_Richard Burbadge,_
_Henry Condel,_
_John Underwood,_
_Thomas Polard,_
_Nathan Feild,_
_John Lowin,_
_Nich. Toolie,_
_Tho. Holcomb._
Actus Primus. Scæna Prima.
_Enter_ Neanthes, Sosicles, Eraton.
_Era._ The General is returned then?
_Nean._ With much honour.
_Sos._ And peace concluded with the Prince of _Argos_?
_Nean._ To the Queens wishes: the conditions sign'd
So far beyond her hopes, to the advantage
Of _Corinth_, and the good of all her Subjects;
That though _Leonidas_ our brave General
Ever came home a fair and great example,
He never yet return'd, or with less loss
Or more deserved honour.
_Era._ Have you not heard
The motives to this general good?
_Nean._ The main one
Was admiration first in young _Agenor_,
(For by that name we know the Prince of _Argos_)
Of our _Leonidas_ wisdom and his valour,
Which though an enemy, first in him bred wonder;
That liking, Love succeeded that, which was
Followed by a desire to be a friend
Upon what terms soever to such goodness;
They had an enterview; and that their friendship
Might with our peace be ratified, 'twas concluded,
_Agenor_ yielding up all such strong places
As he held in our territories, should receive
(With a sufficient Dower, paid by the Queen)
The fair _Merion[e]_ for his wife.
_Era._ But how
Approves the Queen of this? since we well know
Nor was her Highness ignorant, that her Son
The Prince _Theanor_ made love to this Lady,
And in the noblest way.
_Nean._ Which she allowed of,
And I have heard from some familiar with
Her nearest secrets, she so deeply priz'd her
Being from an Infant train'd up in her service,
(Or to speak better, rather her own Creature)
She once did say, That if the Prince should steal
A Marriage without her leave, or knowledge,
With this _Merione_, with a little suit
She should grant both their pardons: whereas now
To shew her self for sooth a _Spartan_ Lady,
And that 'tis in her power, now it concerns
The common good, not alone to subdue
Her own affections, but command her Sons;
She has not only forc'd him with rough threats
To leave his Mistriss, but compell'd him when
_Agen[or]_ made his entrance into _Corinth_
To wait upon his Rival.
_Sos._ Can it be
The Prince should sit down with this wrong?
_Nean._ I know not,
I am sure I should not.
_Era._ Trust me nor I,
A Mother is a name, but put in ballance
With a young Wench 'tis nothing; where did you leave him?
_Nean._ Near _Vesta's_ Temple, for there he dismiss'd me,
And full of troubled thoughts, calling for _Crates_:
He went with him, but whither, or to what purpose
I am a stranger.
_Enter_ Theanor _and_ Crates.
_Era._ They are come back _Neanthes_.
_The._ I like the place well.
_Cra._ Well Sir? it is built
As if the Architect had been a Prophet,
And fashion'd it alone for this night's action;
The Vaults so hollow, and the Walls so strong,
As _Dian_ there might suffer violence,
And with loud shrikes in vain call _Jove_ to help her;
Or should he hear, his Thunder could not find
An entrance to it.
_The._ I give up my self
Wholly to thy direction, worthiest _Crates_;
And yet the desperate cure that we must practice
Is in it self so foul, and full of danger,
That I stand doubtful whether 'twere more manly
To dye not seeking help, or that help being
So deadly, to pursue it.
_Cra._ To those reasons
I have already urg'd, I will add these.
For but consider Sir--
_Era._ It is of weight
What e'r it be, that with such vehement action,
Of Eye, Hand, Foot, nay all his bodies motion,
_Crates_ incites the Prince to.
_Nean._ Then observe,
With what variety of passions he
Receives his reasons; now he's pale, and shakes
For fear or anger; now his natural red
Comes back again, and with a pleasing smile
He seems to entertain it; 'tis resolv'd on
Be it what 'twill: to his ends may it prosper
Though the State sink for't.
_Cra._ Now you are a Prince
Fit to rule others, and in shaking off
The Bonds in which your Mother fetters you
Discharge your debt to nature, she's your guide,
Follow her boldly, Sir.
_The._ I am confirm'd,
Fall what may fall.
_Cra._ Yet still disguise your malice
In your humility.
_The._ I am instructed.
_Cra._ Though in you[r] heart there rage a thousand tempests,
All calmness in your looks.
_The._ I shall remember.
_Cra._ And at no hand, though these are us'd as agents
Acquaint them with your purpose till the instant
That we employ them; 'tis not fit they have
Time to consider, when 'tis done, reward
Or fear will keep them silent: yet you may
Grace them as you pass by, 'twill make them surer,
And greedier to deserve you.
_The._ I'll move only
As you would have me: Good-day Gentlem[e]n;
Nay, spare this ceremonious form of duty
To him that brings love to you, equal love,
And is in nothing happier, than in knowing
It is return'd by you; we are as one.
_Sos._ I am o'r-joy'd, I know not
How to reply: but--
_Era._ Hang all buts; my Lord,
For this your bounteous favour--
_Nean._ Let me speak,
If to feed Vultures here, after the halter
Has done his part, or if there be a Hell
To take a swinge or two there, may deserve this.
_Sos._ We are ready.
_Era._ Try us any way.
_Nean._ Put us to it.
_The._ What jewels I have in you!
_Cra._ Have these souls,
That for a good look, and a few kind words
Part with their Essence?
_The._ Since you will compell me
To put that to the tryal, which I doubt not,
_Crates_, may be, suddainly will instruct you
How, and in what to shew your loves; obey him
As you would bind me to you.
_Cra._ 'Tis well-grounded;
Leave me to rear the building.
_Nean._ We will do.
_Cra._ I know it.
_Era._ Any thing you'll put us to. [_Exeunt._
_Scæna Secunda._
_Enter_ Leonidas, Merione, Beliza, Servants.
_Leo._ Sister, I reap the harvest of my labours
In your preferment, be you worthy of it,
And with an open bosom entertain
A greater fortune than my love durst hope for;
Be wise, and welcome it: play not the coy
And foolish wanton, with the offered bounties
Of him that is a Prince. I was woo'd for you,
And won _Merione_: then if you dare
Believe the object that took me was worthy,
Or trust my judgement, in me think you were
Courted, sued to, and conquer'd.
_Mer._ Noble Brother,
I have, and still esteem you as a Father,
And will as far obey you; my heart speaks it:
And yet without your anger, give me leave
To say, That in the choice of that on which
All my lifes joyes or sorrows have dependance,
It had been fit e'r you had made a full
And absolute grant of me to any other,
I should have us'd mine own eyes, or at least
Made you to understand, whether it were
Within my power to make a second gift
Of my poor self.
_Leo._ I know what 'tis you point at,
The Prince _Theanor_'s love; let not that cheat you;
His vows were but meer Courtship; all his service
But practice how to entrap a credulous Lady:
Or grant it serious, yet you must remember
He's not to love, but where the Queen his Mother
Must give allowance, which to you is barr'd up:
And therefore study to forget that ever
You cherisht such a hope.
_Mer._ I would I could.
_Leo._ But brave _Agenor_, who is come in person
To celebrate this Marriage, for your love
Forgives the forfeit of ten thousand lives,
That must have fall'n under the sword of War
Had not this peace been made; which general good
Both Countreys owe to his affection to you:
O happy Sister, ask this noble Lady
Your bosome friend (since I fail in my credit)
What palme _Agenor_'s name, above all Princes
That _Greece_ is proud of, carries, and with lustre.
_Bel._ Indeed Fame gives him out for excellent;
And friend, I doubt not but when you shall see him [_Ent. a Ser._
He'll so appear to you. Art sure 'tis he?
_Ser._ As I live Madam--
_Bel._ Virtue enable me to contain my joy.
'Tis my _Euphanes_.
_Ser._ Yes.
_Bel._ And he's in health?
_Ser._ Most certainly Madam.
_Bel._ I'll see him instantly.
So prethee tell him. [_Exit Ser._
_Mer._ I yield my self too weak
In argument to oppose you: you may lead me
Whither you please.
_Leo._ 'Tis answer'd like my Sister;
And if in him you find not ample cause
To pray for me, and daily on your knees,
Conclude I have no judgement.
_Mer._ May it prove so:
Friend, shall we have your company?
_Bel._ Two hours hence
I will not fail you.
_Leo._ At your pleasure Madam. [_Ex._ Leo. _and_ Mer.
_Enter_ Euphanes.
_Bel._ Could I in one word speak a thousand welcomes
(And hearty ones) you have 'em: Fie, my hand,
We stand at no such distance, by my life
The parting kiss you took before your travel
Is yet a Virgin on my lips, preserv'd
With as much care as I would do my fame
To entertain your wish'd return.
_Euph._ Best Lady,
That I do honour you, and with as much reason
As ever man did virtue; that I love you,
Yet look upon you with that reverence
As Holy men behold the Sun, the Stars,
The Temples, and their gods, they all can witness;
And that you have deserv'd this duty from me;
The life, and means of life, for which I owe you,
Commands me to profess it, since my fortune
Affords no other payment.
_Bel._ I had thought,
That for the trifling courtesies, as I call them,
(Though you give them another name) you had
Made ample satisfaction in th' acceptance,
And therefore did presume you had brought home
Some other Language.
_Euph._ No one I have learn'd
Yields words sufficient to express your goodness;
Nor can I ever choose another theme
And not be thought unthankful.
_Bel._ Pray you no more
As you respect me.
_Euph._ That charm is too powerful
For me to disobey it: 'Tis your pleasure,
And not my boldness Madam.
_Bel._ Good _Euphanes_,
Believe I am not one of those weak Ladies,
That (barren of all inward worth) are proud
Of what they cannot truly call their own,
Their birth or fortune, which are things without them:
Nor in this will I imitate the world,
Whose greater part of men think when they give
They purchase bondmen, not make worthy friends:
By all that's good I swear, I never thought
My great estate was an addition to me,
Or that your wants took from you.
_Euph._ There are few
So truly understanding or themselves
Or what they do possess.
_Be[l]._ Good _Euphanes_,
Where benefits
Are ill conferr'd, as to unworthy men,
That turn them to bad uses, the bestower
For wanting judgement how, and on whom to place them,
Is partly guilty: but when we do favours
To such as make them grounds on which they build
Their noble actions, there we improve our fortunes
To the most fair advantage. If I speak
Too much, though I confess I speak well,
Prethee remember 'tis a womans weakness,
And then thou wilt forgive it.
_Euph._ You speak nothing
But what would well become the wisest man:
And that by you deliver'd is so pleasing
That I could hear you ever.
_Bel._ Fly not from
Your word, for I arrest it: and will now
Express my self a little more, and prove
That whereas you profess your self my debtor,
That I am yours.
_Euph._ Your Ladyship then must use
Some Sophistry I ne'r heard of.
_Bel._ By plain reasons,
For look you, had you never sunk beneath
Your wants, or if those wants had found supply
From _Crates_, your unkind and covetous brother,
Or any other man, I then had miss'd
A subject upon which I worthily
Might exercise my bounty: whereas now
By having happy opportunity
To furnish you before, and in your travels,
With all conveniencies that you thought useful,
That Gold which would have rusted in my Coffers
Being thus imploy'd, has rendred me a partner
In all your glorious actions. And whereas
Had you not been, I should have dy'd a thing
Scarce known, or soon forgotten: there's no Trophy
In which _Euphanes_ for his worth is mentioned,
But there you have been careful to remember,
That all the good you did came from _Beliza_.
_Euph._ That was but thankfulness.
_Bel._ 'Twas such an honour,
And such a large return for the poor trash
I ventur'd with you, that if I should part
With all that I possess, and my self too
In satisfaction for it, 'twere still short
Of your deservings.
_Euph._ You o'r-prize them Madam.
_Bel._ The Queen her self hath given me gracious thanks
In your behalf, for she hath heard _Euphanes_
How gallantly you have maintain'd her honour
In all the Courts of _Greece_: and rest assur'd
(Though yet unknown) when I present you to her,
Which I will do this evening, you shall find
That she intends good to you.
_Euph._ Worthiest Lady,
Since all you labour for is the advancement
Of him that will live ever your poor servant,
He must not contradict it.
_Bel._ Here's your Brother,
'Tis strange to see him here.
_Enter_ Crates.
_Cra._ You are welcome home, Sir,
(Your pardon Madam) I had thought my house,
Considering who I am, might have been worthy
Of your first visit.
_Euph._ 'Twas not open to me
When last I saw you; and to me 'tis wonder
That absence which still renders men forgotten
Should make my presence wish'd for.
_Bel._ That's not it,
Your too kind Brother understanding that
You stand in no need of him, is bold to offer
His entertainment.
_Cra._ He had never wanted,
Or yours, or your assistance, had he practis'd
The way he might have took, to have commanded,
Whatever I call mine.
_Euph._ I studied many,
But could find none.
_Cra._ You would not find your self, Sir,
Or in your self, what was due to me from you:
The priviledge my birth bestow'd upon me
Might challenge some regard.
_Euph._ You had all the Land, Sir,
What else did you expect? and I am certain
You kept such strong Guards to preserve it yours
I could force nothing from you.
_Cra._ Did you ever
Demand help from me?
_Euph._ My wants have, and often,
With open mouths, but you nor heard, nor saw them;
May be you look'd I should petition to you
As you went to your Horse; flatter your servants,
To play the Brokers for my furtherance,
Sooth your worst humors, act the Parasite
On all occasions, write my name with theirs
That are but one degree remov'd from slaves,
Be drunk when you would have me, then wench with you,
Or play the Pander; enter into Quarrels
Although unjustly grounded, and defend them
Because they were yours; these are the tyrannies
Most younger Brothers groan beneath; yet bear them
From the insulting Heir, selling their freedoms
At a less rate than what the State allows
The sallary of base and common Strumpets:
For my part, e'r on such low terms I feed
Upon a Brothers trencher, let me dye
The Beggars death, and starve.
_Cra._ 'Tis bravely spoken,
Did what you do rank with it.
_Bel._ Why, what does he
You would not wish were yours?
_Cra._ I'll tell you Lady,
Since you rise up his Advocate, and boldly,
(For now I find, and plainly in whose favor
My Love and Service to you was neglected)
For all your wealth, nay, add to that your beauty,
And put your virtues in, if you have any,
I would not yet be pointed at, as he is,
For the fine Courtier, the womans man,
That tells my Lady stories, dissolves Riddles,
Ushers her to her Coach, lies at her feet
At solemn Masks, applauding what she laughs at;
Reads her asleep anights, and takes his oath
Upon her Pantoffles, that all excellence
In other Madams do but zany hers:
These you are perfect in, and yet these take not
Or from your birth and freedom.
_Euph._ Should another
Say this, my deeds, not looks should shew--
_Bel._ Contemn it:
His envie fains this, and he's but reporter,
Without a second, of his own dry fancies.
_Cra._ Yes Madam, the whole City speaks it with me,
And though [it may] distaste, 'tis certain you
Are brought into the scene, and with him censur'd;
For you are given out for the provident Lady,
That not to be unfurnish'd for her pleasures
(As without them to what vain use is greatness)
Have made choice of an able man, a young man
Of an _Herculean_ back to do you service,
And one you may command too, that is active,
And does what you would have him.
_Bel._ You are foul-mouth'd.
_Cra._ That can speak well, write Verses too, and good ones,
Sharp and conceited, whose wit you may lie with
When his performance fails him; one you have
Maintain'd abroad to learn new ways to please you,
And by the gods you well reward him for it,
No night (in which while you lye sick and panting)
He watches by you, but is worth a talent:
No conference in your Coach, which is not paid with
A Scarlet Suit; this the poor people mutter,
Though I believe, for I am bound to do so,
A Lady of your youth, that feeds high too,
And a most exact Lady, may do all this
Out of a virtuous love, the last bought vizard
That Leachery purchas'd.
_Euph._ Not a word beyond this,
The reverence I owe to that one womb
In which we both were embrions, makes me suffer
What's past; but if continu'd----
_Bel._ Stay your hand,
The Queen shall right my honor.
_Cra._ Let him do it,
It is but marrying him; and for your anger
Know that I slight it: when your goddess here
Is weary of your sacrifice, as she will be.
_Bel._ Be not mov'd,
I know the rancor of his disposition,
And turn it on himself by laughing at it;
And in that let me teach you.
_Euph._ I learn gladly. [_Exeunt._
_Scæna Tertia._
_Enter_ Neanthes, Sosi[cl]es, _and_ Eraton _severally_.
_Nean._ You are met unto my wishes, if you ever
Desir'd true mirth so far as to adventure
To dye with the extremity of laughter,
I come before the object that will do it;
Or let me live your fool.
_Sos._ Who is't _Neanthes_?
_Nea. Lamprias_ the Usurers Son.
_Era. Lamprias?_ the youth
Of six and fifty?
_Sos._ That was sent to travel
By rich _Beliza_, till he came to age,
And was fit for a Wife?
_Nea._ The very same,
This gallant with his Guardian, and his Tutor,
(And of the three, who is most fool I know not)
Are newly come to _Corinth_, I'll not stale them
By giving up their characters, but leave you
To make your own discoveries: here they are, Sir.
_Enter_ Onos, Uncle _and_ Tutor.
_Tutor._ That leg a little higher; very well.
Now put your Face into the Travellers posture;
Exceeding good.
_Uncle._ Do you mark how they admire him?
_Tut._ They will be all my Scholars, when they know
And understand him truly.
_Era. Ph[oe]bus_ guard me
From this new _Python_.
_Sos._ How they have trimm'd him up
Like an old Reveller!
_Nea._ Curl'd him and perfum'd him,
But that was done with judgement, for he looks
Like one that purg'd perpetually; trust me,
That Witches face of his is painted too,
And every ditch upon it buries more
Then would set off ten Bawds, and all their tenants.
_Sos._ See how it moves towards us.
_Nea._ There's a salutation:
'Troth Gentlemen, you have bestowed much travel
In training up your Pupil.
_Tut._ Sir, great buildings
Require great labours, which yet we repent not,
Since for the Countreys good we have brought home
An absolute man.
_Unc._ As any of his years,
_Corinth_ can shew you.
_Era._ He's exceeding meagre.
_Tut._ His contemplation--
_Unc._ Besides, 'tis fit
Learners should be kept hungry.
_Nea._ You all contemplate;
For three such wretched pictures of lean famine
I never saw together.
_Unc._ We have fat minds, Sir,
And travell'd to save charges. Do you think
'Twas fit a young and hopeful Gentleman
Should be brought up a glutton? he's my Ward,
Nor was there ever where I bore the bag
Any superfluous waste.
_Era._ Pray you can it speak?
_Tut._ He knows all Languages, but will use none,
They are all too big for his mouth, or else too little
T' express his great conceits: and yet of late
With some impulsion he hath set down
In a strange method by the way of question,
And briefly to all business whatsoever
That may concern a Gentleman.
_Nea._ Good Sir, let's hear him.
_Tut._ Come on, Sir.
_Nea._ They have taught him like an Ape,
To do his tricks by signs: now he begins.
_Onos._ When shall we be drunk together?
_Tut._ That's the first.
_Onos._ Where shall we whore to night?
_Unc._ That ever follows.
_Era._ 'Odds me, he now looks angry.
_Onos._ Shall we quarrel?
_Nea._ With me at no hand, Sir.
_Onos._ Then lets protest.
_Era._ Is this all?
_Tut._ These are, Sir, the four new Virtues
That are in fashion: many a mile we measur'd
Before we could arrive to this knowledge.
_Nea._ You might [h]ave spar'd that labour, for at home here
There's little else in practice: Ha? the Queen?
Good friends, for half an hour remove your motion,
To morrow willingly when we have more leasure
We'll look on him again.
_Onos._ Did I not rarely?
_Unc._ Excellent well.
_Tut._ He shall have six Plumbs for it. [_Exeunt._
_Enter_ Agenor, Leonidas, Theanor, Queen, Merione, Beliza,
Euphanes, Crates, Ladies, Attendants _with Lights_.
_Qu._ How much my Court is honour'd Princely Brother
In your vouchsafing it your long'd-for presence
Were tedious to repeat, since 'tis already
(And heartily) acknowledg'd; may the gods
That look into Kings actions, smile upon
The league we have concluded; and their justice
Find me out to revenge it, if I break
One Article.
_Age._ Great miracle of Queens,
How happy I esteem myself in being
Thought worthy to be numbred in the rank
Of your confederates, my love and best service
Shall teach the world hereafter: but this gift
With which you have confirm'd it, is so far
Beyond my hopes and means e'r to return,
That of necessity I must dye oblig'd
To your unanswer'd bounty.
_The._ The sweet Lady
In blushes gives your Highness thanks.
_Qu._ Believe it
On the Queens word, she is a worthy one,
And I am so acquainted with her goodness,
That but for this peace that hath chang'd my purpose,
And to her more advancement, I should gladly
Have call'd her Daughter.
_The._ Though I am depriv'd of
A blessing, 'tis not in the Fates to equal,
To shew my self a Subject as a Son,
Here I give up my claim, and willingly
With mine own hand deliver you what once
I lov'd above my self; and from this hour
(For my affection yields now to my duty)
Vow never to sollicite her.
_Cra._ 'Tis well cover'd;
_Neanthes,_ and the rest. [_Exeunt_ Cra. Nea. Sos. Era.
_Qu._ Nay, for this night
You must (for 'tis our Countrey fashion, Sir)
Leave her to her Devotions, in the morning
We'll bring you to the Temple.
_Leo._ How in this
Your Highness honours me?
_Mer._ Sweet rest to all.
_Age._ This kiss, and I obey you.
_Bel._ Please it your Highness,
This is the Gentleman.
_Qu._ You are welcome home, Sir,
(Now as I live, one of a promising presence)
I have heard of you before, and you shall find
I'll know you better: find out something that
May do you good, and rest assur'd to have it.
Were you at _Sparta_ lately?
_Euph._ Three daies since
Madam, I came from thence.
_Qu._ 'Tis very late,
Good night my Lord, do you Sir follow me,
I must talk further with you.
_Ag._ All rest with you. [_Exeunt._
_Enter_ Crates, Neanthes, Eraton, Sosicles _disguis'd_.
_Cra._ She must pass through this Cloyster, suddainly
And boldly seize upon her.
_Nea._ Where's the Prince?
_Cra._ He does expect us at the place I shew'd you.
_Enter_ Merione _and_ Servant.