A pleasant comedy, called A mayden-head well lost As it hath beene publickly acted at the Cocke-pit in Drury-lane, with much applause: by her Maiesties Seruants. Written by Thomas Heyvvood.

A MAYDEN-HEAD WELL LOST .

Actus primus , Scena prima . Enter Iulia and Strazo . Iulia. THat shee should doo 't ? Stroza . Shee ? Iul. May we build vpon 't ? Str. As on a base of Marble ; I haue seene Strange passages of loue , loose enterchanges Of hands and eyes betwixt her and the Prince , Madama looke too 't . Iul. What hope hath he in one So meanly bred ? or shee t' obtaine a Prince Of such discent and linnage ? Str. What but this That you must vndergoe the name of wife , And she to intercept the sweetes of loue Due to your bed . Iul. To be his strumpet Stroza ? Str. Madame a woman may guesse vnhappily . Iul. Thou shouldst be honest Stroza . Str. Yes , many should Be what they are not : but I alwayes was , And euer will be one , ( that 's still my selfe . ) Iul. The Generall Sforsaes daughter ? is 't not she ? Str. Is that yet questioned ? as if the chaste Court Had saue her selfe one so degenerate , So dissolutely wanton , so profuse In prostitution too , so impudent And blushlesse in her proud ambitious aime , As if no man could her intemperance please , Saue him whom Heauen hath destin'd to your bed . Iul. I neuer saw them yet familiar . Str. Ha , ha , as if they 'd send for you to see 't , To witnesse what they most striue to conceale , Be guld ? be branded : ' lasto me , all 's nothing , I shall ne're smart for 't , what is 't to me ? If being a Bride , you haue a widdowed fortune ; If being married , you must throw your selfe Vpon a desolate bed , and in your armes , Claspe nought but Ayre , whilst his armes full of pleasure Borrow'd from a stolne beauty , shall this grieue Or trouble me ? breake my sleepes ? make me starte At midnight vp , and fill the house with clamours ? Shall this bring strange brats to be bred and brought Vp at my fire , and call me Dad ? No : this Concernes not me more then my loue to you To your high Soueraignty . Iul. I now repent Too late , since I too lauishly haue giuen him The vtmost he could aske , and stretcht my honour Beyond all lawfull bounds of modesty . Hee 's couetous of others , and neglects His owne ; but I will part those their stolne pleasures , And crosse those lustfull sports they haue in chase , Not be the pillow to my owne disgrace . Exit . Str. The game 's on foote , and there 's an easie path To my reuenge ; this beauteous Millanois Vnto th' Duke sole heire , still courted , crau'd , And by the Parma Prince sollicited , Which I still study how to breake , and cast Aspersions betwixt both of strange dislike ; But wherein hath the other innocent Mayde So iniur'd me , that I should scandall her ? Her Father is the Generall to the Duke : For when I studdied to be rais'd by Armes , And purchase me high eminence in Campe , He crost my fortunes , and return'd me home A Cashierd Captaine ; for which iniury I scandall all his meanes vnto the Duke , And to the Princesse all his daughters vertues , I labour to inuert , and bring them both Into disgracefull hatred . Enter Prince Parma . Par. Stroza ? Str. My Lord ? Par. Saw you the Princesse ? Str. Iulia ? Par. She ? Str. I haue my Lord of late no eare of hers , Nor she a tongue of mine ; the , time hath bin Till soothing Sycophantsand Court Parasites Supplanted me . Par. I haue the power with her To bring thee into grace . Str. Haue you the power To keepe your selfe in ? doe you smile my Lord ? Par. I tell thee Stroza , I haue that interest In Iulias bosome , that the proudest Prince In Italy cannot supplant me thence . Str. Sir , Ino way question it : but haue I not knowne A Prince hath bin repulst , and meanest persons Bosom'd ? the Prince would once haue lookt vpon me , When small intreaty would haue gain'd an eye , An eare , a tongue , to speake yea , and a heart , To thinke I could be secret . Par. What meanes Stroza ? Str. But 't is the fate of all mortality : Man cannot long be happy ; but my passion Will make me turne blab , I shall out with all . Par. Whence comes this ? 't is suspicious , and I must be Inquisitiue to know 't . Str. A Iest my Lord , I 'le tell you a good Iest. Par. Prithee let 's heare it . Str. What will you say , if at your meeting next With this faire Princesse ? shee begins to raue , To raile vpon you , to exclaime on your Inconstancy , and call the innocent name Of some chaste Maide in question , whom perhaps You neuer ey'd my Lord . Par. What of all this ? Str. What but to excuse her owne : ( I 'le not say what ) Put off the purpos'd Contract : and my Lord Come , come , I know you haue a pregnant wit . Par. We parted last with all the kindest greeting Louers could adde fare-well with : but should this change Suite thy report , I should be forc't to thinke That , which cuen Oracles themselues could neuer Force me to that she is . Str. All women are not Sincerely constant , but obserue my Lord . Enter Iulia , the Generals Wife , and Lauretta her Daughter . Iul. Minion is 't you ? there 's for you , know your owne . Str. Obseru'd you that my Lord ? Inlia meets her and strikes her , then speakes . Lau. Why did you strike me Madame ? Iul. Strumpet , why ? Dare you contest with vs ? Lau. Who dare with Princesse ? subiects must forbeare Each step I treade I 'le water with a teare . Exeunt Mother and Lauretta weeping . Str. I spy a storme a comming , I le to shelter . Exit Stro. Par. Your meaning Madame ? Iul. Did it Sir with yours But correspond , it would be bad indeede . Par. Why did you strike that Lady ? Iul. Cause you should pitty her . Par. Small cause for blowes . Iul. I strucke her publickly . Par. You giue her blowes in priuate . Par. Stroza still ? Iul. Goe periurd and dispose thy false allurements 'Mongst them that will beleeue thee , thou hast lost Thy credit here for euer . Par. I shall finde Faith else-where then . Iul. Eye spread thy snares To catch poore innocent Maides : and hauing tane them In the like pit-fall , with their shipwrackt honours , Make seasure of their liues . Par. Iniurious Lady , All thou canst touch my Honour with , I cast On thee , and henceforth I will flye thee as A Basaliske . I haue found the change of lust , Your loose inconstancy , which is as plaine To me , as were it writ vpon thy brow , You shall not cast me off : I hate thy sight , And from this houre I will abiure thee quite . Exit Parma . Iul. I le call him backe : if Stroza be no villaine , He is not worth my clamour . What was that startled Within me ? Oh I am dishonoured Perpetually ; for he hath left behinde That pledge of his acquaintance , that will for euer Cleaue to my blood in scandall , I must now Sue , send , and craue , and what before I scorn'd By prayers to grant , submissiuely implore . Exit Iulia. A flourish . Enter the Duke of Millenie , the Generals wife , and deliuers apetition with Stroza , Lauretta , and attendants . Duke . Lady your suite ? Wife . So please your Grace peruse it , It is included there . Duk. Our generals Wife ? Duk. We know you Lady , and your beauteous Daughter , Nay you shall spare your knee , Str. More plot for mee ; My brain 's in labour , and must be deliuered Of some new mischeife ? Duk. You petition heere For Men and Money I making a free relation Of all your Husbands fortunes , how supplyes Haue beene delay'd , and what extremities He hath indurd at Naples dreadfull Seige ; We know them all , and withall doe acknowledge All plentious blessings by the power of Heauen , By him wee doe obtaine , and by his valour Lady we greue he hath beene so neglected . Wife . O Roiall Sir , you still were Gratious , But twixt your Vertues and his Merits there Hath beene some interception , that hath stopt The current of your fauours . Duk. All which shal bee remou'd , and hee appeare Henceforth a bright starre in our courtly spheare . Str. But no such Comet here shall daze my sight , Whilst I a Cloud am to Eclips that light Exit Stroza . Duk. We sent out our Commissions two Monthes since For Men and Money , nor was 't our intent It should bee thus delayd : though we are Prince , We onely can command , to Execute T is not in vs but in our Officers , We vnderstand that by their negligence He has beene put to much extremity Of Dearth and Famine ; many a stormy night Beene forc'd to roofe himselfe i' th open field , Nay more then this , much of his owne reuenue He hath expended , all to pay his Souldiers : Yet Reuerend Madame , but forget what 's past , Though late , wee le quit his merit at the last . Enter Iulia and Stroza whispering . Wife . Your Highnesse is most Royall ? Stro. Her Father shall be in the Campe releiu'd , She grac'd in Court , how will she braue you then ? If suffer this take all ? why the meanest Lady Would neuer brooke an equall ? you a Princesse ? And can you brooke a base competitor ? Iulia It shall not , we are fixt and stand immou'd , And will be swaid by no hand . Duk. Iulia ? Iulia. A Sutor to that Lady Royall Father , Before she be a widdow that you are So priuate in discourse ? Duk. O you mistake , For shee the sutor is and hath obtain'd . Iulia. I 'm glad I haue found you in the giuing vaine Will you grant me one boone to ? Duk. Question not , To hast your Marriage with the former Prince , Or at the least the contract , is 't not that ? Iulia. Say t were my Lord ? Duk. It could not be denide But speake ? thy suite ? Iulia. To haue this modest Gentlewoman Banisht the Court , Wife . My Daughter Royall princesse , Show vs some cause I beg it ? Iulia. Lady though You be i' th begging vaine , I am not now In the giuing , will you leaue vs ? Lauretta . Wherein O Heauen Haue I deseru'd your wrath , that you should thus Persue me ? I haue searcht , indeed beyond My vnderstanding , but yet cannot finde ? Wherein I haue offended by my chastity . Iulia. How chastitiy ? A thing long sought 'mongst Captains wiues and daughters , Yet hardly can bee found . Duk. Faier Lady yeild Vnto my daughters spleen her rage blowne 'ore , Feare not , I le make your peace , as for your suite Touching your husband , that will I secure . Iul. Haste Stroza , vnto the Prince his chamber , Giue him this letter , it concernes my honor , My state , my life , all that I can call good Depends vpon the safe deliuery Of these few broken Letters . Str. Maddam , t is done — Exit . Iul. What stayes she to out-face me ? Lau. Madam , I yeeld Way to your spleene , not knowing whence it growes , Bearing your words more heauy then your blowes . Wife . Small hope there is to see the Father righted . When the child is thus wrong'd . Enter a Souldier and Stroza . Soul . Must speake with the Duke , Str. Must fellow ? stay your howre , and dance attendance Vntill the Duke 's at leisure . Soul . I le doe neither , I come in haste with newes , Str. Why then keepe out sir. Soul . Ha Milksop ? know percullist gates Though kept with Pikes & Muskets , could nere kepe me out And dost thou thinke to shut me out with Wainscot ? Duk. What 's he ? Soul . A Souldier , Duk. Whence ? Soul . The Campe Duk. The newes ? Soul . A mighty losse ; a glorious victory Duke But which the greater ? Soul . T is vncertaine Sir : But will you heare the best or bad newes first ? Duke . Cheere me with conquest first , that being arm'd With thy best newes , we better may endure What sounds more fatall . Soul . Heare me then my Lord , We sack't the Citty after nine Moneths siege , Furnisht with store of all warres furniture , Our ( neuer to be praisd enough ) braue Generall Fought in the Cannons face , their number still Increast , but our diminisht ; their souldiers pay Doubled , and ours kept backe : but we ( braue spirits ) The losse we had of Coyne , the more we tooke Vnto our selues of Courage , but when all Our furniture was spent euen to one day , And that to morrow we must be inforc't To raise a shameful siege , then stood our General ( Our valiant Generall ) vp , and breath'd vpon vs His owne vndaunted spirit , which spred through The Campe , return'd it doubly arm'd againe : For he did meane to lay vpon one shott His state and fortune , and then instantly He bad vs arme and follow : On then he went , We after him ; oh ! 't was a glorious sight , Fit for a Theater of Gods to see , How we made vp and mauger all opposure , Made way through raging stormes of showring bullets ; At last we came to hooke our ladders , and By them to skale . The first that mounted , was Our bold couragious Generall : after him Ten thousand , so we instantly were made Lords of the Citty , purchas'd in two houres After a nine Moneths siege : all by the valour Of our approued Generall . Duke . I neuer heard a brauer victory , But what 's our losse ? Soul . Oh that , which ten such Conquests Cannot make good , your worthy Generall . Wife . My Lord and husband ? spare me passion , I must with-draw to death . Exit . Duke . How perish't he ? What dy'de he by the sword ? Soul . Sword ? No alas , No sword durst byte vpon his noble flesh , Nor bullet raze his skinne : he whom War feared , The Cannon spar'd , no steele durst venture on . No Duke , 't was thy vnkinde ingratitude Hath slaine braue Sforsa . Duke . Speake the cause ? Soul . I shall : This Citty seaz'd , his purpose was the spoyle To giue his Souldiers ; but when his seal'd Commission He had vnript , and saw expresse command , To deale no farther then to victory , And that his great Authority was curb'd , And giuen to others , that respect their profit More then the worth of souldiers : euen for griefe , That he could neither furnish vs with pay Which was kept back , nor guerdon vs with spoile , What was about him he distributed , Euen to the best deseruers , as his garments , His Armes , and Tent , then some few words spake , And so opprest with griefe , his great heart brake . Str. There 's one gone then . Duke . Attend for thy reward , So leaue vs. Soul . Pray on whom shall I attend ? Who is 't must pay me ? Str. I sir. Soul . You sir ? tell me , Will it not cost me more the waiting for , Then the summe comes to when it is receiu'd ? I doe but aske the question . Str. You are a bold And saucy souldier . Soul . You are a cunning slaue , And cowardly Courtier . Duke . See all things be dispatcht Touching conditions of attoned peace 'Twixt vs and Naples : see that souldier to Haue his reward . Soul . Come will you pay me sir ? Exit Soul . Str. Sir , will you walke : as for your saucinesse I 'le teach you a Court-tricke : you shal be taught How to attend . Duke . But that our General 's lost : Str. Is 't not now peace , what should a Generall doe ? Had he return'd , he would haue lookt for honours , This suite and that for such a follower : Now Royall sir , that debt is quite discharg'd . Duke . But for his wife , we must be mindefull of her , And see we doe so . Exit Duke . Iul. Speake , will he come ? Str. Madam , I found him ready to depart The Court with expedition : but at my vrgence He promis't you a parley . Iul. It is well : If prayers or teares can moue him , I le make way To saue my owne shame , and enforce his stay . Exeunt . Enter three souldiers : one without an arme . 1 Soul . Come fellow souldiers , doe you know the reason That we are summon'd thus vnto the house Of our dead Generall ? 2 Soul . Sure 't is about Our pay . 3 Soul . But stand aside , here comes the Lady . Enter the Mother , Lauretta , and Clowne . Wife . Are all these Gentlemen summond together , That were my Husbands followers , and whose fortunes Expir'd in him ? Clo.

They are if please your Ladiship : though I was neuer Tawny-coate , I haue playd the summoners part , and the rest are already paide , onely these three attend your Ladiships remuneration .

Wife . Welcome Gentlemen , My Husband led you on to many dangers Two yeares , and last to pouerty : His reuenewes Before hand he sold to maintaine his Army , When the Dukes pay still fail'd , you know you were Stor'd euer from his Coffers . 1 Soul . He was a right And worthy Generall . 2 Soul . He was no lesse . Clo.

He was no lesse ; and all you know hee was no more , well , had he liu'd , I had beene plac't in some house of office or other ere this time .

Wife . It was his will , which to my vtmost power I will make good , to satisfie his souldiers To the vtmost farthing . All his Gold and Iewels I haue already added , yet are we still To score to souldiery ? what is your summe ? 1 Soul . Pay for three Moneths . Wife . There 's double that in Gold . 1 Soul . I thanke your Ladiship . Wife . What yours ? 2 Soul . Why Madam , For foure Moneths pay . Wife . This Iewell surmounts that . 2 Soul . I am treble satisfied . Wife . You are behinde hand too : Clo. Ey but Madam , I thinke he be no true souldier . Wife . No true Souldier your reason ? Clo. Marry because he walkes without his Armes . Wife . The Dukes Treasure Cannot make good that losse , yet are we rich In one thing : Nothing we haue that were of nothing made , Nothing we haue , my Husbands debts are payd . Morrow Gentlemen . All. Madam , Hearts , Swords and hands , rest still At your command . Wife . Gentlemen I 'me sorry that I cannot pay you better , Vnto my wishes and your owne desert , 'T is plainely seene great Persons oft times fall , And the most Rich cannot giue more then all . Good morrow Gentlemen , All. May you be euer happy . Exeunt Souldiers . Clo.

I but Madam , this is a hard case being truly considered , to giue away all , why your Shoe-maker , though he hath many other Tooles to worke with , he will not giue away his All.

Wife . All ours was his alone , it came by him . And for his Honour it was paid againe . Clo.

Why , say I had a peece of Meate , I had a mind to , I might perhaps giue away a Modicum , a Morcell , a Fragment or so , but to giue away and bee a hungry my selfe , I durst not doo 't for my Guts , or say I should meete with a friend that had but one Penny in his Purse , that should giue mee a Pot of Ale , that should drinke to me , and drinke vp all , I 'le stand too 't there 's no Conscience in 't .

Lau. What hath beene done was for my Fathers Honor. Clo. Shee might haue giuen away a little , and a little , but When all is gone , what 's left for me ? Wife . Wee will leaue Millaine and to Florence straight , Though wee are poore , yet where we liue vnknowne 'T is the lesse griefe , sirrah , will you consort With vs , and beare a part in our misfortunes ? Clo.

Troth Madam , I could find in my heart to goe with you but for one thing .

Wife . What 's that ? Clow.

Because you are too liberall a Mistresse : and that 's a fault seldome found among Ladies : For looke , you vse o giue away all , and I am all that is left ; and I am affraide when you come into a strange Countrey , you 'le giue away me too , so that I shall neuer liue to be my owne man .

Wife . Tush , feare it not . Clow. Why then I 'le goe with you inspite of your teeth . Wife . Leaue Milleine then , to Florence be our guide , Heauen when man failes , must for our helpe prouide . Exeunt .

Actus Secundus , Scena prima . Enter Parma reading a Letter : after him Iulia. Par. This Letter came from you , 't is your Character . Iul. That hand in Contract you so long haue had , Should not seeme strange to you now . Par. You are with-childe , So doth your Letter say : what change your face ? Iu. My blushes must speake for me . Par. And this Childe You would bestow on me : you are very liberall Lady , You giue me more then I did meane to aske . Iu. And yet but what 's your owne Sir , I am serious , And it will ill become your Oathes and Vowes To iest at my vndoeing . Par. You would say Rather your doing . Iu. In doing thus , you should vndoe me quite . Par. What doe you weepe , that late did rayle in clamor ? Your thunders turnd to showres ? It is most strange . Iu. You haue dishonoured me , and by your flattery Haue rob'd me of my chaste Virginity : Yet ere I yeelded , we were man and wife , Sauing the Churches outward Ceremony . Par. But Lady , you that would be wonne by me To such an act of lust , would soone consent Vnto another . Iu. Can this be found in man ? Par. This Strozas language moues me , and I intend To try what patience , constancy , and loue There can be found in woman : why do you weepe ? You are not hungry , for your bellie's full ; Lady , be rul'd by me : take the aduice A Doctor gaue a Gentleman of ate , That sent to him to know , whether Tobacco Were good for him or no : My friend quoth he , If thou didst neuer loue it , neuer take it ; If thou didst euer loue it , neuer leaue it : So I to thee ; if thou wert as thou hast Beene alwayes honest , I could wish thee still So to continue ; but being a broken Lady , Your onely way 's to make vse of your Talent , Farewell , I 'le to my Countrey . Exit Parma . Iu. Oh miserable , Let me but reckon vp ten thousand ills My loosenesse hath committed , the aspersion And scandalous reputation of my Childe , My Father too , 't must come vnto his care , Oh — Enter Milleine . Duke . Iulia. Iu. Away . Duke . Come hither , but one word . Iu. That all those blacke occurrents should conspire , And end in my disgrace . Duke . Ha! what 's the businesse ? Iu. If all men were such , I should be sorry that a man begot me , Although he were my father . Duke . Iulia , how 's that ? Iul. Oh Sir , you come to know whether Tobacco be good for you or no ; I le tell you , if you neuer tooke it , neuer take it then , or it you euer vs'd it , take it still ; Nay , I 'me an excellent Philistian growne of late I tell you . Duke . What meane these strange Anagrams ? I am thy Father and I loue thee sweete . Iul. Loue me thou dost not . Duke . Why thou doest know I doe . Iul. I say thou doest not : lay no wager with me , For if thou dost , there will be two to one On my side against thee . Duke . Ha! I am thy Father Why Iulia ? Iu. How my Father ! then doe one thing For me your Daughter Duke . One thing ? any thing , Ey all things . Iu. Instantly then draw your sword And pierce me to the heart . Duke . I loue thee not so ill , To be the Author of thy death . Iu. Nor I my selfe so well , as to desire A longer life : if you be then my Father , Punish a sinne that hath disgrac't your Daughter , Scandald your blood , and poyson'd it with mud . Duke . Be plaine with vs. Iu. See , I am strumpeted , A bastard issue growes within my wombe . Duke . Whose fact ? Iu. Prince Parmaes . Duke . Stroza . Str. My Lord . Duke . Search out Prince Parma , bring the Traytour backe againe Dead or aliue . Str. My Lord , he is a Prince . Duke . No matter ; for his head shall be the ransome Of this foule Treason . When I say begon . But as for thee base and degenerate — Iul. Doe shew your selfe a Prince : let her no longer Liue , that hath thus disgrac't your Royall Blood . Duke . Nature preuailes 'boue honour : her offence Merits my vengeance , but the name of Childe Abates my Swords keene edge : yet Royalty Take th' vpper hand of pitty : kill the strumpet , And be renown'd for Iustice . Iul. Strike , I 'le stand . Duke . How easie could I period all my care , Could I her kill , and yet her Infant spare : A double Murder I must needes commit , To ruine that which neuer offended yet . Oh Heauen ! in this I your assistance craue , Punish the faulter , and the innocent saue . Iul. You are not true to your owne honour Father . To let me longer liue . Duke . Oh Iulia , Iulia , Thou hast ouerwhelm'd vpon my aged head Mountaines of griefe , t' oppresse me to my graue . Is Parma found ? Str. My Lord , hee 's priuately Fled from the Court Duke . Then flye thou after villaine . Str. Sir , are you madde ? Duke . What 's to be done ? Alacke , I cannot change a father and a Prince Into a euiell Hang-man : tell me Iulia , Is thy guilt yet but priuate to thy selfe ? Iul. It is my Lord . Duke . Conceale it then : wee 'le study To salue thy honour , and to keepe thy loosenesse From all the world conceal'd , compresse thy griefe , And I will study how to shadow mine . Wipe from thy cheekes these teares : oh cursed Age , When Children 'gainst their Parents all things dare , Yet Fathers still proue Fathers in their care . Exeunt . Enter Mother , Lauretta , and Clowne . Moth. Oh misery beyond comparison ! When saue the Heauens we haue no roofe at all To shelter vs. Clow.

That word all

Stickes more in my stomacke then my victuals can : For indeede wee can get none to eate now ; I told you , you were so prodiga'l we should pinch for 't .

Wife What place may wee call this ? what Clime ? what Prouince ? Clow.

Why this is the Duke-dome of Florence , and this is the Forrest where the hard-hearted Duke hunts many a Hart : and there 's no Deere so deare to him , but hee 'le kill it : as goodly a large place to starue in , as your Ladiship can desire to see in a Summers day .

Wife Yet here , since no man knowes vs , no man can Deride our misery : better dye staru'd , Then basely begge . Clow.

How better starue then begge ; all the Ladies of Florence shal neuer make me of that beleefe . I had rather beg a thousand times , then starue once , doe you scorne begging ? Your betters doe not , no Madam ; get me a Snap-sacke , I 'le to Florence : I 'le make all the high wayes ring of me with for the Lords sake . I haue studied a Prayer for him that giues , and a Poxe take him that giues nothing : I haue one for the Horse-way , another for the Foote-way , and a third for the turning-ftile . No Madam , begging is growne a gentleman-like Calling here in our Countrey .

Wife I haue yet one poore piece of Gold reseru'd , Step to the Village by and fetch some Wine . Clow.

You had better keepe your Gold , and trust to my begging Oratory , yet this is the worst they can say to mee , that I am my Ladies Bottle-man .

Exit Clowne . Wife Here 's a strange change : we must be patient , Yet can I not but weepe thinking on thee . Lau. Madam on me ? there is no change of Fortune Can puffe me or deiect me ; I am all one In rich abundance and penurious want : So little doe my miseries vexe me , Or the faire Princesse wrong , that I will end My passions in a Song . A Song . Sound Hornes within . Wife It seemes the Duke is Hunting in the Forrest , Here let vs rest our selues , and listen to Their Tones , for nothing but mishap here lies ; Sing thou faire Childe , I 'le keepe tune with my eyes . Winde hornes . And enter the Prince of Florence & Mounsieur . Prince This way the voyce was , let vs leaue the Chace . Moun. Behold my Lord two sad deiected Creatures Throwne on the humble verdure . Prince Here 's beauty mixt with teares , that pouerty Was neuer bred in Cottage : I 'le farther question Their state and fortune . Wife Wee 're discouered , Daughter arise . Prince What are you gentle Creatures ? Nay answere not in teares . If you by casuall losse , or by the hand Of Fortune haue beene crusht beneath these sorrowes , He demands your griefe That hath as much will as ability To succour you , and for your owne faire sake ; Nay beautious Damsell , you neede not question that . Lau. If by the front we may beleeue the heart , Or by the out-side iudge the inward vertue : You faire Sir , haue euen in your selfe alone All that this world can promise ; for I ne're Beheld one so compleate ; and were I sure Although you would not pitty , yet at least You would not mocke our misery : I would relate A Tale should make you weepe . Prince . Sweete if the Prologue To thy sad passion mooue thus : what will the Sceane And tragicke act it selfe doe ? Is thatt Gentlewoman Your Mother sweete ? Lau. My wretched Mother Sir . Prince . Pray of what Prouince ? Lau. Milleine . Prince . What fortune there ? Lau. My Father was a Noble Gentleman , Rank't with the best in Birth , and which did adde To all his other vertues , a bold Souldier ; But when he dy'de — Prince . Nay , proceede beauteous Lady , How was your Father stil'd ? Lau. To tell you that , Were to exclaime vpon my Prince , my Countrey And their Ingratitude : For he being dead , With him our fortunes and our hopes both fail'd ; My Mother loath to liue ignobly base , Where once she flourisht , hauing spent her meanes Not loosely nor in riot , but in the honour Of her dead Husband : left th' ingratefull Land , Rather to spend her yeares in pouerty , Mongst those that neuer knew her height of Fortune , Then with her thankelesse Friends and Countrey-men , Fled here to perish . Prince . More then her Charming beauty Her passion moues me : where inhabit you ? Lau. Here , euery where . Prince . Beneath these Trees ? Lau. We haue No other roofe then what kinde Heauen lends . Prince . Gentle Creature , Had you not told me that your Birth was Noble , I should haue found it in your face and gesture . Mounsieur . Mounsieur My Lord . Prince . Goe winde thy Horne abroad , and call to vs Some of our traine : we pitty these two Ladies , And we will raise thier hope : Cheere you old Madam , You shall receiue some bounty from a Prince . Enter a Hunts-man . Who keepes the Lodge below ? Hunts. Your Highnesse Hunts-man . Prince . Command him to remoue , and instantly We giue it to these Ladies : besides , adde Vnto our Guest three thousand pounds a yeare : We 'le see it furnisht too with Plate and Hangings . 'Las pretyt Maide , your father's dead you say , We 'le take you now to our owne Patronage , And trust me Lady , whiel wee 're Prince of Florence , You shall not want nor foode , nor harborage . Wife Pardon Great Sir , this our neglect of duty Vnto a Prince so gracious and compleate In vertuous indowments . Lau. To excuse Our former negligence , behold I cast Me at your foote . Prince Arise sweete , pray your name ? Lau. Lauretta . Prince Faire Lauretta , you shall be henceforth ours , Oh Mounsieur ! I ne're saw where I could loue Till now . Moun. How now my Lord , remember pray , What you are to this poore deiected Maide . Prince Well Mounsieur , well ; when e're I match , pray Heauen , We loue so well : but loue and toyle hath made vs Euen somewhat thirsty , would we had some Wine . Enter Clowne . Clow. Nay , now I thinke I haue fitted you with a Cup of Nipsitato . Moun. How now sirrah , what are you ? Clow. What am I ? Nay what art thou ? I thinke you le proue little better then a smell-smocke , That can finde out a pretty wench in such a Corner . Wife Peace sirrah , 't is the Prince . Clow.

What if he be ? he may loue a Wench as well as another man .

Prince What hast thou there ? Clow.

A bottle of Wine and a Manchet that my Lady sent me for .

Prince Thou ne're couldst come to vs in better time , Reach it vs Mounsieur . Moun. Your bottle quickly sirrah , come I say . Clow.

Yes , when ? can you tell ? doe you thinke I am such an Asse , to part so lightly with my liquor ? Know thou my friend , before I could get this bottle fill'd , I was glad to change a piece of Gold , and call for the rest againe . And doe you thinke I 'le loose my liquor , and haue no Gold nor rest againe ? Not so my Friend , not so .

Moun. There 's Gold sir. Clow. Madam , will you giue me a Licence to sell Wine ? I could get no Plate in the Forrest but a woodden Dish . Wife Fill to the Prince Lauretia . Lau. Will it please Your Highnesse drinke out of a woodden Mazer ? Prince Yes sweete with thee in any thing : you know Wee are a Prince , and you shall be our taster . Lau. Why should I loue this Prince ? his bounteous gifts Exalt me not , but make me much more poore , I 'me more deiected then I was before . Wife Sir . Moun. Lady , thankes : I feare me he is caught , But if he be , my Counsell must diuert him . Clow. The bottome of the bottle is at your seruice Sir , Shall you and I part stakes ? Moun. There 's more Gold for you . Clow.

I had rather you had broke my pate then my draught , but harke you Sir , are you as a man should say , a belonger to ?

Hunt . A belonger to ? what 's that sir ? Clow. Oh ignorant ! are you a follower ? Hunt . I seldome goe before when my betters are in place . Clow. A Seruing-man I take it . Hunt . Right sir. Clow.

I desire you the more complement : I haue the courtesie of the Forrest for you .

Hunt . And I haue the courtesie of the Court for you sir. Clow.

That 's to bring me to the Buttery hatch , and neuer make me drinke .

Prince Sirrah , conduct those Ladies to the Lodge , And tell the Keeper we haue stor'd for him , A better fortune ; you shall heare further from vs , You vsher them . Hunt . Come Ladies will you walke ? Clow.

How now sawce-boxe , know your manners : was not I Gentleman vsher before you came ? Am not I hee that did the bottle bring ? Come Ladies follow me .

Exit Clowne with Ladies , with Huntsman . Moun. Your purpose Sir , is to loue this Lady , And hazard all your hopes . Prince Oh gentle Friend , Why was I borne high ? but to raise their hopes That are deiected : so much for my bounty . Moun. But for your loue . Prince It is with no intent To make the Maide my wife , because I know Her fortunes cannot equall mine . Moun. Then 't were more dishonorable To strumpet her . Prince Still thou mistak'st , mine Is honourable loue , and built on vertue ; Nor would I for the Emperours Diademe , Corrupt her whom I loue . Moun. Braue Prince I 'me glad That ere I kept thy Company . Prince Come Mounsieur , night steales on , not many yeares Shall passe me , but I purpose to reuisite This my new Mistresse , my auspicious fate To thee my happy loue I consecrate . Exeunt . A Dumbe show . Enter the Duke of Milleine , a Midwife with a young Childe , and after them Stroza : the Duke shewes the Childe to Stroza , hee takes it : then the Duke sweares them both to secrecy vpon his Sword , and exit with the Midwife : then Stroza goes to hide it , and Parma dogs him : when hee hath laid the Childe in a Corner , he departs in haste , and Parma takes up the Childe and speakes . Par. Thou shouldst be mind : and durst I for my Head Euen in the open Court I 'de challenge thee . But I haue so incenst th' offended Duke , And layd such heauy spots vpon her head , I cannot doo 't wiht safety : methinkes this Child Doth looke me in the face , as if 't would call Me Father , and but this suspected Stroza Stuft my too credulous eares with iealousies . For thee sweete Babe I 'le sweare , that if not all , Part of my blood runnes in thy tender veynes , For those few drops I will not see the perish ; Be it for her sake whom once I lou'd , And shall doe euer : Oh iniurious Stroza ! I now begin to feare ; for this sweete Babe Hath in his face no bastardy , but shewes A Princely semblance : but Stroza and the Duke , This will I keepe as charie as her honour , The which I prize aboue the Vniuerse . Though she were forc't to be unnaturall , I 'le take to me this Infants pupillage ; Nor yet resolu'd , till I a way haue found To make that perfect which is yet vnsound . Exit .

Explicit Actus Secundus . Enter Milleine with Lords and Iulia. Milleine Forbeare my Lords for a few priuate words : Faire Daughter , wee 'le not chide you farther now Nor adde vnto your blushes : by our rude Reproofes your faults are couered with these your sighes , Since all your fire of lust is quencht in ashes . Iul. Durst I presume my Lord , to know Whither you have send my sonne ? Mil. I 'le not haue it question'd . I striue to salue thy honour , and thou seek'st To publish thy disgrace : my study is Where I may picke thee out a noble Husband , To shadow these dishonours , and keepe thee From the like scandall . Iul. Whom but Parmaes Prince . Mil. Oh name him not thou strumpet . Iul. I haue done . Mil. There 's a Prince of noble hopes and fortunes , The Prince of Florence : what if I sent to him About a speedy Marriage ? for I feare , Delay may breed strange doubts . Iul. Since I haue lost the name of Child , I am a seruant now and must obey . Enter Stroza and Lords . Mil. Stroza . Str. Your eare my Lord , 't is done . Mil. Laid out ? Str. To safety as I hope . Mil. What , and suspectlesse ? Str. Vnlesse the silent Groue of Trees should blabe , There is no feare of scandall , mantled close , I left the sucking Babe where the next passenger Must finde it needes , and so it hapned for Some two yeares after , Passing that way to know where 't was become , 'T was gone , and by some courteous hand I hope Remou'd to gentle fosterage . Mil. My excellent friend , For this wee 'le bosome thee : your counsel Stroza , Our Daughter 's growne to yeares , and we intend To picke her out a Husband , in whose issue Her name may flourish , and her honours liue : All Lords Most carefully deuis'd . Mil. But where my Lords May we prouide a match to equall her ? 1 Lord Ferrara hath a faire and hopefull Heire . 2 Lord And so hath Mantua . 3 Lord How do you prize the Noble Florentine ? 1 Lord In fame no whit inferiour . 2 Lord But in state Many degrees excelling : aime no further Sir , if that may be accepted . Duke To Florence then wee 'le streight dispatch Embassadours , Stroza , bee 't your care to mannage this high businesse . Oh to see How Parents loue descends : and how soe're The Children proue vngratefull and vnkinde , Though they deride , we weepe our poore eyes blinde . Excum . Enter Clowne gallant , and the Huntiman . Clow.

Nay , nay , the case is alter'd with mee since you saw me last : I was neuer in any hope to purchase any other suite then that I wore yesterday ; but now I can say Ecce signum , the case is alter'd . Now euery begger comes vpon me with good Gentleman , good Gentleman : when yesterday Gentlemen would haue shun'd the way for feare I should haue begg'd of them . Then comes another vpon mee with good your Worship , good your Worship , then doe I double my fyles , and cast him a single two pence .

Hunt . Sirrah , thou mayst thanke the Prince for this . Clow.

Tnou say'st true ; for he hath chang'd our woodden Dishes to Si uer Coblets : goodly large Arras that neuer yet deseru'd hanging , he hath caus'd to be hang'd round about the Chamber : My Lady and Mistresse , now my Lady and Mistresse lyes ouer head and cares in Downe and Feathers : well , if they be rui'd by me , I would haue them to keepe their beds .

Hunt . Why wouldst thou haue them lye a bed all day ? Clow.

Oh dull ignorant ! I meane knowing how hard they haue bin lodg'd in the Forrest ; I would not haue them sell away their beds , and lie vpon the boords .

Hunt . Oh now I vnderstand you sir. Clow ,

Ey , ey ; thou may'st get much vnderstanding by keeping my company : But Sir , does not the new Gowne the Prince sent my Mistresse , become her most incomparably ?

Hunt .

'T is true : 't is strange to see how Apparrell makes or maries .

Clow.

Right : for yeasterday thou wouldst haue taken me for a very Clowne , a very Clowne ; and now to see , to see . —

Enter Mother and the young Lady gallant . Wife Sirrah . Clow. Madam . Lau.

To see if the Tayler that made your Gowne , hath put ne're an M●vn●er your Girdle , there belongs more to beaten Sattin then sirrah .

Lau. What thinke you Mother of the Prince his bounty , His venue , and perfection ? Wife He 's a mirrour , and deserues a name Amongst the famous Worthies . Lau. Heighoe . Wife Why sigh you ? Lau. Pray tell me one thing Mother : when you were Of my yeares , and first lou'd , how did you feele Your selfe ? Wife Loue Daughter ? Clow.

Shee talkes : Now , if shee should be enuamored of my comely shape ; for I haue ( as they say ) such a foolish yong and relenting heart I should neuer say her nay , I should neuer weare off this stand further off .

Lau. Stand farther off sir. Clow. No , I 'le assure your Ladiship 't is beaten Sattin . Lau. Then take your Sattin farther . Clow. Your Ladiship hath coniur'd me , and I will auoide Satan . Lau. Had you not sometimes musings , sometimes extasies , When some delicate aboue other Was present ? Wife I aduise you curbe your sence in time , Or you will bring your selfe into the way Of much dishonour . Lau. And speake you by experience Mother ? then I doe begin to feare lest that his shape Should tempt me , or his bounty worke aboue My strength and patience ; pray Mother leaue vs neuer , Lest that without your Company , my loue Contending with my weakenesse , should in time Get of the vpper hand . Wife For this I loue thee . Enter Clowne running . Clow.

So hoe Mistris Madam , yonder is the Prince , and two or three Gentlemen come riding vpon the goodliest Horses that euer I set my eyes vpon : and the Princes Horse did no sooner see me , but he weeighed and wagg'd his tayle : now I thinking he had done it to take acquaintance of me , said againe to him , Gramery Horse ; so I left them , and came to tell your Ladiship .

Lau. Goe see them stabled , my soule leapt within me To heare the Prince but named . Enter Prince and Mounsieur . Prince Now my faire Friend . Lau. Your hand-mayd mighty Prince . Prince Looke Mounsieur , Can she be lesse then Noble ? nay deserues she Thus habited , to be tearm'd lesse then Royall , What thinkst thou Mounsieur ? Moun. Faith my Lord , I neuer loue a woman for her habite , When sir I loue , I 'le fee my lone starke naked . Prince Right courteous Lady , Our bounty is too sparing for your worth , Yet such as 't is accept it . Wife Royall Sir , 'T is beyond hope or merit . Prince I prithee Mounsieur , A little complement with that old Lady , Whilst I conferre with her . Moun. I thanke you Sir : See , you would make me a sir Panderus , Hee talkes with the old Lady . Yet farre as I can see you , I will trust you . Sweete Lady , how long is 't — nay keepe that hand , Since those fierce warres 'twixt Florence and great Millaine Nay that hand still . Prince And haue you ne're a loue then ? Lau. Yes my Lord : I should belye my owne thoughts to deny , And say I had none . Prince Pray acquaint me with him , And for thy sake I 'le giue him state and Honours , And make him great in Florence . Is he of birth ? Lau. A mighty Duke-domes Heire . Prince How now my Lauretta ? I prithee sweete where liues he ? Lau. In his Countrey . Prince Honour me so much As let me know him . Lau. In that your Grace must pardon me . Prince Must ? then I will . Is he of presence sweete ? Lau. As like your Grace as one Prince to another . Prince Honour me so much then , as let me know him . Lau. In that excuse me Sir . Prince Thee , loue I will In all things : wherefore study you ? Lau. Why my Lord ? I was euen wishing you a mighty harme ; But pardon me 't was out euen vnawares . Prince Harme ? there 's none can come from thee Lauretta , Thou art all goodnesse , nay confesse it sweete . Lau. I was wishing with my selfe that you were poore : Oh pardon me my Lord , a poore , a poore man . Prince . Why my Lauretta ? Lau. Sir , because that little I haue , Might doe you good : I would you had No , money , nay , no meanes : but I speake idly , Pray pardon me my Lord . Prince . By all my hopes I haue in Florence , would thou wert a Dutchesse , That I might court thee vpon equall tearmes ; Or that I were of low deiected fortunes , To ranke with thee in Birth : for to enioy Thy beauty , were a greater Dowre then Florence Great Duke-dome . Enter Clowne . Clow. Oh my Lord , my Lord ,

Are you close at it ? and you too crabbed Age , and you the — there 's Rods in pisse for some of you .

Prince . Now sir , the newes ? Clow. Oh my Lord , there 's a Nobleman come from the Court to speake with you . Prince . Mounsieur , vpon my life 't is some Embassadour . Moun. Good Sir make haste , lest I be challeng'd for you . Prince . No worthy Friend , for me thou shalt not suffer , At our best leasur'd houres we meane to visite you ; Now giue me leaue to take a short fare-well . Exeunt Prince and Mounsieur . Lau. Your pleasure is your owne , To part from him I am rent quite asunder . Clow. And you can but keepe your leggs close , Let him rend any thing else and spare not . Exeunt . Enter Florence and Lords with Stroza Embassadour . Flo. Speake the true Tenor of your Embassie . Str. If Florence prize the Duke of Millaines loue , His indear'd Amity : If he haue minde To mixe with him in confanguinity , To strengthen both your Realmes : he make the proiect To your faire Treaty , that your hopefull Heire Shall with the princeise Iulia his faire Daughter , Be ioyn'd in Marriage ; her large Dowre shall be A spacious Duke-dome after his decease . But which my Lord counts most , is a faire League 'Twixt your diuided Duke-domes . Florence We doe conceite you : But for the Dowre you craue ? Str. Ten thousand Crownes By th' yeare . Flo. 'T is granted : onely our Sonnes consent Is wanting : but see here , he wisht for comes . Enter Prince and Mounsicur . Prince Mounsieur what are those ? Moun. Embassadours my Lord . Prince Whence are these Lords ? Duke From Millaine . Prince Their businesse Royall Sir ? Flo. About a match , Which if you 't please , we highly shall applaud . They offer you a faire and vertuous Princesse Vnto your bed : Prince Vnto my bed my Lord ? I am not so affraide of spirits Sir , But I can lye alone without a bed-fellow . Flo. 'T is the faire Princesse Iulia you must Marry . Prince Marry my Lord ? Flo. I marry must you Sir , Or you diuorce your selfe from our deare loue . Prince But is she faire ? Stro. As euer Hellen was . Prince . What , and as Charte ? Stroza . It were not Princely in you , Royall Sir , To question such a Princesse Chastity ; I could haue instanc'd Lucrece . Prince . Would you had , For both were rauisht . Moun. How 's this my Lord ? They offer loue and beauty , which being both So freely offer'd , doe deserue acceptance , Stroza , Your answere Sir ? Prince . That I am yours : The States ; and if you please So to dispose me , hers : what ere she be , Come friend , I must impart my Loue this newes , Or it will rend my heart . Exit Prince . Stroza . I shall returne this answere . Florens . Faithfully As we intend it : But you first shall taste The bounty of our Court , with royall Presents Both to the Duke your master , and the Princesse ; It done , prepare we for this great solemnity , Of Hymeneall Iubilies . Fixt is the day , Wherein rich Florens shall her pompe display . Exeunt . Enter Parma and a Lord of Millaine . Parm. Onely to you , of all the Millaine Peeres , I dare expose my safety . Lord. In these armes My Lord , you are Sanctuared . Parm. I doe not doubt it : But I pray you tell me , since I left the Court , How is my absence taken ? Lord. Of the Duke , With much distaste . Parm. But of the Princesse Iulia ? Lord Full two Moneths Shee kept her Chamber , grieuously distracted , They say , meere griefe for your departure hence . Parm. Brauely manag'd , The Duke I see was more kind to her fame , Then to his prettie grand-childe ; well I le salt it all , But what thinke you if after all I should Send Letters to her , or Ambassadors ? I should not win her , for I know Th 'aue her heart in bondage . Lord Why worthy Prince , Haue you not heard the newes : Shee hath beene offered Vnto the Florentine , the match accepted , And the Nuptiall day the tenth of the next Moneth . Parm. No more : Pray leaue mee Sir . Lord. I will : Pray Sir Regard your safety . Exit Lord . Parm. To bee married , Ruimus in vestitum semper , I did neglect her , but being deni'd , I doate vpon her beautie : Methinkes 't is fit , If I begot the Child ? I wed the Mother : The Prince , I pitie hee should bee so wrong'd , And I the Instrument : Now helpe mee braine , That neare was wont to fayle mee : 'T is decreed Something to Plot , although I faile to speede . Exit Parma . Enter Clowne , Mother , and Lauretta . Clowne I wonder you should bee so sad and melanchollie , I le lay a yeeres wages before hand I le tell your disease , As well as any Doctor in Florence , and Let me but feele your pulse . Lauret . Away , you are a foole , and trouble vs. Clowne That 's no matter whether I bee a foole or a phisitian , If I loose , I le pay , that 's certaina . Wife Try the fooles counsell daughter , but bee sure To forfit , and to pay . Lauret . Now sir , your skill . Clowne

Nay , I must feele your pulse first , for if a Womans pulse bee neere a place , I know there 's few heere of my yeeres but would bee glad to turne Doctors .

Lauret . Now sir , you see I doe not smile . Clowne

Nay , if it bee nothing else , I le fetch that will cure you presently .

Exit Clowne . Wife

Child I must chide you , you giue too much way vnto this humour : It alters much your beautie .

Enter the Clowne . Clowne Oh young Mistris , where are you , the Prince , The Prince . Lauret . Oh Mother , doe you heare the newes , the Prince , The Prince is comming . Where is hee , oh where ? Clowne

Where is hee ? Why at the Court ; where should hee bee ? I did but doo 't to make you smile : Nay , I le tickle you for a Doctor : Madam I haue a yeeres wages before hand .

Lauret . Is hee not come then ? Clowne No marrie is hee not . Lawret. My soule did leape within , to heare the Prince But nam'd : It started euery ioynt . Clowne Nay Madam , the Prince is come . Wife Away , your foolerie's vnseasonable , Wee le not beleeue you . Enter the Prince and Mounsieur . Clowne If you will not beleeue mee , will you beleeue these ? Lauret . Welcome my Lord : And wherefore doe you sigh ? Prince I figh Lauretta , cause I cannot chuse . Lauret . Nor could I chuse , should you but sigh againe . Prince I le tell thee Loue , strange newes : I must be married . Lauret . Married my Lord ! Prince

Why doe you weepe ? You blam'd mee now for sighing : Why doe you melt in teares ? Sweet what 's the cause ?

Lauret . Nay , nothing . Prince And as I told thee Sweete ; I must bee married , My Father and the State will haue it so ; And I came instantly to tell the newes To thee Lauretta ; As to one , from whom I nothing can conceale . Lauret . Why should you grieue For that ? For I , my Lord , must haue a Husband too . Prince Must you ? But when 's the day ? Lauret . When 's yours my Lord ? Prince The tenth of the next moneth . Lauret . The selfe same day , And selfesame houre that you inioy your loue , My Princely Husband I must then inioy . Prince But doe you loue him ? Lauret . Not my selfe more deere . Prince How happie are you aboue mee faire friend , That must inioy where you affect ? When I Am tide to others fancies : It was your promise That I should know him further . Lauret . You shall see him That day , as richly habited as the great Heire of Florence : But royall Sir , what 's shee That you must bed then ? Prince 'T is Iulia , The Duke of Millaines daughter : Why change your Face ? Lauretta speakes to her selfe . Lauret . That shee that hates mee most should liue to inioy Him I affect best : O my ominous fate , I thought to haue hid mee from thee in these desarts , But thou dost dogg mee euery where . Shee Swounes . Prince Looke to her safety , not for the Crowne Of Florence I would haue her perish . Wife Helpe to support her . Exit with Mother and Clowne . Prince Oh Friend , that I should change my Royaltie To weaknesse now : I doe thinke this lodge A Pallace , and this Beautious Mayden-head Of greater worth then Iulia. Moun. Come my Lord , Lay by these idle thoughts , and make you ready To entertaine your Bride . Enter Parma disguised . Parm. The Prince , the Prince , I come to seeke the Prince , and was directed Vnto this place . Prince Thy newes . Parm. A Letter . Prince Whence ? Parm.

Reade , the Contents will shew you ; their eyes are from mee , and I must hence .

Exit Parma . The Prince reades . Prince The Millaine Princesse is betroathed ; deflowred , Not worthy of your loue , beleeue this true Vpon a Prince his word ; when you , shall bed her , And find her flawd in her Virginitie , You shall haue cause to thinke vpon his loue From whom you had this caution ; But doe it with that Princely management , Her honour bee not slandered : Hee that loues , Admires , and honours you : Where 's hee that brought this Letter ? Moun. Fled my Lord . Prince Poast after ; bring him backe , Could hee not set his hand to 't — How now , the newes ? Moun. Hee 's fled vpon a milke white Gennet Sir , Seeming t' out strip the winde , and I — lost him . Prince Thou hast lost mee quite . Moun. What meanes this passions Sir ? Prince Mounsieur reade there , What will confound thee : Oh if shee bee vnchast ! Could they find none but mee to worke vpon . Moun. It confounds mee my Lord . Prince If shee bee Chast , How shall I wrong her , to question her faire Vertues ? Moun. Right . Prince But if shee bee not right ? I wrong my Honor , Which after marriage , how shall I recall ? Moun. 'T is certaine . Prince Yes : Oh how am I perplext ! Come , I le to Court , I le not bee sway'd : Were shee a Potent Queene , Where Counsell fayles mee , I le once trust to spleene . Exeunt . Enter the Clowne with his Table-bookes . Clowne .

Let me see , the Prince is to bee married to morrow , and my young Mistris meanes to keepe a Feast in the Forrest , in honour of his wedding at the Court : Now am I sent as Caterer into the City to prouide them victualls , which they charg'd me to buy ; no ordinary fare , no more it shall , and therefore I haue cast it thus ; First and foremost , wee will haue — ( yes downe it shall ) we will haue a Gammon of Bacon roasted , and stufft with Oysters ; And sixe Black-Puddings to bee serued vp in Sorrell-sops ; A pickell'd shoulder of Mutton , and a surloyne of Beefe in White-broth , so much for the first course . Now , for the second , we will haue a Cherry-Tart cut into Rashers and broyled ; A Custard Carbonado'd on the coales ; A liue Eele swimming in clowted Creame ; And sixe Sheepes-heads baked , with the hornes peering out of the pasty-crust . The morrall is , because it is a wedding dinner .

Enter Stroza with another Lord . Stro. The ioyfull day 's to morrow . Passe this plunge And we are made for euer . Clowne .

What , my old Polititian ? hee that vndermin'd my old Lady and my yong Mistris ? now that I could find but one stratagem to blow him vp ; I would tosse him , I would blanket him i' th Ayre , and make him cut an Italian caper in the Clouds : These Polititians can doe more execution with a pen , in their studies , then a good Souldier with his sword in the field , but he hath spi'd mee .

Stro. Thee friend I should haue knowne ? Clowne .

And you too , I should haue knowne , but whether for a friend , or no , ther 's the question ?

Stro. Thou seru'st the Generall Sforsa . Clow.

I confesse it ; but whether you haue seru'd him well , or no , there hangs a Tale.

Stro. How doth thy noble Lady , faire Lauretta ? They haue left Millaine long , reside they here Neere to the City Florence ? Clow.

Some three miles off , here in the Forrest , not halfe an houres riding .

Stro. I pray thee recommend me to them both , And say , It shall goe hard with mine affaires But I le find season'd houres to visit them . Clow.

You shall not want directions to find the place , come when you will , you shall be most heartily — poyson'd .

Stro. Tell them , The newes that they are well Is wondrous pleasing to me , and that power I haue in Millaine is reseru'd for them , To worke them into grace : I can but smile , To see how close I haue plotted thier exile . Now businesse calls me hence : farewell . Exit . Clow. And behang'd , Monsieur Stroza , whose description My Muse hath included in these few lines ; Stroza , Thy Head is of a compely Block , And would shew well , crown'd with the combe of Cock : His Face an Inne , his Brow a sluttish Roome , His Nose the Chamberlaine , his Beard the Broome , Or like New-market Heath , that makes theeues rich , In which his Mouth stands iust like Deuills-ditch And so farewell to your worship , graue Mounsieur Stroza , For I must about my market . Exeunt .

Actus Quartus . A Dumbe shew . Enter at one doore , the Duke of Millaine , Iulia , Stroza , and a Bishop : At the other doore , the Duke of Florens , the Prince and Mounsieur , with attendants : Then the Bishop takes thier hands and makes signes to marry them , and then the Prince speakes . Prince . Stay till we be resolu'd . Florens . What meanes our sonne ? Princ. Not to be gull'd by the best Prince in Europe ; Much lesse by Millaine . Millaine . Sir , be plaine with vs. Prin. I much suspect that Ladies Chastity . Millaine . Hers. Prin. I haue said . Stroza . Ther 's Worme-wood . Millaine . I came in termes of Honour , Brought with me , all my comforts here on earth , My daughter ; to bestow her on thy son : Poore Lady , innocently comming , forsaking all , Father and Countrey , to betake her selfe Vnto his bosome ; and is she for all this , Branded with shame ? Stro. Who can acuse her , speake ? what probabilities ? What ground ? the place ? the meanes ? the season how Shee did become corrupt ? Prince . Sir , so we haue heard . Stro. Produce the witnesse ; and behould , I stand The Champion for her honour , and will auerre Her Chaste , aboue degree ; infinitely honest : Oh Prince ! what , can you ground such iniury Vpon vaine heare-say ? Speake for your selfe , take spirit Iulia. Apart to herselfe . Came we thus farre , to be thus wrong'd ? Stro. Was the slaue neuer Christen'd , hath hee no name ? Iulia. Haue you sent for me , to accuse me heere In this stange Clime ? It is not Princely done . Prince . O Heauen , how am I perplext ! Floren. Sonne , Sonne , you wrong Your selfe and me too , to accuse a Lady Of such high birth and fame ; vnlesse you confesse Your selfe to haue err'd , you needs must forfeit vs. Moun. My Lord , yeeld to your father , lest you draw His wrath vpon you . Prince . Well , since I must , I will : Your pardon , Royall Father : Yours faire Princesse : And yours great Duke : If I shall find my self truely to haue err'd , I shall confesse your chastity much iniur'd . Iulia Submission is to me full recompence . Milla. My daughters honour ? Stro. Doe not stand off my Lord , If she be wrong'd , shee 's not much behind-hand . Milla. Oh let me alone Stroza . Flor. Nay , good Brother Accept him as your Sonne . Milla. My hearts no closet for reuenge ; t is done . Prin. Now heare my protestations : I receiue This Ladies hand on these Conditions ; If you , my Lord , her father , or her selfe , Know her selfe faulty , Oh confesse it here , Before the Ceremonies fasten on me : for if hereafter I find you once corrupted ? by this right hand , My future hopes , my Fathers royalty , And all the honours due vnto our house , He haue as many liues and heads for it , As he hath Manners Castles , Liues and Towres ; It shall be worthy to be bookt in Chronicles Of all strange tongues : And therefore beautious Lady , As you esteeme a Prince his name or honour , That you l be a Mecenas vnto vertue ; If in the least of these you guilty be , Pull backe your hand . Stro. What if you find her chaste ? Prin. If chaste ? she shall be dearer farre to me . Then my owne soule : I will respect her honour , Equall with that of my great Ancestours ; All this I vow , as I am Prince and vertuous . Stro. Then ioyne their hands . Prin. Shee 's mine : Set forwards then . Exeunt all but Stroza . Stro. All goes not well , This iugling will be found , Then where am I then ? would I were safe in Millaine . Here Matchiuell th'wast hatcht : Could not the same Planet inspire this pate of mine with some Rare stratagem , worthy a lasting Character : No , 't will not be ; my braine is at a non-plus , For I am dull . Enter Millaine . Milla. Stroza . Stro. My Lord . Milla. Oh now , or neuer Stroza ! Stro. I am turn'd Foole , Asse , Iddeott ; Are they married ? Milla. Yes , and the Prince after the Ceremonie , Imbrac'd her louingly . Stro. But the hell is , That they must lie together , ther 's the Deuill . Milla. And then — Stro. And then we are disgrac'd and sham'd . Milla. Canst thou not help't man ? Stro. Why you would make A man — midwife , woo'd you ? I haue no skill . Milla. Stroza , awake , th' art drowsie . Stro. Peace , interrupt me not , I ha' te : so to reuenge mee vpon her Whom most I hate . To Strumpet her 't were braue . Milla. Counsell aduise me . Stro. You le make me mad my Lord : And in this sweet reuenge , I am not onely Pleas'd ( with iust satisfaction for all wrongs ) But the great Prince most palpably deceiu'd . Milla. The time runs on , Thinke on my honor Stroza . Stro. If you le eate grapes vnripe , edge your owne teeth , I le stay the mellow'd season , doo 't your selfe , Vnlesse you giue me time for 't . Milla. But thinke with mine , on thine owne safety Stroza . Stro. Peace , giue me way my Lord , so shall the Prince Bee palpably deceiu'd , Faire Iulia's honor Most prosperously deseru'd , The Duke my master , Freed from all blame , Wane hindred , Peace confirm'd , And I secur'd ; Oh I am fortunate Beyond imagination ! Milla. O deare Stroza , Helpe now , or neuer ! Stro. Hee was a a meere Asse That rais'd Troys Horse : 't was a pritty structure . Milla. Oh mee ! Stro. Synon , a foole , I can doe more With precious Gold , then hee with whining Teares . Milla. Oh my tormented soule ! Stro. Pray my Lord , giue mee Fiue hundred crownes . Milla. What to doe with them man ? Stro. See how you stand on trifles ; when our liues , Your honour ; all our fortunes lie a bleeding : What shall I haue the Gold ? Milla. Thy purpose preethee ? Stro. I know a desolate Lady , whom with Gold I can corrupt . Milla. There are fiue hundred Crownes , Snroza bethinke thee what thou vndertak'st , Such an Act , would make huge Atlas bend his head Vnto his heele . Stro. But say I cannot win her , They bide the brunt of all , heere let them stay , With these fiue hundred Crownes I le poast away . Exit Stroza , and Duke . Enter Mother , Daughter , and Clowne . Clow.

Maddam , yonder 's a Gentleman comes to speake with you in all hast .

Lauret . Admit him in . Enter Stroza . Stro. Lady bee happy , and from this blest houre Euer reioyce faire Virgin , for I bring you Gold , and Inlargement ; with a recouerie Of all your former losse , and dignitie , But for a two houres labour : Nay , that no labour Nor toyle , but a meere pleasure . Lau Your words like musick , please me with delight , Beyond imagination : Offered to vs ? Being exil'd our Countrey , and our friends , Therefore good sir , delay not with long complement , But tell these hopes more plaine . Stro. Haue wee not heere Too many eares ? Lauret . Wee would bee priuate sirra , And therefore leaue vs. Exit . Clowne Stro. You haue seene the Prince of Florence ? Lauret . Yes , I haue . Stro. Is he not for his Feature , Beauty , Goodnesse , The most Compleate ? So absolute in all things . Lauret . All this is granted . Stro. How happy doe you thinke that Lady then That shall Inioy him ? Nay , that shall bee the first To prooue him , And exchange Virginitie , Were 't not bright Lady a great happinesse ? Lauret . I wish that nappinesse were mine alone , Oh my faint heart : Passion ouer-swayes me quite , But hide thy griefe Lauretta : Sir , you ' le make Me fall in loue with him : Were I his equall , I then should iudge him worthy of no lesse . Stro. Loue him : What 's she doth not , if shee haue eyes ? Were I my selfe a Woman : I would lay My selfe a prostitute vnto the Prince : Shee is not wise that would refuse him Lady . Lauret . Good Sir bee briefe : To what pray tends these speeches ? Stro. To thee sweete Lady : I offer all these pleasures , Oh happie fate that hath selected mee To be your raiser : Lady take this gold , But that 's not all : For there are greater honours Prepared for you ; the Duke of Millaine doth Commend him to you : Iulia his daughter Hath in her honour late miscarried , Now 't lies in you to salue and make all good . Wife . Who ? Lies this in my daughter ? Stro. Yes , in her , Shee hath the power to make the Duke her friend , Iulia her sister , and all Millaine bound To offer vp for her thier Orrisons . Lauret . Good Sir bee plaine . Stro. This night lie with the Prince In Iulia's stead : There 's way made for you , Who would not woo , for what you are wooed too ? Lauret . Doe you not blush , when you deliuer this Praye tell the Duke , all Women are not Iulia , And though wee bee deiected , thus much tell him , Wee hold our honour at too high a price , For Gold to buy . Stro. Nay Lady , heare me out ; You shall preserue her honour , gaine the Duke , Redeeme your fortunes : Strengthen you in friends , You shall haue many Townes and Turrets standing , Which future Warre may ruine : Thinke on that . Wife . Lauretta , oh behold thy mothers teares ! Thinke on they Father , and his honour wonne , And call to mind our exile : All the wrongs Wee haue indured by her , to whom wee gaue No cause , and now are plundg'd in a deepe streame . Which not resisted , will for euer blemish The name of Sforsa thy great Ancestors , Thou 'lt waken thy dead Father from his graue , And cause his honour'd wounds which hee receiu'd From that vnthankfull Duke , to bleede afresh , Powring out new blood from 's grisly wounds , If thou consentest to this abhorred fact , Thy Mothers curse will seaze on thee for euer : Oh child , behold me on my knees : I le follow thee , Oh doe not leaue me thus , and pull on thee An euerlasting staine , to scandall all Thy former Vertues , for the momentarie Short pleasures of one night . Stro. She doth not councell well ; 't is foolish rashnes , Womanish Indiscretion Lauret . Sir bee answered , If Iulia bee disloyall : Let her bee found So by the Prince she wedds : Let her be branded With the vile name of strumpet : Shee disgrac'd Mee , that nere thought her harmes ; publikely strucke mee , Nay in the Court : And after that , procur'd My banishment : These Iniuries I reap't By her alone , then let it light on her . Stro. Now see your errour , What better ; safer , or more sweete reuenge , Then with the Husband ? what more could woman aske ? Lauret . My blood rebells against my reason , and I no way can withstand it : 'T is not the Gold Mooues mee , but that deere loue I beare the Prince , Makes me neglect the credit and the honour Of my deare Fathers house : Sir , what the Duke desires I am resolued to doe his vtmost will . Wife . Oh my deare daughter . Lauret . Good Mother speake not , for my word is past . And cannot bee recall'd , Sir will you away ? I am resolute . Stro. Shee yeeldes vnto her shame ; which makes me blest , Let Millions fall , so I bee crown'd with rest . Wife . Oh me , vnhappie , that here knew griefe till not . Exeunt . Musicke . A Dumbe Shew . Enter Millaine , to him Stroza , and brings in Lauretta masked , the Duke takes her and puts her into the Bed , and Exit . Enter both the Duke and Iulia , they make signes to her and Exit : Stroza hides Iulia in a corner , and stands before her . Enter againe with the Prince to bring him to bed ; They cheere him on , and others snatch his Pointes , and so Exit . The Dukes Imbrace , and Exeunt .

Actus Quintus . Enter Millaine to Stroza . Milla. Thou art our trusty Counsellor ; if this passe 〈◊〉 We 're past all feare : What is she preethee ? What ? Stro. What 's that to you , bee shee what ere she can , All 's one to vs , so she be found a Virgin ; I haue hyred her , and shee 's pleas'd . Milla. But gaue you charge Assoone as ere the Prince was fast asleepe , That shee should rise and giue place to our daughter ? Stro. Doubt you not that ; what , iealous already ? Milla. How long she stayes , I faine would be a bed ; Pray heauen shee doe not fail By him asleepe , and so forget her selfe . Stro. Heer 's in my heart , a violent Feauer still ; Nor shall I find my selfe in my true temper , Vntill this brunt bee past . Milla. What , not yet ? had she with Parma beene a bed so long , It would haue more perplext mee . Enter Lauretta . Stro. See , here shee is ; The newes ? Lauret . The Prince is fast , all done . Milla. Step in her place ; Nay when ? and counterfeit sleepe presently . Stro. Away to bed my Lord : You to the Forrest . I 'le to my Coach , all 's well . Exeunt Stroza and the Duke . Lauret . And for my part , it was not much amisse , Because my Lord the Prince had such content Which caus'd him giue his Charter to my hand , The full assurance of faire Iulia's dowre : Day gins to breake , and I must to the Lodge . Oh what a griefe it was to leaue the Prince ! But leaue those thoughts : These Gifts to me assign'd , Are nothing worth the Iem I left behind . Exit . Enter Prince and Mounsieur with a Torch . Moun. What doe you not like your bed-fellow , my Lord ; That you are vp so soone ? Prin. Oh friend , was neuer man blest with a Bride So chast ! I 'me fearce my selfe , till this be knowne To my faire Forrest friend : Lett 's mount away , The nights quite spent ; and now begins the day . Enter Mother and Clowne . Wife . And what was it you said sirra ? Clow. Marry , I would intreat your Lady-ship to turne away My fellow Ierom , for I thinke hee 's No true man . Wife No true man , Why ? Clo. Marry we were both in the Tauerne together tother day — Wife And hee stole some Plate ? Clo. No Madam , but there stood at our elbow a pottle Pot — Wife And hee stole the Pot ? Clo. No Madam , but he stole the wine in the Pot , and drunke it off , And made himselfe so drunke hee be-pist himselfe : Your Ladyship could not be better be-pist in a Summers-day . Enter Prince and Mounsieur . Prin. Good morrow Lady : Wher 's your daughter pray ? Wife Shee tooke so little rest last night , my Lord I thinke shee is scarce well . Prin. Pray may wee see her ? Wife . My Lord you may . Shee 's drawne out vpon a Bed . Song . HEnce with Passion , Sighes and Teares , Desasters , Sorrowes , Cares and Feares . See , My Loue ( my Loue ) appeares , That thought himselfe exil'd . Whence might all these loud Ioyes grow ? Whence might Myrth , and Banquet's flow ? But that hee 's come ( hee 's come ) I know . Faire Fortune thou hast smil'd . 2 Giue to these blind windowes , Eyes ; Daze the Stars , and mocke the Skies , And let vs two ( vs two ) devise , To lavish our best Treasures Crowne our Wishes with Content , Meet our Soules in sweet consent , And let this night ( this night ) bee spent In all aboundant pleasvres . Prince . Oh good morrow Lady , I come to tell you newes ! Lauret . They are wellcome to me my Lord . Prin. You know the Princesse Iulia was suppos'd to bee Adulterate — Lauret . So we haue heard it rumor'd Prin. Oh but faire friend , she was indeed bely'd ! And I this morning rose from her chast bed : But wherefore sweete cast you that blushing smile ? But you haue broak promise with me : For you told me That the same day and houre I took my Bride , You should Inioy a Princely Husband . Lauret . Trew My Lord , I did . Prin. And are you married then ? Lauret . And lay with him last night . Prin. Is hee oft fortunes ? Lauret . That you may soone coniecture by this gift . Prin. What haue you then , some tokens that were his ? Lauret . Some few my Lord , amongst the rest , this diamond Hee put vpon my finger . Prin. You amaze mee ! Yet Rings may bee alike : If then your husband Bee of such state and fortunes , What dowre are you allotted . Lauret . Sir , ten thousand crownes by th' yeere . Prin. I gaue no more vnto my Iulia. But where is the security you haue For the performance of it ? Lauret . See here , My Lord , Sir , Is not that sufficient for a dowry ? Prin. This is the Indenture that I gaue to Iulia ; Preethee Lauretta , but resolue me true , How came you by this Charter ? Lauret . Pardon great Prince ; for all that loue you spake To Iulia , you whisper'd in my eare : Shee is vnchast ; which , lest you should haue found , Her father sent mee here , fiue hundred crownes By Stroza ; but neither his gold , nor all His sly temptations , could one whit mooue mee ; Onely the loue I euer bare your honour , Made me not prise my owne . No lust full appetite Made me attempt such an ambitious practise , As to aspire vnto your bed my Lord . Prin. Rise , d ee not weepe , Oh I am strangely rapt Into deepe strange confusion ? Moun. Millaine should know , were it my case my Lord , A better Prince then hee should not wrong me . Prin. I haue bethought already how to be are mee ; This Charter and this Ring , faire Loue , keepe you ; And when I send for you , you shall repaire Vnto the Court : This all I shall inioyne you . Lauret . Great Sir , I shall . Prin. Come Mounsieur , now 't is cast , Reuenge neere rules , so it be found at last . Exeunt omnes . Enter the two Dukes with Iulia , Stroza and attendants . Milla. Who saw the Prince last ? Is 't a custome with him To rise thus early ? Floren. Sir , hee neuer sleepes Longer then th' day , nor keepes his bed by Sunne : 'T is not the lone of the fairest Lady liues , Can make him leaue his morning exercise . Iulia He neuer exercis'd with me , I 'm sure ; I might haue layne as safe , free , and vntoucht , By any Lady liuing . Enter the Prince and Mounsi . Prince Pardon Lords , I haue stay'd you long , your blessing royall Father .

My custome is , euer to rise before A womans houre : Now heare me speake my Lords , I 'm married to a Lady , whose chaste honour , Reports and false Suggestions , did inforce me To call in publike question ; but that we leaue Vnto our last nights rest . Stro. True my good Lord ; But did you find me faulty ? Prin. I doe protest , my Lords , I bosom'd with As true and chaste a Virgin , as ere lodg'd Within a Princes armes ; All this I vow As I am Royall . Str. All 's well my Lord ? Milla. . All 's excellent Stroza . Prin. . Now for amends and publike satisfaction , For the foule wrong I did her , questioning Her Vertue , I le confirme her dowre , and that Before I eate : Sweet Lady , reach the Charter I gaue you last night , 'fore you were full mine ? Iulia I receiu'd none Sir . Prin. Sweet , will you tel mee that ? With which you did receiue a Ring the Duke My father gaue me . Iulia When ? Prince Last night . Iulia Where ? Prince In your Bed . Iulia 'T was in my dreame then . Prince Being broad awake . Stro. I like not this : I smell a Rat. Milla. Stroza , I feare too . Stro. Brazen fore-head , Wilt Thou leaue now : 'T is true my Lord . You did Receiue them both , Haue you forgot sweet Lady , This very morning , that you gaue them both To me ? The Princess ieasted , to see how You woo'd but take it . Moun. Excellent Villaine ! Prince 'T was well put off : 'T is strange shee 's so forgetfull : I prethee Stroza Where are they ? Stro. Where are they ? they are — Prince Where ? Why studdy you ? Stro. They are there — Prince Where man ? Stro. I poasted them To Millaine , sent them safe , dare you not trust my word Prince . Not till I see my deeds . Stro. By one o th' Princes Traine . Prince See which o' the Traine is wanting . Moun. I shall my Lord . Stro. I would I were in Turkey . Milla. Would I were on horse-backe . Prin. Nay , looke not you deiected beautious Bride , For this is done onely to honour you . Enter a Seruing-man with a child in a couered Dish . Gent. The Prince , my Master , hearing your solemnities , Hath sent this dish , to adde a present to Your royall Feasts , wishing himselfe therein To be a wellcome guest . Prince . Your Masters name ? Gent. Prince Parma . Prince Giue this Gentleman A 100. crownes : This will much grace our banquet . Flo. Ther 's in that dish , some Morrall . Milla. Comming from him , Meethinks it should be season'd with some strange And dangerous poyson : Touch't not , my Lord . Flo. There should be more in 't , then a feasting dish ; What 's here , a Child ? Iulia Oh my perplexed heart ! Pri. Vpon his brest ther 's something writ , I le read it . 'T is fit , if Iustice bee not quite exil'd That he that wedds the mother , keepe the child . This Child was sent to me . Stro. From whom ? whom , Parma ? breake the bastards necke , As I would doe the Fathers , were hee here . Prin. Sure spare't for the Mothers sake ; t' was sent to vs : Which of the trayne is wanting ? Enter Mounsieus . Moun. None my Lord . Prin. Stroza , where is this Charter and the Ring ? Stro. I know of none . Moun. Why , t' was confest . Stro. Right , I confest it ; but your grace must know , 'T was but to please your humour , which began To grow into some violence . Moun. I can forbeare no longer ; Impudent Stroza , Thou art a Villaine , periur'd , and forsworne : That Duke dishonourable ; and shee vnchast : Besides , thou hyredst a Virgin in her roome ; ( Slaue as thou art ) to bosome with the Prince ; Gau'st her fiue hundred Crownes . That this is true , I will maintaine by combat . Stro. That I did this ? Hee lies below his entrayles , That dares to braue mee with such a proud affront : And in the honour of my Prince and Countrey I will approoue thee recreant . Prin. A strife , that nought saue combat can deside , The cause so full of doubts , and intricate . See , they are both arm'd , and euenly , without odds , Saue what the iustice of the cause can yeeld . Exit Mounsieur and Stroza , Enter Prince Parma . Par. Bee 't no intrusion held , if a strange Prince ( Setting behind , all complementall leaue ) Amongst strange Princes enters : Let me know Which is the Prince of Florance ? Prince Wee are hee . Parm. And Parma ? Iult. Parma ? Prince Excuse mee Sir , I know him not : But if I much mistake not , Wee are late indebted to you for a present . Parm. It was a gift , I should bee loath to part with , But vpon good conditions . Am I then To all a stranger : Doe you not know mee Lady ? Milla. Heare him not speake , I charge thee by thine honor ? Prince . Parma speake , and if thy speech was bent to mee ? Parm. Ere I proceede , let mee behold this babe ; Nere a Nurse heere ? Pray hand it you sweete Lady , Till I find out a Mother . Milla. Touch it not , I charge thee on my blessing . Iulia Pardon Sir , It well becomes my handling . Prince . Parma proceede . Parm. Then Florence know , thou hast wrong'd me beyond , thought ; Shipwrackt my Honour , and my Fame ; nay strumpeted Her , whom I tearme my Bride . Prince 'T is false , I neuer imbrac'd saue with one , And her , I found to bee most truely chast . Parm. Then It maintaine : Hast thou a Wife heere ? Prince Yes . Parm. Then I le approoue her to bee none of thine , That thou hast fetch 't her from anothers armes . Nay more , that shee 's vnchast ? Prin. Know Parma , thou hast kindled such a Flame , That all the Oceans billowes scarce can quench : Bee that our quarrells ground . Florence Princes , forbeare : First see the Issue of the former Combat , Before more blood you hazard . Prince Wee are pleased . Parm. And wee content . Enter Stroza and the Mounusieur , they fight , and Stroza is ouercome . Moun. Yeeld thy selfe recreant villaine , or thou dy'st . Stro. Saue mee , I will confesse ; Is Parma heere ? Parm. Yes , heere wee are . Stro. I falsely stuft thy head with Iealousies , And for some priuate ends of my reuenge , Disgrac'd the Generall , and set odds betwixt Lauretta and the Princesse : All these mischiefes Proceede from my suggestions . Milla. Damne him for it . Stro. Is that your kindnesse ? Giue me leane to liue , Bee 't but to taynt his honour . Prince Tell mee Stroza , Was Iulia chaste ? Stro. No. Prince Did her Father know it ? Stro. Yes , and more too : I had the Gold from him , To bribe the Generalls daughter . Florence Iniuries , Beyond the thought of man . Milla. Which wee ' le no longer striue with , since the heauens haue laid that ope most plaine and palpable , which most wee thought to conceale . Prince . Will Parma fight ? Parm. Resolue mee first ? Was Iulia found Chast ? Prince . I heere protest , wee parted both , as cleere , As at our first encounter . Parm. Then I accept her , If you my Lord Bee pleas'd so to part with her . Prince . Willingly . Iulia Now haue I my desires : Had I withall , The Princely babe I boare . Parm. See Iulia , Whom thy hard-hearted Father doom'd to death , My care hath still Conserued , Imbrace it Lady ; Nay , 't is thy owne nere feare it . Prince . Then Prince Parma , With your words I le proceed . 'T is fit all Iustice hee not quite exil'd , That hee that wedds the Mother keepe the child . Florence But Peeres , the Virgin that this Stroza hired To Iustifie thee wrongs ? Prince At hand my Lord : Mounsieur conduct them hither ? Moun. I shall Sir . Milla. The Generalls Wife and Daughter . Enter Lauretta , Wife , and Clowne . Clow. Yes and their man too ; all that 's left of him . Prince This the Maide , To whom I am so bound ? Laure. Oh let me lie As prostrate at your foot in Vassallage , As I was at your pleasure . Prince . Sweete arise . Clow.

Your Lordship hath bin vp already , when shee was downe : I hope if the thing you wott of goe no worse forward then it hath hegun , and that you take charge of my young Lady , you neede not bee altogether vnmindfull of her Gentleman-Vsher .

Florence Of what birth is that Lady ? Milla. Euen the least Enuy can speake , Shee is a Souldiers Daughter , Decended from a noble parentage . Wife . Who with her mother , Thus kneeles to him , as to their Soueraigne . Intreating , grace and pittie . Milla. You haue both : Sure , sure , the heauens for our Ingratitude , To noble Sforza , our braue generall , Hath sau'd crost our proceedings : which to recompence , Wee 'le take you vnto our best patronage . Wife . Millaine is honorable . Prince But by your fauour Sir , This must bee our owne charge . Florence With which we are pleas'd . Iulia. Stroza was cause of all , but his submission Hath sau'd him from our hate , arise in grace . Whil'st we thus greete Lauretta . Lauret . Royall Princesse , I still shall be your hand-maide . Stroza Who would striue , To bee a villaine , when the good thus thriue ? Prince You crowne me with your wishes , Royall father ; My Mistris first , and next my bed-fellow , And now my Bride most welcome . Excellent Sir , Imbrace the Millaine Duke , whil'st I change hand With Princely Parma ; Iulia , once my Wife ? Backe to your husband I returne you chast : Mounsieur , bee still our friend : You our kind Mother : And let succeeding Ages , thus much say : Never was Maiden-head better giuen away . Exeunt omnes .

FINIS .