deſert rewarded here too? 1. Lor. Yes. Jeff. Then 'tis deſert gets whipping, and Fooling gets teward. I'l not forſake the Court for that yet, where I hope to Get enough to raiſe half my Country. 2. Lor. By what project I pray thee? Jeff By begging a monopoly, Couſin Lord. You know fools will Alwayes be begging, they are naturally enclin'd to it, Elſe none would be Courtiers. 4. L • r. And what is your monopoly? Jeff I hope the King will give it me, if the Lord that Walk'd with him bring him in again as wiſe as He went out. 3. Lor What is it thou wouldſt beg? Jeff. 'Tis a monopoly of fools my Lords. That the King Would carry no fools with him but of my election, and By my allowance, and that when he comes Back into his own Country, he bring no new Ones from thence, but by the ſame Authority. 1. Lor. And what price or fee will you ſet upon a fools head For his admittance? Jeff. According to the degree, or eſtate, or quality of the fool, Couſin Lord. 2. Lor. This is a covetous and a politique fool. Jeff. Not to politique Couſin Lord, as a Stateſman that paid his Head for his learning, nor ſo covetous as a Churchwarden May be, when I am dead and gone. But as I was A ſaying, I'l uſe my fools according to their quality Or breed. If he be a poor fool, I'l make him pay the more For't. If he be rich, I may be beholding to him another way. If he be a fool natural and poorly horn, he's Sure to pay enough for't. But if he have more breeding Then Capacity, and be a nobly diſcended fool, I'l uſe him The better for your ſakes Couſin Lords, and the rather becauſe I hope you will further my ſuit to the King. And ſo I'l wait his coming in at the back Stairs. Exit 3. Lor. This is a precious Fool. 1. Lor. The King (would his infirmity give leave) Would be delighted in him. 2. Lor. I am glad The King has choſen one yet to impart (I hope) his grief unto. 3. Lor. But is it true, The King ſent for Lord Ethelſwick to Court? 4. Lor. Now in his melancholy, and ſo preſently On the removing of his lov'd Theodrick. 1. Lor. It is moſt true, in which we may obſerve A turn of State. Good Ethelſwick was dear, Dearly belov'd indeed by our late King, And worthily deſerv'd his royal Favour. But with his ſon, our ſoveraign Lord that is, Youthful Theodrick was prime man in grace, And quickly ſhouldred Ethelſwick from Court. Theodrick's abſence now reſignes new place For Ethelſwick to reaſſume the grace. Thus the Court-wheel goes round-like Fortunes ball, One Stateſman riſing on anothers fall. Let's wait the coming of the King my Lord. 3. Lor. We are for the Woods to make a flight or two At the Pheſant Edelberts. 4. Lor. Alfride agreed. Enter Anthynus. Anth. To faſt and watch is duty, and no Penance, When ſuch affairs as mine are in purſuit. How dare I think of meat or ſleep, which are Such hindrances to a devotion Whoſe leaſt neglect would pull down Thunder on me; And to take ſenſe of wearineſs were a ſin Unpardonable. But to have loſt 3. dayes And tedious nights in painful diligence, In ſuch a ſearch as this, for ſuch a father; And now to loſe the hope of finding him Is torment unexpreſſible. Where? which way Shall I make further inquiſition? Yes, I will on to the Northumbrian Court, And make my griefs appear unto the King. My wandring ſteps have almoſt lead me now Unto his Court; where if I may find grace, Nay but humanity, I ſhall prevail To have theſe woods, the dens of barbarous Outlaws, In which I loſt my Father, ſtrictly ſearch'd. (Recorders) Ha! do I hear or dream? is this a ſound, Or is it but my fancy? 'tis the muſick, The muſick of the Spheres that do applaud My purpoſe of proceeding to the King. I'l on; but ſtay; how? what a ſtrange benummedneſſe Aſſails and ſiezes my exteriour parts? And what a Chaos of confuſed thoughts Does my imagination labour with? Till all have wrought themſelves into a lump Of heavineſs, that falls upon mine eyes So ponderouſly that it bows down my head, Begins to curb the motion of my tongue, And lays ſuch weight of dulneſs on my Senſes, That my weak knees are doubling under me. There is ſome charm upon me. Come thou forth Thou ſacred Relique! ſuddainly diſſolve it. I ſleep with deathleſſe; for if thus I fall, My vow falls on me, and ſmites me into Ruine. But who can ſtand againſt the power of Fate? Though we foreknow repentance comes too late Enter ſix Saxon Kings ghoſts crown'd, with Scepters in their hands, &c. They come one after another to Anthynus; then fall into a dance; loud muſick; after the dance, the firſt leads away the ſecond, he the third, ſo all: the laſt takes up Anthynus, and leaves him ſtanding upright. Anth. Am I among the dead? or in what Region Either of Earth or Air? Heaven? Hell? or whither? Or into what am I tranſlated? Am I Alive, or dead, awake, aſleep, a man, Or airy ghoſt? or did I ſee or dream? If now I be awake, and am Anthynus, That griev'd Anthynus who has loſt a Father, Then did I ſee in apparition The ghoſts of our 6. laſt Weſt Saxon Kings, As each ſucceeded other now paſſed by me. Of which the laſt Kenwalcus our late King, And father to the Tyranneſſe that baniſh'd Mine, ſeemed to take me up to his ſucceſſion; It were more idle then a dream can be, For me awake to think it poſſible I ſhould become a King, and of that land From which my father was exild; it muſt Be then a dream. As I have heard of men That ſleeping ſtand, nay walk and talk as I do, At leaſt as I ſuppoſe. Now if I ſleep Not having ſeen my father, I have broke My vow; I'l rather think me dead; then why Was I not bleſt with my dead Fathers ſight? Why was not he with King Kenwalcus now That living lov'd him ſo? O my wild thoughts! You are become a whirlwind in my brain Lifting me up to hurle me down again (Falls.) Enter to him Alfride, Edelbert, and two followers, as from Hawking. Alfr. Go, carry home yout Hawks; they are as good. As er'e made flight. Edel. I would the King had ſeen (His melancholy ſet apart) our princely ſport. Alfr. I hope my good Lord Ethelſwick by this time Has tane the burden of his diſcontent (The cauſe of his ſtrong malady) from his minde. Edel. I rather think the King has loſt him too Among the buſhes, as he did us laſt night Alfr. 'Tis a ſtrange humour in a King; and as Unheard of a diſeaſe that works it in him To hide himſelf in by-Walks, Caves, and Thickets. Edel. We ſhall ſearch hollow Trees, and Crows neſts ſhortly For him, if theſe fits hold him. Alfr. Bleſſe us? look here, Is not this he? a witch could not gueſſe righter Then thou haſt done. Old Ethelſwick has loſt him; And here's the King aſleep. Edel. This is the habit, The Pilgrims weed he went in; has he not Ended his Pilgrimage here? is he not dead? Alfr. No, he is warm; and breathes like health it ſelf. Edel. 'Tis ſo, my Lord, I vow he ſleeps as if All the ſeven ſleepers had tane up their lodging In his phantaſtick brain-pan. Alfr. He has not ſlept We know theſe four nights. Edel. Hear you, my Lord the King. I think he ſleeps for them 4, and 4. more. I'l undertake a drum, or a whole kennel Of ſcolds cannot wake him. Alfr. 'Tis the better for us. Edel. I do conceive you; for we'l take him home, And have him put in bed before he wakes If it be poſſible. (up with him) And there When he has ſlept it out, he will perhaps Be cur'd, and give us anſwerable thanks: If not, and that he be offended for The breach of his command, in coming near him; He ſhall ne're know who did it. Alfr. Be it ſo. Edel. Away then, ſoftly, ſoftly, ſo, ſo, ſoftly. Exeunt with Anthynus aſleep. Enter Kinges though to bed, and Etheſwick King. Now my good Ethelſwick, I have told thee all, By which I find much eaſe, and hope to ſleep: But not to take a thought unto my fancy By my ſoft dreams, but of my beauteous Mildred. Nor will I in ſleep or waking think of any Other adventure, till I do attain The ſight of her, and prithe Ethelſwick Help me, and ſuddainly, in my device How to contrive a journey ſecretly Not with above one or two truſty ſervants To make this bliſſeful viſit. Eth. There are wayes Enough conſiderable, by which yo • r Highneſs May paſſe, and be receiv'd there undiſcovered. Seeming a private Gentleman, or a Pilgrim; But here will riſe the difficulty, how The miſſe of you at home will be receiv'd By your Nobility and doubtful People; Who cannot long, not knowing where you are, But rage in high deſire to ſee your Majeſty. King. For that I'l give command before I go, That no affairs of State or otherwiſe, No not my diet nor Attendants Shall paſſe to me but by your hands; pretending For twenty dayes a ſtudious privacy, To which your ſelf ſhall only have admittance, And take for all that come my Anſwers, Frame you as you think fit; and who ſhall dare To think me from my Cloſet or my Bed, When you avouch me there? As for example, we are now in private, Anſwer you all comers, I am buſie, or aſleep; ſee how they'l take it. (One knocks.) Eth. That tryal is ſoon made; there's one already; Who's there? what's your buſineſſe? Theod. Within. My buſineſſe is to wait upon the King; My Lord, you know me, I am Theodwald Eth. My Lord, the King is private, and deſires to be ſo; And needs now no attendance but mine own. Theod. How fares his Majeſty? Eth. Reaſonable well. Theod. That's well, he was unreaſonable well to day. Good night my Lord; Let the King know I pray I gave attendance. You underſtand Court-ſervice If it be not ith' eye, 'tis half loſt. Eth. Your ſervice my Lord, though the King take it not in At the eye, ſhall have entrance at the next Door, the ear; I'l make it known to him. Good night. Exit Theodwald. King. You ſee how eaſily he's anſwerd now; So will the reſt hereafter when they find It is my pleaſure to be thus retir'd. Eth. Who are you? another knocks within. Phyſ. One that muſt have entrance; the Phyſitian; One that brings the King a Preparative to ſleep. Eth. What is't compos'd of Prayers and meditations? Phyſ. My books yield no ſuch reading. Eth. Nor your Coat any ſuch practice. Phyſ. I come not to be mock'd, but as you tender His Highneſſe reſt, let me approach him preſently. Eth. Good Sir, the King's at reſt already. Phyſ. Not aſleep? Eth. Faſt, faſt, and welcome Mr. Doctor. Phyſ. My Lord, you'l let him know my care I hope. Eth. I'l wake him with it when he has ſlept enough. Phyſ. Believe't my Lord, it was my care that charm'd him. Eth. He had not ſlept this fortnight elſe I warrant. Phyſ. Pray let him know ſo much. Ex. Phyſitian. King. Ha, ha, they all deſire to have their care conſider'd, Although in real act they merit nothing. Eth. How now? what ſawcie Knave is that? (Knock hard, Jeffrey within. Jeff. You are coſen'd Couſin Lord, it is the Fool, Couſin; How does my neam, the King? Eth. Go Fool, follow the Phyſitian, he can tell you. Jeff. I aſk'd my Couſin Doctor already, and he ſaies, My neam King's aſleep. Eth. And would not you be whipt to come to trouble him then? Jeff. No Couſin Lord, I come to ſing him a lullaby Out of the dream of the Divel and Dives, ſhall Make him ſleep till he wakes again, and 't be this month. Eth. Away you Fool, I'l ſet you a going. Jeff. O Lord, O Couſin Lord, I cannot go for running. Eth. This will become a buſineſſe. King. But Ethelſwick, when I have declar'd my pleaſure, As I'l appear, and publikely to morrow, To give command that none upon their lives Shall give you leſſe reſpect in this behalf Then I my ſelf might claim, it will be eaſie. Eth. Again? Knock. Eaufrid within. Eaufr Where are you, my Lord Ethelſwick? Eth. Your pleaſure my Lord Eaufrid. Eauf. May I not ſee the King? Eth. If you dare take my word, the King commands The contrary to all men but my ſelf For this night; to morrow you may know His highneſs further pleaſure. Eauf. May you enjoy This night the greatneſſe of your Office; To morrow if I have a King, I'l ſee and ſpeak with him. Eth. Not if he ſleep my Lord. Eauf. You ſay he ſleeps, Go to, ſleep (quoth a!) yes, perhaps he ſleeps, 'Tis with his Anceſtors I fear. Eth. What ſhall I ſay my Lord? Eauf. I ſay, you do not well, my Lord, to keep Our duties back from's Majeſty, that have As well been truſted—I will keep the reſt: But 'tis not well. Eth. I ſay, that you do worſe, Officiouſly to interrupt his reſt. Eauf. I wiſh his reſt as well as you, my Lord, Nay more: But I will keep the reſt till morning, And ſo joy to the greatneſſe of your Office. Exit. Eth. How thinks your Majeſty of this? How will Such as he is be ſatisfied in your abſence? Knock King. I'l ſchool 'em all. Eth. Yet more? Alf. Edel. My Lord, my Lord. Eth. What would you have? Alf. Open the door, and quickly. Eth. I may not. Edel. But you muſt; 'tis for the King. King. How's that? Alf. Delay not, as you'l anſwer't; The King's here. King. Is the King there? what traytors voice is that? Let 'em appear; (enter) ha! who made you King-makers? Edel. God ſave the King, and bleſſe us all from witchcraft. Alf. We durſt have ſworn we had had him faſt enough here. King. How? Edel. Faſt aſleep Sir, aſleep Sir, look you here. King. Let's ſee your may-game. Alf. Look you my Lord, and judge. Edel. Or if your Majeſty will know your ſelf, (A leſſon which a King ſhould not diſdain To learn) look here, and read the difference, If you can find it. King. Is he ſo like me to your apprehenſion? Eth. I am amaz'd to ſee't; your own eyes, Sir, Cannot in likeneſſe anſwer each the other, More then this Face doth yours; his hands, his legs, All his dimenſions bear the ſame proportion To outward ſeeming as your Royal Perſon. Nature herſelf were ſhe now to behold Her work on both of you, could ſcarce diſtinguiſh By an exterior view, a difference. Where did you find this ſleeper? King. Peace, no more, ne're queſtion that; Cupid has heard my prayers. Who ſaw you take him up? Edel. None but our ſervants, Whom we diſmis'd in the ſame faith that we Were of our ſelves, that 'twas your Majeſty; And as we paſſd the Court none ſaw our carriage, Which we brought thus obſcur'd that none might take Notice of your infirmity. King. 'Twas well done; Be ſecret ſtill; nay, I muſt charge you ſtrongly; And if my power be not a ſpell ſufficient To worke your ſecreſie, I'l take your heads To mine own cuſtody. Both. Sir. King. Nay, I muſt truſt ye; harke you Ethelſwick. Eth. I underſtand your courſe. King. Come, into our bed with him; gently, ſo: Nay Sir, you ſhall have Noble Kingly uſage; Never had ſtranger entertainment like him. I'l give him all I have during his ſtay. Exchange my ſelf with him, and be beholding To him beſides for th' uſe I'l make of him. I'l tell you all within: Love, that has ſent This bleſſing in my way, when I was in So great a ſtreight (I cannot think enough on't) To bring new life unto my fainting hopes, If now I ſerve thee not with ſtrength and ſkill, Remove me as a Rebel to thy will. Exeunt omnes.
ACT. IV.
SCEN. I. Enter Offa, 2. Outlaws. Offa. YOu are ſure they both are dead? 1. Outl Both dead and buried; The Mould is not more dead from which The gold was tane, which we attend for, Then are their corps. 2. Outl. Nor is the Mine ſo deep, As we laid them in grave; not out Of charity, but for our own ſecurity. That none might find or know them. Off. That was well; but are they dead indeed? 1. You ſaw the old one dead before your ſword Fail'd you, and you gave ground. 2. When a mans ſword is tane away, it fails him, And when he runs away, he gives ground in our Language. 1. Then we being two againſt one, we ſoon diſpatched him. 2. Alas he was e'en ſpent before, you ſaw The worſt of him. Off But he's dead to y'are ſure? 1. Dead? ſblood, I have told you threeſcore times They are both dead; ſo is our fellow too, poor Rogue: He bid us take his ſhare betwixt us, and drink it To the health of all the Furies in hell, to uſe Him the more kindly. Will you diſcharge us Sir? we have Waited for our hire, while we have loſt another bargain Of blood worth two on't. Off. They are both dead you ſay? 2. Give us our money Sir, and find 'em you alive, we'l kill 'Em again for nothing; and you or any friend of yours into The bargain if you pleaſe. Off. Stay; let me think. 1. What's the matter? your conſcience ſure is crop-ſick. Off. My conſcience tells me 'twas a bloody buſineſſe, and that To pay the price of their dear blood were to Augment my ſin. 2. Is't come to this?—draw. Off. Nay here's your money Gentlemen, but you muſt ſtoop for't: I dare not look upon the giving of it. 1. If that be all, the ſight of it ſhall never trouble you—oh. they ſink. Off. Ha, ha, ha. You have made my conſcience whole Again with laughing. Why took ye not your money with ye to Drink among the Furies? Ha, ha, ha. D'ye hear my friends? Pray ſtay, take your money; are you ſo Quickly out of hearing? What ſhallow Rogues were Theſe till now? now they are deep enough, men of Profound underſtanding; this Gimcrach I devis'd for Their entertainment; where you ſhall faſt and welcome Gentlemen, till you have tried the concluſion, whether Famine Can break ſtone walls; I am ſure they are thick enough To drown your cries, though they be lowder then the Voice of vengeance. So ends their Scene. Some conſcience now Would aſk me, why haſt thou Diſpatch'd thy Father and thy Brother thus? But mine informs me, I did very well. Your reaſon Sir, replies the ſcrupulous conſcience? Mine roundly anſwers that my brother was Elder then I, and by right to inherit My Fathers fair poſſeſſions, of which I have ſo ſweetly taſted. But your Father By a moſt dear and ſupernatural love Gave you the greater bleſſing; & in time Might have conferr'd all on you by your policy. To this again I anſwer, that my Father, Whoſe dotage meerly & not my deſerts Made him ſo good to me, might in my abſence Have idly grown as fond on tother ſide. For to ſpeak truth, and not to wrong the dead, My b • other was religious, pious, honeſt, And was endued with all theſe unknown gifts Which holy men call vertues; which in the end If they be ſuffer'd to run on will find Double reward, they ſay. His could not be Found here, but in my loſſe, and by my Father. Now if they may be had ith' tother world, I am ſo far from being their hinderance, That I have ſent them both the nigheſt way. Many good reaſons more I could deliver, But that I am prevented. Enter Mildred, Edith. Ed. Ods my pity, Be comforted good Madam, can you think By caſting down your ſelfe to raiſe them up From death again? what? you have yet a Brother May ſtead you for a Father, Huſband, Friend, or what you will. Mild. Gentle Nurſe, forbear me. Off Go prate among the ſervants. Ed. I have a mind to watch you though a little. Off. Y' have heard the news, and mourn for't I perceive, Of the unfortunate ends of our dear Father, And our beloved brother. Mild. E'en drowned in griefe too Brother. Off. Troth I was Sunk over head and ears; but am crept out Of ſorrows lake e'en dropping dry, as they ſay; And have done what I can to ſhake it off. And would now counſel thee, my beauteous Siſter, To cleer thoſe looks again, that only can Revive my drooping heart, we only are Left now to be each others comforter. I have made known my love to you. Mild. O my brother, That knowledge is a grief of no leſſe horror, Then was the bloody news that pierc'd my heart. Mention that love no more, nor call it love, Which is but foul deſire. Off. Peace, hear but this, D'you think it is not love? would I deſire You in that neereſt kind, if I not lov'd you? Mild. What? love a Siſter ſo? are you a man? Off. Sure I do hope ſo, and that you ſhall find it. Mild. Can you unto your ſhame ſeek my diſhonour? To damn us both, in that abhorred way Which by avoyding, man is beſt diſtinguiſh'd From the moſt brutiſh beaſts. Off Peace again. Mild. I cannot, may not peace, nor ſuffer word Importing ſuch a purpoſe pierce mine ears. Twice have I beaten back your monſtrous luſt, (Could I but call it luſt, it were too much Though in a Monarch to my Virgin honour; But in you beaſtly Inceſt) and before I'l live in danger of one offer more, I'l die by mine own hand. Off. You ſhall not rob Me ſo of my revenge, if you deny me. And 'tis another argument of my love, If't pleaſe you to collect it, that you have liv'd Till now, ſtill obſtinate. But be you warn'd And take withal to your conſideration Your provident Father, and your valiant Brother, (Whom you ſo priz'd above me) are not now To overſee or ſide you. Mild. He indeed Was a moſt vertuous Brother. Off. Therefore take This for your lateſt warning; This night to meet me in my full deſires, In your as free embraces, or pale death. Go clear your eyes, and think on't; but be ſure You think to do withal as I command you. I'l pitch thee headlong into Hell elſe. Come, I know thou wilt affect me; can there be A neerer or more requiſite love indeed Then the ſweet mixture of a Brother and Siſter? Well ſaid, there was a bluſhing ſmile, that gave me Thy full conſent; O thou wilt raviſh me. Mild. Pray, let me think a little. Off. Prithe do. Mild. H'as taught me to diſſemble; Heaven that knows My thoughts are chaſte and pure, will pardon me I hope, if to preſerve my life and him From greater ſin, I uſe a little of The art too too much practic'd among women, Of ſmooth hypocriſie. I know his heart is bloody; And he may be too ſuddain, if I win not Time on him, by ſome ſubtiler ſhift to wave His foul attempts, untill I get free Out of this gripe to uſe my liberty. Off. What ſaies my Siſter now? Mild. My Lord and brother. Off I marry, this begins well. Mild. That I love Your noble perſon, nay am taken with it, With more then ſiſterly affection, is A truth no way to be diſſembled; you Already like a well read ſcholler find it, In Cupids love-letters my friend, my maiden bluſhes. Off. This has ſome ſound in't. Mild. But when I conſider, What ſcandal, or what too neer Affinity In noble blood, and the Nobility of our houſe, (Unfit to fall within the centre of the Law, Or the conſtructions of mens ruder manners) May caſt upon us. Off. Stay my lovely Mildred; What? or whoſe eye, or thought, ſhall glance at us? Whilſt we in ſafeſt privacy enjoy The bliſſe of mutual pleaſure. Mild. It is yet Too intricate a doubt for me to find A reſolution in. But my ſweet Lord, (Oh that I could not call you Brother) then I would be nearer to you then a Siſter. So eager and ſo equal is my love With yours; if you pleaſe but to give me time, But one weeks liberty, to frame my ſelf Obedient to your will in all, I now Will give you a faithful pledge to render The ſatisfaction you demand. Off. A week; what pledge? Mild. A loving kiſſe. Off. You could not name a better, Short of the further happineſſe I covet. Give me't. Mild. But you ſhall ſwear by't that you will not Abridge my liberty, nor urge your ſuit Further theſe ſeven dayes. Off. By this kiſſe I ſwear. Mild. My patience never bought a kiſs ſo dear. But keep your vow. Off. Well, well, I'l do my beſt. Mild. He's not yet perfect, you muſt ſtrive my love, To curb your hot deſires, as I do mine. I could my ſelf dwell ever on your lips, Never out go the circle of your arms. Could I but hope to be your wife. But O, What I have promis'd you, I muſt allow At the time limited; till then urge it not. For take my vow with yours, if you dare break it, I dare to kill my ſelf; and by that time, If I not yield my ſelf unto your will, My life is yours either to ſave or kill. Off. Go, th'art a noble wench, enjoy thy liberty. Enter Edith. Ed. I have enough, liſtning is good ſometimes. Good Heaven! who would have thought it? ſtay, Let me not be too haſty. Off. Yet I fear, I ſhall hardly hold out a week; 'Tis a great while believe't in ſuch a caſe As this, for one to forbear his own Siſter, That has ſo good a mind to't. And perhaps This may be cunning in her to delude me. Were not I better take her by ſurpriſe, In a ſoft ſleep to night? ſure I ſhall keep her From killing of her ſelf, till I be ſatisfied. And then if ſhe be weary of her life, I may be kind enough to help her out on't; Becauſe ſhe ſayes ſhe loves me. Out you Beldame, How in the name of Lucifer cam'ſt thou hither? Ed. O my good Lord, I do beſeech your Honour, Forbear your fury; I have ſuch a buſineſs. Off. To eaveſdrop have you not? I am not ſafe, Unleſſe I kill this Witch. Ed. My Lord, my Lord, You are the Lord that I do look to live by. And if I die my Lord, you loſe the knowledge Of ſuch a ſecret. Off. Pox upon your ſecret. Ed. 'Tis ſuch a privity. Off. Hell take your privity. Ed. You will repent in Hell my Lord, if you or I Should leave the world before you know the thing That I can open to you; which when I have unfolded, Kill me if you pleaſe. I did but watch occaſion To find you private to reveal it to you. Off. Will you be brief then? Ed. Thus it is my Lord, My Lord, your Father's dead. Off. And what of that? Ed So is your elder Brother. Off. So they ſay forſooth. Ed. But are you ſure th'are dead? Off. I • ear this jade Has overheard me. Ed. For d'ye ſee my Lord, I would not in their life time have diſclos'd This hidden matter for a whole worlds good. And thus it is, your Father and your Brother Being dead, Heaven reſt their ſouls. Off. Whats that to me? Ed. Nothing my Lord, but now comes that concerns you; Your Father and your Brother being gone, (Heaven reſt their ſouls) there I begin. Off. You began there before, if that be the beginning, Your for ever world without end We ſhall never come at it. Ed. Now that concerns you; You think you have a Siſter. Off. Do I but think ſo? Ed. No truly my good Lord, you do but think ſo. Off. Is Mildred dead? has ſhe deſtroy'd herſelf? Now ſince ſhe left me here, to ſpight my love. Ed. You hear me not ſay ſo, I ſaw her not Since I left both of you together here. Off. Unfold your riddle Sphinx, I'l dig it elſe Out of your rotten belly. What's your meaning? Ed. Mildred is not your Siſter. Off. How? not my Siſter? Ed. Not your own natural Siſter. Off. Becauſe ſhe is unnatural; didſt thou but know What a poor eaſie requeſt ſhe deny'd me Thou wouldſt ſay ſhe were unnatural indeed. Ed. I mean, ſhe was not born of the ſame mother, Nor got by the ſame father that you were. Off. Speak that again; make but that good, I'l Saint thee. Ed. My Lord, I can and will maintain it, I, Not only for ſome wrong ſhe did me lately, Nor for the good my Lord that you may do me, Though all the eſtates your own when ſhe's diſcarded; But to let truth appear, which has been long A burden, and an heavy burden, though I ſay't; And ſo will any woman ſay, 'tis to keep councel So many years together as I have done, I had much a doe to keep it in, I wis, In my good old Lords dayes. Lord how he lov'd her! But few men know their children, that's the truth on't; And let that go. Off I, quickly to the point. Ed. The point is this, I lov'd my old Lord well; Therefore was loth to grieve him; and I lov'd My good old Lady better; therefore I kept Her councel to this hour: You now are all That's left of'em; and whom ſhould I love now But your ſweet ſelf my Lord? I'l tell you all: This Mildred, whom you ſo long call'd Siſter, Was not your Fathers, nor your Mothers child; But in the abſence of your Father, when Sixteen years ſince he was ſent by the King Upon an embaſſie, your mother then with child, By ſad miſchance brought forth a ſtill born babe; At the ſame time a Lady nobly born Whoſe huſband was in Exile, brought forth this, This Lady Mildred. Off. Then ſhe is nobly born? Ed. Yes, and by womans ſlight, of which this is Not firſt example, th' Infants were exchang'd; Becauſe your loving father might find joy In a fair daughter at his home-return. Off. Canſt thou prove this? Ed. If in three dayes I do not Make it appear moſt plain to you, multiply Your wrath upon me. Off. Do ſo; and doſt hear? I'l never call old woman witch hereafter What e're I think. We may be married now, And Mildreds love may freely anſwer mine. We now may ſafely mix, and to't again, Strange ſtrong events are labouring in my brain. Come you with me. Exeunt ambo. Enter Ethelſwick, and Edelbert. Eth. What fury has poſſeſs'd 'em? all our art, And the Kings policy will be prevented, By the brain-giddineſs of theſe wilful Lords. Edel. We have no way my Lord, but to give way Unto their violent rage, & quit the Court. Eth. And ſince we can make good our place no longer, Poſt after our King Maſter, & leave them. With their new King at home here, that's as mad As they. Edel. And madder too; I cannot wonder More what he is, then at the fate that ſent him. Enter Theodwald, Eaufride, Guard, Phyſitian, 2. Attendants. Theod. My Lord, both in the King and States behalf, In which you may excuſe us. Eauf. Sh't, ſh't, let him take it How he or will or dare, we have agreed. The body of the Council have decreed it You muſt depart the Court. Eth. Muſt? Eauf. Muſt and ſhall, You and your trim conſederate; you have had The rule here over your Ruler, till you have made him Wild, frantick, mad, and us too; God forgive me For ſaying ſo, almoſt as mad as he; I hope it is no treaſon. Edel. No, cauſe you ſaid almoſt; But had you ſaid you had been full as mad, You had paſs'd a Subjects boldneſſe. Eauf. Take 'em hence; Thruſt 'em out oth' Court. Theod. Nay, without violence. Eth. Well my Lord, when we ſee the King in's wits, We'l tell him of our uſage, that he may thank you. Eauf. In the mean time go travel on adventures, Whilſt we do our indeavour to amend What you have marr'd by ſcrewing the Kings brain Into the nick of Order once again. (Put forth a bed, Anthynus on it bound) See, ſee, my Lord, how they have kept him dark, Manacl'd and bound on's bed? was ever King Us'd thus? for pities ſake unbind him quickly. Anth. What Fiends or Fairies are ye? Phyſ. Let his paſſion A little vent it ſelf, e're you unbind him. Anth. What? new tormentors? or into what way Of further miſchief do ye mean to throw me? Theod. We come to bring your Highneſſe comfort. Anth. Highneſſe? Have you that mockery for me too? I told The reſt that ſlav'd me with that attribute, From whence I came, who, what I was, and all The ſtory of my fathers wrongs, and mine (Too many ever to have been, but heaven Mark'd 'em out for us) and I told 'em too What I had undertane by Watching, Faſting, Prayers too (unfit to boaſt of) with the Induſtry I practic'd to have found my wounded Father. For which (as though I durſt have faith in merits) They mock'd me with the title of a King, And bound me here as they thought to believe it. 'Tis a new way of puniſhment; and were due To one that thought his duty meritorious. But I will break theſe Gives, and with my teeth Tear off theſe manacles. Phyſ. O do not ſtrive my Liege. Anth. Thy Liege, Dog-leech? are you at that garb too? I wiſh I had one finger looſe to fillip out Thy brains and ſkill together for the Ratcatchers. Phyſ. He thinks my ſkull's made but of urinal mettal. Theod Be patient Sir. Anth. Sir, yet may be endured. Eauf Have but a little patience, we'l unlooſe you. Anth. A grave perſwaſion to a man that's tied to't. Humb, humb, humb. Eauf. Beſhrew their heards that us'd him thus to vex him. How do you like him Doctor? Theod. Did you mark His talk of wrongs, and of a wounded Father? And how he will not hear of being a King? Phyſ. I, all, all, I know all; ſuch fancies fall Naturally into this diſeaſe, which now Is almoſt a wild Phrenſie, that will ſeldome Suffer the Patient think himſelf to be The perſon that he is; nor oftentimes the Creature, But ſome four-footed Beaſt, or feather'd Fowl: But could I faſten but a ſlumber on him, Which muſt be the firſt entrance to my work. Anth. Have you concluded yet your barbarous councel? If not, take my advice with ye: call the King, The King with whoſe authority you ſcorn me; Let him but hear (for you will never tell him) From my own lips how willingly I'l give My voice unto his marriage; and I'm ſure He'l ſet me free; at leaſt by death. Eauf. Alas, What King? what freedome would you have? You are our King, and ſhall command your freedom, And all our lives, would you but ſleep a while. Anth. Sleep? make no doubt of that; look, I can ſleep, With as much eaſe as one bound in a Cart, Driving to execution. But do you hear? My vow was not to ſleep nor eat untill I had perform'd a work, which I ſhall never, Never accompliſh, now my vow is broken. For they by witchcraft charm'd me into ſleep, And tempted me with meat at unawares, Before my ſleep-drown'd ſenſes were collected; And put me on theſe unknown garments here, With an hayl Maſter; ſo betray'd me into This irkſome folly, or this fooliſh thraldome. Theod. 'Twas a raſh vow, and ſo well broke; you now Shall be releas'd: unbind him at my peril. Theſe rigorous courſes have done hurt upon him; We have provided otherwiſe to pleaſe you; For we have call'd Theodrick home again Your Favourite, whoſe abſence was a grief to you; Nay more, becauſe 'tis thought your languiſhing love Bred your diſtemper, we have taken care For haſtning of your marriage; your fair Queen Is ſent for, and at hand to eaſe your ſorrow. Anth. My Favourite, and my Queen! leave theſe abuſes; My hands and feet are now at liberty (Strikes and kicks.) Theod. So is our duty, and if your Majeſty Will tread our due allegiance into duſt, We are prepar'd to ſuffer. Anth. Would to heaven, I could unfold this myſtery. Eauf. See my Lord, Theodrick is come. Ent. Theodrick. Theodr. Moſt gracious Sir, That I have ſuffred under your diſpleaſure, In being barr'd your preſence, which no leſſe Then the all cheering Sun gave life to me, Was not ſo much my grief, as not to know What my tranſgreſſion was; and let me now Implore your mercy ſo far as to name it; Which if I cannot cleer me of, I'l loſe my life, and willingly. Anth. If I could think this ſerious, 'twere enough Almoſt to turn my ſorrows into laughter. Theodr. O turn not from me royal Sir, t' augment Your Highneſſe diſpleaſure; but in caſe you will not Be pleas'd to name my treſpaſſe, give me leave To ſpeak what I ſuppoſe has troubled you, And caus'd me cauſeleſly to be ſuſpended. Enter Genius whiſpering him. Anth. I feel a ſecret inſtigation in me, I hope by ſome good Angel that inclines me, At laſt to yield a little to theſe men. What wouldſt thou ſay? Theodr. My Lords, and all forbear The preſence; never fear, all ſhall be well. Theodw. Heaven grant it. Eauf. Was not this my policy, To ſend for him? more, was it not my wit To faſhion letters as with's own hand To fetch the Queen? you'l ſee more at her coming. Exeunt all but Theodrick, Anthy. Theodr. May't pleaſe you now but to review theſe Pictures. Anth. Good memory help me; this is of the Queen, The cruel Queen that baniſh'd my good Father; And this the lively Image of my Siſter. Theodr. Now may it pleaſe your grace to recollect, How when I told you this was my fair Miſtreſſe, Your paſſion firſt ſiez'd on you; and pardon Royal Sir, If I have ſince conjectured my tranſgreſſion Was meerly this, that I lov'd one ſo fair, I dare not yet ſay fairer then your choice. But freely thus, to expiate my treſpaſſe, As I reſign the Picture, I give up All intereſt in her perſon, never more Beyond your free conſent to ſee that Beauty. Anth. I have found all the error, and am taught By hidden inſpiration to make uſe on't. (Genius ſhall whiſpers him.) Give me freſh rayment, I'l take all upon me (Their Crown if they will give it) yet me thinks This is ſo like a dream—where elſe can be King Oſriick all this while, that he comes not To throw me out of this uſurped right? Strange and new thoughts poſſeſſe me. (Gen. whiſpers) Now I call To mind the viſion that I had of being Call'd to the Throne of the weſt Saxons Kings. It muſt be by this Queen, whom how to love I cannot find. My Genius promps me, yes I hear it now, as by an Angel ſpoke. And that my vow was raſhly made, well broke; I am confirm'd, & come ſhe I am for her. (puts on Hat, Feather, and Cloke) ex. Genius. Well ſaid Theodrick; (Theodrick is his name?) How do I look Theodrick? Theodr. I can find But little change, which I allow to ſickneſſe. Anth. Well ſaid, thou never flattereſt. Enter Jeffrey winding an Horn. Jeff. News, neam King, news, news; News that will make thee well, beeſt thou never ſo ſick. News that beeſt thou never ſo well, will make thee ſick. News that will make thee mad, beeſt thou never ſo tame. News that beeſt thou never ſo mad, will make thee tame. Anth. What's thy news? Jeff. A wife, a wife, a wife can do all this. The Queen is come, and all my Couſin Lords Are gone to fetch her in in pompe: Oh ho, Knight me, oh Knight me quickly for my news. Theodr. Away you fool. Jeff. Away you Favourite. Hinder me not unleſſe I propheſie, Kings, Fools and Favourites never ſhall agree. And many years after we are in our graves, Fools ſhall be Knights, and Favourites ſhall be—known From black Sheep, I propheſie. Oh ho, ſhe comes, ſhe comes; now neam King, Bear up ſtiff before and meet her. Here's a day, And a night towards indeed. Oh ho, the houſe, Begins to reel already, and all our brains turn Round; oh ho. Enter Ʋſhers bare, Kelriick and Elkwin, Theodwald and Eaufride, a Cardinal, the Queen, two Ladies bearing up her Train, Followers, the Queen Bertha kneels, Anthynus as King takes her up; kiſſes her; they confer; the four Lords ſalute and confer; Theodwald and Eaufride give their ſuppoſed Kings hand to the Cardinal. Kelriick and Elkwin give their Queens hand to the Cardinal; the Cardinal joyns their hands, Anthynus and Bertha kiſſe; all the Lords embrace; the Exeunt in ſtate as before. Jeff. Oh what a night will here be? what a night will here be? What a beaſt am I? that I have not at leaſt half A ſcore of my wholeſome Countrey Laſſes with child now, That forty weeks hence the Queen might have her Choice of Nurſes; there had been a thriving way to raiſe My fortunes indeed. Oh what a night will here be! Exit.
ACT. V.
SCEN. I. Enter Mildred, Offa. Mild HElp, help, oh help. Off. Your cries will be in vain. 'Tis not in the power of any fleſh but yours, To allay, or to prevent my heat of blood. Mild. O you diviner powers that ordain'd chaſtity To be a vertue, lend your ſtrength to guard it. Off Thy cries ſhall be as fruitleſs as thy life If thou offend'ſt me with 'em; hear but this Impertinently peeviſh maid, and tremble But to conceive a diſobedient thought Againſt my will. Canſt thou without my favour, Be better then a begger? Mild. Yet a begger Is better then a Whore. Off. How canſt thou judge That knowſt not what is either? let a wench That knows what's what, or has been both, maintain it; But this is from the purpoſe; I am ſo far From caſting of thee off to be a begger, As I intend to make thee my rich equal, And not a Whore, but wife; you know your Nurſe Has undertaken to find it lawful for us To marry; and canſt thou with modeſty Deny me preſent pleaſure, that within theſe three dayes Shall confer honour on thee for thy life? Mild. Would you firſt ſpoil my honor to repair it? Off. 'Tis mine when I contract for't. Mild. Not before Our Covenant is paſs'd; that is, the Prieſt Has joyn'd our hearts and hands. Off. By this account, A man backs not his Horſe before he's paid for't; Nor puts his noſe into a houſe before He buyes the Leaſe on't; leave your preciſe folly, Madam formality; force me not to force thee, Yield with that very breath thou now draweſt in, Or it returns thy laſt. Enter Edith. Ed. My Lord, my Lord. Off. This Witch or Divel haunts me. Ed. O my Lord, I told you late a wonder; I bring now A miracle, a miracle. Off. What with a miſchief? Ed. Your Brother is ſurviv'd from death again; My Lord Anthynus is come home and ſafe, The Heavens be prais'd. Mild. O grant that it be true. Off. Out Hag. Ed. Nay, run me in as far as you can if I lie; Up to the Hilts if I lie. Off. What canſt thou mean by this? Ed. Nay, what he means I knew not, for he denies his name, Sayes he is not Anthynus, but a Northumbrian Gentleman; And deſires conference with my Lady Mildred From the fine Lord was here (what call you him?) The Kings great Favourite; But if I am I, If you are you, if any thing be any thing, It is Anthynus. Ex. Mildred. Ex. Edith. Off. Go you to your Chamber, And be not ſeen I charge you. Let him enter, But firſt ſend in my ſervants. I did miſtruſt he liv'd; O thoſe falſe Villains, That fac'd me down they kill'd him, may they be A year a famiſhing. Have you tricks Anthynus? How can he thinke, though he diſguis'd his name Or Countrey, that we ſhould not know his perſon? What ſhould his aim or drift be? ſtay, perhaps He does ſuſpect I was in the action Againſt my fathers life and his, & thinks him dead, So ſteals upon me thus as his own ghoſt, To terrifie my conſcience, ſhallow, ſhallow; But I'l ſo fit him; It is moſt evidently he. Enter Oſriick, Alfride, four Servants, at the other d • or Arnold. Oſr. My Lord, how e're Some of your ſervants are pleas'd to make themſelves Merry with a pretended knowledge of me, I do preſume your honour cannot know me. Off. From one ſo falſe never came clearer truth. Oſr. What means your honour? Off. It is true, my honour Cannot, nay, dares not know thee for a Brother, Although mine eyes through tears of grief and anger, Diſcern the monſter I have often call'd ſo. Off. This is moſt ſtrange. Off. Look that he come not near me; Perfidious Parricide, haſt thou kill'd my Father? Deſtroy'd the life that gave thee life? and now Seek'ſt by ſurprize to take mine too? Oſr. Pray hear me. Off. Upon him all at once, hew him in pieces; I'l bear you out in't; he has kill'd your Lord. Oſr. Forbear your outrage. Alfr. Give us leave to ſpeak. Off Villains, are they to be obey'd or I? Arn. My Lord, your judgement is too raſh upon them. Fellows forbear, and forbear you my Lord, You ſhall not ſo heap blood upon your head; I lov'd my Lord your father, and do prize His blood and memory, as becomes a Servant Of the beſt rank: And if at moſt and worſt My Lord Anthynus here ſtand guilty of His fathers death, you muſt not be his Judge, Nor we his Executioners. Off. Are you Become my maſter, you old Ruffian? Arn. No, Your Servant Sir, but ſubject to the Law; The Law that muſt determine this mans cauſe, Not you, nor we, what ever he deſerves. And till he ſhall be cenſur'd by that law We'l find a Priſon for him. Serv. I, to Priſon with him. Oſr. Will you but hear yet how you are miſtaken? Arn. Pray heaven we be, as you may clear your ſelf; That's all the harm we wiſh you; this muſt be Your courſe my Lord; would you heap blood upon you? Alfr. Let me but ſpeak a word. Arn. As we go twenty. Off. Away with 'em. Exeunt. I could have lik'd the other ſhorter way Much better; but my knaves will have it thus, Yet not to wrong 'em, ſimple honeſty May be in ſuch ſometimes as well as me. Exit. Enter Carpenter, Maſon, Smith, in Divels halits; two dark Lanthorus, a Pickaxe and a Rope, with an Engine faſtned to a Poſt, and a bunch of Picklocks. Maſ. Prethee tread ſoftly yet a little further, And we are ſafe. Smi. Hark, heard ye nothing? whiſt. Carp. I never knew Thieves ſo timerous as you are. Can we expect a booty without boldneſſe? Beſides, have we not ſhapes if we were ſpyed, Able to fright better Believers then My politick Lord oth' houſe here. Maſ. Hark prethee. Carp. All's ſure I warrant thee. Smi. I pray it prove ſo. Carp. Pray on I prethee; prayers become this coat, Like ſwearing in a Surpliſſe; tuſh, they are all, All the whole houſe aſleep, and I heard nothing As we paſs'd through it, but uſuall ſleepy ſounds, Puffing and blowing, ſhorting farting and ſuch like. Yes, I cry mercy, as we paſs'd by the Butlers chamber, I heard his bed crackle ſhrewdly, and I doubt, The Dary-maid and he were jumbling of A Poſſet together. Come, now we are ſafely arriv'd at the Fountain of our hopes, the well of comfort. Smith, lay Down your Picklocks, they have done well their office in our paſſage hither. Maſon, Advance your Pickaxe, whilſt the Carpenter ſquares out Our new work; now for the honour of Artificers; here, here, Here is the Trap-door, the mouth of the rich mine, which We'l make bold to open. And let men of our Occupations Learn the way that many grow rich by, and No body knows how they come by their wealth. That Is, when they make ſuch concavities as theſe, for Rich men to hide their treaſure in, that they Make alſo a privy way for themſelves to come and Take a ſhare on't. Maſ. This covetous Lord by this time has laid in An unknown deal of wealth, I warrant you. Smi. But we'l not take away too much at once. Carp. No, we'l but piddle; we'l not take above A thouſand pounds to night. (opens) So, I'l go down; And when I ſhake the rope, then crane me up again; give me one of The Lanthorns: So, ſo, ſo, let me down handſomely; I'l warrant you money, the Divel and all before day yet. Smi. Nay, if we get off clear but with a thouſand pound Amongſt us, it will ſerve for drinking Money till we come for more. Maſ. This money will come luckily for a better purpoſe. I have three baſtards at nurſe and a fourth in the Paniers. The rope ſtirs; pull luſtily, this pull for a Thouſand pound. (Outlaw comes up) Smi. I fear 'tis light gold, methinks he does not weigh So heavy as he went down. Comrade, what haſt thou Brought? what ail'ſt thou? canſt not ſpeak? I hope thou Wert not frighted. 1. Outl. O help! where am I? drawn from one hell into another? ha! Maſ. Come, leave your fooling, what money have you? 1. Outl. Had I the price of Kingdoms I'd give all But for one bit of meat; but I have none. Smi. Slid, he would coſen us; how do you look when you lie? Oh me! Maſ. What aileſt thou? Smi. This is not he; it is a gaſtly ſpirit. 1. Outl. What? are you men? Maſ. Yes, but we have play'd the Divels, till we have Got a ſpirit betwixt us. 1. Outl. If you be men, help me to food, a little food. Maſ. What art thou that canſt look thus Piepeckt, Crowtrod, or Sparrow-blaſted? ha! 1. Outl. O, I am pin'd with hunger. Maſ. Here, ſtay thy ſtomach; there's a cruſt I brought To ſtop the open mouth of the Maſtive, if he had flown at us. Carp. O pull, pull away. Smi. There he is now I am ſure. Carp. I ſhall be devour'd elſe. Maſ. Whats the matter Fellow? Carp. Take his teeth out o' me, I cannot tell you elſe. (Pull up Carp. an Outl. hanging on him) Maſ. O Cannibal! wilt thou eat a Carpenter? 2. Outl. O meat, meat, if you be men. Maſ. No, we are Divels; but hare's another cruſt for thee What e're thou art; we have play'd the Thieves to Very good purpoſe. Carp. He has gnaw'd a piece of my Flank out with's teeth; And miſs'd very narrowly certain members of more moment, They'd have gone down glib with him; now in the Divels name, what are ye? Smi. Until their cruſts be done they cannot tell us. Maſ. Come, I do ſuſpect the ſubtilty of this cruel politick Lord; would we were well out on's houſe. No noiſe my Maſters, and we'l bring you to meat enough; and then We'l hear your ſtory, and tell our own; a word more Here, may coſt all our lives. Smith. Take up your tools and lead the way. Enter Mildred and Edith. Smi. Come, ſoftly, ſoftly then. Mild. I will away this night. Maſ. Peace, hark. Ed. But Madam. Mil. Had you the only Tongue of all perſwaſion, So much I prize my life, & honour more, I would not miſſe this opportunity For all that you could ſay. Smi. Are not theſe Sprites? Carp. No evil ones I'l warrant, they are ſo white; Hark a little more. Ed. To night he's troubled 'bout Anthynus coming, So that he will not think of luſt or wantonneſſe. Mild. That trouble keeps him waking; and I fear Will rather ſpur him forwards then withhold him. Smi. They talk methinks; but I cannot hear what For ſhaking. Carp. Take heed thou doſt not jingle thy Picklocks,; ſlid, They'l ring up the houſe like a larum bell. Ed. Well, ſince you are ſo reſolute, would we were out of the Houſe once, if we be taken, 'tis not the price of A million of Maiden-heads, as the market goes, can ſave Our lives. Carp. Good, I have found what ſprites they be. They Muſt needs be the wenches that I ſuſpected were in The Butlers chamber, and made the ſtiff ſtanding bedſtead that I ſet up but laſt week, crack like a wicker chair. Ah Rogues! I heard ye. Ed. Oh me! we are undone and taken. Maſ. I'm glad 'tis no worſe. Carp. Peace, if you have a mind to ſcape out oth' houſe alive. Mild. Come Nurſe, my fear is over, if they be Men, and bring us out oth' houſe, They cannot be ſo dangerous as he I ſcap'd. Carp. Did he ſo put thee to't, my little Buſtlepate? what a ſtout blade's this Butler? Mil. Theſe are good Fellows Nurſe. Carp. Yes faith, and fear you nothing for all our diveliſh Outſides; if we ſcape out o' the houſe, you ſ • ape, and If we fail, our necks are ſure to hang by't; and ſo On there afore once more in the name of darkneſſe. Off. If my attempt now fail, may my repulſe Strike luſt for ever out of countenance. (Ent. Offa, light and Dagger.) It is decreed ſhe ſleeps with me or death 1. Outl. S'death, it is he. 2. Outl. Let us fall to and beat him. Carp. As you can hope for meat again, or life, Look big, and uſe no words; and ſo glide by. Off. The night, the place, her fate, and my deſire, Do all conſpire unto my wiſh'd advantage. And ſo I come coy Damoſel. (Hide the women under their habits, and ſo Exeunt all but Offa.) Ha? how? why? where? who? or what can you or I be? They are all gone, and I am tottering left Upon an Earthquake; gentle, holla, holla, Set not too hard old Ops, thou'lt ſhake thy rider, Through thy chinky wrinkles into Limbo. I ſhall ſinke piecemeal if thou trot ſo hard. So, ſo, ſo, Holla, holla, gentle earth. Open not here, not near that part of thee That has but now diſgorg'd thoſe famiſh'd ghoſts, That with the Furies would have beckned me Along to hell with'em; ſo, let me down, I muſt not follow yet, but ſleep and think upon't. I will come time enough you need not fear. But firſt creep back to bed, as nothing were. Enter Oſriick, Ethelſwick, Edelred, Alfride. Oſr. You have told me wonders, which have pierc'd my ſoul With horror and amazement; yet I muſt confeſſe, In all that I am like to ſuffer, heaven is juſt, Whilſt wrath my wilfulneſſe has pull'd upon me; Yet pardon, ſince thou gav'ſt me that affection That wandred with me in this oblique courſe, This unquoth way, with which I have not ſtray'd Further then love might lead an humane frailty. Eth. You do conſider well, my Lord, and we Beſeech you ſtrive to counter-check theſe croſſes Still with your Kingly reaſon. Oſr. Yes, and fall upon our preſent buſineſſe; there you find me Out of a ſpacious Kingdom of mine own, Shut in a narrow Priſon; whilſt the brother Of her, whoſe love I came to ſeck, has married The Queen I might have had; before I have ſeen His Siſter; there was a quick expedition. Eth. My Lord, for that before you leſt the Court In your ſuppos'd diſtraction; the ore-buſie Lords Eaufride and Theodwald, out of ſtrong conceit The ſight of her would cure you, feign'd your letters Which fetch'd the Queen; then baniſh'd us the Courth, Before we could take notice; we had been Strong Traitors elſe to let that match go forwards. Nor heard we of it until now the Poſt That brings the news oth' Kings and Queens approach Arriv'd here in the City. Oſr. All think him then their King ſtill? Eth. Yes, yes, and though he told us who he was; The overwiſe Lords imputed that to his madneſſe. Oſr. It ſeems he was not ſo mad, but he could take The Queen into my bed. Eth. Where ſhe lik'd him ſo well That ſhe now brings him home unto her own. Still thinking him your perſon. Oſr. Whilſt I lie here for his, Accus'd of Parricide; but I will not Reveal my ſelf till trial. (Ent. Mildred) Now all my ſufferings are turn'd into delightful recreations. Faireſt of Virgins welcome; marvail not That at firſt ſight I knew you, when my heart Wears the Impreſſion of your Portraiture; And all my intellectual faculties Bow to no other object but your beauty. Mild. O Sir, lay by this high diſſimulation; For though I find you now are not my brother. Oſr. Lo ye, ſhe knows I am not Anthynus. Her vertue like the Sun will clear the miſt Of error we were loſt in. Mild. Not Anthynus? Yes, the bright Sun diſcovers not a truth More evident then that you are Anthynus Nor ever ſhin'd on man I lov'd ſo well, Or hop'd to marry, ſince you are not my brother. Oſr. I underſtand not this. Mild. Indeed I came To tell you ſo, and could you clear your hand Of the foul ſtain of blood you are accus'd of, Were I ſole monarcheſs of all this Iſland, I'd kneel to beg a brides place in your bed. Oſr. If I can clear my ſelf? Mild. Nay, mark me further; If you clear not your ſelf, I'l not outlive you, To call to mind the man that I ſo lov'd, Butcher'd his Father; though he were not mine, I lov'd him as a father; oh good heaven! How good? how reverend a man was he? Oſr. Weep not, but hear me; or hear me though you weep; I am not Anthynus. Mild. I may ſay as well, I do not love you. Oſr. I never had an hand In blood of any man. Mild. Prove that, I am yours. Oſr. Fetch me a Prieſt. Edel. I ſaw one i'th next room Drinking and ſinging catches with ſome Priſoners. Ed. Withhold your hands, Anthynus now again, Fair Lady, is your brother. Mild. Why did you mock me then? Ed. To ſave you from your brother Offa's luſt, I feign'd that you were not his Siſter; In hope to marry you, he might forbear His diveliſh purpoſe. Mild. Now I am loſt for ever, In being the Daughter of a murder'd Father, And made uncapable of you in marriage. Oſr. Yet hear me, and be comforted. Mild. O me! Ed. Hark my Lord Anthynus. Oſr. I do not know that name. Ed. Go to, go to; nor you do not remember How I behav'd my ſelf upon the eating of Spurging Comfects, that your Brother Offa gave me, And laid the fault on you; pray Jove, I ſay, this murder Be no more his fault then yours. A ſhout within. Enter Keeper. Oſr. Hark, the wide world abroad is fill'd with joy, And muſt we only be ſhut from it? now. Keep. My Lord Anthynus. Oſr. Still muſt I be Anthynus? Keep. You are call'd unto your Trial. Oſr. Who are my Judges? Keep. Thoſe that are bribe-free I dare warrant 'em. It may perhaps go ſomewhat the harder with you; For nothing but white innocence can quit you, Pray heaven you hav't about you; even the King And Queen, the Queen and King I ſhould have ſaid, For ſhe's our Soveraign, 'tis her Law muſt do it. Oſr. What King do you mean then? Keep. King Oſriick; you know nothing. Oſr. Yes, I know him as well as he knows himſelf. Keep. Take heed Sir what you ſay. Oſr. I fear him not, But am as good as he; now carry me for ſomething. Mild. O pray take heed. Keep. How? Mild. Peace, he did not ſay ſo. Keep. Slid, he's as mad as his brother Offa. Oſr. Is Offa mad? Keep. O quite beſides himſelf, and talks the ſtranglieſt Of his fathers murder, your running away And the deſire he has to hang his brother here; And then he is haunted with ſprites too, they ſay; You will know all anon; will you go my Lord? Oſr. Yes, will you be ſo kind as to ſee my Trial? Mild. Indeed I muſt not leave you. Keep. 'Tis a kinde part indeed, and may become A Siſter; like the wiſe that would not leave Her huſband till ſhe ſaw him totter. Set the beſt foot forward, and the beſt face You can, my Lord, upon the buſineſſe. Exeunt. Hoboys. Enter Theodwald and Eaufride, Kelrick and Elkwin, Theodrick, Anthynus and Bertha. Omn. Long live King Oſriick and Queen Bertha. Anth. I joyn with ye in your wiſhes for the Queen; And wiſh well to King Oſriick as a ſtranger. Omn. How's this? Anth. But will no longer perſonate him; For now be it known to you that I am no Oſriick; But he that warns you call me ſo no more. Bert. What means my love? Anth. Nay, Madam, 'tis moſt ſerious. Kelr. Elkw. Bleſſe us! Theodw. He's madder now then e're he was. Eauf. I am at my wits end too; if marriage Will not tame him, I know not what to ſay to't. Anth. I have told you truth, and your fair grace can witneſſe How violently I was thrown upon the fortune, I thank thoſe provident Lords, againſt my vow. Bert. I take it as the providence of Heaven; And from the Son of that moſt injur'd Father, Whom now in my joys ſtrength I could ſhed tears for. I yield you are my head, and I your handmaid. (She ſets him down, and kneels; he takes her up.) Eauf. So, ſo, a few nights trial has got her liking For ever faſt enough; what notable old Cockſcombs Have we been made? nay, made ourſelves indeed. Anth. Now further know, my Lords, I am Anthynus, The Son of that old honeſt Lord, 'gainſt whom Your ſulphurous malice kindled the Queens anger. Elkw. Who'l have an head now for an half penny? Kelr. And for tother two Tokens mine into the Bargain. Enter Keeper, with Oſriick, Ethelſwick, Edith, Alfride, Edelred, Guard. Keep. Make way there for the Priſoner. Eauf. See King Oſriick. Theodw. I, this is our King indeed. Theodr. O let me waſh your feet Sir with my tears. Oſr. Thy treſpaſſe is thine honour my Theodrick. And I muſt thank your care my Lords, as it deſerves, Your over-reaching care to give my Dignity As much as in you lay unto another. And for your betters counterfeit in my name, By which the Queen is mock'd into a marriage. Theodw. That was your policy, your wit, my Lord. Eauf. A ſhame on't. would I were hang'd, that I Might hear no more on't. Bert. Fair Sir, the Queen is pleas'd, and hopes you are In her that's ſo much fairer in your thoughts, Anth My Siſter Mildred. Oſr. Yet, my noble Brother, She ſtands in fortune equal with your ſelf, In being mine. Anth. But not great Sir, untill You are acquitted of my fathers murder. Oſr. I am clear of that, as I am not Anthynus. Anthynus is accus'd, not Oſriick Sir, Your father is required at your hands. Bert. Ha! Arn. But his accuſer reads another leſſon Now Madam. Offa brought bound in a Chair. Off. Whither do you hurry me! If I muſt anſwer't give me yet ſome time, To make proviſion of befitting Preſents, To ſupply the hard hands of my ſtern Judges, Into a tender feeling of my cauſe: I know what Eacus loves, what Min •… likes, And what will make grave Radam •… thus run. Anth. He is diſtracted. Arn. Yes, and ſpeaks hainous things Againſt himſelf, both of my Lords murder, And an intended rape againſt his Siſter. Anth. Inceſtuous monſter! Off. Hark, how the Divel lies; I have no Siſter. Ed. How he's poſſeſs'd Of that ſtrange error? I muſt ſatisfie you; That was meerly feign'd by me to ſave her honour From his outragious luſt. Arn. But here comes that Clears all at once. Welcome my honour'd Lords. (Enter Segebert, Alberto, Jeff, Outlaw.) Jeff. A boon, a boon, my gratious Liege. Arn Hold your peace fool. Seg. My Son Anthynus living? Oſr. You are my Father in your Daughters-right. Seg. My bleſſing on my Girle. Oſr. But ſee Anthynus at a greater height. Anth. My Father. Bert. And my Father noble Sir. Your pardon, and for ever welcome. Seg. If this were real now, and not a Dream! Jeff. Come, leave your fooling, hear a wiſe man ſpeak: Great King according unto thy beheſt With Knights adventurers I went in queſt, Through the Woods and Forreſts wild To ſcoure the Dens of Outlaws vild; Whence theſe old men, this Knave I bring Together with this Starveling; Whom I preſent not dead, but quick Unto thy grace King Oſriick. Arn. Look this way fool, This is King Oſriick man. Jeff. Whoſe fool am I then? Oſr. Mine. Mild. And mine. Anth. Mine. Bert. And mine. Jeff. Whoop, hold a little, beſt let me be every bodies fool Round about the houſe. But amongſt you all, let me not loſe reward; I muſt not fool for nought; the times are hard. Oſr. Still the fool's covetous. Bert. I ow thee a juſt reward, for I proclaim'd To him that brought this man alive or dead A thouſand crowns; but ſince 〈…〉 ſo fortunate To bring him home alive and well recover'd Out of ſuch danger— Jeff. I ſhall have nothing ſhall I? Bert. I'l double thy reward, give thee two thouſand crows. Jeff. It is enough in conſcience; who bids more? For till you are out-bidden, I'l be your fool. But can you tell whoſe Favourite you are then? Theodr Where I was firſt, I'l ever wiſh to be. Oſr. And I'l be thine Theodrick; for thou in this Haſt above favour ſhewn me unto bliſſe. Seg. I have perform'd your Majeſties command, Though not in ſending, yet in bringing home My baniſh'd friend, Lord Alberto, the preſerver Of my now happy life. Bert. It ſhall be to his honour; welcome Alberto. Outl. Oh what an heavenly ſmell of meat is here! Seg. All the unhappineſs I now can ſee Is but an argument of tears for thee, In whom I'm juſtly puniſh'd. Anth. Take him hence From my grieved fathers ſight. Seg. And pray let care Be had for his recovery; his ſenſes may Bring a new ſoul into him, for which I pray. Off. What am I freed? Arn. Yes, yes, my Lord, all's well. Off. I knew my bribes would do it. Jeff. I'l off with him, for 'tis unknown to you What good a fool may on a mad man do. Ex. Arn. Offa, Jeffrey. Seg. This ſword was evidence enough againſt him; But here's one of the Outlaws that confeſs'd it; For whom, ſince he is penitent, I beg pardon. Mild. The other two his fellows are both extant: For whom together with three theeviſh workmen That were ſtrong inſtruments in my delivery, Let me beg mercy. Anth. I have heard of them that robb'd my brothers Jewel-houſe. 'Tis a day of grace, And we are taught by heavens abundant mercy Shewn upon us beyond our expectation, To imitate that goodneſſe. Bert. I forgive All on my part. Oſr. I pardon all on mine. Bert. And now right royal Sir, let me entreat For former love, to make our laſt compleat, You will be pleas'd a month with us to ſtay In triumphs to commemorate this day. Oſr. Next to my ſum of happineſſe my Bride, I ſhould have ſought that honour, royal Siſter. Anth. Thus through tempeſtuous ſighs and ſhowres of tears Joy at the laſt more cheerfully appears. Exeunt.
RIC. BROME. Deus dedit his quoque Finem. FINIS.