A pleasant conceited comedie, called, A knacke to know an honest man As it hath beene sundrie times plaied about the citie of London.

¶ A pleasant conceited Comoedie , called A knacke to know an honest Man . Enter Coridon and Antimon , and Menalchus , three Shepheards . Coridon . HEre walke Menalchus on this grassie plaine , And while the wanton lambes feed on these downes , And hide them in the thickets from the Sunne , That shine on Venus stately builded towers , Discourse to aged Antimon and me , The dolefull historie and that drierie tale , That earst befell in fatall Arcadie , How poore Amintas perisht in his loue . Menal : You will me cal to memorie sweet friends The countlesse sorrowes which wil fetch forth teares From hardest rockes , and moue a marble heart , But though my minde in recolecting teares , With horror dumbe , and eke would choake my tong From telling tragike newes , I will begin . Enter Lelio and Sempronio to fight . Cor. Stay Menalchus , and hide thee in these thickets , For heere come strangers , who with ireful browes , Threatens some stormie troubles to succeed . Semp. Heere is a place conuenient Lelio , Yonder 's a plaine whereon our steeds may graze , Here is a groue backt with cressend hils , But saue these trees none else behold our fight . Lel. Haue I retaind thee caitife in my house , And made thee Lord of all my best delights , And could thy impious heart so lewdly thinke , Dishonor to defile my wedding bed , Had Venus no other strumpet to content Sempronios mind , but thou must choose my wife , To make a stale to thy vnbrideled lust , Wretch , why doo I thus expostulate ? Come , come , I le act reuenge , and talke no more , Euen for our ancient loue I le giue thee lawe , Disroabe thee if thou wilt , speake no more , For Lelio hath inexorable eares . Semp. If words mongst faithfull friends may not be borne , Beleeue me Lelio thou deseruest the horne , Come sir , for kindnes I will let you bloud , And seeke to coole your fire of iealousie . Heere fight . Lel : And I le reuenge my mortall iniurie , Now is his lustfull insolence , Drownd in the sea of bloudie tragedie , How now Sempronio ? Semp : Flie Lelio , flie , thy iealous furie robs thee of a friend , I paie thee with my bloud for lewd desire , Go hie thee hence , preuent pursuit , My miseries are done , when I am dead , Thy miseries are too neere . Lel : Too late remorse , why doest thou follow me ? Ah sweet Sempronio , speake but one word more . Semp : I speak these few wordes more , flie Lelio flie , Mongst friends it is too much for one to die . Menal : Murder my friends , pursue the murderer , Hast Coridon , hie the Antimon . Lel : Flie Lelio flie , and saue thy life . Exit Lelio . Cor: T is Lelio shepheards , hast and follow him . Anty . And Lelios sworde hath slaine Sempronio , Pursue you shepheards that lewd murderer , Whilest I do beare this bloudie garment hence , To Seruio , tutor to this noble man , And giue him notice of his kinsmans death , Downe with the murtherers , fellowes kill his horse . Exit . Enter olde Phillip an hermit . Phil: What noise is this before my hold of peace ? A little breach of peace to men of zeale , Is held a world of griefe to crosse his minde : Behold a young man weltering in his bloud , Hie thee olde Phillip , shew thy charitie , Beare him to thy cell , and if thou canst , recure his wounds , If not , goe burie him , the badge of contemplations charitie . Exit . Enter Lelio with his sword drawen , hee knockes at his doore . Lelio . Ho Gnatto open . Gnatto within . Gnat : Open , what should I open , the cupboord . Lel : No knaue the doore . Cnat : No knaue the doore , what rascals that ? O master is it you , I crie you mercie . Lel : Sirra speake , where 's your mistres ? Gnat : Matie shee is making wood speake , and guts sing : Lel : Wood speake , and guts sing , how meanst thou that ? Gnat : Are you such a foole you know not that ? Why , she 's playing on the lute . Lel : And where is my daughter Lucida ? Gnat : She is killing a pride . Lel : As how ? Gnat : She is combing of her head , she will not haue it frizle . Lel : Iest not sirra , but call them hether quickly . Gnat : Ho mistres quickly , you must come hether quickly , or els my master will beat me quickly . Enter Annetta and Lucida . An: How now my Lord ? Lel : Annetta call me wretch . Lu: Why what is befalne ? Lel : The worst of harmes . An: Where is Sempronio ? Lel : Ah , aske not where he is , Thou must be husbandlesse through my misdeeds , Thou must be fatherles through my disgrace : Farewell , I dare not stay to tell my minde , I haue no time Annetta to imbrace thee , Vnles I hazard lyfe to stay so long , Annetta , in a word Sempronio's dead , His friends pursue me , and to saue my life , I needs must flie : you for your maintenance Must presently the chiefest iewels seize , Farewell , my sighs and teares must tell the rest . An: Whether cruell fortune ? my sweet loue . Lel : Captiues sweet soules , in chaines of misery . An: Who shal releeue me when my husband 's fled . Lel : He that releeues poor souls when hope is dead . Lu: Who shall indow me in my fathers absence ? Lel : True vertue daughter , if he be in presence : Ah looke on these you care desiring eies , These cannot speake , for wo clogs vp their tongs Thus silent miserie tells mourning griefe , Go to poore soules and hide you from a storme , The hands are prest to rob you of your owne , Go in poore soules , weep lesse , indeuor more , Hast forceth griefe , danger keepes the doore . Exeunt . Enter Corrodinuo Duke of Venice , his sonne Fortunio , two senators , olde Seruio , and the Shepheard Antimon . Duke . Seruio stand forth , if thy important wronges be such , Discourse to me and to these aged peeres , Thy cause of griefe , and what thou doest require . Ser. Most mightie Duke , most worthie Senatours , I come before this sacred iudgement seate , Not traind by hate , as many worldlings be , But these olde yeres inioynd me charitie , But vrg'd by wrongs , compeld by hainous deeds , To quicken iustice in your reuerent eares , Call to remembrance Prince and worthie peeres , The faithfull seruice for these many yeeres , That stout Sempronio did vnto the State , In remembrance whereof , Olde Seruio humbling him vpon his knees , Beseecheth iustice gainst proud Lelio , Who cruelly hath slaine in single fight , The sole and onely heire of that stout race . Duke . Seruio come hether and possesse thy place , We will consider of thy iniuries . Seruio . Still let these knees be wedded to the earth , Still let these teares run floud-like from mine eies , Vntill your grace do execute the wretch , That thus hath slaine my deare Sempronio . 1. Sen. Thou doest demeane too much intemperance , Thou foolish man arise , do not stain the badge of age And wisedome by misgouernment : Our senators in Venice are well schoold in such haps , And can doome of things , not by thy teares , Or sorrow working wordes , But by the truth and estimate of acts , Thou sayst that Lelio slew Sempronio , But that assertion Seruio must not serue , To proue him guiltie in these reuerend eares . 2. Sen. What proofes produceth Seruio to the state , To proue Lord Lelio guiltie of the murther , When as through Venice nothing was more found , Then faithfull friendship plighted twixt them twain . Ser: That loue which was twixt them before , Doth make the murther farre more monstrous , But princes , in a word , behold the man That sawe the murder and can witnes it , Examine him , and let his proofes preuaile . Duke : Lords , let not Lelios honor bleare your eies , Speake sirrha , Did Lelio kill Sempronio . Shep : And shal please your honors grace and worships I for fault of a better shepheard to Lord Seruio heere , And vpon a time , let me see , O t was yesterday , when my masters sheep & I were at breakfast together I sawe Lelio and Sempronio fighting so long , That Lelio thrust his sword into Sempronios belly , Whereupon he died , and it shall please your worshipfull worships ,

All this wil I be forsworne to , with my neighbor Menalchus & good man Coridon , & the rest that followed the crie , with Slip my dog & others forsoth .

Duke . This homely tale doth sauor of truth . Ser: Truth soundeth sweetly in a silly tong . 1. Sen: Craft often lurketh in a shepheards coate . Shep : Sir you do abuse our profession , For Craft , goodman Coridons dog Nere wore coate nor breeches , I le stand to it . For : My Lord and father , breake contention off , The proofes are found , then let it not be sayde , Your mightines should be miscarried , By contradiction of two Senators . Duke : My sonne , my silence tels me many things , By it I finde the deapth of each mans drifte , And gathering things by certaine circumstance , Am better able to discerne the truth , Lordes take your places , and resolue on this , That Lelio by approued truth is found To be the murtherer of Sempronio , His lands and goods be siez'd to publike vse , We doome him dead . Besides , whateuer man Can bring his head vnto the Senate house , Shall haue a thousand crownes for recompence , Paid him forth of our treasurie , Further , least priuate friends should succor him , We do enact that whatsoeuer man , Shall dare conceale or hide the murtherer , Shall be banisht , and his goods confiscat . Senators allow you this . Ser: Iustice this sentence great Venetian Duke . 2. Sen: Remit thou yet thy sterne austeritie , Most mightie prince , and be not so seuere , Though Lelio by the lawe do merit death , There is no lawe that may defraud his wife , Or leaue his daughter without maintenance , O grant thou this iust fauor mightie Duke , That they may keepe possession of his house , Although the common-wealth command his goods . Duke . A lawfull plea which may not be denide , Thy suite is granted , register it downe . Now let our gard beset the citie round , Search euerie house to finde out Lelio : Meane while graue Senators , bethinke your selues , Of some strict lawe against our Sessions , That may repulse these insolent debates . Exeunt omnes Enter Brisheo and Franco . Brish : Sirrha Franco , what sayde olde Seruio to my money . Fran : Mary sir , as soon as his fore eies had ouerlookt it And his fingers trembling had ouertolde it , He tooke it vp , and verie furiously cast it into hell . Brish . Into hell knaue , what meanst thou by that ? Fran.

Marie sir , into his chest I meane , the verie bottomlesse pit of vsurie , where I am sure God neuer came , but the deuil & his angels fil it vp to the brim .

Brish :

Well sirrha , leaue your ieasting , and goe will the master of my barke to vnlode the wares , and see that at the crane you hoise them vp .

Fran : I will sir . Ex. Fran. Enter Lelio . Lel : Where shall I hide me from too searching eies ? Oh whether may I go to saue my life ? Brish : Me thinkes I see my Lelio quite dismaid , What aileth thee my sonne ? Lel : O staie me not Brishio for thy daughters sake , Be not thou the meanes to bring me to my end . Brish : Be not so foolish to mistrust thy friend , Thy troubles taint my weale . Lel : Father by marriage , friend in my misdeed , Thus fortune hath deprest my weake estate , Sempronio found in Venice for my friend , Deare to my soule while he held vertue deare , Incenst thy daughter and my wedded wife , Who scorning to defame her ancient stocke , Disburdned his lewd suit within my eares , Heereon in a rage I drew him to the field , There he lies slaine , I flie to saue my life . Now as thou art a father , for my sake Pittie thy daughter and my wofull child , For by the law I am condemnd to die : Farewel , the rest who cannot tel , if you enquire . Brish : Stay Lelio , stay , if for my daughters sake thou slewest thy friend , I for thy vertues sake will keepe thee close within my house , And ship thee priuily this present night , So vnperceiu'd thou shalt escape awaie . Lel : Hast thou not heard the sentence of the Duke ? That who so succors me must loose his goods , And liue a banisht life . Brish : Why thinkest thou threates shall make me leaue my friend ? When is the time for friends to shew themselues , But in extremitie . I blesse sweet fortune that giues me such meanes , To shew how much I fauor true nobilitie . Lel : What God wil haue , folly may not withstand . Brish : Go in my sonne , I wil be day , the night , the euening , the morning to thee my sonne , The day to helpe thee flie from foes pursuit , The euen to giue thee rest from all thy toile , No daie nor night shall I retaine my rest , Till Brishio know that thou art safely fled . Exe : omnes . Enter Sempronio disguised with Phillip . Semp : Here leaue me father , walke no further forth , Leaue me supposed dead , reuiu'd by thee , Hide thou my name , and couer from the world , My fortunes and my birth , and all misdeeds , Here is that Venice that beheld me fond , Here is that Venice that shall beholde me wise , Looke how thy science hath disguisde these lookes , So hath thy councell reconcilde my heart , I hate all worldly pompe , I scorne lewd lust , This tongue from tempting in dishonest loue Shall labour to releeue the innocent , Farewell , thou knowest my vow , Which I haue sworne to keepe irreuocable , Neuer to disclose my name , Vntill such time as thou releasest me . Phil: I wil conceale thy name , thy fortune & thy birth , Thy friends , and what thou wilt I will conceale , And now redeemed from the iawes of death , Loue deeds of vertue worthie Gentleman , And euerie daie discouering of thy wound , Thinke how thy God hath thus preserued thee . Sem : Phillip farewell , and welcome pouertie , From sinfull proud , I waxe a cynike pure , Die fortune , flie deceit , florish true repent , Sinne folly breeds , a good mans discontent . Enter Fortunio and Marchetto , with the gard . For : Marchetto , if thou louest me , grant me this , That if thou enter Lelios house thy selfe , I may accompanie or tend on thee . Mar: Your Lordship cannot will or wish the thing , Wherein Marchetto will not pleasure you , The gard alreadie hath beset the house , And I will knocke and call for enterance . For : Tell me Marchetto ere thou go , What precious thing is hid in Lelios house , That likes thee best . Mar: I long to be the Lord of all his coine . For : And I long and labour for his daughters loue . Mar: But by your patience , worthie Lord , I deeme my choice is best , For who so gaineth wealth , Hath beautie tide as captiue to his coine , And worldly pleasure tendeth on his traine . For : But in respect of beautie , it is vaine , Riches are baites to teach vs nigardines , But beautie to be bountie teacheth meanest men . Mar: Ioue first wonne Dania in a golden shower . For : But Dalia's ouerprest with power , Wealth is the bodies slaue , but beauty guids the mind And feeds the sense , and animates the wit . Mar: But wealth by golden gifts commandeth it , The fairest Ladies for a little bribe , Will let Diogenes disport awhile , Gold is a God in this desired age . Semp : The more corrupter men that vse it so . For : Why what art thou that listens our debate ? Semp. Euen he that scorns the world , & spurns at fates , He that thinkes wealth a burden to the soule , And he too fond that fondly vseth it , He that thinkes beautie but a fraile delight , The nurse of idlenesse , a bait for fooles , Vnmeet for Princes , who should onely thinke , To beautifie their soules , Not to infect their hearts with outward shewes . Mar: What new bred Cynike doth disturbe vs thus ? Sem : He that can teach thee how to chouse thy goods , Ioyne both thy hands , and blow them mightily . Mar: To what intent ? Sem : Do what I bid thee man . For : I praie thee please the cynike , fit his vaine . Mar: Fellow beholde , I will effect thy will . Marchetto blowes his hands . Semp : What profit hast thou by that breath of winde ? Mar: Why , it warmes my hands . Sem : But now the heate is laide . Mar: It is . Sem : Such is the golde , and so it doth abide , A breath of pleasure wauering but a space , Maintaind by mightie care , but quickly lost . Now Fortunio let vs see what beautie is , Seest thou not this sprig , is t not fresh and greene , Now looke againe , a litle violence makes it deform'd : Why such is beautie sir , a bait wherewith the world Doth angle arts , intangle towardnes , Inforceth reason , trauerseth aduice : I praie thee let me serue thee Fortunio . For : To what intent ? Sem : Because I hate thy course , and will instruct thee , If thou be wise to marke , and proue , and know an honest man . For. Well , I entertaine thee , thou shalt tend on me , But first tell me , whence art thou ? Where wast thou borne ? Sem : I first was borne to be gentle , Nature inforst the seed of good and bad in me , Till death threatned to whip me for my sinnes , Mercie stept in , Repent shed teares and kist me , Deuotion heald me , and new christned me , In my owne bloud that dropped from this wound , And cald me Penitent experience . Eta serua vostra fettisima seruidore siniore . For : Speakes in parables . Mar: Let him attend , t is time to knocke vp Lelios householde traine . He knockes . Gnat : within . Who knockes there ? Mar: The princes gard . Gna : Gard , we haue no need of gards , go to the tailors , Keepe out I saie . Mar: Sir , if I catch you . Gnat : I and you can . Mar: What a foole is this ? Gnat : What an asse is that ? Enter Annetta and Lucida . An: What noise is this ? What mean this troup of armed men about my dore ? Mar: Madame , the Senate by a late decree , Hath sent vs to make search for Lelio , And if we finde him not , to seize his goods . An: All what is his , my Lord , you may command , The scourge which God afflicteth on our heads , Is for our sinnes , we take our harmes in gree , Go when you will , search where you please , And leaue the rest for this poore maid and me . Exit Marchetto and the Gard. Fo: Did euer eies behold so faire a face ? Sem : Looke not Fortunio , eies are arrowes keene , That wounds all vnawares , and are not seene . Why weeps this tender maid , why grieues the mother T is I should weepe , and I will weepe for both , Fie on Sempronio that was so vnkind . Fo: Fond man , why doest thou torment thy selfe ? Sem : I beate Sempronio for abusing thee , Thou loose vnbridled man , the cause of harmes , Pardon Annetta , pardon Lucida . Luc: What ailes this aged man he stormeth so ? Fo: Some lunasie surpriseth me I feare , Art thou Sempronio ? Sem. This is Annetta , that Lucida , thou Fortunio , But I am not Sempronio , but penitent experience Fo: Faire Lucida , as bright as is the morning starre . Drie vp thy teares , let not thy fathers fall Depresse thy courage , but reuiue thy spirits , And think thy beautie sufficient to wed thee presently Lu: Fortunio , now my wedding daies be past I haue that husband which contents me best . Fo: Words sounding death , may I thy husband know . Luc: Why sir , I late am wedded to my wo , With him I liue , he doth inioy my heart . Fo: Tush madame , that mariage may bee quickly mad , Beautie to dwel with wo were to to bad . Here whisper . Heare me a word . Enter Marchetto with the gard . Ma : Madame , I see your husband hath pruented vs , Well , let him flie , his chests are sealed vp , The house and some small helps are left for you , But if in this your extreame miserie , ●ou will vouchsafe to follow mine aduice , I will assure you good and wealth inough . An: As how my Lord ? Mar: Forget thy Lelios loue , Grant me possession of thy priuate bed . An: Auant vnreuerend pailard , touch me not . Sem. Here 's first a knacke to know an honest Lady . Mar: T is but a tricke of youth , refuse not me . An: Awaie dishonest man , abuse not me , My pouertie is happines to me , So long as vertue guides and gouerne it , Come Lucida , beware of subtill men . Fly from these Sirenes that inchant chast hearts , Come let our toiling fingers get vs bread , Before suspect should preiudice our names . For : Good madame but a word , and then no more . Luc: Sir , in a word you shalt not tempt me more , I am too noble to forget my selfe , Too chast to be a princes concubine : Offer your lewd assaultes among your curtizans , I am no stale for your vnhonest lust : and so farewell . Sem : Do so as thou hast sayd , Thou shalt be crownd with honor , curteous maid . For : Despisde and scornd , what should I but despaire , Mar: Vse force , my Lord , & win what you wold haue . Sem : I , here 's a knacke to know an arrant knaue , Vertue neare taught thee that . She sets a bit vpon her brideled lust , She hath a water of a holy zeale , To drowne the shame of vaine affection in . Mar: Peace foolish foole , thou doest abuse our talke . Sem : What doo these flatterers where free men walke ? Hearke my Fortunio , I will tell a tale , An oxe in Memphes with his poaring tongue , Licking in doctious weeds did so foretell His following death : a wretch like to my selfe , Beating Marchettos cloake , doth prophesie His following shame , vnles he mend his life . Enter Seruio , Franco , and the gard . Ser: T is true my friends , I heard the pullie creake , The stirring crane did make a mightie noise , And by a rope I sawe descending downe , The cursed murderer , Lord Lelio . T is Brishio succors Lelio , none else . Mar: What news my friends , what makes Seruio vp ? Ser: Captaine , Lorde Lelio hetherto hath kept in Brishios house , And this night from his lee is slipt awaie , I sawe the ancor fisht , the sailes new hoist , Aske of this peasant if I tell not true . Mar: Sirrha , didst thou see Lelio ? Fran : I marie did I sir . Ser: What need we more ? Fran : Marie to know when I sawe him last , For the first time I sawe him was at his marriage . For : Vnbend thy musket souldier in the locke . Presse me his thumbes , and make the slaue confesse , Here pinch him . Fran : O I confesse Lelio was shipt at our crane this night , My master Brishio tooke him in , I agreed with the shipmaster , made clcane his shooes , And so laide him in the rope of our crane , And let him downe into the ship ; And he is gone into the Florentine campe . Ma. So now let him loose , the truth apparant is . Fo: Marchetto , go prosecute the Senates will , Attach Lord Brishio , seize vpon his goods , Come breake vp the doore . Exit omnis , manet Sempronio & Seruio . Sem. Soft gentle friend , a word or two with you , From whence proceed these troubles that arise ? Se : For yong Sempronios death , my honest friend . Sem : Why gentle sir , is young Sempronio dead ? Se : Why doubts thou that , I tell thee I haue sought and found it so . Sem. Where was he buried ? Se : Why Sepheards brought me tidings of his death Some rauenous beast did seize him for his praie . Sem : And what hast thou lost or gotten by his death ? Se : I haue annuall rents two thousand pounds , The worth in plate of twice so many more , A few such breakfasts friend , would make me rich , I le tell thee , euerie daie throughout the yere , I le loose a kinsman to possesse so much . Semp : Then not for loue thou bearest Sempronio , But for a colour of thy honest minde , Thou doest pursue Lord Lelio in this sort . Se : A foole were I so to accuse my selfe , Thinke like a worldly man , that so it is , And so it is in deed , who longeth to be rich , Let him forget God but for a dozen yeres , He shall be rich , well landed , stout , and braue . ●●m . Wipe out that water from thy eies my friend . Se. What ayleth me ? Sem : Why thou art blind and canst not see . Se. Thou wilt not make me mad , I le take my spectacles Sem. Tush they auaile thee not , for thou art blinde in deede , Looke in thy heart and finde an honest thought , Then will I saie thy eyes are perfect cleere , Looke in thy conscience , finde it not corrupt , Then thou shalt see without thy spectacles . Se. Awaie , thou art a knaue I saie , tempt me not . Sem : Yes , but thou art an arrant couetous knaue , for all mine vnkle . Exit Seruio . Enter Fortunio and Marchetto , with Brishio and his two sonnes . Bri : T is true my Lord , I fauord Lelios flight , My loue hath crost the rigor of your lawes . Fo: Did you foreknow the penaltie my Lord , That doomes you banishment and losse of goods . Bri : All this I knew , but none of this I feare , True friendship lightneth all these burdenous harme If Lelio be escapt I feare no wants , My exile to me is libertie , Go fruites of nature , I will leaue you heere , Go toward children , thriue among my friends , Glut you with my excesse of Vanities , Feed your vncleane desires by spoiling me , I wreake them not , so Lelio liue to me . Not irkesome age , not lims with sicknes tir'd , Nor you my sonnes , nor all my other friends , Not fortune nor intreate shall keep me backe . Mar: Whence growes thy resolution so austere ? Brish : From honestie , my friends , which gouernes me , First Lelio mongst our chiefest citizens , Made me his father , and his vowed friend : Next , to defend my daughter from defame . He ventured life , And shall a little pelfe , These two yong boyes , make me forget my friend , That ventured life and vertue for my sake ? No , I loue my Lelio , do what fortune can . Sem : Why here 's a knacke to know an honest man , Keepe him in Venice my Fortunio , When he is gone few such will staie behinde , For here our wonted faith is turn'd to fraud , Our periuries are counted policies , Our oaths are gates to catch the simple sort , Our curtesie is but nodding of the head , Discouering the cap , or bending of the knee , Swearing I loue your honor good my Lord : The best dissembler hath the brauest wit , Come let me loue thee for thy Lelios sake , And when I meet him next I le tel him more . Ex. Sem. Opre : Deare father , who shall succor vs when you are dead ? Brish : Your diligence , which can command the proudest miserie . Zeph : What if your friends repine , and will not giue ? Brish Your hands , my sons , must teach you how to liue Courage and industrie can neuer want , Vaine idlenesse growes wretched by itselfe , But diligence inableth poorest men . Well , must I to prison Lordes , or must I hence , Tell me the Senates sentence speedily . Fo: Hie thee from Venice speedily , for if thou stay But two houres space , thou art adiudged death . Brish : Farewell my Lord , and farewell gentle friend , Adieu my sonnes nay weepe not , Commend me to your sister , loue her well , Defend her honor as you loue your liues . Zep : Where nature parteth vs , there sorrow thriues . Exit Brishio . Ma : Come , let vs let the Duke and Senate know , The whole successe and fortune we haue had . Exit omnis . Enter Franco and Gnatto . Gnat : What Franco , wel met , whether art thou going ? Fran : Faith my master is gone awaie , and I am going a begging . Gnat : A begging , why t is the best occupation thou canst vse , A begger hath fiue of the seuen liberall sciences

At his fingers ends : he hath musike to sing for his dinner , he hath logicke to cauel with the constable , he hath rhetorike to perswade that hee should not go to the stockes , he hath Geometrie to measure out his bed in the plaine field , and he hast Astronomie to shew a warme sunne from a colde shade . Nay , I le proue that a begger deuours the foure morall vertues at one breakfast : he 's valiant when he must needs fight , he is liberall when he hath anie monie to spend , and he is true if there be nothing to steale . A begger , why t is the ancientest occupation that is , it began at Adam , & wil neuer end til doomes day . But sirrha Franco , I le tell thee what thou shalt do , go & professe thine olde occupation againe .

Fran. What 's that ? Gnat. O t is the best occupation that is for thee . Fran : Why what profit can that yeld ? Gnat.

Why , by being alwaies dronke thou shalt learne neuer to be sober . O the vertue of a dronkard is much , he speaks little because he sleeps much , he stands not vpon opinion , for euerie litle straw throwes him not downe : he is not proud , for his head is readie to salute euerie poast : nor hee is not enuious , for hee teares his stomacke open to euerie man , and sleepes as soundly on a donghil as on a downe bed . Mary one thing , he is subiect to impatience , for once a daie he sees the deuill .

Fran : And truly for that cause I le blesse my selfe , I le to the Duke of Millanes campe to my master , And there professe beggerie : stay thou heere To professe dronkennes : and so farewell . Ex : Fran : Gnat : Go thou to beggerie , I le to the butcherie , The prouerbe is true that I tell to you , T is better to be dronken and drousie , Than hunger starued and lousie . Ex : Gnatto . Enter Annetta and Lucida with their worke in their handes . An: Come Lucida , here let vs sit a while , My father is banisht , and my husband is fled , And that which grieues my hart , my brethren poore , And we not able for to succor them . Lu: Good mother cease your plaintes , for heere comes one . Enter Sempronio . Sem : Fortunio my master mad in loue , Must haue this Lucida , or he will die , And I supposd to be a worldly man , Must be a meane , and stale to win his loue : But whereas penitent experience pleads for lewd lust , The lecher neuer thriues , But here bring I the sacred chest of gold , Giftes , which if prouerbs lie not , will tempt the Gods : Yonder sits chastitie at beauties feete , Madames , God speed your works , & speed your frinds And speed your foes , but speed your vertues more . Lu: welcome honest friend . Sem : soft , first proue mine honestie , And heare my message ere you prais me much , And this is it , A lewd and lustie Lord , Traind vp in idlenes , hath late beheld faire Lucida , And longs to lie with her , And hoping by rewards to win her loue , He sends this casconet clogd with gold and pearle , First to Annetta to make her a baud , Next to faire Lucida to make her a whoore , But if Annetta be as chast and wise , As when she countercheckt Sempronio , If Lelios vertue liue in Lucida , Returne me backe with strokes and railing wordes , Scratch out my eies for bringing lewd attempts , But if you meane to trie a tricke of youth , And vaine necessitie kils honestie , Here take this golde , but herewithall receiue A thousand curses from Sempronios ghost , This halter to dispatch thee , least thy guilt , Should breed more dishonor in thy fathers eares . Luc: Who sent thee fellow , to seduce vs thus ? Sem : Fortunio Lucida , a mightie man , But if true vertue gouerne thy affects , Make thou a marble rocke of this white breast , Against the sea of euerie loued assault . An: The strangest message that I euer heard , Fortunio shewed but little wit in this , To trust his secrets with so seuere a man . Sem : Why Annetta , I haue dealt in honestie , I haue discourst my masters minde at large , And therein shewed the dutie that I owe : Next lyke a councellor and friend besides , I giue thee this aduice , and therein let thee know , How much I honor noble Lelio . Ah but when I thinke vpon Sempronio . An: Why what of him ? Sem : How imperiously he sought to win thy loue . An: Tell me the rest . Stm : I cannot choose but weepe amaine . Luc: Why dydst thou know the man ? Sem : O no , not I , for I am penitent Experience , Madames , I know gold cannot conquer you , Faire Lucida doth scorne Fortunios lust , And for that vertue which I see in both , Receiue the gifts I will bestow on you : To thee chast madame , Lelios best beloued , I giue this scalpe , and pray thee euerie daie , Beholding it , to thinke vpon thy end : Which sight will so restraine all worldly lust , As thou shalt die to sin , and liue to God . To thee faire Lucida I do present This booke , whereon is written , Thy fathers pedegree and famous line , Each morning when the golden Sunne appeares , And glides the mountaine tops , peruse it well , There reading marke but honor of thy race , Take heed least lewdnes do thy fame deface , Replie not , get you in , the Crocodile is comming forth Here put them in at doore . That weeping will deuour you . This is the feastiuall of holy Marke , Yond come the pompious shew . Enter the shew on the Stage . Vanitas vanitatum , & omnia vanitas , Vaine ceremonies , customes of the world , This daie our Lordes of Venice wonted bee , To sacrifice in triumph to the sea , And march in pompe vnto the Arcedan , For this great state built in a starrie nooke , An angle of the Andrie arctike sea , For happinesse and long continuance , More blest than Rome it selfe , Vaine customes doth obserue , But yond come my master and Marchetto forth , Now you that long to see the guise of sinne , How one makes two , and two increaseth foure , And sinne in gathering head growes infynite , Let him beholde examples in these loues . Enter Fortunio and Marchetto . For : Here comes my cynicall attendance Wee shall haue newes what Lucyda intendes . Sem : Goe cast thee headlong from a mounttaine top , Or in the deepest seas goe drowne thy selfe , Goe liue thou wretch among the barbarous beasts , Where Italy may neuer heare thy name . For vertue vowes to laugh in looking on , To see you perish in your peeuishnes , For. A dreadfull enterance to a dolfull tale , Speake man , what newes from Lucyda ? Sem : shee spyes thy poyssoned message in thy face , Shee scornes thy gyftes , and vowes to hate thee euer , To thee lewd lossell fayre Annetta sends , A troope of curses chayned with bitter sighes , Come Lordes let s lyghten vs of heauie things , There lies my cloake & cap , now throw your swoordes aside , And let vs three lyke fleeting vnycornes , Runne blushing through the streets in to the wood , There let Fortunio cut Marchettos throat , That councelled him to rauish chastytie , There penitent experience with his bat , Shall beate Fortunios tender wanton sides , That sought to spoyle holy virginitie , Lastly my selfe will syt and teare my haire , And weepe vntil I choake my selfe with wet , To see nobilytie so much disguisd . For : Hence sorrow , boding messenger be gone , Rage now shall ouer rule discretion , Gather thy frends Marchetto follow mee , This nyght wee will surprise them in their beds , And teach them kyndnes who will learne no loue . Mar: Here is perfect vallour in a noble man , Sem : here is perfect villany sprong from thy lyps . Exit omnis , manet Sempronio . Enter one of the Senators with Brishios two sonnes . Sen: Now gentelmen what seeke you at my hands ? Orp. My Lord wee hope that for the aunient league , Betwixt our Father and your worthie selfe , You will vouchsafe somewhat to succour vs . Sem : What gentelmen and begeres , fye for shame , Sep. Pay not our hopes with scornes , Our father vsed you better in your wants . Sem : Thou talkest of matters fortie yeres ago , The worlde that 's now differs from that was then , Men are more neere and deerer to themselues But if you want a cup of drinke or so , Stand at my dore my man shall bring it you . Exit Senator . Ha ha ha , a worldling ryght , the poets song Was well applied in this , For like the antes they eate the gaine of mens wealth , But flye them lyke the fiends when they are falne , These Cicero and Aristotle tearm'd a troope of seruile Base dishonest men , Stay here , here cometh more , stand by awhile . Wee shall behold the world anatomiz'd , Enter the other Senator reading a letter . The Florentiens of late haue fought a field , Wherein Lord Lelio hath deserued well , For why , his countrie scornes to succour him , Lord Brishio tendeth on the Millane camp , And hath atchieued many a worthie deed . I ioy to heare of Brishios good successe , Your marchandise are solde , and we haue sent Bils of Exchange to receiue the monie , A merrier heart hath Treuerey for that . How now you sausie youths , stand backe I say , What make you lingering here about my doores ? Zep : I hope your Lordship knowes vs well . Senat : I would you knew your selues as well as I , Go get you hence , it is for yong men to ply their books , To practise musicke , and delight in armes , And not to loiter vp and downe the streets . Orph. Dishonest Lord , our father in thy wants Did vse thee better , And wilt thou leaue his sonnes in miserie ? Senat : When Brishio and I meete , we le talke of that ? Let him come craue himselfe , I le answere him . Zeph : Why he is banisht , and may not returne . Senat : The better cause haue I to cast him off , I will not rase my house to raise you vp , Let me see , you are two good tall youths , And fit for souldiers , goe you to Millane to , Where your father is , liue by the warres , And do not vex vs in peace , for you get not a pennie of mee . Exit Senat. Orph. These strange repulses make me desperate , Speake brother Zepherus , what shall we do ? Sem : How now yong gallants , what distempers you ? But grieue not thus at worldly chances , If sinne were dead vertue were neuer seene . Are you the sonnes of Brishio gentle friends ? Zep : We are the sonnes of haplesse Brishio . Sem : And these ranke churles whom earst your father tide , By many great deserts vnto his house , Haue left you thus in your extremities . Giue me your hands you relikes of renowme : Now haue I got an Empire to my minde , A vent for my religious charitie , Hold take these iewels , buy you what you want , But heedfully beware of gourmandize , Lead you a sober decent comely life , Remember truly the effects of things , Before you shall affect and make your choice . Heare in a word , who made the planets seuen , First sent downe loue and charitie from heauen , But auarice was christned in hell , Speake holy men , haue I not counceld well ? Orp : What man art thou that fauourst miserie ? Sem : Euen he that thankes my God , That sends mee ought whereby to succour you , And call me Penitent experience , Who giues thee thankes for what thy father did , Who giues thee thankes for what thy brother did . And charge you both , as you are noble borne , To let me see your weapons presently . Zep. . Take them and vse them gentle minded man . Sem : Here are the blades well polisht faire and bryght . Were it not pittie Sirs that these swordes Should rust within their sheathes of blisse ? While some Venetian letcher and his mate , Should rauish thy sister and deflower thy neece . Orp : What swords are these frind , reporte the truth ? Sem. This night Annetta , and faire Lucida , If gods and frindes forsake them in their wantes : By lawlesse rauishers will be surprised : I meane to succour them , if you refuse Giue me my Iewels , for I will succour none That leaues their sisters in extremitie . Or. God leaue vs , if we forsake our frindes , Or leaue our sister in extremitie . Semp. Then take more Iewels , heire tall men : And vnderneath this wall , watch all this night : If any man shall attempt to breake your sisters doore , Be stout , assaile him , kill him , for his cause is bad . Zep : Lead vs the way , and we will follow thee , For in our sisters cause we le spend our blood . Sem. The gaine is yours , the glory must be Gods , Who made you to defend the innocenets . Exit omnis . Enter Forsa Duke of Myllan , with Brishio and his traine . Enter Medesa Duke of Florence , with Lelio and his traine at the other doore . For. Now Brishio , since thy country Venice scorneth thee . And thou an abiect wretch exild from thence : Yet I haue made thee champion of my right , If thou expect the cause , it is for dowrie , The which the Florentines denies to pay : In right of marriage , with faire Orrelio my wedded wife . For this thou fightes , now get the victory , And thou hast purchast Country , lyfe and friends , Br. Reason no more my Lord , For vertue plucketh occasion ere he draweth his sword . Look on great Princes , and see an old man fight . Euen as the candel falling downe aside , Then burneth brightest when it gins to fayle , In age , so I will shewe greate valor , And will not now submit , Fo. I take thy word , God mantaine now the right , Me. Now Lelio I haue laid the burden of my warre on thee : Thou art the champion of my weale or woe : Deceiue not my firme hope , but in a manly fight ? Attempt the winning of this happie day , Le. By those moyst teares which with a mournful hart , I often shed vpon Sempronios herst : And by the loue I beare Annetta faire : Naught but my death , shall make me lose thy right , More then my life , I cannot hazard mighty Florentine Mede . I like thy courage gentleman : charge the combatants . Here sound Trompets : Le. Whom doe my eyes behold , art thou not Brishio my father ? Who forsaking weale and friends , Madest thy choyse of baleful banishment , Rather then liue and seeme banisht . Bri. Art not thou Lelio whom my zealous prayers , Haue alwaies wisht , and wild thy greatest good , Cease trumpets cease , we two must neuer fight . Le. What meaneth thy champion Medesa to faynt . Me. What meanes thy champion Forsa that he faints . Brish . To combate with my sonne were worse then death . Lelio . To combate with my father were my death ? Forsa . Father and sonnes , both champions in our wars . Mede . Brother and brother , causer of the same Forsa . What fauor merit they , who loue so well ? Med. What infamy deserue we that contend ? See Forsa these champions are so kinde they cannot fight . Shall wee contend for tytles wretchedly , While meaner men contend in perfectt loue . Lelio : A pardon Medesa all the world beside . Had not this man , this father of my wife : Incountred me , I would haue died and perisht in thy cause . Bri. A pardon Forsa , had not this vertuous husband of my child . Incountred me , I would haue died and perisht in thy cause . For. Rise combatants , you teach vs what to do , Come Medesa , Ioyne you hands , And let these two which loue so well , Be Iudges of our warres , and let it end . Me. Brother content . Now champions end debate : What you conclude , shall make a peace with vs : Bris : See see , my sonne , our loue hath well nigh made their peace . Princes , are you agreed to determine warre by vs ? Fo rs . I Brishio , now we are agreed . Bri. Then tell me mightie Duke , but dally not . Louest thou Orelio as a husband should ? For. I loue and honour her in word and soule Bri. Then nothing is to deare for her my leech . For. I le hazard life , and all to doe her good . Bri. Performe hir Ioynter then , and keepe thy worde . For. Then let the Florentine pay me her dowrie . Le. Feare not my Lord , the Florentines are men that honor right . Speake great Italian Duke , shall it be bruted in the eares of men ? That Forsa graunts all dewtie vnto thee , And thou denie her right of marriage . Me. T is pitty that gold should part two noble minds , Here Forsa take my hand , this night one tent Shall lodge vs both , & here a legare , shal my mony lie , Vntill my treasurer hath brought thy dew . For. Then march in peace , here endeth all our hate . Thus poore mens loue , doth great mens harmes debate . Exit omnis . Enter Zepheron and Orphinio with the Souldiers . Zep. This is the place now fellowes , stand close a while , If any shall attempt to scale these walles , Assault him , and kill him if you can , For death is too good an end for him that fauours dishonestie . Or. I heare them comming : brother now stand close . Enter Fortunio and Marchetto and Sempronio . Fo. Now sleepes the Sunne in Thetis lickored lap : And watery eyes are pleased with pleasant rest : Now playes the siluer Moone vpon the Sea , And all the traine of twinckling starres adorne : The hollow compasse of our heauens spheare , This is the place where I must purchase life , or end my dayes . Marchetto boldly knocke , to see if by permission We may enter in , lest rumor will bewraye vs this darksome night . Here Marchetto knockes . Gnat.

within . How nowe what scabis at the doore at this time of the night .

Mo.

Sirra , tel thy mistresse Fortunio is at hand to speake with her .

Gna.

within . Soft sir , keepe out I say , least I make garters of your guttes , foote balles of your faces , ho let forth the dogges there .

Fo. Sirra dispatch , and call your Mystresse foorth , Or with my Sword I le send thy soule to hell . Gnat.

Way way , you may carry the message thether your selfe , for poore mens soules were made for heauen , and the rich for hell .

Enter Annetta and Lucyda . Annetta

What noyse is this , what meaneth you thus to assault a haplesse Ladies house ?

Ma. Annetta my faire loue , my hartes sole Queene , An. Auaunt dishonest man , disturber of the poore : I know thy drift , I know Fortunio comes , To heape dishonor on my haplesse house : But you may be gone and get you to your rest , For no man entreth these doores this night . Mar. Seize I this haggard I le make her stoope . Fo Heaue me the doores from of the hinges straight . Zep. Who liftes his handes to force these barred doores . Shall buy his rashnes with his dearest blood . Fo. What hath she champions to resist vs then ? Orphi . I , such as scorne to be disgrac'd by thee : Fo. Downe with the slaues , fellowes beat them down . Giue light . Marchet . Fortunio is slayne Souldiers , goe rayse the watch . Semp. The Prince is hurt , Zepheronus and Orphinio flye a pace . Fo. My sences fayles , O helpe me to my bed . Sem. Leane on my shoulder and let vs goe . Exit Sempronio and Fortunio . Enter Marchetto and Seruio . Marchet . These are the Traitors Seruio , laie hands on them . Ser. Whoes this , Orphinio and Zepheronus . , The sonnes of Brishio , performers of this deede . Ma. Goe Seruio keepe them close , tell I enforme the Duke . And visit young Fortunio in his bed . Exit Marchetto . Se. What ho Phillyda my gerle come forth here . Enter Phillida . Phil. What would my father ? Se. Go take these prisoners , & see thou keep them close Locke them in the vpper loft till I returne . Orph. Vse vs like gentlemen we craue no more . Ser. Vse you like knaues , for you deserue no lesse , go get you hence . Exit omnis : manet Seruio . So now shall I see the end of Brishioes race , Now shal Sempronioes death be well reuenged . First will I goe to the Duke , and there procure their death , And hast againe to see their execution done . Exit . Enter Phtllida with the keyes . Phil. Whether will loue and dewtie lead me now ? To whom shall I submit in these extreames . If to my father , then my Lord must die : Louely Orphinio , and young Zepheronio : My cruell father now , doth seeke their deathes : And now in hast is gone vnto the Duke , That both of them this morne may lose their heaads . But I le preuent him , for here I le set them free , And hazard all their perill on my selfe . Here open the doore , and Enter the two brethren . Phi. Orphinio come foorth . Or. What seeks thou louely maide , amongst wretched men ? Phil. I seeke for loue , saw you not him of late . Ophi . He neuer keepes , where wretched men abide . Pdil . Yes , yes Orphinio down in thy eyes he keepes : But now to tell you dangers that are prest , And you must seeke preuention out of hand , For Corrodino by Marchettoes mouth , Hath taken order that to morrow morne , Young Zepheronio and you shall lose your heads . Zep. O cruell sentence vpon Innocents , For what we did was in our sisters cause . Orph. How doth Fortunio ? Phil. Like the dying man : but greeue not Orphinio : Hardest not thou what loue did promise late : Wilt thou protest if I do set thee free , And thou returne to Venice safe againe , Vouchsafe to take me to thy wedded wife . Orp. I vow before the mighty God of heauen , To wed and honor none but Phillida . Phil. I take thy word , and soone shall set thee free : Here take my fathers signet ,

Giue it to the Porter of the gates , and hee will let you passe : and so farewell my sweete Orphinio : I cannot stay , and in thy Iorney thinke on Phillyda . Exit Phillida .

Or. Danger then must hasten our departure : Farewell sweet Phillida , Queene of my heart . Exit . Enter Seruio solus . Ser. Welcom sweet morne , the meanes of my delight : God and my industrie hath wrought thus much : In iust reuenge of my Sempronios death . First Lelio banisht , next Brishio to liue in misery : And last , his sonnes to day must suffer death : Haue I not foure for one . Enter the Porter . Por. Good morrow , and good fortune to my Lord . Ser. How now Porter , what newes ? Por. I bring your honors signet backe againe , Which gaue me warrant for two gentlemen . To passe the gate & watch some two howres since . Ser. My signet knaue , to passe two gentlemen : Alas poore slaue hast thou been ouer watcht ? For. Why looke on the ring my Lord ? Ser. Why thou wilt not make me madde I am sure ? Come let me see , the marke is mine : I feare me heers some villanie . What Phillida come forth , my heart misgiues , I pray thee hold my head . Enter Phillida . Phil. Father did you call ? Ser. Thou Challet carrine drab , who tooke this signet from my finger , speake ? Ph. You aske me questions past my knowledge . Ser. Where are the keyes that lockt the vpper loft ? Ph. Fast vnderneath the pillow where you sleepe . Se. Go fetch them hether , let s see them straight , Goe call vp my neighbors : Fayries haunt my house . Exit Phillida . Ser. This ring was yesterday night vpon this thumbe , Yet hath two deuils gotten it abroad : And gotten passage through my castell gates : And here a worse then Lucifer him selfe , Doth bring it backe , to haunt me with suspect . Enter Annetta , Lucida and Gnatto . An. Hie thee good Gnatto , bring vs to the house , If yet my brothers bide with Seruio : I le to the Duke and moue Fortunio , For what they did was in my honors right . See where old Seruio sits . Gnat. T is such a wold fraud foole , I am loth to speake Enter Phillida with the keies . Phil: Father heere are the keies . Fetch forth the prisoners let me see their lookes , Exit Phillyda . ●n :

God speed you Sir in the way of honistie . My mistresse would know , whether her brethren bee prisoners in your house , or no.

Seruio , I , tell her , and I hope ere noone to see them hanged . Gnat. I told you what would come out , He spake as though hee would spit his stomp in my mouth . Enter Phillida . Phil. Alas alas father , we are all vndone , Orphinio and Zepherius are fled . Ser. Tell me that my soule hathe left my flesh : How , when , where , whether , howe should they bee gone ? Gna. Fine and braue mistresse , your brethren are gone . Ser. Villaine why did they passe , you minkes , you Minion , you haue let them loose . Phil. Good father do not censure me amisse . Ser. Hence callet , harlot , worse then nought : For thou hast lost me and my prisoners : I am vndon , my credit 's crackt , my honor 's lost & gone I am a reprobate and cast away , I le to the Duke , Packe thou to hell thou wretch , come not in my sight , But get thee gone . Exit Seruio and Phillida . An , How glad am I my brethren are escapt , Come sirra , vex the silly wretch no more . Exit omnis . Enter Orphinio , Zepherius and Lelio . Zeph. Good fortune to our brother Lelio . Le. O happie relickes of a worthy man , Young Zepherius , and kinde Orphinio . How wends the word , in Venice with our frends : How fares Annetta , how liues Lucida . Or. The worse doth still preuaile , Marchetto hath attempted thy faire wife . Fortunio sought , to rauish Lucida : And we rescuing them haue hardely scapt with lyfe , Le. Like as the Palme vnto the Egyptian sagges , That in three hundred daies , and sixtie fiue : Is seemliest and fully brought to passe , Euen so your tydings to sad Lelio , Importeth my excreding yeare of griefe . That hath three hundred woes and sixtie fiue , And sixtie fiue , three hundred sorrowes more . Zep. To greeue thy sorrowes without mending them is vanitie , Lelio , behold occasion fauoures thee . Le. Why are your swords vnsheathd you noble frinds ? Doth pittie moue you by a blessed death to ende my wooes . O welcome is that sword that slyts this hart . Orp. Tho u seest our Father in declyning age , Is banisht quite for sauing of thy life , And we his sonnes , vnlesse he doth returne , Are neuer like to visit Venice more : Resolue you then to hye you backe againe , And by thy head , reuoke our exiled Sire , Or by our swords , prepare thy selfe to dye . Le. Is this the cause that makes you so vnkinde : Will Lelios head , or heart , or any part , Be comforters to Brishio and his sonnes ? Put vp your swords , wee will not square for this . That I may see my father ere I go , And thank him for his many curtesies . Enter Brishio . Zep. See where he comes , occasion fauours thee . Bri. God blesse my sonnes , ryse ryse , & speake to me : Haue you not some Venetian frinds vnkinde . Or. Their friendship , with thy fortunes tooke an end . Bri. I thought on lesse , but why is Lelio so discontent : Tut giue ouer man , the streame wil run with vs at last . Le. I come to thanke my father for his loue , And pray him by those armes he honors most , To daigne my dutiful and kind adew . Le. Why whether goes my sonne so suddenly ? Bri. To Venice father , to redeeme your banishment . Bri. I am not banisht , you wrong my fames ? Liuing for him , I liue at libertie . Zep. But Lelio must not liue , vnlesse he be resolu'd To hie to Venice , that thou maiest returne . Le. These are thy children Brishio , these exceede In kindnesse towards thee , and towards mee . Oh honors to your father and to mee : Let me imbrace you for your curtesie . Brishio fare well , accept a thousand thankes . Bri. Why , who willes thee hence ? Zep. Father , they will him hence , that will be actors In his Tragedie , vnlesse he to Venice go speedily , And quit thee from this exile with his head , Bri. These are not Brishios sonnes , bids Lelio hence : These are not Brishios sonnes that draw their swords : Thou art my sonne , these two are fortunes slaues ; Avant vaine boyes , come not in my sight , By heauen and heauens adorning sunne , These are no sonnes of mine that sinne so much . Or. Ashamd , we beg a pardon at thy hands , Br. Ashamd , I beg a pardon at thy handes , In rendring nature , that hath lost thy power , To breed such manslayers in an honest stocke . Le. O bend not those knees , to which nature bends . Zep. O Lelio sue our pardons , plead for vs , Our iudgements were disgraced by our loues . Le. Ryse father of kinde sonnes , sonnes kinde to father , Brothers vnkinde , in kindnesse to your brother : I kind to churlish of my kinde , Do yeeld kind death , to saue your liues Br Sweare puytence , lewd boyes , Submit to Lelio humbly on your knee , Else will I neuer blesse you gracelesse youthes . Or. We humbly craue submission of our brother . Br. And thou my sonne , nay more then sonne my frind Here plight thy fayth to bide and stay with me , Or I shall thinke my loue but spent in vaine . Le , I vow to be as sequest to my Father , And with my heart I do forgiue my brothers . Bri. Then will I now incorporate these Lads , And hug them in my arme , and hold them deare . Now wil I hold a festiuall to day , For Lelio , Zepherius and Orphinio : Le. And I with fauour of my noble Lord , Will first giue order to my souldiers , And then returne to Brishio in his tent . Br. Be carefull of thy charge my noble sonne , I will not hinder thee in vertuous things , But let vs meete againe before we march , For I haue many things for to impart to thee . Le. My busines past I will reuisit thee . Exit omnes , manit Lelio . Le. In what a world of troubles am I tost , To Venice Lelio , rid thy fathers cares : I but Brishio will accuse thy breach of faith . But while I heere remayne his griefes increase , I am resolud , father , frinds , farewell , I will to Venice with a merry hart . And in what eare disguise I can prouide , Visit Annetta my distressed wife , And so redeeme my fathers banishment . Exit Lelio . Enter the Duke of Venice with the Senator & Seruio bound . Duke . Bring tortors forth , bring me a cord , Stretch me the villanes lymes , force him to confesse . What , haue I made thee the marquesse of Saint Marks And gaue thee charge of all the Citie keyes , And hast thou playd me such a part , To let those caitiue boyes escape my hands . Ser , Iust God great Duke , can witnesse it with me , With what great griefes I lost the prisoners . Duke . Who doubtes but God beholds thy treachery , And therefore the minister of God , Will punish thee and make thee to confesse Whether corruption or affliction Made thee discharge the prisoners of my wrath . Se. Racke me to death , shew all extremities , You shall but wrecke your wrathes on Innocense . Duke : This is but delaying , racke him I say . Ent. Phil. Phil. Worke no iniustice great Venetian Duke , Vnbind my aged father cruell man , These pangs belongs to none but guiltie soules : Inflict them then on those that merit them . Se. What art thou that hinders Iustice so . Phil. The haplesse daughter , of this haplesse man : I stole my fathers keyes by night : I freed Orphinio , and Zepheronio . And if this deed doe meryt death my Lord , Let lose my father , wrecke your hate on mee . Duke . If you be she that set my prisoners free , I am the Iudge , and sentence thee to dye : Slaues strangle her , let Seruio be releast . Ser. Oh pardon the daughter , let the father dye , Phil. Why stay you ministers , is not the sentence past , Must I not dye ? Enter Sempronio , with Fortunio bound . Sem. No marry must you not you foolish girle . Good Lord how apt the world is now adaies , To finde inuention to destroy a man : When as the greatest arts of our age , Can neuer make or hardely mend a man . Great Corridino , let me councell thee , If thou wilt punish damned and wretched men : Put me these gray beards quickly from their seates , And racke them soundly , and they will confesse , How they preferre their gold before their God , Their lands and honors , before their honestie , Or if thou wilt conceiue the truth of things , See here the man , who drawne by lawlesse lust : Did seeke sinisterly in time of night , In company of that lewd letcher there , To rauish Lucida Lord Lelios daughter , And force the mother , in whose iust defence , Orphinio and Zepherius drew their swordes . Then were these young men Iustifiers of right : And this lewd man , was he deserued death . Looke on this prisoners face , you know him well , The world esteemes him next a kin to you . Duke . Fortunio what my sonne , what meanes these bands ? For. What else but bandes belong to guilty men , Why should my greatnes couer my misse deeds ? Or poore men suffer for a great mans sinne ? O Father roote from forth your royall Court , This cursed flatterer , that seduced me : We two deserue to die . Releasing Zepherionio and Orphinio . These prisoners haue done thee honor , for by wounding me They haue preserud their sister from a rape , Me from perpetual shame , thee from much griefe : Therefore if Iustice punish any one , begin with vs : Else wil the prouerb hold , smalest flies are tangled in thy twist When greater far breakes through and force the web . Duke . Seruio and Phillida , your iudgement is , To loose Fortunios bandes : Fortunios paines is to embrace old Corodinos necke : I thanke my God that hath reclaymed thee , And made thee flye the vanities of youth , Now without feare shall I incounter death , When I am sure thy wanton daies are past . But thou vngratious man , passe from my Court , And exild to the world : Come my Fortunio let vs enter in And establish this perpetual law hence forth , That but in causes meerely capitall , A noble man submitting of him selfe , And after being reconciled to God , Shall haue his pardon without preiudice . Se. This likes me well , now growes the world to frame , Fortunio now hath learnd to know a knaue : And is expert to prooue an honest man . Exit omnis . Enter Lelio like a Colliar . Le. Will you buy any Coles , fine small Coles . Thus haue I entred Venice in disguise , And through the streets haue gotten vnespied , Silence Lelio , my thinkes my doore doth ope , Ah yonder comes my wife and daughter forth , How fares Annetta , how doth Lucida . An. What Lelio , my Lord in this disguise ? Lu. A happie sight to , see my fathers face . Le. O comfort of my erst estemed life : How do your sighes reuiue my drouping minde ? An. But wherefore doth my Lord thus venture life ? And come to Venice for to fetch his death ? Le. I come to rid thy father from his banishment , And to endow my daughter Lucida . come reselud to Venice here to die : Come hether daughter , thou knowst it is proclaym'd , That who so brings me to the Senate house , Shall haue a thousand Crownes for recompence . Now therefore Lucida I yeeld to thee : Take thou the gold , and yeeld me to them straight , And let my death , end all your myseries . Lu. Cursed be that gold that 's bought with blood . Happie be that death that doth so many good . Enter Seruio and the Garde . An. Ah Lelio , we are betrayd , heere commeth the Garde . Le. Buy anie Coles , small Cooles , fine Cooles . Se. How now , who walkes heere in this disguise ? Let 's see thy face ? Lu. This is our Collier . Se.

This is a Courtiers feate : what Lelio , you are welcome Sir , you come in happie time to bring me Crownes .

Le. Sir I am Lelio , I le not deny my name , And I am prisoner to my Lucida , To her belongs the ransome of my head , Not to thee sonne of hate and nygardie . Se. Well Sir , whosoeuer clayme you , I seise thee for my prisoner . Who will present thee to the Senators . Lu. Ah gentle Seruio grant me but one thing , Then take all the profit if thou wilt for mee . Se. What sounds of profite pleaseth Seruio : Speake gentle maide , I like thy manners well . Lu. Reserue my father in thy prison close , But three daies space , and I aske no more . Se. Well I grant thy sute , it shal be so : Come beare him in hence . Lu. Father time shall discouer all , till then farewell . Ex. om. Enter Brishio and his two Sonnes . Br. Come murderers of my ioy , goe flie my sight : Bring me my Lelio or you both shall die . Ze. Father , the Souldiers tending in his tent , Reports that he is gone to Venice , Sem. Ha ha , midest all these melancolly griefes . And with resolued minde to end his daies . Bri. Ah traiterous boyes , t is you haue driuen him hence , Thus villaines haue you cossened mee of fame . And made him conquere me in curtesie , Runne post , hie with speed , bring him to me : Redeeme my Lelio though you loose your liues , Or I will hate the ground where on you tread , And curse the wombe that brought me forth such sonnes . Or. If we retorne to Venice we are but dead . Bri. Tut villanes , tell not me of death . I le lose you both to haue my friend againe : Stay but on mynute , we are mortall foes , This sword shall soone reuenge me on your heads . Zep. Wee goe , but father . Bri. What wilt thou dally yet ? Or. Kill vs before we perish by your foes ? Bri. O mysery of man , you will not goe , Then stay and see your father with his sword ? Zep. We goe my Lord , O spare your reuerent age . Bri. Nay spare your words , and spend your feete with hast . Exit the two sonnnes . What are they gone , ah cruel and vnkinde , In seeking to saue my friend , I loose my sonnes : Stay , stay my sonnes , leaue me some comfort in my age : Whether wilt thou transport my zealous minde , Let me surfeit in the sinne of loue : They shall not die , if all must perish , I must perish too . I will to Venice and redeeme their liues , Else father , friends , and sonnes will die togither . Exit Bri. Enter the Duke , Fortunio and the Senators . Duke . Vsher let those that seeke for audience Enter the Court , and moue the Senators . Enter Seruio and the Garde with Lelio bound and Sempronio . Ser. Most mighty Duke , most worthy Senators , Walking abroad as is my vsuall wont : I found Lelio clothed in a base disguise : Him when I saw , I seazd and seazing brought , To be presented to your honors heere : And in humble wise request the largis which the state alowes Which is a thousand Crowns to him that brings The head of Lelio to the Senators . Duke . The Treasorer shall pay thee strayght : Scribe giue him a warrant , let him be dispatched : Lelio stand forth , art thou the haples man that slew Sempronio Le.

My Lord I confesse the fault , and am willing with my death to recompence the deed .

Sem. I cry in all mens eares with egar words , That many seeke their danger by dispayre , That many die for murders yet vndone , I speake to thee , alas that men were wise , To know their good , as their infirmitie . Duke . Tell me Lelio , what moueth thee free from Iustice hands To seeke out death with desperate intent ? Le. That which would moue the best and wisest man Had he but selfe same causes as I had . For. Discourse and let these aged fathers know them all . Le. What shall they know , in knowing my mishappe , That will not molifie their marble mindes , Who first hauing slayne his dearest friend ? Next caused his fathers banishment , And last his wife to liue in misery , And would not seeke ease for their disgrace , First pay his slaughtered friend with dearest blood , Next call his father home from banishment , And seeing his wife and daughter once opprest , To get indowment and reliefe for both : But all my hope is lost , I die in vaine , Which yeelds a double torment to my payne . Giue sentence Prince , delay not by my death , To rid me from a world of miseries . Du. Law must haue course , though pittie plead for thee : Scribe read the sentence . Cla. Whereas by sufficient testimonie & publicke confession Lord Lelio is founde guilty for the murder of Sempronio , It is adiudged and ratified by the noble Duke of Venice , And the most worthy Senators his assistantes , That for his offence in publicke place of Iustice , Lord Lelio shall loose his head . Se. Seruio take the briefe , see execution doone . Enter Annetta and Lucyda . An. Stay cruell man , traynd vp in cruelty , Annetta wofull wife , with earnest teares , Publish some sorrow for her zealous minde : Great Iudges of the state , heare me but speake : Pyttie for Lelio , grant my husband life . Du. It may not be , Iustice will haue no pause . Lu. Yet mercy Prince , should moderate the Lawes . Le. Who spares the guyltie , anymates the bad . Lu. Who spareth none , doth hate to Iustice adde . Se. Pittie with Iustice neuer wel agrees . Lu. Yes when it moderates seuere decrees . Du. What cause of plea hath this audacious mayde ? Lu. Such cause as vertuous men may wonder at : I clayme the pension of a thousand crownes , For I my Lords present my fathers head . An. I clayme a reuocation noble Lords , For Brishio , for he doth merit it , By sending Lelio home to you aliue , And tendring him to Iustice by our meanes . So then vnlesse you ratifie your lawes , And call my father home from banishment , And pay the thousand Crownes to Lucida . Ad this to your Iustice cruell Lords : That both the wife and daughter may be lead , To die with him that doth vniustly die . Se. Seruio presented Lelio vnto vs , And hee deserues the pension of the state . Lu. Lelio discouered vnto vs , And we deserue the pension of the state . Lu. Lelio first discouered vnto vs , And we deserue the pension of the state : He to indow me , sought his danger forth . An. Hee to redeeme his father did returne . Lu. The issue of his forwardnes was zeale : And Seruioes seruice was but treachery : Your lawes command , that on the first surpryse , Who met with Lelio should disclose him strayght , But Seruio three daies space did keepe him close . An. And therefore Seruio merits not the gold . Du. This was the certayne hope of my desire : For. And didst thou Seruio keepe him three daies close . Ser. I did my lord vpon Annettas humble sute . Se. I , so the Foxe was taken in the net , And nygardnes was caught by sutteltie . Du , Then do the Senate presently decree , That Lucida shall haue the promist coine , And Seruio for breaking of the law , Shall be imprisoned for a twelue-month space . This pretty accident doth make me laugh . Now Seruio you haue good time to cast account , What interest and profit you haue raysd , By yong Sempronios plate and coine . Ser. I hope your grace will pardon this misdeed . Duke A way with him , I will not heare him speak . Ex. Ser. Enter Orphinio and Zepherius . Or. Shall innocenth great Lords kill guilty men ? Zep. Lead me to death , and if my brother dye . Or. No man shall lead my Lelio to his death , Except by selfe same sword we perish too . Le. O life thou feedst me with continuall death , When wilt thou end and ease my heinous harmes ? For. What men are these that hinder Iustice so ? Zep. The men that had thy life and sought thy death . Se. These are old Brishios sonnes I know them well . Duke Lay hands on them and bynd the fugitiues . Or. Bynd , breake our bones , spare neither life nor lims , We come to die , and merit not to liue , We bend no knees , for mercy mighty Duke , Only our sute is for our brothers life , Whose danger we vnhappie men haue wrought . Se. How wrought you Lelios danger , tell vs true ? Or. When from the Citie speedily we fled , Werey to see our fathers hard distresse , We hied vs to the Duke of Florentines campe , And sought out Lelio , and with naked swords , Forst him to hie to Venice and redeeme our sier . Hereon through feare of vs he came , And in his rescue both of vs wil die . Zep. Take two for one great Duke it is enough , Bloud shall haue bloud , then be thou satisfied . Lel : You wrong me brothers . Voluntarie intent Brought me to Venice , not your wordes . Orp : Thou art too pitious to ingratefull men , We forst thee hether , we must ransome thee , If Lelio die , our father will not liue , He priseth Lelio more than both his sonnes . Duke . Go , since you long to die , dispach them two , Lelio for murther censurd by himselfe , These for assalting my Fortunio . For : Fit we to censure wrongs done to our selues , I le be their aduocate , they must not die , Whom hath they wrongd ? not law , for none is slayne . They did but punish me , If anie wrong were done , t was done to these , If anie death be due , t is due to me . Duke . By breach of prison they haue forfeted . For : No my Lord , for they were vniustly punished . An: I pardon thee Fortunio for all thy wrongs , For pleading zealously for innocents . Lu: But if thou keepe my father from the sword , I le paie thee further kindnes than I owe . Enter Brishio . Bri : Preuent not zealous faith you angrie heauens , Let raging rigor stay till Brishio come , What liue they yet , liues Lelio , liue my sonnes , Bound , censured , prest to die , the heads-man heere , Come let me make the fourth , thou minister , Leade me to death with these , if these must die . Duke : How dares thy child Brishio visit vs ? Fearest thou not law ? Brish : Yes prince I honor law , And for the loue I beare to iustice now , I come to paie my ransome of contempt , And leaue my life in Venice for my crime . 2. Sen: Thy fault deserues not death , The law requires a hundred crowns for penalty from thee Bri : I haue no crownes , my head must be my coine , I had one friend , and you will rob me of him , I haue two sonnes , and they are bound to die , Thus all my wealth is in your hands my Lords Giue these to me , giue me these liuing ioyes , For whom I haue aduentured breach of law , Then take this hand , cut it off for one , And take this other , cut it off for him , But take for this my bodie , hart , and all , Ah Lelio , Lelio , couldst thou serue me so . Sen: We looke for monie Brishio , not for plaints . Lu: You shall haue monie , heere receiue my dowrie , I le paie my grandsires penaltie my selfe . Bri : No , no , redeeme the yonger sort , let me die . Lel : Mightie , magnificent , and gracious lord , Why staie you silly soules with dalliance , Command these murdering hands to cut my throate , And if that iustice florish in this state , Pittie my father , friend , my ioy and weale . Bri : Call not for death my sonne , he cals not thee , For pittie Corrodino censure me , For if I loose these , I must loose my lyfe , And if I loose him , I loose my soule , Then let vs all haue lyfe , or lets all die , Taxing this state with inhumanitie . Du : Drawe all these souldiers presently apart , The Senators will counsell of these euents . Enter Sempronio . Sem : Let vertue liue , let villanie be slaine , let Lelio liue , for vertue liues in him , O pittie thy campe is pitched heere , But griefe and sorrow that remaineth here , But faith and honestie that remaineth here , Come Charitie and lend to me a tong , Else Penitent Experience is quite vndone . Bri : Thou hast a tongue , then raue not so . Sem : I haue no tongue because I cannot shew , Nor tell to thee the secrets of my thoughts , I haue no speech but such as helpe me not , But such as sings thy vertue , thy deserts , Thy bountie , thy true heart , thy honestie , O were there one could find Sempronio out , How might we make a famous comedie . Du : Shall this conclusion stand , you noble peeres ? Sen: Wee ratifie the same by our consent . Du : Bring forth the prisoners , Brishio march thou forth , Waying the wondrous working of the heauens , We thus conclude , That Brishio shall be free from his supposd exile : and inioy the goods and fortune he inioyd before , We likewise doo release his forward sonnes , and pardon their defaults what ere they be , We grant the pension of a thousand crownes To Lucida , as we haue promised , Onely in this our iustice stands in force , That Lelio must for murther suffer death . Bri : Nay my lorde , spare all or none , wee craue no further grace . Sem : Let Fortune spite , or hate do what she can , Here is a knacke to know an honest man , Not age , not life , not sonnes , not wealth , nor friend , Can drawe thee from affecting thy deare friend , O let me make the third , if Lelio die , Hie thee kind charitie , lend me a tongue . Duke . Beare hence the prisoner , we dissolue the court . Sem : Stay & suffer Penitent Experience inioy one boone For : Dispatch then and tell vs what it is . Se : Let none but I be executioner to cut off Lelios head . Duke : We grant thy sute . Sem : Then giue me this keene sword Since none but Experience Hath power to cut off vertues noble head , Thou shalt not die . For : Do not delude our trust . Sem : Nor do you condemne a guiltles man . O Charitie is come , I see him now . Enter olde Phillip . Du : Heads-man dispatch , except Sempronio liue , Lelio must die . Phil: Sempronio liues , my Lord , see where he stands . Du : Hermit why dalliest thou ? Sempronio was yong , but this is olde , Sempronio was dead , but he doth liue : Her: Old Sempronio now is young againe , And dead Sempronio now doth liue , Beholde him Lelio , dost thou know him now ? Lel : Sempronio . Sem : Ah deare Lelio . Her : This Lord left dead by shepheards in the field , Was found againe , and healed thus by me , And by my art hauing his haire disguisde , He past a solemne oath to hide his name , And doo good deeds where he had liued loose , Since when , cald Penitent Experience , He hath remaind , and liu'd a pensiue life . Speake my Sempronio , for I discharge thy vow , Tell thou the rest , for why my vision Foretolde and promist such an accident , As neuer Venice had , or sawe the like . Sem : Sempronio liues , and Lelio now must liue , Greeu'd for my breach of faith , greeu'd for my crime , Heere are the tokens of my fatall wounds , Which when I eyed Annetta , I haue wept , To thinke vpon my loose vnbrideled loue . Let vs not ioy in words , but ioy in hearts , And let our armes our tongues discourse imbrace , Where our three liues are heard of agen , Call them three knackes to finde out honest men . Du : God wrought these things , we do applaud his works See how by mute imbrace these friends imbrace , Marke how they whisper in each others eares , Their troublous fortunes , cares , & discontents , And now loue workes , see how Lelio hand in hand Ioynes Sempronio with his Lucida , The holy hermit knitteth vp the knot , And all applaud this vnitie of peace . How now ? what seekes this maide ? Enter Phillidae . Phil. Pardon for my father . Du : Comst thou to plead for Seruio Phillida ? Go fetch him forth , ioy shall haue fulnes now : Sempronio stand aside , we le make some sport . Exit Phillida . Enter Phillida with her father Seruio . Duke Now Seruio , for thy forfeit to the state , What fine wilt thou affoord for libertie . Ser: Dread Lord , those lands and profits fell to me , By deare Sempronios death , my neere a kin , I frankly giue in lieu of my contempt . Du : What wilt thou make bequeath of others lands : Why man he liues againe . Ser: First tell me I am dead my Lord . Du : Thou must restore to him his goods againe . S●r : O misery , Is he restord to life , to take away my goods Command me death , nay prisonment , and what ye wil , So he reuiue not , so I meet him not . Sem : See here the picture of true auarice , Where men preferre their goods before their friends , How fare you vnkle ? Ser: Iesus blesse me , a spirit . What cosin ? Sem : I vnkle , the same , and grieue not to yeeld your kinsman his right . Du : Nay force perforce he shall restore thy owne . Phillida behold , thy vnkle liues : See my Lords , no care of kindred holdeth her , She runs to meet Orphinio , loue conducteth her . Phil: Are you returnd my Lord , what safe returnd ? Orp : Returnd to keepe my faith with Phillida . Du : Knit vp that knot within with iollitie , And Register record this commoditie . Sem : Nay stay my Lord , before this comicke end , Let , measure knackes to finde out honest men , For all these listning eares would finde them out . Who list to know a perfect honest man , Shall see his purse still open to the poore , His tongue detesting lewd detractions , He scornes to grieue the needfull heart with griefe , But liues as borne to euerie mans releefe : A knaue will gaine by all vnlawfull meanes , But good men still their goods by vertue gleanes . A knaue makes shift his thrift , forsweares and lies , An honest man on loue and faith relyes : A knaue makes lust his loue , respects no friend , An honest man for friendship life will spend . Oh how I should tire both tong , thought , and pen , To scan out knaues from perfect honest men : Point where I list , if so my finger light On honestie , I sweare I point aright . Du : Thankes good Sempronio for this worthie skill , To register the memorie of this , Henceforth where ere this historie is heard , The worlde shall praise thee , in whose life began , The perfect knacke to knowe an honest man . Finis .