[Page] THE PICTVRE A TRAGAE COMAEDIE, As it was often presented with good allowance, at the Globe, and Blackefriers play-houses, by the Kings Maiesties seruants.

Written by Philip Massinger.

LONDON. Printed by I. N. for Thomas Walkley and are to be sould at his shoppe at the Eagle and Child in Brittains Burse. 1630.

Dramatis personae.
The Actors names.
Ladislaus King of Hun­garie.
Robert Benfield.
Eubulus an old Counsay­lor.
Iohn Lewin,
Ferdinand Generall of the army.
Richard Sharpe.
Mathias a knight of Bo­hemia.
Ioseph Taylor.
Vbaldo,
Thomas Pollard.
Ricardo, 2. wild courtiers.
Eylardt Swanstone.
Hilario, seruant to Sophia.
Iohn Shanucke.
Iulio Baptista a great scholler.
William Pen.
Honoria the Queene.
Iohn Tomson.
Acanthe a maid of honor.
Alexander Goffe.
Sophia wife to Mathias.
Iohn Hunnieman.
Corisca, Sophias Woman
William Trigge.
6. Masquers.
6. seruants to the Queene Attendants.

To my Honored, and selected friends of the Noble society of the Inner Temple.

IT may bee obiected, my not inscri­bing their names, or tittles, to whom I dedicate this Poem, procee­deth either from my diffidence of their affection to me, or their vnwillingnes to be publishde the Patrons of a trifle. To such as shall make so strict an inquisition of mee, I truely an­swere. The Play in the presentment found such a generall approbation, that it gaue mee as­surance of their fauour to whose protection it is now sacred, and they haue profes'd they so sincerely allow of it, and the maker, that they would haue freely granted that in the publicati­on, which for some reasons. I denide my selfe [...] one, and that is a maine one: I had rather inioy (as I haue donne) the reall proofes of their friendship, then mountebancke like boast their [Page] numbers in a Catalogue. Accept it noble gen­tlemen as a confirmation of his seruice who hath [...]othing else to assure you, and witnes to the world how much he stands ingagd for your soe frequent bounties, and in your charitable opinion of me beleeue, that you now may, and shall euer command,

Your seruant Philip Massinger.

To his worthy friend M r. Philip Massinger, vpon his Tragaecomaedie stiled, The Picture.

ME thinges I heere some busy Criticke say
Who's this that singly vshers on this Play?
'Tis boldnes I confesse, and yet perchance
It may be constur'd loue, not arrogance.
I do not heere vpon this leafe intrude
By praysing one, to wrong a multitude.
Nor do I thinke that all are tyed to be
(Forc'd by my vote) in the same creed with me.
Each man hath [...]iberty to iudge; free will,
At his owne pleasure to speake good, or ill.
But yet your Muse alreadie's knowne so well
Her worth will hardly find an infidell.
Heere she hath drawne a picture, which shall lye
Safe for all future times to practisse by.
What ere shall follow are but Coppies, some
Preceding workes were types of this to come.
'Tis your owne liuely image, and setts forth
When we are dust the beauty of your worth.
He that shall dully read and not aduance
Ought that is heere betrayes his ignorance.
Yet whosoeuer beyond desert commends
Errs more by much then he that reprehends,
For prayse misplac'd, and honor set vpon
A worthlesse subiect is detraction.
I cannot sin so heere vnlesse I went
About, to stile you only excellent.
Apollo's guifts are not confind alone
To your dispose, He hath more heires then one,
[Page]And such as do deriue from his blest hand
A large inheritance in the Poets land
As well as you, nor are you I assure
My selfe so enuious, but you can endure
To heere their praise, whose worth long since was knowne
And lustly to, prefer'd before your owne.
I know yo [...] would take it for an iniury,
(And 'tis a well becomming modesty)
To be paraleld with Beaumont, or to heare
Your name by some to partiall friend write neere
Vnequal'd Ionson: being men whose fire
At distance and with reuerence you admir'd.
Do so and you shall find your gaine will bee
Much more by yeelding them prioritie
Then with a certamety of losse to hould
A foolish competition; Tis to bould.
A tasque, and to be shunde, nor shall my prayse
With to much waight ruine, what it would rayse.
Thomas Iay.

THE PICTVRE, A true Hungarian History.

Actus primi,

Scena prima.

Enter Mathias in armour, Sophia in a riding sute, Corisca, Hilario with other seruants.
Mathias.
SInce we must part Sophia, to passe further
Is not alone impertinent but dangerous.
We are not distant from the Turkesh campe
Aboue fiue leagues, and who knowes but some partie
Of his Timarious that scoure the countrey
May fall vpon vs, be now as thy name
Truely interpreted hath euer spoke thee,
Wise, and discreete, and to thy vnderstanding
Marrie thy constant pacience.
Sophia.
Yow put me Sir,
To the vtmost triall of it.
Mathias,
Nay noe melting,
Since the necessity that now seperates vs,
We haue long since disputed, and the reasons
Forcing me to it, too oft wash'd in teates,
I grant that you in birth were farre aboue mee,
And great men my superiours riualls for you,
But mutuall consent of heart, as hands
Ioynde by true loue hath made vs one, and equall;
Nor is it in me meere desire of fame,
[Page] Or to be cride vp by the publike voyce
[...]or a braue souldier that puts on my armour,
Such aerie tumours take not me you know
How narrow our demeanes are, and whats more
Hauing as yet no charge of children on vs
We hardly can subsist.
Sophia.
In you alone sir
I haue all abundance.
Mathias.
For my minds content
In your owne language I could answere you
You haue beene an obedient wife, a right one,
And to my power, though short of yo [...]r desert
I haue beene euer an indulgent husband.
we haue long inioyd the sweets of loue, and though
Not to satisfie, or lothing, yet
We must not liue such dotardes on our pleasures
As still to hugge them to the certaine losse
Of profit, and preferment, competent meanes
Maintaines aquiet bed, want breeds dissention
Euen in good women.
Sophia.
Haue you found in me sir
Any distast, or signe of discontent
For want of whats superfiuous?
Mathias,
No Sophia.
Nor shalt thou euer haue cause to repent
Thy constant course in goodnes if heauen blesse
My honest vndertakings; 'tis for thee
That I turne souldier, and put forth deerest
Vpon this sea of action as a factor
To trade for rich materialls to adorne
Thy noble parts, and show'em in full lustre.
I blush that other ladies lesse in beauty
And outward forme, but in the harmonie
Of the soules rauishing musicke the same age
Not to be nam'd with thee, should so out shine thee
In iewels, and variety of wardrobes,
[Page] While you (to whose sweet innocence both Indie [...]
Compar'd are of no value) wanting these
Passe vnregarded.
Sophia.
If I am so rich or
In your opinion, why should you [...]
Additions for me?
Mathias.
Why? I should be censur [...]
Of ignorance possessing such a Iewell
Aboue all price, if I forbeare to giue it
The best of ornaments. Therefore Sophia
In few words know my pleasure and obey me,
As you haue euer done to your discretion,
I leaue the gouernment of my family
And our poore fortunes, and from these command
Obedienoe to you as to my selfe,
To the vtmost of what's mine liue plentifully,
And ere the remnant of our store be spent,
With my good sword I hope I shall reape for you
A haruest in such full abundance, as
Shall make a merry winter.
Sophia.
Since you are not
To be diuerted Sir from what you purpose
All arguments to stay you heere are vselesse.
Goe when you please Sir, Eyes I charge you waste not
One drop of sorrow, looke you hoord all vp
Till in my widdowed bed I call vpon you,
But then be sure you faile not. You blest Angels
Guardians of humane life, I at this instant
Forbeare t'inuoke you, at o [...] parting 'tw [...]
To personate deuotion. My soule
[...]hall goe along with you, and when you are
Circl'd with death and ho [...]our seeke and finde you:
And then I will not leaue a Saint vnsu'd to
For your protection. To tell you what
I will doe in your absence, would shew poorely,
My actions shall speake me, 'twere to doubt you
[Page] To begge I may heere from you, where you are,
You cannot liue obscure nor shall one post
By night, or day passe vnexamined by me.
If I dwell long vpon your lips, consider
After this feast the griping fast that followes
And it will be excusable, pray turne from mee.
All that I can is spoken.
Exit Sophia.
Mathias.
Follow your miste [...]sse.
Forbeare your wishes for me, let mee finde'em
At my returne in your prompt will to serue her.
Hilario.
For my part sir I will grow leane with study
To make her merry.
Corisca.
Though you are my Lord,
Yet being her gentlewoman, by my place
I may take my leaue, your hand or if you please
To haue me fight so high, ile not be coy
But stande a tiptoe for't;
Mathias.
O farewell gyrle.
Hilario.
A kisse well begg'd Corisca,
Corisca.
Twas my fee,
Loue how he melts! I cannot blame my ladies
Vnwillingnesse to part with such marmulade lips.
There will be scrambling for'em in the campe,
And were it not for my honesty I could wish now
I were his leager landresse I would finde
Sope of mine owne, enough to wash his linnen
Or I would straine hard for't
Hilario.
How the mammet' twitters!
Come, come my ladie staies for vs.
Corisca.
Would I had beene
Her ladiship the last night.
Hilario.
Noe more of that wench.
Exunt Hilario.
Mathias.
I am strangely troubled: yet why I should nourish
A furie heere, and with imagind foode.
Hauing no reall grounds on which to raise,
A buildings of suspition, she was euer
[Page] Or can be false heereafter I in this
But foolishly inquire the knowledge of
A future sorrow, which if I find out,
My present ignorance were a cheape purchase
Though with my losse of beeing, I haue already
Dealt with a friend of mine, a generall scholler
One deepely read in natures hidden secrets,
And though with much vnwillingnesse haue wone him
To doe asmuch as Art can to resolue me
My fate tha [...] followes to my wish, Hee's come.
Enter Baptista.
Iulio Baptista, now I may a [...]firme
Your promise, and performance walke together.
And therefore without circumstance to the point,
Instruct me what I am.
Baptista.
I could wish you had
Made triall of my loue some other way.
Mathias.
Nay this is from the purpose.
Baptista.
If you can,
Proportion your desire to any meane
I do pronounce you happy I haue found
By certaine rules of Art your matchlesse wife
Is to this present hower from all pollution
Free and vntainted.
Mathias.
Good.
Baptista.
In reason therefore
You should fixe heere, and make no farther serach
Of what may fall heereafter.
Mathias.
O Baptista
Tis not in me to master so my passions,
I must know farther, or you haue made good
But halfe your promise while my loue stood by,
Holding her vpright, and my presence was
A watch vpon her; her desires being met to
with equall ardor from me; what one proofe
Could she giue of her constancy being vntempted?
But when I am absent, and my comming backe
[Page] Vncertaine, and those wanton heates in women
Not to be quench'd by lawfull meanes, and shee
The absolute disposer of her selfe,
Without, controule, or curbe nay more inuited
By opportunity and all strong temptations
If then she hold out.
Baptista.
As no doubt she will,
Mathias.
Those doubts must be made certainties Baptista
By your assurance, or your boasted Art
Deserues no admiration, how you trifle
And play with my affliction? I am on
The wracke till you confirme mee.
Baptista.
Sure Mathias.
I am no God, nor can I diue into
Her hidden thoughts, or know what her intents are
That is deni'd to art, and kept conceald
euen from the diuels themselues: they can but guesse
Out of long obseruation what is likely,
But positiuely to foretell that this shall be
You may conclude impossible, all I can
I will doe for you when you are distant from her
A thousand leauges as if you then were with her
You shall know truly when she is solicited,
A [...]d how far wrought on.
Mathias.
I desire no more.
Baptista.
Take then this little modell of Sophia
With more then humane skill limde to the life
Each line, and lenament of it in the drawing
Soe punctually obserued that had it motion
In so much't were her selfe,
Mathias,
It is indeede
An admirable peece, but if it haue not
Some hidden vertue that I cannot guesse a [...]
In what can it aduantage me?
Baptista.
Ile instruct you,
Carry it still about you and as oft
[Page] As you desire to know how shee's affected
With curious eyes peruse it while it keepes
The figure it now has intire, and perfit
She is not onely innocent in fact
But vnattempted: but if once it varie
From the true forme, and what's now white, and red
Incline to yellow rest most confident
Shees with all violence courted but vnconquerd
But if it turne all blacke 'tis an assurance
The fort by composition, or surprize
Is forc'd or with her free consent surrenderd.
Mathias.
How much you haue ingag'd me for this fauour,
The seruice of my whole life shall make good
Baptista.
We will not part so, Ile along with you
And it is needfull with the rising Sun
The armies meete yet ere the fight begun
In spite of oposition I will place you
In the head of the Hungarian Generals troope
And neere his person.
Mathias.
As my better Angel
You shall direct and guide mee.
Baptista.
As we ride
Ile tell you more.
Mathias.
In all things Ile obey you.
Exeu [...]

A [...]tus primi scana secunda,

Enter Vbaldo, Ricardo.
Ricardo.
When came the post?
Vbaldo.
The last night.
Ricardo.
From the campe?
Vbaldo.
Yes as 'tis said, and the letterwrit and signd
By the generall Ferdinand
Ricardo.
Nay then sans question
It is of moment.
Vbaldo.
[Page]
It concernes the liues
Of two great armies,
Ricardo.
Was it cherfully
Recciued by the King?
Vbaldo.
Yes, for being assured
The armies were in view of one another
Hauing proclaimed a publicke fast, and prayer
For the good successe, dispatch'd a gentleman
Of his priuy chamber to the generall
With absolute authority from him
To trie the fortune of a day.
Ricardo.
No doubt then
The Generall will come on and fight it brauely
Heauen Prosper him, this militarie art
I grant to be the noblest of professions
And yet I thanke my stars fort I was neuer
Inclin'd to learne it, since this bubble honour,
(Which is indeede the nothing souldiers fight for
With the losse of limbes, or life) is in my iudgement
Too deare a purchase.
Vbaldo.
Giue me our Court-warfare,
The danger is not great in the encounter
Of a faire Mistresse.
Ricardo.
Faire and sound together
Doe very well Vbaldo. But such are
With difficulty to be found out, and when they know
Their value prizde too high. By thy owne report
Thou wast at twelue a gamester, and since that
Studied all kinds of females, from the night-trader
I'the streete with certaine danger to thy pocket,
To the great Lady in her Cabinet,
That spent vpon thee more in cullises
To strengthen thy weake backe, then would maintaine
Twelue Flanders mares, and as many running horses:
Besides Apothecaries and Chirurgeons bills
Payd vpon all occasions, and those frequent.
Vbaldo.
[Page]
You talke Ricardo, as if yet you were
A nouice in those misteries.
Ricardo.
By no meanes,
My Doctor can assure the contrary,
I loose no time. I haue felt the paine and pleasure
As he that is a gamester, and playes often
Must sometimes be a looser.
Vbaldo.
Wherefore then
Doe you enuy me?
Ricardo.
It growes not from my want,
Nor thy abundance, but being as I am
The likelier man, and of much more experience,
My good parts, are my cursies, there's no beauty
But yeeldes ere it be summon'd, and as nature
Had sign'd me the monopolie of maidenheads,
There's none can buy till I haue made my market,
Satiety cloyes me, as I liue I would part with
Halfe my estate, nay trauaile ore the world
To finde that onely Phaenix in my search
That could hold out against me.
Vbaldo.
Be not rapp'd so:
You may spare that labour, as she is a woman
What thinke you of the Queene?
Ricardo.
I dare not aime at
The petticoate royall, that is still excepted:
Yet were she not my Kings, being the abstract
Of all that's rare, or to be wish'd in woman,
To write her in my catalogue, hauing inioy'd her
I would venter my necke to a halter, but we talke of
Impossibilities, as she hath a beauty
Would make old Nestor young, such maiesty
Drawes foorth a sword of terrour to defend it,
As would fright Paris, though the Queene of loue
Vow'd her best furtherance to him.
Vbaldo.
Haue you obseru'd
The grauity of her language mix'd with sweetnesse?
Ricardo.
[Page]
Then at what distance she reserues her selfe
When the King himselfe makes his approaches to her,
Vbaldo.
As she were still a virgine, and his life
But one continued wooing.
Ricardo.
She well knowes
Her worth, and values it.
Vbaldo.
And so farre the King is
Indu [...]gent to her humors, that he forbeares
The duety of a husband, bxt when she calles for't.
Ricardo.
All his imaginations and thoughts
Are buried in her, the lowd noyse of wa [...]re
Cannot awake him.
Vbaldo.
At this very instant.
When both his life and Crowne are at the stake,
He onely studies her content, and [...].
She's pleas'd to shew her selfe, musicke and masques
Are with all care and cost prouided for her.
Ricardo.
This night she promis'd to appeare.
Vbaldo.
You may [...]eleeue it by the diligence of the King
As if he were her harbinger.
Enter Ladislaus, Eubulus, and attendants with perfumes.
Ladislaus.
These roomes
Are not perfum'd as we directed.
Eubulus.
Not Sir,
I know not what you would haue, I am sure the smoke
Cost treble the price of the whole weekes prouision
Spent in your Maiesties kitchins.
Ladislaus.
How! I scorne
Thy grosse comparison. When my Honoria
Th'amazement of the present time, and enuy
Of all succeeding ages does descend
To sanctifie a place, and in her presence
Makes it a Temple to me, can I be
[Page] Too curious, much lesse prodigall to receiue her?
But that the splendour of her beames of beauty
Hath strucke thee blinde?
Eubulus.
As dotage hath done yon.
Ladislaus.
Dotage, O blasphemy! is it in me
To serue her to her merit? is she not
The daughter of a King?
Eubulus.
And you the sonne
Of ours I take it, by what priuiledge else
Doe you reigne ouer vs? for my part I know not
Where the dispairity lyes.
Ladislaus.
Her birth old man,
Old in the Kingdomes seruice which protects thee,
Is the least grace in her: and though her beauties
Might make the thunderer a riuall for her,
They are but superficiall ornaments
And faintly speake her, from her heauenly mind
Were all antiquity and fiction lost
Our moderne Poets could not in their fancie
But fashion a Minerua farre transcending
Th'im [...]g n'd one, whom Homer onely dreamt of,
[...] she's mine, mine Eubulus.
[...] one glance from her faire eyes
[...] her ido [...]a [...]ers,
Shee is so sparing of their influence
That to shun superstition in others,
Shee shootes her powerfull beames onely at me.
And can I then, whom she desires to hold
Her Kingly captiue aboue all the world,
Whose Nations and Empires if she pleas'd
Shee might command as slaues, but gladly pay
The humble tribute of my loue and seruice,
Nay if I sayd of adoration to her
I did not erre?
Eubulus.
Well, since you hugge your fetters
In loues name weare'em. You are a King, and that
[Page] Concludes you wise. Your will a powerfull reason,
Which we that are foolish Subiects must not argue.
And what in a meane man I should call folly,
Is in your Maiesty remarkable wisedome.
But for me I subscribe.
Ladislaus.
Doe, and loooke vp:
Vpon this wonder.
L [...]wd musicke, Honoria in state vnder a Canopy, he [...] traine borne vp by Siluia and Acanthe.
Ricardo.
Wonder? it is more Sir.
Vbaldo.
A rapture, an astonishment.
Ricardo.
What thinke you Sir?
Enbulus.
As the King thinkes, that is the surest guard
We Courtiers euer lie at. Was Prince euer
So drownd in dotage? Without spectacles
I can see a hansome woman, and she is so:
But yet to admiration looke not on her.
Heauen how he fawnes; and as it were his duty,
With what assured grauity she receiues it!
Her hand againe! O she at length vouchsafes
Her Lip, and as he had suck'd Nectar from it
How he's exalted! Women in their natures
Affect command, but this humility
In a husband and a King markes her the way
To absolute tyranie. So, Iuno's plac'd
In Ioues Tribunall, and like Mercurie
Forgetting his owne greatnesse, he attends
For her imployments. She prepares to speake,
What Oracles shall we heare now?
Honoria.
That you please Sir,
With such assurances of loue and fauour,
To grace your handmaid, but in being yours Sir,
A matchlesse Queene, and one that knowes herselfe so,
Bindes me in retribution to deserue
[Page] The grace conferd vpon me.
Ladislaus.
You transcend
In all things excellent, and it is my glory,
Your worth weigh'd truly to depose my selfe
From absolute command, surrendring vp
My will and faculties to your disposure:
And heere I vow, not for a day or yeere,
But my whole life, which I wish long to serue you:
That whatsoeuer I iniustice may
Exact from these my subiects, you from me
May boldly challenge. And when you require it,
In signe of my subiection, as your vassall,
Thus I will pay my homage.
Honoria.
O forbeare Sir,
Let not my Lips enuie my Robe: on them
Print your alegiance often. I desire
No other fealtie.
Ladislaus.
Gracious Soueraigne,
Boundlesse in bounty!
Enbulus.
Is not heere fine [...]ooling?
He's questionlesse bewitch'd. would I were g [...]lt
So that would disenchant him. Though I forfeit
My life for it I must speake. By your good leaue sir,
I haue no sute to you, nor can you grant one
Hauing no Power. You are like me a subiect.
Her more then serene Maiesty being present.
And I must tell you, 'tis ill manners in you,
Hauing depos'd your selfe to keepe your hat on,
And not stand bare as we doe, being no King,
But a fellow subiect with vs. Gentlemen vshers
It does belong to your place, see it reform'd,
He has giuen away his Crowne, and cannot challenge
The priuiledge of his bonnet.
Ladislaus.
Doe no tempt me.
Enbulus.
Tempt you, in what? in following your example?
If you are angry question me heereafter,
[Page] As Ladislaus should do Eubulus
On equall termes, you were of late my soueraigne
But weary of it, I now bend my knee
To her diuinity, and desire a boone
From her more then magnificence.
Honoria.
Take it freely.
Nay be not mou'd, for our mirth sake let vs heare him,
Eubulus,
'Tis but to aske a question, haue you ne're read
The story of Semiramis and Ninus?
Honoria.
Not as I remember.
Eubulus.
I will then instruct you,
And tis to the purpose, this Ninus was a King,
And such an impotent louing King as this was
But now hee's none, this Ninus (pray you obserue me)
Doted on this Semiramis, a smiths wife,
(I must confesse there the comparison holdes not,
You are a Kings daughter, yet vnder your correction
Like her a woman) this Assirian monarch
(Of whom this is a patterne) to expresse
His loue, and seruice, seated her as you are,
In his regall throne, and bound by oth his Nobles
Forgetting all alleageance to himselfe
One day to be her subiects, and to put
In execution what euer shee
Pleas'd to impose vpon 'em, pray you command him
To minister the like to vs and then
You shall heare what follow'd.
Ladislaus.
Well sir to your story.
Eubulus.
You haue no warrant, stand by, Let me know
Your pleasure Goddesse.
Honoria.
Let this nod assure you.
Eubulus.
Goddesse like indeede, as I liue a pretty Idoll,
She knowing her power wisely made vse of it
And fearing his inconstancy, and repentance
Of what he had granted (as in reason Madam,
Yo may doe his) that hee might neuer haue
[Page] Power to recall his grant, or question her
For her short gouernment, instantly gaue order
To haue his head strucke off.
Ladislaus.
I' [...]t possible?
Eubulus.
The story sayes so and commends her wisedome
For making vse of her authority:
And it is worth your imitation Madam,
He loues subiection, and you are no Queene
Vnlesse you make him feele the waight of it.
You are more then all the world to him, and that,
He may be foe to you, and not seeke change,
When his delights are sated, mew him vp
In some close prison, if you let him liue
(Which is no policy) and there dyet him
As you thinke fit to feede your appetite
Since there ends his ambition.
Vbaldo.
Diuelish counsaile.
Ricardo.
The King's amaz'd.
Vbaldo.
The Queene appeares too full
Of deepe imaginations, Eubulus
Hath put both to it.
Ricardo.
Now she seemes resolu'd
I long to know the issue.
Honoria descends.
Honoria.
Giue me leaue,
Deare sir to reprehend you for appearing
Perplex'd with what this old man out of enuy
Of your vnequal'd graces showr'd vpon me,
Hath in his fabulous story sawcily
Applide to me, sir that you onely nourish
One doubt Honoria dares abuse the power
With which shee is inuested by your fauour,
Or that she euer can make vse of it
To the iniury of you the great bestower,
Takes from your iudgement, it was your delight
To seeke to me with more obsequiousnesse,
[Page] Then I desir'd. And stood it with my duety
Not to receiue what you were pleas'd to offer?
I doe but act the Part you put vpon me,
And though you make me Personate a Queene,
And you my subiect, when the play your pleasure
Is at a period, I am what I was
Before I enter'd, still your humble wife,
And you my royall Soueraigne.
Ricardo.
Admirable!
Honoria.
I haue heard of Captains taken more with dang [...]
Then the rewards, and if in your approches
To those delights which are your owne, and freely
To heighten your desire, you make the passage
Narrow and difficult, shall I prescribe you?
Or blame your fondnesse? Or can that swell me
Beyond my iust proportion?
Vbaldo.
Aboue wonder!
Ladis [...]uus.
Heauen make me thankefull for such goodnesse.
Honoria.
Now Sir,
The state I tooke to satisfie your pleasure
I change to this humility, and the oath
You made to me of homage, I thus cancell,
And seate you in your owne.
Ladisluus.
I am transported
Beyond my selfe.
Honoria.
And now to your wise Lordship,
Am I prou'd a Semiramis? or hath
My Ninus, as maliciously you made him,
Cause to repent th'excesse of fauour to me,
Which you call dotage?
Ladisluus.
Answere wretch.
Enbulus.
I dare Sir,
And say how euer the euent may pleade
In your defence, you had a guilty cause;
Nor was it wisedome in you (I repeate it)
To teach a Lady, humble in her selfe
[Page] With the ridiculous dotage of a louer
To be ambitious.
Honoria.
Eubulus, I am so,
Tis rooted in me, you mistake my temper.
I do professe my selfe to be the most
Ambitious of my sex, but not to hould
Command ouer my Lord, such a proud torrent
Would sincke me in my wishes; not that I
Am ignorant how much I can deserue
And may with iustice challenge.
Eubulus.
This [...] look'd for;
After this seeming humble ebbe I knew
A gushing tide would follow.
Honoria.
By my birth,
And liberall giftes of nature, as of fortune,
From you, as things beneath me, I expect
What's due to maiesty, in which I am
A sharer with your soueraigne.
Eubulus.
Good againe!
Honoria.
And as I am most eminent in place,
In all my actions I would appeere so.
Ladislaus.
You need not feare a riuall.
Honoria.
I hope not;
And [...] I finde one, I disdaine to know
What enuie is.
Ladislaus.
You are aboue it Madam.
Honoria.
For beauty without art, discourse, and free
From affectation, with what graces else
Can in the wife and daughter of a King
Be wish'd, I dare prefer my selfe.
Eubulus.
As I
Blush for you lady, trumpet your owne prayses?
This spoken by the people had beene heard
With honour to you; does the court afford
No oyle-tongu'd parasite, that you are forc'd
To be your owne grosse flatterer?
Ladislaus.
[Page]
Bee dumbe,
Thou spirit of contradiction.
Honoria.
The wolfe
But barkes against the Moone, and I contemne it.
The masque you promis'd.
Ahorne. Enter a Post.
Ladislaus.
Let'em enter. How!
Eubulus.
Heere's one, I feare vnlook'd for.
Ladislaus.
From the Campe?
Post.
The Generall victorious in your fortune,
Kisses your hand in this Sir.
Ladislaus.
That great Power,
Who at his pleasure does dispose of battailes,
Be euer prais'd for't. Read sweet, and pertake it:
The Turke is vanquish'd, and with little losse
Vpon our part, in which our ioy is doubl'd.
Eubulus.
But let it not exalt you, beare it Sir
With moderation, and pay what you owe for't.
Ladislaus.
I vnderstand thee Eubulus. Ile not now
Enquire particulars. Our delights deferr'd,
With reuerence to the Temples, there wee'l tender
Our Soules deuotions to his dread might,
Who edg'd our swords, and taught vs how to fight.
Exeunt om [...]es.
The end of the first Act.

Actus secundi,

Scaena prima.

Enter Hilario, Corisca.
Hilario.
YOu like my speech?
Corisca.
Yes, if you giue it action
In the deliuerie.
Hilario.
If? I pitty you.
I haue plaide the foole before, this is not the first time,
Nor shall be I hope the last.
Corisca.
Nay I thinke so to.
Hila.
And if I put her not out of her dumps with laughter,
Ile make her howle for anger.
Corisca.
Not too much
Of that good fellow Hilario. Our sad Lady
Hath dranke too often of that bitter cup,
A pleasant one must restore her. With what patience
Would she indure to heare of the death of my Lord,
That meerely out of doubt he may miscary
Afflicts her selfe thus?
Hilario.
Vm, 'tis a question
A widdow onely can resolue. There be some
That in their husbands sicknesses haue wep'd
Their pottle of teares a day: but being once certaine
At midnight he was dead, haue in the morning
Dri'd vp their handkerchers, and thought no more on't.
Corisca.
Tush, shee is none of that race, if her sorrow
Be not true and perfit, I against my sex
Will take my oath woman nere wep'd in earnest.
She has made her selfe a prisoner to her chamber,
Darke as a dungeon, in which no beame
Of comfort enters. She admits no visits;
Eates little, and her nightly musicke is
Of sighes and groanes tun'd to such harmonie
[Page] Of feeling greefe, that I against my nature
Am made one of the consort. This houre onely
She takes the aire, a custome euery day
She sollemnly obserues, with greedy hopes
From some that passe by to receiue assurance
Of the successe, and safety of her Lord:
Now if that your deuice will take
Hilario.
Nere feare it:
I am prouided cap a pe, and haue
My properties in readinesse.
Sop [...]i [...] within.
Bring my vaile there.
Corisca.
Be gone, I heare her comming.
Hilario.
If I doe not
Appeare, and what's more, appeare perfit, hisse me.
Exit Hilario.
Enter Sophia.
Sophia.
I was flatter'd once I was a Star, but now
Turn'd a prodig [...]ous meteor, and like one
Hang in the aire betweene my hopes, and feares,
And euery howre the little stuffe burnt out
That yeelds a waning [...]ight to dying comfort,
I doe expect my fall and certaine ruine.
In wretched things more wretched is delay,
And hope a parasite to me, being vnmasqu'd
Appeares more horrid then despaire, and my
Distraction worse then madnesse: eu'n my prayers
When wi [...]h most zeale sent vpward, are pull'd downe,
With st [...]ong imaginary doubts and feares,
And in thei [...] suddaine precipice orewhelme me.
Dreames, and phantastic! evisions walke the round
About my widdowed bed, and euery slumber
Broken with lowd alarms: can these be then
But sad presages girle?
Corisca.
You mak 'em so,
And antedate a losse shall ne're fall on you.
Such pure affection, such mutuall loue,
[Page] A bed, and vndefil'd on either part,
A ho [...] without con [...]ention, in two bodies
One will, and Soule like to the rod of concord,
Kissi [...]g each other, cannot be short liu'd
Or end in barrennesse: if all these deare Madam
(Sweet in your sadnesse) should produce no fruite,
Or leaue the age no models of your selues,
To witnesse to poster [...]y what you were
Succeeding times frighted with the example
B [...]t hearing of your story, would instruct
Their [...]aire [...]t issue to meece sensually,
Like other crea [...]ures, and for bea [...]e to raise
True loue, or Himen Altars.
Sophia.
O Corisca,
I know thy reasons are like to thy wishes,
And they are built vpon a weake foundation,
To raise me comfort. Ten long dayes are past,
Ten long dayes my Corisca, since my Lord
Embarqu'd himse [...]fe vpon a Sea of danger,
In his deare care of me. And if his life
Had not beene shipwrack'd on the rocke of war,
His tendernesse of me (knowing how much
I languish for his absence) had prouided
Some trusty friend from wohm I might receiue
Assurance of his safety.
Corisca.
Ill newes Madam,
Are swallow-wing'd, but what's good walkes on crutches:
With patience expect it, and ere long
No doubt you shall heare from him.
A sowgelders horne blowne. A Post.
Sophia.
Ha! What's that?
Corisca.
The foole has got a sowgelders horne
As I take it Madam.
Sophia.
It makes this way still,
Neerer and neerer.
Corisca.
From the Campe I hope.
[Page]Enter Hilario, with a long white hayre and beard, in an anticke armour, one with a horne before him.
Sophia.
The messenger appeares, and in strange armour.
Heauen if it be thy will!
Hilario.
It is no boote
To striue, our horses tir'd let's walke on foot,
And that the Castle which is very neere vs,
To giue vs entertainment may soone heare vs,
Blow lustily my Lad, and drawing nigh a,
Aske for a Lady which is clep'd Sophia.
Corisca.
He names you Madam.
Hilario.
For to her I bring,
Thus clad in in armes, newes of a pretty thing,
By name Mathias.
Sophia.
From my Lord? O Sir,
I am Sophia, that Mathias wife.
So may Mars fauour you in all your battailes,
As you with speede vnloade me of the burthen
I labour vnder, till I am confirm'd
Both where, and how you left him.
Hilario.
If thou art
As I beleeue, the pigs-ney of his heart,
Know hee's in health, and what's more full of glee,
And so much I was will'd to say to thee.
Sophia.
Haue you no letters from him?
Hilario.
No more words.
In the Campe we vse no pens, but write with swords
Yet as I am inioyn'd, by word of mouth
I will proclaime his deeds from North to South.
But tremble not while I relate the wonder,
Though my eyes like lightning shine, and my voyce thunder.
Sophia.
This is some counterfeit bragart.
Corisca.
Heare him Madam.
Hila.
The Reere march'd first, which follow'd by the Van,
And wing'd with the Battalia, no man
[Page] Durst stay to shift a shirt or louze himselfe;
Yet ere the armies ioyn'd, that hopefull el [...]e,
Thy deere my dainty duckling, bold Mathias
Ad [...]anc'd, and star'd like Hercules or Golias.
A hundred thousand Turkes, it is no vaunt,
A [...]ai [...]'d him, euery one a Termagaunt,
But what did he then? with his keene edge speare
He cut, and Carbonadode'em, heere, and there,
Lay leggs and armes, and as 'tis sayd truely
Of Beuis, some he quarter'd all in three.
Sophia.
This is ridiculous.
Hilario.
I must take breath
Then like a Nightingale i'le sing his death;
Sophia.
His death?
Hilario.
I am out.
Corisca.
Recouer dunder-head.
Hilario.
How he escap'd I should haue sung, not dide
For, though a knight, when I said so I lide
Weary he was, and scarse could stand vpright
And looking round for some couragious Knight
To reskue him, as one perplex'd in woe
He cald to me, helpe, helpe Hilario,
My valiant seruant helpe.
Corisca.
He has spoyld all.
Sophia.
Are you the man of armes then? ile make bold
To take of your martiall beard, you had fooles hayre
Enough without it. Slaue, how durst thou make
Thy sport of what concernes me more then life,
In such an anticke fashion? am I growne
Contemptible to those I feed? you mignion
Had a hand in it to, as it appeares,
Your petticote serues for bases to this warrior.
Corisca.
We did it for your mirth.
Hilario.
For my selfe I hope,
I haue spoke like a souldier.
Sophia.
Hence you rascall.
[Page] I neuer but with reuerence name my Lord
And can I heere it by thy tongue prophain'd
And not correct thy folly? but you are
Transform'd, and turnd Knight [...]errant, take your course
And wander where you please, for heere I vow
By my Lords life (an oath I will not breake)
Till his returne, or certainty of his safety,
My doores are shut against thee.
Exit Sophia.
Corisca.
You haue made
A fine peece of worke on't: how do you like the quality?
You had a foolish i [...]ch to be an actor,
And may strowle where you please.
Hilario.
Will you buy my share?
Corisca.
No certainely, I feare I haue already
Too much of mine owne, I'le onely as a damsell
(As the bookes say) thus far helpe to disarme you,
And so deere Don Quixote taking my leaue,
I leaue you to your fortune.
Exit Corisca.
Hilario.
Haue I sweare
My braines out for this quaint and rare inuention,
And am I thus rewarded? I could turne?
Tragoedian, and rore now, but that I feare
'T would get me too great a stomacke hauing no meat
To pacifie Colon, what will become of me?
I cannot begge in armor, and steale I dare not:
My end must bee to stand in a corne feild
And fright away the crowes for bread, and cheese,
Or finde some hollow tree in the high way,
And there vntill my Lord returne sell switches
No more Hilario, but Dolorio now.
Ile weepe my eyes out, and bee blind of purpose
To moue compassion, and so I vanish,
Exit Hilario.

Actus secundi Scaena secunda.

Enter Eubulus, Vbaldo, Ricardo, and others.
Eubulus.
Are the gentlemen sent before as it was order'd
By the Kings direction to entertaine
The Generall?
Ricardo.
Long since, they by this haue met him,
And giu'n him the beinvenue.
Eubulus.
I hope I neede not
Instruct you in your parts.
Vbaldo.
How! vs my Lord!
Feare not, we know our distances and degrees
To the very inch where we are to salute him.
Ricardo.
The state were miserable if the Court had none
Of her owne breede, familiar with all garbes.
Gracious in England, Italie, Spaine or France,
With forme, and punctuallity to receiue
Sranger Embassadours. For the Generall
Hee's a meere natiue, and it matters not
Which way we doe accost him.
Vbaldo.
'Tis great pitty
That such as sit at the helme prouide no better
For the tiraning vp of the Gentry. In my iudgement
An Academie erected, with large pensions
To such as in a table could set downe
The congecs, cringes, postures, methods, phrase,
Proper to euery Nation.
Ricardo.
O it were
An admirable piece of worke!
Vbaldo.
And yet rich fooles
Throw away their charity on Hospitals
For beggers, and lame souldiers, and nere study
The due rega d [...]o complement and court-ship,
Matters of more import, and are indeed
The glories of a Monarchie.
Eubulus.
[Page]
These no doubt
Are state, points, gallants, I confesse, but sure,
Our court needs no aydes this way, since it is
A schoole of nothing else: there are some of you
Whom I for beare to name, whose coyning heads
Are the mints of all new fashions, that haue donne
More hurt to the Kingdome by superfluous brauerie
Which the foo [...]ish gentry imitate then a war
Or a long famine, all the treasure by
This foule excesse, is got into the marchants,
Embroiderers, silkemans, Iewellers, Taylors hand,
And the third part of the land to, the nobility
Ingrossing titles onely.
Ricardo.
My lord you are bitter.
Enter a seruant. a trumpet,
Ser.
the Generall is alighted, and now entred.
Ricardo.
Were he ten Generals I am prepard
And know what I will doe.
Eubulus.
Pray you what Ricardo?
Ricardo.
Ile fight at complement with him.
Vbaldo.
Ile charge home to.
Eubulus.
And thats a desperate seruice if you come off well.
Enter Ferdinand, Mathias, Baptista, two captaines.
Ferdinand.
Captaine command the officers to keepe
The souldier as he march'd in ranke and file
Till they heare farther from me.
Eubulus.
Heer's one speakes
In another keye, this is no canting language
Taught in your Academie.
Ferdinand.
Nay I will present you
To the King my selfe.
Mathias.
A grace beyond my merit,
Ferdinand.
You vndervalew what I cannot set
Too high a price on,
Eubulus.
With a friends true heart
I gratulate your returne.
Ferdinando.
[Page]
Next to the fauour
Of the great King I am happy in your friendship:
Vbaldo.
By courtship, course on both sides,
Ferdinando.
pray you receiue
This stranger to your knowledge, on my credit
At all parts hee deserues it.
Eubulus.
Your report
Is a strong assurance to mee, sir most welcome
Mathias.
This sayd by you, the reuerence of your age
Commands mee to beleeue it.
Ricardo.
this was pretty.
But second mee now, I cannot stoope too lowe
To doe your excellence that due obseruance
Your fortune claimes.
Eubulus.
Hee nere thinks on his vertue.
Ricardo.
For beeing, as you are, the soule of souldiers,
And bulwarke of Bellona,
Vbaldo.
The protection
Both of the court and King.
Ricardo.
and the sole mignion
Of mighty Mars
Vbaldo.
One that with iustice may
Increase the number of the worthies.
Eubulus.
hoye day.
Ricardo.
It beeing impossible in my armes to circle
Such giant worth.
Vbaldo.
At distance wee presume
To kisse your honored gauntlet.
Eubulus.
What replie now
Can he make to this [...]opperie?
Ferdinand.
You haue sayd
Gallants, so much, and hitherto done soe little,
That't ill I learne to speake, and you to doe
I must take time to thanke you.
Eubulus.
As I liue
Answer'd as I could wish. How the fops gap [...] now!
Ricardo.
[Page]
This was harsh, and scuruie.
Vbaldo.
We will be reueng'd
When he comes to court the ladies, and laugh at him.
Eubulus.
Nay doe your offices gentlemen, and conduct
The Generall to the presence.
Ricardo.
Keepe your order.
Vbaldo.
Make way for the Generall.
Exeunt omnes praeter Eubulum.
Eubulus.
What wise man
That with iudicious eyes lookes one a souldier
B [...]t must confesse that fortunes swinge is more
Ore that profession, then all kinds else
Of life pursu'd by man, they in a state
Are but as chirurgions to wounded men
Euen desperate in their hopes, while paine and anguish
Make them blaspheme, and call in vaine for death;
Their wiues and children kisse the chirurgions knees
Promise him mountaines, if his saning hand
Restore the tortur'd wretch to former strength.
But when grimme death by AEsculapius art
Is frighted from the house, and health appeares
In sanguin colours on the sicke mans face,
All is forgot, and asking his reward
Hee's payd with curses, often receaues wounds
From him whose woundes hee curde, so souldiers
Though of more worth and vse, meete the same fate,
As it is too apparent. I haue obseru'd
In one hue.
When horrid Mars the touch of whose rough hand
With Palsies shakes a kingdome, hath put on
His dreadfull Helmet, and with terror fills
The place where helike an vnwelcome guest
Resolue to reuell, how the Lords of her, like
The tradesman, marchant, and litigious pleader
(And such like Scarabes bred'ith dung of peace)
In hope of their protection humbly offer
[Page] Their daughters to their beds, heyres to their seruice,
And wash with teares, their sweate their dust, their scars,
But when those clouds of war that menaced
A bloudy del [...]ge to th' aff [...]ighted state,
A [...]e by their breath dispers'd, and ouer blowne,
And famine, bloud, and death Bellona's pages
Whip'd from the quiet continent to Thrace
Souldiers, that like the foolish hedge sparrow
To their owne ruine hatch this Cucckow peace,
Are straight thought burdensome, Since want of meanes
Growing from want of action breedes contempt,
And that the worst of ills fall to their lot
Their seruice with the danger soone forgot.
Enter a seruant.
Ser.
The Queene, my Lord, hath made choyce of this roome [...]
To see the masque.
Eubulus.
Ile be looker on
My dancing dayes are past.
Loud musicke as they passe, a song in the praise of war, Vbaldo, Ricardo, Ladislaus. Ferdin. and Honoriu, Mathias, Silua, Acanthe, Baptista, and others.
Ladislaus.
This courtesie
To a stranger My Honoria, keepe faire ranke
With all your rarities, after your trauaile
Looke on our court delights, but first from your
Relation, with erected eares i'll heare
The musicke of your war which must be sweet
Ending in victory.
Ferdinand
Not to trouble
Your maiesties with description of a battaile
To full of horror for the place, and to
Avoyd perticulers which I should deliuer
I must trench longer on your pacience then
My manner will gieue way to, in a word sir
[Page] It was well fought on both sides, and almost
With equall fortune, it continuing doubtfull
Vpon whose tents plum'd victory would take
Her glorious stands, impatient of delay
With the flower of our prime gentlemen I charg'd
Their maine Bartalia, and with their assistance
Brake in, but when I was almost assur'd
That they were routed, by a Stratagem
Of the subtill Turke, who opening his grosse body,
And ralyng vp his troopes on either side,
I found my selfe so far ingag'd (for I
Must not conceale my errors) that I knew not
Which way with honor to come off.
Eubulus.
I like
A Generall that tells his faults, and is not
Ambitious to ingrosse vnto himselfe
All honour as some haue, in which with iustice
They could not claime a share.
Ferdinand.
Being thus hem'd in
Their Cimitars rag'd among vs, and my horse
Kil'd vnder me, I euery minute look'd for
An honourable end, and that was all
My hope could fashion to me, circl'd thus
With death and horror, as one sent from heauen
This man of men with some choise horse that fo [...]lowed
His braue example, did pursue the tract
His sword cut for'em, and but that I see him,
Already blush to heare what he being present,
I know would wish vnspoken, I should say sir
By what hee did, we bouldly may beleeue
All that is writ of Hector.
Mathias.
Generall
Pray spare these strange Hyperboles.
Eubulus.
Do not blush
To heare a truth, heere are a payre of Mon [...]iuers
Had they beene in your place would haue run away
[Page] And nere chang'd countenance.
Vbaldo.
We haue your good word still.
Eubulus.
And shall while you deserue it.
Ladislaus.
Silence, on.
Ferdinand.
He as I sayd, like dreadfull lightning thrown [...]
From Iupiters shield dispersd the armed Gire
With which I was enuirond horse and man,
Shruncke vnder his strong arme more with his lookes
Frighted, the valiant fled with which encourag'd
My souldiers (like young Eglets praying vnder
The wings of their fierce dame) as if from him
They tooke both spirit, and fire brauely came on.
By him I was remounted, and inspir'd
Wiih trebble courage, and such as fled before
Bouldly made head againe, and to confirme 'em
It suddainely was apparent, that the fortune
Of the day was ours, each souldier and commander
Performd his part, but this was the great wheele
By which the lesser mou'd, and all rewards
And signes of honour, as the Ciuicke garland,
The murall wreath, the enemies prime horse,
With the Generals sword, and armour (the old honors
With which the Roman crowne their seueral leaders)
To him alone are proper.
Ladislaus.
And they shall
Deseruedly fall on him, sit, tis our pleasure,
Ferdinand.
Which I must serue, not argue,
Honoria.
You are a stranger,
But in your seruice for the King, a natiue.
And though a free Queene, I am bound in duty
To cherish vertue wheresoere I find it:
This place is yours.
Mathias.
It were presumption in [...]e
To sit so neere you.
Honoria.
Not hauing our warrant
Ladislaus.
Let the masquers enter by the preparation
[Page] Tis a French brawle, an apish imitation
Of what you really performe in battaile,
And Pallas bound vp in a little volume
Apollo
with his lute attending on her
Serue for the induction.
Song and dance:
Enter the two Boyes, one with his lute, the other like Pallas, A song in the prayse of souldiers, especially being victo­rious: the song ended the King goes on.
Song by Pallas.
Though we contemplate to expresse
The glory of your happinesse,
That by your powerfull arme haue binne
So true a victor, that no sinne
Could euer taint you with a blame
To lessen your deserued fame.
Or though we contend to set
Your worth in the full height, or get
C [...]lestiall singers ( [...]rownd with bayes
With florishes to dresse your praise)
You know your conquest, but your story
Liues in your triumphant glory.
Ladislaus.
Our thanks to all
To the banquet thats prepard to entertaine'em,
What would my best Honoria?
Honoria.
May it please
My King that I who by his suffrage euer
Haue had power to command, may now intreat
An honor from him.
Ladislaus.
Why should you desire
[Page] What is your owne, what ere it be you are
The mistris of it.
Honoria.
I am happy in
Your grant: my sute sir is, that your commanders
Especially this stranger, may as I
In my discretion shall thinke good, receiue
What's due to their deserts.
Ladislaus.
What you determine
Shall know no alteration.
Eubulus.
The souldier
Is like to haue good vsage when he depends
Vpon her pleasure? are all the men so bad
That to giue satisfaction we must
A woman threasourer, heauen helpe all.
Honoria.
With you sir
I will begin, and as in my esteeme
You are most eminent expect to haue,
What's fit for me to giue, and you to take;
The fauour in the quicke dispatch being double
Goe fetch my casket, and with speed.
Exit Acanthe.
Eubulus.
The Kingdome
Is very bare of mony: when rewards
Issue from the Queenes iewell [...]ouse, giue him gold
And store, no question the gentleman wants it.
Good Madam what shall he doe with a hoop ring,
And a sparke of diamond in it, though you tooke it
Enter Acanthe.
For the greater honor from your maiesties finger,
'Twill not increase the value. He must purchase
Rich suites, the gay comparison of court-shipp,
Reuell, and feast, which the war ended is
A souldiers glory, and tis fit that way
Your bountie should prouide for him
Honoria.
You are [...]ude,
And by your narrow thoughts proportion mine.
What I will doe now, shall be worth the enuie
[Page] Of Cleopatra open it, see heere
Honoria descend [...]
The Lapidares Idol gold is tr [...]sh
And a poore salarie fit for groomes, weare these
As studded stars in your armour, and make the Sun
Looke dimme with iealousie of a greater light
Then his beames guild the day with: when it is
Expos'd to view, call it Honorias guift,
The Queene Honorias guift that loues a soulder,
And to giue ornament, and lustre to him
Parts freely with her owne, yet not to take
From the magnificence of the King, I will
Dispence his bounty to but as a page
To wait on mine, for other tosses take
A hundred thousand crownes, your hand deere sir,
And this shall be thy warrant.
Takes of the Kings signes.
Eubulus.
I perceiue
I was cheated in this woman now she is
I th' giruing veine [...]o souldiers let her be pro [...]d
And the King dote, soe she goe on, I ca [...]e not
Honoria.
This done, our pleasure is that all arrearages
Be payd into the Captaines, and their troopes
With a large donatiue to increase their Zeale
For the seruice of the kingdome.
Eubulus.
Better still,
Let men of armes be vsd thus, if they do not
Charge desperately vpon the Cannons mouth
Though the Diuell ror'd, and fight like dragons, hang me.
Now they may drinke sacke, but small beere, with a pasport
To begge with as they trauaile, and no money,
Turnes their red blood to buttermilke.
Honoria.
Are you pleas'd sir
With what I haue done?
Ladislaus
Yes, and thus confirme it,
With this addition of mine owne, you haue sir
From our lou'd Queene receaued some recompence
For your life hazarded in the late action,
[Page] And that we may follow her great example
In cherishing valor without limit, aske
What you from vs can wish
Mathias.
If it be true,
Dread sir as 'tis affirmd, that euery soyl [...]
Where he is well, is to a valiant man
His naturall country, reason may assure me
I should fix heere, where blessings beyond hope
From you the spring like riuers flow vnto me.
If wealth were my ambition, by the Queene
I am made rich already, to the amazment
Of all that see, or shall hereafter read
The story of her bounty, if to spend
The remnant of my life in deedes of armes
No region is more fertill of good knights
from whom my knowledg that way may be beter [...]
Then this your war like Hungary; if fauour,
Or grace in court could take [...] by your grant
Far far beyond my merrit, I may make
In yours a free election, but alas sir
I am not mine owne, but by my destiny
(Which I cannot [...]esis [...]) forc'd to prefer
My countries smoke before the g [...]orious fire
With which your bounties warme me all I aske sir
Though I cannot be ignorant it must rellish
Of foule ingratitud is your gracious licence
For my departure.
Ladislaus.
Whether?
Mathias.
To my owne home [...]
[...] owne poore home, which will [...] my return [...]
Grow rich by your magnificence, I am heere
But a body without a [...]oule, and till I finde it
In the embraces of my constant wife, & to set of that constance
In her beauty and matchlesse excellencies without a riuall
I am but halfe my selfe.
Honoria.
And is she then
So chast, and faire as you infer?
Mathias.
[Page]
O Madam
Thoug it must argue weakenes in a rich man
To show his gold before an armed thiefe,
And I in praysing of my wife, but seed,
The fire of lust in others to attempt her,
Such is my full sayld confidence in her vertue
Though in my absence She were now beseeg'd
By a strong army of lasciuious wooers,
And euery one more expert in his art,
Then those that tempted chast Penelope,
Though they raisd batteries by Prodigall guifts,
By admorous letters, vowes made for her seruice
With all the Engins wanton appetite
Could mo [...]nt to shake the fortresse of her honor,
Heere, he [...]re is my assurance she ho [...]des out
kisse the picture.
And is impregnable,
Honoria.
What's that?
Mathias.
Her faire figure.
Ladislaus.
As I liue an excellent face!
Honoria.
You haue seene a better.
Ladislaus.
I euer except yours, nay frowne not sweetest,
The Cyprian Queene compard to you, in my
Opinion is a Negro, as you orderd
I'll see the souldier payd, and in my absence
Pray you vse your powerfull arguments to stay
This gentleman in our seruice.
Honoria.
I will doe
My parts.
Ladislaus.
On to the campe.
Exeunt Ladislaus, Ferdinand, Eubulus, Baptista, Captaines.
Honoria.
I am full of thoughts.
And something there is heere I must giue for me to
Though yet an Embrion, you Signiers
Haue no businesse with the souldier, as I take it,
[Page] You are for other warfare, quit the place,
But be within call.
Ricardo.
Imployment on my life boy.
Vbaldo.
If it lie in our road we are made foreuer.
Exeunt Vbaldo, Ricardo
Honoria.
You may perceiue the King is no way tainted
With the disease of iealousie, since he leaues mee
Thus priuate with you.
Mathias.
It were in him Madam
A sinne vnpardonable to distrust such purenesse,
Though I were an Adonis.
Honoria.
I presume
He neither does, nor dares: and yet the story
Deliuered of you by the Generall
With your Herc'nk courage (which sinckes deepely
Into a knowing womans heart) besides
Your promising presence might beget some scruple,
In a meaner man, but more of this heereafter
I'll take another Theme now and coniure you
By the honors you haue woone, and by the loue
Sacred to your deere wife, to answere truely
To what I shall demand.
Mathias.
You need not vse
Charmes to this purpose Madam.
Honoria.
Tell me then
Being your selfe assur'd 'tis not in man
To [...]ully with one sport [...]th'immaculate whitenes
Of your wifes honor, if you haue not since
The Gordion of your loue was tide by marriage
Playd false with her?
Mathias.
By the hopes of mercy neuer.
Honoria.
It may be, not frequenting the conuerse
Of handsome ladies, you were neuer tempted
And so your faith's vntride yet.
Mathias.
Surely Madam,
I am no woman hater, I haue beene,
[Page] Receiued to the society of the best,
And fairest of our climate, and haue met wi [...]h
No common entertainement, yet nere felt
The least heat that way,
Honoria.
Strange; and doe you thinke still
The earth can show no beauty that can drench
In Lethe all remembrance of the fauour
Your now beare to your owne?
Mathias.
Nature must find out
Some other mold to fashon a new creature
[...] airer then her Pandora, ere I proue
Guilty or in my wishes, or my thought [...],
To my Sophia.
Honoria.
Sir consider better
Not one in our whole sex?
Mathias.
I am constant t [...]
My resolution.
Honoria.
But dare you stand
The oposition, and bind your selfe
By oath for the performance?
Mathias.
My faith else
Had but a weake foundation.
Honoria.
I take hold
Vpon your promise, and inioy [...]e your stay
For one month heere
Mathias.
I am caught.
Honoria.
And if I do not
Produce a lady in that time that shall
Make you confesse your error I submit
My selfe to any penualtie you shall please
T' impose vpon me, in the meane space write
To your chast wife, acquainte her with your fortune
The iewells that were mine you may send to her,
For better confirmation, I'll prouide you
Of trusty messengers, but how far distant is she?
Mathias.
A dayes hard riding.
Honoria.
[Page]
The [...] [...]no retiring
[...]ll bind you to your word.
Mathias.
Wel since there is,
No [...] way to [...] I will stand the hazard
And instantly make r [...]ady my dispatch
'Till then, [...] your maiesty.
Exit Mathias.
Honoria.
How I bu [...]st
With [...] there liues besides my selfe
O [...] [...]aire, [...]d loyall woman, [...]twas the [...]nd
Of my ambition [...]o be recorded
The o [...]ely wonder of the age, and shall [...]
Giue way [...] a competitor? nay more
To adde to my aff [...]i [...]tion [...]the assurances
Tha [...] I plac'd in my beautie haue decea [...]d [...]e
I thought one amorous glance of mine could bring
All heart [...] [...] [...]bjection, but this stranger
[...] [...]oc [...]s co [...]temnes me, but I cannot
Sit downe [...]o with my honor, I will gai [...]
A double victory by working him
To my desi [...]e, and tainte her in her honor
Or loose my selfe, I haue read that [...]
Is vsefull, to suplant her ile imploy
With any cost Vbaldo, and Ricardo
Two noted courtiers of approued cunning
In all the windings of lusts labirinthe,
And in corrupting him I will [...]r goe
[...] Poppaea, if he shut his ea [...]s [...]
Against my S [...]ren notes, [...]e boldly [...]wea [...]e
[...] liues againe, or that I haue found
A frozen Cynike, cold in spite of all
Allurements, one, whom beauty canno [...] mo [...]e
Nor softest blandishments [...] to [...]oue.
Exi [...] H [...]oria [...]
The end of the second Act.

Actus tertij,

Scaena prima.

Enter Hilario.
THinne, Thinne, prouision, I am dieted
Like one set to watch hawkes, and to keepe me waking
My c [...]oaking guts make a perpetuall larum,
Heere I stand centinell, and though I fright
Beggers from my ladies gate, in hope to haue
A greater share I find my commons mend not.
I lookt this morning in my glasse the riuer
And there appeard a fish cald a poore Iohn
Cut with a lenten face in my owne likenesse,
And it seemd to speake and say goodmorrow cousen.
[...]o man comes this way but has a fling at me,
A Chirurgion passing by ask'd at what rate,
I would sell my selfe, I answered for what vse?
To make sayd he a liueing Anatomy
And set thee vp in our hall, for thou art transparent
[...]ithout dissection, and indeede he had reason,
[...]or I am scourd with this poore purge to nothing.
[...]hey say that hunger dwels in the campe, but till
My Lord returnes, or certaine tidings of him
He will not part with me, but sorrowes drie
And I must drinke howsoeuer.
Guide.
That is her castle
Enter Vbaldo, and Ricardo, Guide.
Vpon my certaine knowledge.
Vbaldo.
Our horses held out
To my desire: I am a fire to be at it.
Ricardo.
Take the iades for thy reward, before I part hence,
I hope to be better carried, giue me the Cabinet.
Soe leaue vs now
Guide.
Good fortune to you Gallants.
Exit Guide.
Vbaldo.
[Page]
Being ioynt Agents in a designe of trust to
For the seruice of the Queene, and our owne pleasure,
Let vs proceed with iudgement.
Ricardo.
If I take not
This fort at the first assault, make mean Euenuche,
So I may haue precedence.
Vbaldo.
On no termes.
We are both to play one prize he that workes best
I' the searching this mine shall carry it
Without contention.
Ricardo.
Make you your aproaches
As I directed
Vbaldo.
I need no instruction
I worke not on your anuile, I'll giue fire
With my owne linstocke, if the powder be dancke
The Diuell rend the touch-hole. Who haue we heere?
What [...]elliton's this?
Ricardo.
A ghost! or the image of famine!
Where doest thou dwell?
Hilario.
Dwell sir? my dwelling is
I'th high way, that goodly house was once
My habitation, but I am banished.
And cannot be cald home 'till newes arriue
Of the good knight Mathias.
Ricardo.
If that will
Restore thee thou art safe
Vbaldo.
We come from him
With presents to his Lady.
Hilario.
But are you sure
Hee is in health?
Ricardo.
Neuer so well, conduct vs
To the lady.
Hilario.
Though a poore snake I will leape
Out of my [...]kine for ioy, breake picher breake,
And wallet late my cubbard [...] bequeath thee
To the next begger, thou red herring swimme
[Page] To the red sea againe me thinckes I am already
Knuckle deepe in the flesh potts, and though waking, dream [...]
Of wine and plenty.
Ricardo.
What's the misery
Of this strange passion?
Hilario.
My belly gentlemen,
Will not geue me leaue to tell you, when I haue brought you
To my ladies presence I am di [...]enchanted,
There you shall shall know all follow if I outstrip you
know I run for my belly.
Vbaldo.
A mad fellow.
Exeunt.

Astus tertij, Scaena secunda.

Enter Sophia Corisca.
Sophia.
Do not againe delude me.
Corisca.
If I doe, send me a grasing with my fellow Hilario,
I stood as you commanded in the turret
Obseruing all that pas'd by, a and euen now
I did diserne a payre of Caualiers
For such their outside spoke them with their guide
Dismounting from their horses, they said something
To our hungry Centinell that made him caper
And frish'ith ayre for ioy, and to confirme this
See Madam they in view.
Enter Hilario, Vbaldo, Ricardo.
Hilario.
Newes from my Lord?
Tidings of ioy, these are no counterfaites,
But Knights indeed, deere Madam signe my pardon
That I may feed againe, and picke vp my crumes
I haue had a long fast of it,
Sophia.
Eate, I forgiue thee.
Hilario.
O comfortable wordes; eate I forgiue thee
[Page] And if in this I doe not soone obey you
And ramne in to the purpose billet me againe
I' the high way, butler and Cooke be ready
For I enter like a tyrant.
Exit Hilario.
Vbaldo.
Since mine eies
Were neuer happy in soe sweete an obiect,
Without eniury I presume you are
The ladie of the house, and so salute you.
Ricardo.
This letter with these iewels from your Lord
Warrant my boldnes Madam.
Vbaldo.
in being a seruant
To such rare beauty you must needes deserue
This courtesie from a stranger.
Ricardo.
You are still
Before hand with me, pretty one I descend
To take the height of your lippe, and if I misse
In the altitude heereafter if you please
I will make vse of my Iacobs staffe,
Sophia hauing in the interime redd the letter and gend the Casket.
Corisca.
These gentlemen
Haue certainely had good breeding, as it appeares
By their neat kissing, they hit me so bat on the lipps
At the first sight.
Sophia.
Heauen in thy mercy make mee
Thy thankfull handmaid for this boundles blessing
In thy goodnesse showr'd vpon me.
Vbaldo.
I do not like
This simple deuotion in her it is seldome
Practisd among my mistresses.
Ricardo.
Or mine
Would they kneele to I know not who for the possession
Of such inestimiable wealth before
They thank'd the bringers of it? the poore lady
Does want instruction, but I'll be her tutor
[Page] And read her anothr lesson.
Sophia.
If I haue
Showne want of manners gentlemen in my showes
To pay the thankes I owe you for your trauaile
To doe my Lord, and me (howere vnworthy
Of such a benifit) this noble fauour
Impute it in your elemencie to the excesse
Of ioy that ouer whelm'd me.
Ricardo.
She speakes well
Vbaldo.
Polite, and courtly.
Sophia.
And howere it may
Increase th' offence to touble you with more
Demandes touching my Lord, before I haue
Inu [...]ted you to rest, such as the coursenesse
Of my poore house can offer, pray you conuine
On my weake tendernesse though I in [...]reate
To learne from you something hee hath it may bee
In his letter left vnmention'd.
Ricardo.
I can onely
Giue you assurance that he is in health,
Grac'd by the King, and Queene
Vbaldo.
And in the court
With admira [...]ion look'd on,
Ricardo.
You must therefore
Put off these widdowes garments, and appeere
Like to your selfe.
Vbaldo.
And en [...]ertaine all pleasures
Your fortunes markes out for you.
Ricardo.
There are other
Perticular p [...]iuacies which on occasion
I will deliuer to you.
Sophia.
You oblige me
To your seruice euer.
Ricardo.
Good! your seruice, marke that.
Sophia.
In the meane time by your good acceptance make
My rusticke entertainement rellish of
[Page] The curiousnesse of the court.
Vbaldo.
Your lookes sweete Madam
Cannot but make each dish a feast.
Sophia.
It shall be
Such in the freedome of my will to please you.
I'll show you the way; this is to great an honor
From such braue ghests to me so meane an hostesse.
Exeunt.

Actus tertij, Scaena prima.

Enter Acanthe, two, fower, or fiue with vizards.
Acanthe.
You know your charge, giue it action, and expect
Rewards beyond your hopes.
1.
If we but eye'em,
They are ours I warrant you.
2.
May we not aske why
We are put vpon this?
Acanthe.
Let that stop your mouth,
And learne more manners groome, tis vpon the hower
In which they vse to walke heere, when you haue'em,
In your power, with violence carry them to the place
Where I appointed, there I will expect you,
Be bold, and carefull.
Exit Acanthe.
Enter Mathias and Baptista.
1.
These are they.
2.
Are you sure?
1.
Am I sure I am my selfe?
2.
Cease on him strongly, If he haue but meant
To draw his sword. 'tis ten to one we smart fort,
Take all aduantages.
Mathias.
I cannot guesse
What her intents are, but her carriage was
As I but now related.
Baptista.
[Page]
Your assurance
In the constancie of your lady is the armor
That must defend you, whers the picture?
Mathias,
Heere.
And no way alter'd
Baptista.
If she be not perfit,
There is no truth in art.
Mathias.
By this I hope
She hath receiu'd my letters.
Baptista.
Without question
These courtiers are rancke riders, when they are
To visit a handsome lady.
Mathias.
Lend me your eare.
One peece of her entertainment will require
Your deerest priuacy.
1.
Now they stand faire
Vpon'em.
Mathias.
Villaines.
1.
Stop their mouths, we come not
To trie your valures, kill him if he offer,
To open his mouth, we haue you, tis in vaine
To make resistance, mount 'em and a way.
Ex [...]nt.

Actus tertij, Scaena quarta.

Enter seruants with lights, L [...]dislaus, Ferdinand, Eubulus.
Ladislaus.
'Tis late go to your rest, but doe not enuy
The happinesse I draw neere to.
Eubulus.
If you inioy it.
The moderate way the sport yeelds I confesse
A pretty titillation, but to much oft
will bring you on your knees, in my yonger daies
I was my selfe a gamster, and I found
[Page] By a sad experience, there is no such soker
As a yonger spongie wise, she keepes a thousand
Hor sele [...]hes in her box, and the thieues will sucke out
Both bloud, and marrow, I feele a kind of crampe
In my ioynts when I thinke o'nt, but it may bee Queene [...]
And such a Queene as yours is, has the art
Ferdinand.
You take leaue
To talke my Lord.
Ladislaus.
He may since he can do nothing
Eubu.
If you spend this way to much of your royall stock
Ere long we may be puefellowes.
Ladislaus.
The doore shut,
Knocke gentlie, harder. So, heere comes her woman,
Take of my gowne.
Enter Acanthe.
Ac [...]nthe.
My Lord, the Queene by me
This night desires your pardon,
Ladislanus.
How Acanthe!
I come by her appointment 'twas her grant
The motion was her owne
Acanthe.
It may be sir
But by her Doctors Since she is aduis'd
For her health sake to forbeare.
Eubulus.
I do not like
This phisicall lecherie, the old downe right way
Is worth a thousand out.
Ladislanus.
Prethe Acanthe.
Meditate for me.
Eubulus.
O the fiends of hell
Would any man bribe his seruant to make way
To his owne wife, if this be the court state
Shame fall on such as vse it.
Acanthe.
By this iewell
This night I dare not moue her, but to morrow
I will watch all occasion
Ladislaus.
Take this
[Page] To be mindfull of me
Exit Acanthe.
Eubulus.
Slight, I though a king
Might haue tooke vp any woman at the Kings Price
And must he buy his owne at a deerer rate
Then a stranger in a brothell?
Ladislaus.
What is that
You mutter sir?
Eubulus.
No treason to your honor
I'll speake it out though it anger you, if you pay for
Your lawfull pleasure in some kind great sir
What do you make the Queene, cannot you clicket
Without a fe [...]? or when she has a suit for you to grant?
Ferdinando.
O hold sir.
Ladislaus.
Off with his head.
Eubu.
Do when you please, you but blow out a taper
That would light your vnderstanding, and in care of't
Is burnt downe to the socket, be as you are sir
An absolute monarch, it did show more Kinglike
In those libidino [...]s Caesars that compeld
Matrous, and virgins of all rankes to bow
Vnto their ratenous lusts, and did admit
Of more excuse then I can vrge for you,
Tha [...] slaue your selfe to th'imperious humor
Of a proud beauty.
Ladislaus.
Out of my sight.
E [...]bulus.
I will sir
Gi [...]e way to your furious passion, but when reason
Hath got the better of it I much hope
The counsaile that offends now, will deserue
Your royall thankes, tranquillity of mind
Stay with you sir. I do begin to doubt
Ther's something more in the Queenes strangnes, then
Is yet disclosd, and i'll find it out
Or loose my selfe in the serch.
Ferdinand.
Sure He is honest,
[Page] And from your infancy hath truely seru'd you
Let that plead for him and impute this harshnes
To the frowardnes of his age.
Ladislaus.
I am much troubled
And do begin to stagger, Ferdinand good night
To morrow visit vs, backe to our owne lodgings.
Exeunt.

Actus tertij, Scaena quinta.

Enter Acanthe, the vizarded seruants, Mathias, Baptista.
Acanthe.
You haue donne brauely, locke this in that roome,
There let him ruminate, I'll anon vnhood him.
they carry of Baptista
The other must stay heere, as soone as I
Haue quit the p [...]ace giue him the liberty,
And vse of his eies, that donne disperse your selues
As priuately as you can, but on your liues
No word of what hath pas'd.
Exit Acanthe.
1.
If I doe, sell
My tongue to a tripe wife, come vnbind his armes,
You are now at your owne disposure and howeuer
We vs'd you roughly, I hope you will find heere
Such entertainment, as will giue you cause
To thanke vs for the seruice, and so I leaue you,
Exeunt seruants.
Mathias.
If I am in a prison 'tis a neat one,
What O edipus can resolue this riddle? Ha!
I neuer gaue iust cause to any man
Basely to plot against my life, but what is
Become of my true friend? for him I suffer
More then my selfe.
Acanthe.
Remone tha [...] idlefeare
Hee's safe as you are.
Mathias.
Whoso'ere thou art
For him I thanke thee, I cannot imagine
Where I should be, though I haue read the table
[Page] Or errant knighthood, stuff'd, with the relations
Of magicall enchantments, yet I am not
So sottishly credulous, to beleeue the diuell
Hath that way power, Ha? musicke!
Musicke aboue, a song of pleasure.
The blushing rose and purple flower,
Let grow to long are soonest blasted.
Dainty fruites, though sweete, will sower
And rot in ripenes, left vntasted.
Yet here is one more sweete then these
The more you tast, the more shee'l please.
Beauty thotgh inclos'd with ice,
Is A shadow chast as rare,
Then how much those sweetes in [...]ice.
That haue issue full as faire,
Earth cannot yeeld from all her powers
One equall, for Dame Venus [...]owers.
A song too, certainely be it he, or she
That owes this voyce, it hath not bene acquainted
With much affliction, whosoere you are
That doe inhabit heere, if you haue bodies
And are not meere aeriall formes appeare
Enter Honoria.
And make me know your end with me, most strange
What haue I coiur'd vp? sure if this be,
A spirit 'tis no damn'd one what a shapes heere;
Then with what maiesty it moues. If Inno
Were now to keepe her state among the Gods,
And Her [...]ules to be made againe her ghest
She could not put on a more glorious habit
Though her handmaid Iris lent her va [...]ious colours
Or ou [...]d Oceanus rauishd from the deepe
[Page] All iewels shipwrack'd in it, as you haue
Thus far made knowne your selfe, if that your face
Haue not too much diuinity about it
For mortall eies to gaze on, perfit what
You haue begun with wonder, and amazement
To my ashonish'd senses, how! the Queene!
kneeles
she puls of her masque.
Honoria.
Rise sir, and heare my reasons in defence
Of the rape for so you may conceaue, which I
By my instruments made vpon you, you perhaps
May thinke, what you haue suffer'd for my lust
Is a common practise with me, but I call
Those euer shining lamps, and their great maker
As witnesses of my inocence, I nere look'd on
A man but your best selfe, on whom I euer
(Except the King) vouchsaf'd an eie of fauour
Mathias.
The King indeed, and onely such a King
Deserues your rarities Madam, and but hee
'Twere gyant like ambition in any
In his wishes onely to presume to tast
The nectar of your kisses; or to feed
His appetite with that ambrosia, due
And proper to a prince, and what bind mores
A lawfull husband, for my selfe great Queene
I am a thing obscure, di [...]furnish'd of
All merit, that can rayse me higher then
In my most humble thankefulnes for your bounty
To hazard my life for you, and that way
I am most ambitious.
Honoria.
I desire no more
Then what you promise, if you dare expose
Your life as you professe to doe me seruice,
How can it better be imployd, then in
Preseruing mine? which onely you can doe.
And must doe with the danger of your owne.
[Page] A desperate danger to, if priuate men
Can brooke no riuals in what they affect
But to the death pursue such as inuade
What law makes their inheritance, the King
To whom you know I am deerer then his crowne
His health his eies his after-hopes with all
His present blessings must fall on that man
L [...]ke dreadfull lightning that is won by prayers,
Threates, or rewards to staine his bed, or make
His hop'd for issue doubtfull.
Mathias.
If you aime
At what I more then feare you doe, the reasons
Which you deliuer should in iudgement rather
Deter me, then invite a grant, with my
Assured ruine.
Honoria.
True if that you were
Of a cold temper one whom doubt, or feare,
In the most horrid formes they could put on
Might teach to be ingratefull, your deniall
To me, that haue deseru'd so much, is more
If it can haue addition.
Mathias.
I know not
What your commandes are.
Honoria.
Haue you fought so well
Among armi'd men, yet cannot ghesse what lists
You are to enter when you are in priuate
With a willingly ladie, one, that to inioye
Your company this night deni'd the King
Accesse, to what's his owne, if you will presse me
To speake in playner language.
Mathias.
Pray you forbeare,
I would I did not vnderstand too much
Already, by yo [...]r words I am instructed
To credite that, which not confirmd by you,
Had bred suspition in me of vntruth
Though an Angell had affirm'd it, but suppose
[Page] That cloyd with happines (which is euer builte
On vertuous chastity, in the wantonnesse
O [...] appetite, you desire to make triall
Of the false delights propos'd by vitious lust:
Among ten thousand euery way moreable
And ap [...]er to be wrought on, such as owe you
Obedience being your subiects, why shou [...]d you
Make choice of me a stranger?
Honoria.
Though yet reason
Was nere admitted in the court of loue,
I'll yeeld you one vnanswerable, as I vrg'd
In our last priuate conference, you haue
A pretty promising presence, but there are
Many in limbes, and feature who may take
That way the right hand file of you, besides
Your May of youth is pas'd, and the blood spent
By woundes, though brauely taken, render you
Disabld for loues seruice, and that valour
Se [...] off with better fortune, which it may be
Swels you aboue your boundes 'is not the hooke
That hath caught me good sir I need no champion
With his sword to guard my honor, or my beauty,
In both I can defend my selfe, and liue
My owne protection.
Mathias.
If these aduocates
The best that can plead for me, haue no power?
What can you find in me else, that may tempt you
With irrecouerable losse vnto your selfe
To be a gayner from me?
Honoria.
You haue Sir
A iewell of such matchlesse worth and lustre,
As does disdaine comparison, and darkens
All that is rare in other men, and that
I must or win, or lessen.
Mathias.
You heape more
Amazement on me, what am I posses'd of
[Page] That you can couet? make me vnderstand it,
If it haue a name?
Honoria.
Yes an imagin'd one,
But is in substance nothing, being a garment
Worne out of fashion, and long since giuen ore
By the court and country, tis your loyalty,
And constancy to your wife, 'tis that I dote on,
And does deserue my enuy, and that iewell
Or by faire play, or foule, I must winne from you.
Mathias.
These are meere contraries, if you loue me Madam
For my constancy, why seeke yo to destroy it?
In my keeping it preserue me worth your fauour,
Or if it be a iewell of that value,
As you with labour'd rhetorick would perswad me
What can you stake against it?
Honoria.
A Queenes fame,
And equall honor.
Mathias.
So whoeuer wins
Both shall be loosers.
Honoria.
That is that I aime at
Yet on the by I lay my youth, my beauty
This moist palme, this soft lippe, and those delights
Darkenesse should onely iudge of, do you find'em
Infectious in the tryall, that you start
As frighted with their touch?
Mathias.
Is it in man
To resist such strong temptations?
Honoria.
He begins
To wauer.
Mathias.
Madam as you are gracious
Grant this short nights deliberation to me,
And with the rising sum from me you shall
Receiue full satisfaction.
Honoria.
Though extreames
Hate all delay, I will denie you nothing,
This key will bring you to your friend you are safe both
[Page] And all things vsefull that could be prepar'd
For one I loue and honor waite vpon you,
Take counsaile of your pillow, such a fortune
(As with affections swiftest wings flies to you
Will not be often tendred.
Exit Honoria.
Mathias.
How my blood
Rebels! I now could call her backe and yet
Ther's something stayes me, if the King had tenderd
Such fauours to my wife 'tis to be doubted
They had not bene refus'd, but being a man
I should not yeeld first, or proue an example
For her defence of fraylty, by this sans question
She's tempted too, and heere I may examine
looke on the picture.
How shee holds out, she's still the same, the same
Pure Christa [...] rocke of chastity perish all
Allurements that may alter me, the snow
Of her sweete coldnes, hath extinguished quite
The fire that but euen now began to flame!
And I by her confirm'd, rewards, nor titles,
Nor certaine death from the refused Queene
Shall shake my faith, since I resolue to be
Loyall to her, as she is true to me.
Exit Mathias.

Actus tertij, Sc [...]na secunda.

Enter Vbaldo, Ricardo.
Vbaldo.
What we spake on the voley begins to worke,
We haue layd a good foundation
Ricardo.
Build it vp
Or else tis nothing, you haue by lot the honor
Of the first assault, but as it is condition'd
Obserue the time proportion'd, I'll not part with
[Page] My share in the atchieuement, when I whistle,
Or hemme fall off.
Enter Sophia.
Vbaldo.
She comes Stand by, I'll watch
My oportunity.
Sophia.
I find my selfe
Strangely distracted with the various stories
Now we [...]l, now ill, then boubtfully by my ghests
Deliuer'd of my Lord: and like poore beggers
That in their dreames find treasure, by reflection
Of a wounded fancie, make it questionable
Whither they sleepe, or not; yet teickl'd with
Such a phantasticke hope of happinesse,
Wish they may neuer wake in some such measure,
Incredulous of what I see, and touch
As 'twere a fading apparition, I
Am still perplex'd, and troubled, and when most
Confirm'd tis true a curious iealousie
To be assur'd, by what meanes, and from whom
Such a masse of welth, was first deseru'd, then gotten
Cunningly steale into me, I haue practis'd
For my certaine resolution with these courtiers
Promising priuate conference to either,
And at this hower, if in search of the truth
I heare or say more, then becomes my vertue
For giue me my Mathias.
Vbaldo.
Now I make in,
Maddam as you commanded I attend
Your pleasure.
Sophia.
I must thanke you for the fauour.
Vbaldo.
I am no ghostly father, yet if you haue
Some scruples, touching your Lord, you would be resolu'd of
I am prepar'd.
Sophia.
But will you take your oath
To answere truely?
Vbaldo.
On the hemme of your smocke if you please
[Page] A vow I dare not breake it beeing a booke
I would gladly swere on.
Sophia.
To spare sir that trouble
I'll take your word which in a gentleman
Should be of equall value, is my Lord then
In such grace with the Queene?
Vbaldo.
Yon should best know
By what you haue found from him, whether he can
Deserue a grace or noe.
Sophia.
What grace do you meane?
Vbaldo.
Tha speciall grace (if you'l haue it)
He laboured so hard for betweene a paire of sheets
On your wedding night
When your Ladiship lost you know what.
Sophia.
Fie be more modest
Or I must leaue you.
Vbaldo.
I would tell a truth
As cleanely as I could, and yet the subiecte
Makes me run out a litt [...]e.
Sophia.
You would put now
A foolish ielousie in my head my Lord
Hath gotten a new mis [...]ris.
Vbaldo.
One? a hundred
But vnder seale I speake it, I presume
Vpon your silence, it being for your profit,
They talke of Hercules, backe for fifty in a night
'Twas well but yet to yours he was a pidler
Such a souldier, and a courtier neuer came
To Alba regalis, the ladies run mad for him,
And there is such contention among 'em
Who shall ingrosse him wholy, that the like
Was neuer hard of.
Sophia.
Are they handsome women?
Vbal.
Fie noe course mammets, and whats worse they are old to
Some fifty, some threescore, and they pay deere fort
Beleeuing, that he carries a powder in his breeches
[Page] Will make 'em young againe, and these sucke shrewdly,
Ricardo.
Sir I must fetch you off.
Whistles.
Vbaldo.
I could tell you wonders
Of the cures he has done, but a buisnesse of import
Ca [...]ls me away, but that dispatch'd I will
Be with you presently.
st [...]ps aside
Sophia.
There is something more
In this then bare suspition.
Ricardo.
Saue yo [...] lady
Now you looke like your selfe! I haue not look'd on
A lady more compleat yet haue scene a Madam
Were a garment of this fashion, of the same stuffe to,
One iust of your dimensions, sate the wind there boy.
Sophia.
Wha [...] lady si [...]?
Ricardo.
Nay nothing, and me thinkes
I should know this rubie ver [...] good? tis the same
This chaine of orient pearle, and this diamond to
Haue beene worne before, but much good may they do you
Strengh to the gentlemans backe he toyld hard for 'em,
Before he got'em
Sophia.
Why? how were they gotten?
Vbaldo hemms.
Ricardo.
Not in the feeld with his sword vpon my life
He may thanke his clo [...]e stille [...]to, plage vpon it
Run the minutes so fast, pray you excuse my manners
I left a letter in my chamber window,
Which I would not haue seene on any termes, fye on it
Forgetfull as I am, but I strayt attend you
Ricardo steps aside.
Sophia.
This is strange his letters sayd these iewels were
Presented him by the Queene, as a reward
For his good seruice, and the trunckes of clothes
That fo [...]lowd them this last night, with hast made vp
By his direction.
[Page]Enter Vbaldo,
Vbaldo.
I was telling you
Of wonders Maddam.
Sophia.
If you are soe skilfull
Without premeditation answere me,
Know you this gowne, and these rich iewels?
Vbaldo.
Heauen.
How things will come out, but that I should offend you,
And wrong my more then noble friend
Your husband for we are sworne brothers, in the discouery
Of his neerest secrets I could.
Sophia.
By the hope of fauour
That you haue from me out with it.
Vbaldo.
Tis a a potent spell
I cannot resist, why I will tell you Madam,
And to how many seuerall women you are
Beholding for your brauerie, this was
The Wedding gowne of Pa [...]lina a rich strumpet
Worme but a day when she married ould Gonzage,
And left of trading.
Sophia.
O my hart.
Vbaldo.
This chaine
Of pear [...]e was a great widdowes, that inuited
Your Lord to the masque, and the wether pro [...]ing foule
He lodg'd in her house all night, and merry they were,
But how he came by it I know not.
Sophia [...]
Periurd man!
Vbaldo.
This ring was Iuliettas, a fine peece
But very good at the sport, this diamond
Was Madam Acanthes giuen him for a song
prick'd in a priuate arbor, as she sayd
When the Queene askd for it, and she hard him sing t [...]
And danc'd to his hornepipe or there are lyers abroad
There are other toyes about you
The same way purchas'd but paraleld
With these not worth the relation.
[Page] You are happy in a husband neuer man
Made better vse of his strength, would you haue him wast,
His body away for nothing? If he holds out,
Thers not an Embrodered peticote in the court
But shall be at your seruice.
Sophia.
I commend him
It is a thriuing trade, but pray you leaue me
A little to my selfe.
Vbaldo.
You may command
Your seruant madam, she stung vnto the quicke ladd.
Ricardo.
I did my part if this potion worke not hang me
Let her sl [...]epe as well as she can to night, to morrow
Wee'll mount new batteries,
Vbaldo.
And till then leaue her?
Exeunt Vbaldo, Ricard [...]
Sophia.
You powers that take into your care, the gard
Of inocence ayd me, for I am a creature,
Soe forfeyted to dispaire, hope cannot fancie
A ransome to redeeme me, I begin
To wauer in my faith and marke it doubt [...]ull
Whither the Saints that were canoniz'd for
Their holines of life [...]ind not in secret.
Since my Mathias is falne from his vertue
In such an open fashion, could it be else
That such a husband so deuoted to me,
So vow'd to temperance, for laciuious hire
Should prostitute himselfe to common harlots
Ould, and deform'd to wast for this he left me?
And in a faind pretence for want of meanes
To giue me ornament? or to bring home
Diseases to me? suppose these are false,
And lusts [...]ll goates if he were true and right
Why stayes he so long from me? being made rich
And that the onely reason why he left me.
No he is lost; and shall I weare the spoiles.
[Page] And Salaries of lust? they cleaue vnto me
Like Nessus poyson'd shirt? no in my rage
I'll teare 'em of, and from my body wash
The venome with my teares, haue I no spleene
Nor anger of a woman? shall he build
Vpon my ruins and I vureueng'd
Deplore his falshood? no? with the same trash
For which he hath dishonor'd me, I'll purchase
A iust reuenge, I am not yet so much
In debt to yeares, nor so misshap'd that all
Should flie from my Embraces, chastity
Tho [...] onely art a name, and [...]nounce thee,
I am now a seruant to vo [...]uptuousnesse,
Wantons of all degrees and fashions welcome
You shall be entertain'd, and if I stray
Let him condemne himselfe, that lead the way.
Exit.
The end of the third Act.

Actus quarti,

Scaena prima.

Enter Mathias, Baptista.
Baptista.
We are in a desperat straight, ther's no [...]asion
Nor hope left to come of, but by your yeelding
To the necessity, you must faine a grant
To her violent passion, or
Mathias.
What my Baptista?
Baptista.
We are but dead else.
Mathias.
Were the sword now heau'd vp,
And my necke vpon the blocke, I would not buy
An howers repriue with the losse of faith and vertue
To be made immortall heere, art thou a scholler
Nay almost without paralell, and yet feare
[Page] To dye which is ineuitable you may vrge
The many yeeres that by the course of nature
We may trauaile in this tedious pilgrimage,
And hou'd it as a blessing, as it is
When innocence is our guid, yet know Ba [...]ptista
Our vertues are preseru'd before our yeeres
By the great iudge to dye vntaynted in
Our fame, and reputation is the greatest
And to loose that can we desire to liue?
Or shall I for a momentary pleasure
Which soone comes to a period, to all times
Haue breach of faith and periury remembred
In a still liuing Epitath, no Baptist,
Since my Sophia will go to her graue
Vnspotted in her faith, I'll follow her
With equall loyalty, but looke on this
your owne great worke, your masterpeese, and then
She being stil [...] the same teach me to alter.
Ha! sure I doe not sleepe! or if I dreame,
The picture altred,
This is a terrible vision! I will cleare
My eiesight, perhaps melancholly makes me
See that which is not.
Baptista.
It is to apparent.
I grieue to looke vpon't, besides the yellow
That does assure she's tempted there are lines
Of a darke colour, that disperse themselues
Ore euery mi [...]iature of her face, and those
Confirme.
Mathias.
She is turnd whore.
Baptista.
I must not say so.
Yet as a friend to truth if you will haue me
Interpret it, in her consent, and wishes
She's false but not in fact ye [...].
Mathias.
Fact Baptista?
Make not your selfe a pandar to her loosenes,
In labouring to palliate what a vizard
[Page] Of impudence cannot couer did ere woman
In her will decline from cha [...]ety, but found meanes
To giue her hot lust fu [...]ll? it is more
Impossible in nature for grosse bodies
Descending of themselues, to hang in the ayre,
Or with my single arme to vnderprop
A falling [...]ow [...]r, nay in its violent course
To stoppe the lightning then to stay a woman
Hu [...]ied by two [...]u [...]ies lust and falshood
In her full cari [...]r to wickednes.
Baptista.
Pray you tempter
The violence of your passion.
Mathias.
In extreames
Of this condition, can it be in man
To vse a moderation? I am throwne
From a steepe rocke headlong into a gulph
Of misery, and find my selfe past hope
In the same moment that I aprehend
That I am falling and this the figure of
My Idoll few howers since, while she cotinued
In her perfection that was late a mirror
In which I saw miracules shapes of duty,
Stayd manners with all excellency a husband
Could wish in a chast wife, is on the suddaine
Turnd to a magicall glasse, and does present
No [...]hing but hornes, and [...]orror
Baptista.
You may yet
And 'tis the best foundation, build vp comfort
On your owne goodnes.
Mathias.
Noe, that hath vndone me
For now I hold my temperance a sinne
Worse then excesse, and what was vice a vertue,
Haue I refus'd a Queene, and such a Queene
Whose rauishing beauties at the first sight had tempted
A hermit from his beades, and chang'd his prayers
To amorous Sonets, to preserue my faith
[Page]Inuiolate to thee, with the hazard of
My death with tortrne, since she could in [...]ict
No lesse for my contempt, and haue I made
Such a returne from thee? I will not curse thee,
Nor for thy falshood raile against the sex
'Tis poore, and common, Ile onely with wise men
Whisper vnto my selfe, howere they seeme
Nor present, nor past times, nor the age to come
Hath heeretofore, can now, or euer shall
Produce on constant woman.
Baptista.
This is more
Then the Satirists wrot against 'em.
Mathias.
Ther's no language
That can expresse the poyson of these Aspicks,
These weeping Crocadiles, and all to little
That hath beeing sayd against 'em but I'll mould
My thoughts into another forme, and if
She can out-liue the report of what I haue donne
This hand when next she comes within my reach
Shall be her executioner.
Enter Honoria.
Baptista.
The Queene sir.
Honoria.
Wait our commnnd at distance, sir you haue to
Free liberty to depart.
Baptista.
I know my manners
And thanke you for the fauour.
Exit Baptista.
Honoria.
Haue you taken
Good rest in your new lodgings? I expect now
Your resolute answere, but aduise maturely
Before I heare it,
Mathias.
Let my actions Madam,
For no words can dilate my ioy in all
You can command with cherefulnes to serue you,
Assure your highnes, and in signe of my
Submission, and contrition for my error.
[Page] My lipps, that but the last night shund the touch
Of yours as poyson, taught humility now
Thus on your foot, and that too great an honor
For such an vndeseruer seales my duty,
A cloudy mist of ignorance equall to
Cimmerian darkenes, would not let me see then
What now with adoration, and wonder
With reuerence I looke vp to: but those foggs
Dispersd and scatterd by the powerfull beames
With which your selfe the Sun of all perfection,
Vouchsafe to cure my blindnes like a suppliant
As low as I can knee [...]e I humbly begge
What you once pleasd to tender.
Honoria.
This is more
Then I could hope, what find you so attractiue
Vpon my fac [...] in so short time to make
This suddaine Metamo [...]phosis? pray you rise;
I for your late neglect thus signe your pardon.
I now you kisse like a louer, and not as brothers
Coldly salute their sisters.
Mathias.
I am turnd
All spirit and fire.
Honoria.
Yet to giue some allay
To this hot feruor 'twere good to remember
The King, whose [...]ies and [...]ares are euery where
With the danger to that followes, this discouer'd.
Mathias.
Dang [...]r? a b [...]ggebeare Maddam let ride once
Like Phaeton in the the Chariot of your fauour,
And I con [...]emne [...]o [...]es thunder though the King
In our embraces stood a looker on,
His hang-men and with studied cruelty ready
To dragge me from your armes, it should not fright me
From the inioying that, a single life is
Too poore a price for, O that now all vigour
Of my youth were recollected for an hower
That my desire might meete with yours and draw
The enuy of all men in the Encounter
Vpon my head, I should, but we loose time,
[Page] Be gratious mighty Quee [...]e
Honoria.
Pause yet a little
The bounties of the King, and what weighs more
Your boasted constancie to your machlesse wife,
Should not soone be shaken.
Mathias.
The whole fabricke
When I but looke on you, is in a moment
Ore turnd, and ruind, and as riuers loose
Their names, when they are swalloed by the Ocean
In you alone all faculties of my sou [...]e
Are wholy taken vp, my wife, and King
At the best as things forgotten.
Honoria.
Can this be?
I haue gaynd my end now.
Mathias.
Wherefore stay you Madam?
Honoria.
In my consideration what a nothing
Mans constancy is.
Mathias.
Your beauties make it so,
In me sweet lady.
Honoria.
And it is my glory:
I could be coy now as you were, but I
Am of a gentler temper, howsoeuer,
And in a iust returne of what I haue suffer'd
In your disdaine, with the same measure graunt me
Eq [...]all deliberation I ere long
Will visite you againe and when I next
Appeare, as conquerd by it, slauelike wayt
On my triumphant beauty.
Exit Honoria.
Mathias.
What a change
Is heere beyond my feare but by thy falshood
Sophia not her beauty is it deni'd me
To sinne but in my wishes? what a frowne
In scorne at her departure she threw on me?
I am both waies lost; stormes of Con [...]empt, and scorne
Are ready to breake on me, and all hope
Of shelter doubtfull I can neither be
Disloyall, no [...] yet honest, I stand guilty
On either part, at the worst death will end all,
[Page] And he must be my iudge to right my wrong,
Since I haue lou'd too much and liu'd too long.
Exit Mathias.

Actus quarti, Sc [...]na secunda.

Enter Sophia sola with a booke and a note.
Sophia.
Nor custome nor example, nor vast numbers
Of such as doe offend make lesse the sinne,
For each particular crime a strict accompt
Will be exacted, and that comfort which
The damnd pretend, fellowes in misery,
Takes nothing from their torments, euery one
Must suffer in himselfe the measure of
His wickednes, if so, as I must grant
It being vn [...]efutable in reason,
Howere my Lord offend, it is no warrant
For me to walke in his forbidden paths,
What penancet [...] en can expiate my guilte
For my consent (transported then with passion)
To wan [...]onnesse? [...]he wo [...]des I giue my fame
Cannot recouer his and though I haue fedd
These courtiers with promises and hopes
I am yet in fact vn [...]ainted and I trust
My so [...]row for it with my purity
And loue to goodnes for it selfe, made powerfull
Though all they haue alleadg'd p [...]oue true or false,
Wi [...]l be such exorcisines as shall command
This furie iealousie from me, what I haue
Determind touching them I am resolu'd
To put in execution, Within there?
Where are my noble ghests?
Enter Hilario, Corisca, with other seruants.
Hilario.
The elder Maddam,
Is drinking by himselfe to your Ladiships health
In Muskadine and egges and for a rasher
To draw His liquor downe he hath got a pie
Of marrow-bones, Pota [...]os and Eringos,
With many such ingredients, and tis sayd
[Page] He hath sent his man in post to the next towne,
For a po [...]nd of Amber gris, and halfe a pecke
Of fishes cald Cantharides.
Corisca.
The younger
Prunes vp himselfe as if this night he were
To act a bridegroomes part, but to what purpose
I am ignorance it selfe,
Sophia.
Continue so.
giues a paper.
Let those lodgings be prepard as this directs you,
And fayle not in a circumstance, as you
Respect my fauour.
1 seruant.
We haue o [...]r instructions
2 seruant.
And punctually will follow 'em
Exeunt seruants,
Enter Vbaldo.
Hilario.
Heere comes Madam
The Lord Vbaldo.
Vbaldo.
Pretty on, thers gould,
To buy thee a new gowne, and ther's for thee,
Grow fat, and fit for seruice, I am now
As I should be at the height and able to
Beget a gyant, O my better Angell
In this you show your wisdome when you pay
The lech [...]r in his owne coyne, shall you sit p [...]ling,
Like a patient Grissell, and be laught at? no
This is a fayre reueng, shall we to it?
Sophia.
To what sir?
Vbaldo.
The sport you promisd.
Sophia.
Could it be donne with safety.
Vbaldo.
I warant you, I am sound as a bell, a tough
Old blade, and steele to the backe, as you shall find me
In the triall on your anuill.
Sophia.
So, but how sir
Shall I satisfie your friend to whom by promise
I am equally ingag'd?
Vbaldo.
I m [...]st conf [...]sse
The more the merier, b [...]t of all men liuing
Take heed of him you may sa [...]e [...] run vpon
The mouth of a cannon, when it is vnlading
[Page] And come off colder.
Sophia.
How! is he not holsome?
Vbaldo.
Holsome? I'll tell you for your good, he is
A spittle of diseases and indeed
More lothsome and infections, the tubbe is
His weekely bath; He hath not dranke this seauen yeare
Before he came to your house, but compositions
Of Sassafras, and Guacum, and drie mutton
His daily portion; name what scratch soeuer
Can be got by women and the Surgeons will resolue you
At this time or at that Ricardo had it.
Sophia.
Blesse me from him.
Vbaldo.
'Tis a good prayer Lady,
It [...]eing a degree vnto the pox.
Onely to mention him, if my tongue burne not hange me
When I but namd Ricardo.
Sophia.
Sir this caution
Must be rewarded.
Vbaldo.
I hope I haue marrd his market.
But when?
Sophia.
Why presently follow my woman
She knowes where to conduct you, and will serue
To night for a page, let the wastcote I apointed
With the cambricq shirt pe [...]fumd, and the rich cappe
Be brought into his chamber.
Vbaldo.
Excellent Lady.
And a ca [...]dle too in the morning.
Corisca.
I will fit you.
Exeunt Vbaldo & Cor
Enter Ricardo.
Sophia.
So [...]o [...] on the scent here comes the other beagle.
Ricardo.
Take purse and all
Hil [...]rio.
If this company would come often.
I should make a pretty terme on't,
Sophia.
For your sake
I haue put him off, h [...] only begd a kisse
I gaue it and so parted.
Ricardo.
I hope better
He did not touch your lipps?
Sophia.
[Page]
Yes I assure you.
The [...]e was no danger in it.
Ricardo.
No? eate presently
These lozenges, of forty crownes an ounce,
Or you are vndone.
Sophia.
What is the vertue of 'em.
Ricardo
They are preseruatiues against stinking breath
Rising from rotten lungs.
Sophia,
If so your carriage
Of such deere antidotes in my opinion
May render yours suspected.
Ricardo.
Fie no I vse 'em
When I ta [...]ke with him I should be poysond else.
But [...]'ll be free with you. Hee was once a creature
It may be of Gods making, but long since
He is turnd to a druggists shoppe, the spring and fall
Hold all the yeere with him that he liues he owes
To art not nature, she has giuen him ore.
He moues like the faery King, on s [...]rues and wheeles
Made by his Doctors recipes, and yet still
They are out of ioynt, and euery day reparing
He has a regiment of whores he keepes
At his owne charge in a lazar house but the best is
The [...]e [...]s not a [...]ose among 'em: Hee's acquainted
With the greene water and the spitting pill
Familiar to him, in a frosty morning
You may thrust him in a pottle pot his bones
Rattle in his Skinne like beanes tos'd in a bladder
If he but heere a coche the fomentation
The Friction with funigation cannot saue him
From the chine euill in a word he is
No [...] on disease but all, yet being my friend
I wi [...]l forbeare his caracter, for I would not
Wrong him in your opinion.
Sophia,
The best is
The vertues you bestow on him to me
Are mistries I know not but howeuer
I am at your seruice. Sirrha let it be your care
T'vncloth the gentleman, and with speed, delay
[Page] Takes from delight.
Ricardo.
Good, there's my hat, sword, cloke,
A vengeance on these buttons, off with my dublet
I dare show my Skinne, in the touch you will like it better
Prethe cut my codpeese poynt, and for this seruice
When I leaue them off they are thine.
Hilario.
I'll take your word sir.
Ricardo.
Deere lady stay not long.
Sophia.
I may come too soone sir
Ricardo.
No, no I am ready now,
Hilario.
This is the way sir.
Exeunt Hilario, and Ricardo.
Sophia.
I was much too blame to credit their reports
Touching my Lord that so traduce each other
And with such virulent malice, though I presume
They are bad enough, but I haue studied for 'em
A way for their recouerie.
The noyse of clapping a doore, Vbaldo aboue in his shirt,
Vbaldo.
What dost thou meane wench?
Why dost thou shut the doore upon me? ha
My cloths are taine away to! shall I starue heere?
Is this my lodging? I am sure the lady talkd of
A rich cappe, a perfum'd shirt, and a wastcote
But heere is nothing but a little fresh straw,
A pettycote for a couerlet and that torne to,
And an ould womans biggen for a night cappe,
Enter Corisca.
Slight tis a prison, or a pigstie, ha!
The windows grated with Iron I cannot force 'em
And if I leape downe heere I breake my necke
I am betrayd, rog [...]es villaines let me out
I am a Lord, and that's no common tittle,
And shall I be vsd [...]hus?
Sophia.
Let him raue, Hee's fast
I'll parley with him at leasure.
Ricardo entring with a great noyse aboue, as fallen.
Ricardo.
Zoones haue you trap [...]oores?
Sophia.
The other bir [...]s i'th cage too let him flutter.
Ricardo.
Whither am I falne into Hell?
Vbaldo.
[Page]
Who makes that noyse there?
Helpe me if thou art a friend?
Ricardo.
A friend? I am where
I cannot helpe my selfe, let me see thy face.
Vbaldo.
How Ricardo! prethe throw me
Thy cloke, if thou canst to couer me I am almost
Frozen to death.
Ricardo.
My cloke, I haue no breeches
I am in my shirt as thou art, and heer's nothing
For my selfe but a clownes cast suite.
Vbaldo.
We are both vndone
Prethe rore a little, Madam.
Enter Hilario in Ricardos suite.
Ricardo.
Lady of the house.
Vbaldo.
Groomes of the chamber
Ricardo.
Gentlewomen, mi [...] kemaydes.
Vbaldo.
Shall we be m [...]rthered?
Sophia.
Noe but soundly punish'd
To your diserts.
Ricardo.
You are not in earnest Madam?
Sophia.
Iudge as you find, and feele it, and now heere
What I irr [...]uocablie purpose to you.
Being receau'd as ghests into my house
And with all it afforded entertaind
You haue forgot all hospistable duties,
And with the defamation of my Lord
Wrought on my woman weakenesse in reuenge
Of his iniuries, as you fashiond 'em to me,
To yeeld my honor to your lawlesse lust.
Hilario.
Ma [...]ke that poore fellowes.
Sophia.
And so far you haue
Transgres'd against the dignity of men
(who should, bound to it by vertue, still defend
Chast ladies honors) that it was your trade
To make 'em in famous, but you are caught
In your owne toiles like lustfull beasts, and therfore
Hope not to find the vsage of men from me
Such mercie you haue forfeited, and shall suffer
[Page] Like the most slauish women.
Vbaldo.
How will you vse vs?
Sophia.
Ease and excesse in feeding made you wanton
A p [...]urifie of ill blood you must let out.
By labour, and spare diet, that way got to,
Or perish for hunger, reach him vp that distaffe
With the f [...]ax vpon it, though no Omphale
Nor you a second Hercules, as I take it
As you spinne well at my command, and please me
Your wages in the coursest bread, and water,
Shall be proportionable.
Vbaldo.
I will starue first.
Sophia.
That's as you please.
Ricardo.
What will become of me now?
Sophia.
You shall haue gentler worke I haue oft obseru'd
You were proud to show the finenesse of your hands,
And softnes of your fingers, you should reele well
What he spins if you giue your mind to it, as ill force you
Deliuer him his materialls. Now you know
Your penance fall to worke, hunger will teach you
And [...]o as slaues to your lust, not me I leaue you.
Exit Sophia. and seruants.
Vbaldo.
I shal [...] spinne a fine thred out now
Ricardo.
I cannot looke
On these deuices but they put me in mind
Of rope-makers.
Hilario.
F [...]llow thinke of thy taske
Forg [...]t such vanities, my linery there
Will serue the to worke in.
Ricardo.
Let me haue my clothes yet,
I was bountifull to thee.
Hilario.
They are past your wearing
And mine by prom [...]se, as all these can wi [...]nes
You haue no holydaies comming, nor will I worke
While th [...]se, and this lasts and so when you please
You may shut vp your shoppe windowes.
Exit Hilario.
Vbaldo.
I am faint
And must lye downe.
Ricardo.
I am hungry to, and could
Ocursed women
Vbaldo.
[Page]
This comes of our whoring.
But let vs rest aswell as we can to night
But not ore sleepe our selues, least we fast to morrow.
They drew the curtaines.

Astus quarti, Sca [...]na tertij.

Enter Ladislaus, Honoria, Eubulus, Ferdinand, Acanthe, attendance.
Honoria.
Now you know all sir with the motiues why
I forc'd him to my lodging.
Ladislaus.
I desire
No more such trials Lady.
Honoria.
I presume sir
You do not doubt my chastity.
Ladislaus.
I would not,
But these are strange inducements.
Eubulus.
By no meanes sir
Why though he were with violence ceasd vpon,
And still detaynd the man sir being no souldier
Nor vsd to charge his pike when the breach is open
There was no danger in't: you must conceiue sir,
Being relligious, she Chose him for a Chaplaine
To read old Homelies to her in the darke,
Shee's bound to it by her Cannons.
Ladislaus.
Still tormented
With thy impertinence.
Honoria.
By your selfe deere sir.
I was ambitious onely to ouer throw
His boasted constancy in his consent,
But for fact I contemne him, I was neuer
Vnchast in thought, I laboured to giue proofe
What power dwels in this beauty you admire so,
And when you see how soone it hath transform'd him,
And with what superstition hee addores it,
Determine as [...]ou please.
Ladislaus.
I will looke on
This pageant but.
Honoria.
When you haue seene and hard sir.
The passages, which I my selfe discouer'd,
And could haue kept conceal'd had I meant basely
[Page] Iudge as you please.
Ladislaus.
well Ill obserue the issue.
Eubulus.
How had you tooke this Generall in your wife?
Ferdinand.
As a strange curiosity, but Queene [...]
Are priuiledgd aboue subiects, and tis fit sir.
Exeunt.

Astus quarti, Scaena quarti.

Enter Mathias, Batista.
Baptista.
You are much alterd sir since the last night,
When the Queene left you, and looke cheerefully
Your dulnesse quite blowne ouer.
Mathias.
I haue seene a vision
This morning makes it good, and neuer was
In such security as at this instant,
Fall what can fall, and when the Queene appeares
Whose shortest absence now is tedious to me,
Obserue 'th incounter.
Enter Honoria, Ladislaus, Eubulus, Ferdinand Acanthe, with others aboue.
Baptista.
She already is
Entred the lists.
Mathias.
And I prepard to meete her.
Baptista.
I know my duty.
Honoria.
Not so you may stay now
As a witnes of our contract.
Baptista.
I obey
In all things Madam.
Honoria.
Wher's that reuerence,
Or rather superstitious addoration,
Which captiue like to my triumphant beauty
You payd last night? no humble knee? nor signe
Or vassall duty? sure this is the foote [...]
To whose proud couer, and then happy in it,
Your lipps were glewd; and that the necke then offer'd
To witnes your subiection to be trod on
Your certaine losse of life in the Kings anger
Was then to meane a price to buy my fauour.
And that false gloweworme fire of constancie
To your wife, extinguished by a greater light
[Page] Shot from our eyes; and that it may be (being
To g [...]r [...]ous to be look'd on) hath depriu'd you
O speech, and motion: but I will take off
A little from the splendor, and descend
From my owne height, and in your lownesse heere you
Plead as a suppliant.
Mathias.
I do remember
I once saw such a woman.
Honoria.
How!
Mathias.
And then
She did appeare a most magnificent Queene
And what's more vertuous though somewhat darkned
With pride and selfe oppinion.
Eubulus.
Call you this courtship?
Mathias.
And she was happy in a royall husband,
Whom enuie could not tax, vnlesse it were
For his too much indulgence to her humors.
Eubulus.
Pray you sir obserue that touch, tis to the purpose
I like the play the beter for' [...].
Mathias.
And she liu'd
Worthy her birth, and fortune; you retayne yet
Some part of her angelicall forme, but when
Enuie to the beauty of another woman
Inferior to hers, (one she neuer
Had seene but in her picture) had dispers'd
Infection through her veines and loyaltie
Which a great Queene as shee was should haue nourish'd
Grew odious to her
Honoria.
I am thunder strocke.
Mathias.
And lust in all the brauery it could borrow
From maiesty, howere disguisde had tooke
Sure footing in the kingdome of her heart
(The throne of chastity once,) how in a moment
All that was g [...]atious, great, and glo [...]ious in her
And woone v [...]o [...] all hearts, like seeming shadowes
Wanting true substance vanish'd.
Honoria.
How his reasons
Worke on my Soule.
Mathias.
Retire into your selfe.
[Page] Your owne strengths Madam, strongly man'd with vertue
And be out as you were, and there's no offence.
So base beneath the slauery, that men
Impose on beasts, but [...] wi [...]l gladly bow to.
But as you play, and iugg [...]e with a stranger
Varying your [...]pes like Thetis though the beauties
Of all that are by Poets raptures Sain [...]d
Were now in yo [...] vnited, you should passe
Pittied by me perhaps, but not regarded.
Eubulus.
If this take not I am cheated.
Mat [...]ias.
To slip once
Is [...], and [...]x [...]nsde by humane f [...]aylty,
B [...] to fall euer damnab [...]e we were both
Guilty I grant in tendering our affection,
B [...]t, as I hope you will doe, I repented.
When we are growne vp to ripenesse, our life is
Like to this picture. While we runne
A constant race in goodnesse, it retaines
The iust proportion. But the iourneyes being
Tedious and sweet temptations in the way,
That may in some degree diuert vs from
The rode that we put forth in, e [...]e we end
Our pilgrimage, it may like this turne yellow
Or be with b [...]acknesse clouded. But when we
Finde we haue gone astray, and labour to
Returne vnto our nuer fayling guide
Vertue, contrition wi [...]h v [...] fained teares,
The spots of vice wash'd off will soone restore it
To the first purenesse.
Honoria.
I am disenchanted
Mercy, O mercy heauens?
kneeles
Ladislaus.
I am [...] with
What I haue see [...] and hard.
Ferdinand.
L [...]t vs [...] and heere
The rest be [...].
Eubulus.
This hath falne out beyond
My expe [...]ta [...]ion.
they descend [...]
Honoria.
How haue I wandred
Ou [...] of the tract of piety and [...]
[Page] By ouerweening pride, and flattery
Of fawning sycophants (the bane of greatnes)
Could neuer meete till now a passenger
That in his charity would set me right,
Or stay me in my precipice to ruine.
How ill haue I return'd your goodnes to me?
The horror in my thought oft turnes me marble.
Enter the King and others,
But if it may be yet preuented, O sir,
What can I do to shew my sorrow or
With what brow aske your pardon?
Ladislaus.
Pray you rise.
Honoria.
Neuer, till you forgiue me, and receiue
Vnto your loue, and fauour a chang'd woman.
My state, and pride turn'd to humillity henceforth
Shall waite on your commands, and my obedience
Steer'd only by your will.
Ladislaus,
And that will proue
A second and a better marriage to me, all is forgot
Honoria.
Sir I must not rise yet
Till with a free confession of a crime,
Vnknowne to you yet, and a following suite
Which thus I beg be granted.
Ladislaus.
I melt with you.
Tis pardon'd, and confirm'd thus.
Honoria.
Know then sir.
In malice to this good knights wife I practis'd
Vbaldo, and Ricardo, to corrupt her.
Baptista.
Thence grew the change of the picture.
Honoria.
And how far
They haue preuaild I am ignorant now if you sir
Or the honor of this good man, may be intreated
To trauaile thither, it being but a dayes iourney
To fetch 'em off,
Ladislaus.
We will put on to night.
Baptista.
I if you please your harbinger.
Ladislaus.
I thanke you.
Let me embrace you in my armes, your seruice
Donne on the Turke compard with this waighs nothing.
Mathias.
[Page]
I am still your humble creature.
Ladslaius.
My true friend
Ferdinand.
And so you are bound to hold him.
Eubulus.
Such a plante
Imported to your Kingdome, and heere grafted
Would yeeld more fruit then al [...] the idle weedes
That sucke vp your raigne of fauour.
Ladislaus.
In my will
Ill not be wanting, prepare for our iourney.
In acte be my Honoria now, not name,
And to al [...] after times preser [...]e thy fame.
Exeu [...],
The end of the fourth Act.

Actus quinti,

Scaena prima.

Sophia, Corisca, Hilario.
Sophia.
Are they then so humble
Hilario.
Hunger and hard labour
Haue tamde 'em Madam, at the first they below'd
Like staggs tane in a toyle and would not worke
For sullennesse, but when they found with out it
There was no eating, and that to starue to death
Was much against their stomachs, by degree
Against their wills they fell to it.
Corisca.
And now feed on
The little pittance you allow with gladnesse
Hilario.
I do remember that they stop'd their noses
At the sight of beefe, and mutton as course fee [...]ing
For their fine palats, but now their worke being ended
They leape at a barley crust and hold che [...]e parings
With a spoonefull of pal'd wine pour'd in their water,
For festiuall excedings.
Corisca.
When I examine
M [...] spinsters worke hee trembles like a prentice
And takes a boy on the [...]are when I spi [...] faults
And botches in his about, as a fauour
From a cu [...]st mistrisse.
Hilario.
The other to re [...]le well
[Page] For his time, and if your ladiship would please.
To see 'em for your sport, since they want ayring
It would do well in my iudgement, you shall heere
Such a hungry diologe from 'em.
Sophia.
But suppose
When they are out of prison they should grow
Rebellio [...]s?
Hilario.
Neuer [...] Ill vndertake
To lead 'em out by the nose with a course thred
Of the o [...]nes spinning and make the other reele after
And without grumbling, & when you are weary of
Their company as easily returne 'em.
Corisca
Deere Madam it will helpe to driue away
Your melancholy.
Sophia.
Well on this assurance
I am content, bring 'em hither.
Hilario.
I will do it
In stately Equipage.
Exit Hilario.
Sophia.
They haue confessed then
They were set on by the Queene to taynt mee in
My loyalty to my Lord?
Corisca.
Twas the maine cause,
That brought 'em hither.
Sophia.
I am glad I know it
And as I haue begun before I end
Ill at the height reuenge it, let vs steppe aside
They come the obiects so ridiculous
In spight of my sad thoughts I cannot but
Lend a forc'd smile to grace it.
Enter Hilario, Vbaldo spinning, Ricardo reeling.
Hilario.
Come away
Worke as you go, and loose no time 'tis pr [...]cious
You'll find it in your Commons.
Ricardo.
comons call you it
The word is proper I haue graz'd so long
Vpon your commons I am almost staru'd heere
Hilario.
Worke harder and they shall be better'd
Vbaldo.
better'd?
worser they cannot be would I might lye
[Page] Like a dogge vnder her table and serue for a footstoole
So I might haue my belly full of that
Her Island curr refuses.
Hilario.
How do you like
Your ayring? is it not a fauour?
Ricardo.
Yes
Iust such a one as you vse to a brace of gray-houndes
When they are ledd out of their kennels to scumber
But our case is ten times harder, we haue nothing
In our bellies to be vented, if you will bee
And honest yeoman phenterer, feed vs first,
And walke vs after?
Hilario.
Yeomen phenterer?
Such another word to your Gouernor, and you go [...]
Supperlesse to bed fort.
Vbaldo.
Nay euen as you please.
The comfortable names of breake-fasts, dinners.
Collations, supper, beuerage, are words
Worne out of our remembrance.
Ricardo.
O for the steame
Of meat in a cookes shoppe?
Vbaldo.
I am so drie
I haue not spittle enough to wett my [...]ingers
When I draw my flax from my distaffe
Ricardo.
Nor I strength
To raise my hand to the top of my reeler. oh.
I haue the crampe all ouer me
Hilario.
What do you thincke
Were best to apply to it, a crampstone as I take it
Were very vsefull.
Ricardo.
Oh no more of stones
We haue beene vsd to long like hawkes already.
Vbaldo.
We are not so high in our flesh now to need casting
We will come to an empty fist.
Hilario.
Nay that you shall not
So hoe birdes, how the eyasses scratch, and scramble
Take heed of a surfet do not cast your gorges,
This is more then I haue commission for, be thankefull.
Sophia.
Were all that studie the abuse of women
[Page] Vsd thus, the citty would not swarme with Cuccholds
Nor so many trads-menbreake.
Corisca.
Pray you appeare now
And marke the alteration.
Hilario.
To your worke
My Lady is in presence, show your duties
Exceeding well.
Sophia.
How do your scollers profite?
Hilario.
Hold vp your heads demurely [...] Prettily
For young beginners.
Corisca and will do well in time
If they be kept in awe.
Ricardo.
In awe I am sure
I quake like an aspen leafe.
Vbaldo.
no mercy Lady?
Ricardo.
Nor in [...]rimission?
Sophia.
Let me see your worke.
Fie vpon't what a thredds heere, a poore coblers wife
Would make a siner to sow a clounes rent start vp
And heere you reele as you were druncke,
Ricardo.
I am sure it is not with wine
Sophia.
O take heade of wine
Could water is far better for your healths
Of which I am very tender, you had foule bodies
And must continue in this phisicall diet
Tell the cause of your disease be tane away
For feare of a relaps and that is dangerous
Yet I hope alredy that you are in some
Degree recouerd and that way to resolue me
Answer me truely, nay what I propound
Concernes both neerer, what would you now giue
If your meanes were in your hands to lye all night
With a fresh and hansume ladie?
Vbaldo.
How a lady?
O I am pasd it, hunger with her razor
Hath made me an euenuch
Ricardo.
for a messe of porridge
well sop'd with a bunch of raddish and a carret
I would sell my barr on rie but for women. oh
[Page] Noe more of women not a doyte for a doxeie
After this hungry voyage.
Sophia.
These are truly
Good symptomes, let them not venture to much in the ayre
Till they are weaker.
Ricardo.
this is tyranie
Vbaldo.
Scorne vpon scorne
Sophia.
You were so
In your malitious intents to me
Enter a seruant
And therefore tis but iustice whats the busnesse?
Seruant.
My Lords great frend signior Baptista Madam
Is newly lighted from his horse with certaine
Assurance of my Lords arriuall.
Sophia.
How
And stand I trifling here, hence with the mungrells
To there seuerall kennels, there let them houle in priuat
Ile bee no farther troubled.
Exeunt Sophia and seruant.
Vbaldo.
O that euer
I saw this fury
Ricardo.
Or look'd one a woman
But as a prodigie in nature
Hilario.
Silence
Noe more of this
Corisca.
methincks you haue noe cause
To repent your being heere
Hilario
haue you not learnt
When your states are spent your seuerall trades to liue by and neuer charge the hospital?
Corisca.
Worke but titely
And wee will not vse a dishe-clou [...]e in the house
But of your spinning
Vbaldo
O I would this hempe
Were tu [...]nd to a hal [...]r
Hilario
Will you march
Ricardo.
A soft one
Good generall I beseech you
Vbaldo.
I can hardly
Draw my legs after me
Hilario.
For a crouch you may vse
[Page] Your distaffe, a good wit makes vse of all things.
Exeunt.

Actus quinti, Scaena secunda.

Enter Sophia, Baptista.
Sophia.
Was he iealous of me?
Baptista.
Ther's no perfite loue
Without some touch of't Madam.
Sophia.
And my picture
Made by your diuelish art, a spie vpon
My actions? I neuer sate to be drawne,
Nor had you sir comision for't,
Baptista.
excuse me,
At his earnest sute I did it.
Sophia.
Very good,
Was I growne so cheape in his opinion of me?
Baptista.
The prosperous euents that cround his fortunes
May qualifie the offence.
Sophia.
Rood the euents
The sanctuary fooles and madmen f [...]ie to,
when their rash and desperat vndertakings thriue well
But good, and wisemen are directed by
Graue counsailes, and with such deliberation
Proceed in their affaires that chance had nothing
To do with 'em, howsoere, take the paynes sir
To meete the honor in the King, and Queenes
Approches to my house, that breakes vpon mee
I will expect them with my best of care
Baptista.
To entertaine such royall ghests.
Exit Baptista.
Sophia.
I know it
Leaue that to me sir what should mo [...]e the Queene
So giuen to ease and pleasure, as fame speakes her,
To such a iourney? or worke on my Lord
To doubt my loyalty? nay more to take
For the resolution of his feares, a course
That is by holy writ denide a christian?
'Twas impious in him, and perhaps the welcome
He hopes in my embraces may deceiue
His expectation the trumpets speake
The Kings arriuall, helpe a womans wit now,
To make him know his fault and my iust anger.
Exit Sophia.

Actus quinti, scaena vltima.

Loud musicke, Enter Mathias, Eubulus, Ladislaus, Ferdinand, Honoria, Baptista, Acanthe, with attendants
Eubulus.
Your maiesty must be weary.
Honoria.
No my Lord
A willing mind makes a hard iourney easie
Mathias.
Not loue attended on by Hermes, was
More welcome to the cottage of Philemon,
And his poore Baucis, then your gratious selfe.
Your matchlesse Queene, and all your royall traine
Are to your seruant and his wife.
Laudislaus.
Where is she?
Honoria.
I long to see her as my now loud riuall
Eubulus.
And I to haue a smach at her, 'tis a cordiall
To an old man, better then sacke, and a to [...]t
Before he goes to supper.
Mathias.
Ha is my house turnd
To a wildernesse? nor wife nor seruants ready
Withall rites due to maiesty to receiue
Such vnexpected blessings? you assurd me
Of better preparation, hath not
Th'excesse of ioy transported her beyond
Her vnderstanding?
Baptista.
I now parted from her,
And gaue her your directions.
Mathias.
How shall I begge
Your maiesties patience? sure my famelie's druncke
Or by some witch in enuie of my glory
A dead sleepe throwne vpon 'em.
Enter Hilario, and seruants.
1 seruant.
Sir.
Mathias.
But that
The sacred presence of the King forbids it,
My sword should make a massacre among you.
Where is your mistris?
Hilario.
First you are welcome home sir
Then know she saies shee's sicke sir, there's no notice
Taken of my brauery.
Mathias.
[Page]
Sicke at such a time!
I cannot be though she were on her death bed,
And her spirit euen now departed heere stand they
Could call it backe againe, and in this honor
Giue her a second being, bring me to her,
I know not what to vrge, or how to redeeme
This morgage of her manners.
Exeunt Mathias and Hilario.
Eubulus.
Ther's no climate
On the world I thinke where on [...]ades tricke or other
Raignes not in women,
Ferdinand.
You were euer bitter
Against the Sex.
Ladis [...]aus.
This is very strange.
Honoria.
Meane women
Haue their faults as well, as Queenes.
Laudislaus.
O shee appeares now.
Enter Mathias, Sophia.
Mathi.
The iniury that you conceiue I haue done you
Dispute heereafter, and in your perue [...]senes
Wrong not your selfe, and me.
Sophia.
I am pas [...]d my childhood,
And need no t [...]to
Mathias.
This is the great King.
To whom I am ingag'd till death for all
I stand posess'd of.
Sophia.
My humble roofe is proud sir.
To be the canopie of so much greatnes,
Set off with goodnes.
Ladislaus.
My owne prayses flying
In such pure ayre, as your sweete breath faire Lady
Cannot but please me.
Mathias.
This is the Queene of Queenes,
In her magnificence to me.
Sophia.
In my duty
I kisse her highnes robe.
Honoria.
You stoope to low
To her whose lipps would meete with yours.
Sophia.
Howere.
It may appeare prepostrous in women
[Page] Soe to encounter, 'tis your pleasure Madam
And not my proud ambition, do you heere sir.
Without a magicall picture in the touch,
I find your printe of close and wanton kisses
On the Queenes lipps
Mathias.
Vpon your life be silent.
And now salute these Lords.
Sophia.
Since you'll hane me
You shall see I am experienc'd at the game
And can play it titely, you are a braue man sit
And do deserue a free and harty welcome
Be this the prologe to it.
Eubulus.
An old mans turne
Is euer last in kissing, I haue lipps too
Howeuer cold ones Madam.
Sophia.
I will warme 'em.
With the fire of mine.
Eubulus.
And so she has I thanke you.
I shall sleepe the better all night for't.
Mathias.
You expresse
The boldnes of a wanton courtezan,
And not a matrons modesty, take vp,
Or you are disgrac'd foreuer.
Sophia.
How? with kissing
Feelingly as you tought mee? would you haue me
Turne my cheeke to 'em, as proud ladies vse
To their inferiors, as if they intended
Some businesse should be whisperd in their [...]are
And not a salutation, what I doe
I will do freely, now I am in the humor
I'll flie at all, are there any more?
Mathias.
For b [...]are.
Or you will rayse my anger to a height,
That will descend in fury.
Sophia.
Whie? you know
How to resolue your selfe what my intents are,
By the helpe of Mephostophiles, and your picture,
Pray you looke vpon't againe, I humbly thanke
The Queenes great care of me, while you were absent.
[Page] She knew how tedious 'twas for a young wife,
And being for that time a kind of widdow,
To passe away her melancholly howers
Without good company, and in charity therefore
Prouided for me, out of her owne store
She culd the Lords Vbaldo, and Ricardo,
Two principall courtiers for Ladies seruice,
To do me all good offices, and as such
Imployd by her, I hope I'haue receaud,
And entertaind 'em, nor shall they depart
Without the effect arissing from the cause
That brought 'em hither.
Mathias.
Thou dost be-lye thy selfe,
I know that in my absence thou wer't honest,
Howeuer now turnd monster.
Sophia.
The truth is
We did not deale like you in speculations
On cheating pictures; we knew shadowes were
No substances and actuall performance
The best assurance, I will bring 'em hither
To make good in this presence so much for me.
Some minutes space I begge your maiesties pardon
You are mou'd now champe vpon this bit a little
Anon you shall haue another, waite me Hilario.
Exeunt Sophia, & Hilario.
Ladislaus.
How now? turnd statue sir?
Mathias.
Flie, and flie quicklie
From this cursed habitation, or this Gorgon
Will make you all as I am, in her tongue
Millions of adders hisse, and euery hayre
Vpon her wicked head a snake more dreadfull
Then that Tisiphon, threw on Athamas,
Which in his madnes forc'd him to dismember
His proper issue O that euer I
Repos'd my trust in magicke, or beleeud
Impossiblities, or that charmes had power
Eubulus.
[Page]
These are the fruites
Of marriage, and old batchelor, as I am,
And what's more will continue so, is not troublde
With these fine fagaries.
Ferdinand.
Till you are resolu'd sir,
Forsake not hope.
Baptista.
Vpon my life this is
Dissimulation.
Ladislaus.
And it sutes not with
Your fortitude and wisdome to be thus
Transported with your passion.
Honoria.
You were once
Deceaud in me sir as I was in you,
Yet the deceipte please both.
Mathias.
She hath confes'd all,
What further proofe should I aske?
Honoria.
Yet remember
The distance that is interpos'd betweene
A womans tongue, and her hart, and you must grant
You build vpon no certaineties.
Euter Sophia, Corisca, Hilario, Vbaldo, & Ricardo, as before.
Eubulus.
What haue we heere?
Sophia.
You must come on and show you selues.
Vbaldo.
The King [...]
Ricardo.
And Queene too, would I were as far vnder the earth
As I am aboue it.
Vbaldo.
Some Poet will
Prom this relation, or in verse, or proo [...]e,
Or both together blended render vs
Ridiculous to all ages,
Ladislaus.
I remember
This face when it was in a better plight
Are not you Ricardo [...]
Honoria.
And this thing I take it
Was once Vbaldo.
Vbaldo.
I am now I know not what.
Ricardo.
We thanke your maiesty for imploying vs
To this subiil [...] Circe.
Eubulus.
[Page]
How my Lord? turnd spinster.
Do you worke by the day or by the great?
Ferdinand.
Is your Theorbo
Turnd to a distaffe Signior, and your voyce
With which you chanted rome for a lusty gallant
Turnd to the note of lacreymae?
Eubulus.
Prethee tell me
For I know thou art free, how often and to the purpose
Haue you beene merry with this lady.
Ricardo.
Neuer, neuer.
Ladislaus.
Howsoeuer you should say so, for your credit
Being the only cou [...] bull.
Vbaldo.
O that euer
I saw this kicking heyfer,
Sophia.
You see Madam
How I haue curd your seruants, and what fauours
They with their rampaht valour haue woone from me.
You may as they are phisickd, I presume
Trust a faire virgine with 'em, they haue learnd
Their seuerall trades to liue by, and payd nothing
But cold, aud hunger for 'em, and may now
Set vp for them selues for heere I giue 'em ouer,
And now to you sir, why doe you not againe,
Peruse your picture? and take the aduice
Of your learned consort? these are the men, or none
That made you, as the Italian sayes a beco.
Mathias.
I know not which way to intreat your pardon
Nor am I worthy of it my Sophia,
My best Sophia, heere before the king,
The Queene, these Lords, and all the lookers on
I do renounce my error, and embrace you
As the great example to all after times
For such as would dye chast, and noble wiues
With reuerence to immitate.
Sophia.
Not so sir.
I yet hold of, howeuer I haue purg'd
My doubted innocence, the foule aspertions
In your vnmanly doubts cast on my honor
[Page] Cannot so soone be washd of.
Eubulus.
Shall we haue
More ijggobobs yet?
Sophia.
When you went to the warrs
I set no spie vpon you to obserue
which way you wandred, though our sex by nature
Is subiect to suspitions and feares,
My confidence in your loyalty freed me from 'em.
But to deale as you did gainst your religion
With this inchanter to suruey my actions
Was more then womans weaknes, therefore know
And tis my boone vnto the King, I doe
Desire a seperation from your bed
For I will spend the remnant of my life
In prayer, and meditation.
Mathias.
O take pitty
Vpon my weake condition, or I am
More wretched in your innocence, then if
I had found you guilty, haue you showne a iewell
Out of the cabinet of your rich mind
To locke it vp againe? She tur [...]es away
Will none speake for me? shame, and sinne hath robd me
Of the vse of my tongue.
Ladislaus.
Since you haue conquerd Maddam
You wrong the glory of your victory
If you vse it not with mercy.
Ferdinand.
Any penance
You please to impose vpon him I dare warrant
He will gladly suffer.
Eubulus.
Haue I liu'd to see
But on good woman, and shall we for a trifle
Haue her returne nun? I will first pull downe the cloyster
To the ould sport againe with a good lucke to you
'Tis not alone enough that you are good,
We must haue some of the breed of you, will you destroy
The kind, and race of goodnesse? I am conuerted
And aske your pardon Madam for my ill opinion
Against the sex, and show me but two such more
[Page] I'll marry yet, and loue em.
Honoria.
She that yet
Nere knew what 'twas to bend but to the King
Thus begge remission for him.
Sophia.
O deere Madam
Wrong not your greatnesse so.
Omnes.
We all are sutors.
Vbaldo.
I do deserue to bee hard among the rest.
Ricardo.
And we haue sufferd for it
Sophia.
I perceiue
Thers no resistance but suppose I pardon
What's past, who can secure me, He'll be free
From iealousie heereafter.
Mathias.
I will be
My owne security, go ride where you please,
Feast, reuele, banquet, and make choise with whom
I'll set no watch vpon you, and for proofe, oft
This cursed picture I surrender vp
To a consuming fire,
Baptista.
As I abuire
The practise of my art.
Sophia.
Vpon this termes.
I am reconcil'd and for these that haue payd
The price of their folly, I desire your mercy.
Ladislaus.
At your request they haue it.
Vbaldo.
Hang all trades now.
Ricardo.
I will find a new one, and that is to liue honest.
Hilario.
These are my fee's.
Vbaldo.
Pray you take 'em with a mischeefe.
Ladislaus.
So all ends in peace now
And to all married men be this a caution.
Which they should duly tender as their life
Neither to dote to much nor doubt a wife.
Exeunt Omnes
FINIS.

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