BEssus, the KING has made a fayre hand on't, has ended the warres at a blow, would my sword had a close basket hilt to hold wine, and the blade would make kniues, for we shall haue nothing but eating and drinking.

We that are commanders shall doe well enough.

Faith Bes. such cōmanders as thou may, I had as liue set thee Perdue for a pudding yth darke, as Alexander the great.

I loue these iests exceedingly.

I thinke thou lou'st them better then quarrelling Bess [...]s, He say so much ythy behalfe, and yet thou art valiant enough vpon a retreate, I thinke thou wouldst kill any man that stopt thee, and thou couldst.

But was not this a braue combate Mardonius?

Why, didst thou see't?

You stood with me.

I did so, but me thought thou wi [...]kst euery blowe they strake.

Well, I beleeue there are better Souldiers then I, that ne [...]er saw two Princes fight in lists.

By my troth I thinke so too Bessus, many a thousand, but c [...]rtenly all that are worse then thou [...]aue [...]eene as much.

T was brauel [...] done of our King.

[Page 2]

Yes, if he had not ended the warres, I am glad thou darst talke of such dangerous businesses.

To take a Prince prisoner in the heart of his owne Countrey in single combate.

See how thy bloud cruddles at this, I thinke thou wouldst be contented to be beaten in this passion.

Shall I tell you trulie.

I.

I could willingly venter for it.

Vm, no venter neither good Bessus.

Let me not li [...]e, if I doe not thinke it is a brauer peece of seruice, then that [...]me so fam'd for.

VVhy art thou famd for any valour?

I fam'd, I, I warrant you.

I am verie heartily glad on't. I haue beene with thee euer since thou cam'st ath' warres, and this is the first word that euer I heard on't, prethee who fames thee?

The Christian world.

Tis heathenishly done of them, in my conscience thou deferu'st it not.

Yes, I ha done good seruice.

I doe not know how thou maist waite of a man in's Chamber, or thy agilitie in shifting a trencher, but otherwise no seruice good Bessus.

You saw me doe the seruice your selfe.

Not so hastie sweet Bessus, where was it, is the place vanisht.

At Bessus desperate redemption.

Bessus desperate redemption, wher's that.

There where I redeemd the day, the place beares my name.

Prethee who christned it.

The Souldier:

If I were not a very meerely dispos'd man, what would become of thee: one that had but a graine of coller in the whole composition of his body would send thee of an arrand to the wormes, for putting thy name vpon that field: did not I beat thee there yth head, a'th troupes with a trun­chion, because thou wouldst needs run away with thy com­pany, [Page 3] when we should charge the enemie.

True, but I did not runne.

Right Bessus, I beat thee out on't.

But came not I vp when the day was gone, and re­deem'd all?

Thou knowst, and so doe I, thou mean'st to flie, and thy feare making thee mistake, thou ranst vpon the enemie, and a hot charge thou gau'st, as Ile doe thee right, thou art surious in running away, and I thinke we owe thy feare for our victorie. If I were the King, and were sure thou wouldst mistake alwayes, and runne away vppon the enemie, thou shouldst be Generall by this light.

Youle neuer leaue this till I fall foule.

No more such words deare Bessus: for though I haue euer knowne thee a coward, and therefore durst neuer strike thee; yet if thou proceedst, I will allow thee valiant, and beate thee.

Come, come, our King's a braue fellow.

He is so Bessus, I wonder how thou com'st to know it: But if thou wert a man of vnderstanding, I would tell thee he is vain-glorious, and humble, and angrie, and patient, and merrie, and dull, and ioyfull, and sorrowfull, in extreamities in an houre: Doe not thinke mee thy friend for this, for if I car'd who knew it, thou shouldst not heare it Bessus: here hee is with the prey in his foote.

In deede this is none?

So you doe:

Its pitty that valour should be thus drunke.

And yet you Conquered him?

[Page 7]

And please your Maiesty I was afraid at first.

When wert thou other?

Of what?

That you would not haue spide your best aduantages, for your Maiesty in my opinion lay too high me thinkes, vn­der fauour, you should haue laine thus.

Like a Taylor at a vvake.

And then, ift please your Maiesty to remember, at one time, by my Troth, I wisht my selfe with you.

By my Troth thou wouldst haue sunke vm both out oth lifts.

vvhat to doe?

To put your Maiesty in mind of an occasion; you lay thus, and Tigranes falsified a blow at your leg, which you by doing thus auoided; but if you had whipt vp your leg thus, and reacht him on th'eare, you had made the bloud runne abouts head.

vvhat contry-fence-schoole didst thou learn that at?

Puft, did I not take him nobly?

VVhy you did, and you haue talkt enough on't.

Ha ha ha.

So please your,

May it please,

I hope your Maiesty,

An't please your Maiesty:

Truth will offend you.

[Page 9]

Content.

Must we goe?

I know not.

Sir.

[Page 10]

Sir, shall I speake?

But will you heare mee out?

Sir, that I haue euer loued you, my sword hath spo­ken for me, that I doe, if it bee doubted, I dare call an oath a­great one to my witnesse: and were you not my King, from amongst men, I should haue chose you out to loue aboue the rest:nor can this challenge thanks: for my own sake I should haue doted, because I would haue lou'd the most deseruing man, for so you are.

Sir, you did promise you would heare me out.

Though you haue al this worth, you hold som qualities that doe eclipse your vertues.

Eclipse my vertue [...]?

Yes your passions, which are so manifold, that they appeare euen in this: when I commend you, you hug mee for that truth: when I speak of your faults, you make a start, and flie the hearing: but,

How euer you will vse me after, yet for your owne promise sake heare me the rest.

vvould you but leaue these hasty tempers, which I doe not say take from you all your worth, but darken vm, then you would shine indeede.

Well.

Yet I would haue you keepe some passions, least men should take you for a god, your vertues are such.

Why now you flatter.

I neuer vnderstood the word, were you no King, & free from these wilde moodes, should I chuse a companion for wit and pleasure, it should bee you, or for honest▪ to en­terchange my bos [...]me with, it would be you; or wisdome to to giue me counsel, I would pick out you: or vallor to defend my reputation, still I would find out you, for you are fit to fight for all the vvorld, if it could come in question: Now I haue spoke, consider to your selfe, finde out a vse? if so, then what shall fall to mee is not materiall.

vvhy 'tis no matter Sir:

vvhy at the taking of a Towne.

vvench, they res [...]ect not mee, Ime old and rough, and euery limbe about mee, but that which should growes stiffer: lth those businesses I may sweare I am t [...]uely honest: for I pay iustly for what I take, and would bee glad to be at a certainty.

vvhy doe the wenches incroch vpon thee?

I by this light doe they.

Didst thou sit at an old rent with vm?

Ye [...] faith.

And doe they im [...]rooue themselues?

I, ten shillings to mee, euery new yong fellow they come aequainted with.

How canst liue on't?

Why I thinke I must petition to you.

Thou shalt take vm vp at my price.

Your price?

I at the Kings price.

That may be more then I am worth.

Is he not merry now?

I thinke not.

[Page 13]

He is, he is, weele shew our selues.

Bessus I thought you had beene in Iberia by this, bad you [...] ha [...]te▪ Gobrias will want entertainment for me.

An't please your Maiest [...]e I haue a sute.

Ist not lowsie Bessus, what i [...]t?

I am to carrie a Lady with me.

Then thou hast two sutes.

And if I can preferre her to the Ladie Panthan your Maiesties sister, to learne fashions as her friends terme it, it will be worth something to me.

So many nights lodgings as tis thither, will not?

I know not that, but gold I shall be sure of.

Why thou shalt bid her entertaine her from mee, so thou wilt resolue me one thing.

Jf I can.

Faith tis a very disputable question, yet I thinke thou canst decide it▪

Your Maiestie has a good opinion of my vnderstan­ding.

I haue so good an opinion of it: 'tis whether thou be valiant.

Some bodie has tradust me to you: doe you see this sword Sir?

Yes.

If I doe not make my back-biters eate it to a knife within this weeke, say I am not valiant.

Health to your Maiestie.

From Gobrias?

Yes Sir.

How does he, is he well?

In perfect health.

The King starts backe.

His blood goes backe as fast:

And now it comes againe.

He alters strangely.

[Page 14]

This is strange, Sir, how doe you?

Mardonius my mother:

Is shee dead?

I nere saw such sudden extremities.

Yet doe thy best.

VVhat is your Maiestie readie?

There is the Ladie Captaine.

Sweet Ladie by your leaue, I could wish my selfe more full of Courtship for your faire sake.

Sir I shall find no want of that.

Lady, you must haste, I haue receiued new letters from the King, that requires more speed then I expected he [Page 17] will follow me suddenly himselfe, and beginnes to call for your Maiestie alreadie.

He shall not doe so long.

Sweet Ladie shall I call you my charge hereafter?

I will not take vpon me to gouerne your tongue Sir, you shall call me what you please:

Actus Secundus Scena Prima.

I know it is not:

Yet you make it so.

Why, is not all that's past beyond your helpe?

I know it is.

I know it would not.

I thinke we should.

The King?

My Lo d Protector, they say there are diuers Letters come from Armenia that Bessus has done good seruice, and brought againe a day by his particular valour: receiu'd you any to that effect?

Yes, tis most certaine.

Ime sorrie fort, not that the day was wonne, but that twas wonne by him; wee held him here a coward, hee did me wrong once, at which I laught, and so did all the world: for, nor I, nor any other held time worth my Sword.

Health to my Lord Protector, from the King these Letters, and to your grace Madam these:

How does his Maiestie?

As well as conquest by his owne meanes, and his va­liant commanders can make him▪ your letters will tel you all.

As the rest of vs that fought are:

But howes that, is he hurt?

Hees a strange Souldier that gets not a knock,

I doe not aske how strange that Souldier is That gets no hurt; but whether he haue one?

He had diuers.

And is he well againe?

VVell againe, ant please your grace; why I was run twice through the bodie, and shot ith head with a crosse ar­row, and yet am well againe.

I doe not care how thou dost, is he well?

Not care how I doe, let a man out of the mightinesse [Page 20] of his spirit fructifie forraigne Countries with his bloud for the good of his owne, and thus he shall be answered: why, I may liue to relieue with speare and shield such a Ladie di­stressed.

Why, I will care, I am glad that thou art well; I prethee is he so?

The King is well, and will be here to morrow.

My prayers are heard; now I will open mine.

I thanke him

I will.

Madam, let what will beate, I must tell truth, and thus it was: They fought single in lists but one to one, as for my own part I was dangerouslie hurt but three dayes before, else perhaps wee had beene two to two; I cannot tell, some thought wee had; and the occasion of my hurt was this, the enemie had made trenches.

Captaine, without the manner of your hurt be much materiall to this businesse, weele heare it some other time.

I will, but 'twould be worth your hearing: To the lists they came, and single sword and gauntlet was their fight.

[Page 21]

Alas.

Without the lists there stood some dozen Captaines of either side mingled, all which were sworne, and one of those was I: and twas my chance to stand nee [...]e a Captaine of the Enemies side, called Tiribasus; valiant they said he was: whilst these two Kings were stretching themselues, this Tiri­basus cast something a scornefull looke on mee, and askt mee whom I thought would ouercome: I smilde, and told him, if hee would fight with me, he should perceiue by the euent of that whose King would winne; something hee answered, and a scuffle was like to grow, when one Zipetus offerd to helpe him: I—

Why yes, Ile tell your Grace; they were not to fight till the word giuen, which for my owne part by my troth I was not to giue.

See, for his owne part.

I feare yet this fellowe's abusd with a good report.

I, but I:

Still of himselfe.

Cride, giue the word, when as some of them saide Ti­granes was stooping, but the word was not giuen then: when one Cosro [...]s of the enemi [...]s part held vp his finger to me, which is as much with vs Marshallists, as I will fight with you: I said not a word, nor made signe during the combate; but that once done.

He slips ore all the fight.

I cald him to me, Cosros said I:

I will heare no more.

No, no, Ilie.

I dare be sworne thou dost.

Captaine said I, twas so.

I tell thee, I will heare no further.

No, your Grace will wish you had.

An't please your Grace this is shee: Charge will [Page 22] you come neerer the Princes?

Thalestris.

Madam, I dare passe my word for her truth.

My truth.

Why Captaine, doe you thinke I am afraid sheele steale?

I cannot tell, seruants are slipperie; but I dare giue my word for her, and for her honestie: shee came along with me, and many fauours shee did me by the way; but by this light none but what shee might doe with modestie, to a man of my ranke.

Why Captaine, heres no body thinkes otherwise.

Nay, if you should, your Grace may thinke your plea­sure; but I am sure I brought her from Armenia, and in all that way if euer I toucht any bare on her aboue her knee, I pray God I may sinke where I stand.

Aboue my knee?

No▪ you know I did not, and if any man will say I did, this Sword shall answere: Nay, Ile defend the reputation of my charge whilst I liue; your Grace shall vnderstand I am se­cret in these businesses, and know how to defend a Ladies honour.

I, you may call mee what you please, but Ile defend your good name against the World; and so I take my leaue of your Grace, and of you my Lord Protector, I am likewise glad to see your Lordship well.

O Captaine Bessus, I thanke you, I would speake with you anon.

[Page 23]

When you please, I will attend your Lordship:

Madam, Ile take my leaue too:

Good Bacurius:

Madam, what writes his Maiesty to you?

My Lord, no Maide longs more for any thing, or feeles more heate and cold within her brest, then I doe now, In hope to see him.

Yet I wonder much at this, hee writes he brings a­long with him a husband for you, that same Captiue Prince;

Tis true, he is not, would he would seem lesse:

[Page 24]

I thanke you good my Lord.

You will be ready Madam:

Yes.

That were a strange request.

As ill is mine.

Then doe not vtter it.

VVhats the meaning of it?

[Page 25]

VVhy then tis idle, prethee speake it out.

Come, come, run, run, runne:

We shall out-goe her.

One were better be hang'd, then carry women out fid­ling to these shewes.

Is the King hard by?

You heard hee with the bottles say, hee thought wee should come too late, what abundance of people here is.

But what had he in those bottles?

I know not.

Why, Inke good man foole:

Inke, what to doe?

Why, the King looke you, will many times call for those bottles, and breake his minde to his friends.

Lets take our places quickly, we shall haue no roome else.

The man told vs hee would walke a foote through the people.

I marry did he.

Our shops are well looke to now:

S'life yonders my Master I thinke.

No, tis not he.

Lord, how fine the fields be, what sweete liuing tis in the Countrey.

I, poore soules, God helpe vm; they liue as conten­tedly as one of vs.

My Husbands cousen would haue had me gone in­to the Countrey last yeere, wert thou euer there?

I, poore soules, I was amongst vm once.

And what kinde of creatures are they for loue of God?

Very good people, God helpe vm:

Wilt thou goe with me downe this summer, when I am brought abed?

Alas, tis no place for vs.

VVhy prethee?

VVhy, you can haue nothing there; theres no body cries broomes.

No?

No truly, nor milke.

Nor milke, how doe they?

They are faine to milke themselues ith Countrey.

Good Lord: but the people there I thinke will bee very dutifull to one of vs?

I, God knowes will they, and yet they doe not great­ly care for our Husbands.

Doe they not, alas? In good faith I cannot blame them: for we doe not greatly care for them our selues. Philip I pray choose vs a place.

Theres the best forsooth.

By your leaue good people a little:

VVhats the matter?

I pray my friend doe not thrust my Mistris so, shees with childe.

Let her looke to her selfe then, has shee not had thrusting enough yet; if shee stay shouldring here, shee may hap to goe home with a Cake in her bellie.

How now goodman squitterbreech, why doe you leane so on me?

[Page 28]

Because I will.

VVill you sir sawce-box?

Looke if one haue not strucke Philip, come hither Philip, why did he strike thee?

For leaning on him.

VVhy didst thou leane on him?

I did not thinke he would haue strucke me.

As God saue me law, thou art as wilde as a Bucke, there is no quarrell, but thou art at one end or other of it.

Its at the first end then; for he will neuer stay the last.

VVell stripling, I shall meete with you.

vvhen you will.

Ile giue a crowne to meete with you▪

At a bawdy house.

I, you are full of your rogery; but if I doe meete you it shall cost me a fall.

God preserue your Maiestie.

God preserue your Maiestie.

God blesse your Maiestie.

Out vpon him.

How he looks.

Hang him, hang him, hang him.

These are sweete people.

The Lord blesse your Maiestie.

So, hee has made me amends now, with a speech in commendations of himselfe: I would not be so vaine-glo­rious.

God blesse your Maiestie.

Come, shall we goe, all's done.

I for Gods sake, I haue not made a fire yet:

Away, away, all's done.

Content: Farewell Philip.

Away, you haltersack you:

Philip will not fight hee's afraid on's face.

I marry am I afraid of my face.

Thou wouldst be Philip, if thou saw'st it in a glasse; it lookes like a visor.

Youle be hang'd sirra: Come Philip, walke afore vs homeward; did not his Maiestie say, he had brought vs home Peaes for our money?

Yes marry did he.

They are the first I heard on this yeere by my troth, I long'd for some of vm; did he not say we should haue some?

Yes, and so we shall anon I warrant you, haue euery one a pecke brought home to our houses.

Actus Tertij Scaena Prima.

MY Sister take it ill?

To part with her, why Gobrius art thou mad? shee is my sister▪

Pish, will shee haue him?

I thinke shee will Sir.

How does shee loue me, speake?

Shee is not like her Mother then?

Sir, I haue.

Sir, here's the Armenian King.

[Page 32]

Hees welcome.

And the Queene Mother, and the Princes waite with­out:

Too safe I am [...] ▪

You are my King.

Your owne desires shall be your guard.

vvhy does not your Maiestie speake?

To whom?

To the Princesse.

[Page 33]

Sir, you should speake to her.

Ha?

vvill you, speake Sir?

What is he mad?

Gobrius, where is shee?

Sir.

Where is shee man?

Who Sir?

Who, hast thou forgot? my Sister.

Your Sister Sir?

Your Sister Sir?

Some one that has a wit, answere; where is shee?

Doe you not see her there?

Where?

There.

There, where?

S'light there, are you blind?

Which doe you meane, that little one?

No Sir.

Thats shee.

Away.

Sir it is shee:

Tis false.

Is it?

That Lady Sir.

It cannot be.

[Page 36]

O this is fine.

No, tis true, shee is not:

Thou shouldst be hang'd.

I would I were past speaking.

[Page 37]

Pray God it doe.

O, tis certaine so.

Acknowledge your selfe mine.

How now?

And then see if you want an owner,

They are talking.

Nations shall owne you for their Queene.

Tigranes, art not thou my prisoner?

I am.

And who is this?

Shee is your Sister.

Shee is so.

Is shee so againe, thats well:

And how dare you then offer to change words with her?

[Page 38]

Blest be that breath.

You will.

Alas my Fortune.

Doe not feare his frowne, deare Madam heare me.

He has one ransome with him already, me thinkes twere good to fight double, or quit.

Touch me not.

Helpe there.

Away.

It is in vaine to struggle.

You must be forc't.

Sir, you must pardon vs, we must obey.

Come Sir.

Let him be close Bacurius.

Alas Sir, why?

I must not stay the answere, doe it.

Good Sir.

No more, doe it I say.

This is better and better.

Yet heare me speake.

Madam, this Office grieues me.

Nay, tis well the King is pleas'd with it.

Here Sir.

[Page 41]

As you were.

No heauier?

No Sir.

And so I shall againe.

O no, tis past.

Pray ye goe, rest your selfe.

Yes, I will.

I prethee doe: for thou shalt neuer see me so again.

I warrant ye.

They talke of fame, I haue gotten it in the warres, and will affoord any man a reasonable penny-worth: some will say they could be content to haue it, but that it is to be atchieued with danger; but my opinion is otherwise: for if I might stand still in Canon proofe, and haue fame fall vpon me, I would refuse it: My reputation came principally by thinking to runne away, which no bodie knowes but Mar­donius▪ and I think he conceales it to anger me. Before I went to the warres, I came to the Towne a young fellow without meanes, or parts, to dese [...]ue friends; and my emptie guts per­swaded me to lie, and abuse people for my meate, which I did, and they beate me: then would I fast two dayes, till my hunger cride out on me, raile still; then me thought I had a monstrous stomacke to abuse them againe, and did it. In this state I continued till they hung me vp by th'heeles and beate me with hasle sticks, as if they would haue baked mee, and haue cosen'd some bodie with mee for Venison: After this I rail'd, and [...]ate quietlie: for the whole Kingdome tooke notice of me for a baffel'd whipt fellow, and what I said, was remembred in mirth, but neuer in anger; of which I was glad, [Page 42] I would it were at that passe againe: After this, God cald an Ant of mine, that left two hundred pounds in a Cosens hand for me, who taking me to be a gallant young spirit, rais'd a company for mee with the money, and sent me into Armenia with vm: Away I would haue runne from them, but that I could get no company, and alone I durst not run. I was neuer at battle but once, and there I was running, but Mardonius cudgel'd me; yet I got loose at last, but was so afraid, that I saw no more then my shoulders doe, but fled with my whole company amongst my enemies, and ouerthrew vm: Now the report of my valor is come ouer before mee, and they say I was a raw young fellow, but now I am improu'd. A plague of their eloquence, twill cost me many a beating: And Mar­donius might helpe this to if he would; for now they thinke to get honour of me, and all the men I haue abus'd, call me freshly to account, worthily as they call it, by the way of challenge.

Good morrow Captaine Bessus.

Good morrow Sir.

I come to speake with you.

You are very welcome.

From one that holds himselfe wronged by you some three yeers since: your worth he sayes is fam'd, & he nothing doubts but you will doe him right, as beseemes a Souldier.

A pox on vm, so they crie all.

And a slight note I haue about me for you, for the deliuerie of which, you must excuse me; it is an office that friendship calles vpon mee to doe, and no way offensiue to you, since I desire but right on both sides.

Tis a challenge Sir, is it not?

Tis an inuiting to the field.

An inuiting? O crie you mercie, what a complement he deliuers it with? he might as agreeablie to my nature pre­sent mee poyson with such a speech: vm reputation, vm call you to an account, vm forst to this, vm with my sword, vm like a gentleman, vm deare to me, vm satisfaction: Tis verie well Sir, I doe accept it, but he must awaite an answere this thirteene weekes.

[Page 43]

Why Sir, he would be glad to wipe off his staine as soone as hee can, Sir vpon my credit I am already ingag'd to two hundred and twelue, all which must haue their staines wipt off, if that be the word before him.

Sir, if you be truly ingaged but to one, he shall stay a competent time.

Vpon my faith Sir to two hundred and twelue, and I haue a spent bodie too much bruis'd in battle, so that I can­not fight, I must be plaine with you, aboue three combates a day: All the kindnesse I can doe him, is to set him resolutely in my rowle the two hundred and thirteenth man, which is something: for I tell you, I thinke there will be more after him, then before him, I [...] so pray ye commend me to him, and tell him this.

I will Sir, good morow to you.

Good morow good Sir. Certenly my safest way were to print my selfe a coward, with a discouerie how I came by my credit, and clap it vpon euery post: I haue recei­ued aboue thirty challenges within this two houres, marry all but the first [...] put off with ingagement, and by good for­tune the first is no madder of fighting then I, so that that's re­feru'd. The place where it must be ended, is foure dayes iour­ney of, and our arbytrators are there: He has chosen a gen­tleman in trauell, and I haue a speciall friend, with a quar­terne ague likely to hold him this time here, for mine; and when his man comes home, wee are to expect my friends health: If they would send me challenges thus thicke, as long as I liu'd I would haue no other liuing; I can make seauen shillings a day o th paper to the Grocers: yet I learne nothing by all these but a little skill in comparing of stiles. I doe find euidently that there is some one Scriuener in this Towne, that has a great hand in writing of challenges, for they are all of a cut, and six of vm in a hand; and they all end, my reputation is deare to me, and I must require satisfaction: whose there? more paper I hope; no, tis my Lord Bacurius, I feare all is not well betwixt vs.

Now Captaine Bessus, I come about a friuilous mat­ter, caus'd by as idle a report: you know you were a coward.

[Page 44]

Very right.

And wrong'd me.

True my Lord.

But now people will call you valiant, desertlesly I thinke yet for their satisfaction, I wil haue you fight with me.

O my good Lord, my deepe ingagements.

Tell not me of your ingagements, Captaine Bessus; it is not to be put off with an excuse: for my owne part, I am none of the multitude that beleeue your conuersion from coward.

My Lord, I seeke not quarrels, and this belongs not to me, I am not to maintaine it.

Who then pray?

Bessus the coward wrong'd you.

Right.

And shall Bessus the valiant, maintaine what Bessus the coward did?

I prethee leaue these cheating trickes, I sweare thou shalt fight with mee, or thou shalt be beate extreamely, and kickt.

Since you prouoke me thus farre my Lord, I will fight with you; and by my Sword it shall cost me twenty pounds, but I will haue my legge a weeke sooner purposely.

Your legge, why what ailes your legge? Ile doe a cure on you, stand vp.

My Lord, this is not noble in you:

When thou wert? confesse thy selfe a coward still, or by this light, Ile beate thee into spunge.

Why I am one:

Are you so Sir, and why doe you weare a sword then? Come, vnbuckle, quicke.

My Lord.

Vnbuckle I say, and giue it mee, or as I liue, thy head will ake extreamely.

[Page 45]

It is a pretty hilt, and if your Lordship take an affecti­on to it, with all my heart, I present it to you for a new-yeers gift.

I thanke you very heartily, sweete Captaine farewell.

One word more, I beseech your Lordship to render me my knife againe.

Marry by all meanes Captaine, cherish your selfe with it, and eate hard good Captaine; we cannot tell whe­ther we shall haue any more such: A due deare Captaine.

I will make better vse of this, then of my sword: A base spirit has this vantage of a braue one; it keepes alwayes at a stay, nothing brings it downe, not beating. I remember I promist the King in a great audience, that I would make my back-byters eate my sword to a knife, how to get another sword I know not, nor know any meanes left for me to main­taine my credit but impudence: Therefore will I outsweare him and all his followers, that this is all is left vneaten of my sword.

Ile mone the King, hee is most strangely alter'd; I guesse the cause I feare too right, Heauen has some secret end in't, and tis a securge no question iustly laid vpon him: Hee has followed mee through twenty roomes, and euer when I stay to await his command, he blushes like a girle, and lookes vpon me, as if modestie kept in his businesse: so turnes away from me, but if I goe on, hee followes me againe. See, here he is, I doe not vse this, yet I know not how, I cannot chuse but weepe to see him: his very enemies I thinke, whose wounds haue bred his fame, if they should see him now, would find teares in their eyes.

How doe you Sir?

Why very well Mardonius; how dost thou?

Better then you I feare.

[Page 46]

So there is, but yet I cannot doe it.

Out with it Sir, i [...] it be dangerous I shall not shrinke to doe you seruice, I shal no [...] est [...]e [...] [...] my life a waightier mat­ter then indeed it is, I [...]n [...]w tis subi [...]ct to more chances then it hath hou [...]es, and I were better loose it in my King [...] cause, then with an [...]gue. or fall, or sleepin [...] to a thi [...]e; as all these are [...]ro [...]able eno [...]g [...]: let me [...]ut know [...] ha [...] I shal do foryou.

Yes Sir▪ I was.

Yes.

Thats all my businesse.

VVell, and what?

Thats all.

That's strange, shall I say nothing to her?

But what▪ what s [...] o [...]ld I make her vnderstand?

O Mardonius, for that I must be pardon'd.

You may, but I can onelie see her then.

[Page 47]

Is there no more?

I hope I doe not Sir.

VVhy, I thinke shee does.

Didst thou not tell mee thou wouldst doe it?

Pray God you may be so: you must vnderstand, no­thing that you can vtter, can remooue my loue and seruice from my Prince. But otherwise, I thinke I shall not loue you more. For you are sinnefull, and if you doe this crime, you ought to haue no lawes. For after this it will bee great iniu­stice in you to punish any offendor for any crime: For my selfe I find my heart too bigge, I feele I haue not patience to looke on whilst you runne these forbidden courses: Meanes I haue none but your Fauour, and I am [...]ather glad, that I shall loose vm both together▪ then keepe vm with such con­ditions, I shall find a dwelling amongst some people, where though our garments perhaps be courser, we shall be richer [...]arre within, and harbor no such vices in vm. God preserue you, and mend you.

Where is the King?

There.

An't please your Maiestie, ther's the knife.

What knife:

The Sword is eaten.

Vanities, I am no honest man if my enemies haue not brought it to this, what, doe you thinke I lie?

No, no, tis well Bessus, tis very well,

[Page 49]

Sir.

Why I can spare you now.

Mardonius giue way to the state affayres

Indeed you are fitter for his present purpose.

Bessus I should imploy thee; wilt thou do't

Doe for you, by this ayre I will doe any thing with­out exception, be it a good, bad, or indifferent thing▪

Do not sweare.

I would faine heare that thing.

Wilt thou, dost make no more ant?

More, no, why is there any thing else, if there be tell me, it shall be done.

VVhy your Maiestie lookes as well in my opinion as euer you did since you were borne:

I feele no such thing, but tis no matter how I looke, Jle doe your businesse as well as they that looke better, and [Page 50] when this is dispatcht, if you haue a minde to your Mother tell me, and you shall see Ile set it hard:

What doe you meane Sir?

Good Sir.

Actus Quarti Scaena Prima.

HAue you written Madam?

Yes, good Gobrias.

[Page 51]

You shall not feele a vorse stroke then your griefe, I am sorr [...] tis so sharpe: I kisse your hand, and this night will deliuer this true storie with this hand to your bro­ther.

I thanke your Lordship for it.

I hope his grace will quit me, for my care Sir.

Tis well, royall Tigranes health.

More then the stricktnesse of this place can giue Sir I offer backe againe to great Arbaces.

VVhat Lady is that Bacurius?

One of the Princesse women Sir.

I feard it: why comes shee hether!

[Page 56]

To speake with the Prince Tigranes.

From whom Bacurius?

From the Princesse Sir.

I know I had seene her.

Anone I feare; would he were well cur'd of this raging folly: Giue me the warres, where men are mad, and may talke what they list, and held the brauest Fellowes; This pelting prat­ling peace is good for nothing: drinking's a vertue to it:

This combat has vndone him: If he had beene well beaten, he had beene temperate: I shal neuer see him hansome againe, till he haue a Horse-mans staffe poak't through his shoulders, or an arme broke with a Bullet.

I am trifled with.

Sir.

I know it, as I know thee to be false.

Now the clap comes.

Tis well said by my Soule.

Sirra you answere as you had no life.

That I feare Sir to loose nobly.

I say Sir once againe

You may say Sir what you please.

would I might doe so.

I will Sir, and say openly this woman carries letters, by my life I know she carries letters, this woman does it:

VVould Bessus were here to take her aside and search [Page 57] her, he would quickly tell you what she carried Sir.

I haue found it out, this woman carries letters.

If this hold twill be an ill world for Bauds, Cham­ber-maids, and post-boyes, I thanke God I haue none but his letters pattents, things of his owne inditing.

Prince this cunning cannot doe it.

VVhat Sir, I reach you not.

It shall not serue your turne Prince.

Serue my turne Sir.

[...] Sir it shall not serue your turne.

Be plainer good Sir.

This woman shall carry no more letters backe to your loue Panthaea, by heauen she shall not, I sa she shall not.

This would make a Saint sweare like a Souldier, and a Souldier like termogant.

This beates me more King then the blowes you gaue me.

Take vm away both, and together let vm be priso­ners, stricktly and closely kept, or Sirra your life shall answere it; and let no bodie speake with vm hereafter.

Well I am subiect to you, and must endure these pas­sions.

This is the imprisonment I haue lookt for alwayes, and the deare place I would chuse.

Sir, haue you done well now?

Dare you reproue it?

No.

You must be crossing me.

Yes, and I know you wonnot, or if you doe, youle misse it quicklie.

Why?

VVelcome good Gobrius.

My seruice, and this letter to your grace.

From whom?

She is in prison Gobrius, is shee not?

This loue, or what a diuell is it, I know not, be­gets more mischiefe then a wake. I had rather be we I beaten staru'd, or lowsie, then liue within the aire ont. He that had seene this braue fellow charge through a groue of pykes but tother day, and looke vpon him now, will nere beleeue his eyes againe; If he continue thus but two daies more, a Taylor may beat him with one hand tyed behind him.

I will goe bring her to me.

vve vnderstand our selues Sir.

My first doubt is my beating by my Prince.

Gentlemen ath'sword, my Prince has beaten me.

Brother what thinke you of this case

If he haue beaten him, the case is cleare.

Euen with his royall hand.

Was it a blow of loue or indignation.

Two blowes oth'face, and giuen by a worse man, I must confesse as we Sword-men say, had turnd the businesse: Marke me brother, by a worse man; but being by his Prince, had they beene ten, and those ten drawne ten teeth, beside the hazard of his nose for euer; all these had beene but fauours: This is my flat opinion, which Ile die in.

The King may doe much Captaine beieeue it, for had hee crackt your skull through like a bottle, or broke a rib or two with crossing of you, yet you had lost no honour: This is strange you may imagin; but this is truth now Captaine.

He may strike, beate, or cause to be beaten; for these are natu­rall to man: your Prince I say may beate you so farre forth as his dominion reacheth; that's for the distance, the time, ten mile a day▪ I take it.

My sorest businesse is, I haue beene kickt.

How farre Sir?

Not to slatter my selfe in it all ouer, my sword forst, but not lost; for dis [...]reetely I renderd it to saue that impu­tation.

It shewed discretion the best part of valour.

He has so brother.

I thinke it had beene cowardly indeed.

But put the case I were kickt?

Lot them put it that are things wearie of their liues, & know not honour: put case you were kickt?

I doe not say I was kickt.

Nor no silly creature, that weares his head without a case, his soule in a skin-coate: you kickt deare brother.

Why then I say, suppose your boy kickt Captaine?

The boy may be suppos'd, hee's lyable; but kicke my brother?

[Page 62]

I doe suppose it.

Has your boy a sword?

Surely no: I pray suppose a sword too.

I doe suppose it: you grant your boy was kickt then.

By no meanes Captaine, let it be suppos'd still; this word grant, makes not for vs.

I say this must be granted.

This must be granted brother?

I, this must be granted.

Still the must:

I say this must be granted.

Giue me the must againe, ag [...]ine; brother you palter.

I will not heare you waspe.

Brother, I say you palter, the must three times toge­ther; I weare as sharpe steele as another man,

Nay, looke you Gentlemen.

In a word I ha done.

Forward.

And being throughly kickt, laughes at the kicker▪

So much for vs; proceede.

I vnderstand that well, tis sore indeed Sir.

That is according to the man that did it.

There springs a new branch: whose was the foo [...]e?

Ah Lords.

Yes, it shall helpe you, if you laught alowd.

As lowd as a kickt man could laugh, I laught Sir:

My equall friends ath'sword, I must request your hands to this.

Tis fit it should be.

I must request you goe along, and testifie to the Lord Bacurius, whose foot has strucke me, how you find my cause.

Sir her's the Princesse.

Sir, does it please you, I should speake.

Alas Sir, am I venom?

Then I must endure it Sir, God keepe you.

Heauen forbid.

Couldst [...]hou affect me then?

I hope not.

No by Heauen.

Yet you sent vnto Tigranes Sister.

True, but for another: for the truth—

That is impossible, what should we doe?

Flie [...]it for Gods sake.

Actus Quinti Scaena Prima.

SIR, the King has seene your Commission, and [...]eleeu [...]s it, and freely by this warrant giues you leaue to visit Prince Tigranes your noble Master.

I thanke his Grace, and kisse his hanes.

[Page 69]

But is the maine of all your businesse Ended in this?

I haue another, but a worse; I am asham'd, it is a businesse.—

You serue a worthy person, and a stranger I am sure you are; you may imploy mee if you please, without your purse, such Office should euer be their owne rewards.

I am bound to your noblenesse.

Tis such a scuruy name as Bessus, and now I thinke tis hee.

Farewell Sir, farewell, commend me to the Gentle­woman I pr [...]ia.

How now Captaine, beare vp man.

There be our hands againe.

My Lord your authoritie is good, and I am glad it is so, for my confent would neuer hinder you from seeing your owne King. I am a Minister, but not a gouernour of this state; yonder is your King, Ile leaue you.

Health to your Maiestie.

VVhat? good Ligones, welcome; what businesse brought thee hether?

None Sir, all is as it was.

And all our friends are well.

All verie well.

Madam I should haue seene you.

O good Sir forgiue me.

Forgiue you, why I am no kin to you, am I?

Sir.

Are you in priuate still, or how?

What doe you meane?

Doe you take money? are you come to sell sinne yet? perhaps I can helpe you to liberall Clients: or has not the King cast you off yet? O thou vild creature, whose best com­mendation is, that thou art a young VVhore. I would thy Mother had liu'd to see this: or rather would I had dyed ere I had seene it: why did'st not make me acquainted when thou were first resolu'd to be a Who [...]e? I would haue seene thy hot lust satisfied more priuately. I would haue kept a dancer, and a whole consort of Musitions in mine owne house, onely to fiddle thee.

Sir I was neuer whore.

If thou couldst not say so much for thy selfe thou shouldst be Carted.

Well Sir I will: but I haue priuate busines with you.

Speake, what ist?

[Page 74]

Strumpets good Ligones?

Yes marrie shalt thou.

Nay, goe▪ my businesse requires haste.

Good God preserue you, you are an excellent King.

Farewell good Father.

Three gentlemen without to speake with me?

Yes Sir. Bac. Let them come in.

They are enterd Sir already.

Now fellowes, your busines, are these the Gentlemen.

My Lord I haue made bold to bring these Gentlemen my Friends ath'sword along with me.

I am afraid youle fight then.

I can aske no more in honor, Gentlemen you heare my Lord is sorrie:

Not that I haue beaten you, but beaten one that will be beaten: one whose dull bodie will require launcing: As surfeits doe the diet, spring and full. Stock-fish? Now to your swordmen, what come they for good Captaine

It seemes your Lordship has forgot my name.

No nor your nature neither, though they are things fitter I confesse for any thing, then my remembrance, or anie honest mans, what shall these billets doe, be pilde vp in my VVood-yard?

Your Lordship holds your mirth still, God continue it: but for these Gentlemen they come.

[Page 76]

To sweare you are a Coward, spare your Booke, I doe beleeue it.

Your Lordship still drawes wide, they come to vouch vnder their valiant hands, I am no Coward.

That would be a shew indeed worth seeing: sirra be wise and take money for this motion, trauell with it, and where the name of Bessus has been knowne, or a good Cow­ard stirring, twill yeeld more then a tilting. This will proue more beneficiall to you, if you be thriftie, then your Captaineship, and more naturall; Men of most valiant hands is this true?

Lord, it is strange, yet true; wee haue examined from your Lordships foote there to this mans head, the nature of the beatings; and we doe find his honour is come off cleane, and sufficient: This as our swords shall helpe vs.

You are much bound to your bilbow-men, I am glad you are straight again Captaine▪ twere good you would thinke some way to gratifie them, they haue vndergone a la­bour for you Bessus, would haue puzzeld Hercules, with all his valour.

Your Lordship must vnderstand we are no men ath' Law, that take pay for our opinions: it is sufficient wee haue cleer'd our friend.

Yet here is something due, which I as toucht in con­science will discharge Captaine; Ile pay this rent for you.

Spare your selfe my good Lord; my braue friends aime at nothing but the vertue.

Thats but a cold discharge Sir for their paines.

O Lord▪ my good Lord.

Be not so modest, I will giue you something.

They shall dine with your Lordship, that's sufficient.

Something in hand the while; ye rogues, ye apple­squiers: doe you come hether with your botled valour, your windle frothe, to limit out my beatings.

I doe beseech your Lordship.

O good Lord.

[Page 77]

Sfoote, what a many of beaten slaues are here? get me a cudgell sirra, and a tough one.

More of your foot, I doe beseech your Lordship.

You shall, you shall dog, and your fellow beagle.

A this side good my Lord.

Off with your swords, for if you hurt my foote, Ile haue you fleade you rascals.

Mines off my Lord.

I beseech your Lordship stay a little, my strap's tied to my codpiece point: Now when you please.

Captaine, these are your valiant friends, you long for a little too?

I am verie well, I humblie thanke your Lordship.

Whats that in your pocket slaue, my key you mung­rell? thy buttocks cannot be so hard, out with't quicklie.

Here tis Sir, a small piece of Artillerie, that a gentle­man a deare friend of your Lordships sent me with to get it mended Sir; for if you marke, the nose is somewhat loose.

A friend of mine you rascall, I was neuer wearier of doing nothing, then kicking these two foote-bals.

Heres a good cudgell Sir.

It comes too late; I am wearie, prethee doe thou beate vm.

My Lord this is foule play ifaith, to put a fresh man v­pon vs; Men are but men.

That i [...]t shall saue your bones, vp with your rotten regiment, and be gone; I had rather thresh, then be bound to kicke these raskals, till they cride hold: Bessus you may put your hand to them now, and then you are quit. Farewell, as you like this, pray visit mee againe, twill keepe me in good breath.

Has a diuellish hard foote, I neuer felt the like.

Nor I, and yet Ime sure I ha felt a hundred.

If he kicke thus ith dog-daies, he will be drie founderd: what cure now Captaine, besides oyle of bayes?

Why well enough I warrant you, you can goe.

Yes, God be thanked; but I feele a shrewd ach, sure he has sprang my huckle bone.

I ha loft a haunch.

[Page 78]

A little butter friend, a little butter▪ butter and parse­lie is a soueraigne matter: probatum est.

Captaine, we must request your hands now to our ho­nours.

Yes marrie shall ye, and then let all the world come, we are valiant to our selues, and theres an end:

Nay, then we must be valiant; O my ribbes.

O my small guts, a plague vpon these sharpe toe'd shooes, they are murderers.

haue you bid Gobrius come?

How doe you Sir?

vvell, is he comming?

Sir he is.

Tis well.

I can forbeare your questions then, be gone Sir, I haue markt.

Marke lesse, it troubles you and me.

You are more variable then you were.

It may be so.

And what of this?

Sir I will speake.

Will ye?

I am sorrie tis so ill.

There is the King, now it is ripe.

VVhy Sir doe you curse me thus?

What doe you meane?

[Page 81]

This is true.

This I grant, I thinke I was the cause.

VVert thou▪ Nay more, I thinke thou meantst it.

Now is the time, heare me but speake.

Sir, you shall know your sinnes before you doe vm If you kill me.

I will not stay then.

Know you kill your Father.

How?

You kill your Father.

Helpe me gentle Gobrius.

I will, to what?

VVhy you are his sonne.

[Page 83]

By all thats good you are.

You doe not know why you curse thus.

VVhy but you are no Baftard.

Howe's that?

Nor childe of mine.

Still you goe on in wonders to me.

Pray be more patient, I may bring comfort to you.

[Page 85]

This is all.

And is it true say you Maddam?

Yes God knowes it is most true.

Panthaea then is not my Sister.

No.

[Page 86]

Is that so good newes?

Yes, the happiest newes that ere was heard.

On, call the Queene.

Why she is there.

Tis verie strange.

VVhere?

Why if you remember fellow subiect Arbaces, I tolde you once she was not your sister, I say she look't nothing like you.

I thinke you did good Captaine Bessus.

Here will arise another question now amongst the Swordmen, whether I be to call him to account for beating me, now he's prou'd no King.

Where is he, I know your businesse good Ligones,

VVe must haue our King againe, and will.

Tis Spaconia.

I, I, Spaconia.

She is my daughter.

Grant me one request.

Ile kisse this hand in earnest.

I will.