_2. Boy._ Here are the Gentlemen.
_Cra._ O let 'em enter: now you that trust in travel,
And make sharp Beards, and little Breeches Deities,
You that inhaunce the daily price of Tooth-picks,
And hold there is no homebred happiness,
Behold a model of your minds and actions.
_Euph._ Though this be envious, yet done i'th' way of mirth,
I am content to thank ye for't.
_Con._ 'Tis well yet.
_Cra._ Let the Maske enter.
_Enter_ Onos, _his_ Unkle _and_ Tutor.
_Onos._ A pretty Taverne 'faith, of a fine structure.
_Unc._ Bear your self like a Gentleman, here's six pence,
And be sure you break no Glasses.
_Tut._ Hark ye Pupill,
Go as I taught you, hang more upon your hams,
And put your knees out bent: there, yet a little:
Now I beseech ye, be not so improvident
To forget your travelling pace, 'tis a main posture,
And to all unayr'd Gentlemen will betray you:
Play with your _Pisa_ Beard: why, where's your brush Pupill?
He must have a Brush Sir.
_Unc._ More charge yet?
_Tut._ Here, take mine,
These elements of travel he must not want Sir.
_Unc._ Ma'foy, he has had some nineteen pence in elements,
What would you more?
_Tut. Durus mehercle pater._
_Con._ What Monsieur _Onos_, the very pump of travell?
Sir, as I live you have done me the greatest kindnes,
O my fair Sir, _Lampree_, the careful Unkle
To this young hopeful issue; Monsieur _Tutor_ too,
The father to his mind; [C]ome, come, let's hug Boyes,
Why what a bunch of travel do I embrace now,
Methinks I put a Girdle about _Europe_;
How has the boy profited?
_Unc._ He has enough Sir,
If his too fiery mettle do not mar it.
_Con._ Is he not thrifty yet?
_Tut._ That's all his fault,
Too bounteous minded being under age too,
A great consumer of his stock in Pippins,
Had ever a hot stomach.
_Con._ Come hither _Onos_,
Will you love me for this fine Apple?
_Onos._ We.
_Con._ And will ye be rul'd by me sometimes?
_Onos._ 'Faith I will.
_Con._ That's a good boy.
_Unc._ Pray give not the child so much fruit,
He's of a raw Complexion.
_Euph._ You Monsieur hard eg[g]e,
Do you remember me? Do you remember
When you and your Consort travell'd through _Hungary_?
_Con._ He's in that circuit still.
_Euph._ Do you remember
The cantell of immortal Cheese ye carried with ye,
The half cold [C]abbedge in a leather Sachell,
And those invincible Eggs that would lye in your bowells
A fortnight together, and then turn to bedstaves;
Your sowre milk that would choak an _Irish_ man,
And bread was bak'd in _Cæsars_ time for the Army?
_Con._ Providence, providence.
_Tut._ The soul of travel.
_Euph._ Can the boy speak yet?
_Tut._ Yes, and as fine a Gentleman,
I thank my able knowledge, he has arriv'd at,
Only a little sparing of his Language,
Which every man of observation--
_Unc._ And of as many tongues.
_Tut._ Pray be content Sir,
You know you are for the bodily part, the Purse,
I for the magazin, the mind.
_Euph._ Come hither springall.
_On._ That in the _Almain_ Tongue signifies a Gentleman.
_Euph._ What think you of the forms of _Italy_ or _Spain_?
_Onos._ I love mine own Countrey Pippin.
_Tut._ Nobly answer'd,
Born for his Countrey first.
_Euph._ A great Philosopher:
What Horses do you prefer?
_Onos._ The white horse Sir,
There where I lye; honest and a just beast.
_Tut._ O _caput lepidum_: a Child to say this,
Are these figures for the mouths of Infants?
_Con. Onos_, what wenches?
Come, tell me true.
_On._ I cannot speak without book.
_Con._ When shall we have one, ha?
_On._ Steal me from mine Unckle,
For look you, I am broke out horribly
For want of fleshly Physick: they say I am too young,
And that 'twill spoyle my growth but could you help me?
_Con._ Meet me to morrow man, no more.
_Euph._ You think now
Ye have open'd such a shame to me of travell,
By shewing these thin Cubs: ye have honour'd us
Against your will, proclaim'd us excellent:
Three Frails of Sprats carried from Mart, to Mart,
Are as much Meat as these, to more use travell'd;
A bunch of bloted fools: me thinks your judgment
Should look abroad sometimes without your envy.
_Cra._ Such are most of you: so I take my leave,
And when you find your Womens favor fail,
Tis ten to one you'l know your self, and seek me
Upon a better Muster of your manners.
_Con._ This is not handsome Sir.
_Euph._ Pray take your pleasure,
You wound the wind as much--
_Cra._ Come you with me,
I have business for you presently: there's for your Wine,
I must confess I lost it.
_On._ Shall I steal to ye
And shall we see the Wench?
_Con._ A dainty one.
_On._ And have a dish of Pippins?
_Con._ What a peck man.
_Tut._ Will you wait Sir.
_Con._ Pray let's meet oftner Gentlemen,
I would not lose ye.
_Tut._ O sweet Sir.
_Con._ Do you think I would,
Such noted men as you?
_Onos_, _Unc. Tut._ We are your Servants. [_Exeunt._
_Euph._ That thing they would keep in everlasting nonage,
My brother for his own ends has thrust on
Upon my Mistriss, 'tis true, he shall be rich
If ever he can get that Rogue his Unkle
To let him be of years to come to inherit it,
Now what the main drift is--
_Con._ Say ye so? no more words,
I'll keep him company till he be of years,
Though it be a hundred years, but I'll discover it;
And ten to one I'll cross it too.
_Euph._ You are honest,
And I shall study still your love: farewell Sir,
For these few hours I must desire your pardon,
I have business of importance: once a day
At least I hope you'll see me: I must see you else:
So, once more ye are welcome.
_Con._ All my thanks Sir,
And when I leave to love you, life go from me. [_Exeu[n]t._
_Actus Tertius. Scæna Prima._
_Enter_ Theanor _and_ Crates.
_Cra._ Why Sir, the Kingdomes his, and no man now
Can come to _Corinth_ or from _Corinth_ go
Without his Licence; he puts up the tithes
Of every office through _Achaia_;
From Courtier to the Carter hold of him:
Our Lands, our Liberties, nay very Lives
Are shut up in his Closet, and let loose
But at his pleasure; Books, and all discourse
Have now no Patron, nor direction,
But glorified _Euphanes_: our Cups are guilty
That quench our thirsts, if not unto his health;
Oh, I could eat my heart, and fling away
My very Soul for anguish: gods, nor men
Should tollerate such disproportion.
_The._ And yet is he belov'd: whether't be virtue,
Or seeming virtue which he makes the cloak
To his ambition.
_Cra._ Be it which it will:
Your Highness is too tame, your eyes too film'd
To see this, and sit still: the Lion should not
Tremble to hear the bellowing of the Bull;
Nature excuse me, though he be my Brother,
You are my Countries Father, therefore mine:
One parallel line of Love I bend on him,
All lines of love and duty meet in you
As in their Center: therefore hear, and weigh
What I shall speak: You know the Queen your Mother
Did, from a private state your Father raise,
So all your Royalty you hold from her;
She is older than she was, therefore more doating,
And what know we but blindness of her love
(That hath from underneath the foot of fortune
Set even _Euphanes_ foot, on fortunes head)
Will take him by the hand, and cry, Leap now
Into my bed; 'tis but a trick of age;
Nothing impossible.
_The._ What do you infer on this?
_Cra._ Your pardon Sir:
With reverence to the Queen; yet why should I
Fear to speak plain what pointeth to your good?
A good old Widow is a hungry thing,
(I speak of other Widows, not of Queens.)
_The._ Speak to thy purpose.
_Cra._ I approach it: Sir,
Should young _Euphanes_ claspe the Kingdome thus,
And please the good old Lady some one night;
What might not she be wrought to put on you,
Quite to supplant your birth? neither is she
Past children as I take it.
_The. Crates_, Thou shak'st me;
Thou, that dost hate thy Brother for my love,
In my love find one; henceforth be my brother:
This Gyant I will fell beneath the earth;
I will shine out, and melt his artful wings:
_Euphanes_, from my mothers sea of favors
Spreads like a River, and runs calmly on,
Secure yet from my stormes; like a young pine
He grows up planted under a fair Oake,
Whose strong large branches yet do's shelter him,
And every Traveller admires his beauty;
But like a wind, I'l work into his crancks,
Trouble his stream, and drown all Vessels that
Ride on his Greatness: under my Mothers arms,
Like to a stealing tempest will I search,
And rend his root from her protection.
_Cra._ I, now _Theanor_ speaks like Prince _Theanor_.
_The._ But how shall we provoke him to our snares?
He has a temper malice cannot move
To exceed the bounds of judgement; he is so wise,
That we can pick no cause to affront him.
_Cra._ No?
What better than his crossing your intent?
The suit I had to ye? _Conons_ forfeit state
(Before he travel'd) for a Riot he
Hath from your Mother got restored to him:
_The._ Durst he? what is this _Conon_?
_Cra._ One that hath,
As people say, in foreign Countries pleasur'd him.
_Enter Onos, Uncle, Tutor, Neanthes, Sosicles, Eraton._
But now no more;
They have brought the Travellors I told you of,
That's the sweet youth, that is my Brothers Rivall,
That curles his head, for he has little hair,
And paints his vizor, for it is no face,
That so desires to follow you, my Lord:
Shew 'em some countenance, and it will beget
Our sport at least.
_The._ What villanous Crab-tree legs he makes!
His shins are full of true-love knots.
_Cra._ His legs were ever villanous, since I knew him.
_Era._ Faith his Uncles shanks are somewhat the better.
_Nea._ But is't possible he should believe he is not of age? why
He is 50, man, in's _Jubile_ I warrant: s'light, he
Looks older then a groat, the very stamp on's face is
Worne out with handling.
_Sos._ Why I tell you all men believe it when they hear him speak,
He utters such single matter in so infantly a voice.
_Nea._ He looks as like a fellow that I have seen accommodate
Gentlemen with Tobacco in our Theaters.
_Onos._ Most illustrious Prince.
_Era._ A pox on him, he is guelt, how he trebles!
_Onos._ I am a Gentleman a both sides.
_Tut._ He means (so't please your highness) both by Father and
Mother.
_Sos._ Thou a Gentleman? thou an Ass.
_Nea._ He is nere the farther from being a Gent. I assure you.
_Tut._ May it please your Grace, I am another,
_Nea._ He is another Ass he says, I believe him.
_Uncle._ We be three, Heroicall Prince.
_Nea._ Nay then we must have the Picture of 'em, and the Word
_nos sumus_.
_Tut._ That have travell'd all parts of the Globe together.
_Unc._ For my part, I have seen the vicissitude of fortune
before.
_Onos._ Peace _Uncle_, for though you speak a little better than I
_Nea._ 'Tis a very little, in truth.
_Onos._ Yet we must both give place, as they say to the best Speaker,
The Tutor.
_Tut._ Yet since it hath pleased your radience to decline so
low, as on us,
Poor and unworthy dunghils--
_Nea._ What a stinking knaves this!
_Tut._ Our Peregrination was nere so facilitated, as since we
enter'd the line of your gracious favor, under whose beamy
aspect, and by which infallible Mathematical compass, may we
but hereafter presume to sail, our industries have reach't
their desir'd termination and period; and we shall voluntarily
sacrifice our lives to your resplendent eyes, both the Altars
and fires of our devoted offerings.
_Onos._ Oh divine Tutor!
_Cra._ Can you hold Sir?
_Era._ He has spoken this very speech to some Whore in
_Corinth_.
_Nea._ A plague on him for a fustian Dictionary; on my
conscience this is the _Ulissean_ Traveller that sent home his
Image riding upon Elephants to the great _Mogoll_.
_Sos._ The same: his wit is so huge, nought but an Elephant
could carry him.
_Era._ So heavy you mean.
_Nea._ These three, are ev'n the fin'st one fool tripartite,
that was ere discovered.
_Sos._ Or a treatise of famine divided into three branches.
_Era._ The Prince speaks.
_The._ I thank ye for your loves; but as I told you,
I have so little means, to do for those
Few followers I have already, that
I would have none shiprack themselves, and fortune,
Upon my barren shelf: Sue to _Euphanes_.
For he is Prince, and Queen, I would have no man
Curse me in his old age.
_Cra._ Alass Sir, they desire to follow you
But a far off, the farther off the better.
_Tut._ I Sir, and't be seven mile off, so we may but follow
you, only to countenance us in the confronts and affronts,
which (according to your Highness will) we mean on all
occasions to put upon the Lord _Euphanes_.
_Onos._ He shall not want gibing nor jeering, I warrant him, if
he do, I'l forswear wit.
_Nea._ It has forsworn thee, I'l swear, it is the ancient enemy
to thy house.
_The._ Well, be it so; I here receive ye; for my followers a
great way off.
_Nea._ Seven miles, my Lord, no further.
_Onos._ By what time, Sir, (by this measure) may I come to
follow him in his Chamber?
_Nea._ Why when his Chamber, Sir, is seven miles long.
_Enter Euphanes, Conon, Page, Gent. Attendants._
_Gent._ Make way there for my Lord _Euphanes_.
_Cra._ Look Sir, _Jove_ appears,
The Peacock of our State, that spreads a train
Brighter than _Iris_ blushes after rain.
_Euph._ You need not thank me _Conon_, in your love
You Antidated what I can do for you,
And I, in gratitude, was bound to this,
And am to much more: and what ere he be
Can with unthankfulness assoile me, let him
Dig out mine eyes, and sing my name in verse,
In Ballad verse, at every drinking house,
And no man be so charitable to lend me
A Dogg to guide my steps.
_Nea._ Haile to _Euphanes_.
_Sos._ Mighty _Euphanes_.
_Era._ The great Prince _Euphanes_.
_Tut._ Key of the Court, and Jewell of the Queen.
_Unc. Sol_ in our Firmament.
_Onos._ Pearl in the States eye.
_Nea._ Being a black man.
_Era._ Mistress of the Land.
_Nea._ Our humble, humble poor Petitions are,
That we may hold our places.
_All._ May we?
_Euph._ Yes; be you malicious knaves still; and you fools.
_Con._ This is the Princes, and your brothers spight.
_Euph._ I know't, but will not know it.
_Con._ Yonder they are.
Who's fine child's this?
_Unc._ Sir.
_Ones._ Unckle le'be,
Let him alone, he is a mighty Prince.
_Euph._ I ask your Highness pardon: I protest
By _Jupiter_ I saw you not.
_The._ Humh, it may be so,
You have rais'd such mountaines 'twixt your eyes and me,
That I am hidden quite: what do ye mean Sir?
You much forget your self.
_Euph._ I should much more,
Not to remember my due duty to your Grace;
I know not wherein I have so transgress'd
My service to your Highness, to deserve
This rigour and contempt, not from you only
But from your followers, with the best of whom
I was an equal in my lowest ebbe:
Beseech you Sir, respect me as a Gentleman,
I will be never more in heart to you:
Five fair Descents I can derive my self,
From Fathers worthy both in Arts and Armes.
I know your goodness companies your greatness
But that you are perverted: Royal Sir,
I am your humblest subject, use your pleasure,
But do not give protection to the wrongs
Of these subordinate Slaves, whom I could crush
By that great destined favor, which my Mistris
And your majestick Mother deignes to me,
But in respect of you: I know lean envy
Waites ever on the steps of virtue advanc'd:
But why your Mothers grace gets me disgrace,
Or renders me a slave to bear these wrongs
I do not know.
Oh Mediocrity,
Thou prizeless jewel, only mean men have
But cannot value; like the precious Jem,
Found in the Mukhill by the ignorant Cock.
_The._ Your creamy words, but cozen: how durst you
Intercept me so lately to my Mother?
And what I meant your Brother, you obtain'd
Unto the forfeitoe again.
_Cra._ Your answer to that my Lord, my Brother.
_Euph._ May I perish
If ere I heard you intended such a suit,
Though 'twould have stuck an ignominious brand
Upon your Highness, to have given your servant
A Gentlemans whole state of worth and quality,
Confiscate only for a youthful brawle.
_The._ Your rudiments are too sawcy: teach your Page.
_Con._ I, so are all things but your flatterers.
_Onos._ Hold you your prating.
_Con._ You know where you are, you fleeten face.
_Euph._ Yet Sir, to appease and satisfie your anger.
Take what you please from me, and give it him
In lieu of this: you shall not take it neither,
I freely will impart it, half my state,
Which Brother if you please--
_Cra._ Ile starve in Chains first,
Eat my own armes.
_Euph._ Oh that you saw your self:
You ne'r made me such offer in my poorness,
And 'cause (to do you ease) I sought not to you.
You thus maligne me; yet your nature must not
Corrupt mine, nor your rude examples lead me:
If mine can mend you, I shall joy; you know
I fear you not: you have seen me proved a man
In every way of fortune, 'tis my comfort
I know no more such Brothers in the World
As _Crates_ is.
_Con._ Nor I such as _Euphanes_:
The temper of an Angel reigns in thee.
_Euph._ Your Royal Mother Sir, (I had forgot)
Entreats your presence.
_The._ You have done her errand,
I may do yours. [_Exit._
_Euph._ Let it be truth my Lord.
_Con. Crates_, Ile question you for this.
_Cra._ Pish, your worst. [_Exit._
_Con._ Away you hounds after your scent.
_Onus._ Come, we'll scorn to walk to'm: now they are gone,
We'l away too. [_Exeunt._
_Con._ Why bear you this my Lord?
_Euph._ To shew the passive fortitude the best;
Vertue's a solid Rock, whereat being aym'd
The keenest darts of envy, yet unhurt
Her Marble _Heroes_ stand, built of such Bases,
Whilst they recoyle, and wound the Shooters faces.
_Enter Queen and Ladies._
_Con._ My Lord, the Queen.
_Quee._ Gentle _Euphanes_, how,
How do'st thou honest Lord? oh how I joy
To see what I have made, like a choyce Workman,
That having fram'd a Master-piece, doth reap
An universal commendation.
Princes are Gods in this. I'll build thee yet
(The good foundation so pleases me)
A story or two higher; let dogs bark,
They are fools that hold them dignified by blood,
They should be only made great that are good.
_Euph._ Oraculous Madam.
_Quee._ Sirrah, I was thinking
If I should marry thee, what merry tales
Our neighbour Islands would make of us;
But let that pass, you have a Mistriss
That would forbid our Banes: troth I have wish'd
A thousand times that I had been a man,
Than I might sit a day with thee alone,
And talk,
But as I am I must not; there's no skill
In being good, but in not being thought ill.
Sirrah, who's that?
_Euph._ So't please your Majesty
_Conon_, the friend I su'd for.
_Quee._ 'Tis dispatch'd.
_Con._ Gracious Madam.
I owe the gods and you my life.
_Quee._ I thank you,
I thank you heartily; and I do think you
A very honest man, he says you are:
But now I'll chide thee; what's the cause my Son,
For my eye's every where, and I have heard,
So insolently do's thee Contumelies
Past sufferance (I am told) yet you complain not,
As if my justice were so partial
As not to right the meanest: credit me,
I'll call him to a strict account, and fright,
By his example, all that dare curb me
In any thing that's just: I sent you for him.
_Euph._ Humbly he did return, he would wait on you:
But let me implore your Majesty, not to give
His Highness any check, for worthless me;
They are Court canckers, and not Counsellors
That thus inform you: they do but hate the Prince,
And would subvert me: I should curse my fortune
Even at the highest, to be made the ginne
To unscrew a Mothers love unto her Son:
Better had my pale flame in humble shades
Been spent unseen, than to be raised thus high,
Now to be thought a meteor to the State,
Portending ruine and contagion:
Beseech you then rest satisfi'd, the Prince
Is a most noble natur'd Gentleman,
And never did to me but what I took
As favors from him, my blown billowes must not
Strive 'gainst my shore, that should confine me, nor
Justle with Rocks to break themselves to pieces.
_Quee._ Well, thou'rt the composition of a god:
My Lion, Lamb, my Eaglet, and my Dove,
Whose soul runs clearer then _Dianas_ Fount,
Nature pick'd several flowers from her choyce banks
And bound them up in thee, sending thee forth
A Posie for the bosome of a Queen.
_Lady._ The Prince attends you.
_Quee._ Farewell my good Lord.
My honest man; stay, hast no other suit?
I prethee tell me; Sirrah, thine eye speaks
As if thou hadst: out with it modest fool.
_Euph._ With favor Madam, I would crave your leave
To Marry, where I am bound in gratitude,
The immediate means she was to all my Being:
Nor do I think your wisdom sacred Queen
Fetters in favors, taking from me so
The liberty that meanest men enjoy.
_Quee._ To marry? you are a fool: thou'st anger'd me:
Leave me, I'll think on't: [_Exit Euph. and Conon._
Only to try thee this, for though I love thee,
_Enter Theanor._
I can subdue my self: but she that can
Enjoy thee, doth enjoy more than a man.
Nay rise without a blessing, or kneel still:
What's Sir the reason you oppose me thus,
And seek to darken what I would have shine?
Eclipse a fire much brighter than thy self,
Making your Mother not a competent Judge
Of her own actions?
_The._ Gracious Madam, I
I have done no more than what in royalty
(And to preserve your fame) was fit to do:
Heard you the peoples talk of you, and him
You favor so, his greatness, and your love,
The pitty given to me, you would excuse me,
They prate as if he did dishonor you:
And what know I, but his own lavish tongue
Has uttered some such speeches; he is call'd
The King of _Corinth_.
_Quee._ They are traitors all:
I wear a Christal casement 'fore my heart,
Through which each honest eye may look in to't:
Let it be prospect unto all the world,
I care not this.
_The._ This must not be my way;
Your pardon gracious Madam: these incitements
Made me not shew so clear a countenance
Upon the Lord _Euphanes_ as I would:
Which since your Majesty affects so grievously
I'll clear the black cloud of it, and henceforth
Vow on this knee all love and grace to him.
_Quee._ Rise with my blessing, and to prove this true,
Bear him from me this Cabinet of Jewels
In your own person, tell him, for his marrying
He may dispose him how, and when he please. [_Exit Quee._
_The._ I shall discharge my duty and your will. _Crates?_
_Enter Crates._
_Cra._ I have heard all my Lord, how luckely
Fate pops her very spindle in our hands:
This Marriage with _Beliza_ you shall cross,
Then have I one attempt for _Lamprias_ more
Upon this _Phaeton_: where's _Merione's_ Ring,
That in the Rape you took from her?
_The._ 'Tis here.
_Cra._ In and affect our purpose; you my Lord
Shall disobey your Mothers charge, and send
This Cabinet by some servant of her own,
That what succeeds may have no reference
Unto your Highness.
_The._ On, my engine on.
_Cra._ Now, if we be not struck by Heavens own hand,
We'l ruine him, and on his ruines stand. [_Exeunt._
_Scæna Secunda._
_Enter Agenor, Leonidas, Merione, Beliza._
_A sad Song._
_Weep no more, nor sigh nor groan_
_Sorrow calls no time that's gone_
_Violets pluck'd, the sweetest raine_
_Makes not fresh nor grow again;_
_Trim thy locks, look cheerefully_
_Fates hidd' ends, eyes cannot see._
_Joyes as winged dreams fly fast_
_Why should sadness longer last._
_Grief is but a wound to woe_
_Gent'lest fair, mourne, mourne no moe._
_Ag._ These heavy Ayres feed sorrow in her Lady,
And nourish it too strongly; like a Mother
That spoiles her Child with giving on't the will.
_A lighter Song._
_Court Ladies laugh, and wonder. Here is one_
_That weeps because her Maiden head is gone_
_Whilst you do never frett, nor chafe, nor cry_
_But when too long it keeps you company,_
_Too well you know, Maids are like Towns on fire_
_Wasting themselves, if no man quench desire._
_Weep then no more fool: a new Maidenhead_
_Thou suffer'st loss of, in each chast tear shed._
_Bel._ Some lighter note.
_Leo._ How like a hill of Snow she sits, and melts
Before the unchast fire of others lust!
What heart can see her passion and not break?
_Ag._ Take comfort gentle Madam; you know well
Even actual sins committed without will,
Are neither sins nor shame, much more compell'd;
Your honor's no whit less, your Chastity
No whit impair'd, for fair _Merione_
Is more a Virgin yet then all her Sex:
Alass, 'tis done; why burne these Tapers now?
Wicked and frantick Creatures joy in night.
_Leo._ Imagine faire _Merione_ had dream'd
She had been ravish'd, would she sit thus then
Excruciate?
_Mer._ Oh.
_Bel._ Fye, fye, how fond is this!
What reason for this surfeit of remorse?
How many that have done ill and proceed,
Women that take degrees in wantonness,
Commence, and rise in rudiments of Lust,
That feel no scruple of this tenderness?
_Mer._ Pish.
_Bel._ Nor are you matchless in mishap, even I
Do bear an equal part of misery;
That love, belov'd, a man the Crown of men,
Whom I have friended, and how raised 'tis better
That all do know and speak it than my self:
When he sail'd low I might have made him mine,
Now at his full gale, it is questionable
If ever I o're-take him.
_Ag._ Wherefore sits
My _Phebe_ shawdowed in a sable cloud?
Those pearly drops which thou let's fall like beades,
Numbring on them thy vestal Orisons
Alas are spent in vain: I love thee still,
In mids't of all these showres thou sweetlier sent'st,
Like a green Meadow on an _April_ day,
In which the Sun and west-wind play together,
Striving to catch and drink the balmy drops.
_Enter Euphanes and Servant._
_Ser._ The Lord _E[u]phanes_ Madam. [_Exit Mer._
_Ag._ Poor _Merione_,
She loathes the light, and men. [_Exit._
_Euph._ The virtuous gods preserve my Mistriss.
_Bel._ O my most honor'd Lord, those times are chang'd.
_Euph._ Let times and men change, could Heaven change, _Euphanes_
Should never change, to be devoted ever
To fair _Beliza_, should my load of honors,
Or any Grace which you were Author of
Detract mine honor, and diminish Grace?
The gods forbid: you here behold your servant,
Your Creature, gentle Lady, whose sound sleeps
You purchas'd for him: whose food you paid for,
Whose garments were your charge, whose first preferment
You founded: then, what since the gracious Queen
Hath, or can rear, is upon your free Land,
And you are Mistris of.
_Bel._ Mock me not gentle Lord,
You shine now in too high a sphear for me,
We are Plannets now disjoyn'd for ever: yet
Poor superstitious innocent that I am,
Give leave that I may lift my hands, and love
Not in Idolatry, but perfect zeal:
For credit me, I repent nothing I have done,
But were it to begin would do the same.
_Euph._ There are two Seas in _Corinth_, and two Queens,
And but there, not two such in the spacious Universe;
I came to tender you the man you have made,
And like a thankful stream to retribute
All you my Ocean have enrich'd me with.
You told [me] once you'ld marry me.
_Bel._ Another mock? you were wont to play fair play,
You scorn poor helps; he that is sure to win,
May slight mean hearts, whose hand commands the Queen.
_Euph._ Let me be held the Knave through all the Stock
When I do slight my Mistris; you know well
The gracious inclination of the Queen,
Who sent me leave this morning to proceed
To marry as I saw convenience,
And a great gift of Jewels: Three days hence
The general sacrifice is done to _Vesta_,
And can you by then be accommodated
Your servant shall wait on you to the Temple.
_Bel._ Till now
I never felt a real joy indeed.
_Euph._ Here then I seal my duty, here my love,
Till which vouchsafe to wear this Ring, dear Mistris;
'Twas the Queens Token, and shall celebrate
Our Nuptialls.
_Bel._ Honour still raise, and preserve
My honor'd Lord, as he preserves all honor. [_Exit Euph._
_Enter Agenor, Leonidas, Merione._
_Ag._ Why shift you places thus _Merione_,
And will not lend a word? Could'st thou so soon
Leave sorrow as the place, how blest were I,
But 'twill not be; grief is an impudent guest,
A follower every where, a hanger on,
That words nor blows can drive away.
_Leo._ Dear Sister.
_Bel._ Who can be sad? out with these Tragick Lights,
And let day repossess her natural howres:
Tear down these blacks, cast ope' the Casements wide,
That we may jocondly behold the Sun.
I did partake with sad _Merione_
In all her mourning: let her now rejoyce
With glad _Beliza_, for _Euphanes_ is
As full of love, full of humility
As when he wanted.
_Mer._ Oh--that.
_Leo._ Help, she faints:
Her grief has broke her heart.
_Mer._ No--that--that.
_Ag._ Mistris, what point you at?
Her lamps are out, yet still she extends her hand
As if she saw something antipathous
Unto her virtuous life.
_Leo._ Still, still she points,
And her lips move, but no articulate sound
Breathes from 'em: Sister, speak, what moves you thus?
_Bel._ Her spirits return.
_Mer._ Oh, hide that fatal Ring,
Where had it you _Beliza_?
_Bel._ What hid fate
Depends on it? _Euphanes_ gave it me
As holy pledge of future Mariage.
_Mer._ Then is _Euphanes_ the foul Ravisher?
Let me speak this and dye. That dismal night
Which seal'd my shame upon me, was that Ring,
The partner of my rob'd virginity.
_Leo. Euphanes?_
_Ag._ Strange.
_Bel._ Impossible.
_Mer._ Impossible to have redress on him,
Chief servant to the Queen--ha! I have read
Somewhere I am sure, of such an injury
Done to a Lady: and how she durst dye. [_Exit._
_Ag._ Oh follow her _Beliza_.
_Bel._ To assure her,
The unlikelihood of this. [_Exit._
_Ag._ Love hides all sins.
What's to be done _Leonidas_?
_Leo._ Why this:
Amazement takes up all my faculties;
The plagues of gods and men will muster all
To avenge this tyranny. Oh frontless man,
To dare do ill, and hope to bear it thus:
First let's implore, then cure.
_Ag._ Who, who can trust
The gentle looks and words of two-fac'd man?
Like _Corinths_ double torrent, you and I
Will rush upon the Land; nor shall the Queen
Defend this Villain in his villany:
Lusts violent flames can never be withstood
Nor quench'd, but with as violent streams of blood. [_Exeunt._
_Actus Quartus. Scæna Prima._
_Enter Crates, Uncle, Tutor, and Onos._
_Ono._ Thinks he to carry her and live.
_Cra._ It seems so,
And she will carry him the story says.
_On._ Well, hum--
Have I for this thou fair but falsest fair
Stretch'd this same simple leg over the Sea?
What though my bashfulness, and tender years,
Durst ne're reveal my affection to thy teeth?
Deep love ne're tatles, and (say they) loves bit
The deeper dip'd, the sweeter still is it.
_Tut._ Oh, see the power of Love: he speaks in ryme.
_Cra._ Oh, love would make a dog howle in ryme:
Of all the Lovers yet I have heard or read
This is the strangest: but his Guardian,
And you his Tutor should inform him better,
Thinks he, that love is answer'd by instinct?
_Tut._ He should make means,
For certain Sir, his bashfulness undo's him,
For from his Cradle h'had a shameful face.
Thus walks he night and day, eats not a bit,
Nor sleeps one jot, but's grown so humerous;
Drinks Ale, and takes Tobacco as you see;
Wear's a Steeletto at his Codpeece close,
Stabs on the least occasion: stroaks his beard,
Which now he puts i'th posture of a _T._
The _Roman T._ your _T._ beard is the fashion,
And twifold doth express the enamour'd Courtier,
As full as your fork-carving Travellor.
_On._ Oh, black clouds of discontent invellop me,
Garters fly off: go Hatband, bind the browes
Of some dull Citizen that fears to ake:
And Leg appear now in simplicity
Without the tra[pp]ings of a Courtier:
Burst B[u]ttons, burst, your Bachelor is worm'd.
_Cra._ A worm-eaten Batchelor th'rt indeed.
_On._ And Devil melancholly possesses me now.
_Unc._ Cross him not in this fit I advise you Sir.
_On._ Dye crimson Rose, that didst adorn these cheeks,
For ytch of love is now broke forth on me.
_Unc._ Poor Boy, 'tis true: his wrists and hands are scabby.
_On._ Burn eyes out in your sockets, sink and stink:
Teeth I will pick ye to the very bones,
Hang hair like Hemp, or like the _Isling_ Curs,
For never Powder, nor the Crisping-iron
Shall touch these dangling locks--oh--Ruby lips,
Love hath to you been like Wine-vinegar,
Now you look wan and pale, lips, ghosts ye are,
And my disgrace sharper than Mustard-seed.
_Cra._ How like a Chaundler he do's vent his passions,
_Risum teneatis_?
_On._ Well sung the Poet,
Love is a golden _[b]ubo_, full of Dreams:
That ripen'd breaks, and fills us with extreams.
_Tut._ A gold buble, pupill, Oh gross _solæcisme_
To chaster eares that understand the _Latine_.
_On._ I will not be corrected now:
I am in love, revenge is now the Cud
That I do chaw: I'll challenge him.
_Cra._ I marry Sir.
_Unc._ Your honor bids you Nephew, on, and prosper.
_On._ But none will bear it from me, times are dangerous.
_Cra._ Carry it your self man.
_On._ Tutor, your counsel: [I'll] do nothing Sir
Without him.
_Unc._ This may rid thee, (valiant Cuz.)
Whom I have kept this forty year my Ward:
Fain would I have his state, and now of late
He did inquire at _Ephesus_ for his age,
But the Church Book being burnt with _Dian's_ Temple
He lost his ayme: I have try'd to famish him,
Marry he'll live o'th stones: and then for Poysons,
He is an Antidote 'gainst all of 'em;
He sprung from _Mithridates_; he is so dry and hot,
He will eat Spiders faster than a Monkey:
His Maw (unhurt) keeps Quicksilver like a bladder,
The largest dose of _Camphire_, _Opium_,
Harmes not his Brain; I think his Skul's as empty
As a suckt Egg; _Vitriol_ and Oyle of _Tartar_
He will eat tosts of: _Henbane_ I am sure
And _Hemlock_ I have made his Pot-herbs often.
_Cra._ If he refuse you, yours is then the honor:
If he accept, he being so great, you may
Crave both to choose the Weapon, time, and place,
Which may be ten years hence, and _Calicut_,
Or underneath the line to avoid advantage.
_On._ I am resolved.
_Tut._ By your favor Pupill,
Whence shall this challenge rise? for you must ground it
On some such fundamental base, or matter
As now the Gentry set their lives upon.
Did you ere cheat him at some Ordinary,
And durst he say so, and be angry? if thus,
Then you must challenge him: hath he call'd your whore,
Whore; though she be (beside yours) twenty mens?
Your honor, reputation is touched then,
And you must challenge him: Has he deny'd
On thirty damme's to accommodate money,
Though he have broke threescore before to you?
Here you must challenge him: Durst he ever shun
To drink two pots of Ale wi'ye? or to wench
Though weighty business otherwise importun'd?
He is a proud Lord,
And you may challenge him: Has he familiarly
Dislik'd your yellow Starch, or said your Dublet
Was not exactly frenchifi'd? or that, that report
In fair terms was untrue? or drawn your Sword,
Cry'd 'twas ill mounted? Has he given the lye
In circle, or oblique, or semi-circle,
Or direct parrallel? you must challenge him.
_On._ He never gave my direct apparrel the lye in's life.
_Tut._ But for the crown of all, Has he refus'd
To pledge your Mistris health though he were sick?
_Enter_ Neanthes _and_ Page.
And crav'd your pardon? you must challenge him,
There's no avoiding: one or both must drop.
_On._ Exquisite Tutor.
_Nean. Crates_, I have sought you long, what make you here
Fooling with these three farthings, while the Town
Is all in uproar, and the Prince our Master
(Seis'd by _Leonidas_, and _Agenor_) carried
And Prisoner kept i'the Castle, flanckes
The west part of the City, where they vow
To hold him, till your Brother, Lord _Euphanes_
Be rendr'd to 'em, with his life to satisfie
The Rape, by him suspected to _Merione_?
The Queen refuses to deliver him,
Pawning her knowledge for his innocency,
And dares 'em do their worst on Prince _Theanor_,
The whole State's in combustion.
_Cra._ Fatall Ring.
_Unc._ What will become of us?
_Nea._ And she hath given Commission to _Euphanes_
And _Conon_ (who have leavied men already)
With violence to surprize the Towre, and take 'em.
What will you do?
_Cra._ Along wi'ye, and prevent
A farther mischief: Gentlemen, our intents
We must defer: you are the Princes followers.
_Nea._ Will ye walk with us?
_Unc._ You shall pardon us.
_Tut._ We are his followers afar off you know.
And are contented to continue so.
[_Exit_ Crates _and_ Neant.
_Onos._ Sir Boy.
_Page._ Sir Fool? a Challenge to my Lord?
How dar'st thou, or thy ambs-ace here think of him,
Ye Crow-pick'd heads, which your thin shoulders bear
As does the Poles on _Corinth_ Bridge the Traitors:
Why you three Nine-pins you talk of my Lord,
And challenges? you shall not need: come draw,
His Page is able to swindge three such whelpes:
Uncle, why stand ye off: long-man advance.
_Onos._ S'light, what have we done Tutor?
_Tut._ He is a Boy,
And we may run away with honour.
_Page._ That ye shall not,
And being a Boy I am fitter to encounter
A Child in Law as you are, under twenty:
Thou sot, thou three-score Sot, and that's a Child
Again I grant you.
_Unc._ Nephew, here's an age:
Boyes are turn'd men, and men are Children.
_Page._ Away you Pezants with your bought Gentry;
Are not you he, when your fellow Passengers,
Your last transportment being assayl'd by a Galley
Hid your self i'the Cabbin: and the Fight done
Peep'd above Hatches, and cry'd, Have we taken,
Or are we tane? Come, I do want a slipper,
But this shall serve: Swear all as I would have you,
Or I will call some dozen brother Pages,
(They are not far off I am sure) and we will blancket
You untill you piss again.
_All._ Nay, we will swear Sir.
_Page._ ['Tis] your best course:
First, you shall swear never to name my Lord,
Or hear him nam'd hereafter, but bare-headed.
Next, to begin his health in every place,
And never to refuse to pledge it, though
You surfeit to the death. Lastly, to hold
The poorest, litlest Page in reverence;
To think him valianter, and a better Gentleman
Than you three stamp'd together: and to give him
Wine and Tobacco wheresoe're you meet,
And the best meat if he can stay.
_All._ We swear it loyally.
_Page._ Then I dismiss you
True Leigemen to the Pantoffle:
I had more Articles, but I have business
And cannot stay now: so adieu dear Monsieur,
_Tres noble & tres puissant_.
_Unc._ Adieu Monsieur.
_On. A vostre service & commandement._
_Tut._ I told you Pupill, you'ld repent this foolery.
_On._ Who, I repent? you are mistaken Tutor,
I ne're repented any thing yet in my life,
And scorne to begin now: Come, let's be melancholly. [_Exeunt._
_Scæna Secunda._
_Enter Queen, Euphanes, Conon, Lords._
_Lord._ 'Twere better treat with 'em.
_Quee._ I will no Treaties
With a League-breaker and a Rebell; shall I
Article with a Traitor? be compell'd
To yield an innocent unto their fury
Whom I have prov'd so to you?
_Euph._ Gracious Queen,
Though your own god-like disposition
Would succor Virtue, and protect the right,
Yet for the publick good, for the dear safety
Of your most Royal only Son, consent
To give me up the sacrifice to their malice,
My life is aym'd at, and 'twere better far
The blood of twenty thousand such as I
Purpled our Seas, [than] that your Princely Son
Should be endanger'd.
_Quee._ Still well said honest Fool,
Were their demand but one hair from thy head,
By all the gods [I'ld] scorn 'em: were they here,
The Majesty that dwels upon this brow
Should strike 'em on their knees: As for my Son,
Let 'em no more dare than they'l answer, I
An equal Mother to my Countrey, am,
And every virtuous Son of it is Son
Unto my bosome, tender as mine own.
_Con._ Oh, you are heavenly Madam, and the gods
Can suffer nothing pass to injure you:
The life that _Conon_ promis'd, he stands now
Ready to pay with joy.
_Quee._ Farewell both,
Success attend you: you have Souldiers been,
_Tam Marti quam Mercurio_: if you bring not peace
Bring me their heads.
_Con._ I will put fair for one. [_Exeunt Quee. Lords._
_Euph._ Double the Guard upon her Highness Person,
_Conon_. You must perform a friendly part,
Which I shall counsel you.
_Con._ I am your servant. [_Exeunt._
_Scæna Tertia._
_Enter Theanor, Agenor, Leonidas above._
_Leo._ Make good that Fortification, and the Watch
Keep still upon the Battlements; Royall Sir,
Weigh but our injuries, we have told you fully
The manner and the matter hales us thus;
Nor shall this upstart _Mushrum_ bred i'th night,
Sit brooding underneath your Mothers wings
His damn'd impieties.
_Ag._ For your self brave Prince,
Fear nothing that this face of arms presents:
We ask the Ravisher, and have no means
To win him from your most indulgent Mother
But by this practice.
_The._ Stout _Leonidas_,
Princely _Agenor_, your wrongs cry so loud,
That who so would condemn you is not heard:
I blame you not, who but _Euphanes_ durst
Make Stories like to this? My wrong's as strong
Aske my revengeful arm to strengthen yours:
As for my fear, know you, and _Greece_ throughout.
_Enter_ Euphanes _and_ Conon.
Our Mother was a _Spartan_ Princess born,
That never taught me to spell such a word.
_Con._ Sir, you do tempt your life.
_Euph. Conon_, no more.
Do thus as thou wouldst save it. [_Sound Trumpet within._
_Ag._ What Trumpet's this?
_Leo._ Beneath I do perceive
Two armed men, single, that [give] us summons
As they would treat.
_Ag._ Let us descend.
_Con._ My Lord,
I would you would excuse me, and proceed
According to the Queens directions.
_Euph._ Friend,
As thou wouldst wear that title after death.
_Enter below_ Theanor, Agenor, Leonidas, _and_ Soldiers.
Perform my charge: no Soldier on his life
Approach us nearer.
_Con._ Safety to both the Princes, Loyalty
To you Lord General, the Queen, your Mistriss
As well as ours, though not to fear, to cut
Civil dissention from her Land, and save
Much guiltless blood, that uprore ever thirsts,
And for the safeguard of her Son, by me
(As you demand) hath sent the Lord _Euphanes_
To plead his own cause, or to suffer death
As you shall find him worthy; so delivering
The Prince back, I shall leave him to your Guard.
_Leo._ The Queen is good and gracious: kiss her hand.
_Ag._ And seal our duties: Sir, depart in peace.
_The._ Oh Sir, you now perceive, when in the scales
Nature, and fond affection weigh together,
One poizes like a feather, and you know my Lords
What's to be done.
_Euph._ Your Highness is unarm'd,
Please you to use mine, and to lead the Army
Back to your Mother: _Conon_, march you with 'em.
_Con._ I will my Lord: But not so far as not
To bring you help if danger look upon you. [_Exit._
_Euph._ Why do you look so strangely, fearfully,
Or stay your deathful hand, be not so wise
To stop your rage: look how unmov'dly, here
I give my self my Countreys sacrifice,
An innocent sacrifice: Truth laughs at death,
And terrifies the killer more than kill'd;
Integrity thus armless seeks her foes,
And never needs the Target nor the Sword,
Bow, nor invenom'd shafts.
_Leo._ We are amaz'd,
Not at your eloquence, but impudence,
That dare thus front us.
_Ag._ Kill him, who knows not
The iron forehead that bold mischief wears.
_Leo._ Forbear a while _Agenor_, I do tremble,
And something sits like virtue in his face,
Which the gods keep.
_Euph. Agenor_, strike _Leonidas_
You that have purchas'd Fame on certain grounds,
Lose it on supposition? smear your hands
In guiltless blood, laugh at my Martyrdom:
But yet remember, when Posterity
Shall read your Volumes fill'd with virtuous acts,
And shall arrive at this black bloody leaf,
Noting your foolish barbarisms, and my wrong,
(As time shall make it plain) what follows this
Disciphering any noble deed of yours
Shall be quite lost, for men will read no more.
_Leo._ Why? dare you say you are innocent?
_Euph._ By all the gods, as they
Of this foul crime, why Gent. pry clean through my life,
Then weigh these circumstances: think you that he
Which made day night, and men to furies turn'd,
Durst not trust silence, vizors, nor her sence
That suffer'd; but with Charms and Potions
Cast her asleep, (for all this I have enquir'd)
Acted the Fable of _Proserpines_ Rape,
The place (by all description) like to Hell:
And all to perpetrate unknown his Lust,
Would fondly in his person bring a Ring,
And give it a betrothed Wife, i'th' same house
Where the poor injur'd Lady liv'd and groan'd.
_Ag._ Hell gives us Art to reach the depth of sin,
But leaves us wretched fools, when we are in.
_Euph._ Had it given me that Art, and left me so,
I would not thus into the Lions jaws
Have thrust my self (defenceless) for your good,
The Princes safety, or the Common-weals:
You know the Queen deny'd me, and sent us
Commanders to surprize you, and to raze
This Tower down, we had power enough to do it,
Or starve you, as you saw, and not to tender
My Person to your wrath, which I have done,
Knowing my heart as pure as infants sleep.
_Leo._ What think you, Sir?
_Ag._ No harm I am sure: I weep.
_Euph._ The gods are just, and mighty: but to give you
Further assurance, and to make your selves
Judges and witnesses of my innocence
Let me demand this question, On what night
Was this foul deed committed?
_Ag._ On the Eave before our Marriage meant.
_Euph. Leonidas_,
(Your rage being off, that still drowns memory)
Where was your self and I that very night,
And what our conference?
_Leo._ By the gods 'tis true:
Both in her Highness Chamber conferring
Even of this Match until an hour of day,
And then came I to call you: we are sham'd.
_Ag._ Utterly lost, and sham'd.
_Euph._ Neither be chear'd,
He that could find this out, can pardon it,
And know this Ring was sent me from the Queen,
How she came by it, yet is not enquir'd,
Deeper occurrents hang on't: and pray Heaven
That my suspitions prove as false as yours,
Which (for the World) till I have greater proof
I dare not utter what, nor whom they touch;
Only this build upon, with all my nerves
I'll labour with ye, till time waken truth.
_Ag._ There are our swords Sir, turn the points on us,
_Leo._ Punish rebellion, and revenge your wrong,
_Euph._ Sir, my revenge shall be to make your peace,
Neither was this rebellion, but rash love.
_Enter_ Conon.
_Co._ How's this? unarm'd left, now found doubly arm'd?
A[n]d those that would have slain him at his feet?
Oh Truth, thou art a mighty Conqueress:
The Queen (my Lord) perplex'd in care of you,
That, cross to her command, hazard your self
In person, here is come into the Field,
And like a Leader, marches in the head
Of all her Troops, vows that she will demolish
Each stone of this proud Tower be you not safe:
She chafes like storms in Groves, now sighs, now weeps,
And both sometimes, like Rain and Wind commixt,
Abjures her Son for ever, less himself
Do fetch you off in person, that did give
Your self to save him of your own free will,
And swears he must not, nor is [f]it to live.
_Euph._ Oh she's a Mistriss for the gods.
_Ag._ And thou a godlike servant fit for her.
_Leo._ Wide _Greece_
May boast, because she cannot boast thy like.
_Euph._ Thus _Conon_ tell her Highness.
_Co._ My joy flies.
_Eup._ Let's toward her march: stern Drum speak gentle peace.
_Leo._ We are prisoners, lead us, ne'r was known
A president like this: one unarm'd man
(Suspected) to captive with golden words
(Truth being his shield) so many arm'd with swords. [_Ex._
_Enter (at one door)_ Queen, Theanor, Crates, Conon,
Lords, Soldiers, (_at another_) Euphanes (_with
two swords_) Agenor, Leonidas, Soldiers: Euphanes
_presents_ Leonidas _on his knees to the_ Queen:
Agenor _bare-headed, makes shew of sorrow to the_
Queen, _she stamps, and seems to be angry at the
first_. Euphanes _perswades her, [layes] their swords
at her feet, she [kisses him,] gives them their
swords again, they kiss her hand and embrace, the_
Soldiers _lift up_ Euphanes, _and shout_: Theanor _and_
Crates _discovered_, Conon _whispers with_ Crates,
Euphanes _with_ Agenor, _and_ Leonidas _observes it,
who seem to promise something_, Euphanes _directs his
Page somewhat_.
[_Exeunt all but_ Theanor _and_ Crates.
_The._ We are not lucky _Crates_, this great torrent
Bears all before him.
_Cra._ Such an age as this
Shall ne'r be seen again: virtue grows fat,
And villany pines; the Furies are asleep,
Mischief 'gainst goodness aim'd, is like a stone,
Unnaturally forc'd up an eminent hill
Whose weight falls on our heads and buries us,
We springe our selves, we sink in our own bogs.
_The._ What's to be done?
_Cra._ Repent and grow good.
_The._ Pish,
'Tis not the fashion (fool) till we grow old:
The peoples love to him now scares me more
Than my fond Mothers: both which, like two floods
Bearing _Euphanes_ up; will o'rflow me,
And he is worthy, would he were in Heaven,
But that hereafter: _Crates_ help me now,
And henceforth be at ease.
_Cra._ Your Will my Lord?
_The. Beliza_ is to marry him forthwith,
I long to have the first touch of her too,
That will a little quiet me.
_Cra._ Fie Sir,
You'll be the Tyrant to Virginity;
To fall but once is manly, to persevere
Beastly, and desperate.
_The._ Cross me not, but do't:
Are not the means, the place, the instruments
The very same? I must expect you suddenly. [_Exit._
_Cra._ I must obey you.
Who is in evil once a companion
Can hardly shake him off, but must run on.
Here I appointed _Conon_ to attend
Him, and his sword: he promis'd to come single.
_Enter_ Conon _and_ Page.
To avoid prevention: he is a man on's word.
_Co._ You are well met _Crates_.
_Cra._ If we part so _Conon_.
_Co._ Come, we must do these mutual offices,
We must be our own Seconds, our own Surgeons,
And fairly fight, like men, not on advantage.
_Cra._ You have an honest bosom.
_Co._ Yours seems so.
_Cra._ Let's pair our swords: you are a just Gentleman.
_Co._ You might be so: now shake hands if you please,
Though't be the cudgel fashion, 'tis a friendly one.
_Cra._ So, stand off.
_Page._ That's my cue to beckon 'em. [_Exit._
_Co. Crates_, to expostulate your wrongs to me
Were to doubt of 'em, or wish your excuse
In words, and so return like maiden Knights:
Yet freely thus much I profess, your spleen
And rugged carriage toward your honour'd Brother
Hath much more stirred me up, than min[e] own cause,
For I did ne'r affect these bloody men,
But hold 'em fitter be made publick Hangmen:
Or Butchers call'd, than valiant Gentlemen:
'Tis true stamp'd valour does upon just grounds,
Yet for whom justlier should I expose my life
Than him, unto whose virtue I owe all.
_Cra. Conon_, you think by this great deed of yours
To insinuate your self a lodging nearer
Unto my Brothers heart: such men as you
Live on their undertakings for their Lords,
And more disable them by answering for 'em
Than if they sate still, make 'em but their whores,
For which end Gallants now adays do fight:
But here we come not to upbraid; what men
Seem, the rash world will judge; but what they are
Heaven knows: and this--Horses, we are descry'd,
One stroke for fear of laughter.
_Enter_ Euphanes, Agenor, Leonidas, Page.
_Co._ Half a score.
_Euph._ Hold, hold: on your allegiance hold.
_Ag._ He that strikes next--
_Leo._ Falls like a Traitor on our swords.
_Euph._ Oh Heaven, my Brother bleeds: _Conon_, thou art
A villain, an unthankful man, and shalt
Pay me thy bloud for his, for his is mine:
Thou wert my friend, but he is still my Brother;
And though a friend sometimes be nearer said
In some gradation it can never be
Where that same Brother can be made a friend,
Which dearest _Crates_ thus low I implore;
What in my poverty I would not seek,
Because I would not burthen you, now here
In all my height of bliss I beg of you,
Your friendship; my advancement, Sir, is yours;
I never held it strange, pray use it so:
We are but two, which Number Nature fram'd
In the most useful faculties of man,
To strengthen mutually and relieve each other:
Two eyes, two ears, two arms, two legs and feet,
That where one faild, the other might supply;
And I, your other eye, ear, your arm and leg,
Tender my service, help and succor to ye.
_Ag. Leo._ A most divine example.
_Euph._ For dear Brother,
You have been blind, and lame, and deaf to me,
Now be no more so: in humility
I give ye the duty of a younger Brother,
Which take you as a Brother, not a Father,
And then you'll pay a duty back to me.
_Cra._ Till now I have not wept these thirty years.
_Euph._ Discording Brothers, are like mutual legs
Supplanting one another: he that seeks
Aid from a stranger and forsakes his Brother,
Does but like him that madly lops his arm,
And to his body joyns a wooden one:
Cuts off his natural leg, and trusts a Crutch,
Plucks out his eye to see with Spectacles.
_Cra._ Most dear _Euphanes_, in this crimson floud
Wash my unkindness out: you have o'rcome me,
Taught me humanity and brotherhood;
Full well knew Nature thou wert fitter far
To be a Ruler o'r me than a Brother,
Which henceforth be: _Jove_ surely did descend
When thou wert gotten in some heavenly shape
And greet my Mother, as the poets tell
Of other Women.
_Ag._ Be this Holy-day.
_Leo._ And noted ever with the whitest stone.
_Co._ And pardon me my Lord, look you, I bleed
Faster than _Crates_; what I have done I did
To reconcile your loves, to both a friend,
Which my blood ciment, never to part or end.
_Ag._ Most worthy _Conon_.
_Leo._ Happy rise, this day
Contracts more good than a whole age hath done.
_Euph._ Royal _Agenor_, brave _Leonidas_,
You are main causes, and must share the fame.
_Cra._ Which in some part this hour shall requite
For I have aim'd my black shafts at white marks,
And now I'll put the clew into your hands
Shall guide ye most perspicuously to the depth
Of this dark Labyrinth, where so long ye were lost
Touching this old Rape, and a new intent.
Wherein your counsel, and your active wit
My dearest Brother will be necessary.
_Euph._ My Prophesie is come, prove my hopes true
_Agenor_ shall have right, and you no wrong,
Time now will pluck her daughter from her Cave:
Let's hence to prevent rumour; my dear Brother,
Nature's divided streams the highest shelf
Will over-run at last, and flow to it self. [_Exeunt._
_Actus Quintus. Scæna Prima._
_Enter_ Crates, Euphanes, Neanthes, Sosicles, _Eraton_.
_Euph._ I Have won the Lady to it, and that good
Which is intended to her, your faith only
And secresie must make perfect; Think not Sir,
I speak as doubting it, for I dare hazard My soul upon the tryal.
_Cra._ You may safely,
But are _Agenor_, and _Leonidas_ ready
To rush upon him in the Act, and seize him
In the height of his security?
_Euph._ At all parts as you could wish them.
_Cra._ Where's the Lady?
_Euph._ There
Where you appointed her to stay.
_Cra._ 'Tis wisely order'd.
_Euph._ Last, when you have him sure, compel him this way,
For as by accident here I'll bring the Queen
To meet you, 'twill strike greater terror to him,
To be tane unprovided of excuse,
And make more for our purposes. [_Exit._
_Cra._ Come _Neanthes_, our Fames and all are at the stake.
_Nea._ 'Tis fit that since relying on your skill, we venture
So much upon one game, you play with cunning.
_Enter_ Theanor.