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

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

Dramatis Personae.

  • The old Duke of Savoy
    • His brother
    • The Duke of Millaine
    Disguised like Embassadors.
  • Alvaro, Prince of Savoy
  • Leonell, Prince of Parma
  • Prospero, a young Count
  • Caladine, an old Counsellor
  • Vasco, a Collonell
    • Altesto
    • Frivolo
    • Tristan
    Officers and Souldiers.
  • Evandra, Heire of Millaine
  • Melora Sister to Leonell
  • An old Widow
  • Lelia, her Maide
  • Boy
  • Musitians
  • Souldiers
  • Servants

The Scaene Savoy.

[Page]LOVE AND HONOVR.

Act 1. Scaena 1.

A Retreate being sounded as from far, Enter Vasco, Altesto, Frivolo.
Vasco.
HEark boyes? they sound us a retreat? this skirmish (sirs)
Was no rare pastime to conti­nue at;
'Tis saffer wrastling in a bed; give me
Hence-forth your white fac'd foe, a plumpe faire enemie
That weares her head peece lac'd; I'm for a cambrick helmet, I.
Altesto.
And yet these mighty men of Millain got
But little by the sport; some of them shall
Vouchsafe to weare a single arme heareafter,
Two wodden leggs too, and limpe their dayes out
In an Hospitall.
Frivolo
How? an Hospitall?
Vasco.
A rode, a rode; your highway sir is now
Your onely walke of state for your maim'd soldier.
Your Hospitalls and pensions are reseru'd
For your maim'd Mercer, decay'd sonnes o'th shop,
That have been often crackd not in their crownes
Like us, but in their credit sir.
Frivolo.
And placket squires, that have bin long diseas'd
In their Lords service; a score of duckets
Shall bribe them into place, where they may sleep,
And eate, and pray too, but with breath so much
Vnholsome, th'ayre can hardly purify't
And make it fit to reach neare heaven.
Altesto.
Well, the surprize o'th cittadell, wherein
The Duke had plac'd his daughter, with the Ladies
Of her traine, and treasure too, was a service
Of most rare work.
Vasco.
Just when they sally'd out
To cut our Rere in peeces, then steale in
By Ambush wisely layd, and make them all
Our prize, was miracle.
Frivolo.
They say his daughter scap'd, and fled, with her
As her best guard, one they call Leonell
Enter Tristan.
Whom our Count Prospero pursu'd.
Vas. Tristan?
Welcome; is all our pillage waggond
Shall it to night see Turin?
Tristan.
Alls safe my lusty leader; our horse too
Have sounded a retreat; and the foe sneakes▪
He walkes with's hands in's pockets like a skipper
In a frost.
Vas.
Well, let me reckon my estate;
First a widdow prisoner.
Altesto.
Mine's a maide prisoner,
Young my Vasco, she's yet in her first blush,
And I've dispatch'd her unto Turn too
My Mothers house, thy prisoner in her com­pany,
They are acquainted.
Vasco.
You have the luck; these bald chinnes are as familiar
[Page 2] With their good starrs, as with spur-rowells,
Play with them, and turn'em which way they please;
I fought as well as he; and yet (forsooth)
His prisoner must be faire, and young, & mine
So old she might have given Hercules suck,
Now she sucks too, for she hath no teeth left,
In one moneth she'l cost me as much in caw­dles
And sweet candy, as her ransome comes too.
Fri
But you have other pillage Captaine.
Vas
Let me see, 3 Barbarie horses with rich
Caparisons, 2 Chests o'th Generalls cloths.
Alt.
And I 2 chests o'th Generalls plate.
Friv.
In those I share Altesto.
Uasco
How? plate? shall we incounter our sowe'd fish
And broyld Pullen in silver service rogues?
Like furr'd Magnificoes?
Frivolo.

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

Altest.
All your plate Uasce, is the silver handle
Of your old prisoners franne.
Enter Prospero (wounded) and Evandra (her armes in a scarfe Piniond.)
Trist.
Here comes Prospero the valiant Count.
Uas.
And with him the brave prize.
Pras.
Evandra do not mourne, I that have made
You captive thus with hazard of my youth
And blood, shall think you now as worthy of
My care, as of my volour in the fight;
Can I esteeme you lesse by being mine?
Evand.
What have I done (unknown unto my heart)
That I should tempt your valour to so great
A [...] as my captivity? or are my crimes
Observ'd more than my prayers, that hea­ven shall leave
Me to become the scorne of victorie?
Pros.
It is the sad preheminence of your
Exemplar birth, and beauty, to conferr
Honour on him that is your conqueror.
Evan.
Honour? is that the word that hath so long
Betrayd the Emulous world, and foold the noblest race
Of men, into a vex'd and angry death?
If 'twere a vertue 'twould not strive t'in­thrall,
And thus distresse the innocent.
Pros.
I am the warrs disciple, and since first
I had the growth to weare a sword, I nere
Was taught how to subdue by reason but
By strength. Altesto?
Altesto.
My Lord.
Pros.
Take here this Lady to your charge, conduct
Her unto Turin, and there guard her in
My house till my approach.
Altesto.
I shall my Lord.
Pros.
Let her be safe Altesto in thy care
On forfeiture of life, she is my prisoner
And th' noblest in the field, the beautious
Heire of Millaine; had not my niggard stars
Intended me but halfe a courtesie,
The Duke her Father had lamented now
Under the same fate.
Vasco.
I could wish your Lordship would beleeve me,
A fitter man, to take charge of the Lady.
Pros.
VVhy Captaine?
Vas.
You could not commit her to an Eunuch
VVith more safety; if the great Turke knew me
(Honest Achmet) he would trust me in's Se­raglio
(By this hand) without defalking one graine beneath the waste.
Pros.
Successe hath made you wanton Cap.
Uas.
Besides (my Lord) I have tane an old Abesse
Prisoner, O such a Governesse for a
Young maid, sheel read to her such ho­milies,
And teach her such receipts out of the Fa­thers,
How to cure the toothach, preserve plumms,
And boyle Amber possits, will make her sir
In three dayes a very St.
Pros.
VVell you shall take my bounty too close by
The valley that doth joyne to th' neighbour grove
Lyes conquerd by my sword a Millain knight,
His wounds medcin'd, & stopt by the best art
I had, but by much losse of blood unable yet
[Page 3] To move, him, and his ransome I bestow on you,
Uas.
I thank your Lordship
Pros.
But use him nobly Uasco; for he hard
A courage that well merited his cause,
And fought with eager and with ssillfull, strength
To free that lady from my bonds, but the glad day was mine.
Vas.
He shall be kindly us'd,
Only your sweet lordship must give me leave
When he pay's his ransom to weigh his gold,
Were he my father, sir, he must indure
The tryall of my scales; follow Tristan.
Pros.
Make haste; see him well waggond, and provide
A surgeon to attend his cure.
Ex Vas. Trist.
Evan.
Sir, can you find no pitty yet within
Your breast? you have already shewn e­nough.
Of your sterne fathers spirit, is there not
In all your heart so much of softnes as
Declares you had a mother too, must I
Be led a captive, land in a cruell land
Lament your victorie?
Pros.
Altesto, be are her from my sight? make haste?
I am not safe, when I converse with teares.
Exeunt Altesto, Evandra.
I would ambition were not brave in war?
Or that the rage of Princes had not made
It lawfull to subdue whom they dislike,
Or 'twere ignoble to inflict a miserie,
As to indur't our selves; Frivolo, where
Didst thou leave the prince?
Friv.
In pursuit of the Duke, who since we heare
Recovered Millaine, which causs'd him sound us.
Drum march afar off
A retreat,—heark sir, his march leades hither;
It is his way to Turin.
Enter Calladine.
The prince, the prince; my Lord Prospero
You have been sought for, the valiant prince
For this day's action hath advunt'd you to
The publique eare, and we your friends re­joyc'd.
Pros.
I did but as his bold example gave
Me fire; I saw him conquer kill, and leade
In fetters sad Faces, which I [...]
Before, and I beleev'd 'twas good; I wish
That heaven may thinke so too; I do con­verse
VVith bookes, but I have heard our enemies
(Although they wrong'd not me) must be so us'd.
Enter Alvaro, Soldiers stripping off his Corslet.
Vnbuckle Calladine, the day is hott,
And our great businesse cooles like to their heates,
That fled to humbled Millaine, & have lest
Their fainting honour hovering over our crests,
Leade on my horse in triumph; I will march
On foot, he hath perform'd his worke, as he
Had equall'd me in sence of what he did.
Cal.
Sir, Prospero the Count, whom your kind feares
Pros-kneeles kisses his hand
So heartily inquir'd for i'th retreat
Alva.
Passe noble youth, and let me hold thee neere
My heart, joyne thy stout brest to mine that we
May grow a while together in our love,
Yet when divided, be the same in thought
And act, this day then hast begot an historie,
And given our Savoy Chronicles a theame
To teach them boast, and be beleev'd
Pros.
Alvaro? my dread Prince; why should you lose
Your prayse on me, that did but imitate
The faintest of your vigour, and your skill?
You bred mee from my childhood to doe things
That they call glorious, though (dull and much unlearnd)
I cannot teach the cause of what I doe,
More than your example, and command.
Alva.
Since thou gott'st strength to weare a sword, thou hast
Been mine, and t'hath been drawn to execute
My will, and though (I know not why) thou wast
A verse to arts, and written labours of
The wise, yet discipline of warre thou lov'dsts
And bring thee to a [...] steed, him thou
VVouldst sit, and mannage with such gentle rule
That our Idolatrous Philosophers
Beleev'd thou hadst created, whom thou I caught'st
Pros.
Your love will breed me envy sir; something.
[Page 4] I've done (since you are pleas'd to vallew so
My weaker toyles) which may perhaps de­serve
Your fathers thanks, and yours, and's yet un­known
Vnto you both, Evandra, heir of Millaine,
I have sought for, tane prisoner, and sent
To Turin, a reward for our just war.
Alva.
Hah! the faire Evandra made pri­soner?
And Prospero by hee?
Pros
Why should you thinke him whom you prais'd
So much, unfit for such a victorie.
Alva.
Now all the blessings of my faithfull love
Are lost; she whom I doated on with my
Most chast, and early apetite, is sent
In bonds, t'apease my cruell fathers wrath.
Call.
My Lord, he lov'd her much though temp'rately
Conceald from gen'rall knowledge, and his friends.
Pros.
Then mount my courser Frivolo, and try
If by the happy quicknesse of his speed,
Thou canst recover her returne, and use
Her with such faire respective homage as
May expiate my violent surprize.
Ex. Friv.
Alva.
Fly, fly; I would thy nimble motion could
Oretake the arrow from th' Assyrian bow,
Or swifter lightning whom our fight pursues
And is to slow to reach.
Pros.
What have I done, that I should thus mistake
An act of valiant glorie, for a deed
That argues an austere Ignoble rage?
Alv.
Faire Evandra, the pide of Italy,
In whom the Graces met to rectifie
Themselves, that had not cause enough to blush
Vnlesse for pitty they were not so good
As she; think now the Easterne spices sweet,
And that the blossoms of the spring perfume
The morning ayre; necessity must rule
Beliefe, lets strew our Altars with them now,
Since she's imprisond, stifled, and chok'd up
Like weeping Roses in a still, whose Inar­ticulate breath
Heaven through a purer sacrifice than all our orizons.
Pros.
Is she not fitter then
For Turin, than for Millaine sir? I saw
You take prisoners, and in my fury had
Discretion to atchieve the best.
Alva.
O thou hast lost my heart; hence doth proceed
This recreant act, that to thy savage courage
I could never joyne the temperature
Of sweet Philosophy; hadst thou been learnd,
And read the noble deeds of gentle knights,
Reason had check'd thy rage, thy vallor would
Have been more pittifull than to have lead
A virgin into harsh captivity.
Pros.
I thought I had done well.
Alv.
How! well? draw back that falshood in thy breath
Agen, or I will pierce thy heart, that thou.
Mayst dye Impenitent.
Drawes his sword, Call. stayes him.
Vnhand me Callandine, I've already met
My better thoughts; why should I waste my wrath
On such a forester? wild as the woods,
Where he should graze with the brute heard, who though they want
Discoursive soule, are lesse inhumane farre than he.
Pros.
She was the daughter of our greatest enemie,
And so I us'd her sir.
Alva.
A cholerick Beare; or hungry Pan­ther would
Have us'd her with more soft remorce; had I
Incounterd her in the mad heate of chace,
In all the fury of the fight, I would
Have taught my angry steed the easie and
The peacefull motion of a lambe,
She should have set his back, soft as the ayre,
And in her girdle bridle him, more curb'd
Than in his soaming bitt, whilst I her slave,
Walk'd by, marking what hasty flowers sprung up,
Invited by her eye-beames from their cold rootes;
And this would each true soldier do, that had
Refin'd his courage with the sober checks
Of sweet Philosophy.
Pros.
Would you had taught me some Phi­losophy
Before I learn'd to fight.
[Page 5]
Enter Frivolo.
All hope is past; she was convey'd in one
Of your swift chariots sir, which it doth seem
Altesto did unhappily oretake,
And she's ere this within our Turnt walls.
Pros.
Such language and such newes better become
The fatall birds of night, so Ravens croke
When they fly ore the mansions of the sick
And bode their deaths.
Alv.
Prospero, see me no more,
Th'art a disease unto my injurd sight:
Flye to some lustfull coast, where none but Goates
And Satyrs live, where the name of virgin is
As strange as this thy cruelty, there thou
Mayst hope to wander not contemn'd, should I
Behold thy face agen, and let thee live,
My patience would become my vildest guilt.
Cal.
See, sir, he weepes; can you indure him mourne
And languish thus, whom heeretofore you did
Embrace in the chiefe ranek of love, not mov'd
(Sir) with his teares?
Alv.
No more than to behold
The pudled channell overflow; he saw
Her weepe, and could indur't; the drops fell downe
Me thinks, as when the pitteous Pelican
Wounds her remorsefull hreast.
Pros.
Sir, have I in one hasty moment, so
Farre merited my ruine that no meanes
Is left to winne me to your former grace.
Alv.
Never, unlesse thou couldst restore
Evandras liberty, she is ere this
Within my fathers reach, whose nature is
Severe, and mortall to her fathers blood,
An ancient vow he tooke, will make her de­stine.
So sad, I feare to thinke on it, poore Evandra.
Pros.
I sent her in good conduct to my house,
VVhere is a cave, so art fully cenceld
Within my gardens verge, that not the sunnes
Most prying beames, not humane search
Can ere discover it, He hide her there,
Till time and apt convenience can dispose
Her unto Millain.
Alva.
Fly then, loose not the sick hope with slow
Pursuit, fate keepe her from my father.
Pros.
I [...] strive to groane away my breath, and die.
Exit Pros.
Cornet flourish afarr off.
Frivo.
Heark sir, the Duke your father sure
Doth ride in triumph through the towne, to meete
And celebrate your victorie.
Alva.
Give order that our troops march, march slowly on;
Our Drums should now in fable cases beate
Our collours soulded, and our Muskets be
Reverst, whilst our dejected pikes we traile,
But that I feare, t'would breed inquirie in
My father of a cause, he must not know,
O Callandine Evandra is in bonds.
Exit. Enter Vasco, Tristan, Leonell wounded and led.
Vasco.
Prepare the waggon Tristan, spread a matt in 't
And (dost here) bid my Ancient teare of's collors
For a coverlet, tis thine sir, all our shift?
Trist
All's ready sir, ith bottom of the hill,
He shall us'd like a Queen when shee lyes in.
Vas.
Softly Tristan, he moves as weakely as
His sinnewes were of spinners threads, so cutt
And carv'd; he hath made your skin, sir, only
Fit to be worne in summer; this Prospero
Is a Turke when's whinyards drawne, and shines in's eyes.
Leonell
He us'd me nobly sir, when I had bled (could
My selfe past strength to conquer him, wee
I hope to finde such mercy in an Enemie,
Lesse I had fallen beneath the force of your
Alvaro, Prince of Piemont.
Vas.
I there's a man; tis true, Lord Pros. poro vallant,
I thinke he dares meet the devill in Duell,
And give him two flashs of lightning odds, but
He wants that they call learning sir, Prince Alvaro;
Is (as they say) a philosopey man:
He takes of Rabins, and strange Hebrew roots;
Things we dull Souldiers hither learn then mention.
Trist.
[Page 6]
He can tell you sir how many show­ers fell
Since Noahs flood.
Vas.
I, and how many cloakes those showers have wett.
Leonell.
Have you no knowledge of the Lady sir
That was surpriz'd from my protection by young Prospero?
Vas.
Good; was ever creature of heavens making
So libidinous as paltry man? now
Has he a mind to the Lady? she sir,
Is safe in Turin, whither strait we mean
To lead you too.
Leon.
Some comfort yet, it is decreed I must
Indure my bondage where she suffers her's,
Poore Evandra's was fater so niggardly
She could allow no more protection for
Thy beauty than my single fortitude?
Trist.
Come move on sir, it will be late ere we
Shall reach the towne.
Leon
What other for tune had the bat taile?
Ves.
We swadled your Duke home he and the rest
Of your bruis'd countymen have woundrous need
Of capon's grease.
Leon
Strange giddinesse of warre; some men must groane
To further others mirth, what furie rules
Ore humane sence, that we should struggle to
Destroy in wounds, and rage, our life, that heaven
Decreed so short? in is a mysterie
Too sad to be temembred by the wise,
That halfe mankind consume their noble blood,
In causes not belov'd, or understood.
Exeunt.

Act. 2. Seane 1.

Exter Vasco, Frivolo, Tristan.
Fri.
You have heard the proclaim'd law Vasco.
Vas.
I would there were no law, or that no man
Were learn'd enough to read em, or that we had
Courage enough not to obey them
Trist.
Frivolo, what law is this?
Friv.
It is proclaim'd all female prisoners
After a yeare should have free libertie
To returne to Millaine, and ransomlesse.
Only a yeare is given to us the conquerors,
That those we took of birth, and dowry may
(If we can wooe them to consent) marry us,
But wee have no power to use constraint, nor to
Inforce a maidenhead, on paine of death.
Vas.
My beldam hath tane order with her maidenhead
Ten yeares ere I was borne.
Friv.
I'th meane time Tristan,
As a requitall for our hopes, we must
Maintaine them at our own charge?
Trist.
Must not the men wee tooke pay ransome?
Vas.
Yes, yes, they pay: I have a Knight given me
By young Count Prospero shall sell his spurrs
Ere he scape free, I will pawne him till he
Be worne toth' title of a Squire.
Frivo.
Thou art as cruell as a Constable
That's wak'd with a quarrell out of his first sleepe.
Vas.
Hang him bold Caraian, hee indites finely;
And will live as well by sending short E­pistles
Or by th'sad whisper at your gamsters elbow
When the great by is drawne, as any bashfull
Gallant of em all.
Trist.
But whats the cause our Duke is so severe
Unto the heire of Millain (whom 'tis said
Shall suffer instant death) yet is thus kind
To others of her sex.
Frivo.
She dies to satisfie
A vow hee made in's youth, when those of Millain
Took his brother prisoner, and would not be
Appeaz'd without the for feiture of's head.
Trist.
I am not yet instructed Frivolo,
VVhy should not then the rest we took dy too?
Frivo.
Evandra is a sacrifice for all;
His other mercy takes from th'crueltie
He showes on her.
[Page 7]
Enter Altesto
Vas.
From whence Altesto comes your loftinesse?
Altest.
Why, from the Duke; I had laid me
For breakfast a fine comfortable ginne.
Vas.
VVhat was't, a wench?
Altest.
A rack Vasco, a rack;
A certaine Instrument that will extend, and draw
Our sinnews into treble strings, and stretch
Our great shinne bones, till they become slender
As knitting needles, or a Spiders leggs.
Vas.
Didst thou commit Treason? 'tis well thou hast
A braine for any thing, the age requires
Parts, we cannot eat else; but quick, the cause.
Altest.
'Twas to discover where I left Evandra,
VVhom Prospero deliver'd to my charge;
I answer'd a full truth, that I restor'd
Her to his hands, at his returne to's house,
And this (as fortune would vouchsafe) the Duke
Beleev'd without applying (Gentlemen)
The recreation of the rack.
Fri.
But she is not yet found.
Altest.
No, and the Duke beleeves her still I'th Town.
Therefore a guard is plac'd at all the gates to hinder her escape.
Vasco.
I do not like
This cutting off young wenches heads; 'tis thought
They cannot kisse hansomely without them.
Trist.
But how does Prospero excuse her flight?
Altest.
He saies she's stoln away, but shews no manner how;
And th' angry Duke, though he be precious in
His love, threatens him much.
Vas.
Some Angell stole her from him, and Gentlemen
If I have any skill in Magick you
Shall see her three daies hence pirking in a Cloud,
Southward of yonder Star; look up, just there;
With her Ivory Lute hanging at her back,
And working me a scarfe of sky-colour'd Sattin.
Altest.
A halter (Vasco) to save the poore State
The charge of a penny, thou'lt have need on't.
Vas.
What's become of Melora, your faire prisoner?
You heare the Proclamation.
Altest.
Yes, and am well pleas'd, I meane to wooe, and marry her, she hath
Twelve thousand crowns by good intelli­gence.
Vas.
If she consent; but I am of the faith,
Such Suckets are but seldome swallow'd by
Us wealthy Aldermen o'th Campe; a joyn­ture
Is the word Altesto, and then you'l shew her
A young back with a Sword hanging over't,
Worse than a handsaw.
Altest.
Just now I left her at my mothers house;
And sirra Vasco, she looks, oh rogue, rogue!
A Flanders peake i'th middle of her brow,
Which straight I spy, and shake, and melt, then speak
Fine language to her, and am dutious with
My Bonnet at her Instep thus—
Vas.
Th'ast sound the way.
Altest.
Then Vasco she moves back, disco­vering but
The very verge of both her picked toes,
But in white Shoes, and then I'm taken that
I stand like one of the Turkes chidden mutes,
A girle in a Bongrace thus high may ravish me.
Fri.
Alas poore Gentleman!
Altest
But Vasco, her fiugers, by this good day,
I think they are smaller than thy point tags,
And she behaves them on the Virginass
So prettily, I'ld wish no more of he ven,
Than once to hear her play Fortune my Foe:
Or John come kisse me now.
Vas.
Those are tunes my old widdow pri­soner sings
With more division than a water work
When the maine pipe is halfe stopt.
Fri.
You have a yeare allow'd to wooe her Vasco.
Trist.
She's rich; I knew her husband, he thriv'd much
By a monopoly he had of dead womens hair,
[Page 8] All Millaine talk'd of it; she kept another shop
Under St Maudlins wall, and quilted ushers Calves.
Vas.
Well Gentlemen, let's waste no time, I'le to
My Barbers straight, purge, shave, and wash, for know
If cleanenesse and good looks will do't Ile teach
Her Grandameship to mump, and marry too,
Or my arts faile; Frivolo, you and Tristan
Follow me, I shall employ you both.
Altest.
I am for Prospero, he sent to speak with me.
Exeunt.
Enter Alvaro, Prospero (with a Key, and Lights.)
Pros.
Sir, you have made me know my cruelty,
'Twas such incomely valour, that I blush
To name't, and trust me, could I sink low as
The Center whilest I kneel, stil would I thus
Implore your pardon, and your love. Kneels
Alva.
Arise, I have a memory so apt
T'advance my pitty 'bove my anger when
It mentions thee, that Ile forget the cause
That made thy guilt, and me to mourne; but O,
This dismal place brings it again to thought,
This lookes methinks like to the dark
And hidden dwelling of the winds, as yet
Unknown to men, where storms ingender, and
The whirling blasts that trouble Nature till
She tremble at their force, and ruine all
The sumptuous piles of Art.
Pros.
Necessity hath caus'd this choice, till the
Severe inquiry of your Father be
Appeas'd, and we can shape her a disguise fit to
Convey her from the Towne.
Alva.
VVith soft and gentle summons call, that she
May clime unto the top, and verge o'th cave.
Prof.
Evandra speak, ascend to us; I am
Your penitentiall Enemy, that come
To weep away my trespasse at your feet.
Alva.
Evandra, rise, break from this thick
And silent darknesse, like the eldest light.
The Stage opens, Prospero lifts Evand. vn.
Evan.
Ha! my Lord the Prince?
Alva.
O noble mind, what expiation can
Make fit this young and cruell Souldier for
Society of men, that hath defir'd
The Genius of triumphant glorious war
VVith such a rape upon thy I berty?
Or what lesse hard than marble of
The Parian Rock, canst thou beleeve my heart,
That nurc'd and bred him my Disciple in
The Campe, and yet could teach his valour no
More tendernesse than injur'd Scythians use
VVhen they are vex'd to a revenge? but he
Hath mourn'd for it, and sure Evandra thou
Art strangely pittifull, that dost so long
Conceale an anger that would kill us both.
Evand.
Sir, I am nobly recompenc'd, in that
You will vouchsafe me worthy of your grief,
And though I dye forgotten here (a poore
And luckless maid) lost like a blossome which
Th' injurious wind buries in dust, yet so
Much courtesie deserves to be remembred even in heaven.
Alva.
Was this a subject fit to beare the pride
And insolent calamity of war?
As well had it become in the worlds youth
The Giant Race, to hunt with mighty speare
And iron shield, the soft and tender Ermine;
Evandra, I have lov'd thee much, and long.
Why dost thou start, as if some jealous thought
Did whisper that my love devis'd this snare
To keep thee here within my power and reach?
Evand.
I cannot think you are so cruell to
Your self, t' afflict the thing that you esteem.
Alva.
No beautious maid, had I behold thy flight
In our sterne exercise of wrath, I would
Have made the bloudy field a garden fit
I' adorne the shews of a triumphant peace;
And ev'ry soldier like a reaper cloth'd,
Fitter to use his sickle than his sword.
Still thou recoyl'st like the chaste Indian plant, at the
That shrinks and curles his bashfull leaves,
Approach of man.
Evan.
[Page 9]
I've lost my reason, and I want the courage
To entertaine you kindnesse as I ought.
Alva.
Is it because my yeares a little have
Oregrowne my youth, or that the enmity
Our Fathers interchange begetts in thee
A factious hate, till't make thy duty sinne?
But tis not possible thou canst create
A thought will merit such a name.
Evan.
The gentle businesse sir of love is fit
For howers more calme, and blest than those
A captive can injoy.
Alva.
These are not words
To quiet me in sleepe, & peacefull thoughts.
Pros.
Nor shall I evermore rellish delights
And triumphs of the court, or haughty joyes
Of warre and victorie.
Alva.
Evanara live, be yet some happi­nesse
Vnto thy selfe, and with the patience that
Becomes a maids divinitie, relieve
Thy heart with easie hope of libertie,
Inforcing a content within this darke
And solitarie cave, till I have power
With apt disguise to further thy escape,
Which shall be hastned with my ablest skill.
Beleeve me good Evandra, the honour of
My birth and soule shall warrant it.
Evan.
You are a Prince renound, and precious for
Your faith, and courtesie.
Alva.
Thinke not Ile use advantage, or constraint
Vpon thy love, a virgins heart (I know)
Is sooner strok'd than check'd into a kind
Surrender of her breast.
Evan.
Sir, all the bounties that the hea­vens provide
For truth and clemency, fall on your still.
Alva.
If thou suspect'st I've not enough of cold
And holy temper to resist the flames
Of appetite, command that I shall see
Thee here no more, & my obedience straite
Shall be restraind within a sacred vow,
For I would have thy thoughts (Evandra) safe
As thy beauties are.
Evan.
It were a crime
Greater (I hope) than I shall ere commit
To doubt such princely goodnesse can per­vert it selfe.
Alva.
Then I shall cherish oportunities
To hasten my returne.
Evan.
Not Angells sure when they con­verse, can meet
VVith lesse intent of sinne, and more of joy?
Alva.
VVell, I must see thee oft, thy won­drous eyes
Have softned all my spirits to a calme
And easie temper for thy sway, that I
Could change my corslet, and my iron vests
Of rugged war, to move in gentle pace,
Vnto the tunefull whispers of thy Lute,
Still cloth'd in tender garments of thy work,
And for a plumed Helmet weare chapletts
Of flowers, in a mysterious order rank'd
By thy white virgin hand, theu like thy neat
Ore'busie maid, bind up thy looser philetting,
And pleate in curles thy soft dishevelld haire.
Ile make my frequent visits here till thou
Confesse how much I am subdu'd.
Evand.
I am opprest with feare, the watch­full Duke
Your father should observe, unto this sad
Vnusuall place, your stolne approach, & then
My sorrowes would be doubled in your dan­ger.
Alva.
Danger? how noble lovers smile at (such
A thought? 'tis love that onely fortifies
And gives us mighty vigor to attempt
On others force, and suffer more than we
Inflict; would all the souldiers that I leade
In active war, were lovers too, though leane,
Feebled, & weakned with theit ladys frowns;
How when their valours stirrd, would they march strong,
Through hideous gulphs, through numerous herds
Of angry Lyons, and consuming fire?
Knock within.
Evan.
What doubtfull noyse is that?
Alva.
'Tis Colladine, I did appoint him here.
Stay Prospero, let him not enter yet;
O envious chance, must we depart so scone?
They put Evendra downe in the cave.
Descend like the bright officer of day,
Whilst darkned we thy beauteous absence mourne,
And every flower doth weepe till thy re­turne?
[Page 10]
Opens the doore, lets in Calladine.
Pros.
His looks declare there's hazard, and some haste.
Alv.
What wouldest thou? speake.
Cal.
The Duke your father (sir) is much perplext;
He calls for Prospero, and it is feard,
Will torture him to find Evandra's flight.
Alva.
He shall not yet appeare; I will in­dure
His angers edge with venture of my selfe.
Stay till I send.
Exit.
Cal.
My Lord, I grieve to see your sor­rowes beare
So great a weight, as makes you groane unto
Your selfe; this silence, and fixation of
Your eyes, untill unchanged objects cause
Them ake, is much unlike your wonted mind;
Suspect not but the Prince will qualifie
His Father to a peace, and a more just
Interpretation of your worth.
Pros.
Know Calladine, 'tis not Evandras bonds,
Nor all the torments that th' incensed Duke
From cruelty or art can minister,
Have power to freeze, and fixe me like a sta­tue thus;
I have another cause that swels my heart,
Till 't grow too spacious for my breast.
Cal.
'Las sir! your favours have oblig'd me so
That I must share your griefe, and 'twould perhaps
Afferd some remedy to share the cause.
Pro.
I know not Calladine in the vast world
One I more love, or would so boldly trust;
But thou wilt think me mad.
Cal.
My Lord, Ile forget then my man­ners, and
My reason too.
Pro
Come, thou shalt know, I love—
How wilt thou smile to seem ambitious eyes
Looke higher than the Eagle, when he soares
To elevate his sight? I love—
Cal.
Who is't you love?
Pro.
Evandra; now mixe pitty in thy scorn.
Cal.
'Tis sad the Prince and you should meet with so
Much violence in the same choice.
Pro.
At first, i'th rage of fight, I gaz'd on her,
With halfe discernings of her forme, a mi [...]
Of fury hung between us then, but since
That I have viewd her beauty with some care,
And seen how sweetly she demeanes her in
Calamity, I have orethrown my heart
With liking her too much.
Cal.
It will require great wisdome to per­swade
In this, the cause is dangerous.
Pro.
Would I had nere been born, then I had miss'd
The sight and memory of her, and my
Fond errors should have been as much un­known
As m' uncreated selfe.
Enter Altesto.
Alt.
My Lord, your servant gave me en­trance with
Command that I should speake with you.
Pro.
'Tis true; Altesto y'have a maiden prisoner,
Call'd Melora; 'tis my request that you
Conduct her hither in disguise; though law
Newly proclaimd, allow no ransome for her,
You shall be paid your own demand.
Altest.
Ile obey your Lordship, she shall attend
You straight; what use can he imploy her to?
Prosp.
Come Calladine, ease me with thy counsell.
Exeunt.
Enter Vasco, Tristan, Frivolo, Lelia.
Vas.
Is Lelia your own prisoner Tristan?
Trist.
The powerful purchase of my sword.
Vas.
What is she heire to? a brasse thim­ble, and
A skeane of brown thread? she'l not yeeld thee in
Algiers above a ducket being strip'd;
And for her clothes they'r fitter for a paper­mill
Than a Pallace.
Fri.
Let her serve your captive widdow.
Vas.
Why Tristan, that's a yeares wages for you;
'Tis well thought on; will you serve Lelia?
Lel.
I hope sir I shall be fit to serve.
Vas.
Yes, serve for an Hospitall, when the sins
[Page 11] Of the Campe are retir'd into your bones;
She's vilely out of Linnen.
Trist.
How can I help't?
Vas.
Let her make love to a Sexton, and steale shrowds.
Fri.
Trust my knowledge Vasco, she's for thy turne,
Present her to thy widdow, she may wooe
In thy behalf, toste plum cakes for her Mus­kadine,
And brush her velvet hood on holy-dayes.
Vas.
Tristan convey her to her as my gift;
But Lelia you must speake notable words
Of me, first what a goodly man I am;
That I get Matrons at a hundred and ten
VVith double Twins, and how in time of warre
I fill up the muster with mine own Issue.
Lel.
Marry sir, heaven forbid.
Vas.
D'you heare? this wench has been villanously
Ill bred; and Ile lay my life
She sings at her work too the holy caroll
O'th Ladies daughter converted in Paris;
She was of Paris properly, &c.
Trist.
Fie Lelia, you must now take care, you are
Not now i'th Campe, but in a civill Common wealth.
Lel.
I shall endeavour sir to learne.
Vas.
Nor must you perswade you Mistris rise
Too early to her beads, she may catch cold,
Having already a pestilent cough,
And so will dye before I marry her.
Lel.
I hope I shall not be so mischievous.
Vas.
VVell Gentlemen, the fruitfull houre is now
Drawn neere that gives successe, this morn­ing must
Expose me to great charge.
Fri.
Thou dost not meane
To court her at her window with rare mu­sick?
Vas.
No, she's very deafe, so that cost is sav'd.
Fri.
What other charge? she hath no teeth sit for
A dry banquet, and dancing she is past,
Unlesse with crutches in an Antimasque.
Vas.
I must provide her Culleises, and Broths
That may stir metall in her, in this case
She is, know my good friends, I find
Her no more fit for the businesse of encrease,
Than I am to be a Nunne.
Trist.
Thou wilt take care to trim thy person.
Vas.
I came just now from consultation with
My Barber, who provides me a large maine,
A lock for the left side, so rarely hung
With Ribbanding of sundry colours sir,
Thou'lt take it for the Rainebow newly crisp'd
And trim'd, Bucephalus nere wore the like.
Fri.
VVhen you have reach'd Sir Leonels Ransome,
And the rich widdows wealth, we are forgot,
Like creatures of Japan, things hardly to
Be search'd for in the Map.
Trist
In one short month I shall not know his name.
Vas.
'Tis then because thou canst not read, for thou
Shalt find it fairely carv'd on each new Church
And Hospitall, I meane to build apace,
And have my blew boyes March through the streets
Two and two, provided for in guilded Primmers,
And their chops of mutton; go haste to the widdows,
Present your Damsel, Ile be with you straight;
My captive Knight would speak with me.
Exeunt. Manet Vas.
Enter Leonell.
Leon.
I am bold sir to make free use of your
Most spacious roomes for benefit of aire.
Vas.
Sir you are welcome, 'tis a liberty
That I expect, and I joy much your wounds
So prosper in their cure.
Leon.
You shew your inclination kind and noble:
But is there of Evandra yet no newes?
You promis'd to enquire whether her flight
Be true, or to what place she made escape.
Vas.
No certaintie is known, but all the Court
Troubled with doubts, shortly you will heare more.
Leo.
[Page 12]
If you could bring me sir to Prospero,
Or to the Prince, on some affaires that may
Perhaps advantage them, and my own good,
You shall oblige me much to serve you in
My better state of fortunes
Vas.
I will endeavor it, and as you find
Me ready to assist all your requests,
I hope sir, youle see cause to pay your ran­some
With what haste you can, for I would faine be able
To doe good deeds, & we have many poore
I'th towne that want their charitie, who have
A will as ready as their wealth.
Leon.
Beleeve me you expresse a soule that hath
Been bred, and exercis'd in holy thoughts.
Vas.
Faith sir not much, only you know a man
Would joy to doe some good whilst he's a­live,
For after death our gifts I ever thought
Rather proceeded from a devout necessity,
Than any free desire.
Leon.
Tis wisely urg'd.
Vas.
It hath been a maxime I have held long.
Leo.
And it becomes you still; my ransome shall
Be suddenly prepard.
Vas.
I thanke you sir; follow, & Ile procure
You an addresse toth' prince or Prospero.
Exit.
Leon.
If she were fled, her person is of so
Esteem'd, and eminent a rate, that straight
Her instant residence must needs be known.
There is much art in these affaires; how will
She looke on me, that in so great a cause
Could strike, or yeeld to angry fate? I will
Indure her scornes, as a deserv'd reward,
Nor should a lovers hopes grow cold be­cause
The Influence that last did governe him,
Was sick, and cold, that destiny is gone,
The firmament containes more starres than one.
Exit.

Act. 3. Scaena 1.

Enter Leonell and Prospero, (with a light and a key.)
Pros.
It glads me to behold your strength so well
Restor'd, and sir, I wish the fortune of
My sword, had met another cause, & enemie;
Your ransome I have paid, and so much prize
Evandra's happinesse, that since you make't
Appeare your company will render her
Some quietnes, and joy, in this her sad
And solitarie state, you shall both see, and stay with her.
Leon.
From my first infancy I tooke my speech
And breeding in her fathers court, and by
My neerenes to her, both in deeds and place
I'th day of fight, you may beleeve I am
Of qualitie enough to be esteemd and well­com'd in her miserie.
Pros.
Your valour then did speake you more than all
The praise your modestie can urge,
Leon.
My Lord, it is your gentlenesse to have
A courteous faith, but I am bold to think
My sight will comfort her so much that she
Will pay you thanks for giving so free trust
Vnto my confidence.
Pros.
My kindnes to you I shall reserve
Till happier howers, this sir, is for her sake,
That she may have the benefit of your
Approach, retire a while within, that key
When I am gone, will open you a doore,
That leades unto a cave.—
Exit Leonell.
Melora? where art thou? this way, the light
Conducts thee; thou art safe.
Enter Melora.
Mel.
How darke, & like the dusty hollownes
Of tombes where death inhabits, this ap­peares?
Pros.
Now you shall know the cause why I have bought
Your liberty, Evandra, daughter to
Your Millain duke, lyes here imprisond by
The chance of battaile, and thus hidden, and
Reserv'd, till we can free her by disguise.
Melor.
O sad discoverie of a sorrow worse
Than I indure, I hop'd she had escap'd.
Pros.
I heard that thou wert taken in her traine,
But when the storyes of thy beauty and
Thy vertues reach'd mine eare, I did beleeve
Thou hadst familiar knowledge of her face
And thoughts.
Mel.
[Page 13]
I know too much of her, to think that Heaven
Could thus permit her languish in a Cave.
Pro.
None can resist their destinie; but good
Melora comfort her, and prethee for
Kind pitty when your conversation shall
Beget some pleasant houre, mention my care,
And then my love; for know, she hath so wrought
Upon my heart, that trust me I shall melt
Like Tapers overcharg'd with flame, and die;
Wilt thou implore in my behalfe?
Melo.
Your bounties have oblig'd me to performe
My best, else I were cruell sir.
Pro.
Feare no surprize, you are secure, for twice.
To day, my house by sterne Authority
Was search'd, but vainly they suspect, and strive
To find this hidden dwelling, that no art
Can imitate for secrefie and depth.
Mel.
will you be gone?
Pros.
I'm sent for to the Pallace where I'm told
I shall endure for this concealement more
Than natures strength can beare, but L've a soule
Dares welcome it with scorne.
Ent. Evand.
Mel.
Lend me the light; look, there's Evandra sir.
Pre.
It is, remember me, that I may live.
Exit.
Mel.
This mingled passion of strange griefe and joy,
I can no longer quietly containe;
Hail the most beautious virtue of the world.
Evand.
Lov'd Melora, what dismall chance, more than
My sorrow can digest, hath brought thee here?
Mel.
Why am I thought on, or enquir'd for as
A creature that deserves a life, whilst you
Remaine within the house and armes of death?
Evan.
I feare thou art a captive too.
Mel.
Or else the tyranny of war had been
Too much unjust; wer't fit you languish thus,
And I like to a wanton bird should play
And wing the aire at liberty? and yet
My ransome's freely paid.
Evan.
Then tho' art now no prisoner?
Mel.
A prisoner to you, or else my heart
Were dull, and rudely mannerd to permit
Evandra suffer here alone; this war
Hath quickly nurc'd strange Ridles too of love.
Evan.
Thou dost complaine with cause, 'tis in the Prince.
Mel.
Another of your Enemies; too much
Of leasure I shall have t'acquaint you with
The accident that brought me to your sight.
Enter Leonell.
Evan.
Melora, who is that?
Mel.
Blesse me how miracles increase to fright
Astonishment! sure there is Magick in
This place; Madam, my Brother Leo­nel.
Leon.
Ha Melora? art thou here too? such mysteries
In change so soon ariv'd I have not read.
Evan.
But what unheard of star directed thee
To see, and taste our miserable state?
Leon.
Ere I begin the little history
Of the short time that thus hath varied us,
Low as the earth I full to make you pittifull. Kneeles
For give the crime of destiny, not me,
That left me feeble as an Aguish girle
With the faint losse of bloud, when I had tooke
Upon my youth & strength, the noblest cause
That ere imployd the anger of a man,
Your liberty; but Leve [...]ites, and Doves
Are valianter than I, for else what make
You in captivity?
Evan.
Beleeve me sir, your passion is so great
I understand it not; pray rise, I know
You fought with all the forward will and might
That humane rage could shew, but the success
Of valour they above dispose, that are
More wise and stronger than our selves.
Leon.
Sure I could weep, but that my eyes
Have not enough of sunerall dew to melt
Away [...], pray pardon my neglect.
You'l find I am not courteous to my self.
Melora.
[Page 14]
The time compells distracted thoughts in all.
Evan.
There is a banke within, though cold and bare,
Where never flower (in a dispaire of sunne)
Durst fix his root, there we will fit, talke and
Compare our miseries; then sing like Philo­mel.
That wisely knowes the darknesse only fit
For mourning and complaint; leade there the light.
Exeunt.
Enter Duke (with letters) Alvaro, Pros­pero, Calladine, attendants.
Duk.
Evade me not with such fond cir­cumstance,
Fit only to perswade the easinesse
Of untaught babes; have I not here receiv'd
Her fathers letters, that petition her
Release? why should he sooth me thus with low
Demeanour in his phrase, if she were free?
Or if not in the towne inclos'd and hid,
Where would she sooner fly than to his armes?
Alva.
Sir, give my duty boldnes to beleeve
If she were here, & some good man (that now
Conceales her in his pittious feare) shall to
Asswage your wrath deliver her, you would
Nor marke her out for death?
Duk.
No sir, how cheape then, and how fraile will you
Suppose my vowes? what need we trick,
And dresse our Altars with such reverend care
Lets rather straight pervert their use, grease them
VVith gluttony, and feasts, defile and wash
Them with the riots of excessefull wine;
Is perjurie the least of guilt you can
Perswade me to commit?
Alva.
I wish you would allow m' obedience leave
To utter truth; the vow you made was rash,
And not confirmed with oath, or church so­lemnitie.
Pros.
And I am taught the cruelties, or the
Revenge we threaten, heaven is pleas'd when they
Are never acted but forgot.
Duke.
Her sterne, and deathed father, when we sought
And woo'd his mercy with humility,
More than dejected Hermites on their knees
Render to Saints, us'd not my brother with
Remorse, but snatch'd him from the world in all
His pride of youth, his wise, and ripened thoughts,
When he was fit to rule a nations fate,
And exercise mankind in what was bold,
And good, then shall I not revenge the best
Of all my blood, whilst I have here the chiefe of his.
Alva.
Alas, this act sir, was not hirs, nor in
The justice of our reason is it possible
By derivation or descent to share a guilt.
Pros.
Would I had lost the benefit of strength
When I surprizd her, to become the instru­ment
And pleasure of your rage.
Duke.
How Count? so bold? heare me thou saucy child
And minion of the war, whom fortune, not
Successe from vertue sprung, hath listed to
A pride more dangerous than traytors thoughts,
Though I have search'd thy house, & am de­feated by
Some charme of my discoverie, I still
Beleeve thou know'st her residence, & bring
Her to my sight, ere yet the Sun decline, or thou shalt die.
Alva.
I must not live to see it then, nor can
My businesse here on earth, intice me to
One minutes stay in my mortality,
When I behold your goodnesse so decaid.
Duke.
Alvaro was that said like one that knowes
His duty to a Father, and a Prince?
Alv.
I would be heir unto your vertue sir,
As well as to your bloud.
Duke.
Have I outliv'd my courage, of­fice, and
My reason too, tamely to suffer this?
I know thy false ambitious cunning well,
Thou fain wouldst vexe my weary soule away
That thou mightst raigne, and triumph ore my tombe;
But heare, and tremble at my vow.
Cal.
Sir, for regard of heaven repent what you
[Page 15] Would speak, ere utter'd it become too great
A sin for mercy to excuse.
Duke.
No more fond Calladine, I am re­solv'd,
Since thou art covetous to own his guilt,
He shall be safe, and thou endure his punish­ment;
Bring me Evandra here ere yet the day
Conceale his light, or the next darkness shall
Eternally be thine
Alv.
If on my knees I can perswade you to
An easier doome, thus I endeavour it.
Pros.
I beg not to entreat your rigor lesse,
But as 'twas first design'd you would convert
It all on me.
Alva.
That kindness was ill manner'd Pro­spero;
Dost think thou art more worthy of the cause
When 'tis to be Evandra's Sacrifice?
Duke.
Nere strive, thou shalt have suffe­rance enough,
And gloriously, alone; hence from my fight
Thou birth ill gotten, and my marriage stain.
Alva.
Ile keep my duty still, though not your love.
Ex. Alva. & Pro.
Cal.
Dread sir, call back your vow, and then the Prince,
Yet comfort him; what will the world esteeme
Of such an act as time nere paraleld,
And no Posterity be so unkind as to believe?
Du.
Thou maist as well perswade th'assem­bled winds
From all their violence at Sea; lend me
Thine eare—do this, but Calladine take heed
Thy prosecutions are not faint; I have
A younger son in Sicilly, renown'd
And deare to Fame, him I will strive to plant
I'th peoples hearts; as thou are Loyal follow me.
Exeunt.
Enter Altesto, Frivolo, Vasco, (fantesti­cally accouterd.)
Vas.
Just in the posture as you see me Gen­tlemen,
Not a haire lesse i'th Lock; and I beleev'd
The heart of woman was not able to
Resist such amorous formes.
Altest.
But she would none?
Vas.
Name her the pleasures of the mar­riage bed,
She cries she is more taken with the grave,
'Cause there we are not wak'd with cough not aches.
Altest.
Why sure she knows, for she looks as she had
Been long buried.
Vas.
And then I us'd fine phrases,
And talk'd (what call you it?) of Hymens Tapers,
Which she interprets sir, according to
Some modern Doctresse of her Sect, Hel fire,
A warmth (you know) we Souldiers do abhor.
Fri.
'Tis base to need it after death; we have
Been hardly bred, and can endure the cold. Enter Widow, and Lelia.
Vas.
She comes, this is her breathing roome, use your
Endeavours Gentlemen; tell her, her frowns
Already have so wrought, that my life now
Will nere be fit to come into a Lease.
Wid.
Lelia a Chaire, I cannot last; 'tis more
Than 58 yeares since I had hams to trudge.
Vas.
I am your Guardian that come to vi­sit you.
Wid.
What need it sir? I practice no escape, I cannot flye.
Vas.
No? were the window open
You would behave your selfe as nimbly on
Your wings as any witch in Europe.
Wid
What saies he Lelia, a witch?
Lel.
He saies we must one day all flye up­ward,
Heaven is the place we wish for.
Wid.
'Tis well said sir, for thither we must go,
Both old and young, no remedy.
Vas.
As soone as you please if you'r but marry me.
Wid.
Does he talk of marriage?
Lel.
He sayes, if you please for sooth.
Wi.
Alas my vow of widowhood is not yet
Expir'd; if he comes some ten yeares hence—
Altest.
About that time she'l make a good wife
For an Antiquary to get Records on.
Frt.
Although her skin be Parchment, 'tis not large
[Page 16] Enough to write her Annals in, sn'ath liv'd so long already.
Uas.
How did you like the cullelse wi­dow that I sent you last?
Wid.
Why sir? It went down.
Uas.
Though the Sea were turn'd to plum broth, t'would all down;
I have measur'd her throat, 'tis wider (gent.)
And deeper than a well; alas the Duke
Considers not my charge, I'ld rather boold
Too Young Giants, and allow each of them
A wolfe in stead of a dog t'eat) their frag­ments.
Alt.
Thou shouldst get her month search'd, I'le lay my life
Sh'ath new furnish'd her gummes with artifi­ciall teeth,
She could not grinde so else.
Friv.
Though you must seede her at your owne cost, the proclamation
Beleeve me allowes none but naturall teeth.
Uas.
When she is once i'th fit of swallow­ing,
If a cap on float in her broth, why she
Considers it no more than a small bee, or a May fly.
Lelia.
You should beare up, you are too backward sir.
Uas.
Sayst thou so wench; widow prepare your selfe,
For I must marry you to night, or else
You fast to morrow; if the Duke will not
Afford us fasting dayes, I shall make bold
To borrow em o'th Kalender; this night;
No longer time to delay a good deed.
Wid.
Vh, uh, uh.
Altest.
This cough (Vasco) is of some great antiquity.
How wilt thou sleep by her?
Frivo.
A little Opium after supper, and let her cough like a
Cannon from a sort, I'le free thee from wa­king.
Vas.
Come, come, provide; trimme up your hood widow.
And ayre your petty coates i'th sunne, it is
A case of conscience Gent. we must
All marry, and live chast.
Wid.
Why sir, if we must needs.
Altest.
I thought she would consent; good heart; it is
As towardly an old thing. Deare Vasco,
Provide us musick, wee'l dance her to death:
Thou shalt be her husband ere night, and her
Executor before morning.
Vas.
Sooth Gent. that's all I desire,
Any thing, that is reason contents me.
Friv.
Go, kisse her, by this hand a Brownist (is
More amorous; a notch'd premice a very
Aretine in comparison of thee.
Vasco kisses her.
Vas.
By your leave widow.
Wid.
Much good may't do you sir; these comforts come
But seldome after fourescore, the world (indeed)
Is grown so wicked that we never thinke
Of comforting one another.
Lel.
I told you she would soften sir; alas,
A little raw, and modest at the first.
Altest.
A very green pippin of the last yeares growth.
Vas.
You shall finde me a kind of sparrow widow,
A barly corne does as much as a potatoe.
Wid.
Blessing on your heart sir, we should doe good
Freely (as they say) without egging on.
Uas.
Rise, and stir your feet, 'tis health­full for you.
They lift her up,
There—softly,—so—
Altest.
If one of the haires of my eye brow lye
But in her way, she's gone, and falls like an
Elephant, whose leggs are cut with a chaine shot.
Friv.
Her Os Sacrum needs a little Prop.
Vas.
Why Gentlemen, ther's nere a wench in Italy
Moves farther in a day, provide her litter
But easie, and her two mules well fed.
Courage widow; how is it now?
Wid.
A certaine stitch sir in my side, but t'will away in time.
Vas.
I you are young enough,
But given too much to hoyting, and to bar­ly breake,
Then dance naked till you take cold; good faith
You must looke too't Lelia, take heed you aire
Her wedding smock.
Altest.
Let it be made of Catts skin furre:
Frivo.
[Page 17]
Or a watch mans rugge gowne, but that her skin
Will weare it out too soone.
Vas.
Frivolo, yo are too lowde.
Frivo.
I warrant thee I have measured her eares,
She heares in distance but an inch length.
Uas.
You'l in, and set the house in order widow? I'le fetch a priest.
Wid.
Truly sir, I'ld faine aske my friends advice,
One that hath seen but little of the world
Would be glad you know of counsell.
Vas.
No counsell widdow, nay, if you want metall
Let them call't rashnesse, our youth will ex­cuse all.
Wid.
VVell Sir, you know where marria­ges are made,
'Tis not my fault; Lelia, provide a broome
And sweepe away the rhume neere the green Couch;
And (d' you heare) look for one of my cheek teeth
That dropt under the wanscore bed.
Lel.
And shall I stop't forsooth with salt?
Wid.
I, and fling't 'ith fire; you are weary sir?
Uas.
No quite so lusty (widow) as your selfe,
But shall keepe pace the journey being so short.
Enter Altesto.
Alt.
Quick, in with her Uasco, whilst the fit holds.
Exeunt Widow, Uas. Lel.
With cable and thong he drew her along,
so heavily to the Priest,
And vow'd to untoe her, ere he did wooe her,
make her up after who list.
Frivo.
Ah Rogue, thou art a very Larke in the morning.
Altest.
And what at night Frivolo?
Friv.
A very owle.
Altest.
Thou art a coxcombe, beyond all redemption
Of wit, lesse thou straight resolve to marry Lelia;
Thy friends will think the match so fit, none shall
Forbid the banes; I knew her mother too:
She's wondrous rich in pewter, small wine caske,
And spits.
Friv.
Yes, I have heard o'th wealthy Dowager,
She kept a the ch'd Nunnery in my quarter.
Enter Tristan.
Trist.
Wher's Uasca Gentlemen? I am in haste.
Altest
Why then for more dispatch an­swer you selfe.
Trist.
The Duke hath sent for him, by Calladine,
Who told me 'twas for busines of import;
The Court is all disturb'd, but for what use
He is designd, I cannot learne; where is he?
Altest.
Follow, wee'l convey thee to him; strange luck;
Sir Leonells ransome, this widowes wealth,
And now imployd at Court? Uasco th'art a gon man,
Vsury, furrd gownes, long dinners, and short sleepes,
Thou art condemd to without help; or hope.
Exeunt.
Enter Evandra, Melora, Leonell, (at one dore) at the other Prospero, (muffled and hid) A Table and lights set out, Evan­dra sits to reade.
Leo.
Sister, where is your tendernesse? shall I
Be ever lost through your defect of will
And courage to present me to her care
In winning characters? tell her how long
VVith fervencie I have pursued my love.
Melo.
Vnhappy Leonell, why dost thou tempt
Me with impossible desires how oft
Have I sollicited thy sute with a
Repulse? and she hath charm'd me by a vow
Never to mention's more, till her release.
Pros.
False Leonell, did I for this assist
Thee to injoy her lov'd societie,
That thou shouldst rivall me, and have more fit
Convenience for thy wishes, than me self?
Melora is his sister too, what strange
New chances have these later howers pro­duc'd?
I have no Advocate, nor am I hold
Enough to be mine owne.
Leon.
[Page 18]
I see you love me not;
And since I am a trouble to your sight,
Ere long thou shalt behold my face no more.
Pro.
Thou art a Prophet to thy self, and I
Thy Priest to cut thee out in Sacrifice,
Although unworthy of Evandras deity.
Leon.
Melora, can you shew no kind re­morse?
Mel.
Alas, you do mistake my power and will;
Think on some other beauty, for the world
Hath many that may make you fortunate.
Leon.
None but Evandra governs in my breast.
Pro.
Her thou shalt nere enjoy; lend me thine eare—
Leads him aside.
Leon.
Ha! Prospero?
Pro.
False Knight; was this the cause
That made thee beg conceal'd admittance here
To practice love where I had planted mine?
Leon.
My Lord I understood not of your love.
Pro.
If thou art bold, and since thy van­quishment
Darst tempt a second hazard of my sword,
Go waite me on the garden mount, there I
Will order, though my heart is doubtfull to
Enjoy Evandras love, thine never shall.
Leon.
I will expect thee there, and fierce­ly long
To ravish from thy crest the honour that
I lent thee in our former fight.
Exit.
Enter Alvaro.
Alva.
Evandra, reach me thy faire hand that I
Seale on it my last farewell.
Evand.
Ha, whither do you go?
Alva.
Where shadows vanish when the worlds eye wincks,
Behind a cloud, and they are seene no more;
The place of absence where we meet (by all
The guesse of learned thought) we know not whom,
Only a prompt delight we have in faith
Gives us the easie comfort of a hope,
That our necessitie must rather praise than feare as false.
Evan.
O horrid mystery! my tender sen­ses are amaz'd▪ I faine
Would learne what it is dangerous to know.
Mel.
Why do the stars neglect us thus? why should
VVe lose the noblest and the best of men?
Pro.
Me thinks my spirits climbe and life me to
A valiant envy of his sufferings.
Alva.
That thou mayest live here safe till Prospero
Restore thee unto liberty and light,
I must to darknesse go, hover in clouds,
Or in remote untroubled aire, silent
As thoughts, or what is uncreated yet:
Or I must rest in some cold shade where is
No flowry spring, nor everlasting growth,
To ravish us with sent, and shew, as our
Philosophy hath dreamt, and rather seems
To wish than understand.
Evan.
All this for me; you shall not dye; why will
You lay so cheape a value on your selfe,
To think the world should lose you for my sake,
Alas, a needlesse triviall Virgin that
Can never shew in hopefull promise halfe
That excellence which you reveale in art?
Alv.
It is decreed; Evandra thou mayst live
T' encrease the small example we have lest
Of vertue, which hath made thy breast her throne;
Time hath begun to weare away my youth,
And all the good I can performe is to
Preserve the future hope of it in thee.
Evan.
Melora, help, sorrow hath fild my heart
With such a heavinesse, that I must sink
Beneath its weight—here let me lye, and mourne,
And chide that haughty destiny that thinks
Us so unworthy of their care.
Mel.
My Lord the Prince, Is it no lesse than death
Of her, or you, can ease your Fathers wrath?
Alv.
'The doome is past, and the sad houre will want
No wings to hasten its approach; come hi­ther Prospero.
Pro.
It must not be; though I want phrase to shew
My nature smooth, it shall appeare in deeds.
Alv.
[Page 19]
I charge thee by our love, by all my care
That bred thee from thy childhood to a sense
Of honour, and the worthiest feates of war,
Thou keep Evandra safe till happier daies
Conspire to give her liberty, use her
With such respective holinesse as thou
Wouldst do the reliques of a Saint inshrind,
And teach thy rougher manners tendernesse
Enough to merit her society.
Pro.
What need this conjuration sir? I meane
To dye for her, that I may save your life;
A brave design, disswade me not, though I
Faile oft in choice of fitting enterprise,
I know this is becoming sir, and good.
Alva.
Thou dye for her? alas poore Pros­pero
That will not satisfie, the shaft aimes here,
Or if it would, I do not like thou shouldst
Thus presse into a cause that I reserve
To dignifie my selfe; urge it no more.
Pros.
VVhat am I fit for then, if not to die.
Eva.
How am I worthy of this noble strife?
Alva.
Evandra rise, that I may see some hope
And comfort in thy strength, before I take
My everlasting leave.
Evan.
You have the voyce of death alrea­dy sir.
Mel.
Dismall it sounds, like the last groane which men
In torture breath out with their soule.
Alva.
I could have wish'd I might enjoy thee and
Be mortall still, mix in a love that should
Produce such noble vertues as would soone
Entice the Angels to live here, yet not
B'our conversation grow impain'd; but these
Are wishes made too high, and late to thrive.
For evermore farewell.—
Evan.
O sir, where will you leave me then?
Alva.
How pittie moystens me? there in the Cave.
Evan.
It is the mansion Sir of death, something
Horrid as midnight thoughts can forme so frights
Me still, I tremble when I enter it.
Alva.
Ha! what that is but humane dares disturbe thy quietnesse?
Pro.
Sir let me see, it dies if it be vulne­rable.
Alva.
Still you usurpe my Businesse Pro­spero—
Bide there, I will go down my selfe.
Evan.
Sir, 'twill not presently appeare.
Alva.
I will attend its saucy leasure then. descends the Cave.
Evan.
Lock safe the doore Melora with this Key.
Pro.
VVhat's your designe? meane you t'imprison him?
Evan.
Discover (Prospero) the inside of
Thy breast; dost thou affect the Prince?
Pro.
Next to the absent blessings that our faith
Perswades us to, eternity of joyes.
Evan.
VVhy then wilt thou permit that he should taste
A long forgetfulnesse in a darke grave?
Let us invent some way to ease him of
This penance undeserv'd, and suffer it our selves.
Mel.
O glorious maid! th's goodnesse will confer
A dignity for ever on our Sexe.
Pro.
I'm strangely taken with this virgins thoughts,
Let me embrace your hand upon my knee—
I thank you much, you have some mercy on
My dull unknowing youth, and can believe
Me fit for noble enterprize, though he
Unkindly did deny my sute: Ile to
The Duke and tempt his fury till he cause
My death, perhaps when his revenge hath quench'd
Her thirst with my warm bloud, it may grow cold,
And kindly temperd to you both,
And then I've fully satisfied the crime
Of your captivity, and his free sufferance.
Mel.
This Souldier hath a great and da­ring heart.
Pro.
But how shall I enjoy her then? I scarce
Can understand the happinesse it beares:
Tis odd ambition this, but yet 'tis brave,
He do't: besides, though I'm not learn'd to know
VVith certainty, yet I have hope I shall
Be sensible of all her visits to
[Page 20] My tombe, and ev'ry flower she strewes will there
Take growth as on my garden banks, whilst I
(Delighted spirit) walke and hover 'bout
Their leaves, comparing still their sent with hers;
O twill be wondrons brave! Lady, dispatch,
That I may goe, and die.
Evan.
Since you expresse your will, so kinde, and violent,
That small provision there allotted to
Sustaine my life, reach up, and straight con­vay
Into the cave, that he may finde it out,
And not exchange the paine his father would
Inflict, for famishment.
Pros. takes from behind the Arras a bottle and bag, they open the Cave.
Pros.
I had almost forgot false Leonell,
He waits me on the mount, I will be with
Him straight, and end his hopes by a long sleepe
Ere I begin mine owne.
Descends the Cave.
Evan.
Once more Melora lock the doore; now they
Are both secure, tis thou and I that must
Take solemne leave, and never meete in this
Our beauty, colour, or our warmth agen.
Melo.
I am astonish'd at her excellence,
And scarce have humble grace enough to keepe
Ambitious envy from my thoughts.
Evan.
VVhy should these mighty spirits lay so vast
An obligation on our sex, and leave
Eternall blushes on our soules, 'cause we
In acts of kinder pitty, and remorse
(The vertues sure, wherein we most excell)
Durst not adventure like to them?
Melo.
The Prince deserves a liberall choice of lives
To ransome his; would mine would satisfie.
Evan.
How Melora? I cannot thinke thou dost
So faintly love my happinesse, and my
Renowne, to wish to hinder me of both.
Melo.
Alas, th'example is so good, I faine would follow it.
Evan.
But there is reason that I suffer first.
I have a mourning weed within which thou
Shalt dresse, and teach me weare, then so
Apparelled like my cause, I'le walke to'th Duke.
Melo.
O leave me not behind, let me ac­company
Your mourning too, perhaps my death may be
Accepted best, and you bee thought more fit to live.
Evan.
Thy inclinations have a noble sence,
Thou shalt along; go, call thy brother in,
And call aloud, this hollownesse is such
He will not heare thee else.
Mel.
Hoa, Leonell? my brother Leonell.
Enter Leonell
Leo.
Tis strange, this Prospero appeares not yet,
Sure he is faint, and's aguish courage comes
To him by fitts; what is your will?
Evan.
If thou dost love me Leonell (as thou
Hast sworn, and with assertions most devout)
I know there is no strict command I can
Present, but thy obedience will performe.
Leo.
Bring me to triall straight, if I prove weake
Or false, I am unworthy to appeare
In the suns light, or evermore enjoy
The better influence of your eyes.
Evan.
Give me confirm'd assurance on your knee
That you will execute with reall faith,
And punctuall circumstance, what I injone.
Leo.
Let me salute your hand, I breath on it my vow.
Evan.
Now Ile informe thee Leonell; the Prince
And Prospero are both within the cave,
Shut and inclos'd by us, where hourely thou
Through a small slender wicket shall't convay
Such food, as a disguised servant of
The house (who heretofore provided our
Reliefe) shal helpe thee to, take here this key
And not permit their passage forth, till I
Am gone t'ordaine by death their liberty
Secure, which I will suffer to appease the angry Duke.
Leon.
Furies and Fiends cease on my sences straight;
What have I promis'd in the rashnes of
My dull and inconsiderate love?
Evan.
[Page 21]
If thou dost break thy vow the cur­ses of
The Saints, and mine (which dying will not least
Afflict thy perjury) fall on thy heart.
Mel.
Never be call'd my brother, nor assume
The honour of my valiant Fathers name.
Evan.
Melora come, we are too slow in such
An act as will outlive all history.
Ex. Evan. and Mel.
Leon.
O what a dull inhumane Lover am
I grown! that simply by a forward and
Unskilfull duty can consent the Queene
And Lady of my life should be a Sacrifice
To hinder others deaths? this sure is such
A great example of a female fortitude
As must undo all men, and blushing make
Us steale from our unjust advancement ore
The world; teare off our sawcy beards before
The scatt'ring winds that give us the prehe­minence
Of Sexe; when this is known let women sway
Counsels, and war, whilst feeble men obey.
Exit.

Act. 4. Scaena. 1.

Enter Calladine (in a night Gowne,) and a Servant.
Cal.
A Lady sayst thou in a mourning Vest?
What should this earely visit meane, ere yet
By full appearance of the Sun we can
Distinguish day from night?
Ser.
Sir, she importunes much to speak with you,
Saies her affaire asks secrecy and haste.
Cal.
Retire a while without, and let her in.
Exit Ser.
Enter Melora (in mourning) she un­vailes,
Since first my eyes had judgement to di­scerne
A meane from excellence, they nere beheld
A beauty so ore coming and exact;
What are the lov'd commands you'ld lay on me?
I not remember that I ever saw
A face I would more willingly obey;
If it were civill too I'ld aske your name.
Mel.
Beleeve me gentle Sir when that is known
You'l think me too unfortunate to live;
I am call'd Evandra.
Cal.
Ha! the Princesse? wisely did Prospero
Preserve thee from my sight, thy beauty is
Too great and dangerous for youth to know
And be secure; though I nere saw her till
This blessed houre, yet Fame assisted me
T'imagine an Idea like her selfe;
But why have you forsaken your conceal'd
Aboad, and thus adventure into th'view
Of men? I feare it is not safe.
Mel.
'Tis to employ your vertue sir; I know
You love the Prince, though not with so de­vout
A heart as mine; for that I may restore
Him unto liberty and's Fathers love,
I here present my selfe to cruell death.
Cal.
This is a valiant piety, a gratitude
That shews her mind more noble than her shape;
She is not known unto the Duke more than
By guessing Characters tane from report;
She must not dye; though lately his com­mands
Have singled my allegiance out, it is
Religious sure to faile in this.
Mel.
Sir, expectation of the ills we must
Endure do more perplex us than the paine
It selfe. I crave you'ld not protract my suffe­rance.
Cal.
My thoughts have fashiond it unto my wish;
Is there not a captive call'd Melora,
(Most beautifull and young) that hath of late
Familiar been to your society?
Mel.
I feare he hath discoverd me;
D'you know the Lady sir?
Cal.
Only by Prospero's report, and I
In charity desire her person safe;
Your death alone will satisfie the Duke.
Mel.
My prayers have much endeavor'd that it may;
And Sir t' assist your kind humanity
Receive this key, 'twill give you entrance where
[Page 22] She now remaines a prisoner by my art;
It is a narrow Closset that ore looks
The Orchard grove; you know the house, 'tis Prospero's.
Cal.
I am familiar there with all the vaults,
And hidden passages.
Mel.
Sir, for regard of honour suffer not
Her freedome from that place, till I am dead,
For she's so much delighted with this cause,
That with unwilling falshood I was faine
To take advantage of her orizons,
And whilst she kneeling lengthned her dis­course
With heaven, steale on this funerall habit, and
In haste close up the dore to hinder her
Pursute, where now she stays lamenting her
Inforc'd secure estate, and envying of
This danger which I chearefully embrace.
Cal.
My life shall warrant hers, be pleas'd to enter there,
And stay till I informe the Duke of your ap­pearance and approach.
Melo.
Most willingly; but still sir I implore your mercy would
Secure that Lady, and the Prince, how ere
The angry starrs provide for me.
Cal.
It is no lesse unkind t'importune than
To doubt my care; there Lady, through that doore—
Expect my sad returne will be too soone.
Melo.
Forgive me best Evandra, that I thus
Assume thy name, and have beguil'd thee of
So brave a death, the motive that perswades me to't
Did not become thy knowledge nor my tongue.
Exit
Cal.
This Princesse hath a soule I could adore
Whilst it remaines eclips'd on earth, nor shall
It yet reach heaven; both being utterly
Vnknowne, will make the plot with easy help
Succeed. Melora straight I will present
T'appease the fury of the Duke, and then
This Lady and the Prince are free; through blood
Is the best issue of our hopes; if fate
Ordaine it thus, I shall prove fortunate.
Enter Frivolo, Tristan, Musitians, and Boy.
Altesto.
Come boy, lift up your voyce to you 'bay window.
Sing the Song I gave you last night, and firke
Your fidles bravely too, beare up the bur­then.
Boy.
No morning red, and blushing faire, be through your glass, or curtaines spyd,
But cloudy gray, as the short hayre, of your old everlasting Bride.
Chor.
So old, so wondrous old, i'th nonage of Time,
Ere Adam wore beard, she was in her Prime.
Boy.
Whose swarthy, dry'd westphalia hipps, are shrunk to mummie in her skin,
Whose gummes are empty, and her lipps, like eyelids hairy and as thin.
Chor.
So old so wondrous old, &c.
Boy.
For Am'rous sighs which virgins use, she coughs aloud from lungs decayd,
And with her palsey cannot chuse but shake, like th'trembling of a maid.
Chor.
So old, so wondrous old, &c.
Boy
And when her nightly labour swells, to vast extent, her pregnant wombe,
Midwives believe, that it foretells, a hopefull Timpany to come.
Chor.
So old, so wondrous old, &c.
Boy.
What need her husband then vex heaven, and for a plenteous off-spring begge,
Since all the Issue can be given, is that which runneth in her legge.
Chor.
So old, so wondrous old, &c.
Altest.
Good morrow to the right worship­full leader Captaine Vasco,
And to's his right reverend Bride.
Now gentlemen scrapers you may be gone:
Ex. Musick.
Enter Vasco (dressing himselfe.)
Vas.
My good friends, a certaine salt shower should have
Season'd your feathers, had not my luck bin
To marrie with one that consumes all her moysture
In thume, a meere Egyptian cloud for drowth.
Altest.
But why so soone abroad? Vasco are these
[Page 23] A Bridegroomes howres? thou art as early up
As creditors i'th Terme.
Fri.
Or Sergeants when
The needy gallant meanes to steale a jour­ney.
Trist.
And they prevent it by arresting his innocent horse.
Vas.
Businesse at Court; but Gentlemen this is
A resurrection to me, beleev't
I'm risen from the dead, from bones more dusty
Than theirs that did begin their sleep be­neath
A marble Coverlet some thousand yeares ago.
Enter Widow, and Lelia.
Altest.
'Las poore Vasco! widdows can strangely mortifie.
Wid.
Put Dates and Amber in the Gruell Lelia,
And let it boyle long.
Lel.
And shal I make the Poultice straight, and send
Your other hood forsooth to be new lin'd?
Wid.
First stay till you have ript my vel­vet muffe,
Ile have that lining serve.
Vas.
She's risen too; pure soule,
Devotion and Aches keep her still waking.
Wid.
How do you Sir? we must comfort one another.
Vas.
There is need of't, no Marriner ere had
A wors [...] [...]ight in a storme.
Altest.
[...] is usage Vasco wil hardly mollifie
Her Iron Chest, and make her bags open.
Vas.
Nay, I've tane order for her wealth if she
Would be so courteous now to dy.
Altest.
Beleeve me, you'l find her very obstinate
Touching that point; 'tis true, a woman that
Had the least dramme of kindnesse or of reason
Would for her husbands benefit depart
This transitory at a minutes warning,
Make a low courtsie, take her leave and dy,
She listens.
With lesse noise than flies forsake us in a frost.
Vas.
I, you speake of kind reasonable women,
Alas she's of another mould; she'ld think't
A strange request if I should urge it to her,
Though it be evidently for my good.
Fri.
What is't for her to dye once? alas,
She knows well she hath eight lives more to come.
Altest.
Frivolo saies right. I think Captaine 'twere fit
You make a motion to her; see how 'twill worke.
Vas.
Never Gentlemen; if her own good nature
Will not perswade her to't, let her e'ne live
Till she be thought so much a Ghost, that the state
Command her take a house in a Church-yard,
And never walke but at midnight.
Wid.
What do they say Lelia?
Lel.
Forsooth devising for your worships good.
Wid.
Kind heart! me thinks you are not merry Sir.
Vas.
Who, I? as joviall as a condemn'd man I.
Wid.
Will you fit down and eat a little broth?
Vas.
I shall be cawdled like a Haberda­shers wife
That lies inn of her first child; but methinks
Upon a stricter view you look not well,
Your bloud absents it selfe, are you not faint?
Altest.
I, and her eyes shrinke, and retire into
Their melancholly cells; your breath smells somewhat
Of earth too, but 'tis nor much.
Fri.
By'rlady but take heed, my Grandam thus
Was taken spinning at her wheele, and dy'd
So quickly (as they say) as one would wish.
Trist.
I've seene a Coarse look better in a shrowd.
If you have any businesse now with heaven
'Twere fit your prayers were short, for I much feare
You'l not have breath enough to utter it.
Wid.
'Tis more than I feele; look I so ill Lelia?
Lel.
[Page 24]
As you were wont forsooth, most strange and uggly.
Wid.
Come, leade me in: pray husband do not grieve,
Tis but a sit that ever takes me once
In fifty yeares: but weepe hot, 'twill away.
Vas.
Every teare shall be as big as a turnip
When I weepe; the good pox comfort you, Wench
Follow the game close, still breath death to her.
Lel.
Warrant you sir, I cannot do a better
Deed than put her in mind still of her end.
Exit Widow and Lelia.
Vas.
Marry a widow, and be coffind up
VVith clouts and a skelliton? by this day,
I lay last night lock'd in surgeons box;
Compard unto her bed, a Pothecaries bing
Is a Venetian cowch, and Canopie.
Alte.
Those that seek gold, must dig for it in mines.
Vas.
VVell my camp companions, what thinke you now
O'th court? I am sent for thither to take charge
Of what is yet the moitie of a miracle.
But you are all content to thrive, to jet
And strut like lustfull Turkeys with your plumes spread.
Altest.
Tis not amisse; my good Lord Frivilo,
I kisse your soft hands; noble sir keepe on
Your Cordovan, I sweare your glove is a
Preferment, 'bove the merit of my lips.
Fri.
You cherish my ambition sir—signieur
Tristan?
your profess'd slave: I pray keepe on
Your way, I'ld rather build another wall
Than to dishonor you by taking this.
Trist.
Beleeve it sir, both hands must be cut off
Ere I mistake to place you neere the left.
Vas.
This practise will do well, follow a­pace,
I must with speed to Caladine.
Exeunt.
Enter Evandra, Caladine.
Evan.
'Tis strange, it seemes he knowes me not, and that
The falsly, kind Melora weares my name
He speakes as if her life he tendred more
Than mine, 't is a mistake I faine would che­rish.
Cal.
I did not thinke the stock of nature could,
In this her colder age, be rich enough
To store the world with two such beauties that
Together take their growth, and flourishing,
And this unto my instant judgement seemes
(If such amazeing formes admit of diffe­rence)
The more exact, but that the blood & stile
Of Princess makes the other claime our reve­rence
As well as love, and for Alvaro's sake, I wish
I could procure that she might live.
Evan.
I have consider'd what you told me sir,
And though the Princesse through a fond ex­cesse
Of love, would hasten a calamity
That all the world must grieve and wonder at,
Yet I could give her reason an excuse,
For I my selfe to ease her sufferance
Could willingly indure the same.
Cal.
It ripens more, and swifter than my hopes
Designe; you reach at an ambition Lady,
So great and good, my wonder interrupts
My language still, I cannot prais't enough.
Can such a vertuous courage dwell in your sex?
Evan.
If you uprightly love her and the Prince,
(Whose care she is) straight leade me to the Duke,
And try how reall my professions are.
Cal.
Forgive the office you invite me to,
Which by the hopes of my religion could
My life excuse, I should esteem't too cheape
An offering; this, Lady, is the fatall way—
Evan.
Melora, now my fortune is above
Thy art, and I shall equall thee in love.
Exeunt.
Enter Duke (with Letters) Vasco, Altesto, Frivolo, Tristan, Attendants.
Duke.
Againe in low petitionarie stile
He beggs me by these letters to release
His daughter, and doth proffer summes so vaste
To ransome her, as would orecome the co­vetous:
[Page] But I have sent him such deniall, with
Disdaine, as must distract and breake his heart.
Vasco, yo've heard how ill I am obeyd
By these persum'd smooth traitors of the Court,
And I have chosen you to show a duty
Fitting the stricter discipline of warre,
To actuate all my wil with instant diligence.
Vas.
You must injoyne me sir commands that are
Most horrid, and unnaturall, when I
Prove slow, or faint to execute.
Duke.
If these your officers and friends become
Disloyall to your will, you may provide
The rack and tortures to inforce em too't.
Va.
If their own appetites wil not perswade.
There is small hope from punishment.
Marke sir, that whey-fac'd fellow in the red,
The Rack is his delight, and gives him as
Much ease, as when he's stretch'd with la­zinesse
And a coole mornings sleepe.
Duke.
Is't possible!
Vas.
I've seene him suffer the Strapado thrice,
Hang in this politique posture in the ayre,
As he were studying to circumvent nature,
And no sooner downe but calls for a wench.
Duk.
I know you have the skill to govern them.
Be sure that Prospero's house be diggd untill
The pinacles and the foundations meet.
Vnlesse they deale by sorcery and charmes,
I'le finde these buried lovers out, and my
False sonne the Prince, that covets darkenes more
Than blessed light, or my respect.
Vas.
I doe not like this businesse should concerne
The Prince; although the rack be somewhat out
Of season with my old bones, for his sake
Enter Melora and Servant.
I shall become a parcell traytor too.
Mel.
I feard that Caladine delaying his
Returne so long, might frustrate all my glory;
And how Evandra's skill might worke with him
Was dangerous. I doe not see her here.
Ser.
Pray heaven my Master do not check my forwardness
T'obey your will; he meant you should keepe home.
Melo.
My presence here will make his be­nefit;
I told thee so before; trust my excuse in thy behalfe.
Duk.
What Ladye's that?
Melo.
One that to pleasure you with a re­venge,
Present my selfe to execution, with
As liberall ioy, as to the marriage priest.
And when I name my selfe Evandra, you
Will know enough to satisfie your wrath.
Duke.
Is the belov'd Bird flown from the darke cage?
Their magick was not strong enough to hin­der destinie,
And you will find small am'rous pitty in
My frozen age. My guard ceaze on her straight.
Enter a Guard, and bind her.
Altest.
Vasco, this is Melora my prisoner?
Vas.
Peace Devill, peace, thou wilt de­stroy brave mysteries.
A noble girle; I conceive all; now would
My gratious widow be burnt to char-coale
Ere she had braine, or nature for a plot
Like this; I could eat her, and her cloathes too,
By this hand, her very shooes were a rare messe.
Melo.
Yf you expect to find me here a lowly sutor,
Tis but to hasten sir your glad content
With a dispatch upon my life, and that
The Prince may be [...]ton'd unto your love.
Duke.
Her spirit seemes to stir my man­hood more
Than it astonisheth my sence. I am
Resolv'd to farther your desires (brave dame)
With all the helpe of cruelty and haste.
Enter Caladine and Evandra.
Cal.
Death slave, what make you here? the Princesse too?
Why did you give her liberty?
Serv.
She told me sir, it was with your consent.
Cal.
She hath ore'reach'd my skill, I am undone.
Duke.
Stay Caladine, another prize? come back
And render me that Ladies name.
Evan.
[Page]
He knows it not; my name's Evan­dra sir.
Mel.
I feare I am depriv'd of my intent.
Duke.
We must to Delphos sure t'untie these doubts
And wonders with an Oracle.
Evan.
Do not beleeve that Lady sir, she hath
Beguil'd me of my name, and is so sick
And fond with an improper love, she would
Betray her self unto a paine, she knows
Not how to merit nor endure like me.
Mel.
O Sir, I find her language is most apt
And powerfull to perswade, but let your faith
Consider my affections too.
Evan.
Why dost thou let thy kindnesse wrong we thus,
Undoing thy Religion with thy love?
Mel.
'Tis you confer the Injury, that will
Not suffer me to dye in peace.
Vas.
Rare wenches both; all this is for the Prince.
Duke.
Though small inquiry would dis­cover soone
Who justifies the truth, yet I will end
The difference so as shall afford you equall joy,
And not endanger a mistake in me;
Convey them to the Fort, they shall both die.
The Guard laies hold on them.
Vas.
Hath this Duke buried all his good­nesse in's
Reverge! sure he is libd, he hath certainely
No masculine businesse about him.
Duke.
Lead them away.
Cal.
Ile follow too, and mourne the ob­sequy
Ere ceremonious death make it compleat.
Mel.
Forgive this emulation (Madam) you
Shall know a cause that will invite you to't.
Evand.
Poore Melora! I pitty not my self but thee
Exeunt Cal. Evand. Mel. and Guard.
Duke.
Now let my Son, and's Minion Prospero
(Rebellious as himself) resign toth' Fiends
Their dark and hidden tenements again,
Come forth free and secure, for since they valued death
As a delight they shall not suffer it;
Go straite proclame their next appearance safe,
For it wil pleasure me they should stand by
To see, and not be able to resist, the justice of revenge.
Vas.
Sure revenge is a strange kind of Le­chery;
How it hath alterd him!
Duke.
Vasco, now the inchanted house may stand;
But be you here to morrow with some strength
To guard their execution from impediments
Of rage, or pitty; they shall suffer early.
Exit.
Vas.
I thank your grace for any employ­ment.
Altesto, art thou a rogue?
Altest.
A little (Sir) infected with your company.
Vas.
Art thou so very a rogue, if I com­mand.
Thee from the Duke, to cut off these Ladies heads,
Thou'lt whet the Axe thy self, and doit with the
Dexterity of a Flemming?
Altest.
I will see thy head in a leatherne case first,
Kickt in a footbal match from gole to gole.
Vas.
Why I thank thee; what say you Frivolo,
Wenches and Surgeons have cost you deare,
Have you remorse enough to do't?
Fri.
I've a mind rather to rebell, break shops
Open, and make choice of my silks, without
Taking notice (sir) of the Mercers book.
Trist
Such wholsome businesse would more take me too
Than cutting off poore Ladies heads, unless
Your faire widow (Vasco) come in my reach,
I could behead her for her left eare ring,
Though it be but an Agat set in Copper.
Vas.
Come let's to bed; the Sun to mor­row will
Rise black, or I shall think him a dull insen­sible
Planet, and deserves no more adoration than a farthing candle.
Exeunt.
[Page 27]
Enter Leonell, Alvaro, Prospero.
Leon.
Sir, you have heard how she be­traid me to
A Vow, and with what cruell menacings
My Sister and her self petitiond heaven
T'assist their curses in a punishment
Upon my after-life, if I were perjur'd by
A breach of what my promise did assure.
Alva.
It was a vow no lesse unkind than rare,
T'imprison us that had no cause nor will
To do a noble stranger injury;
But I have learnt a tame Philosophy,
Perswades me to forgive all but my selfe.
Pro.
How comes the date of your strict vow expir'd,
And that you now afford us liberty?
Which if my memory be just, you said
She did enjoyne you should not be, ere she
Was gone to suffer death.
Leon.
Sir, she is gone, my Sister too; one that
Attends by your command these hidden walks
In breathlesse haste just now distill'd the poi­sonous news
Through my sick eare.
Alva.
Gone? and to dye? adorn'd
(Me thinks) like to an ancient sacrifice
With flowers, which are not sure the issue of
The spring, but of her beauty, and her breath.
Pro.
Would I had patience to endure ca­lamities
Like this! but I'm forbid by my galld heart;
Why did you keep us limited and lockt
I'th Cave when we had power to hinder her
Departure, and her death? 'twas a bold crime.
Leon.
Sir, I have hope I gaind your par­don when
I mention'd the misfortune of my vow.
Pro.
I understand not such injurious vows:
Thou lov'dst her Leonel, and through the pride
Of envy couldst not yeeld, since thy own hopes
Grew faint, that mine should ere be prospe­rous;
Therefore with cunning willingnesse endur'd
Her desp'rate fally to the Duke.
Leon.
That I did love her sir is a most true
And fitting glory to proclame; but that
I'm guilty of so base a slander as
Your rashness hath devis'd provokes me to
A rage that may prove dangerous: reclame
Your thoughts, and teach them more civi­lity.
Pro.
The Prince grows solemne with his griefe, lest we
Disturbe him let's retire aside, and Ile
Whisper such reasons to thee as shall want
No courage to be truths, though they in­flame.
They walke aside.
Alva.
Fountaines that ever weep have in their teares
Some benefit, they coole the parched earth,
And cherish a perpetuall growth; the sad
Arabian tree that still in Baulmy drops
Dissolves her life, doth yield for others help
A medicine in those teares: but triviall man
Though he hath sence to mourne, may weep and melt
His injur'd eyes to viewlesse aire, yet all
Th' expence affords is vainely to discerne
His mourning gives his sorrows life, and length,
But not the guiltlesse cause a remedy.
lies down.
Leon.
My Lord, I stayd upon the garden Mount,
And in the heate of my impatience was
So kind, much to lament your tardinesse;
But now I must have leave to think one that
Delights to heape up wrongs, hath fury more
To dare than do.
Pro.
Were this a Temple, and the Prince
Imploy'd i'th rev'rend businesse of a Priest,
I could not suffer such a boast from one
That I have us'd with so much clemency
In fight—defend thy life, or it is mine.
(They draw and fight)
Leon.
Are you so masterly—again—I find
No lightning in your eyes, nor in your sword.
Pros.
[Page 28]
You have the skill, but I'le distem­per it—
Alva.
Hold, hold, eager and silly ministers
Of wrath, is this a time to bleed, when ere
The morning sun uncloud his pensive face,
There will bee streames of blood let out e­nough
To make him drinke till he be sick with sa­crifice?
Give me thy sword. How Prospero? are my
Commands grown wearisome and cold—
Pros.
There sir—I'm still rebuk'd like to a boy.
Alva.
How long shall I direct thy temper to
A gentle and a soft demeane ere thou
Grow wise, and milde Enough to governe it?
Let me intreat you sir, to sheath your wea­pon too.
Leo.
Sir, you are worthy to command; and know
I weare it for my guard, not insolence.
Pros.
I am appointed all my actions still,
As my stupiditie made me not fit
To know, but suffer injuries.
Alva.
Why dost thou frowne? the sullen wrinckles on
A lyons brow carry a grace, 'cause they
Become a beast, but he that can discerne
The nobleness of valor should be smooth
As Virgins in their bridall ornaments.
Pros.
Sir, I am taught; how ere my sences are
Not so mistaken and so weake, but that
They know him false; he lov'd Evandra.
Alva.
Is that a crime? thou told'st me in the cave
Thou lov'dst her too.
Pros.
I nere durst tell you so,
Till you discern'd my passions, and inforc'd
A true discoverie of their hidden cause.
Alva.
But I esteem'd it for a vertue knowne,
And it indeerd thee more to my respect.
Pray tell me sir, did you love Evandra?
And with a heart sincere as she deserv'd?
Leon.
Sir, the confession may be honour, but
No shame I did, and with a servencie
Vpright as my Religion could produce.
Alva.
O what a prompt and warme de­light I feele
When others reason are inclin'd unto
My choyce? 'tis strange the sencelesse world should so
Mistake the privilege of love, the best
Of objects! heaven affects plurallitie
Of worshipers, t'adore and serve, whilst we
In that chiefe hope are glad of Rivalship;
And why should Ladies then that imitate
The upper beauty most to mortall view,
Be barr'd a numerous adresse? or we
Envie each others lawfull, though ambitious aime?
Come, joyne your hands, and seale a friend­ship here,
Good as inviolate, lasting as truth.
Leo.
You give my wishes sir, a full content.
Pros.
I want the skill to promise sir, but Ile
Performe all your desires with noble saith.
Alva.
And now let me imbrace you both, for we
Are lovers all, though when the morne must rise
To see and blush at th'actions of the world,
Like sad distressed Turtles we shall want
Our mate, then we may sit and mourne be­neath
The willow that ore'shaddowes every brook,
There weepe, till we are vanisht quite in teares
T'increase the streame, whose senceless mur­murings
Will be excus'd hereafter in our cause.
Pros.
O that my heart would be the officer
Of death unto it selfe, and breake without
My irreligious helpe; my life is tir'd.
Leo.
And I have thoughts so wild, so much unsafe,
They would be sinne in utterance, as in act.
Alva.
Give me your hands; with a slow fun'rall pace
Weel move, to see this dismall Tragedie.
Let's beare it bravely, like such lovers as
Have reason can perswade their courage to
Attempt things bold and fit; whil'st there was hope,
We cherish'd it with proffer of our lives,
But now the strength of Armies cannot free
Her from my fathers wrath; nay, hand in hand—
[Page 29] To shew this truth in loves Philosophy,
That as one object equally allures
Th'ambition of our hope, so we not inter­change
Malignant thoughts; but sev'rall lovers, like
Strange Rivers that to the same Ocean trace,
Do when their torrents meet, curle and em­brace.
Exeunt.

Act. 5. Scaena. 1.

Enten 2. Embassadours with letters, Caladine, Vasco, Altesto, Frivolo.
Cal.
Your Letters merit to have power on my
Respect and diligence; I shall afford
You both; but when I bring you to the Duke
'Tis to be fear'd you'l find the privilege
Of all my favor there is lost.
1 Emb.
Accesse and audience Sir is all our hopes
Presume to get, the times befriend us not.
2 Emb.
We had swift notice of these La­dies danger;
And Sir, how ere it prove, your wishes must
Oblige us to a lasting gratitude.
Altest.
What are these strangers Vasco, that envy
Our sleep, and wake us before day?
Vas.
Embassadors from Millaine, whose hopes want
Some cordiall water, for they'r very sick.
Cal.
Vasco, it is the Dukes command that you
Assemble straight some strength from the cast Regiments
To guard the Pallace yard.
Vas.
What need it Sir? to my knowledge the two Ladits have no
Other weapons than Bodkins, and their nailes
Closse par'd; besides, a thread of Eglantine,
Or a small wood bine stalke, will setter them
As fast as Cables of a Galley-grosse.
Cal.
I but deliver what I had in charge.
My Lords Embassadors this is your way.
1 Emb.
These preparations are severe; I doubt
His mind will not be easily reclaim'd.
2 Emb.
You see the gen'rous people like it not.
Exeunt. Emb. and Cal.
Vas.
Altesto, go and muster up from all
The Lanes and Alleys in the Town a troop
Of fine fleet rogues, such as will turne their backs
To a bullet and outrun it, yet love
Commotion too, I would have such Altesto,
Fri.
Let me furnish you; hell shall not yeeld a Regiment
Of Fiends that will be more invisible
At the approach of Justice or Religion.
Altest.
O for a tiny short truss'd Bakes that
I knew; A Carman too, that dy'd some three
Months since with eating meazled porke; they would
Have march'd to such a war with cowlestaffe and
Batoone like Hercules.
Enter Tristan (leading the Widow) and Lelia.
Vas.
How now? whither move you so fast, like a
Fleet snaile over a cabidge leaf, so early too?
She sleeps lesse than carriers, traytors, or Madmen.
Tri.
She requests me to be the staffe of her age.
Vas.
But whither I pray?
Wid.
Why sir, to see the shew.
Vas.
The shew! the motion of Queene Guinivers death
Acted by puppets would please you as well;
The Jade too is as full of remorse as
A Beare that wants his supper.
Wid.
I would have a safe place, where I may stand
And weep without having my handker­chiefe
Stolne away.
Lel.
It is of pure Cambrick forsooth,
And made of her Grandmothers wedding Apron.
Wid.
Yes truly, and wrought when I was a maid.
Altest.
That's an antiquity beyond all record.
Vas.
Sirra Tristan, be you sure you avoid
No throng; a croud well shuffled, and close pack'd,
May do now a speciall courtesie;
Let her be squeez'd, for she's as rotten as
[Page 30] A hollow tree that stands without a root.
Trist.
My shoulder shall help too at a dead lift.
Fri.
A Scaffold that were weakly built would serve.
Wid.
VVe must make haste; farewell Lambe.
Exeunt. Trist. Wid. Lel.
Vas.
Lambe, which my own translation renders calfe.
Altest.
'Twill be long ere thou grow up to a bull:
For few will venter to help thee to hornes.
Vas.
VVell Gentlemen pitty my case, I have
Endur'd another night would tire a Perdu,
More than a wet furrow and a great frost.
Fri.
VVill she not dye?
Vas.
I have perswaded her, but still in vaine;
And all the help the Laws afford us poore
Mistaken men, that marry gold instead
Of flesh, is a divorse, it must be thought
On suddenly; Altesto, haste to your charge.
Altest.
Good morrow Cavaliers.
Vas.
'Twill be an houre yet before that greeting
Be in season; pray heaven Tristan remember the crowd.
Exeunt.
Enter Alvaro, Prospero, Leonel. and Boy (to sing.)
Alva.
This glorious hazzard in thy sister (Leonel)
Doth equally perplex my sufferance
With what the faire Evandra must endure.
Leo.
You now have heard the chearefull Art she us'd
To be the first that should confirme her love
With prostitution of her virgin life.
Alva.
But why for me? how poore they make me now,
That have betra'yd me to a debt the wealth
Of Saints (that are in kindnesse ever rich)
Is not of able value to discharge;
I love them both with equall flame, and I
Distinguish neithers beauty when compar'd;
'Tis vertue and remorce give Ladies emi­nence
In the severe discretion of my heart.
Pro.
I want the wisdome how to love; but I
Am sure I find I love, and 'tis too much
Alva.
Come sing; would musick had the power to give
A life, as it hath had to move things dead.
Song.
O draw your Curtaines and appeare, Ere long, like sparkes that upward flie,
We can but vainly say you were, So soon you'l vanish from the eye.
And in what Star we both shall find (For sure you can't divided be)
Is not to Lovers Art assign'd, 'Twill puzzle wise Astrology.
Enter Evandra, and Melora, above.
Evan.
Who is it that assumes the office of
The dying Swan? all Musick now (me thinks)
Is obsequy, and he that fings should sing his death.
Mel.
The gentle and most valiant Prince, bold Prospero.
Evan.
And there behold the faithfull Le­onell.
Leon.
O pardon me that I have kept my vow.
Evan.
Brave youth! I prize thy truth great as thy love;
We now are mark'd here, and inclos'd for death,
So you have all a blessed liberty.
Alva.
A liberty? we are more bound than slaves unto
Th' unwieldy oare; like harness'd cattell in
A Teeme, we draw a load of sorrow after us
That tires our strength.
Evan.
There was no way but this
To keep you still among the living, who
Before endeavour'd nobly to procure
Our freedome with your deaths; do not repine
At destiny, all remedy is past.
Alva.
A fatall truth; for we but now de­jected on our knees
[Page 31] Did wooe my Fathers mercy, and in vaine.
Mel.
Then strive not by untimely rage to help
And further our impossible release
With certaine hazzard of your selves; our last
Sute is, we may begin our willing death
As quietly as undisturbed sleep.
Evan.
The silly crime of envy which un­learn'd
And haughty Lovers use, I shall prevent;
You'l want the object now, that makes you interchange
The vext remembrance of each others claime.
Alva.
Were you to live we could not share that guilt;
Though number make us three, wise love hath given
Us all one peacefull heart.
Evan.
O Melora! were it but timely now
To wish continuance of mortality,
Like them, we should not differ though the same
One virtue were our mutuall hope and choice;
But you should chide her sir, for she hath lov'd
Your happinesse too much, vainely to lose
Her life when mine would satisfie.
Alva.
Why Melora didst thou undo my soule
VVith so strange courtesie? but why did you
Evandra? stay, o stay, leave us not yet.
Evan.
The Guard are entred here, and now the last
And shortest of our houres is come; fare­well
Brave Prince; brave Leonell farewell; fare­well brave Prospero.
Mel.
The gentle valiant Prince
Farewell; and valiant Leonell farewell;
Farewell the hardy Prospero Ex. from above.
Leon. and Pro. draw their swords.
Alva.
Nay, stir not Gentlemen, it is in vaine,
They are beyond all humane help; would you
Scale heaven, and coole the sawcy Sun with your
Fraile breath when he doth scorch you with his beames?
For such is now the enterprise that strives
To rescue them from this high Fort.
Leon.
Would I were in a Cannon charg'd, then straight
Shot out to batter it, and be no more.
Pro.
Would all the stones might be or­dain'd my food
Till I could eat their passage out.
Alva.
These angry exaltations shew but poore.
Pro.
Sir, whither shall we go?
Alva
To see them dye; but not like vaine and colerick boyes, to shew
A fury that can hazzard none but our
Disdained swords; yet still my worthy friends
There is an undertaking left, and such
As valiant lovers may performe; why should
The base and durty Guard be honour'd with
Our opposition or our bloud? have we
Not griefe enough to dye without their help?
Let us with fix'd and watry eyes behold
These Ladies suffer, but with silence still,
Calmely like pinion'd doves, and when we see
The fatall stroak is given, swell up our sad
And injur'd hearts untill they break.
Leon.
I do not find my self unapt for this.
Pro.
My breast containes an angry lump that is
Too stubborne for a quiet bravery;
He that shall strike Evandras life shall feele
Me till he sink low as the hollownesse where Devills dwell.
Alva.
This way; let us avoid the gazing multitude.
Exeunt.
Enter Duke, Caladine, Vasco, 2 Embassa­dors, and Attendants.
Du.
Have you unto your Officers given charge
To guard the passage from the Fort unto
The Pallace yard with bold well-govern'd men?
Vas.
All is directed Sir as you command;
But for their government, if it be to be had
In prisons, galleys, or stews, you may
Trust them with a mutiny.
Cal.
[Page 32]
His resolution's fi'xd, and there re­maines
No comfortable signe to flatter hope.
Du.
My Lords Embassadors sit down; and though
You now behold a Prince that rather loves
To be thought cruell than to break his vow,
Do not beleeve to be severely just
Is tyranny; you shall have faire admit­tance,
Yet your request unkindly ought to be
Deny'd; and though your Master (when the chance
Of war rendred my brother in his power)
Stole in the dark his noble life, and durst
Not give the wrathfull act a gen'rall view;
I'm not asham'd to publish my revenge,
It shall be openly perform'd, to shew
I not suspect mens censure or dislike.
1 Emb.
Sir, he that ministers revenge may hurt
And damage others, but can bring no good
Or reall profit to himselfe.
2 Emb.
And with your Highnesse leave, we think it were
More wise to mulct our Masters treasure, which
Shall be exhausted freely to your own
Proportion and content, so you will take
His Daughter and her lov'd companion from
The danger of this day.
Enter Evandra, Melora, Guard, at one doore: Alvaro, Prospero, Leonell, at the other.
Du.
I will not sell my brothers bloud;
The prisoners approach; make roome; ere long
They shall enjoy the liberty of soules;
Vasco, lend me thine eare.
whispers.
Alva.
How beautifull is sorrow when it dwells
Within these Ladies eyes? so comely, that it makes
Felicity in others seeme deform'd.
I wish my patience may be strong enough.
Leon.
I now begin to doubt I am not fit
To see their hazard and indur't.
Pro.
Nor I; my loyalty already stird
Beyond the temp'rate suff'rance of a man.
Du.
Thou seest the Prince weares trouble in his locks;
Though any opposition he can make
Be but impertinent and weak, yet charge
Thy Officers, if he endeavor to
Disturbe my will, imprison him i'th Fort.
Vas.
I shall observe him Sir; I do not like
This employment; the Prince will find no
Enemies in all my tribe.
Du.
If you have any words from Millaine th [...]t
Imports their knowledge, ere they dye, be briefe
My Lords Embassadors; I give you leave
To whisper your affaire, or if you please,
To make it publique to the world.
1 Emb.
Your cruell resolutions sir, have so
Confin'd our liberality, that all
We shall deliver to Evandra now
Is but her Fathers and her Countries teares,
And those we can by deputation pay
To the indang'ring of our eyes.
2 Emb.
And to Melora, that in kindnesse thus
Hath shar'd her destiny, we do confer
The worlds eternall wonder and applause.
Evan.
It will deprive me of some joy in death, to think
My Father needs must suffer by a vaine
Unprofitable griefe, and 'tis the last
Request I make, that he would wisely now
Forget my obsequies and name.
Mel.
And my desires make sute, that those who shall
Hereafter write the businesse of this day
May not beleeve I suffer for the hope
Of glorious Fame, but for a secret in my hidden love.
1 Emb.
Question your justice Sir, must they both dye?
Du.
Both; and I think my payment is but short,
When I consider well the measure of
My brothers worth, with their unvalu'd Sex,
And wish some man that boasts your masters bloud
Were singly here to undergoe their fate,
It would more pleasure my revenge, but since
There is no hope in that desire, away, lead them to death.
Leon.
[Page 33]
Stay Sir, reprieve them but one mi­nutes space
Untill you heare a stranger speake.
Alva.
What meanes this noble youth?
Du.
Be sudden in thy speech, for my re­venge brooks no delay.
Leon.
If I produce a man ally'd unto this Family you so abhor,
Great as your selfe in title and descent,
Will you with solemne vow confirme their liberty,
And take his life to satisfie your wrath?
Du.
By th' honour of a Princes faith I wil;
And such a miracle would ravish me.
Leon.
I dare beleeve your vow, you were so just
Though cruell in your last, and know my joyes
Must take the privilege to boast you now
Have lost the power to make them dye.
Duk.
It shall be wonderfull if that prove true.
Leo.
I am not Leonell the Millaine Knight,
But Leonell the Duke of Parmas Son,
Heire to his fortune and his fame.
Evan.
O Melora! thy brother will reveale
Himselfe and quite undoe our glorious strife.
Leo.
By this you find I am to Millaine neer
Ally'd; but more to tempt your fury on
My life, know 'twas my valiant Father took
Your brother prisoner, and presented him
Where he receiv'd his death; my Father that
So oft hath humbled you in war, and made
His victories triumph almost upon
The ruines of your State.
Alva.
So young, and fill'd with thoughts so excellent,
That they surprise my wonder more than love!
Well mayest thou worship, Prospero, but darst not envy him.
Pro.
B'ing your Disciple Sir,
I'm better taught; but 'tis no crime to wish
Fortune had made me Heire of Parma and
Not him, then I had dy'd for them.
Vas.
This is some comfort yet; I'm for the Ladies.
Cal.
But 'thath not given our sorrows a full cure.
Du.
Sir you are boldest with your selfe; but you
Shall see I need no provocation to
Observe my vow; unbind the Ladies there,
And beare him straight to death.
1 Emb.
Stay Sir, he must not dye.
Du.
How? age and griefe makes thee a foole, and mad.
1 Em.
He must not Sir, if your revenge be wise,
And fix your anger where 'tis most deserv'd;
Takes off a false beard.
Behold Millaine himselfe your Enemy;
Live princely youth, and let my yeares (which time
Would soone determine) be the ransome of
My chiefest bloud; Evandra do not weep.
Evan.
O Sir, there was lesse use of me; why would
You with this danger on your selfe destroy
That noble fame I vertuously pursu'd?
Mel.
Our hope of endlesse glory now is lost.
Alva.
Sure heaven intends more blessings to this day.
Du.
I have atchiev'd my wishes in full height;
This was a justice sir, more than I could
Expect from my own Stars; free Leonell
And let him suffer the prepared stroake.
2 Emb.
First heare me speak, and fir how ever you'l
Interpret the discretion of my words
I am resolv'd he shall not dye, nor none
Of these, though all in your command and power.
Vas.
Say'st thou so old Shaver? make but that good,
The maids of Savoy shall everlastingly
Pay thee tribute in dainty gloves and Nose­gays
To stick in thy girdle.
Du.
This were a mystery would please in­deed.
2 Emb.
Look on me well: I am your bro­ther Sir;
(Pulls off a false beard)
And though ten years I have been hidden from
Your sight, this noble Duke hath us'd me so,
I cannot call it banishment, but the
Retir'd and quiet happinesse of life.
Alva.
How wisely have the heavens con­triv'd this joy!
1 Emb.
[Page 34]
And though his fortune in the war, which made
Your Armies ever flourish with successe,
Taught me prevent my Countries ruine by
Detaining him from your employment there,
Yet he enjoy'd all the delights that solitude
Affords: and when he chose his happinesse
In Books and deep Discourses of the learn'd,
I search'd the most remote and knowing world
For men to furnish his desires.
2 Emb.
It is acknowledg'd sir, and with a bounteous thanks.
Duk.
How welcome are these miracles? let me
Embrace thee as the greatest joy that since
My birth I have receiv'd. O my lov'd bro­ther,
Thou see'st though absent I've been faithfull to
Thy vertues, and thy memorie.
2. Emb.
But sir, too strict a master of your vow;
Yet tis a fault my gratitude should more
Admire with thankfulnesse, than chide.
Duk.
This happy day deserves a place su­preme
And eminent i'th Kallander.
2. Emb.
First I will give into your cour­teous armes
The Duke of Millaine sir, good & renoun'd;
And now the bold and princely Leonell;
Then Alvaro my honourd nephew that
Deserves the best of humane praise and love.
The Duke embraces them.
Alva.
Dread sir, that every one may share the joy
And blessings of this precious houre, let me
Restore poore Prospero into your breast.
Duk.
He shall bee cherish'd and his faults forgiven.
Pros.
I shall deserve it sir in future deeds
Of honour, and of loyall faith; how I
Am rap'd to see those wonders strangely thrive?
Vas.
What thinke you of the starrs now Caladine?
Doe these small twinkling Gentlewomen
Looke to their business well? have they a care of us?
Cal.
It is beyond our merit or our hope.
Vas.
Ile buy me an optick, study Astro­logie,
And visit e'm ev'ry faire night ore my house leds.
Duk.
The chiefest happiness of virtue is
Th'increase, which to procure, with Hymens help
Wee'l knit, and intermingle lovers hearts.
Come my Alvaro, Ile bestow thee straight.
Melo.
A little patience sir, and heare me speake
Before you give what lawfully is mine.
Duk.
Indeed thou dost deserve him by thy love.
Mel.
In love Evandras interest justly
Doth equall mine, but I appeale unto
His vow, which sure her goodnesse will as­sist.
Alva.
And my religion shall perswade me keepe;
But where (Melora) was it made?
Melo.
Within my fathers court, when five yeares since
(Disguis'd you stole to see a triumph there)
You promis'd if our houses enmity
VVere ever reconcil'd, the church should joyne our hands.
Leon.
Sir, VVhat my sister speakes I'm wit­nesse to,
And hope this day shall end our parents strife
In a kinde peace.
Duk.
VVhich thus I doe confirme;
Take him Melora, with him all the joyes
Thy virtues or our prayers can procure.
Alva.
Didst thou for this with kind Evan­dra strive
VVho should encounter danger first? al­though
Thy beauty's chang'd, it is not lost; I now
Remember thee, and my vowes prophecie.
Embrace.
1. Emb.
Now my best Evandra give me thy hand;
And heare receive it valiant Leonell;
That I may ratifie the faith I gave,
If ere this war expir'd she should be thine.
Duke.
Then hee may challenge present interest,
For we may meet to heare voyces and lutes,
But never more the angry Drum.
Evan.
Alvaro's virtues sir, and yours, have both
[Page 35] An equall claim; persons I nere admir'd
So much to make a difference in my choyce;
Therefore my fathers promise, and my love
Have made me yours.
Leon.
I am orecharg'd with my felicitie.
Alv.
To Evandra, gladness be stil renew'd,
VVho since I see so worthily bestow'd,
My love is quieted in everlasting rest.
Evan.
And mine by your exact, and perfect choyce.
Pros.
These glad archievements are so well deserv'd,
I not maligne your loyes; Ile to the warr
And fight to win you a perpetuall peace.
Vasco takes Millaine aside.
Vas.
I'm bold to crave acquaintance with your grace,
And to begin it with a sute.
1 Emb.
It shall be granted Sir.
Vas.
I have married your Graces Country­woman,
And was a little (sir) mistaken in her age,
Would you'ld procure us a divorce.
1 Emb.
If you can make't appeare she is too old.
Vas.
She writes a hundred and ten (Sir) next grasse.
1 Emb.
'Tis a faire age; well Sir, you shal have a divorce,
And what the profits of her dowry would
Have been, I will my selfe bestow on you.
Vas.
Such another good day makes us all mad.
Du.
Come, to the Temple, and let's joyne those hearts.
That with such pious courage have endur'd
The tryall of a noble constant faith,
Whom tortures nor the frowns of death could move.
This happy day wee'l consecrate to love.
Exeunt.
FINIS.

PROLOGUE

But that the Tyran custome bears such sway,
We would present no Prologue to our Play,
Since we have learn'd in Prologues all the scope
Is with weak words to strengthen weaker hope,
When with sad solemn phrase we court each eare
Not to observe, but pardon what you heare:
Or if there were but one so strangely wise
Whose judgement strives to please, and trust his
Him at an easie charge we could provoke (eyes,
To a kind doome with this grave long old cloak.
Now for the over-subtle few, who raise
Themselves a triviall fame by a dispraise,
Our bold opinion is, they may descry
Some easie wit, but much more cruelty.

EPILOGUE.

Troth Gentlemen you must vouchsafe a while
T' excuse my mirth, I cannot chuse but smile,
And 'tis to think, how like a subtle spy
Our Poet waits below to heare his destiny;
Just in the Entry as you passe, the place
Where first you mention your dislike or grace:
Pray whisper softly that he may not heare,
Or else such words as shall not blast his eare.

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