[_Aside._
Who'd sit at home in a neglected room,
Dealing her short-lived beauty to the pictures,
That are as useless as old men, when those
Poorer in face and fortune than herself
Walk with a hundred acres on their backs,[205]
Fair meadows cut into green foreparts? O,
It was the greatest blessing ever happened to woman
When farmers' sons agreed and met again,
To wash their hands, and come up gentlemen!
The commonwealth has flourished ever since:
Lands that were mete[206] by the rod, that labour's spared:
Tailors ride down, and measure 'em by the yard.
Fair trees, those comely foretops of the field,
Are cut to maintain head-tires--much untold.
All thrives but chastity; she lies a-cold.
Nay, shall I come nearer to you? mark but this:
Why are there so few honest women, but because
'tis the poorer profession? that's accounted best that's best followed;
least in trade, least in fashion; and that's not honesty, believe it;
and do but note the love and dejected price of it--
Lose but a pearl, we search, and cannot brook it:
But that[207] once gone, who is so mad to look it?
_Gra._ Troth, he says true.
_Cas._ False! I defy you both:
I have endured you with an ear of fire;
Your tongues have struck hot irons on my face.
Mother, come from that poisonous woman there.
_Gra._ Where?
_Cas._ Do you not see her? she's too inward, then!
Slave, perish in thy office! you Heavens, please
Henceforth to make the mother a disease,
Which first begins with me: yet I've outgone you.
[_Exit._
_Ven._ O angels, clap your wings upon the skies,
And give this virgin crystal plaudites! [_Aside._
_Gra._ Peevish, coy, foolish!--but return this answer,
My lord shall be most welcome, when his pleasure
Conducts him this way. I will sway mine own.
Women with women can work best alone. [_Exit._
_Ven._ Indeed, I'll tell him so.
O, more uncivil, more unnatural,
Than those base-titled creatures that look downward;
Why does not Heaven turn black, or with a frown
Undo the world? Why does not earth start up,
And strike the sins that tread upon't? O,
Were't not for gold and women, there would be no damnation.
Hell would look like a lord's great kitchen without fire in't.
But 'twas decreed, before the world began,
That they should be the hooks to catch at man.
[_Exit._
SCENE II.--_An Apartment in the_ DUKE'S _Palace._
_Enter_ LUSSURIOSO, _with_ HIPPOLITO.
_Lus._ I much applaud
Thy judgment; thou art well-read in a fellow;
And 'tis the deepest art to study man.
I know this, which I never learnt in schools,
The world's divided into knaves and fools.
_Hip._ Knave in your face, my lord--behind your back--[_Aside._
_Lus._ And I much thank thee, that thou hast preferred
A fellow of discourse, well-mingled,
And whose brain time hath seasoned.
_Hip._ True, my lord,
We shall find season once, I hope. O villain!
To make such an unnatural slave of me--but--
[_Aside._
_Lus._ Mass, here he comes.
_Hip._ And now shall I have free leave to depart.
[_Aside._
_Lus._ Your absence, leave us.
_Hip._ Are not my thoughts true? [_Aside._
I must remove; but, brother, you may stay.
Heart! we are both made bawds a new-found way!
[_Exit._
_Enter_ VENDICE, _disguised._
_Lus._ Now we're an even number, a third man's dangerous,
Especially her brother;--say; be free,
Have I a pleasure toward--
_Ven._ O my lord!
_Lus._ Ravish me in thine answer; art thou rare?
Hast thou beguiled her of salvation,
And rubbed hell o'er with honey? Is she a woman?
_Ven._ In all but in desire.
_Lus._ Then she's in nothing--I bate[208] in courage now.
_Ven._ The words I brought
Might well have made indifferent honest naught.
A right good woman in these days is changed
Into white money with less labour far;
Many a maid has turned to Mahomet
With easier working: I durst undertake,
Upon the pawn and forfeit of my life,
With half those words to flat a Puritan's wife.
But she is close and good; yet 'tis a doubt
By this time.--O, the mother, the mother!
_Lus._ I never thought their sex had been a wonder,
Until this minute. What fruit from the mother?
_Ven._ How must I blister my soul, be forsworn,
Or shame the woman that received me first!
I will be true: thou liv'st not to proclaim.
Spoke to a dying man, shame has no shame. [_Aside._
My lord.
_Lus._ Who's that?
_Ven._ Here's none but I, my lord.
_Lus._ What would thy haste utter?
_Ven._ Comfort.
_Lus._ Welcome.
_Ven._ The maid being dull, having no mind to travel
Into unknown lands, what did I straight,
But set spurs to the mother? golden spurs
Will put her to a false gallop in a trice.
_Lus._ Is't possible that in this
The mother should be damned before the daughter?
_Ven._ O, that's good manners, my lord; the mother for her age must go
foremost, you know.
_Lus._ Thou'st spoke that true! but where comes in this comfort?
_Ven._ In a fine place, my lord,--the unnatural mother
Did with her tongue so hard beset her honour,
That the poor fool was struck to silent wonder;
Yet still the maid, like an unlighted taper,
Was cold and chaste, save that her mother's breath
Did blow fire on her cheeks. The girl departed;
But the good ancient madam, half mad, threw me
These promising words, which I took deeply note of:
"My lord shall be most welcome"--
_Lus._ Faith, I thank her.
_Ven._ "When his pleasure conducts him this way"--
_Lus._ That shall be soon, i' faith.
_Ven._ "I will sway mine own"--
_Lus._ She does the wiser: I commend her for't.
_Ven._ "Women with women can work best alone."
_Lus._ By this light, and so they can; give 'em their due, men are not
comparable to 'em.
_Ven._ No, that's true; for you shall have one woman knit more in an
hour, than any man can ravel again in seven-and-twenty years.
_Lus._ Now my desires are happy; I'll make 'em freemen now.
Thou art a precious fellow; faith, I love thee;
Be wise and make it thy revenue; beg, beg;
What office couldst thou be ambitious for?
_Ven._ Office, my lord! marry, if I might have my wish, I would have
one that was never begged yet.
_Lus._ Nay, then, thou canst have none.
_Ven._ Yes, my lord, I could pick out another office yet; nay, and keep
a horse and drab upon't.
_Lus._ Prythee, good bluntness, tell me.
_Ven._ Why, I would desire but this, my lord--to have all the fees
behind the arras, and all the farthingales that fall plump about twelve
o'clock at night upon the rushes.
_Lus._ Thou'rt a mad, apprehensive knave; dost think to make any great
purchase of that?
_Ven._ O, 'tis an unknown thing, my lord; I wonder't has been missed so
long.
_Lus._ Well, this night I'll visit her, and 'tis till then
A year in my desires--farewell, attend:
Trust me with thy preferment.
_Ven._ My loved lord! [_Exit_ LUSSURIOSO.
O, shall I kill him o' th' wrong side now? no!
Sword, thou wast never a backbiter yet.
I'll pierce him to his face; he shall die looking upon me.
Thy veins are swelled with lust, this shall unfill 'em.
Great men were gods, if beggars could not kill 'em.
Forgive me, Heaven, to call my mother wicked!
O, lessen not my days upon the earth,
I cannot honour her. By this, I fear me,
Her tongue has turned my sister unto use.
I was a villain not to be forsworn
To this our lecherous hope, the duke's son;
For lawyers, merchants, some divines, and all,
Count beneficial perjury a sin small.
It shall go hard yet, but I'll guard her honour,
And keep the ports sure. [_Exit._
SCENE III.--_A Corridor in the Palace._
_Enter_ VENDICE, _still disguised, and_ HIPPOLITO.
_Hip._ Brother, how goes the world? I would know news of you.
But I have news to tell you.
_Ven._ What, in the name of knavery?
_Hip._ Knavery, faith;
This vicious old duke's worthily abused;
The pen of his bastard writes him cuckold?
_Ven._ His bastard?
_Hip._ Pray, believe it; he and the duchess
By night meet in their linen;[209] they have been seen
By stair-foot panders.
_Ven._ O, sin foul and deep!
Great faults are winked at when the duke's asleep.
See, see, here comes the Spurio.
_Hip._ Monstrous luxur!
_Ven._ Unbraced! two of his valiant bawds with him!
O, there's a wicked whisper; hell's in his ear.
Stay, let's observe his passage--
_Enter_ SPURIO _and_ Servants.
_Spu._ O, but are you sure on't?
_1st Ser._ My lord, most sure on't; for 'twas spoke by one,
That is most inward with the duke's son's lust,
That he intends within this hour to steal
Unto Hippolito's sister, whose chaste life
The mother has corrupted for his use.
_Spu._ Sweet word! sweet occasion! faith, then, brother,
I'll disinherit you in as short time
As I was when I was begot in haste.
I'll damn you at your pleasure: precious deed!
After your lust, O, 'twill be fine to bleed.
Come, let our passing out be soft and wary.
[_Exeunt_ SPURIO _and_ Servants.
_Ven._ Mark! there; there; that step; now to the duchess!
This their second meeting writes the duke cuckold
With new additions--his horns newly revived.
Night! thou that look'st like funeral heralds' fees,
Torn down betimes i' the morning, thou hang'st fitly
To grace those sins that have no grace at all.
Now 'tis full sea abed over the world:
There's juggling of all sides; some that were maids
E'en at sunset, are now perhaps i' the toll-book.[210]
This woman in immodest thin apparel
Lets in her friend by water; here a dame
Cunning nails leather hinges to a door,
To avoid proclamation.
Now cuckolds are coining, apace, apace, apace, apace!
And careful sisters spin that thread i' the night,
That does maintain them and their bawds i' the day.
_Hip._ You flow well, brother.
_Ven._ Pooh! I'm shallow yet;
Too sparing and too modest; shall I tell thee?
If every trick were told that's dealt by night,
There are few here that would not blush outright.
_Hip._ I am of that belief too. Who's this comes?
_Ven._ The duke's son up so late? Brother, fall back,
And you shall learn some mischief. My good lord!
_Enter_ LUSSURIOSO.
_Lus._ Piato! why, the man I wished for! Come,
I do embrace this season for the fittest
To taste of that young lady.
_Ven._ Heart and hell. [_Aside._
_Hip._ Damned villain! [_Aside._
_Ven._ I have no way now to cross it, but to kill him. [_Aside._
_Lus._ Come, only thou and I.
_Ven._ My lord! my lord!
_Lus._ Why dost thou start us?
_Ven._ I'd almost forgot--the bastard!
_Lus._ What of him?
_Ven._ This night, this hour, this minute, now--
_Lus._ What? what?
_Ven._ Shadows the duchess--
_Lus._ Horrible word!
_Ven._ And (like strong poison) eats
Into the duke your father's forehead.
_Lus._ O!
_Ven._ He makes horn-royal.
_Lus._ Most ignoble slave!
_Ven._ This is the fruit of two beds.
_Lus._ I am mad.
_Ven._ That passage he trod warily.
_Lus._ He did?
_Ven._ And hushed his villains every step he took.
_Lus._ His villains! I'll confound them.
_Ven._ Take 'em finely--finely, now.
_Lus._ The duchess' chamber-door shall not control me.
[_Exeunt_ LUSSURIOSO _and_ VENDICE.
_Hip._ Good, happy, swift: there's gunpowder i' the court,
Wildfire at midnight. In this heedless fury
He may show violence to cross himself.
I'll follow the event. [_Exit._
SCENE IV.--_The_ DUKE'S _Bedchamber.--The_ DUKE _and_ DUCHESS _in bed._
_Enter_ LUSSURIOSO _and_ VENDICE, _disguised._
_Lus._ Where is that villain?
_Ven._ Softly, my lord, and you may take 'em twisted.
_Lus._ I care not how.
_Ven._ O! 'twill be glorious
To kill 'em doubled, when they're heaped. Be soft, my lord.
_Lus._ Away! my spleen is not so lazy: thus and thus
I'll shake their eyelids ope, and with my sword
Shut 'em again for ever. Villain! strumpet!
_Duke._ You upper guard, defend us!
_Duch._ Treason! treason!
_Duke._ O, take me not in sleep!
I have great sins; I must have days,
Nay, months, dear son, with penitential heaves,
To lift 'em out, and not to die unclear.
O, thou wilt kill me both in Heaven and here.
_Lus._ I am amazed to death.
_Duke._ Nay, villain, traitor,
Worse than the foulest epithet; now I'll gripe thee
E'en with the nerves of wrath, and throw thy head
Amongst the lawyers!--guard!
_Enter_ AMBITIOSO, SUPERVACUO, _and_ Lords.
_1st Lord._ How comes the quiet of your grace disturbed?
_Duke._ This boy, that should be myself after me,
Would be myself before me; and in heat
Of that ambition bloodily rushed in,
Intending to depose me in my bed.
_2nd Lord._ Duty and natural loyalty forfend!
_Duch._ He called his father villain, and me strumpet,
A word that I abhor to file[211] my lips with.
_Amb._ That was not so well-done, brother.
_Lus._ I am abused--I know there's no excuse can do me good.
[_Aside._
_Ven._ 'Tis now good policy to be from sight;
His vicious purpose to our sister's honour
I crossed beyond our thought. [_Aside._
_Hip._ You little dreamt his father slept here.
_Ven._ O, 'twas far beyond me:
But since it fell so--without frightful words,
Would he had killed him, 'twould have eased our swords.
_Duke._ Be comforted, our duchess, he shall die.
[_Exeunt_ VENDICE _and_ HIPPOLITO.
_Lus._ Where's this slave-pander now? out of mine eye,
Guilty of this abuse.
_Enter_ SPURIO _with_ Servants.
_Spu._ Y' are villains, fablers![212]
You have knaves' chins and harlots' tongues; you lie;
And I will damn you with one meal a day.
_1st Ser_. O good my lord!
_Spu._ 'Sblood, you shall never sup.
_2nd Ser._ O, I beseech you, sir!
_Spu._ To let my sword catch cold so long, and miss him!
_1st Ser._ Troth, my lord, 'twas his intent to meet there.
_Spu._ 'Heart! he's yonder.
Ha, what news here? is the day out o' the socket,
That it is noon at midnight? the court up?
How comes the guard so saucy with his elbows?
_Lus._ The bastard here?
Nay, then the truth of my intent shall out;
My lord and father, hear me.
_Duke._ Bear him hence.
_Lus._ I can with loyalty excuse.
_Duke._ Excuse? to prison with the villain!
Death shall not long lag after him.
_Spu._ Good, i' faith: then 'tis not much amiss.
_Lus._ Brothers, my best release lies on your tongues;
I pray, persuade for me.
_Amb._ It is our duties; make yourself sure of us.
_Sup._ We'll sweat in pleading.
_Lus._ And I may live to thank you.
[_Exit with_ Lords.
_Amb._ No, thy death shall thank me better.
_Spu._ He's gone; I'll after him,
And know his trespass; seem to bear a part
In all his ills, but with a puritan heart.
[_Exit with_ Servants.
_Amb._ Now, brother, let our hate and love be woven
So subtlely together, that in speaking one word for his life,
We may make three for his death:
The craftiest pleader gets most gold for breath.
_Sup._ Set on, I'll not be far behind you, brother.
_Duke._ Is't possible a son should be disobedient as far as the sword?
It is the highest: he can go no farther.
_Amb._ My gracious lord, take pity--
_Duke._ Pity, boys!
_Amb._ Nay, we'd be loth to move your grace too much;
We know the trespass is unpardonable,
Black, wicked, and unnatural.
_Sup._ In a son! O, monstrous!
_Amb._ Yet, my lord,
A duke's soft hand strokes the rough head of law,
And makes it lie smooth.
_Duke._ But my hand shall ne'er do't.
_Amb._ That as you please, my lord.
_Sup._ We must needs confess.
Some fathers would have entered into hate
So deadly-pointed, that before his eyes
He would ha' seen the execution sound[213]
Without corrupted favour.
_Amb._ But, my lord,
Your grace may live the wonder of all times,
In pardoning that offence, which never yet
Had face to beg a pardon.
_Duke._ Hunny, how's this?
_Amb._ Forgive him, good my lord; he's your own son:
And I must needs say, 'twas the viler done.
_Sup._ He's the next heir: yet this true reason gathers,
None can possess that dispossess their fathers.
Be merciful!--
_Duke._ Here's no step-mother's wit;
I'll try them both upon their love and hate. [_Aside._
_Amb._ Be merciful--although--
_Duke._ You have prevailed.
My wrath, like flaming wax, hath spent itself;
I know 'twas but some peevish moon[214] in him;
Go, let him be released.
_Sup._ 'Sfoot, how now, brother? [_Aside._
_Amb._ Your grace doth please to speak beside your spleen;
I would it were so happy.
_Duke._ Why, go, release him.
_Sup._ O my good lord! I know the fault's too weighty
And full of general loathing: too inhuman,
Rather by all men's voices worthy death.
_Duke._ 'Tis true too; here, then, receive this signet.
Doom shall pass;
Direct it to the judges; he shall die
Ere many days. Make haste.
_Amb._ All speed that may be.
We could have wished his burden not so sore:
We knew your grace did but delay before.
[_Exeunt_ AMBITIOSO _and_ SUPERVACUO.
_Duke._ Here's envy with a poor thin cover o'er't;
Like scarlet hid in lawn, easily spied through.
This their ambition by the mother's side
Is dangerous, and for safety must be purged.
I will prevent their envies; sure it was
But some mistaken fury in our son,
Which these aspiring boys would climb upon:
He shall be released suddenly.
_Enter_ Nobles.
_1st Noble._ Good morning to your grace.
_Duke._ Welcome, my lords.
_2nd Noble._ Our knees shall take
Away the office of our feet for ever,
Unless your grace bestow a father's eye
Upon the clouded fortunes of your son,
And in compassionate virtue grant him that,
Which makes e'en mean men happy--liberty.
_Duke._ How seriously their loves and honours woo
For that which I am about to pray them do!
Arise, my lords; your knees sign his release.
We freely pardon him.
_1st Noble._ We owe your grace much thanks, and he much duty.
[_Exeunt_ Nobles.
_Duke._ It well becomes that judge to nod at crimes,
That does commit greater himself, and lives.
I may forgive a disobedient error,
That expect pardon for adultery,
And in my old days am a youth in lust.
Many a beauty have I turned to poison
In the denial, covetous of all.
Age hot is like a monster to be seen;
My hairs are white, and yet my sins are green.
ACT THE THIRD.
SCENE I.--_A Room in the Palace._
_Enter_ AMBITIOSO _and_ SUPERVACUO.
_Sup._ Brother, let my opinion sway you once;
I speak it for the best, to have him die
Surest and soonest; if the signet come
Unto the judge's hand, why then his doom
Will be deferred till sittings and court-days,
Juries, and further. Faiths are bought and sold;
Oaths in these days are but the skin of gold.
_Amb._ In troth, 'tis true too.
_Sup._ Then let's set by the judges,
And fall to the officers; 'tis but mistaking
The duke our father's meaning; and where he named
"Ere many days"--'tis but forgetting that,
And have him die i' the morning.
_Amb._ Excellent!
Then am I heir! duke in a minute!
_Sup._ [_Aside_.] Nay,
An he were once puffed out, here is a pin
Should quickly prick your bladder.
_Amb._ Blessed occasion!
He being packed, we'll have some trick and wile
To wind our younger brother out of prison,
That lies in for the rape. The lady's dead,
And people's thoughts will soon be burièd.
_Sup._ We may with safety do't, and live and feed;
The duchess' sons are too proud to bleed.
_Amb._ We are, i' faith, to say true--come, let's not linger:
I'll to the officers; go you before,
And set an edge upon the executioner.
_Sup._ Let me alone to grind. [_Exit._
_Amb._ Meet farewell!
I am next now; I rise just in that place,
Where thou'rt cut off; upon thy neck, kind brother;
The falling of one head lifts up another. [_Exit._
SCENE II.--_The Courtyard of a Prison._
_Enter_ LUSSURIOSO _with_ Nobles.
_Lus._ My lords, I am so much indebted to your loves
For this, O, this delivery--
_1st Noble._ Put our duties, my lord, unto the hopes that grow in you.
_Lus._ If e'er I live to be myself, I'll thank you.
O liberty, thou sweet and heavenly dame!
But hell for prison is too mild a name. [_Exeunt._
_Enter_ AMBITIOSO _and_ SUPERVACUO, _with_ Officers.
_Amb._ Officers, here's the duke's signet, your firm warrant,
Brings the command of present death along with it
Unto our brother, the duke's son; we are sorry
That we are so unnaturally employed
In such an unkind office, fitter far
For enemies than brothers.
_Sup._ But, you know,
The duke's command must be obeyed.
_1st Off._ It must and shall, my lord. This morning, then--
So suddenly?
_Amb._ Ay, alas! poor, good soul!
He must breakfast betimes; the executioner
Stands ready to put forth his cowardly valour.
_2nd Off._ Already?
_Sup._ Already, i' faith. O sir, destruction hies,
And that is least imprudent,[215] soonest dies.
_1st Off._ Troth, you say true. My lord, we take our leaves:
Our office shall be sound; we'll not delay
The third part of a minute.
_Amb._ Therein you show
Yourselves good men and upright. Officers,
Pray, let him die as private as he may;
Do him that favour; for the gaping people
Will but trouble him at his prayers,
And make him curse and swear, and so die black.
Will you be so far kind?
_1st Off._ It shall be done, my lord.
_Amb._ Why, we do thank you; if we live to be--
You shall have a better office.
_2nd Off._ Your good lordship--
_Sup._ Commend us to the scaffold in our tears,
_1st Off._ We'll weep, and do your commendations.
_Amb._ Fine fools in office! [_Exeunt_ Officers.
_Sup._ Things fall out so fit!
_Amb._ So happily! come, brother! ere next clock,
His head will be made serve a bigger block.[216] [_Exeunt._
SCENE III.--_Inside a Prison._
_Enter the_ DUCHESS' Youngest Son _and_ Keeper.
_Y. Son._ Keeper!
_Keep._ My lord.
_Y. Son._ No news lately from our brothers?
Are they unmindful of us?
_Keep._ My lord, a messenger came newly in,
And brought this from 'em.
_Y. Son._ Nothing but paper-comforts?
I looked for my delivery before this,
Had they been worth their oaths.--Prythee, be from us.
[_Exit_ Keeper.
Now what say you, forsooth? speak out, I pray.
[_Reads the letter._] "Brother, be of good cheer";
'Slud, it begins like a whore with good cheer.
"Thou shalt not be long a prisoner."
Not six-and-thirty years, like a bankrupt--I think so.
"We have thought upon a device to get thee out by a trick."
By a trick! pox o' your trick, an' it be so long a playing.
"And so rest comforted,--be merry, and expect it suddenly!"
Be merry! hang merry, draw and quarter merry; I'll be mad. Is't not
strange that a man should lie-in a whole month for a woman? Well, we
shall see how sudden our brothers will be in their promise. I must
expect still a trick: I shall not be long a prisoner. How now, what
news?
_Re-enter_ Keeper.
_Keep._ Bad news, my lord; I am discharged of you.
_Y. Son._ Slave! call'st thou that bad news? I thank you, brothers.
_Keep._ My lord, 'twill prove so. Here come the officers,
Into whose hands I must commit you.
_Y. Son._ Ha, officers! what? why?
_Enter_ Officers.
_1st Off._ You must pardon us, my lord:
Our office must be sound: here is our warrant,
The signet from the duke; you must straight suffer.
_Y. Son._ Suffer! I'll suffer you to begone; I'll suffer you
To come no more; what would you have me suffer?
_2nd Off._ My lord, those words were better changed to prayers.
The time's but brief with you: prepare to die.
_Y. Son._ Sure, 'tis not so!
_3rd Off._ It is too true, my lord.
_Y. Son._ I tell you 'tis not; for the duke my father
Deferred me till next sitting; and I look,
E'en every minute, threescore times an hour,
For a release, a trick wrought by my brothers.
_1st Off._ A trick, my lord! if you expect such comfort,
Your hope's as fruitless as a barren woman:
Your brothers were the unhappy messengers
That brought this powerful token for your death.
_Y. Son._ My brothers? no, no.
_2nd Off._ 'Tis most true, my lord.
_Y. Son._ My brothers to bring a warrant for my death!
How strange this shows!
_3rd Off._ There's no delaying time.
_Y. Son._ Desire 'em hither: call 'em up--my brothers!
They shall deny it to your faces.
_1st Off._ My lord,
They're far enough by this; at least at court;
And this most strict command they left behind 'em.
When grief swam in their eyes, they showed like brothers,
Brimful of heavy sorrow--but the duke
"Must have his pleasure."
_Y. Son._ His pleasure!
_1st Off._ These were the last words, which my memory bears,
"Commend us to the scaffold in our tears."
_Y. Son._ Pox dry their tears! what should I do with tears?
I hate 'em worse than any citizen's son
Can hate salt water. Here came a letter now,
New-bleeding from their pens, scarce stinted yet:
Would I'd been torn in pieces when I tore it:
Look, you officious whoresons, words of comfort,
"Not long a prisoner."
_1st Off._ It says true in that, sir; for you must suffer presently.
_Y. Son._ A villainous Duns[217] upon the letter, knavish exposition!
Look you then here, sir: "we'll get thee out by a trick," says he.
_2nd Off._ That may hold too, sir; for you know a trick is commonly
four cards,[218] which was meant by us four officers.
_Y. Son._ Worse and worse dealing.
_1st. Off._ The hour beckons us.
The headsman waits: lift up your eyes to Heaven.
_Y. Son._ I thank you, faith; good pretty wholesome counsel!
I should look up to Heaven, as you said,
Whilst he behind me cosens me of my head.
Ay, that's the trick.
_3rd Off._ You delay too long, my lord.
_Y. Son._ Stay, good authority's bastards; since I must
Through brothers' perjury, die, O, let me venom
Their souls with curses.
_3rd Off._ Come, 'tis no time to curse.
_Y. Son._ Must I bleed then without respect of sign? well--
My fault was sweet sport which the world approves,
I die for that which every woman loves. [_Exeunt._
SCENE IV.--_A Lodge in the Ducal Grounds._
_Enter_ VENDICE, _disguised, and_ HIPPOLITO.
_Ven._ O, sweet, delectable, rare, happy, ravishing!
_Hip._ Why, what's the matter, brother?
_Ven._ O, 'tis able to make a man spring up and knock his forehead
Against yon silver ceiling.
_Hip._ Prythee, tell me;
Why may not I partake with you? you vowed once
To give me share to every tragic thought.
_Ven._ By the mass, I think I did too;
Then I'll divide it to thee. The old duke,
Thinking my outward shape and inward heart
Are cut out of one piece (for he that prates his secrets,
His heart stands o' the outside), hires me by price
To greet him with a lady
In some fit place, veiled from the eyes o' the court,
Some darkened, blushless angle, that is guilty
Of his forefather's lust and great folks' riots;
To which I easily (to maintain my shape)
Consented, and did wish his impudent grace
To meet her here in this unsunnèd lodge,
Wherein 'tis night at noon; and here the rather
Because, unto the torturing of his soul,
The bastard and the duchess have appointed
Their meeting too in this luxurious circle;
Which most afflicting sight will kill his eyes,
Before we kill the rest of him.
_Hip._ 'Twill, i' faith! Most dreadfully digested!
I see not how you could have missed me, brother.
_Ven._ True; but the violence of my joy forgot it.
_Hip._ Ay, but where's that lady now?
_Ven._ O! at that word
I'm lost again; you cannot find me yet:
I'm in a throng of happy apprehensions.
He's suited for a lady; I have took care
For a delicious lip, a sparkling eye--
Yon shall be witness, brother:
Be ready; stand with your hat off. [_Exit._
_Hip._ Troth, I wonder what lady it should be!
Yet 'tis no wonder, now I think again,
To have a lady stoop to a duke, that stoops unto his men.
'Tis common to be common through the world:
And there's more private common shadowing vices,
Than those who are known both by their names and prices.
'Tis part of my allegiance to stand bare
To the duke's concubine; and here she comes.
_Re-enter_ VENDICE, _with the skull of his_ Betrothed _dressed up in
tires._
_Ven._ Madam, his grace will not be absent long.[219]
Secret! ne'er doubt us, madam; 'twill be worth
Three velvet gowns to your ladyship. Known!
Few ladies respect that disgrace: a poor thin shell!
'Tis the best grace you have to do it well.
I'll save your hand that labour: I'll unmask you!
_Hip._ Why, brother, brother!
_Ven._ Art thou beguiled now? tut, a lady can,
As such all hid, beguile a wiser man.
Have I not fitted the old surfeiter
With a quaint piece of beauty? Age and bare bone
Are e'er allied in action. Here's an eye,
Able to tempt a great man--to serve God:
A pretty hanging lip, that has forgot now to dissemble.
Methinks this mouth should make a swearer tremble;
A drunkard clasp his teeth, and not undo 'em,
To suffer wet damnation to run through 'em.
Here's a cheek keeps her colour, let the wind go whistle:
Spout, rain, we fear thee not: be hot or cold,
All's one with us; and is not he absurd,
Whose fortunes are upon their faces set,
That fear no other god but wind and wet?
_Hip._ Brother, you've spoke that right:
Is this the form that, living, shone so bright?
_Ven._ The very same.
And now methinks I could e'en chide myself
For doating on her beauty, though her death
Shall be revenged after no common action.
Does the silkworm expend her yellow labours
For thee? For thee does she undo herself?
Are lordships sold to maintain ladyships,
For the poor benefit of a bewildering minute?
Why does yon fellow falsify highways,
And put his life between the judge's lips,
To refine such a thing--keeps horse and men
To beat their valours for her?
Surely we are all mad people, and they
Whom we think are, are not: we mistake those;
'Tis we are mad in sense, they but in clothes.
_Hip._ Faith, and in clothes too we, give us our due.
_Ven._ Does every proud and self-affecting dame,
Camphire her face for this, and grieve her Maker
In sinful baths of milk, when many an infant starves
For her superfluous outside--all for this?
Who now bids twenty pounds a night? prepares
Music, perfumes, and sweetmeats? All are hushed.
Thou may'st lie chaste now! it were fine, methinks,
To have thee seen at revels, forgetful feasts,
And unclean brothels! sure, 'twould fright the sinner,
And make him a good coward: put a reveller
Out of his antic amble,
And cloy an epicure with empty dishes.
Here might a scornful and ambitious woman
Look through and through herself. See, ladies, with false forms
You deceive men, but cannot deceive worms.--
Now to my tragic business. Look you, brother,
I have not fashioned this only for show
And useless property; no, it shall bear a part
E'en in its own revenge. This very skull,
Whose mistress the duke poisoned, with this drug,
The mortal curse of the earth, shall be revenged
In the like strain, and kiss his lips to death.
As much as the dumb thing can, he shall feel:
What fails in poison, we'll supply in steel.
_Hip._ Brother, I do applaud thy constant vengeance--
The quaintness of thy malice--above thought.
_Ven._ So, 'tis laid on:
[_He poisons the lips of the skull_]
now come and welcome, duke,
I have her for thee. I protest it, brother,
Methinks she makes almost as fair a fine,
As some old gentlewoman in a periwig.
Hide thy face now for shame; thou hadst need have a mask now:
'Tis vain when beauty flows; but when it fleets,
This would become graves better than the streets.
_Hip._ You have my voice in that: hark, the duke's come.
_Ven._ Peace, let's observe what company he brings,
And how he does absent 'em; for you know
He'll wish all private. Brother, fall you back a little
With the bony lady.
_Hip._ That I will. [_Retires._
_Ven._ So, so; now nine years' vengeance crowd into a minute!
_Enter_ DUKE _and_ Gentlemen.
_Duke._ You shall have leave to leave us, with this charge
Upon your lives, if we be missed by the duchess
Or any of the nobles, to give out,
We're privately rid forth.
_Ven._ O happiness!
_Duke._ With some few honourable gentlemen, you may say--
You may name those that are away from court.
_Gen._ Your will and pleasure shall be done, my lord.
[_Exeunt_ Gentlemen.
_Ven._ "Privately rid forth!"
He strives to make sure work on't. Your good grace! [_Advances._
_Duke._ Piato, well done, hast brought her! what lady is't?
_Ven._ Faith, my lord, a country lady, a little bashful at first, as
most of them are; but after the first kiss, my lord, the worst is past
with them. Your grace knows now what you have to do; she has somewhat a
grave look with her--but--
_Duke._ I love that best; conduct her.
_Ven._ Have at all. [_Aside._
_Duke._ In gravest looks the greatest faults seem less.
Give me that sin that's robed in holiness.
_Ven._ Back with the torch! brother, raise the perfumes.
[_Aside._
_Duke._ How sweet can a duke breathe! Age has no fault.
Pleasure should meet in a perfumèd mist.
Lady, sweetly encountered: I came from court,
I must be bold with you. O, what's this? O!
_Ven._ Royal villain! white devil!
_Duke._ O!
_Ven._ Brother, place the torch here, that his affrighted eyeballs
May start into those hollows. Duke, dost know
Yon dreadful vizard? View it well; 'tis the skull
Of Gloriana, whom thou poisonedst last.
_Duke._ O! 't has poisoned me.
_Ven._ Didst not know that till now?
_Duke._ What are you two?
_Ven._ Villains all three! the very ragged bone
Has been sufficiently revenged.
_Duke._ O, Hippolito, call treason! [_He sinks down._
_Hip._ Yes, my lord; treason! treason! treason!
[_Stamping on him._
_Duke._ Then I'm betrayed.
_Ven._ Alas! poor lecher: in the hands of knaves,
A slavish duke is baser than his slaves.
_Duke._ My teeth are eaten out.
_Ven._ Hadst any left?
_Hip._ I think but few.
_Ven._ Then those that did eat are eaten.
_Duke._ O my tongue!
_Ven._ Your tongue? 'twill teach you to kiss closer,
Not like a slobbering Dutchman. You have eyes still:
Look, monster, what a lady hast thou made me
[_Discovers himself._
My once betrothèd wife.
_Duke._ Is it thou, villain? nay, then--
_Ven._ 'Tis I, 'tis Vendice, 'tis I.
_Hip._ And let this comfort thee: our lord and father
Fell sick upon the infection of thy frowns,
And died in sadness: be that thy hope of life.
_Duke._ O!
_Ven._ He had his tongue, yet grief made him die speechless.
Pooh! 'tis but early yet; now I'll begin
To stick thy soul with ulcers. I will make
Thy spirit grievous sore; it shall not rest,
But like some pestilent man toss in thy breast. Mark me, duke:
Thou art a renownèd, high and mighty cuckold.
_Duke._ O!
_Ven._ Thy bastard, thy bastard rides a-hunting in thy brow.
_Duke._ Millions of deaths!
_Ven._ Nay, to afflict thee more,
Here in this lodge they meet for damnèd clips.[220]
Those eyes shall see the incest of their lips.
_Duke._ Is there a hell besides this, villains?
_Ven._ Villain!
Nay, Heaven is just; scorns are the hire of scorns:
I ne'er knew yet adulterer without horns.
_Hip._ Once, ere they die, 'tis quitted.
_Ven._ Hark! the music:
Their banquet is prepared, they're coming--
_Duke._ O, kill me not with that sight!
_Ven._ Thou shalt not lose that sight for all thy dukedom.
_Duke._ Traitors! murderers!
_Ven._ What! is not thy tongue eaten out yet?
Then we'll invent a silence. Brother, stifle the torch.
_Duke._ Treason! murder!
_Ven._ Nay, faith, we'll have you hushed. Now with thy dagger
Nail down his tongue, and mine shall keep possession
About his heart; if he but gasp, he dies;
We dread not death to quittance injuries.
Brother, if he but wink, not brooking the foul object,
Let our two other hands tear up his lids,
And make his eyes like comets shine through blood.
When the bad bleeds, then is the tragedy good.
_Hip._ Whist, brother! the music's at our ear; they come.
_Enter_ SPURIO, _meeting the_ DUCHESS.
_Spu._ Had not that kiss a taste of sin, 'twere sweet.
_Duch._ Why, there's no pleasure sweet, but it is sinful.
_Spu._ True, such a bitter sweetness fate hath given;
Best side to us is the worst side to Heaven.
_Duch._ Pish! come: 'tis the old duke, thy doubtful father:
The thought of him rubs Heaven in thy way.
But I protest by yonder waxen fire,
Forget him, or I'll poison him.
_Spu._ Madam, you urge a thought which ne'er had life.
So deadly do I loathe him for my birth,
That if he took me hasped within his bed,
I would add murder to adultery,
And with my sword give up his years to death.
_Duch._ Why, now thou'rt sociable; let's in and feast:
Loud'st music sound; pleasure is banquet's guest.
[_Exeunt_ DUCHESS _and_ SPURIO.
_Duke._ I cannot brook--[_Dies._
_Ven._ The brook is turned to blood.
_Hip._ Thanks to loud music.
_Ven._ 'Twas our friend, indeed.
'Tis state in music for a duke to bleed.
The dukedom wants a head, though yet unknown;
As fast as they peep up, let's cut 'em down. [_Exeunt._
SCENE V.--_A Room in the Palace._
_Enter_ AMBITIOSO _and_ SUPERVACUO.
_Amb._ Was not his execution rarely plotted?
We are the duke's sons now.
_Sup._ Ay, you may thank my policy for that.
_Amb._ Your policy for what?
_Sup._ Why, was't not my invention, brother,
To slip the judges? and in lesser compass
Did I not draw the model of his death;
Advising you to sudden officers
And e'en extemporal execution?
_Amb._ Heart! 'twas a thing I thought on too.
_Sup._ You thought on't too! 'sfoot, slander not your thoughts
With glorious untruth; I know 'twas from you.
_Amb._ Sir, I say, 'twas in my head.
_Sup._ Ay, like your brains then,
Ne'er to come out as long as you lived.
_Amb._ You'd have the honour on't, forsooth, that your wit
Led him to the scaffold.
_Sup._ Since it is my due,
I'll publish't, but I'll ha't in spite of you.
_Amb._ Methinks, y'are much too bold; you should a little
Remember us, brother, next to be honest duke.
_Sup._ Ay, it shall be as easy for you to be duke
As to be honest; and that's never, i' faith. [_Aside._
_Amb._ Well, cold he is by this time; and because
We're both ambitious, be it our amity,
And let the glory be shared equally.
_Sup._ I am content to that.
_Amb._ This night our younger brother shall out of prison:
I have a trick.
_Sup._ A trick! prythee, what is't?
_Amb._ We'll get him out by a wile.
_Sup._ Prythee, what wile?
_Amb._ No, sir; you shall not know it, till it be done;
For then you'd swear 'twere yours.
_Enter an_ Officer.
_Sup._ How now, what's he?
_Amb._ One of the officers.
_Sup._ Desired news.
_Amb._ How now, my friend?
_Off._ My lords, under your pardon, I am allotted
To that desertless office, to present you
With the yet bleeding head--
_Sup._ Ha, ha! excellent.
_Amb._ All's sure our own: brother, canst weep, think'st thou?
'Twould grace our flattery much; think of some dame;
'Twill teach thee to dissemble.
_Sup._ I have thought;--now for yourself.
_Amb._ Our sorrows are so fluent,
Our eyes o'erflow our tongues; words spoke in tears
Are like the murmurs of the waters--the sound
Is loudly heard, but cannot be distinguished.
_Sup._ How died he, pray?
_Off._ O, full of rage and spleen.
_Sup._ He died most valiantly, then; we're glad to hear it.
_Off._ We could not woo him once to pray.
_Amb._ He showed himself a gentlemen in that:
Give him his due.
_Off._ But, in the stead of prayer,
He drew forth oaths.
_Sup._ Then did he pray, dear heart,
Although you understood him not?
_Off._ My lords,
E'en at his last, with pardon be it spoke,
He cursed you both.
_Sup._ He cursed us? 'las, good soul!
_Amb._ It was not in our powers, but the duke's pleasure.
Finely dissembled a both sides, sweet fate;
O happy opportunity! [_Aside._
_Enter_ LUSSURIOSO.
_Lus._ Now, my lords.
_Amb. and Sup._ O!--
_Lus._ Why do you shun me, brothers?
You may come nearer now:
The savour of the prison has forsook me.
I thank such kind lords as yourselves, I'm free.
_Amb._ Alive!
_Sup._ In health!
_Amb._ Released!
We were both e'en amazed with joy to see it.
_Lus._ I am much to thank to you.
_Sup._ Faith, we spared no tongue unto my lord the duke.
_Amb._ I know your delivery, brother,
Had not been half so sudden but for us.
_Sup._ O, how we pleaded!
_Lus._ Most deserving brothers!
In my best studies I will think of it. [_Exit._
_Amb._ O death and vengeance!
_Sup._ Hell and torments!
_Amb._ Slave, cam'st thou to delude us?
_Off._ Delude you, my lords?
_Sup._ Ay, villain, where's his head now?
_Off._ Why here, my lord;
Just after his delivery, you both came
With warrant from the duke to behead your brother.
_Amb._ Ay, our brother, the duke's son.
_Off._ The duke's son, my lord, had his release before you came.
_Amb._ Whose head's that, then?
_Off._ His whom you left command for, your own brother's.
_Amb._ Our brother's? O furies.
_Sup._ Plagues!
_Amb._ Confusions!
_Sup._ Darkness!
_Amb._ Devils!
_Sup._ Fell it out so accursedly?
_Amb._ So damnedly?
_Sup._ Villain, I'll brain thee with it.
_Off._ O my good lord!
_Sup._ The devil overtake thee!
_Amb._ O fatal!
_Sup._ O prodigious to our bloods!
_Amb._ Did we dissemble?
_Sup._ Did we make our tears women for thee?
_Amb._ Laugh and rejoice for thee?
_Sup._ Bring warrant for thy death?
_Amb._ Mock off thy head?
_Sup._ You had a trick: you had a wile, forsooth.
_Amb._ A murrain meet 'em; there's none of these wiles that ever come
to good: I see now, there's nothing sure in mortality, but mortality.
Well, no more words: shalt be revenged, i' faith.
Come, throw off clouds; now, brother, think of vengeance,
And deeper-settled hate; sirrah, sit fast,
We'll pull down all, but thou shalt down at last.
[_Exeunt._
ACT THE FOURTH.
SCENE I.--_The precincts of the Palace._
_Enter_ LUSSURIOSO _with_ HIPPOLITO.
_Lus._ Hippolito!
_Hip._ My lord,
Has your good lordship aught to command me in?
_Lus._ I prythee, leave us!
_Hip._ How's this? come and leave us!
_Lus._ Hippolito!
_Hip._ Your honour, I stand ready for any duteous employment.
_Lus._ Heart! what mak'st thou here?
_Hip._ A pretty lordly humour!
He bids me be present to depart; something
Has stung his honour.
_Lus._ Be nearer; draw nearer:
Ye're not so good, methinks; I'm angry with you.
_Hip._ With me, my lord? I'm angry with myself for't.
_Lus._ You did prefer a goodly fellow to me:
'Twas wittily elected; 'twas. I thought
He had been a villain, and he proves a knave--
To me a knave.
_Hip._ I chose him for the best, my lord:
'Tis much my sorrow, if neglect in him
Breed discontent in you.
_Lus._ Neglect! 'twas will. Judge of it.
Firmly to tell of an incredible act,
Not to be thought, less to be spoken of,
'Twixt my step-mother and the bastard; oh!
Incestuous sweets between 'em.
_Hip._ Fie, my lord!
_Lus._ I, in kind loyalty to my father's forehead,
Made this a desperate arm; and in that fury
Committed treason on the lawful bed,
And with my sword e'en rased my father's bosom,
For which I was within a stroke of death.
_Hip._ Alack! I'm sorry. 'Sfoot, just upon the stroke,
Jars in my brother; 'twill be villainous music.
[_Aside._
_Enter_ VENDICE, _disguised._
_Ven._ My honoured lord.
_Lus._ Away! prythee, forsake us: hereafter we'll not know thee.
_Ven._ Not know me, my lord! your lordship cannot choose.
_Lus._ Begone, I say: thou art a false knave.
_Ven._ Why, the easier to be known, my lord.
_Lus._ Pish! I shall prove too bitter, with a word
Make thee a perpetual prisoner,
And lay this iron age upon thee.
_Ven._ Mum!
For there's a doom would make a woman dumb.
Missing the bastard--next him--the wind's come about:
Now 'tis my brother's turn to stay, mine to go out.
[_Aside. Exit._
_Lus._ He has greatly moved me.
_Hip._ Much to blame, i' faith.
_Lus._ But I'll recover, to his ruin. 'Twas told me lately,
I know not whether falsely, that you'd a brother.
_Hip._ Who, I? yes, my good lord, I have a brother.
_Lus._ How chance the court ne'er saw him? of what nature?
How does he apply his hours?
_Hip._ Faith, to curse fates
Who, as he thinks, ordained him to be poor--
Keeps at home, full of want and discontent.
_Lus._ There's hope in him; for discontent and want
Is the best clay to mould a villain of. [_Aside._
Hippolito, wish him repair to us:
If there be ought in him to please our blood,
For thy sake we'll advance him, and build fair
His meanest fortunes; for it is in us
To rear up towers from cottages.
_Hip._ It is so, my lord: he will attend your honour;
But he's a man in whom much melancholy dwells.
_Lus._ Why, the better; bring him to court.
_Hip._ With willingness and speed:
Whom he cast off e'en now, must now succeed.
Brother, disguise must off;
In thine own shape now I'll prefer thee to him:
How strangely does himself work to undo him!
[_Aside. Exit._
_Lus._ This fellow will come fitly; he shall kill
That other slave, that did abuse my spleen,
And made it swell to treason. I have put
Much of my heart into him; he must die.
He that knows great men's secrets, and proves slight,[221]
That man ne'er lives to see his beard turn white.
Ay, he shall speed him: I'll employ the brother;
Slaves are but nails to drive out one another.
He being of black condition, suitable
To want and ill-content, hope of preferment
Will grind him to an edge.
_Enter_ Nobles.
_1st Noble._ Good days unto your honour.
_Lus._ My kind lords, I do return the like.
_2nd Noble._ Saw you my lord the duke?
_Lus._ My lord and father! is he from court?
_1st Noble._ He's sure from court;
But where--which way his pleasure took, we know not,
Nor can we hear on't.
_Lus._ Here come those should tell.
Saw you my lord and father?
_3rd Noble._ Not since two hours before noon, my lord,
And then he privately rode forth.
_Lus._ O, he's rid forth.
_1st Noble._ 'Twas wondrous privately.
_2nd Noble._ There's none i' th' court had any knowledge on't.
_Lus._ His grace is old and sudden: 'tis no treason
To say the duke, my father, has a humour,
Or such a toy about him; what in us
Would appear light, in him seems virtuous.
_3rd Noble._ 'Tis oracle, my lord. [_Exeunt._
SCENE II.--_An Apartment in the Palace._
_Enter_ VENDICE, _out of his disguise, and_ HIPPOLITO.
_Hip._ So, so, all's as it should be, y'are yourself.
_Ven._ How that great villain puts me to my shifts!
_Hip._ He that did lately in disguise reject thee,
Shall, now thou art thyself, as much respect thee.
_Ven._ 'Twill be the quainter fallacy. But, brother,
'Sfoot, what use will he put me to now, think'st thou?
_Hip._ Nay, you must pardon me in that: I know not.
He has some employment for you: but what 'tis,
He and his secretary (the devil) know best.
_Ven._ Well, I must suit my tongue to his desires,
What colour soe'er they be; hoping at last
To pile up all my wishes on his breast.
_Hip._ Faith, brother, he himself shows the way.
_Ven._ Now the duke is dead, the realm is clad in clay.
His death being not yet known, under his name
The people still are governed. Well, thou his son
Art not long-lived: thou shalt not joy his death.
To kill thee, then, I should most honour thee;
For 'twould stand firm in every man's belief,
Thou'st a kind child, and only died'st with grief.
_Hip._ You fetch about well; but let's talk in present.
How will you appear in fashion different,
As well as in apparel, to make all things possible?
If you be but once tripped, we fall for ever.
It is not the least policy to be doubtful;
You must change tongue: familiar was your first.
_Ven._ Why, I'll bear me in some strain of melancholy,
And string myself with heavy-sounding wire,
Like such an instrument, that speaks merry things sadly.
_Hip._ Then 'tis as I meant;
I gave you out at first in discontent.
_Ven._ I'll tune myself, and then--
_Hip._ 'Sfoot, here he comes. Hast thought upon't?
_Ven._ Salute him; fear not me.
_Enter_ LUSSURIOSO.
_Lus._ Hippolito!
_Hip._ Your lordship--
_Lus._ What's he yonder?
_Hip._ 'Tis Vendice, my discontented brother,
Whom, 'cording to your will, I've brought to court.
_Lus._ Is that thy brother? Beshrew me, a good presence;
I wonder he has been from the court so long.
Come nearer.
_Hip._ Brother! Lord Lussurioso, the duke's son.
_Lus._ Be more near to us; welcome; nearer yet.
_Ven._ How don you? gi' you good den.
[_Takes off his hat and bows._
_Lus._ We thank thee.
How strangely such a coarse homely salute
Shows in the palace, where we greet in fire,
Nimble and desperate tongues! should we name
God in a salutation, 'twould ne'er be stood on;--Heaven!
Tell me, what has made thee so melancholy?
_Ven._ Why, going to law.
_Lus._ Why, will that make a man melancholy?
_Ven._ Yes, to look long upon ink and black buckram. I went me to
law in _anno quadragesimo secundo_, and I waded out of it in _anno
sexagesimo tertio_.
_Lus._ What, three-and-twenty years in law?
_Ven._ I have known those that have been five-and-fifty, and all about
pullen[222] and pigs.
_Lus._ May it be possible such men should breathe,
To vex the terms so much?
_Ven._ 'Tis food to some, my lord. There are old men at the present,
that are so poisoned with the affectation of law-words (having had
many suits canvassed), that their common talk is nothing but Barbary
Latin. They cannot so much as pray but in law, that their sins may be
removed with a writ of error, and their souls fetched up to Heaven with
a sasarara.[223]
_Lus._ It seems most strange to me;
Yet all the world meets round in the same bent:
Where the heart's set, there goes the tongue's consent.
How dost apply thy studies, fellow?
_Ven._ Study? why, to think how a great rich man lies a-dying, and a
poor cobbler tolls the bell for him. How he cannot depart the world,
and see the great chest stand before him; when he lies speechless,
how he will point you readily to all the boxes; and when he is past
all memory, as the gossips guess, then thinks he of forfeitures and
obligations; nay, when to all men's hearings he whurls and rattles in
the throat, he's busy threatening his poor tenants. And this would last
me now some seven years' thinking, or thereabouts. But I have a conceit
a-coming in picture upon this; I draw it myself, which, i' faith, la,
I'll present to your honour; you shall not choose but like it, for your
honour shall give me nothing for it.
_Lus._ Nay, you mistake me, then,
For I am published bountiful enough.
Let's taste of your conceit.
_Ven._ In picture, my Lord?
_Lus._ Ay, in picture.
_Ven._ Marry, this it is--"A usuring father to be boiling in hell, and
his son and heir with a whore dancing over him."
_Hip._ He has pared him to the quick. [_Aside._
_Lus._ The conceit's pretty, i' faith;
But, take't upon my life, 'twill ne'er be liked.
_Ven._ No? why I'm sure the whore will be liked well enough.
_Hip._ Aye, if she were out o' the picture, he'd like her then himself.
[_Aside._
_Ven._ And as for the son and heir, he shall be an eyesore to no young
revellers, for he shall be drawn in cloth-of-gold breeches.
_Lus._ And thou hast put my meaning in the pockets,
And canst not draw that out? My thought was this:
To see the picture of a usuring father
Boiling in hell--our rich men would never like it.
_Ven._ O, true, I cry you heartily mercy,
I know the reason, for some of them had rather
Be damned in deed than damned in colours.
_Lus._ A parlous melancholy! he has wit enough
To murder any man, and I'll give him means. [_Aside._
I think thou art ill-moneyed?
_Ven._ Money! ho, ho!
'T has been my want so long, 'tis now my scoff:
I've e'en forgot what colour silver's of.
_Lus._ It hits as I could wish. [_Aside._
_Ven._ I get good clothes
Of those that dread my humour; and for table-room
I feed on those that cannot be rid of me.
_Lus._ Somewhat to set thee up withal.
[_Gives him money._
_Ven._ O mine eyes!
_Lus._ How now, man?
_Ven._ Almost struck blind;
This bright unusual shine to me seems proud;
I dare not look till the sun be in a cloud.
_Lus._ I think I shall affect[224] his melancholy,
How are they now?
_Ven._ The better for your asking.
_Lus._ You shall be better yet, if you but fasten
Truly on my intent. Now y'are both present,
I will unbrace such a close private villain
Unto your vengeful swords, the like ne'er heard of,
Who hath disgraced you much, and injured us.
_Hip._ Disgraced us, my lord?
_Lus._ Ay, Hippolito.
I kept it here till now, that both your angers
Might meet him at once.
_Ven._ I'm covetous
To know the villain.
_Lus._ You know him: that slave-pander,
Piato, whom we threatened last
With irons in perpetual 'prisonment.
_Ven._ All this is I. [_Aside._
_Hip._ Is't he, my lord?
_Lus._ I'll tell you; you first preferred him to me.
_Ven._ Did you, brother?
_Hip._ I did indeed.
_Lus._ And the ungrateful villain,
To quit that kindness, strongly wrought with me--
Being, as you see, a likely man for pleasure--
With jewels to corrupt your virgin sister.
_Hip._ O villain!
_Ven._ He shall surely die that did it.
_Lus._ I, far from thinking any virgin harm,
Especially knowing her to be as chaste
As that part which scarce suffers to be touched--
The eye--would not endure him.
_Ven._ Would you not, my lord?
'Twas wondrous honourably done.
_Lus._ But with some fine frowns kept him out.
_Ven._ Out, slave!
_Lus._ What did me he, but in revenge of that,
Went of his own free will to make infirm
Your sister's honour (whom I honour with my soul
For chaste respect) and not prevailing there
(As 'twas but desperate folly to attempt it),
In mere spleen, by the way, waylays your mother,
Whose honour being a coward as it seems,
Yielded by little force.
_Ven._ Coward indeed!
_Lus._ He, proud of this advantage (as he thought),
Brought me this news for happy. But I, Heaven forgive me for't!--
_Ven._ What did your honour?
_Lus._ In rage pushed him from me,
Trampled beneath his throat, spurned him, and bruised:
Indeed I was too cruel, to say troth.
_Hip._ Most nobly managed!
_Ven._ Has not Heaven an ear? is all the lightning wasted?
[_Aside._
_Lus._ If I now were so impatient in a modest cause,
What should you be?
_Ven._ Full mad: he shall not live
To see the moon change.
_Lus._ He's about the palace;
Hippolito, entice him this way, that thy brother
May take full mark of him.
_Hip._ Heart! that shall not need, my lord:
I can direct him so far.
_Lus._ Yet for my hate's sake,
Go, wind him this way. I'll see him bleed myself.
_Hip._ What now, brother? [_Aside._
_Ven._ Nay, e'en what you will--y'are put to't, brother.
[_Aside._
_Hip._ An impossible task, I'll swear,
To bring him hither, that's already here.
[_Aside and Exit._
_Lus._ Thy name? I have forgot it.
_Ven._ Vendice, my lord.
_Lus._ 'Tis a good name that.
_Ven._ Ay, a revenger.
_Lus._ It does betoken courage; thou shouldst be valiant,
And kill thine enemies.
_Ven._ That's my hope, my lord.
_Lus._ This slave is one.
_Ven._ I'll doom him.
_Lus._ Then I'll praise thee.
Do thou observe me best, and I'll best raise thee.
_Re-enter_ HIPPOLITO.
_Ven._ Indeed, I thank you.
_Lus._ Now, Hippolito, where's the slave-pander?
_Hip._ Your good lordship
Would have a loathsome sight of him, much offensive.
He's not in case now to be seen, my lord.
The worst of all the deadly sins is in him--
That beggarly damnation, drunkenness.
_Lus._ Then he's a double slave.
_Ven._ 'Twas well conveyed upon a sudden wit.
[_Aside._
_Lus._ What, are you both
Firmly resolved? I'll see him dead myself.
_Ven._ Or else let not us live.
_Lus._ You may direct your brother to take note of him.
_Hip._ I shall.
_Lus._ Rise but in this, and you shall never fall.
_Ven._ Your honour's vassals.
_Lus._ This was wisely carried. [_Aside._
Deep policy in us makes fools of such:
Then must a slave die, when he knows too much.
[_Exit._
_Ven._ O thou almighty patience! 'tis my wonder
That such a fellow, impudent and wicked,
Should not be cloven as he stood;
Or with a secret wind burst open!
Is there no thunder left: or is't kept up
In stock for heavier vengeance? [_Thunder_] there it goes!
_Hip._ Brother, we lose ourselves.
_Ven._ But I have found it;
'Twill hold, 'tis sure; thanks, thanks to any spirit,
That mingled it 'mongst my inventions.
_Hip._ What is't?
_Ven._ 'Tis sound and good; thou shalt partake it;
I'm hired to kill myself.
_Hip._ True.
_Ven._ Prythee, mark it;
And the old duke being dead, but not conveyed,
For he's already missed too, and you know
Murder will peep out of the closest husk--
_Hip._ Most true.
_Ven._ What say you then to this device?
If we dressed up the body of the duke?
_Hip._ In that disguise of yours?
_Ven._ Y'are quick, y' have reached it.
_Hip._ I like it wondrously.
_Ven._ And being in drink, as you have published him.
To lean him on his elbow, as if sleep had caught him,
Which claims most interest in such sluggy men?
_Hip._ Good yet; but here's a doubt;
We, thought by the duke's son to kill that pander,
Shall, when he is known, be thought to kill the duke.
_Ven._ Neither, O thanks! it is substantial:
For that disguise being on him which I wore,
It will be thought I, which he calls the pander, did kill the duke,
and fled away in his apparel, leaving him so disguised to avoid swift
pursuit.
_Hip._ Firmer and firmer.
_Ven._ Nay, doubt not, 'tis in grain: I warrant it holds colour.
_Hip._ Let's about it.
_Ven._ By the way, too, now I think on't, brother,
Let's conjure that base devil out of our mother.
[_Exeunt._
SCENE III.--_A Corridor in the Palace._
_Enter the_ DUCHESS, _arm in arm with_ SPURIO, _looking lasciviously
on her. After them, enter_ SUPERVACUO, _with a rapier, running;_
AMBITIOSO _stops him._
_Spu._ Madam, unlock yourself;
Should it be seen, your arm would be suspected.
_Duch._ Who is't that dares suspect or this or these?
May not we deal our favours where we please?
_Spu._ I'm confident you may.
[_Exeunt_ DUCHESS _and_ SPURIO.
_Amb._ 'Sfoot, brother, hold.
_Sup._ Wouldst let the bastard shame us?
_Amb._ Hold, hold, brother! there's fitter time than now.
_Sup._ Now, when I see it!
_Amb._ 'Tis too much seen already.
_Sup._ Seen and known;
The nobler she's, the baser is she grown.
_Amb._ If she were bent lasciviously (the fault
Of mighty women, that sleep soft)--O death!
Must she needs choose such an unequal sinner,
To make all worse?--
_Sup._ A bastard! the duke's bastard! shame heaped on shame!
_Amb._ O our disgrace!
Most women have small waists the world throughout;
But their desires are thousand miles about.
_Sup._ Come, stay not here, let's after, and prevent,
Or else they'll sin faster than we'll repent. [_Exeunt._
SCENE IV.--_A Room in_ GRATIANA'S _House._
_Enter_ VENDICE _and_ HIPPOLITO, _bringing out_ GRATIANA _by the
shoulders, and with daggers in their hands._
_Ven._ O thou, for whom no name is bad enough!
_Gra._ What mean my sons? what, will you murder me?
_Ven._ Wicked, unnatural parent!
_Hip._ Fiend of women!
_Gra._ O! are sons turned monsters? help!
_Ven._ In vain.
_Gra._ Are you so barbarous to set iron nipples
Upon the breast that gave you suck?
_Ven._ That breast
Is turned to quarled[225] poison.
_Gra._ Cut not your days for't! am not I your mother?[226]
_Ven._ Thou dost usurp that title now by fraud,
For in that shell of mother breeds a bawd.
_Gra._ A bawd! O name far loathsomer than hell!
_Hip._ It should be so, knew'st thou thy office well.
_Gra._ I hate it.
_Ven._ Ah! is't possible? thou only? Powers on high,
That women should dissemble when they die!
_Gra._ Dissemble!
_Ven._ Did not the duke's son direct
A fellow of the world's condition hither,
That did corrupt all that was good in thee?
Made thee uncivilly forget thyself,
And work our sister to his lust?
_Gra._ Who, I?
That had been monstrous. I defy that man
For any such intent! none lives so pure,
But shall be soiled with slander. Good son, believe it not.
_Ven._ O, I'm in doubt,
Whether I am myself, or no--[_Aside._
Stay, let me look again upon this face.
Who shall be saved, when mothers have no grace?
_Hip._ 'Twould make one half despair.
_Ven._ I was the man.
Defy me now; let's see, do't modestly.
_Gra._ O hell unto my soul!
_Ven._ In that disguise, I, sent from the duke's son,
Tried you, and found you base metal,
As any villain might have done.
_Gra._ O, no,
No tongue but yours could have bewitched me so.
_Ven._ O nimble in damnation, quick in tune!
There is no devil could strike fire so soon:
I am confuted in a word.
_Gra._ O sons, forgive me! to myself I'll prove more true;
You that should honour me, I kneel to you.
[_Kneels and weeps._
_Ven._ A mother to give aim to her own daughter![227]
_Hip._ True, brother; how far beyond nature 'tis.
_Ven._ Nay, an you draw tears once, go you to bed;
We will make iron blush and change to red.
Brother, it rains. 'Twill spoil your dagger: house it.
_Hip._ 'Tis done.
_Ven._ I' faith, 'tis a sweet shower, it does much good.
The fruitful grounds and meadows of her soul
Have been long dry: pour down, thou blessed dew!
Rise, mother; troth, this shower has made you higher!
_Gra._ O you Heavens! take this infectious spot out of my soul,
I'll rinse it in seven waters of mine eyes!
Make my tears salt enough to taste of grace.
To weep is to our sex naturally given:
But to weep truly, that's a gift from Heaven.
_Ven._ Nay, I'll kiss you now. Kiss her, brother:
Let's marry her to our souls, wherein's no lust,
And honourably love her.
_Hip._ Let it be.
_Ven._ For honest women are so seld and rare,
'Tis good to cherish those poor few that are.
O you of easy wax! do but imagine
Now the disease has left you, how leprously
That office would have clinged unto your forehead!
All mothers that had any graceful hue
Would have worn masks to hide their face at you:
It would have grown to this--at your foul name,
Green-coloured maids would have turned red with shame.
_Hip._ And then our sister, full of hire and baseness--
_Ven._ There had been boiling lead again,
The duke's son's great concubine!
A drab of state, a cloth-o'-silver slut,
To have her train borne up, and her soul trail i' the dirt!
_Hip._ Great, to be miserably great; rich, to be eternally wretched.
_Ven._ O common madness!
Ask but the thrivingest harlot in cold blood,
She'd give the world to make her honour good.
Perhaps you'll say, but only to the duke's son
In private; why she first begins with one,
Who afterward to thousands prove a whore:
"Break ice in one place, it will crack in more."
_Gra._ Most certainly applied!
_Hip._ O brother, you forget our business.
_Ven._ And well-remembered; joy's a subtle elf,
I think man's happiest when he forgets himself.
Farewell, once dry, now holy-watered mead;
Our hearts wear feathers, that before wore lead.
_Gra._ I'll give you this--that one I never knew
Plead better for and 'gainst the devil than you.
_Ven._ You make me proud on't.
_Hip._ Commend us in all virtue to our sister.
_Ven._ Ay, for the love of Heaven, to that true maid.
_Gra._ With my best words.
_Ven._ Why, that was motherly said.[228]
[_Exeunt_ VENDICE _and_ HIPPOLITO.
_Gra._ I wonder now, what fury did transport me!
I feel good thoughts begin to settle in me.
O, with what forehead can I look on her,
Whose honour I've so impiously beset?
And here she comes--
_Enter_ CASTIZA.
_Cas._ Now, mother, you have wrought with me so strongly
That what for my advancement, as to calm
The trouble of your tongue, I am content.
_Gra._ Content, to what?
_Cas._ To do as you have wished me;
To prostitute my breast to the duke's son;
And put myself to common usury.
_Gra._ I hope you will not so!
_Cas._ Hope you I will not?
That's not the hope you look to be saved in.
_Gra._ Truth, but it is.
_Cas._ Do not deceive yourself;
I am as you, e'en out of marble wrought.
What would you now? are ye not pleased yet with me?
You shall not wish me to be more lascivious
Than I intend to be.
_Gra._ Strike not me cold.
_Cas._ How often have you charged me on your blessing
To be a cursèd woman? When you knew
Your blessing had no force to make me lewd,
You laid your curse upon me: that did more,
The mother's curse is heavy; where that fights,
Suns set in storm, and daughters lose their lights.
_Gra._ Good child, dear maid, if there be any spark
Of heavenly intellectual fire within thee,
O, let my breath revive it to a flame!
Put not all out with woman's wilful follies.
I am recovered of that foul disease,
That haunts too many mothers; kind, forgive me,
Make me not sick in health! If then
My words prevailed, when they were wickedness,
How much more now, when they are just and good?
_Cas._ I wonder what you mean! are not you she,
For whose infect persuasions I could scarce
Kneel out my prayers, and had much ado
In three hours' reading to untwist so much
Of the black serpent as you wound about me?
_Gra._ 'Tis unfruitful, child, and tedious to repeat
What's past; I'm now your present mother.
_Cas._ Tush! now 'tis too late.
_Gra._ Bethink again: thou know'st not what thou say'st.
_Cas._ No! deny advancement? treasure? the duke's son?
_Gra._ O, see! I spoke those words, and now they poison me!
What will the deed do then?
Advancement? true; as high as shame can pitch!
For treasure; who e'er knew a harlot rich?
Or could build by the purchase of her sin
An hospital to keep her bastards in?
The duke's son! O, when women are young courtiers,
They are sure to be old beggars;
To know the miseries most harlots taste,
Thou'dst wish thyself unborn, when thou art unchaste.
_Cas._ O mother, let me twine about your neck,
And kiss you, till my soul melt on your lips!
I did but this to try you.
_Gra._ O, speak truth!
_Cas._ Indeed I did but; for no tongue has force
To alter me from honest.
If maidens would, men's words could have no power;
A virgin's honour is a crystal tower
Which (being weak) is guarded with good spirits;
Until she basely yields, no ill inherits.
_Gra_, O happy child! faith, and thy birth hath saved me.
'Mong thousand daughters, happiest of all others:
Be thou a glass for maids, and I for mothers.
[_Exeunt._
ACT THE FIFTH.
SCENE I._--A Room in the Lodge. The_ DUKE'S _corpse, dressed in_
VENDICE'S _disguise, lying on a couch._
_Enter_ VENDICE _and_ HIPPOLITO.
_Ven._ So, so, he leans well; take heed you wake him not, brother.
_Hip._ I warrant you my life for yours.
_Ven._ That's a good lay, for I must kill myself.
Brother, that's I, that sits for me: do you mark it? And I must stand
ready here to make away myself yonder. I must sit to be killed, and
stand to kill myself. I could vary it not so little as thrice over
again; 't has some eight returns, like Michaelmas term.[229]
_Hip._ That's enow, o' conscience.
_Ven._ But, sirrah, does the duke's son come single?
_Hip._ No; there's the hell on't: his faith's too feeble to go alone.
He brings flesh-flies after him, that will buzz against supper-time,
and hum for his coming out.
_Ven._ Ah, the fly-flap of vengeance beat 'em to pieces! Here was
the sweetest occasion, the fittest hour, to have made my revenge
familiar with him; show him the body of the duke his father, and how
quaintly he died, like a politician, in hugger-mugger,[230] made no
man acquainted with it; and in catastrophe slay him over his father's
breast. O, I'm mad to lose such a sweet opportunity!
_Hip._ Nay, tush! prythee, be content! there's no remedy present; may
not hereafter times open in as fair faces as this?
_Ven._ They may, if they can paint so well.
_Hip._ Come now: to avoid all suspicion, let's forsake this room, and
be going to meet the duke's son.
_Ven._ Content: I'm for any weather. Heart! step close: here he comes.
_Enter_ LUSSURIOSO.
_Hip._ My honoured lord!
_Lus._ O me! you both present?
_Ven._ E'en newly, my lord, just as your lordship entered now: about
this place we had notice given he should be, but in some loathsome
plight or other.
_Hip._ Came your honour private?
_Lus._ Private enough for this; only a few
Attend my coming out.
_Hip._ Death rot those few! [_Aside._
_Lus._ Stay, yonder's the slave.
_Ven._ Mass, there's the slave, indeed, my lord.
'Tis a good child: he calls his father a slave! [_Aside._
_Lus._ Ay, that's the villain, the damned villain.
Softly. Tread easy.
_Ven._ Pah! I warrant you, my lord, we'll stifle in
our breaths.
_Lus._ That will do well:
Base rogue, thou sleepest thy last; 'tis policy
To have him killed in's sleep; for if he waked,
He would betray all to them.
_Ven._ But, my lord--
_Lus._ Ha, what say'st?
_Ven._ Shall we kill him now he's drunk?
_Lus._ Ay, best of all.
_Ven._ Why, then he will ne'er live to be sober.
_Lus._ No matter, let him reel to hell.
_Ven._ But being so full of liquor, I fear he will put out all the fire.
_Lus._ Thou art a mad beast.
_Ven._ And leave none to warm your lordship's golls[231] withal; for he
that dies drunk falls into hell-fire like a bucket of water--qush, qush!
_Lus._ Come, be ready: nake[232] your swords: think of your wrongs;
this slave has injured you.
_Ven._ Troth, so he has, and he has paid well for't.
_Lus._ Meet with him now.
_Ven._ You'll bear us out, my lord?
_Lus._ Pooh! am I a lord for nothing, think you? quickly now!
_Ven._ Sa, sa, sa, thump [_Stabs the_ DUKE'S _corpse_]--there he lies.
_Lus._ Nimbly done.--Ha! O villains! murderers!
'Tis the old duke, my father.
_Ven._ That's a jest.
_Lus._ What stiff and cold already!
O, pardon me to call you from your names:
'Tis none of your deed. That villain Piato,
Whom you thought now to kill, has murdered
And left him thus disguised.
_Hip._ And not unlikely.
_Ven._ O rascal! was he not ashamed
To put the duke into a greasy doublet?
_Lus._ He has been stiff and cold--who knows how long?
_Ven._ Marry, that I do. [_Aside._
_Lus._ No words, I pray, of anything intended.
_Ven._ O my lord.
_Hip._ I would fain have your lordship think that we have small reason
to prate.
_Lus._ Faith, thou say'st true; I'll forthwith send to court
For all the nobles, bastard, duchess; tell,
How here by miracle we found him dead,
And in his raiment that foul villain fled.
_Ven._ That will be the best way, my lord,
To clear us all; let's cast about to be clear.
_Lus._ Ho! Nencio, Sordido, and the rest!
_Enter all of them._
_1st Ser._ My lord.
_2nd Ser._ My lord.
_Lus._ Be witnesses of a strange spectacle.
Choosing for private conference that sad room,
We found the duke my father gealed in blood.
_1st Ser._ My lord the duke! run, hie thee, Nencio.
Startle the court by signifying so much.
_Ven._ Thus much by wit a deep revenger can,
When murder's known, to be the clearest man.
We're farthest off, and with as bold an eye
Survey his body as the standers-by. [_Aside._
_Lus._ My royal father, too basely let blood
By a malevolent slave!
_Hip._ Hark! he calls thee slave again. [_Aside._
_Ven._ He has lost: he may. [_Aside._
_Lus._ O sight! look hither, see, his lips are gnawn
With poison.
_Ven._ How! his lips? by the mass, they be.
O villain! O rogue! O slave! O rascal!
_Hip._ O good deceit! he quits him with like terms.
[_Aside._
_Amb._ [_Within._] Where?
_Sup._ [_Within._] Which way?
_Enter_ AMBITIOSO _and_ SUPERVACUO, _with_ Nobles _and_ Gentlemen.
_Amb._ Over what roof hangs this prodigious comet
In deadly fire?
_Lus._ Behold, behold, my lords, the duke my father's murdered by a
vassal that owes this habit, and here left disguised.
_Enter_ DUCHESS _and_ SPURIO.
_Duch._ My lord and husband!
_1st Noble._ Reverend majesty!
_2nd Noble._ I have seen these clothes often attending on him.
_Ven._ That nobleman has been' i' th' country, for he does not lie.
[_Aside._
_Sup._ Learn of our mother; let's dissemble too:
I am glad he's vanished; so, I hope, are you.
_Amb._ Ay, you may take my word for't.
_Spu._ Old dad dead!
I, one of his cast sins, will send the Fates
Most hearty commendations by his own son;
I'll tug in the new stream, till strength be done.
_Lus._ Where be those two that did affirm to us,
My lord the duke was privately rid forth?
_1st Gent._ O, pardon us, my lords; he gave that charge--
Upon our lives, if he were missed at court,
To answer so; he rode not anywhere;
We left him private with that fellow here.
_Ven._ Confirmed. [_Aside._
_Lus._ O Heavens! that false charge was his death.
Impudent beggars! durst you to our face
Maintain such a false answer? Bear him straight
To execution.
_1st Gent._ My lord!
_Lus._ Urge me no more in this!
The excuse may be called half the murder.
_Ven._ You've sentenced well. [_Aside._
_Lus._ Away; see it be done.
_Ven._ Could you not stick? See what confession doth!
Who would not lie, when men are hanged for truth?
[_Aside._
_Hip._ Brother, how happy is our vengeance! [_Aside._
_Ven._ Why, it hits past the apprehension of
Indifferent wits. [_Aside._
_Lus._ My lord, let post-horses be sent
Into all places to entrap the villain.
_Ven._ Post-horses, ha, ha! [_Aside._
_1st Noble._ My lord, we're something bold to know our duty.
Your father's accidentally departed;
The titles that were due to him meet you.
_Lus._ Meet me! I'm not at leisure, my good lord.
I've many griefs to despatch out o' the way.
Welcome, sweet titles!--[_Aside._
Talk to me, my lords,
Of sepulchres and mighty emperors' bones;
That's thought for me.
_Ven._ So one may see by this
How foreign markets go;
Courtiers have feet o' the nines, and tongues o' the twelves;
They flatter dukes, and dukes flatter themselves. [_Aside._
_2nd Noble._ My lord, it is your shine must comfort us.
_Lus._ Alas! I shine in tears, like the sun in April.
_1st Noble._ You're now my lord's grace.
_Lus._ My lord's grace! I perceive you'll have it so.
_2nd Noble._ 'Tis but your own.
_Lus._ Then, Heavens, give me grace to be so!
_Ven._ He prays well for himself. [_Aside_.
_1st Noble._ Madam, all sorrows
Must run their circles into joys. No doubt but time
Will make the murderer bring forth himself.
_Ven._ He were an ass then, i' faith. [_Aside_.
_1st Noble._ In the mean season,
Let us bethink the latest funeral honours
Due to the duke's cold body. And withal,
Calling to memory our new happiness
Speed in his royal son: lords, gentlemen,
Prepare for revels.
_Ven._ Revels! [_Aside._
_1st Noble._ Time hath several falls.
Griefs lift up joys: feasts put down funerals.
_Lus._ Come then, my lords, my favour's to you all.
The duchess is suspected foully bent;
I'll begin dukedom with her banishment. [_Aside._
[_Exeunt_ LUSSURIOSO, DUCHESS, _and_ Nobles.
_Hip._ Revels!
_Ven._ Ay, that's the word: we are firm yet;
Strike one strain more, and then we crown our wit.
[_Exeunt_ VENDICE _and_ HIPPOLITO.
_Spu._ Well, have at the fairest mark--so said the duke when he begot me;
And if I miss his heart, or near about,
Then have at any; a bastard scorns to be out. [_Exit._
_Sup._ Notest thou that Spurio, brother?
_Ant._ Yes, I note him to our shame.
_Sup._ He shall not live: his hair shall not grow much longer. In this
time of revels, tricks may be set afoot. Seest thou yon new moon? it
shall outlive the new duke by much; this hand shall dispossess him.
Then we're mighty.
A mask is treason's licence, that build upon:
'Tis murder's best face, when a vizard's on. [_Exit._
_Amb._ Is't so? 'tis very good!
And do you think to be duke then, kind brother?
I'll see fair play; drop one, and there lies t'other.
[_Exit._
SCENE II.--_A Room in_ PIERO'S _House._
_Enter_ VENDICE _and_ HIPPOLITO, _with_ PIERO _and other_ Lords.
_Ven._ My lords, be all of music, strike old griefs into other countries
That flow in too much milk, and have faint livers,
Not daring to stab home their discontents.
Let our hid flames break out as fire, as lightning,
To blast this villainous dukedom, vexed with sin;
Wind up your souls to their full height again.
_Piero._ How?
_1st Lord._ Which way?
_2nd Lord._ Any way: our wrongs are such,
We cannot justly be revenged too much.
_Ven._ You shall have all enough. Revels are toward,
And those few nobles that have long suppressed you,
Are busied to the furnishing of a masque,
And do affect to make a pleasant tale on't:
The masquing suits are fashioning: now comes in
That which must glad us all. We too take pattern
Of all those suits, the colour, trimming, fashion,
E'en to an undistinguished hair almost:
Then entering first, observing the true form,
Within a strain or two we shall find leisure
To steal our swords out handsomely;
And when they think their pleasure sweet and good,
In midst of all their joys they shall sigh blood.
_Piero._ Weightily, effectually!
_3rd Lord._ Before the t'other maskers come--
_Ven._ We're gone, all done and past.
_Piero._ But how for the duke's guard?
_Ven._ Let that alone;
By one and one their strengths shall be drunk down.
_Hip._ There are five hundred gentlemen in the action,
That will apply themselves, and not stand idle.
_Piero._ O, let us hug your bosoms!
_Ven._ Come, my lords,
Prepare for deeds: let other times have words.
[_Exeunt._
SCENE III.--_Hall of State in the Palace._
_In a dumb show, the possessing_[233] _of the_ YOUNG DUKE _with all
his_ Nobles; _sounding music. A furnished table is brought forth;
then enter the_ DUKE _and his_ Nobles _to the banquet. A blazing star
appeareth._
_1st Noble._ Many harmonious hours and choicest pleasures
Fill up the royal number of your years!
_Lus._ My lords, we're pleased to thank you, though we know
'Tis but your duty now to wish it so.
_1st Noble._ That shine makes us all happy.
_3rd Noble._ His grace frowns.
_2nd Noble._ Yet we must say he smiles.
_1st Noble._ I think we must.
_Lus._ That foul incontinent duchess we have banished;
The bastard shall not live. After these revels,
I'll begin strange ones: he and the step-sons
Shall pay their lives for the first subsidies;
We must not frown so soon, else't had been now.
[_Aside._
_1st Noble._ My gracious lord, please you prepare for pleasure.
The masque is not far off.
_Lus._ We are for pleasure.
Beshrew thee, what art thou? thou mad'st me start!
Thou has committed treason. A blazing star!
_1st Noble._ A blazing star! O, where, my lord?
_Lus._ Spy out.
_2nd Noble._ See, see, my lords, a wondrous dreadful one!
_Lus._ I am not pleased at that ill-knotted fire,
That bushing, staring star. Am I not duke?
It should not quake me now. Had it appeared
Before, it I might then have justly feared;
But yet they say, whom art and learning weds,
When stars wear locks, they threaten great men's heads:
Is it so? you are read, my lords.
_1st Noble._ May it please your grace,
It shows great anger.
_Lus._ That does not please our grace.
_2nd Noble._ Yet here's the comfort, my lord: many times,
When it seems most near, it threatens farthest off.
_Lus._ Faith, and I think so too.
_1st Noble._ Beside, my lord,
You're gracefully established with the loves
Of all your subjects; and for natural death,
I hope it will be threescore years a-coming.
_Lus._ True? no more but threescore years?
_1st Noble._ Fourscore, I hope, my lord.
_2nd Noble._ And fivescore, I.
_3rd Noble._ But 'tis my hope, my lord, you shall ne'er die.
_Lus._ Give me thy hand; these others I rebuke:
He that hopes so is fittest for a duke:
Thou shalt sit next me; take your places, lords;
We're ready now for sports; let 'em set on:
You thing! we shall forget you quite anon!
_3rd Noble._ I hear 'em coming, my lord.
_Enter the Masque of revengers:_ VENDICE _and_ HIPPOLITO, _with two_
Lords.
_Lus._ Ah, 'tis well!
Brothers and bastard, you dance next in hell! [_Aside._
[_They dance; at the end they steal out their swords, and kill the
four seated at the table. Thunder._
_Ven._ Mark, thunder!
Dost know thy cue, thou big-voiced crier?
Dukes' groans are thunder's watchwords.
_Hip._ So, my lords, you have enough.
_Ven._ Come, let's away, no lingering.
_Hip._ Follow! go! [_Exeunt except_ VENDICE.
_Ven._ No power is angry when the lustful die;
When thunder claps, heaven likes the tragedy. [_Exit._
_Lus._ O, O!
_Enter the Masque of intended murderers:_ AMBITIOSO, SUPERVACUO,
SPURIO, _and a_ Lord, _coming in dancing._ LUSSURIOSO _recovers a
little in voice, groans, and calls_, "A guard! treason!" _at which
the_ Dancers _start out of their measure, and, turning towards the
table, find them all to be murdered._
_Spu._ Whose groan was that?
_Lus._ Treason! a guard!
_Amb._ How now? all murdered!
_Sup._ Murdered!
_3rd. Lord._ And those his nobles?
_Amb._ Here's a labour saved;
I thought to have sped him. 'Sblood, how came this?
_Spu._ Then I proclaim myself; now I am duke.
_Amb._ Thou duke! brother, thou liest.
_Spu._ Slave! so dost thou. [_Kills_ AMBITIOSO.
_3rd Lord._ Base villain! hast thou slain my lord and master?
[_Stabs_ SPURIO.
_Re-enter_ VENDICE _and_ HIPPOLITO _and the two_ Lords.
_Ven._ Pistols! treason! murder! Help! guard my lord the duke!
_Enter_ ANTONIO _and_ Guard.
_Hip._ Lay hold upon this traitor.
_Lus._ O!
_Ven._ Alas! the duke is murdered.
_Hip._ And the nobles.
_Ven._ Surgeons! surgeons! Heart! does he breathe so long?
[_Aside._
_Ant._ A piteous tragedy! able to make
An old man's eyes bloodshot.
_Lus._ O!
_Ven._ Look to my lord the duke. A vengeance throttle him!
[_Aside._
Confess, thou murderous and unhallowed man,
Didst thou kill all these?
_3rd Lord._ None but the bastard, I.
_Ven._ How came the duke slain, then?
_3rd Lord._ We found him so.
_Lus._ O villain!
_Ven._ Hark!
_Lus._ Those in the masque did murder us.
_Ven._ La you now, sir--
O marble impudence! will you confess now?
_3rd Lord._ 'Sblood, 'tis all false.
_Ant._ Away with that foul monster,
Dipped in a prince's blood.
_3rd Lord._ Heart! 'tis a lie.
_Ant._ Let him have bitter execution.
_Ven._ New marrow! no, I cannot be expressed.
How fares my lord the duke?
_Lus._ Farewell to all;
He that climbs highest has the greatest fall.
My tongue is out of office.
_Ven._ Air, gentlemen, air.
Now thou'lt not prate on't, 'twas Vendice murdered thee.
[_Whispers in his ear._
_Lus._ O!
_Ven._ Murdered thy father. [_Whispers._
_Lus._ O! [_Dies._
_Ven._ And I am he--tell nobody: [_Whispers_] So, so, the duke's departed.
_Ant._ It was a deadly hand that wounded him.
The rest, ambitious who should rule and sway
After his death, were so made all away.
_Ven._ My lord was unlikely--
_Hip._ Now the hope
Of Italy lies in your reverend years.
_Ven._ Your hair will make the silver age again,
When there were fewer, but more honest men.
_Ant._ The burthen's weighty, and will press age down;
May I so rule, that Heaven may keep the crown!
_Ven._ The rape of your good lady has been quitted
With death on death.
_Ant._ Just is the law above.
But of all things it put me most to wonder
How the old duke came murdered!
_Ven._ O my lord!
_Ant._ It was the strangeliest carried: I've not heard of the like.
_Hip._ 'Twas all done for the best, my lord.
_Ven._ All for your grace's good. We may be bold to speak it now,
'Twas somewhat witty carried, though we say it--
'Twas we two murdered him.
_Ant._ You two?
_Ven._ None else, i' faith, my lord. Nay, 'twas well-managed.
_Ant._ Lay hands upon those villains!
_Ven._ How! on us?
_Ant._ Bear 'em to speedy execution.
_Ven._ Heart! was't not for your good, my lord?
_Ant._ My good! Away with 'em: such an old man as he!
You, that would murder him, would murder me.
_Ven._ Is't come about?
_Hip._ 'Sfoot, brother, you begun.
_Ven._ May not we set as well as the duke's son?
Thou hast no conscience, are we not revenged?
Is there one enemy left alive amongst those?
'Tis time to die, when we're ourselves our foes:
When murderers shut deeds close, this curse does seal 'em:
If none disclose 'em, they themselves reveal 'em!
This murder might have slept in tongueless brass
But for ourselves, and the world died an ass.
Now I remember too, here was Piato
Brought forth a knavish sentence once;
No doubt (said he), but time
Will make the murderer bring forth himself.
'Tis well he died; he was a witch.
And now, my lord, since we are in for ever,
This work was ours, which else might have been slipped!
And if we list, we could have nobles clipped,
And go for less than beggars; but we hate
To bleed so cowardly: we have enough,
I' faith, we're well, our mother turned, our sister true,
We die after a nest of dukes. Adieu! [_Exeunt._
_Ant._ How subtlely was that murder closed![234]
Bear up
Those tragic bodies: 'tis a heavy season;
Pray Heaven their blood may wash away all treason!
[_Exit._
NOTES.
[1] See J. A. Symonds' _Shakespeare's Predecessors_, chap. xii., for a
definition and description of this dramatic genus.
[2] This play will be included in another volume of the Mermaid Series.
[3] It ought, perhaps, to be mentioned that the remarks which follow
are adapted in part from an essay on Webster published in my _Italian
By-ways_.
[4] Readers of this volume who are anxious to obtain more light upon
Webster's art, must be referred to Lamb's notes in the _Specimens from
English Dramatic Poets_, to Mr. Swinburne's article on John Webster
in _The Nineteenth Century_ for June, 1886, and to my own essay upon
_Vittoria Accoramboni_ in _Italian By-ways_ (Smith and Elder, 1883).
The text adopted for Webster's two tragedies is that of Dyce's edition.
His arrangement of scenes has been followed, except in the case of
the _Vittoria Corombona_, which Dyce left undivided. The notes, too,
are in the main extracted from the same source. With reference to
Cyril Tourneur's plays, the text of _The Atheist's Tragedy_ has been
modernised from Mr. Churton Collins's edition; that of _The Revenger's
Tragedy_ is based upon the modernised version in Hazlitt's edition of
Dodsley, collated throughout with Mr. Collins's text. Students of the
English drama owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Churton Collins for his
scholarly issue of the complete works of Tourneur.
[5] Martial, xiii. 2.
[6] Martial, iv. 87.
[7] Martial, xiii. 2.
[8] Horace, _Epod._ iii.
[9] _Epist._ i. 7.
[10] Valerius Maximus, Lib. iii. 7.
[11] Martial, x. 2.
[12] Requite.
[13] Violently dashed.
[14] Different kinds of mummy were formerly used in medicine. "Mummie
is become merchandise," says Sir Thomas Browne, "Mizraim cures wounds,
and Pharaoh is sold for balsams." _Urn-Burial._
[15] Open-work embroidery.
[16] A sounding (but not a flourish) of trumpets or other wind
instruments.
[17] Coach. Fr. _Carrosse_.
[18] _i.e._ More feathers were not dislodged from the helmets of the
combatants at the great tilting-match.--_Steevens_.
[19] Housings.
[20] It is hardly possible to mark with any certainty the
stage-business of this play. Though Brachiano, who has just withdrawn
into a "closet," appears again when Flamineo calls him (_See_ p. 15),
it would seem that the audience were to _imagine_ that a change of
scene took place here to another apartment, as Flamineo says (p. 13):
"Sister, my lord attends you in the banqueting-house."--_Dyce._
[21] Quarrel.
[22] _i.e._ Allow an adversary to aim in order to draw him on to
continue playing.
[23] The jack at bowls.
[24] Leash.
[25] A measuring instrument.
[26] Vended.
[27] A mark of good-will.
[28] The lowest menials who rode in the vehicles which carried the
domestic utensils from mansion to mansion.
[29] Flamineo's speeches are half-asides.
[30] Magnet.
[31] State journey.
[32] A prized antidote. "Andrea Racci, a physician of Florence, affirms
the pound of 16 ounces to have been sold in the apothecaries' shops
for 1,536 crowns, when the same weight of gold was only worth 148
crowns."--Chambers's _Dict._, quoted by Dyce.
[33] Haply, peradventure.
[34] Danish.
[35] See _Hamlet_, Act v. sc. 2. "This lapwing runs away with the shell
on his head."
[36] Polander.
[37] Virgil, _Æn._ i. 26.
[38] Antimony.
[39] Read perhaps "lethal."
[40] _i.e._ The motto.
[41] Ovid, _Metam._ iii. 466.
[42] Horse.
[43] Given in charge.
[44] Resident.
[45] Shoes of leather.
[46] Poulterer.
[47] "And there besyden growen trees, that beren fulle faire Apples,
and faire of colour to beholde; but whoso brekethe hem, or cuttethe hem
in two, he schalle fynde within hem Coles and Cyndres."--_Maundeville's
Travels_.
[48] _i.e._ Convinced.
[49] With which floors were formerly strewed, before the introduction
of carpets.
[50] Corrupt text.
[51] Cheat.
[52] Mule.
[53] Ovid, _Amor._ i. 8.
[54] Portuguese coins, so called from the cross on one side.
[55] Equal to sixpence.
[56] "This White Devil of Italy sets off a bad cause so speciously, and
pleads with such an innocence-resembling boldness, that we seem to see
that matchless beauty of her face which inspires such gay confidence
into her; and are ready to expect, when she has done her pleadings,
that her very judges, her accusers, the grave ambassadors who sit as
spectators, and all the court, will rise and make proffer to defend her
in spite of the utmost conviction of her guilt; as the shepherds in
Don Quixote make proffer to follow the beautiful shepherdess Marcela,
'without reaping any profit out of her manifest resolution made there
in their hearing.'
"'So sweet and lovely does she make the shame,
Which, like a canker in the fragrant rose,
Does spot the beauty of her budding name.'"
C. Lamb. (_Spec. of Eng. Dram. Poets._)
[57] Muddled up.
[58] A man famous for his power of digesting all sorts of strange food.
[59] Branded.
[60] Ingenuously.
[61] Rogue. Fr. _Gueux._
[62] A corruption of God's death.
[63] Brides formerly walked to church with their hair hanging loose
behind. Anne Bullen's was thus dishevelled when she went to the altar
with King Henry the Eighth.--_Steevens._
[64] Registered.
[65] _i.e._ Supplying borrowers with goods to be debited to them as
cash.
[66] An allusion to the tribute imposed by Edgar which led to the
extirpation of wolves in Britain.
[67] Virgil, _Æn._ vii. 312.
[68] Anticipate.
[69] Syphilis.
[70]
"Let him have Russian law for all his sins.
What's that? A hundred blows on his bare shins."
Day's _Parliament of Bees_, 1641.
[71] Two mediums for administering poison.
[72] A play upon terms of hawking.
[73] A magic glass.
[74] Squat, _i.e._ the seat or form of a hare.
[75] See _Herodotus_, lib. ii. c. 68, on the trochilus.
[76] _i.e._ Fine.
[77] This was nearly the form in which the election of a Pope was
declared to the people.
[78] Foolish.
[79] Terms of the _manège_.
[80] In the year 1598 Edward Squire was convicted of anointing the
pummel of the Queen's saddle with poison, for which he was afterwards
executed.--_Reed._
[81] Alluding to a woman's longing during pregnancy.
[82] Here the audience were to suppose that a change of scene had taken
place--that the stage now represented Brachiano's chamber: later on
Gasparo says, "For Christian charity, avoid the chamber."
[83] Rosette.
[84] Orris powder.
[85] See Pliny, Nat. Hist., viii. 27.
[86] A species of plover.
[87] Strong broth.
[88] Smother.
[89] A curtain on the stage.
[90] "I never saw anything like this dirge, except the ditty which
reminds Ferdinand of his drowned father in the Tempest. As that is of
the water, watery; so this is of the earth, earthy. Both have that
intenseness of feeling, which seems to resolve itself into the elements
which it contemplates."--C. Lamb, _Spec. of Eng. Dram. Poets_.
[91] Assured.
[92] A low term for women.
[93] Pir.
[94] This plant, respecting which many superstitions prevailed, was
said to give a loud shriek when it was torn up.
[95] Bitch-hounds.
[96] One of the fifty daughters of Danaus, the son of Belus, brother of
Ægyptus. She preserved her husband Lynceus, who afterwards slew Danaus.
[97] A French and Italian sword dance of fools.
[98] Slang for "sword."
[99] Martial ii. 91.
[100] An actor of considerable eminence, who is supposed to have
originally played the part of Brachiano. He is known to have been the
original performer of Captain Goodlack in Heywood's _Fair Maid of
the West_, of Sir John Belfare in Shirley's _Wedding_, and of Hanno
in Nabbes's _Hannibal and Scipio._ When Marlowe's _Jew of Malta_ was
revived about 1633 Perkins acted Barabas.
[101] The twelfth Lord Berkeley. "My good lord," says Massinger,
inscribing _The Renegado_ to him, "to be honoured for old nobility or
hereditary titles, is not alone proper to yourself, but to some few
of your rank, who may challenge the like privilege with you: but in
our age to vouchsafe (as you have often done) a ready hand to raise
the dejected spirits of the contemned sons of the Muses, such as would
not suffer the glorious fire of poesy to be wholly extinguished, is so
remarkable and peculiar to your lordship, that, with a full vote and
suffrage, it is acknowledged that the patronage and protection of the
dramatic poem is yours and almost without a rival."
[102] An allusion to the sport called "Running at the Ring," at which
the tilter, while riding at full speed, endeavoured to thrust the point
of his lance through, and to bear away, the ring, which was suspended
in the air.--_Dyce._
[103] A play upon the word, "tent" meaning also a roll of lint or other
bandage.
[104] A lively dance.
[105] Coaches.
[106] Behaviour.
[107] _i.e._ Ornamental, belonging to accomplishments.--_Dyce._
[108] Incontinent.
[109] The net in which he caught Mars and Venus.
[110] _i.e._ Ingenuous.
[111] As previously Antonio has been told that he must attend the
Duchess "in the gallery," it would seem that the audience were to
imagine a change of scene had taken place (_i.e._, at the exit of
Ferdinand).--_Dyce._
[112] _The Two Faithful Friends, the pleasant History of Alexander
and Lodwicke, who were so like one another, that none could know them
asunder; wherein is declared how Lodwicke married the Princesse of
Hungaria, in Alexander's name, and how each night he layd a naked sword
betweene him and the Princesse, because he would not wrong his friend,_
is reprinted from the Pepys collection in Evans's _Old Ballads_. There
was also a play written by Martin Slaughter, called _Alexander and
Lodowick.--Dyce._
[113] A cant term for the insolent bloods and vapourers of the
time--_Dyce._
[114] Another cant term.
[115] State journey.
[116] A leperous eruption.
[117] Buy new housings for his beast.
[118] Hysterics.
[119] Rascal.
[120] The lowest class of menials.
[121] Strong broths. The old receipt-books recommend "pieces of gold"
among the ingredients.--_Dyce._
[122] Compare Shakespeare:
"And shrieks, like mandrakes torn out of the earth,
That living mortals hearing them run mad."
_Romeo and Juliet_, A. iv. s. 3.
[123] Query "rapture."
[124] Substance or property.
[125] _i.e._ Foolish.
[126] Orris.
[127] Plutus.
[128] "The vexed Bermoothes" was the island of Bermuda.
[129] Francis I., who surrendered to Lannoy at the battle of Pavia.
[130] Plan.
[131] Camp.
[132] Trimmed.
[133] Dyce suggests that here the audience had to imagine a change
of scene--to the lodging of the Duchess, who is confined to certain
apartments in her own palace.
[134] Curtain.
[135] Band.
[136] Coach.
[137] "She has lived among horrors till she is become 'native and
endowed unto that element.' She speaks the dialect of despair, her
tongue has a smatch of Tartarus and the souls in bale. What are 'Luke's
iron crown,' the brazen bull of Perillus, Procrustes' bed, to the waxen
images which counterfeit death, to the wild masque of madmen, the
tomb-maker, the bell-man, the living person's dirge, the mortification
by degrees! To move a horror skilfully, to touch a soul to the quick,
to lay upon fear as much as it can bear, to wean and weary a life till
it is ready to drop, and then step in with mortal instruments to take
its last forfeit; this only a Webster can do. Writers of an inferior
genius may 'upon horror's head horrors accumulate,' but they cannot
do this. They mistake quantity for quality, they 'terrify babes with
painted devils,' but they know not how a soul is capable of being
moved; their terrors want dignity, their affrightments are without
decorum."--C. Lamb, _Spec. of Eng. Dram. Poets._
[138] This was a common superstition of the time.
[139] Fraught.
[140] Skeletons.
[141] Sugar-plums perfumed for sweetening the breath.
[142] _i.e._ Earnest.
[143] With which it was the custom to strew the floors.
[144] The quarto drops the "her."
[145] At the siege of Ostend, which is described in Borachio's speech.
[146] Appearance. This meaning passes into that of countenance.
[147] This way of description, which seems unwilling ever to leave off
weaving parenthesis within parenthesis, was brought to its height by
Sir Philip Sidney. He seems to have set the example to Shakespeare.
Many beautiful instances may be found all over the _Arcadia_.
These bountiful wits always give full measure, pressed down and
overflowing.--_Charles Lamb._
[148] Play on the double meaning--clown, leathern flagon--of the word
"jack."
[149] With the O of one in pain. An odd and tragical application of a
rule from the Latin grammar.--_Collins._
[150] Sanctified Puritan.
[151] To man is to attend or escort.
[152] Preserves, sweetmeats.
[153] A reference to Arctic voyages.
[154] In full course. A metaphor from the jousting-ground.
[155] This trick of a woman, caught with a lover, to deceive her
husband is frequently employed by the Italian novelists.
[156] An allusion, of course, to the Straits of Gibraltar, where
Hercules was supposed to have set up columns forbidding further
exploration of the ocean.
[157] _i.e._ Tangible, yielding impressions to the senses of another
person.
[158] So in _Two Noble Kinsmen_ pleurisy is used for plethora--"The
pleurisy of people."
[159] _i.e._ A farthing.
[160] See on page 263, Sebastian's exclamation, "A rape!" near end of
Act i., sc. 4.
[161] "Means" are here equivalent to voices intermediate between treble
and bass, as tenors. Collins adduces a passage from Lyly's _Galathea_
(Act v., sc. 3), where there is a similar play on words.
[162] _i.e._ A lordship, Ital. _Signoria_; Fr. _Seigneurie_.
[163] _i.e._ Bond, contract.
[164] What pretty fancies you have.
[165] Savin, an irritant poison, has long been in popular use to induce
abortion in women.
[166] Also spelt _popering_. A particular species of pear.
[167] This is obscure, but it probably refers to the Italian music
phrase _largo_.
[168] Articles of millinery: veils and headdresses.
[169] The simile is from legal documents in which one superfluous
letter might nullify a deed.
[170] A flatulent swelling of the abdomen.
[171] Too narrowly dispute the reason of an accident favourable to
myself.
[172] _i.e._ Surrender myself to justice.
[173] Play upon the word "bill," which meant in one sense a stout staff
with an iron blade at one end, like a partizan.
[174] _i.e._ Countenance.
[175] _i.e._ Arrested.
[176] Clear up the doubt conveyed in your question.
[177] Shakespeare uses this word in two senses, as "pressing business"
and "extremity."
[178] _i.e._ A subject for dissection.
[179] This is addressed to the common headsman.
[180] With a skull in his hand. That it is the skull of his mistress is
evident from the whole of the scene. He makes use of it afterwards in
Act iii.--_Collier._
[181] Luxury was the ancient term for incontinence.
[182] Years must be read _yearës_.
[183] This is not a name of syphilis, but a comparison only of it to a
mole, on account of the effects it sometimes produces in occasioning
the loss of hair.--_Pegge._
[184] Disembowelled.
[185] She means from the highest to the lowest of her sex. At this time
women of the inferior order wore hats. See Hollar's _Ornatus Muliebris
Anglicanus_, 1640.--_Hazlitt._
[186] "Set a beggar on horseback, and he'll ride a gallop."
[187] That part of a ring in which the stone is set.
[188] Old copy, "Met."
[189] Bonds.
[190] _i.e._ Sand it, to prevent it from blotting, while the ink was
wet.--_Steevens._
[191] _i.e._ Embrace.
[192] "Portico" has been suggested. But I see no reason to alter the
text. "Portion" is here that which specially belongs to the soul as its
birthright.
[193] Equivalent to hit the nail on the head, clinched the matter.
Perhaps the metaphor is derived from ringing sound.
[194] Put a thief upon the track.
[195] Novice.
[196] A corruption of "God's blood."
[197] There is no reason to omit the word "by." Vendice seems to refer
to "families called honourable," _i.e._, the children of lords.
[198] _i.e._ Next heir.
[199] Wheel of fortune.
[200] A play upon the double meaning of the word "angel," which was the
name of a gold coin.
[201] Decline, droop.
[202] Long-suffering.
[203] Embrace.
[204] Alluding to the custom of hanging hats in ancient halls upon
stags' horns.--_Steevens._
[205] This allusion to farms sold for a court-wardrobe is common in our
drama.
[206] _i.e._ Measured.
[207] _i.e._ Honesty.
[208] Decline.
[209] _i.e._ Nightdresses.
[210] Alluding to the custom of entering horses sold at fairs in a book
called the "Toll-book."
[211] Defile.
[212] Liars.
[213] Stable.
[214] Some lune or frenzy.
[215] Edits., "Impudent." The least imprudent is equivalent to the most
farsighted or wary.
[216] _i.e._ Hat.
[217] Alluding to Duns Scotus, who commented upon "The Master of the
Sentences."
[218] In the game of Primero.
[219] He imagines her to be speaking, and answers her.
[220] Embraces.
[221] Weak, treacherous.
[222] Poultry.
[223] A corruption of _certiorari_.
[224] Like.
[225] It has been suggested that _quarled_ is equivalent to
_guarelled_; and that it alludes to poison put on arrows. The sound of
the word seems to point at some synonym for _curdled_.
[226] Alluding to the 5th Commandment.
[227] _i.e._ Incite, encourage her.
[228] The reality and life of this dialogue passes any scenical
illusion I ever felt. I never read it but my ears tingle, and I feel a
hot flush spread my cheeks, as if I were presently about to "proclaim"
some such "malefactions" of myself as the brothers here rebuke in this
unnatural parent, in words more keen and dagger-like than those which
Hamlet speaks to his mother. Such power has the passion of shame, truly
personated, not only to "strike guilty creatures unto the soul," but to
"appal" even those that are "free."--_Lamb._
[229] Michaelmas term now has but four returns.
[230] In secret.
[231] Hands.
[232] _i.e._ Unsheathe.
[233] _i.e._ The installation or putting in possession.
[234] Disclosed.
FINIS.