The Spanish Tragedy

THE SPANISH TRAGEdie , Containing the lamentable end of Don Horatio , and Bel-imperia : with the pittifull death of olde Hieronimo . Newly corrected and amended of such grosse faults as passed in the first impression .

AT LONDON Printed by Edward Allde , for Edward White .

ACTVS PRIMVS . Enter the Ghoast of Andrea , and with him Reuenge . Ghoast . WHen this eternall substance of my soule , Did liue imprisond in my wanton flesh : Ech in their function seruing others need , I was a Courtier in the Spanish Court . My name was Don Andrea , my discent Though not ignoble , yet inferiour far To gratious fortunes of my tender youth : For there in prime and pride of all my yeeres , By duteous seruice and deseruing loue , In secret I possest a worthy dame , Which hight sweet Bel-imperia by name . But in the haruest of my sommer ioyes , Deaths winter nipt the blossomes of my blisse , Forcing diuorce betwixt my loue and me . For in the late conflict with Portingale , My valour drew me into dangers mouth , Till life to death made passage through my wounds . When I was slaine , my soule descended straight , To passe the flowing streame of Acheron : But churlish Charon only boatman there , Said that my rites of buriall not performde , I might not sit amongst his passengers . Ere Sol had slept three nights in Thetis lap , And slakte his smoaking Charriot in her cloud : By Don Horatio our knight Marshals sonne , My funerals and obsequies were done . Then was the Feriman of hell content , To passe me ouer to the slimie strond , That leades to fell Auernus ougly waues : There pleasing Cerberus with honied speech , I past the perils of the formost porch . Not farre from hence amidst ten thousand soules , Sate Minos , Eacus , and Rhadamant , To whome no sooner gan I make approch , To craue a pasport for my wandring Ghost : But Minos ingrauen leaues of Lotterie , Drew forth the manner of my life and death . This knight ( quoth he ) both liu'd and died in loue : And for his loue tried fortune of the warres , And by warres fortune lost both loue and life . Why then said Eacus , conuay him hence , To walke with louers in our fields of loue : And spend the course of euerlasting time , Vnder greene mirtle trees and Cipresse shades . No , no , said Rhadamant , it were not well , With louing soules to place a Martialist , He died in warre , and must to martiall fields : Where wounded Hector liues in lasting paine , And Achilles mermedons do scoure the plaine . Then Minos mildest censor of the three , Made this deuice to end the difference . Send him ( quoth he ) to our infernall King : To dome him as best seemes his Maiestie : To this effect my pasport straight was drawne . In keeping on my way to Plutos Court , Through dreadfull shades of euer glooming night : I saw more sights then thousand tongues can tell , Or pennes can write , or mortall harts can think . Three waies there were , that on the right hand side , Was ready way vnto the foresaid fields , Where louers liue , and bloudie Martialists , But either sort containd within his bounds . The left hand path declining fearfully , Was ready downfall to the deepest hell . Where bloudie furies shakes their whips of steele , And poore Ixion turnes an endles wheele . Where Vsurers are choakt with melting golde , And wantons are imbraste with ougly snakes : And murderers grone with neuer killing wounds , And periurde wights scalded in boyling lead , And all soule sinnes with torments ouerwhelmd ▪ Twixt these two waies , I trod the middle path , Which brought me to the faire Elizian greene . In midst whereof there standes a stately Towre , The walles of brasse , the gates of Adamant . Heere finding Pluto with his Proserpine , I shewed my pasport humbled on my knee . Whereat faire Proserpine began to smile , And begd that onely she might giue my doome . Pluto was pleasd and sealde it with a kisse . Forthwith ( Reuenge ) she rounded thee in th' eare , And bad thee lead me through the gates of Hor: Where dreames haue passage in the silent night . No sooner had she spoke but we were heere , I wot not how , in twinkling of an eye . Reuenge . THen know Andrea that thou art ariu'd , Where thou shalt see the author of thy death : Don Balthazar the Prince of Portingale . Depriu'd of life by Bel-imperia : Heere sit we downe to see the misterie , And serue for Chorus in this tragedie . Enter Spanish King , Generall , Castile , Hieronimo . King . NOw say L. Generall , how fares our Campe ? Gen. All wel my soueraigne Liege , except some few , That are deceast by fortune of the warre . King . But what portends thy cheerefull countenance , And posting to our presence thus in hast ? Speak man , hath fortune giuen vs victorie ? Gen. Victorie my Liege , and that with little losse . King . Our Portingals will pay vs tribute then . Gen. Tribute and wonted homage therewithall . King . Then blest be heauen , and guider of the heauens , From whose faire influence such iustice flowes . Cast. O multum dilecte Deo , tibs militat aether , Et coniuratae curuato poplito gentes Succumbunt : rectiseror est victoria iuris . King . Thanks to my louing brother of Castile . But Generall , vnfolde in breefe discourse , Your forme of battell and your warres successe . That adding all the pleasure of thy newes , Vnto the height of former happines , With deeper wage and greater dignitie , We may reward thy blisfull chiualrie . Gen. Where Spaine and Portingale do ioyntly knit Their frontiers , leaning on each others bound : There met our armies in their proud aray , Both furnisht well , both full of hope and feare : Both menacing alike with daring showes , Both vaunting sundry colours of deuice , Both cheerly sounding trumpets , drums and fifes . Both raising dreadfull clamors to the skie , That valleis , hils , and riuers made rebound , And heauen it selfe was frighted with the sound . Our battels both were pitcht in squadron forme , Each corner strongly fenst with wings of shot , But ere we ioynd and came to push of Pike , I brought a squadron of our readiest shot , From out our rearward to begin the fight , They brought another wing to incounter vs : Meane while our ordinance plaid on either side , And Captaines stroue to haue their valours tride . Don Pedro their chiefe horse mens Colonell : Did with his Cornet brauely make attempt , To break the order of our battell rankes . But Don Rogero worthy man of warre , Marcht forth against him with our Musketiers , And stopt the mallice of his fell approch . While they maintaine hot skirmish too and fro , Both battailes ioyne and fall to handie blowes . Their violent shot resembling th' oceans rage , When roaring lowd and with a swelling tide , It beats vpon the rampiers of huge rocks , And gapes to swallow neighbour bounding lands . Now while Bellona rageth heere and there , Thick stormes of bullets ran like winters haile , And shiuered Launces darke the troubled aire . Pede pes & cuspide cuspis , Anni sonant annis vir petiturque viro . On euery side drop Captaines to the ground , And Souldiers some ill maimde , some slaine outright : Heere falles a body scindred from his head , There legs and armes lye bleeding on the grasse , Mingled with weapons and vnboweld steeds : That scattering ouer spread the purple plaine . In all this turmoyle three long hovres and more , The victory to neither part inclinde , Till Don Andrea with his braue Launciers , In their maine battell made so great a breach , That halfe dismaid , the multitude retirde : But Balthazar the Portingales young Prince , Brought rescue and encouragde them to stay : Heere-hence the fight was eagerly renewd , And in that conflict was Andrea slaine . Braue man at armes , but weake to Balthazar . Yet while the Prince insulting ouer him , Breathd out proud vaunts , sounding to our reproch , Friendship and hardie valour ioynd in one , Prickt forth Horatio our Knight Marshals sonne , To challenge forth that Prince in single fight : Not long betweene these twaine the fight indurde , But straight the Prince was beaten from his horse , And forcd to yeeld him prisoner to his foe : When he was taken , all the rest they fled , And our Carbines pursued them to the death , Till Phoebus wauing to the western deepe , Our Trumpeters were chargde to sound retreat . King . Thanks good L. Generall for these good newes , And for some argument of more to come , Take this and weare it for thy soueraignes sake . Giue him his chaine , But tell me now , hast thou confirmd a peace ? Gen. No peace my Liege , but peace conditionall , That if with homage tribute be well paid , The fury of your forces wil be staide . And to this peace their Viceroy hath subscribde . Giue the K. a paper . And made a solemne vow that during life , His tribute shal be truely paid to Spaine . King . These words , these deeds , become thy person wel . But now Knight Marshall frolike with thy King , For t is thy Sonne that winnes this battels prize . Hiero. Long may he liue to serue my soueraigne liege , And soone decay vnlesse he serue my liege . A tucket a farre off . King . Not thou nor he shall dye without reward , What meanes this warning of this trumpets sound ? Gen. This tels me that your graces men of warre , Such as warres fortune hath reseru'd from death , Come marching on towards your royall seate , To show themselues before your Maiestie , For so I gaue in charge at my depart . Whereby by demonstration shall appeare , That all ( except three hundred or few more ) Are safe returnd and by their foes inricht . The Armie enters , Balthazar betweene Lorenzo and Horatio captiue . King . A gladsome sight , I long to see them heere . They enter and passe by . Was that the warlike Prince of Portingale , That by our Nephew was in triumph led ? Gen. It was my Liege , the Prince of Portingale . King . But what was he that on the other side , Held him by th' arme as partner of the prize ? Hiero. That was my sonne my gratious soueraigne , Of whome , though from his tender infancie , My louing thoughts did neuer hope but well : He neuer pleasd his fathers eyes till now , Nor fild my hart with ouercloying ioyes . King . Goe let them march once more about these walles , That staying them we may conferre and talke , With our braue prisoner and his double guard . Hieronimo , it greatly pleaseth vs , That in our victorie thou haue a share , By vertue of thy worthy sonnes exploit . Enter againe . Bring hether the young Prince of Portingale , The rest martch on , but ere they be dismist , We will bestow on euery souldier two duckets , And on euery leader ten , that they may know Our largesse welcomes them . Exeunt all but Bal. Lor. Hor. Welcome Don Balthazar , welcome Nephew , And thou Horatio thou art welcome too : Young Prince , although thy fathers hard misdeedes , In keeping backe the tribute that he owes , Deserue but euill measure at our hands : Yet shalt thou know that Spaine is honorable . Balt. The trespasse that my Father made in peace , Is now controlde by fortune of the warres : And cards once dealt , it bootes not aske why so , His men are slaine , a weakening to his Realme , His colours ceaz'd , a blot vnto his name , His Sonne distrest , a corsiue to his hart , These punishments may cleare his late offence . King . I Balthazar , if he obserue this truce , Our peace will grow the stronger for these warres : Meane while liue thou though not in libertie , Yet free from bearing any seruile yoake . For in our hearing thy deserts were great , And in our sight thy selfe art gratious . Balt. And I shall studie to deserue this grace . King . But tell me , for their holding makes me doubt , To which of these twaine art thou prisoner . Lor. To me my Liege . Hor. To me my Soueraigne . Lor. This hand first tooke his courser by the raines . Hor. But first my launce did put him from his horse . Lor. ceaz'd his weapon and enioyde it first . Hor. But first I forc'd him lay his weapons downe , King . Let goe his arme vpon our priuiledge . Let him goe . Say worthy Prince , to whether didst thou yeeld ? Balt. To him in curtesie , to this perforce : He spake me faire , this other gaue me strokes : He promisde life , this other threatned death : He wan my loue , this other conquerd me : And truth to say I yeeld my selfe to both . Hiero. But that I knaw your grace for iust and wise , And might seeme partiall in this difference , Inforct by nature and by law of armes , My tongue should plead for young Horatios right . He hunted well that was a Lyons death , Not he that in a garment wore his skin : So Hares may pull dead Lyons by the beard . King . Content thee Marshall thou shalt haue no wrong , And for thy sake thy Sonne shall want no right . Will both abide the censure of my doome ? Lor. I craue no better then your grace awards . Hor. Nor I , although I sit beside my right . King . Then by my iudgement thus your strife shall end , You both deserue and both shall haue reward . Nephew , thou tookst his weapon and his horse , His weapons and his horse are thy reward . Horatio thou didst force him first to yeeld , His ransome therefore is thy valours fee : Appoint the sum as you shall both agree . But Nephew thou shalt haue the Prince in guard , For thine estate best fitteth such a guest . Horatios house were small for all his traine , Yet in regarde thy substance passeth his , And that iust guerdon may befall desert , To him we yeeld the armour of the Prince . How likes . Don Balthazar of this deuice ? Balt. Right well my Liege , if this prouizo were , That Don Horatio beare vs company , Whome I admire and loue for chiualrie . King . Horatio leaue him not that loues thee so , Now let vs hence to see our souldiers paide , And feast our prisoner as our friendly guest . Exeunt . Enter Viceroy , Alexandro , Villuppo . Vice . Is our embassadour dispatcht for Spaine ? Alex. Two daies ( my Liege ) are past since his depart . Vice . And tribute paiment gone along with him ? Alex. I my good Lord . Vice . Then rest we heere a while in our vnrest . And feed our sorrowes with some inward sighes , For deepest cares break neuer into teares . But wherefore sit I in a Regall throne , This better fits a wretches endles moane . Yet this is higher then my fortunes reach , And therefore better then my state deserues . Falles to the ground . I , I , this earth , Image of mellancholly , Seeks him whome fates adiudge to miserie : Heere let me lye , now am I at the lowest . Qvi iacet in terranon habet vnde cadat , In me consumpsit vires fortunanocendo , Nil superest vt iam possit obesse magis . Yes , Fortune may bereaue me of my Crowne : Heere take it now , let Fortune doe her worst , She will not rob me of this sable weed , O no , she enuies none but pleasant things , Such is the folly of dispightfull chance : Fortune is blinde and sees not my deserts , So is she deafe and heares not my laments : And could she heare , yet is she wilfull mad , And therefore will not pittie my distresse . Suppose that she could pittie me , what then ? What helpe can be expected at her hands ? Whose foot standing on a rowling stone , And minde more mutable then fickle windes . Why waile I then where s hope of no redresse ? O yes , complaining makes my greefe seeme lesse . My late ambition hath distaind my faith , My breach of faith occasiond bloudie warres , Those bloudie warres haue spent my treasure , And with my treasure my peoples blood , And with their blood , my ioy and best beloued , My best beloued , my sweet and onely Sonne . O wherefore went I not to warre my selfe ? The cause was mine I might haue died for both : My yeeres were mellow , his but young and greene , My death were naturall , but his was forced . Alex. No doubt my Liege but still the Prince suruiues . Vice . Suruiues , I where ? Alex. In Spaine , a prisoner by mischance of warre . Vice . Then they haue slaine him for his fathers fault . Alex. That were a breach to common law of armes . Vice . They recke no lawes that meditate reuenge . Alex. His ransomes worth will stay from foule reuenge . Vice . No , if he liued the newes would soone be heere . Alex. Nay euill newes flie faster still than good . Vice . Tell me no more of newes , for he is dead . Villup. My soueraign pardon the Author of ill newes , And I le bewray the fortune of thy Sonne . Vice . Speake on , I le guerdon thee what ere it be , Mine eare is ready to receiue ill newes , My hart growne hard gainst mischiefes battery , Stand vp I say and tell thy tale at large , Villup. Then heare that truth which these mine eies haue seene . When both the armies were in battell ioynd , Don Balthazar amidst the thickest troupes , To winne renowne , did wondrous feats of armes : Amongst the rest I saw him hand to hand In single fight with their Lord Generall . Till Alexandro that heere counterfeits , Vnder the colour of a duteous freend , Discharged his Pistoll at the Princes back , As though he would haue slaine their Generall . But therwithall Don Balthazar fell downe : And when he fell then we began to flie , But had he liued the day had sure bene ours . Alex. O wicked forgerie : O traiterous miscreant . Vice . Holde thou thy peace , but now Villuppo say , Where then became the carkasse of my Sonne ? Villup. I saw them drag it to the Spanish tents . Vice . I , I , my nightly dreames haue tolde me this : Thou false , vnkinde , vnthankfull traiterous beast , Wherein had Balthazar offended thee , That thou shouldst thus betray him to our foes ? Wast Spanish golde that bleared so thine eyes , That thou couldst see no part of our deserts ? Perchance because thou art Terseraes Lord , Thou hadst some hope to weare this Diadome , If first my Sonne and then my selfe were slaine : But thy ambitious thought shall breake thy neck . I , this was it that made thee spill his bloud , Take the crowne and put it on againe . But I le now weare it till thy bloud be spilt . Alex. Vouchsafe ( dread Soueraigne to heare me speak . Vice . A way with him , his sight is second hell , Keepe him till we determine of his death . If Balthazar be dead , he shall not liue . Villuppo follow vs for thy reward . Exit Vice . Villup. Thus haue I with an enuious forged tale , Deceiued the King , betraid mine enemy , And hope for guerdon of my villany . Exit . Enter Horatio and Bel-imperia . Bel. Signior Horatio , this is the place and houre , Wherein I must intreat thee to relate , The circumstance of Don Andreas death : Who liuing was my garlands sweetest flower , And in his death hath buried my delights . Hor. For loue of him and seruice to your selfe , I nill refuse this heauy dolefull charge . Yet teares and sighes , I feare will hinder me . When both our Armies were enioynd in fight . Your worthie chiualier amidst the thikst , For glorious cause still aiming at the fairest , Was at the last by yong Don Balthazar , Encountred hand to hand : their fight was long , Their harts were great , their clamours menacing , Their strength alike , their strokes both dangerous . But wrathfull Nemesis that wicked power , Enuying at Andreas praise and worth , Cut short his life to end his praise and woorth . She , she her selfe disguisde in armours maske , ( As Pallas was before proud Pergamus : ) Brought in a fresh supply of Halberdiers , Which pauncht his horse and dingd him to the ground , Then yong Don Balthazar with ruthles rage , Taking aduantage of his foes distresse , Did finish what his Halberdiers begun , And left not till Andreas life was done . Then though too late incenst with iust remorce , I with my band set foorth against the Prince , And brought him prisoner from his Halberdiers . Bel. Would thou hadst slaine him that so slew my loue . But then was Don Andreas carkasse lost ? Hor. No , that was it for which I cheefely stroue , Nor stept I back till I recouerd him : I tooke him vp and wound him in mine armes . And welding him vnto my priuate tent , There laid him downe and dewd him with my teares , And sighed and sorrowed as became a freend . But neither freendly sorrow , sighes nor teares , Could win pale death from his vsurped right . Yet this I did , and lesse I could not doe : I saw him honoured with due funerall , This scarfe I pluckt from off his liueles arme , And weare it in remembrance of my freend . Bel. I know the scarfe , would he had kept it still , For had he liued he would haue kept it still , And worne it for his Bel-imperias sake : For t was my fauour at his last depart . But now weare thou it both for him and me , For after him thou hast deserued it best , But for thy kindnes in his life and death , Be sure while Bel-imperias life endures , She will be Don Horatios thankfull freend . Hor. And ( Madame ) Don Horatio will not slacke , Humbly to serue faire Bel-imperia . But now if your good liking stand thereto , We craue your pardon to goe seeke the Prince , For so the Duke your father gaue me charge . Exit . Bel. I , goe Horatio , leaue me heere alone , For sollitude best fits my cheereles mood : Yet what auailes to waile Andreas death , From whence Horatio proues my second loue ? Had he not loued Andria as he did , He could not sit in Bel-imperias thoughts . But how can loue finde harbour in my brest , Till I reuenge the death of my beloued . Yes , second loue shall further my reuenge . I le loue Horatio my Andreas freend , The more to spight the Prince that wrought his end : And where Don Balthazar that slew my loue , Himselfe now pleades for fauour at my hands , He shall in rigour of my iust disdaine , Reape long repentance for his murderous deed : For what wa st els but murderous cowardise , So many to oppresse one valiant knight , Without respect of honour in the fight ? And heere he comes that murdred my delight . Enter Lorenzo and Balthazar . Lor. Sister , what meanes this melanchollie walke ? Bel. That for a while I wish no company . Lor. But heere the Prince is come to visite you , Bel. That argues that he liues in libertie . Bal. No Madame , but in pleasing seruitude . Bel. Your prison then belike is your conceit . Bal. I by conceit my freedome is enthralde , Bel. Then with conceite enlarge your selfe again . Bal. What if conceite haue laid my hart to gage ? Bel. Pay that you borrowed and recouer it . Bal. I die if it returne from whence it lyes . Bel. A hartles man and liue ? A miracle . Bal. I Lady , loue can worke such miracles . Lor. Tush , tush my Lord , let goe these ambages , And in plaine tearmes acquaint her with your loue . Bel. What bootes complaint , when ther s no remedy ? Bal. Yes , to your gratious selfe must I complaine , In whose faire answere lyes my remedy , On whose perfection all my thoughts attend , On whose aspect mine eyes finde beauties bowre , In whose translucent brest my hart is lodgde . Bel. Alas my Lord these are but words of course . And but deuise to driue me from this place . She in going in , lets fall her Gloue , which Horatio comming out takes vp . Hor. Madame , your Gloue . Bel. Thanks good Horatio , take it for thy paines . Bal. Signior Horatio stoopt in happie time . Hor. I reapt more grace then I deseru'd or hop'd . Lor. My Lord , be not dismaid for what is past . You know that women oft are humerous : These clouds will ouerblow with little winde . Let me alone , I le scatter them my selfe : Meane while let vs deuise to spend the time , In some delightfull sports and reuelling . Hor. The King my Lords is comming hither straight , To feast the Portingall Embassadour , Things were in readines before I came . Bal. Then heere it fits vs to attend the King , To welcome hither our Embassadour , And learne my Father and my Countries health . Enter the banquet , Trumpets , the King and Embassadour . King . See Lord Embassador , how Spaine intreats Their prisoner Balthazar , thy Viceroyes Sonne : We pleasure more in kindenes then in warres . Embass. Sad is our King , and Portingale laments , Supposing that Don Balthazar is slaine . Bal. So am I slaine by beauties tirannie . You see my Lord how Balthazar is slaine . I frolike with the Duke of Castiles Sonne , Wrapt euery houre in pleasurs of the Court , And graste with fauours of his Maiestie . King . Put off your greetings till our feast be done , Now come and sit with vs and taste our cheere . Sit to the banquet . Sit downe young Prince , you are our second guest : Brother sit downe , and Nephew take your place , Signior Horatio waite thou vpon our cup , For well thou hast deserued to be honored . Now Lordings fall too , Spaine is Portugall , And Portugall is Spaine , we both are freends , Tribute is paid , and we enioy our right . But where is olde Hieronimo our Marshall , He promised vs in honor of our guest , To grace our banquet with some pompous iest . Enter Hieronimo with a Drum , three Knights , each his Scutchin , then he fetches three Kings , they take their Crownes and them captiue . Hieronimo , this maske contents mine eie , Although I sound not well the misterie . Hiero. The first arm'd Knight that hung his Scutchin vp , He takes the Scutchin and giues it to the King . Was English Robert Earle of Glocester , Who when king Stephen bore sway in Albion , Arriued with fiue and twenty thousand men , In Portingale , and by successe of warre , Enforced the King then but a Sarasin , To beare the yoake of the English Monarchie . King . My Lord of Portingale , by this you see , That which may comfort both your King and you , And make your late discomfort seeme the lesse . But say Hieronimo , what was the next ? Hiero. The second Knight that hung his Scutchin vp , He doth as he did before . Was Edmond Earle of Kent in Albion , When English Richard wore the Diadem . He came likewise and razed Lisbon walles , And tooke the King of Portingale in fight : For which , and other such like seruice done , He after was created Duke of Yorke . King . This is another speciall argument , That Portingale may daine to beare our yoake , When it by little England hath beene yoakt : But now Hieronimo what were the last ? Hiero. The third and last not least in our account , Dooing as before . Was as the rest a valiant Englishman , Braue Iohn of Gaunt the Duke of Lancaster . As by his Scutchin plainely may appeare . He with a puissant armie came to Spaine , And tooke our King of Castile prisoner . Embass. This is an argument for our Viceroy , That Spaine may not insult for her successe , Since English warriours likewise conquered Spaine , And made them bow their knees to Albion . King . Hieronimo , I drinke to thee for this deuise . Which hath pleasde both the Embassador and me : Pledge me Hieronomo , if thou loue the King . Takes the Cup of Horatio . My Lord , I feare we sit but ouer-long . Vnlesse our dainties were more delicate . But welcome are you to the best we haue . Now let vs in that you may be dispatcht , I think our councell is already set . Exeunt omnes . Andrea . Come we for this from depth of vnder ground , To see him feast that gaue me my deaths wound ? These pleasant sights are sorrow to my soule , Nothing but league , and loue and banqueting ? Reuenge . Be still Andrea ere we goe from hence , I le turne their freendship into fell despight , Their loue to mortall hate , their day to night , Their hope into dispaire , their peace to warre , Their ioyes to paine , their blisse to miserie .

Actus Secundus . Enter Lorenzo and Balthazar . Lorenzo . MY Lord , though Bel-imperia seeme thus coy , Let reason holde you in your wonted ioy : In time the sauage Bull sustaines the yoake , In time all haggard Hawkes will stoope to lure , In time small wedges cleaue the hardest Oake , In time the flint is pearst with softest shower , And she in time will fall from her disdaine , And rue the sufferance of your freendly paine . Bal. No , she is wilder and more hard withall , Then beast , or bird , or tree , or stony wall . But wherefore blot I Bel-imperias name ? It is my fault , not she that merites blame . My feature is not to content her sight , My wordes are rude and worke her no delight . The lines I send her are but harsh and ill , Such as doe drop from Pan and Marsias quill . My presents are not of sufficient cost , And being worthles all my labours lost . Yet might she loue me for my valiancie , I but that s slaundred by captiuitie . Yet might she loue me to content her fire : I but her reason masters his desire . Yet might she loue me as her brothers freend , I , but her hopes aime at some other end . Yet might she loue me to vpreare her state , I , but perhaps she hopes some nobler mate . Yet might she loue me as her beauteous thrall , I , but I feare she cannot loue at all . Lor. My Lord , for my sake leaue these extasies , And doubt not but wee le finde some remedie , Some cause there is that lets you not be loued : First that must needs be knowne and then remoued . What if my Sister loue some other Knight ? Balt. My sommers day will turne to winters night . Lor. I haue already found a stratage me , To sound the bottome of this doubtfull theame . My Lord , for once you shall be rulde by me , Hinder me not what ere you heare or see . By force of fire meanes will I cast about , To finde the truth of all this question out . Ho Pedringano . Ped. Signior . Lor. Vien que presto . Enter Pedringano . Ped. Hath your Lordship any seruice to command me ? Lor. I Pedringano seruice of import : And not to spend the time in trifling words , Thus stands the case ; it is not long thou knowst , Since I did shield thee from my fathers wrath , For thy conueiance in Andreas loue : For which thou wert adiudg'd to punishment , I stood betwixt thee and thy punishment : And since , thou knowest how I haue fauoured thee , Now to these fauours will I adde reward , Not with faire woords , but store of golden coyne , And lands and liuing ioynd with dignities , If thou but satisfie my iust demaund . Tell truth and haue me for thy lasting freend . Ped. What ere it be your Lordship shall demaund , My bounden duety bids me tell the truth . If case it lye in me to tell the truth . Lor, Then Pedringano this is my demaund , Whome loues my sister Bel-imperia ? For she reposeth all her trust in thee : Speak man and gaine both freendship and reward , I meane , whome loues she in Andreas place ? Ped. Alas my Lord , since Don Andreas death , I haue no credit with her as before , And therefore know not if she loue or no . Lor. Nay if thou dally then I am thy foe , And feare shall force what frendship cannot winne . Thy death shall bury what thy life conceales . Thou dyest for more esteeming her then me . Ped. Oh stay my Lord . Lor. Yet speak the truth and I will guerdon thee , And shield thee from what euer can ensue . And will conceale what ere proceeds from thee , But if thou dally once againe , thou diest . Ped. If Madame Bel-imperia be in loue . Lor. What villaine ifs and ands ? Ped. O stay my Lord , she loues Horatio . Balthazar starts back . Lor. What Don Horatio our Knight Marshals sonne ? Ped. Euen him my Lord . Lor. Now say , but how knowest thou he is her loue ? And thou shalt finde me kinde and liberall : Stand vp I say , and feareles tell the truth . Ped. She sent him letters which my selfe perusde , Full fraught with lines and arguments of loue , Preferring him before Prince Balthazar . Lor. Sweare on this crosse , that what thou saiest is true , And that thou wilt conseale what thou hast tolde . Ped. I sweare to both by him that made vs all . Lor. In hope thine oath is true , heere s thy reward , But if I proue thee periurde and vniust , This very sword whereon thou tookst thine oath , Shall be the worker of thy tragedie . Ped. What I haue saide is true , and shall for me , Be still conceald from Bel-imperia . Besides your Honors liberalitie , Deserues my duteous seruice , euen till death . Lor. Let this be all that thou shalt doe for me , Be watchfull when , and where these louers meete , And giue me notice in some secret sort . Ped. I will my Lord . Lor. Then shalt thou finde that I am liberall , Thou knowst that I can more aduaunce thy state Then she , be therefore wise and faile me not . Goe and attend her as thy custome is , Least absence make her think thou doost amisse . Exit Pedringano . Why so : T am armis quam ingenio : Where words preuaile not , violence preuailes . But golde doth more then either of them both . How likes Prince Balthazar this stratageme ? Bal. Both well , and ill : it makes me glad and sad : Glad , that I know the hinderer of my loue , Sad , that I feare she hates me whome I loue . Glad , that I know on whom to be reueng'd , Sad , that shee le flie me if I take reuenge . Yet must I take reuenge or dye my selfe , For loue resisted growes impatient . I think Horatio be my destinde plague , First in his hand he brandished a sword , And with that sword he fiercely waged warre , And in that warre he gaue me dangerous wounds , And by those wounds he forced me to yeeld , And by my yeelding I became his slaue . Now in his mouth he carries pleasing words , Which pleasing wordes doe harbour sweet conceits , Which sweet conceits are lim'd with slie deceits , Which slie deceits smooth Bel-imperias eares , And through her eares diue downe into her hart , And in her hart set him where I should stand . Thus hath he tane my body by his force , And now by sleight would captiuate my soule : But in his fall i le tempt the destinies , And either loose my life , or winne my loue . Lor. Let s goe my Lord , your staying staies reuenge , Doe you hut follow me and gaine your loue , Her fauour must be wonne by his remooue . Exeunt . Enter Horatio and Bel-imperia . Hor. Now Madame , since by fauour of your loue , Our hidden smoke is turnd to open flame : And that with lookes and words we feed our thought , Two chiefe contents , where more cannot be had . Thus in the midst of loues faire blandishments , Why shew you signe of inward languishments . Pedringano sheweth all to the Prince and Lorenzo , placing them in secret . Bel. My hart ( sweet freend ) is like a ship at sea , She wisheth port , where riding all at ease , She mad repaire what stormie times haue worne : And leaning on the shore may sing with ioy , That pleasure followes paine , and blisse annoy . Possession of thy loue is th' onely port , Wherein my hart with feares and hopes long tost , Each howre doth wish and long to make resort , There to repaire the ioyes that it hath lost : And sitting safe to sing in Cupids quire , That sweetest blisse is crowne of loues desire . Balthazar aboue . Bal. O sleepe mine eyes , see not my loue prophande , Be deafe my eares , heare not my discontent , Dye hart , another ioyes what thou deseruest . Lor. Watch still mine eyes , to see this loue disioynd , Heare still mine eares , to heare them both lament , Liue hart to ioy at fond Horatios fall . Bel. Why stands Horatio speecheles all this while ? Hor. The lesse I speak , the more I meditate . Bel. But whereon doost thou chiefely meditate ? Hor. On dangers past , and pleasures to ensue . Bel. On pleasures past , and dangers to ensue . Bel. What dangers , and what plesures doost thou mean ? Hor. Dangers of warre , and pleasures of our loue . Lor. Dangers of death , but pleasures none at all . Bel. Let dangers goe , thy warre shall be with me , But such a warring , as breakes no bond of peace . Speak thou faire words , i le crosse them with faire words , Send thou sweet looks , i le meet them with sweet looks , Write louing lines , i le answere louing lines , Giue me a kisse , i le counterchecke thy kisse , Be this our warring peace , or peacefull warre . Hor. But gratious Madame , then appoint the field , Where triall of this warre shall first be made . Bal. Ambitious villaine , how his boldenes growes ! Bel, Then be thy fathers pleasant bower the field , Where first we vowd a mutuall amitie : The Court were dangerous , that place is safe : Our howre shal be when Vesper ginnes to rise , That summons home distresfull trauellers . There none shall heare vs but the harmeles birds . Happelie the gentle Nightingale , Shall carroll vs a sleepe ere we be ware . And singing with the prickle at her breast , Tell our delight and mirthfull dalliance . Till then each houre will seeme a yeere and more . Hor. But honie sweet , and honorable loue . Returne we now into your fathers sight , Dangerous suspition waits on our delight . Lor. I , danger mixt with iealous despite , Shall send thy soule into eternall night . Exeunt . Enter King of Spaine , Portingale Embassadour , Dou Ciprian , &c. King . Brother of Castile , to the Princes loue : What saies your daughter Bel-imperia ? Cip. Although she coy it as becomes her kinde , And yet dissemble that she loues the Prince : I doubt not I , but she will stoope in time . And were she froward , which she will not be , Yet heerein shall she follow my aduice , Which is to loue him or forgoe my loue . King . Then Lord Embassadour of Portingale , Aduise thy King to make this marriage vp , For strengthening of our late confirmed league , I know no better meanes to make vs freends . Her dowry shall be large and liberall , Besides that , she is daughter and halfe heire , Vnto our brother heere Don Ciprian , And shall enioy the moitie of his land . I le grace her marriage with an vnckles gift , And this it is , in case the match goe forward , The tribute which you pay shal be releast , And if by Balthazar she haue a Sonne , He shall enioy the kingdome after vs . Embas. I le make the motion to my soueraigne Liege , And worke it if my counsaile may preuaile . King . Doe so my Lord , and if he giue consent , I hope his presence heere will honour vs , In celebration of the nuptiall day , And let himselfe determine of the time . Em. Wil t please your grace command me ought besid ? King . Commend me to the King , and so farewell . But where s Prince Balthazar to take his leaue ? Em. That is perfourmd alreadie my good Lord . King . Amongst the rest of what you haue in charge , The Princes raunsome must not be forgot : That s none of mine , but his that tooke him prisoner , And well his forwardnes deserues reward . It was Horatio our Knight Marshals sonne . Em. Betweene vs there s a price already pitcht , And shall be sent with all conuenient speed . King . Then once againe farewell my Lord . Em. Farwell my Lord of Castile and the rest . Exit King . Now brother , you must take some little paines , To winne faire Bel-imperia from her will : Young Virgins must be ruled by their freends , The Prince is amiable and loues her well , If she neglect him and forgoe his loue , She both will wrong her owne estate and ours : Therefore whiles I doe entertaine the Prince , With greatest pleasure that our Court affoords , Endeuour you to winne your daughters thoughts , If she giue back , all this will come to naught . Exeunt . Enter Horatio , Bel-imperia , and Pedringano . Hor. Now that the night begins with sable wings , To ouer-cloud the brightnes of the Sunne , And that in darkenes pleasures may be done : Come Bel-imperia let vs to the bower , And there in safetie passe a pleasant hower . Bel. I follow thee my loue , and will not backe , Although my fainting hart controles my soule . Hor. Why , make you doubt of Pedringanos faith ? Bel. No he is as trustie as my second selfe . Goe Pedringano watch without the gate , And let vs know if any make approch . Ped. In steed of watching i le deserue more golde . By fetching Don Lorenzo to this match . Exit Ped. Hor. What meanes my loue ? Bel. I know not what my selfe : And yet my hart foretels me some mischaunce . Hor. Sweet say not so , faire fortune is our freend , And heauens haue shut vp day to pleasure vs . The starres thou seest holde back their twinckling shine , And Luna hides her selfe to pleasure vs . Bel. Thou hast preuailde , i le conquer my misdoubt , And in thy loue and councell drowne my feare : I feare no more , loue now is all my thoughts , Why sit we nat , for pleasure asketh ease ? Hor. The more thou sitst within these leauy bowers , The more will Flora decke it with her flowers . Bel. I but if Flora spye Horatio heere , Her iealous eye will think I sit too neere . Hor. Harke Madame how the birds record by night , For ioy that Bel-imperia sits in sight . Bel. No Cupid counterfeits the Nightingale , To frame sweet musick to Horatios tale . Hor. If Cupid sing , then Venus is nor farre , I thou art Venus or some fairer starre . Bel. If I be Venus thou must needs be Mars , And where Mars raigneth there must needs be warre . Hor. Then thus begin our wars put forth thy hand , That it may combat with my ruder hand . Bel. Set forth thy foot to try the push of mine . Hor. But first my lookes shall combat against thine . Bel. Then ward thy selfe , I dart this kisse at thee . Hor. Thus I retort the dart thou threwst at me . Bel. Nay then to gaine the glory of the field , My twining armes shall yoake and make thee yeeld . Hor. Nay then my armes are large and strong with : Thus Elmes by vines are compast till they fall . Bel. O let me goe , for in my troubled eyes , Now maist thou read that life in passion dies . Hor. O stay a while and I will dye with thee , So shalt thou yeeld , and yet haue conquerd me . Bel. Whos 's there Pedringano ? we are betraide . Enter Lorenzo , Balthazar , Cerberin , Pedringano , disguised . Lor. My Lord away with her , take her aside , O sir forbeare , your valour is already tride . Quickly dispatch my maisters , Thy hang him in the Arbor . Hor. What will you murder me ? Lor. I thus , and thus , these are the fruits of loue . They stab him . Bel. O saue his life and let me dye for him , O saue him brother , saue him Balthazar : I loued Horatio but he loued not me . Bal. But Balthazar loues Bel-imperia . Lor. Although his life were still ambitious proud , Yet is heat the highest now he is dead . Bel. Murder , murder , helpe Hieronimo helpe . Lor. Come stop her mouth away with her . Exeunt . Enter Hieronimo in his shirt , &c. Hiero. What out cries pluck me from my naked bed , And chill my throbbing hart with trembling feare , Which neuer danger yet could daunt before . Who cals Hieronimo ? speak , heere I am : I did not slumber , therefore was no dreame , No , no , it was some woman cride for helpe , And heere within this garden did she crie And in this garden must I rescue her : But stay , what murdrous spectacle is this ? A man hangd vp and all the murderers gone , And in my bower to lay the guilt on me : This place was made for pleasure not for death . He cuts him downe . Those garments that he weares I oft haue seene , Alas it is Horatio my sweet sonne . O no , but he that whilome was my sonne , O was it thou that call'dst me from my bed , O speak if any sparke of life remaine . I am thy father , who hath slaine my sonne ? What sauadge monster , not of humane kinde , Hath heere beene glutted with thy harmeles blood ? And left thy bloudie corpes dishonoured heere , For me amidst this darke and deathfull shades , To drowne thee with an ocean of my teares . O heauens , why made you night to couer sinue ? By day this deed of darkenes had not beene . O earth why didst thou not in time deuoure , The vilde prophaner of this sacred bower . O poore Horatio , what hadst thou misdoone ? To leese thy life ere life was new begun . O wicked butcher what so ere thou wert , How could thou strangle vertue and desert ? Ay me most wretched that haue lost my ioy , In leesing my Horatio my sweet boy . Enter Isabell . Isa. My husbands absence makes my hart to throb , Hieronimo . Hiero. Heere Isabella , helpe me to lament , For sighes are stopt , and all my teares are spent . Isa. What world of griefe , my sonne Horatio ? O where s the author of this endles woe . Hiero. To know the author were some ease of greefe , For in reuenge my hart would finde releefe . Isa. Then is he gone ? and is my sonne gone too ? O gush out teares , fountains and flouds of teares , Blow sighes and raise an euerlasting storme . For outrage fits our cursed wretchednes . Hiero. Sweet louely Rose , ill pluckt before thy time , Faire worthy sonne , not conquerd but betraid : I le kisse thee now , for words with teares are stainde . Isa. And i le close vp the glasses of his sight , For once these eyes were onely my delight , Hiero. Seest thou this handkercher besmerd with blood , It shall not from me till I take reuenge : Seest thou those wounds that yet are bleeding fresh , I le not intombe them till I haue reueng'd : Then will I ioy amidst my discontent , Till then my sorrow neuer shal be spent . Isa. The heauens are iust , murder cannot be hid , Time is the author both of truth and right . And time will bring this trecherie to light . Hiero. Meane while good Isabella cease thy plaints , Or at the least dissemble them a while , So shall we sooner finde the practise out , And learne by whom all this was brought about . Come Isabell now let vs take him vp , They take him vp . And beare him in from out this cursed place , I le say his dirge , singing fits not this case . O aliquis mihi quas pulcbrum var educet herbas . Hiero sets his brest vnto his sword . Misceat & nostro detur , medicina dolori : Aut siquifaciunt annum oblimia succos , Prebeat , ipse metum magnam quicunque per orbem , Gramina Sol pulcbras effecit inluminis oras . Ipse bibam quicquid meditatur saga veneri , Quicquid & irrani euecaca menia nectit . Omnia perpetiar , letbum quoque dum semel omnis , Noster in extincto moriatur pectora sensus : Ergo tuos occulos nunquam ( mea vita ) videbo . Et tua perpetuus sepeliuit lumina somnus : Emoriar tecum Sic , sic iuuat Ire sub vmbras , Attamen absistam proper 〈…〉 , Ne mortem vindicta tuam iam nulla sequatur . Heere he throwes it from him and beares the body away . Andrea . Broughtst thou me hether to increase my paine ? I lookt that Balthazar should haue been slaine : But t is my freend Horatis that is slaine , And they abuse faire Bel-imperia . Or whom I doted more then all the world , Because she lou'd me more then all the world . Reuenge . Thou talkest of haruest when the corne is greene , The end is crowne of euery worke well done : The Sickle comes not till the corne be ripe . Be still , and ere I lead thee from this place , I le shew thee Balthazar in heauy case .

Actus Tertius . Enter Viceroy of Portingale , Nobles , Alexandro , Villuppo . Viceroy . INfortunate condition of Kings , Seated amidst so many helpeles doubts : First we are plast vpon extreamest height , And oft supplanted with exceeding heat , But euer subiect to the wheele of chance ? And at our highest never ioy we so , As we both doubt and dread our ouerthrow . So striueth not the waues with sundry winds , As fortune toyleth in the affaires of kings , That would be feard , yet feare to be beloued , Sith feare or loue to Kings is flatteries For instance Lordings , look vpon your King , By hate depriued of his dearest sonne , The onely hope of our succes successive line . Nob. I had not thought that Alexandros hart , Had beene enuenomde with such extreame hate : But now I see that words haue seuerall workes , And there s no credit in the countenance . Vil. No , for my Lord , had you behelde the traine , That fained loue had coloured in his lookes , When he in campe consorted Belthazar : Farre more inconstant had you thought the Sunne , That howerly coasts the center of the earth , Then Alexandros purpose to the Prince . Vice . No more Villuppo , thou hast said enough , And with thy words thou slaiest our wounded thoughts . Nor shall I longer dally with the world : Procrastinating Alexandros death : Goe some of you and fetch the traitor forth , That as he is condemned he may dye . Enter Alexandro with a Noble man and Halberts . Nob. In such extreames , will nought but patience serue . Alex. But in extreames , what patience shall I vse ? Nor discontents it me to leaue the world , With whome there nothing can preuaile but wrong . Nob. Yet hope the best . Alex. T is Heauen is my hope . As for the earth it is too much infect , To yeeld me hope of any of her mould . Vice . Why linger ye ? bring forth that daring feend , And let him die for his accursed deed . Alex. Not that I feare the extremitie of death , For Nobles cannot stoop to seruile feare . Doo I ( O King ) thus discontented liue . But this , O this torments my labouring soule , That thus I die suspected of a sinne , Whereof , as heauens haue knowne my secret thoughts , So am I free from this suggestion . Vice . No more I say , to the tortures , when ? Binde him , and burne his body in those flames , They binde him to the stake . That shall prefigure those vnquenched fiers , Of Phlegiton prepared for his soule . Alex. My guiltles death will be aueng'd on thee , On thee Villuppo that hath malisde thus , Or for thy meed , hast falsely me accusde . Vil. Nay Alexandro if thou menace me , I le lend a hand to send thee to the lake , Where those thy words shall perish with thy workes , Iniurious traitour , monstrous homicide . Enter Embassadour . Stay hold a while , and heer with pardon of his Maiestie , Lay hands vpon Villuppo . Vice . Embassadour , what news hath vrg'd this sodain entrance ? Em. Know soueraigne L. that Balthazar doth liue . Vice . What saiest thou ? liueth Balthazar our sonne ? Em. Your highnes sonne , L. Balthazar doth liue . And well intreated in the Court of Spaine : Humbly commends him to your Maiestie . These eies beheld , and these my followers , With these the letters of the Kings commends . Giues him Letters . Are happie witnesses of his highnes health . The King lookes on the letters , and proceeds . Vice . Thy sonne doth liue , your tribute is receiu'd , Thy peace is made , and we are satisfied : The rest resolue vpon as things proposde , For both our honors and thy benefite . Em. These are his highnes farther articles . He giues him more Letters . Vice . Accursed wretch to intimate these ills , Against the life and reputation Of noble Alexandro . come my Lord vnbinde him . Let him vnbinde thee that is bound to death , To make a quitall for thy discontent . They vnbinde him . Alex. Dread Lord , in kindenes you could do no lesse , Vpon report of such a damned fact : But thus we see our innocence hath sau'd , The hopeles life which thou Villuppo sought , By thy suggestions to haue massacred . Vice . Say false Villuppo ? wherefore didst thou thus Falsly betray Lord Alexandros life ? Him whom thou knowest , that no vnkindenes els , But euen the slaughter of our deerest sonne , Could once haue moued vs to haue misconceaued . Alex. Say trecherous Villuppo , tell the King , Or wherein hath Alexandro vsed thee ill ? Vil. Rent with remembrance of so foule a deed , My guiltie soule submits me to thy doome : For not for Alexandros iniuries , But , forreward and hope to be preferd : Thus haue I shamelesly hazarded his life , Vice . which villaine shal be ransomed with thy deeth , And not so meane a torment as we heere Deuisde for him , who thou saidst slew our sonne : But with the bitterest torments and extreames , That may be yet inuented for thine end : Alex. seemes to intreat . Intreat me not , goe take the traitor hence . Exit Vil. And Alexandro let vs honor thee , With publique notice of thy loyaltie , To end those things articulated heere , By our great L , the mightie king of Spaine . We with our councell will deliberate , Come Alexandro keepe vs company . Exeunt . Enter Hieronimo . Hiero. Oh eies , no eies but fountains fraught with teares , Oh life , no life , but liuely fourme of death : Oh world , no world but masse of publique wrongs . Confusde and filde , with murder and misdeeds Oh sacred heauens , if this vnhallowed deed , If this inhumane and barberous attempt , If this incomparable murder thus , Of mine , but now no more my sonne , Shall vnreueald and vnreuenged passe , How should we tearme your dealings to be iust , If you vniustly deale with those , that in your iustice trust . The night sad secretary to my mones , With direfull visions wake my vexed soule , And with the wounds of my distresfull sonne , Solicite me for notice of his death . The ougly feends do sally forth of hell , And frame my steps to vnfrequented paths , And feare my hart with fierce inflamed thoughts . The cloudie day my discontents records , Early begins to regester my dreames , And driue me forth to seeke the murtherer , Eies , life , world , heauens , hel , night and day , See , search , shew , send , some man , Some meane , that may : A Letter falleth . What s heere ? a letter , tush , it is not so , A Letter written to Hieronimo . Red incke . Bel. For want of incke receiue this bloudie writ , Me hath my haples brother hid from thee , Reuenge thy selfe on Balthazar and him , For these were they that murdred thy Sonne . Hieronimo , reuenge Horatios death , And better fare then Bel-imperia doth . Hiero What meanes this vnexpected miracle ? My Sonne slaine by Lorenzo and the Prince . What cause had they Horatio to maligne ? Or what might mooue thee Bel-imperia , To accuse thy brother , had he beene the meane ? Hieronimo beware , thou art betraide , And to intrap thy life this traine is laide . Aduise thee therefore , be not credulous : This is deuised to endanger thee , That thou by this Lorenzo shouldst accuse , And he for thy dishonour done , should draw Thy life in question ; and thy name in hate . Deare was the life of my beloued Sonne , And of his death behoues me be reueng'd : Then hazard not thine owne Hieronimo , But liue t' effect thy resolution . I therefore will by circumstances trie , What I can gather to confirme this writ , And harkning neere the Duke of Castiles house , Close if I can with Belimperia , To listen more , but nothing to bewray . Enter Pedringano . Hiero. Now Pedringano . Ped. Now Hieronimo . Hiero. Where s thy Lady ? Ped. I know not , heer s my Lord . Enter Lorenzo . Lor. How now , whos 's this , Hieronimo ? Hiero. My Lord . Ped. He asketh for my Lady Bel-imperia . Lor. What to doo Hieronimo ? The Duke my father hath Vpon some disgrace a while remoou'd her hence , But if it be ought I may enforme her of , Tell me Hieronimo , and i le let her know it . Hiero. Nay , nay my Lord , I thank you , it shall not need , I had a sute vnto her , but too late , And her disgrace makes me vnfortunate . Lor. Why so Hieronimo ? vse me . Hiero. Oh no my Lord , I dare not , it must not be . I humbly thank your Lordship . Lor. Why then farewell . Hiero. My griefe no hart , my thoughts no tung can tell . Exit . Lor. Come hither Pedringano , seest thou this ? Ped. My Lord , I see it , and suspect it too . Lor. This is that damned villain Serberine , That hath I feare reuealde Horatios death . Ped. My Lord , he could not , t was so lately done , And since he hath not lest my company . Lor. Admit he haue not , his conditions such , As feare of flattering words may make him false . I know his humour , and there with repent , That ere I vsde him in this enterprise . But Pedringano , to preuent the worst , And cause I know thee secret as my soule , Heere for thy further satisfaction take thou this . Giues him more golde . And harken to me , thus it is deuisde : This night thou must , and prethee so resolue , Meet Serberine at S. Liugis Parke , Thou knowest t is heere hard by behinde the house , There take thy stand , and see thou strike him sure , For dye he must , if we do meane to liue . Ped. But how shall Serberine be there my Lord ? Lor. Let me alone , i le send to him to meet The Prince and me , where thou must doe this deed . Ped. It shal be done my L. it shall be done , And i le goe arme my selfe to meet him there . Lor. When things shall alter , as I hope they wil , Then shalt thou mount for this , thou knowest my minde . Exit Ped. Che le Ieron . Enter Page . Page . My Lord . Lor. Goe sirra to Serberine , and bid him forthwith , Meet the Prince and me at S. Liugis Parke , Behinde the house , this euening boy . Page . I goe my Lord . But sirra , let the houre be eight a clocke . Bid him not faile . Page . I flye my Lord . Exit . Lor. Now to confirme the complot thou hast cast , Of all these practises , I le spread the watch , Vpon precise commandement from the king , Strongly to guard the place where Pedringano This night shall murder haples Serberine . Thus must we worke that will auoide distrust , Thus must we practise to preuent mishap , And thus one ill , another must expulse . This slie enquiry of Hieronimo for Bel-imperia , breeds suspition , And this suspition boads a further ill . As for my selfe , I know my secret fault , And so doe they , but I haue dealt for them . They that for coine their soules endangered To saue my life , for coyne shall venture theirs : And better it s that base companions dye , Then by their life to hazard our good haps . Nor shall they liue for me , to feare their faith : I le trust my selfe , my selfe shal be my freend , For dye they shall , slaues are ordeind to no other end . Exit . Enter Pedringano with a Pistoll . Now Pedringano bid thy pistoll holde , And holde on Fortune , once more fauour me , Giue but successe to mine at tempting spirit , And let me shift for taking of mine aime : Heere is the golde , this is the golde proposde , It is no dreame that I aduenture for , But Pedringano is possest thereof . And he that would not straine his conscience , For him that thus his liberall purse hath stretcht , Vnworthy such a fauour may he faile , And wishing , want when such as I preuaile . As for the feare of apprehension , I know , if need should be , my noble Lord Will stand betweene me and ensuing harmes . Besides , this place is free from all suspect : Heere therefore will I stay and take my stand . Enter the watch . 1 I wonder much to what intent it is , That we are thus expresly chargde to watch ? 2 T is by commandement in the Kings own name . 3 But we were neuer wont to watch and ward , So neere the Duke his brothers house before . 2 Content your selfe , stand close , there s somewhat in t . Enter Serberine . Ser. Heere Serberine attend and stay thy pace , For heere did Don Lorenzos Page appoint , That thou by his command shouldst meet with him . How fit a place if one were so disposde , Me thinks this corner is to close with one . Ped. Heere comes the bird that I must ceaze vpon , Now Pedringano or neuer play the man . Ser. I wonder that his Lordship staies so long , Or wherefore should he send for me so late ? Ped. For this Serberine , and thou shalt ha' te . Shootes the Dagge . So , there he lyes , my promise is performde . The Watch . 1 Harke Gentlemen , this is a Pistol-shot . 2 And heere s one slaine , stay the murderer . Ped. Now by the sorrowes of the soules in hell , He striues with the watch . Who first laies hand on me , i le be his Priest , 3 Sirra , confesse , and therein play the Priest , Why hast thou thus vnkindely kild the man ? Ped. Why , because he walkt abroad so late . 3 Come sir , you had bene better kept your bed , Then haue committed this misdeed so late . 2 Come to the Marshals with the murderer . 1 On to Hieronimos , helpe me heere , To bring the murdred body with vs too . Ped. Hieronimo , carry me before whom you will , What ere he be i le answere him and you , And doe your worst , for I defie you all . Exeunt . Enter Lorenzo and Balthazar . Bal. How now my Lord , what makes you rise so soone ? Lor. Feare of preuenting our mishaps too late . Bal. What mischiefe is it that we not mistrust ? Lor. Our greatest ils , we least mistrust my Lord , And in expected harmes do hurt vs most . Bal. Why tell me Don Lorenzo , tell me man , If ought concernes our honour and your owne ? Lor. Nor you nor me my Lord , but both in one . For I suspect , and the presumptions great , That by those base confederates in our fault , Touching the death of Don Horatio : We are betraide to olde Hieronimo . Bal. Betraide Lorenzo , tush it cannot be . Lor. A guiltie conscience vrged with the thought , Of former euils , easily cannot erre : I am perswaded , and diswade me not , That als reuealed to Hieronimo . And therefore know that I haue cast it thus : But heere s the Page , how now , what newes with thee ? Page . My Lord , Serberine is slaine . Bal. Who ? Serberine my man . Page . Your Highnes man my Lord . Lor. Speak Page , who murdered him ? Page . He that is apprehended for the fact . Lor. Who ? Page . Pedringano . Bal. Is Serberine slaine that lou'd his Lord so well ? Iniurious villaine , murderer of his freend . Lor. Hath Pedringano murdered Serberine ? My Lord , let me entreat you to take the paines , To exasperate and hasten his reuenge . With your complaints vnto my L. the King . This their dissention breeds a greater doubt . Bal. Assure thee Don Lorenzo he shall dye , Or els his Highnes hardly shall deny . Meane while , i le haste the Marshall Sessions , For die he shall for this his damned deed . Exit Balt . Lor. Why so , this fits our former pollicie , And thus experience bids the wise to deale . I lay the plot , he prosecutes the point , I set the trap , he breakes the worthles twigs , And sees not that wherewith the bird was limde . Thus hopefull men that meane to holde their owne , Must look like fowlers to their dearest freends . He runnes to kill whome I haue holpe to catch , And no man knowes it was my reaching fatch . T is hard to trust vnto a multitude , Or any one in mine opinion , When men themselues their secrets will reueale . Enter a messenger with a letter . Lor. Boy . Page . My Lord . Lor. What s he ? Mes. I haue a letter to your Lordship . Lor. From whence ? Mes. From Pedringano that 's imprisoned . Lor. So , he is in prison then ? Mes. I my good Lord . Lor. What would he with vs ? He writes vs heere to stand good L. and help him in distres . Tell him I haue his letters , know his minde , And what we may let him assure him of . Fellow , be gone : my boy shall follow thee . Exit Mes. This works like waxe , yet once more try thy wits , Boy , goe conuay this purse to Pedringano , Thou knowest the prison , closely giue it him : And be aduisde that none be there about . Bid him be merry still , but secret : And though the Marshall sessions be to day , Bid him not doubt of his deliuerie . Tell him his pardon is already signde , And thereon bid him boldely be resolued : For were he ready to be turned off , As t is my will the vttermost be tride : Thou with his pardon shalt attend him still , Shew him this boxe , tell him his pardons in t , But ope nt not , and if thou louest thy life : But let him wisely keepe his hopes vnknowne , He shall not want while Don Lorenzo liues : away . Page . I goe my Lord , I runne . Lor. But sirra , see that this be cleanely done . Exit Page . Now stands our fortune on a tickle point , And now or neuer ends Lorenzos doubts . One onely thing is vneffected yet , And that s to see the Executioner , But to what end ? I list not trust the Aire With vtterance of our pretence therein . For feare the priuie whispring of the winde , Conuay our words amongst vnfreendly eares , That lye too open to aduantages . Et quel que voglio It nessun le sa , Intendo io quel mi bassara . Exit . Enter Boy with the Boxe .

My Maister hath forbidden me to looke in this box , and by my troth t is likely , if he had not warned me , I should not haue had so much idle time : for wee mens-kinde in our minoritie , are like women in their vncertaintie , that they are most forbidden , they wil soonest attempt : so I now . By my bare honesty heere s nothing but the bare emptie box : were it not sin against secrecie , I would say it were a peece of gentlemanlike knauery . I must goe to Pedringano , and tell him his pardon is in this boxe , nay , I would haue sworne it , had I not seene the contrary . I cannot choose but smile to thinke , how the villain wil flout the gallowes , scorne the audience , and descant on the hangman , and al presuming of his pardon from hence . Wilt not be an odde iest , for me to stand and grace euery iest he makes , pointing my finger at this boxe : as who would say , mock on , heer s thy warrant . I st not a scuruie iest , that a man should iest himselfe to death . Alas poore Pedringano , I am in a sorte sorie for thee , but if I should be hanged with thee , I cannot weep .

Exit . Enter Hieronimo and the Deputie . Hiero. Thus must we toyle in other mens extreames , That know not how to remedie our owne , And doe them iustice , when vniustly we : For all our wrongs can compasse no redresse . But shall I neuer liue to see the day , That I may come ( by iustice of the heauens ) To know the cause that may my cares allay ? This toyles my body , this consumeth age , That onely I to all men iust must be , And neither Gods nor men be iust to me . Dep. Worthy Hieronimo , your office askes , A care to punish such as doe transgresse . Hiero. So i st my duety to regarde his death , Who when he liued deserued my dearest blood : But come , for that we came for let s begin , For heere lyes that which bids me to be gone . Enter Officers , Boy , and Pedringano , with a letter in his hand , bound . Depu. Bring forth the Prisoner for the Court is set . Ped. Gramercy boy , but it was time to come , For I had written to my Lord anew , A neerer matter that concerneth him , For feare his Lordship had forgotten me : But sith he hath remembred me so well , Come , come , come on , when shall we to this geere . Hiero. Stand forth thou monster , murderer of men , And heere for satisfaction of the world , Confesse thy folly and repent thy fault , For ther 's thy place of execution . Ped. This is short worke , well , to your Marshallship First I confesse , nor feare I death therfore , I am the man , t was I slew Serberine . But sir , then you think this shal be the place , Where we shall satisfie you for this geare ? Depu. I Pedringano . Ped. Now I think not so . Hiero , Peace impudent , for thou shalt finde it so . For blood with blood , shall while I sit as iudge , Be satisfied , and the law dischargde . And though my selfe cannot receiue the like , Yet will I see that others haue their right . Dispatch , the faults approued and confest , And by our law he is condemnd to die . Hang. Come on sit , are you ready ? Ped. To doo what , my fine officious knaue ? Hang. To goe to this geere . Ped

O sir , you are to forward , thou wouldst faine furnish me with a halter , to disfurnish me of my habit .

So I should goe out of this geere my raiment , into that geere the rope .

But Hangman , now I spy your knauery , i le not change without boot , that 's flat .

Hang. Come Sir . Ped. So then I must vp . Hang. No remedie . Ped. Yes , but there shal be for my comming downe . Hang. Indeed heer s a remedie for that . Ped. How ? be turned off . Hang. I truely , come are you ready . I pray sir dispatch , the day goes away . Ped.

What doe you hang by the howre , if you doo , I may chance to break your olde custome .

Hang.

Faith you haue reason , for I am like to break your yong neck .

Ped.

Dost thou mock me hangman , pray God I be not preserued to break your knaues pate for this .

Hang.

Alas sir , you are a foot too low to reach it , and I hope you will neuer grow so high while I am in the office .

Ped.

Sirra , dost see yonder boy with the box in his hand ?

Hang.

What , he that points to it with his finger .

Ped.

I that companion .

Hang.

I know him not , but what of him ?

Ped.

Doost thou think to liue till his olde doublet will make thee a new trusse ?

Hang.

I , and many a faire yeere after , to trusse vp many an honester man then either thou or he .

Ped.

What hath he in his boxe as thou thinkst ?

Hang. Faith I cannot tell , nor I care not greatly . Me thinks you should rather hearken to your soules health . Ped.

Why sirra Hangman ? I take it , that that is good for the body , is likewise good for the soule : and it may be , in that box is balme for both .

Hang.

Wel , thou art euen the meriest peece of mans flesh that ere gronde at my office doore .

Ped.

Is your roaguery become an office with a knaues name ?

Hang.

I , and that shall all they witnes that see you seale it with a theeues name .

Ped.

I prethee request this good company to pray with me .

Hang.

I mary sir , this is a good motion : my maisters , you see heer s a good fellow .

Ped.

Nay , nay , now I remember me , let them alone till some other time , for now I haue no great need .

Hiero. I haue not seen a wretch so impudent , O monstrous times where murders set so light , And where the soule that should be shrinde in heauen , Solelie delights in interdicted things , Still wandring in the thornie passages , That intercepts it selfe of hapines . Murder , O bloudy monster , God forbid , A fault so foule should scape vnpunished . Dispatch and see this execution done , This makes me to remember thee my sonne . Exit . Hiero. Ped. Nay soft , no hast . Depu. Why , wherefore stay you , haue you hope of life ? Ped. Why I . Hang. As how ? Ped. Why Rascall by my pardon from the King . Hang. stand you on that , then you shall off with this . He turnes him off . Depu. So Executioner , conuay him hence , But let his body be vnburied . Let not the earth be choked or infect . With that which heauens contemnes and men neglect . Exeunt . Enter Hieronimo . Where shall I run to breath abroad my woes , My woes whose weight hath wearied the earth ? Or mine exclaimes that haue surcharged the aire , With ceasles plaints , for my deceased sonne ? The blustring winds conspiring with my words , At my lament haue moued the leaueles trees . Disroabde the medowes of their flowred greene , Made mountains marsh with spring tides of my teares , And broken through the brazen gates of hell , Yet still tormented is my tortured soule , With broken sighes and restles passions , That winged mount , and houering in the aire , Beat at the windowes of the brightest heauens , Solliciting for iustice and reuenge : But they are plac't in those imperiall heights , Where countermurde with walles of diamond , I finde the place impregnable , and they Resist my woes , and giue my words no way . Enter Hangman with a Letter . Hang.

O Lord sir , God blesse you sir , the man sir Petergade , Sir , he that was so full of merrie conceits .

Hiero. Wel , what of him ? Hang. O Lord sir , he went the wrong way , the fellow had a faire commission to the contrary . Sir , heere is his pasport , I pray you sir , we haue done him wrong . Hiero. I warrant thee , giue it me . Hang. you will stand between the gallowes and me . Hiero. I , I . Hang. I thank your L. worship . Exit Hangmon . Hiero. And yet though some what neerer me concernes , I will to ease the greefe that I sustaine , Take truce with sorrow while I read on this . My Lord , I write as mine extreames requirde , That you would labour my deliuerie : If you neglect , my life is desperate , And in my death I shall reueale the troth . You know my Lord , I slew him for your sake , And was confederate with the Prince and you , Wonne by rewards and hopefull promises , I hope to murder Don Horatio too . Holpe he to murder mine Horatio , And actors in th' accursed Tragedie . Wast thou Lorenzo , Balthazar and thou , Of whom my Sonne , my Sonne deseru'd so well , What haue I heard , what haue mine eies behelde ? O sacred heauens , may it come to passe , That such a monstrous and detested deed , So closely smootherd , and so long conceald , Shall thus by this be venged or reueald . Now see I what I durst not then suspect , That Bel-imperias Letter was not fainde , Nor fained she though falsly they haue wrongd , Both her , my selfe , Horatio , and themselues . Now may I make compare twixt hers and this , Of euerie accident , I neere could finde Till now , and now I feelingly perceiue , They did what heauen vnpunisht would not leaue . O false Lorenzo , are these thy flattering lookes ? Is this this honour that thou didst my Sonne ? And Balthazar bane to thy soule and me , Was this the ransome he reseru'd thee for ? Woe to the cause of these constrained warres , Woe to thy basenes and captiuitie , Woe to thy birth , thy body and thy soule , Thy cursed father , and thy conquerd selfe : And band with bitter execrations be The day and place where he did pittie thee . But wherefore waste I mine vnfruitfull words ? When naught but blood will satisfie my woes : I will goe plaine me to my Lord the King , And cry aloud for iustice through the Court . Wearing the flints with these my withered feet , And either purchase iustice by intreats , Or tire them all with my reuenging threats . Exit . Enter Isabell and her Maid . Isa. So that you say this hearb will purge the eye And this the head , ah but none of them wil purge the hart : No , ther s no medicine left for my disease , Nor any phisick to recure the dead : She runnes lunatick . Horatio , O where s Horatio . Maide . Good Madam , affright not thus your selfe , With outrage for your sonne Horatio . He sleepes in quiet in the Elizian fields . Isa. Why did I not giue you gownes and goodly things , Bought you a whistle and a whipstalke too : To be reuenged on their villanies . Maid . Madame these humors doe torment my soule . Isa. My soule , poore soule thou talkes of things Thou knowst not what , my soule hath siluer wings , That mounts me vp vnto the highest heauens , To heauen , I there sits my Horatio , Backt with a troup of fiery Cherubins , Dauncing about his newly healed wounds Singing sweet hymnes and chaunting heauenly notes , Rare hermony to greet his innocence , That dyde , I dyde a mirrour in our daies . But say , where shall I finde , the men , the murderers , That flew Horatio , whether shall I runne , To finde them out , that murdered my Sonne . Exeunt . Bel-imperia at a window . Bel. What meanes this outrage that is offred me ? Why am I thus sequestred from the Court ? No notice , shall I not know the cause , Of this my secret and suspitious ils ? Accursed brother , vnkinde murderer . Why bends thou thus thy minde to martir me ? Hieronimo , why writ I of thy wrongs ? Or why art thou so slacke in thy reuenge ? Andrea , O Andrea that thou sawest , Me for thy freend Horatio handled thus , And him for me thus causeles murdered . Wel , force perforce , I must constraine my selfe , To patience , and apply me to the time , Till heauen as I haue hoped shall set me free . Enter Christophill . Chris. Come Madame Bel-imperia , this may not be , Exeunt . Enter Lorenzo , Balthazar , and the Page . Lor. Boy , talke no further , thus farre things goe well , Thou art assurde that thou sawest him dead ? Page . Or els my Lord I liue not . Lor. That s enough . As for his resolution in his end , Leaue that to him with whom he soiourns now . Heere , take my ring , and giue it Christophill , And bid him let my Sister be enlarg'd , And bring her hither straight . Exit Page . This that I did was for a policie , To smooth and keepe the murder secret , Which as a nine daies wonder being ore-blowne , My gentle Sister will I now enlarge . Bal. And time Lorenzo , for my Lord the Duke , You heard enquired for her yester-night . Lor. Why ? and my Lord , I hope you heard me say , Sufficient reason , why she kept away . But that s all one , my Lord , you loue her ? Bal. I . Lor. Then in your loue beware , deale cunningly , Salue all suspitions , onely sooth me vp , And if she hap to stand on tearmes with vs , As for her sweet hart , and concealement so , lest with her gently , vnder fained iest Are things concealde , that els would breed vnrest . But heere she comes . Enter Bel-imperia . Lor. Now Sister . Bel. Sister , no thou art no brother , but an enemy . Els wouldst thou not haue vsde thy Sister so , First , to affright me with thy weapons drawne , And with extreames abuse my company : And then to hurry me like whirlewinds rage , A midst a crew of thy confederates : And clap me vp where none might come at me , Nor I at any to reueale my wrongs . What madding fury did possesse thy wits ? Or wherein i st that I offended thee ? Lor. Aduise you better Bel-imperia , For I haue done you no disparagement : Vnlesse by more discretion then deseru'd , I sought to saue your honour and mine owne . Bel. Mine honour , why Lorenzo , wher in i st , That I neglect my reputation so , As you , or any need to rescue it . Lor. His highnes and my Father were resolu'd , To come conferre with olde Hieronimo , Concerning certaine matters of estate , That by the Viceroy was determined . Bel. And wherein was mine honour toucht in that ? Bal. Haue patience Bel-imperia , heare the rest . Lor. Me next in sight as messenger they sent , To giue him notice that they were so nigh : Now when I came consorted with the Prince , And vnexpected in an Arbour there , Found Bel-imperia with Horatio . Bel. How than ? Lor. Why then remembring that olde disgrace , Which you for Don Andrea had indurde , And now were likely longer to sustaine , By being found so meanely accompanied : Thought rather , for I knew no readier meane , To thrust Horatio forth my fathers way . Bal. And carry you obscurely some where els , Least that his highnes should haue found you there . Bel. Euen so my Lord , and you are witnesse , That this is true which he entreateth of . You ( gentle brother ) forged this for my sake , And you my Lord , were made his instruement : A worke of worth , worthy the noting too . But what s the cause that you concealde me since ? Lor Your melancholly Sister since the newes , Of your first fauourite Don Andreas death , My Fathers olde wrath hath exasperate . Bal. And better wa st for you being in disgrace , To absent your selfe and giue his fury place . Bel. But why had I no notice of his ire ? Lor. That were to adde more fewell to your fire . Who burnt like Aetna for Andreas losse . Bel. Hath not my Father then enquirde for me ? Lor. Sister he hath , and thus excusde I thee . He whispereth in her care . But Bel-imperia , see the gentle prince , Looke on thy loue , beholde yong Balthazar . Whose passions by thy presence are increast , And in whose melanchollie thou maiest see , Thy hate , his loue : thy flight , his following thee . Bel. Brother you are become an Oratour , I know not I , by what experience , Too pollitick for me , past all compare , Since last I saw you , but content your selfe , The Prince is meditating higher things , Bal. T is of thy beauty then that conquers Kings . Of those thy tresses Ariadnes twines , Where with my libertie thou hast surprisde . Of that thine iuorie front my sorrowes map , Wherein I see no hauen to rest my hope . Bel. To loue , and feare , and both at once my Lord , In my conceipt , are things of more import , Then womens wits are to be busied with . Bal. T is I that loue . Bel. Whome ? Bal. Bel-imperia . Bel. But I that feare . Bal. Whome ? Bel. Bel-imperia . Lor. Feare your selfe ? Bel. I brother . Lor. How ? Bel. As those , that what they loue , are loath , and feare to loose . Bal. Then faire , let Balthazar your keeper be , Bel. No , Balthazar doth feare as well as we . Est tremulo metui pauidum iunxere timorem , Et vanum stolidae proditionis opus . Exit . Lor. Nay , and you argue things so cunningly , Wee le goe continue this discourse at Court , Bal. Led by the loadstar of her heauenly lookes , Wends poore oppressed Balthazar , As ore the mountains walkes the wanderer , Incertain to effect his Pilgrimage . Exeunt . Enter two Portingales , and Hieronimo meets them . 1 By your leaue Sir . Hiero. Good leaue haue you , nay , I pray you goe , For i le leaue you , if you can leaue me so . 2 Pray you which is the next way to my L. the Dukes . Hiero. The next way from me . 1 To his house we meane . Hiero. O hard by , t is yon house that you see . 2 You could not tell vs , if his Sonne were there . Hiero. Who , my Lord Lorenzo ? 1 I Sir . He goeth in at one doore and comes out at another . Hiero. Oh forbeare , for other talke for vs far fitter were . But if you be importunate to know , The way to him , and where to finde him out , Then list to me , and I le resolue your doubt . There is a path vpon your left hand side , That leadeth from a guiltie conscience , Vnto a forrest of distrust and feare . A darkesome place and dangerous to passe , There shall you meet with melancholly thoughts , Whose balefull humours if you but vpholde , It will conduct you to dispaire and death : Whose rockie cliffes , when you haue once behelde , Within a hugie dale of lasting night , That kindled with the worlds iniquities , Doth cast vp filthy and detested fumes . Not far from thence where murderers haue built , A habitation for their cursed soules : There in a brazen Caldron fixt by Ioue , In his fell wrath vpon a sulpher flame : Your selues shall finde Lorenzo bathing him , In boyling lead and blood of innocents . 1 Ha , ha , ha . Hiero. Ha , ha , ha : why ha , ha , ha . Farewell good ha , ha , ha . Exit . 2 Doubtles this man is passing lunaticke , Or imperfection of his age doth make him dote . Come , let s away to seek my Lord the Duke . Enter Hieronimo with a Ponyard in one hand , and a Rope in the other . Hiero. Now Sir , perhaps I come and see the King , The King sees me , and faine would heare my sute . Why is not this a strange and seld seene thing . That standers by with toyes should strike me mute . Go too , I see their shifts , and say no more , Hieronimo , t is time for thee to trudge . Downe by the dale that flowes with purple gore , Standeth a firie Tower , there sits a iudge , Vpon a seat of steele and molten brasse : And twixt his teeth he holdes a fire-brand , That leades vnto the lake where hell doth stand . Away Hieronimo to him be gone : Hee le doe thee iustice for Horatios death . Turne down this path thou shalt be with him straite , Or this , and then thou needst not take thy breth . This way , or that way : soft and faire , not so : For if I hang or kill my selfe , let s know Who will reuenge Horatios murther then ? No , no , fie no : pardon me , i le none of that : He flings away the dagger & halter . This way i le take , and this way comes the King , He takes them vp againe . And heere I le haue a fling at him that s flat . And Balthazar I le be with thee to bring , And thee Lorenzo , heere s the King , nay , stay , And heere , I heere , there goes the hare away . Enter King , Embassador , Castile , and Lorenzo . King . Now shew Embassadour what our Viceroy saith , Hath hee receiu'd the articles we sent ? Hiero. Iustice , O iustice to Hieronimo . Lor. Back , seest thou not the King is busie ? Hiero. O , is he so . King . Who is he that interrupts our busines ? Hiero. Not I , Hieronimo beware , goe by , goe by . Embas. Renowned King he hath receiued and read , Thy kingly proffers , and thy promist league , And as a man extreamely ouer-ioyd , To heare his Sonne so Princely entertainde , Whose death he had so solemnely bewailde . This for thy further satisfaction , And kingly loue , he kindely lets thee know : First , for the marriage of his Princely Sonne , With Bel-imperia thy beloued Neece , The newes are more delightfull to his soule , Then myrrh or incense to the offended heauens . In person therefore will he come himselfe , To see the marriage rites solemnized , And in the presence of the Court of Spaine , To knit a sure inexecrable band , Of Kingly loue , and euerlasting league , Betwixt the Crownes of Spaine and Portingale . There will he giue his Crowne to Balthazar , And make a Queene of Bel-imperia . King . Brother , how like you this our Vice-roies loue ? Cast. No doubt my Lord , it is an argument Of honorable care to keepe his freend , And wondrous zeale to Balthazar his sonne ? Nor am I least indebted to his grace , That bends his liking to my daughter thus . Em. Now last ( dread Lord ) heere hath his highnes sent , Although he send not that his Sonne returne , His ransome due to Don Horatio . Hiero. Horatio , who cals Horatio ? King . And well remembred , thank his Maiestie . Heere , see it giuen to Horatio . Hiero. Iustice , O iustice , iustice , gentle King . King . Who is that ? Hieronimo ? Hiero. Iustice , O iustice , O my sonne , my sonne , My Sonne whom naught can ransome or redeeme . Lor. Hieronimo , you are not well aduisde . Hiero. A way Lorenzo hinder me no more , For thou hast made me bankrupt of my blisse : Giue me my sonne , you shall not ransome him . Away , i le rip the bowels of the earth , He diggeth with his dagger . And Ferrie ouer to th' Elizian plaines , And bring my Sonne to shew his deadly wounds . Stand from about me , i le make a pickaxe of my poniard , And heere surrender vp my Marshalship : For I le goe marshall vp the feends in hell , To be auenged on you all for this . King . What meanes this outrage ? will none of you restraine his fury ? Hiero. Nay soft and faire , you shall not need to striue , Needs must he goe that the diuels driue . Exit . King . What accident hath hapt Hieronimo ? I haue not seene him to demeane him so . Lor. My gratious Lord , he is with extreame pride , Conceiued of yong Horatio his Sonne , And couetous of hauing to himselfe , The ransome of the yong Prince Balthazar . Distract and in a manner lunatick . King . Beleeue me Nephew we are sorie for t , This is the loue that Fathers beare their sonnes : But gentle brother , goe giue to him this golde , The Princes raunsome , let him haue his due , For what he hath Horatio shall not want , Happily Hieronimo hath need thereof . Lor. But if he be thus helplesly distract , T is requisite his office be resignde , And giuen to one of more discretion . King . We shall encrease his melanchollie so . T is best that we see further in it first : Till when , our selfe will exempt the place . And Brother , now bring in the Embassador , That he may be a witnes of the match . Twixt Balthazar and Bel-imperia . And that we may prefixe a certaine time . Wherein the marriage shal be solemnized , That we may haue thy Lord the Vice-roy heere . Em. Therein your highnes highly shall content , His Maiestie , that longs to heare from hence . King . On then , and heare you Lord Embassadour . Exeunt . Enter Hieronimo with a book in his hand . Vindicta mihi . I , heauen will be reuenged of euery ill , Nor will they suffer murder vnrepaide : Then stay Hieronimo , attend their will , For mortall men may not appoint their time . Perscelus semper tuinm est sceleribus iter . Strike , and strike home , where wrong is offred thee , For euils vnto ils conductors be . And death 's the worst of resolution . For he that thinks with patience to contend , To quiet life , his life shall easily end . Fata si miseros iuuant habes salutem : Fata si vitam negant , habes sepulchrum . If destinie thy miseries doe ease , Then hast thou health , and happie shalt thou be : If destinie denie thee life Hieronimo . Yet shalt thou be assured of a tombe : If neither , yet let this thy comfort be , Heauen couereth him that hath no buriall , And to conclude , I will reuenge his death , But how ? not as the vulgare wits of men , With open , but ineuitable ils . As by a secret , yet a certain meane , Which vnder kindeship wil be cloked best . Wise men will take their oportunitie , Closely and safely fitting things to time : But in extreames aduantage hath no time . And therefore all times fit not for reuenge : Thus therefore will I res i me in vnrest , Dissembling quiet in vnquietnes , Not seeming that I know their villanies : That my simplicitie may make them think , That ignorantly I will let all slip : For ignorance I wot , and well they know , Remedium malorum iners est . Nor ought auailes it me to menace them , Who as a wintrie storme vpon a plaine , Will beare me downe with their nobilitie . No , no , Hieronimo , thou must enioyne Thine eies to obseruation , and thy tung To milder speeches , then thy spirit affoords , Thy hart to patience , and thy hands to rest , Thy Cappe to curtesie , and thy knee to bow , Till to reuenge thou know when , where , and how . How now , what noise , what coile is that you keepe ? A noise within . Enter a Seruant . Ser. Heere are a sort of poore Petitioners , That are importunate and it shall please you sir , That you should plead their cases to the King . Hiero. That I should plead their seuerall actions , Why let them enter , and let me see them . Enter three Cittizens and an olde Man . 1 So I tell you this for learning and for law , There s not any aduocate in Spaine , That can preuaile , or will take halfe the paine , That he will in pursuite of equitie . Hiero. Come neere you men that thus importune me , Now must I beare a face of grauitie , For thus I vsde before my Marshalship , To pleade in causes as Corrigedor . Come on sirs , what s the matter ? 2 Sir an Action . Hiero. Of Batterie ? 1 Mine of debt . Hiero. Giue place . 2 No sir , mine is an action of the case . 3 Mine an Eiectione firma by a Lease . Hiero. Content you sirs , are you determined , That I should plead your seuerall actions ? 1 I sir , and heere s my declaration , 2 And heere is my band . 3 And heere is my lease . They giue him paper : Hiero. But wherefore stands yon silly man so mute , With mournfull eyes and hands to heauen vprearde ? Come hether father , let me know thy cause . Senex . O worthy sir , my cause but slightly knowne , May mooue the harts of warlike Myrmydons , And melt the Corsicke rockes with ruthfull teares . Hiero. Say Father , tell me what s thy sute ? Senex . No sir , could my woes Giue way vnto my most distresfull words , Then should I not in paper as you see , With incke bewray , what blood began in me . Hiero. What s heere ? the humble supplication Of Don Bazulto for his murdred sonne . Senex . I Sir . Hiero. No sir , it was my murdred sonne , oh my sonne . My sonne , oh my sonne Horatio . But mine , or thine , Bazulto be content . Heere , take my hand-kercher and wipe thine eies , Whiles wretched I , in thy mishaps may see , The liuely portraict of my dying selfe , He draweth out a bloudie Napkin . O no , not this , Horatio this was thine , And when I dyde it in thy deerest blood , This was a token twixt thy soule and me , That of thy death reuenged I should be . But heere , take this , and this , what my purse ? I this and that , and all of them are thine , For all as one are our extremeties . 1 Oh , see the kindenes of Hieronimo . 2 This gentlenes shewes him a Gentleman . Hiero. See , see , oh see thy shame Hieronimo , See heere a louing Father to his sonne : Beholde the sorrowes and the sad laments , That he deliuereth for his sonnes dicease . If loues effects so striues in lesser things , If loue enforce such moodes in meaner wits , If loue expresse such power in poore estates : Hieronimo , When as a raging Sea , Tost with the winde and tide ore turnest then The vpper billowes course of waues to keep , Whilest lesser waters labour in the deepe . Then shamest thou not Hieronimo to neglect , The sweet reuenge of thy Horatio . Though on this earth iustice will not be found : I le downe to hell and in this passion , Knock at the dismall gates of Plutos Court , Getting by force as once Alcides did , A troupe of furies and tormenting hagges , To torture Don Lorenzo and the rest . Yet least the triple headed porter should , Denye my passage to the slimy strond : The Thracian Poet thou shalt counterfeite : Come on olde Father be my Orpheus , And if thou canst no notes vpon the Harpe , Then sound the burden of thy sore harts greefe , Till we do gaine that Proserpine may graunt , Reuenge on them that murdred my Sonne , Then will I rent and teare them thus and thus , Shiuering their limmes in peeces with my teeth . Teare the Papers . 1 Oh sir my Declaration . Exit Hieronimo and they after . 2 Saue my bond . Enter Hieronimo . 2 Saue my bond . 3 Alas my lease , it cost me ten pound , And you my Lord haue torne the same . Hiero. That can not be , I gaue it neuer a wound , Shew me one drop of bloud fall from the same : How is it possible I should stay it then , Tush no , run after , catch me if you can . Exeunt all but the olde man . Bazulto remaines till Hieronimo enters againe , who staring him in the face speakes . Hiero. And art thou come Horatio from the depth , To aske for iustice in this vpper earth ? To tell thy Father thou art vnreueng'd , To wring more teares from Isabellas eies ? Whose lights are dimd with ouer-long laments . Goe back my sonne , complaine to Eacus , For heere s no iustice , gentle boy be gone . For iustice is exiled from the earth : Heronimo will beare thee company : Thy mother cries on righteous Radamant , For iust reuenge against the murderers . Senex . Alas my L. whence springs this troubled speech ? Hiero. But let me looke on my Horatio : Sweet boy how art thou chang'd in deaths black shade ? Had Proserpine no pittie on thy youth ? But suffered thy fair crimson colourd spring , With withered winter to be blasted thus ? Horatio , thou art older then thy Father : Ah ruthlesse Father , that fauour thus transformess Ba. Ah my good Lord , I am not your yong Sonne . Hie. What , not my Sonne , thou then , a furie art , Sent from the emptie Kingdome of blacke night , To summon me to make appearance : Before grim Mynos and iust Radamant . To plague Hieronimo that is remisse , And seekes not vengeance for Horatioes . death . Ba. I am a greeued man and not a Ghost , That came for iustice for my murdered Sonne . Hie. I , now I know thee , now thou namest my Sonne , Thou art the liuely image of my griefe , Within thy face , my sorrowes I may see . Thy eyes are gum'd with teares , thy cheekes are wan , Thy forehead troubled , and thy muttring lips Murmure sad words abruptly broken off , By force of windie sighes thy spirit breathes , And all this sorrow riseth for thy Sonne : And selfe same sorrow feele I for my Sonne . Come in old man , thou shalt to Izabell , Leane on my arme , I thee , thou me shalt stay , And thou , and I , and she will sing a song : Three parts in one , but all of discords fram'd , Talke not of cords , but let vs now be gone , For with a cord Horatio was slaine . Exeunt . Enter King of Spaine , the Duke , Vice-roy , and Lorenzo , Balthazar , Don Pedro , and Belimperia . King .

Go Brother it is the Duke of Castiles cause , salute the Vice . roy in our name .

Castile . I go . Vice . Go forth Don Pedro for thy Nephews sake , And greet the Duke of Castile . Pedro. It shall be so . King . And now to meet these Portaguise , For as we now are , so sometimes were these , Kings and commanders of the westerne Indies . Welcome braue Vice-roy to the Court of Spaine , And welcome all his honorable traine : T is not vnknowne to vs , for why you come , Or haue so kingly crost the Seas : Suffiseth it in this we note the troth , And more then common loue you lend to vs . So is it that mine honorable Neice , For it beseemes vs now that it be knowne , Already is betroth'd to Balthazar : And by appointment and our condiscent , To morrow are they to be married . To this intent we entertaine thy selfe , Thy followers , their pleasure , and our peace : Speak men of Portingale , shall it be so ? If I , say so : if not , say flatly no . Vice . Renowmed King , I come not as thou thinkst , With doubtfull followers , vnresolued men , But such as haue vpon thine articles , Confirmed thy motion and contented me . Know soueraigne , I come to solemnize The marriage of thy beloued Neece , Faire Bel-imperia with my Balthazar . With thee my Sonne , whom sith I liue to see ; Heere take my Crowne , I giue it her and thee , And let me liue a solitarie life , In ceaselesse praiers , To think how strangely heauen hath thee preserued . King , See brother , see , how nature striues in him , Come worthy Vice-roy and accompany Thy freend , with thine extremities : A place more priuate fits this princely mood . Vice . Or heere or where your highnes thinks it good . Exeunt all but Cast and Lor. Cas. Nay stay Lorenzo , let me talke with you , Seest thou this entertainement of these Kings ? Lor. I doe my Lord , and ioy to see the same . Cas. And knowest thou why this meeting is ? Lor. For her my Lord , whom Balthazar doth loue , And to confirme their promised marriage . Cas. She is thy Sister ? Lor. Who Bel-imperia , I my gratious Lord , And this is the day , that I haue longd so happily to see . Cas. Thou wouldst be loath that any fault of thine , Should intercept her in her happines . Lor. Heauens will not let Lorenzo erre so much , Cas. Why then Lorenzo listen to my words : It is suspected and reported too , That thou Lorenzo wrongst Hieronimo . And in his sutes towards his Maiestie , Still keepst him back , and seeks to crosse his sute . Lor. That I my Lord ? Cas. I tell thee Sonne my selfe haue heard it said , When to my sorrow I haue beene ashamed To answere for thee , though thou art my sonne , Lorenzo , knowest thou not the common loue , And kindenes that Hieronimo hath wone , By his deserts within the Court of Spaine ? Or seest thou not the K. my brothers care , In his behalfe , and to procure his health ? Lorenzo , shouldst thou thwart his passions , And hee exclaime against thee to the King , What honour wert in this assembly , Or what a scandale wert among the Kings , To heare Hieronimo exclaime on thee . Tell me , and looke thou tell me truely too , Whence growes the ground of this report in Court . Lor. My L. it lyes not in Lorenzos power , To stop the vulgar liberall of their tongues : A small aduantage makes a water breach , And no man liues that long contenteth all . Cas. My selfe haue seene thee busie to keep back , Him and his supplications from the King . Lor. Your selfe my L. hath seene his passions , That ill beseemde the presence of a King , And for I pittied him in his distresse , I helde him thence with kinde and curteous words , As free from malice to Hieronimo , As to my soule my Lord . Cas. Hieronimo my sonne , mistakes thee then , Lor. My gratious Father , beleeue me so he doth , But what s a silly man distract in minde . To think vpon the murder of his sonne : Alas , how easie is it for him to erre ? But for his satisfaction and the worlds , T were good my L. that Hieronimo and I , Were reconcilde , if he misconster me . Cas. Lorenzo thou hast said , it shal be so , Goe one of you and call Hieronimo . Enter Balthazar aud Bel-imperia . Bal. Come Bel-imperie , Balthazar s content , My sorrowes ease and soueraigne of my blisse , Sith heauen hath or dainde thee to be mine : Disperce those cloudes and melanchollie lookes , And cleere them vp with those thy Sunne bright eies , Wherein my hope and heauens faire beautie lies . Bel. My lookes my Lord , are fitting for my loue , Which new begun , can shew , brighter yet . Bal. New kindled flames should burne as morning Sun . Bel. But not too fast , least heate and all be done . I see my Lord my Father . Bal. Truce my loue , I will goe salute him . Cas. Welcome Balthazar , welcome braue Prince , The pledge of Castiles peace : And welcome Bel-imperia , how now girle ? Why commest thou sadly to salute vs thus ? Content thy selfe for I am satisfied , It is not now as when Andrea liu'd , We haue forgotten and forgiuen that , And thou art graced with a happier loue , But Balthazar heere comes Hieronimo . I le haue a word with him . Enter Hieronimo and a Seruant . Hiero. And where s the Duke ? Ser. yonder . Hiero. Euen so : what new deuice haue they deuised tro ? Pocas Palabras , milde as the Lambe , I st I will be reueng'd ? no , I am not the man . Cas. Welcome Hieronimo . Lor. Welcome Hieronimo . Bal. Welcome Hieronimo . Hiero. My Lords I thank you for Horatio . Cas. Hieronimo , the reason that I sent To speak with you , is this . Hiero. What , so short ? Then i le be gone , I thank you for t : Cas. Nay , stay Hieronimo , goe call him sonne . Hieronimo , my father craues a word with you . Hiero. With me sir ? why my L. I thought you had done . Lor. No , would he had . Cas. Hieronimo , I hear you finde your selfe agreeued at my Sonne , Because you haue not accesse vnto the King , And say t is he that intercepts your sutes . Hiero. Why , is not this a miserable thing my Lord ? Cas. Hieronimo , I hope you haue no cause , And would be loth that one of your deserts , Should once haue reason to suspect my Sonne , Considering how I think of you my selfe . Hiero. Your sonne Lorenzo , whome , my noble Lord ? The hope of Spaine , mine honourable freend ? Graunt me the combat of them , if they dare . Drawes out his sword . I le meet him face to face to tell me so . These be the scandalous reports of such , As loues not me , and hate my Lord too much . Should I suspect Lorenzo would preuent , Or crosse my sute , that loued my Sonne so well . My Lord , I am ashamed it should be said . Lor. Hieronimo , I neuer gaue you cause . Hero . My good Lord , I know you did not . Cas. There then pause , and for the satisfaction of the world , Hieronimo frequent my homely house , The Duke of Castile Ciprians ancient seat , And when thou wilt , vse me , my sonne , and it : But heere before Prince Balthazar and me , Embrace each other , and be perfect freends . Hiero. I marry my Lord , and shall : Freends ( quoth he ) see , I le be freends with you all . Specially with you my louely Lord , For diuers causes it is fit for vs , That we be freends , the world is suspitious , And men may think what we imagine not . Bal. Why this is freendly doone Hieronimo . Lor. And that I hope olde grudges are forgot . Hiero. What els , it were a shame it should not be so . Cas. Come on Hieronimo at my request , Let vs entreat your company to day . Exeunt . Hiero. Yor Lordships to commaund , Pha : keep your way . Mi. Chi mi fa ? Pui Correzza Che non sule Tradito viha otrade vule . Exit . Enter Ghoast and Reuenge . Ghost . Awake Erictha , Cerberus awake , Sollicite Pluto gentle Proserpine , To combat Achinon and Ericus in hell . For neere by Stix and Phlegeton : Nor ferried Caron to the fierie lakes , Such fearfull sights , as poore Andrea see ? Reuenge awake . Reuenge . Awake , for why ? Ghost . Awake Reuenge , for thou art ill aduisde , Th●sleepe , away , what , thou art warnd to watch . Reuenge . Content thy selfe , and doe not trouble me . Ghost . Awake Reuenge , if loue as loue hath had , Haue yet the power or preuailance in hell , Hieronimo with Lorenzo is ioynde in league , And intercepts our passage to reuenge : Awake Reuenge , or we are woe begone . Reuenge . Thus worldlings ground what they haue dreamd vpon , Content thy selfe Andrea , though I sleepe , Yet is my mood soliciting their soules , Sufficeth thee that poore Hieronimo , Cannot forget his sonne Horatio . Nor dies Reuenge although he sleepe a while , For in vnquiet , quietnes is faind : And slumbring is a common worldly wile , Beholde Andrea for an instance how , Reuenge hath slept , and then imagine thou , What t is to be subiect to destinie . Enter a dumme shew . Ghost . Awake Reuenge , reueale this misterie . Reuenge . The two first the nuptiall Torches boare , As brightly burning as the mid-daies sunne : But after them doth Himen hie as fast , Clothed in sable , and a Saffron robe , And blowes them out , and quencheth them with blood , As discontent that things continue so . Ghost . Sufficeth me thy meanings vnderstood , And thanks to thee and those infernall powers , That will not tollerate a Louers woe , Rest thee for I will sit to see the rest . Reuenge . Then argue not for thou hast thy request . Exeunt .

Actus Quartus . Enter Bel-imperia and Hieronimo . Bel-imperia . IS this the loue thou bearst Horatio ? Is this the kindnes that thou counterfeits , Are these the fruits of thine incessant teares ? Hieronimo , are these thy passions ? Thy protestations , and thy deepe laments , That thou wert wont to wearie men withall . O vnkind Father , O deceitfull world , With what excuses canst thou shew thy selfe ? With what dishonour , and the hate of men , From this dishonour and the hate of men : Thus to neglect the losse and life of him , Whom both my letters , and thine owne beliefe , Assures thee to be causles slaughtered . Hieronimo , for shame Hieronimo : Be not a History to after times , Of such in gratitude vnto thy Sonne . Vnhappy Mothers of such children then , But monstrous Fathers , to forget so soone The death of those , whom they with care and cost Haue tendred so , thus careles should be lost . My selfe a stranger in respect of thee , So loued his life , as still I wish their deathes , Nor shall his death be vnreuengd by me . Although I beare it out for fashions sake : For heere I sweare in sight of heauen and earth , Shouldst thou neglect the loue thou shouldst retaine , And giue it ouer and deuise no more , My selfe should send their hatefull soules to hel , That wrought his downfall with extreamest death . Hie. But may it be that Bel-imperia Vowes such reuenge as she hath daind to say : Why then I see that heauen applies our drift , And all the Saints doe sit soliciting For vengeance on those cursed murtherers Madame t is true , and now I find it so , I found a letter , written in your name , And in that letter , how Horatio died . Pardon , O pardon Bel-imperia , My feare and care in not beleeuing it , Nor thinke , I thoughtles thinke vpon a meane , To let his death be vnreveng'd at full , And heere I vow , so you but giue consent , And will conceale my resolution , I will ere long determine of their deathes , That causles thus haue murderd my Sonne . Bel. Hieronimo , I will consent , conceale , And ought that may effect for thine auaile , Ioyne with thee to reuenge Horatioes death . Hier. On then , whatsoeuer I deuise , Let me entreat you grace my practises . For why , the plots already in mine head , Heere they are . Enter Balthazar and Lorenzo . Bal. How now Hieronimo , what , courting Bel-imperia ? Hiero. I my Lord , such courting as I promise you She hath my hart , but you my Lord haue hers . Lor. But now Hieronimo or neuer we are to intreate your helpe . Hie. My help , why my good Lords assure your selues of me . For you haue giuen me cause , I by my faith haue you . Bal. It pleasde you at the entertainment of the Embassadour , To grace the King so much as with a shew , Now were your studie so well furnished , As for the passing of the first nights sport , To entertaine my Father with the like : Or any such like pleasing motion , Assure your selfe it would content them well . Hiero. Is this all ? Bal. I , this is all . Hiero. Why then i le fit you , say no more . When I was youg I gaue my minde , And plide my selfe to fruitles poetrie : Which though it profite the professor naught , Yet is it passing pleasing to the world . Lor. And how for that ? Hiero. Marrie my good Lord thus . And yet me thinks you are too quick with vs . When in Tolledo there I studied , It was my chaunce to write a tragedie , See heere my Lords . He shewes them a book . Which long forgot , I found this other day , Now would your Lordships fauour me so much , As but to grace me with your acting it , I meane each one of you to play a part , Assure you it will proue most passing strange , And wondrous plausible to that assembly . Bal. What would you haue vs play a Tragedie ? Hiero. Why Nero thought it no disparagement , And Kings and Emperours haue tane delight , To make experience of their wits in plaies ? Lor. Nay be not angry good Hieronimo , The Prince but asked a question . Bal. In faith Hieronimo and you be in earnest , I le make one . Lor. And I another . Hiero. Now my good Lord , could you intrear , Your Sister Bel-imperia to make one , For what s a play without a woman in it ? Bel. Little intreaty shall serue me Hieronomo , For I must needs be imployed in your play . Hiero. Why this is well , I tell you Lordings , It was determined to haue beene acted , By Gentlemen and schollers too , Such as could tell what to speak . Bal. And now it shall be plaide by Princes and Courtiers such as can tell how to speak : If as it is our Country manner , You will but let vs know the argument . Hiero. That shall I roundly : the Cronicles of Spaine Recorde this written of a Knight of Rodes , He was betrothed and wedded at the length , To one Perseda an Italian dame . Whose beauty rauished all that her behelde , Especially the soule of Soliman , Who at the marriage way the cheefest guest . By sundry meanes sought Soliman to winne , Persedas loue , and could not gaine the same . Then gan he break his passions to a freend , One of his Bashawes whom he held full deere , Her had this Bashaw long solicited , And saw she was not otherwise to be wonne , But by her husbands death this Knight of Rodes . Whome presently by trecherie he slew , She stirde with an exceeding hate therefore , As cause of this slew Soliman . And to escape the Bashawes tirannie , Did stab her selfe , and this the Tragedie . Lor. O excellent . Bel. But say Hieronimo what then became of him That was the Bashaw ? Hiero. Marrie thus , moued with remorse of his misdeeds Ran to a mountain top and hung himselfe . Bal. But which of vs is to performe that parte , Hiero. O , that will I my Lords , make no doubt of it . I le play the murderer I warrant you , For I already haue conceited that . Bal. And what shall I . Hiero. Great Soliman the Turkish Emperour . Lor. And I . Hiero. Erastus the Knight of Rhodes , Bel. And I . Hiero. Perseda , chaste and resolute . And heere my Lords are seuerall abstracts drawne , For eache of you to note your partes , And act it as occasion 's offred you . You must prouide a turkish cappe , A black mustacio and a fauchion . Giues a paper to Bal. You with a crosse like to a Knight of Rhodes . Giues another to Lor. And Madame , you must attire your selfe , He giueth Bel. another . Like Phoebe , Flora , or the huntresse , Which to your discretion shall seeme best . And as for me my Lords I le looke to one , And with the raunsome that the Vice-roy sent , So furnish and performe this tragedie , As all the world shall say Hieronimo , Was liberall in gracing of it so . Bal. Hieronimo , me thinks a Comedie were better . Hiero. A Comedie , fie , comedies are fit for common wits But to present a Kingly troupe withall , Giue me a stately written Tragedie . Tragedia cothernato , fitting Kings , Containing matter , and not common things . My Lords , all this must be perfourmed , As sitting for the first nights reuelling . The Italian Tragedians were so sharpe of wit , That in one houres meditation , They would performe any thing in action . Lor. And well it may , for I haue seene the like In Paris , mongst the French Tragedians . Hiero. In Paris , mas and well remembred , There s one thing more that rests for vs to doo . Bal. What s that Hieronimo forget not any thing . Hiero. Each one of vs must act his parte , In vnknowne languages , That it may breede the more varietie . As you my Lord in Latin , I in Greeke , You in Italian , and for because I know , That Bel-imperia hath practised the French , In courtly French shall all her phraises be . Bel. You meane to trye my cunning then Hieronimo . Bal. But this will be a meere confusion , And hardly shall we all be vnderstoode . Hiero. It must be so , for the conclusion Shall proue the inuention , and all was good : And I my selfe in an Oration , That I will haue there behinde a curtaine , And with a strange and wondrous shew besides : Assure your selfe shall make the matter knowne . And all shal be concluded in one Scene , For there s no pleasure tane in tediousnes . Bal. How like you this ? Lor. Why thus my Lord we must resolue , To soothe his humors vp . Bal. On then Hieronimo , farewell till soone . Hiero. You le plie this geere . Lor. I warrant you . Exeunt all but Hiero. Hiero. Why so , now shall I see the fall of Babilon , Wrought by the heauens in this confusion . And if the world like not this tragedie , Hard is the hap of olde Hieronimo . Exit . Enter Isabella with a weapon . Tell me no more , O monstrous homicides , Since neither pietie nor pittie moues The King to iustice or compassion : I will reuenge my selfe vpon this place , Where thus they murdered my beloued Sonne . She cuts downe the Arbour . Downe with these branches and these loathsome bowes , Of this vnfortunate and fatall pine . Downe with them Isabella , rent them vp , And burne the roots from whence the rest is sprung : I will not leaue a root , a stalke , a tree , A bowe , a branch , a blossome , nor a leafe , No , not an hearb within this garden Plot . Accursed complot of my miserie , Fruitlesse for euer may this garden be . Barren the earth , and blislesse whosoeuer , Immagines not to keep it vnmanurde : An Easterne winde comixt with noisome aires , Shall blast the plants and the yong saplings , The earth with Serpents shal be pestered be And passengers for feare to be infect , Shall stand aloofe , and looking at it , tell There murdred dide the sonne of Isabell . I heere he dide , and heere I him imbrace , See where his Ghoast solicites with his wounds , Reuenge on her that should reuenge his death , Hieronimo make haste to see thy sonne , For sorrow and dispaire hath scited me , To heare Horatio plead with Radamant , Make haste , Hieronimo to holde excusde . Thy negligence in pursute of their deaths , Whose hatefull wrath bereu'd him of his breath . Ah nay , thou dost delay their deaths , Forgiues the murderers of thy noble sonne , And none but I bestirre me to no end , And as I cursse this tree from further fruit , So shall my wombe be cursed for his sake , And with this weapon will I wound the brest , The haples brest that gaue Horatio suck . She stabs her selfe . Enter Hieronimo , he knocks vp the curtaine . Enter the Duke of Castile . Cas. How now Hieronimo where 's your fellows , That you take all this paine ? Hiero. O sir , it is for the Authors credit , To look that all things may goe well : But good my Lord let me intreat your grace , To giue the King the coppie of the plaie : This is the argument of what we shew . Cas, I will Hieronimo . Hiero. One thing more my good Lord . Cas. What s that ? Hiero. Let me intreat your grace , That when the traine are past into the gallerie , You would vouchsafe to throwe me downe the key . Cas. I will Hieronimo . Exit Cas. Hiero. What are you ready Balthazar ? Bring a chaire and a cushion for the King . Enter Balthazar with a Chaire . Well doon Balthazar , hang vp the title . Our scene is Rhodes , what is your beard on ? Bal. Halfe on , the other is in my hand . Hiero. Dispatch for shame , are you so long ? Exit Balthazar . Bethink thy selfe Hieronimo , Recall thy wits , recompt thy former wrongs , Thou hast receiued by murder of thy sonne . And lastly , not least , how Isabell , Once his mother and thy deerest wife : All woe begone for him hath slaine her selfe . Behoues thee then Hieronimo to be reueng'd , The plot is laide of dire reuenge , On then Hieronimo pursue reuenge , For nothing wants but acting of reuenge . Exit Hieronimo . Enter Spanish King , Vice-roy , the Duke of Castile , and their traine . King . Now Viceroy , shall we see the Tragedie , Of Soliman the Turkish Emperour : Performde of pleasure by your Sonne the Prince , My Nephew Don Lorenzo , and my Neece . Vice . Who , Bel-imperia ? King . I , and Hieronimo our Marshall . At whose request they deine to doo 't themselues . These be our pastimes in the Court of Spaine . Heere brother , you shall be the booke-keeper . This is the argument of that they shew . He giueth him a booke . Gentlemen , this play of Hieronimo in sundrie Languages , was thought good to be set downe in English more largely , for the easier vnderstanding to euery publique Reader . Enter Balthazar , Bel-imperia , and Hieronimo . Balthazar . BAshaw , that Rhodes is ours , yeeld heauens the honor , And holy Mahomet our sacred Prophet : And be thou grac't with euery excelence , That Soliman can giue , or thou desire . But thy desert in conquering Rhodes is lesse , Then in reseruing this faire Christian Nimph Perseda , blisfull lamp of Excellence : Whose eies compell like powerfull Adamant , The warlike heart of Soliman to wait . King . See Vice-Roy , that is Balthazar your Sonne , That represents the Emperour Solyman : How well he acts his amorous passion . Vice . I Bel-imperia hath taught him that . Castile . That 's because his mind tunnes all on Bel-imperia Hiero. What euer ioy earth yeelds betide your Meiestie . Balt. Earth yeelds no ioy without Persedaes loue . Hiero. Let then Perseda on your grace attend . Balt. She shall not wait on me , but I on her , Drawne by the influence of her lights , I yeeld . But let my friend the Rhodian knight come foorth , Erasto , dearer then my life to me , That he may see Perseda my beloued . Enter Erasto . King . Heere comes Lorenzo , looke vp on the plot , And tel me brother what part plaies he ? Bel. Ah my Erasto , welcome to Perseda . Lo. Thrice happie is Erasto , that thou liuest , Rhodes losse is nothing to Erastoes ioy : Sith his Perseda liues , his life suruiues . Balt. Ah Bashaw , heere is loue betweene Erasto And faire Perseda soueraigne of my soule . Hiero. Remooue Erasto mighty Solyman , And then Perseda will be quickly wonne . Balt. Erasto is my friend , and while he liues , Perseda neuer will remooue her loue . Hiero. Let not Erasto liue , to greeue great Soliman . Balt. Deare is Erasto in our Princly eye . Hiero. But if he be your riuall , let him die . Balt. Why let him die , so loue commaundeth me . Yet greeue I that Erasto should so die . Hiero. Erasto , Solyman saluteth thee , And lets thee wit by me his highnes will : Which is , thou shouldst be thus imploid . Stab him . Bel. Ay me Erasto , see Solyman Erastoe s slaine . Balt. Yet liueth Solyman to comfort thee . Faire Queene of beautie , let not fauour die , But with a gratious eye beholde his griefe , That with Persedaes beautie is encreast . If by Persedaes griefe be not releast . Bel. Tyrant , desist soliciting vaine sutes , Relentles are mine eares to thy laments , As thy butcher is pittilesse and base , Which seazd on my Erasto , harmelesse knight . Yet by thy power thou thinkest to commaund , And to thy power Perseda doth obey : But were she able , thus she would reuenge Thy treacheries on thee ignoble Prince : Stab him . And on herselfe she would be thus reuengd Stab herselfe . King . Well said olde Marshal , this was brauely done . Hiero. But Bel-imperia plaies Perseda well . Vice . were this in earnest Bel-imperia , You would be better to my Sonne then so . King . But now what followes for Hieronimo ? Hiero , Marrie this followes for Hieronimo . Heere breake we off our sundrie languages , And thus conclude I in our vulgare tung . Happely you think , but bootles are your thoughts , That this is fabulously counterfeit , And that we doo as all Tragedians doo . To die to day , for ( fashioning our scene ) The death of Aiax , or some Romaine peere , And in a minute starting vp againe , Reuiue to please to morrowes audience . No Princes , know I am Hieronimo , The hopeles Father of a haples Sonne , Whose tung is tun'd to tell his latest tale , Not to excuse grosse errors in the play , I see your lookes vrge instance of these words , Beholde the reason vrging me to this , Shewes his dead sonne . See heere my shew , look on this spectacle : Heere lay my hope , and heere my hope hath end : Heere lay my hart , and heere my hart was slaine : Heere lay my treasure , heere my treasure lost : Heere lay my blisse , and heere my blisse bereft . But hope , hart , treasure , ioy , and blisse : All fled , faild , died , yea all decaide with this . From forth these wounds came breath that gaue me life , They murdred me that made these fatall markes : The cause was loue , whence grew this mortall hate , The hate , Lorenzo and yong Balthazar : The loue , my sonne to Bel-imperia . But night the couerer of accursed crimes , With pitchie silence husht these traitors harmes , And lent them leaue , for they had sorted leasure , To take aduantage in my Garden plot , Vpon my Sonne , my deere Horatio : There mercilesse they butcherd vp my boy , In black darke night , to pale dim cruell death . He shrikes , I heard , and yet me thinks I heare , His dismall out-cry eccho in the aire : With soonest speed I hasted to the noise , Where hanging on a tree , I found my sonne . Through girt with wounds , and slaughtred as you see , And greeued I ( think you ) at this spectacle ? Speak Calabrian , whose losse resembles mine , If thou canst weep vpon thy Balthazar , T is like I wailde for my Horatio . And you my L. whose reconciled sonne , Marcht in a net , and thought him selfe vnseene , And rated me for brainsicke lunacie , With God amend that mad Hieronimo , How can you brook our plaies catastrophe ? And heere beholde this bloudie hand-kercher , Which at Horatios death I weeping dipt , Within the riuer of his bleeding wounds . It as propitious , see I haue reserued , And neuer hath it left my bloody hart , Soliciting remembrance of my vow . With these , O these accursed murderers , Which now perform'd , my hart is satisfied . And to this end the Bashaw I became , That might reuenge me on Lorenzos life , Who therefore was appointed to the part , And was to represent the Knight of Rhodes , That I might kill him more conueniently . So Vice-roy was this Balthazar thy Sonne , That Soliman , which Bel-imperia , In person of Perseda murdered : Solie appointed to that tragicke part , That she might slay him that offended her . Poore Bel-imperia mist her part in this , For though the story saith she should haue died , Yet I of kindenes , and of care to her , Did otherwise determine of her end . But loue of him whom they did hate too much , Did vrge her resolution to be such . And Princes now beholde Hieronimo , Author and actor in this Tragedie : Bearing his latest fortune in his fist : And will as resolute conclude his parte , As any of the Actors gone before . And Gentles , thus I end my play , Vrge no more words , I haue no more to say . He runs to hang himselfe . King . O hearken Vice-roy , holde Hieronimo , Brother , my Nephew , and thy Sonne are slaine . Vice . We are betraide , my Balthazar is slaine , Breake ope the doores , runne saue Hieronimo . Hieronimo , doe but enforme the King of these euents , Ypon mine honour thou shalt haue no harme . Hiero. Vice-roy , I will not trust thee with my life , Which I this day haue offered to my Sonne : Accursed wretch , why staiest thou him that was resolued to die ? King . Speak traitor , damned , bloudy murderer speak , For now I haue thee I will make thee speak : Why hast thou done this vndeseruing deed ? Vice Why hast thou murdered my Balthazar ? Cas. Why hast thou butchered both my children thus ? Hiero. O good words , as deare to me was my Horatio , As yours , or yours , or yours my L. to you . My guiltles Sonne was by Lorenzo slaine , And by Lorenzo and that Balthazar , Am I at last reuenged thorowly . Vpon whose soules may heauens be yet auenged , With greater far then these afflictions . Cas. But who were thy confederates in this ? Vice . That was thy daughter Bel-imperia . For by her hand my Balthazar was slaine I saw her stab him . King . Why speakest thou not ? Hiero. What lesser libertie can Kings affoord Then harmeles silence ? then affoord it me : Sufficeth I may not , nor I will not tell thee . King . Fetch forth the tortures . Traitor as thou art , i le make thee tell . Hiero. Indeed thou maiest torment me as his wretched Sonne , Hath done in murdring my Horatio . But neuer shalt thou force me to reueale , The thing which I haue vowd inuiolate : And therefore in despight of all thy threats , Pleasde with their deaths , and easde with their reuenge : First take my tung , and afterwards my hart . King . O monstrous resolution of a wretch , See Vice-roy , hee hath bitten foorth his tung , Rather then to reueale what we requirde . Cas Yet can he write . King . And if in this he satisfie vs not , We will deuise th e'xtreamest kinde of death , That euer was inuented for a wretch . Then he makes signes for a knife to mend his pen . Cas. O he would haue a knife to mend his Pen . Vice . Heere , and aduise thee that thou write the troth , Looke to my brother , saue Hieronimo . He with a knife stabs the Duke and himselfe . King . What age hath euer heard such monstrous deeds ? My brother and the whole succeeding hope , That Spaine expected after my discease , Go beare his body hence that we may mourne , The losse of our beloued brothers death . That he may be entom'd what ere befall , I am the next , the neerest , last of all . Vice . And thou Don Pedro do the like for vs , Take vp our haples sonne vntimely slaine : Set me with him , and he with wofull me , Vpon the maine mast of a ship vnmand , And let the winde and tide hall me along , To Sallas barking and vntamed greefe : Or to the loth some poole of Acheron , To weepe my want for my sweet Balthazar , Spaine hath no refuge for a Portingale . The Trumpets sound a dead march , the King of Spaine mourning after his brothers body , and the King of Portingale bearing the body of his Sonne . Enter Ghoast and Reuenge . Ghoast . I , now my hopes haue end in their effects , When blood and sorrow finnish my desires : Horatio murdered in his Fathers bower , Vilde Serberine by Pedringano slaine , False Pedringano hangd by quaint deuice , Faire Isabella by her selfe misdone , Prince Balthazar by Bel-imperia stabd , The Duke of Castile and his wicked Sonne , Both done to death by olde Hieronimo . My Bel-imperia falne as Dido fell , And good Hieronimo slaine by himselfe : I these were spectacles to please my soule . Now will I beg at louely Proserpine , That by the vertue of her Princely doome , I may consort my freends in pleasing sort , And on my foes worke iust and sharpe reuenge . I le lead my freend Horatio through those feeldes , Where neuer dying warres are still inurde . I le lead faire Isabella to that traine , Where pittie weepes but neuer feeleth paine . I le lead my Bel-imperia to those ioyes , That vestal Virgins , and faire Queenes possesse , I le lead Hieronimo where Orpheus plaies , Adding sweet pleasure to eternall daies . But say Reuenge , for thou must helpe or none , Against the rest how shall my hate be showne ? Reuenge . This hand shall hale them down to deepest hell , Where none but furies , bugs and tortures dwell . Ghoast . Then sweet Reuenge doo this at my request , Let me be iudge and doome them to vnrest . Let loose poore Titius from the vultures gripe , And let Don Ciprian supply his roome , Place Don Lorenzo on Ixions wheele , And let the louers endles paines surcease : Iuno forgets olde wrath and graunts him ease . Hang Balthazar about Chineras neck , And let him there bewaile his bloudy loue , Repining at our ioyes that are aboue . Let Serberine goe roule the fatall stone , And take from Siciphus his endles mone . False Pedringano for his trecherie , Let him be dragde through boyling Acheron , And there liue dying still in endles flames , Blaspheming Gods and all their holy names . Reuenge . Then haste we downe to meet thy freends and foes , To place thy freends in ease , the rest in woes . For heere , though death hath end their miserie , I le there begin their endles Tragedie . Exeunt . FINIS .

Machine-generated castlist A04942-hieronimo 110 A04942-lorenzo 97 A04942-balthazar 65 A04942-bel-imperia 62 A04942-king 55 A04942-pedringano 46 A04942-viceroy 33 A04942-horatio 29 A04942-castile 29 A04942-hangman 21 A04942-alexandra 15 A04942-xxxx_2 13 A04942-xxxx_1 12 A04942-revenge 10 A04942-page 10 A04942-ambassadpr 9 A04942-ghost 8 A04942-isabella 8 A04942-villuppo 7 A04942-general 7 A04942-xxxx_3 6 A04942-deputy 5 A04942-senex 4 A04942-servant 4 A04942-ambassador 4 A04942-unassigned 3 A04942-noble 3 A04942-messenger 3 A04942-maid 2 A04942-andrea 2 A04942-pedro 1 A04942-christophil 1

Textual Notes

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b9apv-002-b-0260 ●●ue this eternall substance of my soule , Did liue imprisond in my wanton flesh : Ech in their b9apv-002-b-0310 ●lesh my soule , Did liue imprisond in my wanton flesh : Ech in their function seruing others need b9apv-002-b-0360 ●unction imprisond in my wanton flesh : Ech in their function seruing others need , I was a Courtier in b9apv-002-b-0940 pos●est seruice and deseruing loue , In secret I possest a worthy dame , Which hight sweet Bel-imperia b9apv-002-b-0960 wor●hy and deseruing loue , In secret I possest a worthy dame , Which hight sweet Bel-imperia by b9apv-002-b-2070 The●is passengers . Ere Sol had slept three nights in Thetis lap , And slakte his smoaking Charriot in b9apv-002-b-2170 ●loud , And slakte his smoaking Charriot in her cloud : By Don Horatio our knight Marshals sonne b9apv-002-b-2210 Hora●io his smoaking Charriot in her cloud : By Don Horatio our knight Marshals sonne , My funerals b9apv-003-a-1250 lif● And by warres fortune lost both loue and life . Why then said Eacus , conuay him hence b9apv-003-a-3180 Mar●ialists fields , Where louers liue , and bloudie Martialists , But either sort containd within his bounds b9apv-003-b-0720 ●rod torments ouerwhelmd ▪ Twixt these two waies , I trod the middle path , Which brought me to the b9apv-003-b-1380 Plu●o begd that onely she might giue my doome . Pluto was pleasd and sealde it with a kisse . b9apv-003-b-2550 Castil● Enter Spanish King , Generall , Castile , Hieronimo ▪ b9apv-004-a-0590 t●b● O multum dilecte Deo , tibs militat ●●her , Et coniuratae curuato poplito b9apv-004-a-0700 rectis●ror coniuratae curuato poplito gentes Succumbunt : rectiseror est victoria iuris . b9apv-004-a-2320 ●enst in squadron forme , Each corner strongly fenst with wings of shot , But ere we ioynd and b9apv-004-a-2980 Co●●onell tride . Don Pedro their chiefe horse mens Colonell : Did with his Cornet brauely make attempt b9apv-004-a-3140 battel● make attempt , To break the order of our battell rankes . But Don Rogero worthy man of warre b9apv-004-a-3190 R●gero the order of our battell rankes . But Don Rogero worthy man of warre , Marcht forth against b9apv-004-b-0070 Musk●●ier● warre , Marcht forth against him with our Musketiers , And stopt the mallice of his fell approch b9apv-004-b-0360 Thei● battailes ioyne and fall to handie blowes . Their violent shot resembling th'oceans rage , b9apv-004-b-0440 roa●ing violent shot resembling th'oceans rage , When roaring lowd and with a swelling tide , It beats b9apv-004-b-0500 ●●de rage , When roaring lowd and with a swelling tide , It beats vpon the rampiers of huge rocks b9apv-004-b-0560 ra●●piers with a swelling tide , It beats vpon the rampiers of huge rocks , And gapes to swallow neighbour b9apv-004-b-1190 mai●●de Captaines to the ground , And Souldiers some ill maimde , some slaine outright : Heere falles a b9apv-004-b-1820 Lau●ciers inclinde , Till Don Andrea with his braue Launciers , In their maine battell made so great a b9apv-004-b-1950 hal●e maine battell made so great a breach , That halfe dismaid , the multitude retirde : But Balthazar b9apv-004-b-2000 ret●rde breach , That halfe dismaid , the multitude retirde : But Balthazar the Portingales young Prince b9apv-004-b-2610 a●d vaunts , sounding to our reproch , Friendship and hardie valour ioynd in one , Prickt forth b9apv-004-b-3050 for●st the Prince was beaten from his horse , And forcd to yeeld him prisoner to his foe : When b9apv-004-b-3090 pr●soner beaten from his horse , And forcd to yeeld him prisoner to his foe : When he was taken , all the b9apv-005-a-0770 ●ast But tell me now , hast thou confirmd a peace ? b9apv-005-a-1220 K●a●paper Giue the K. a paper . b9apv-005-a-1600 ●rolike thy person wel . But now Knight Marshall frolike with thy King , For tis thy Sonne that winnes b9apv-005-a-2150 wa●ning shall dye without reward , What meanes this warning of this trumpets sound ? b9apv-005-a-2980 Lorenz● The Armie enters , Balthazar betweene Lorenzo and Horatio captiue . b9apv-005-b-0150 triumphled of Portingale , That by our Nephew was in triumph led ? b9apv-005-b-2020 ●lor Exeunt all but Bal. Lor. Hor . b9apv-006-a-1180 ●●eaz'd ceaz'd his weapon and enioyde it first . b9apv-006-a-2340 Infor●t might seeme partiall in this difference , Inforct by nature and by law of armes , My tongue b9apv-006-b-1590 V●ceroy Enter Viceroy , Alexandro , Villuppo . b9apv-006-b-3080 ha●et am I at the lowest . Qvi iacet in terranon habet vnde cadat , In me consumpsit vires fortunanocendo b9apv-007-a-0860 dis●resse wilfull mad , And therefore will not pittie my distresse . Suppose that she could pittie me , what b9apv-007-a-1310 redres●e windes . Why waile I then wheres hope of no redresse ? O yes , complaining makes my greefe seeme b9apv-007-a-2730 ●laine Then they haue slaine him for his fathers fault . b9apv-008-a-2980 foo●th incenst with iust remorce , I with my band set foorth against the Prince , And brought him prisoner b9apv-008-b-0200 strou● No , that was it for which I cheefely stroue , Nor stept I back till I recouerd him : b9apv-008-b-2410 ●e But now if your good liking stand thereto , We craue your pardon to goe seeke the Prince b9apv-009-a-1720 again● Then with conceite enlarge your selfe again▪ ▪ b9apv-009-a-2960 ●nine all my thoughts attend , On whose aspect mine eyes finde beauties bowre , In whose translucent b9apv-009-a-3180 hut Alas my Lord these are but words of course . And but deuise to driue b9apv-009-a-3380 l●ts She in going in , lets fall her Gloue , which Horatio comming out b9apv-009-a-3450 comm●ng in , lets fall her Gloue , which Horatio comming out takes vp . b9apv-009-b-0680 scatt●r ouerblow with little winde . Let me alone , Ile scatter them my selfe : Meane while let vs deuise b9apv-010-a-0100 p●omised where is olde Hieronimo our Marshall , He promised vs in honor of our guest , To grace our b9apv-010-a-0240 pompousiest our guest , To grace our banquet with some pompous iest . b9apv-010-a-3040 restavaliant Was as the rest a valiant Englishman , Braue Iohn of Gaunt b9apv-010-a-3120 Ga●nt rest valiant a Englishman , Braue Iohn of Gaunt the Duke of Lancaster . As by his Scutchin b9apv-010-b-0660 dtinke Hieronimo , I drinke to thee for this deuise . Which hath pleasde b9apv-011-a-0050 B●ll you in your wonted ioy : In time the sauage Bull sustaines the yoake , In time all haggard b9apv-011-a-0180 lu●e In time all haggard Hawkes will stoope to lure , In time small wedges cleaue the hardest b9apv-011-a-1110 wodres feature is not to content her sight , My wordes are rude and worke her no delight . The b9apv-011-b-1180 addereward fauoured thee ▪ Now to these fauours will I adde reward , Not with faire woords , but store b9apv-011-b-1480 I'ell , If thou but satisfie my iust demaund . Tell truth and haue me for thy lasting freend b9apv-012-a-0550 Horati● What Don Horatio our Knight Marshals sonne ? b9apv-012-b-3360 lan guishments blandishments , Why shew you signe of inward languishments . b9apv-013-b-0090 growes● Ambitious villaine , how his boldenes growes ▪ b9apv-013-b-0830 th● sleepe ere we be ware . And singing with the prickle at her breast , Tell our delight b9apv-013-b-0940 dailiance her breast , Tell our delight and mirthfull dalliance . Till then each houre will seeme a yeere b9apv-013-b-1970 sheloues becomes her kinde , And yet dissemble that she loues the Prince : I doubt not I , but she b9apv-013-b-3010 Cip●i● halfe heire , Vnto our brother heere Don Ciprian , And shall enioy the moitie of his land b9apv-013-b-3050 e●ioy our brother heere Don Ciprian , And shall enioy the moitie of his land . Ile grace her marriage b9apv-013-b-3180 vnck●es his land . Ile grace her marriage with an vnckles gift , And this it is , in case the match b9apv-014-a-1010 co●mmand Wilt please your grace command me ought besid ? b9apv-014-a-1760 I● And well his forwardnes deserues reward . It was Horatio our Knight Marshals sonne . b9apv-015-a-0330 threw Thus I retort the dart thou threwst at me . b9apv-015-a-0340 stat Thus I retort the dart thou threwst at me . b9apv-015-a-2550 ambituous Although his life were still ambitious proud , Yet is heat the highest now he is b9apv-015-b-0200 〈◊〉 helpe , And heere within this garden did she crie And in this garden must I rescue her : But b9apv-015-b-0810 o●t Those garments that he weares I oft haue seene , Alas it is Horatio my sweet b9apv-015-b-3260 end●es sonne Horatio ? O wheres the author of this endles woe . b9apv-016-a-0360 Ogush Then is he gone ? and is my sonne gone too ? O gush out teares , fountains and flouds of b9apv-016-a-0430 ●louds gone too ? O gush out teares , fountains and flouds of teares , Blow sighes and raise an euerlasting b9apv-016-a-0600 wre●chednes euerlasting storme . For outrage fits our cursed wretchednes . b9apv-016-a-1220 bes●erd Seest thou this handkercher besmerd with blood , It shall not from me till I b9apv-016-a-1380 thoss from me till I take reuenge : Seest thou those wounds that yet are bleeding fresh , Ile b9apv-016-a-2750 a●quis his dirge , singing fits not this case . O aliquis mihi quas pulcbrum var educet herbas . b9apv-016-a-3080 ●●tum siquifaciunt annum oblimia succos , Prebeat , ipse metum magnam quicunque per orbem ▪ Gramina Sol b9apv-016-a-3230 quicqu●d pulcbras effecit inluminis oras . Ipse bibam quicquid meditatur saga veneri , Quicquid & irra●i b9apv-016-a-3380 le●bu● euecaca menia nectit . Omnia perpetiar , letbum quoque dum semel omnis , Noster in extincto b9apv-016-a-3410 scm●l●mnis nectit . Omnia perpetiar , letbum quoque dum semel omnis , Noster in extincto 〈◊〉 pectora sensus b9apv-016-b-0040 〈◊〉 quoque dum semel omnis , Noster in extincto moriatur pectora sensus : Ergo tuos occulos nunquam b9apv-016-b-0050 p●ct●ra dum semel omnis , Noster in extincto 〈◊〉 pectora sensus : Ergo tuos occulos nunquam ( mea b9apv-017-a-0190 flatterie● beloued , Sith feare or loue to Kings is flatteries For instance Lordings , look vpon your King b9apv-017-a-0350 s●nne your King , By hate depriued of his dearest sonne , The onely hope of our succes 〈…〉 li●e b9apv-017-a-0530 Al●x●ndros I had not thought that Alexandros hart , Had beene enuenomde with such extreame b9apv-017-a-0580 〈◊〉 thought that Alexandros hart , Had beene enuenomde with such extreame hate : But now I see b9apv-017-a-0610 extr●●me Alexandros hart , Had beene enuenomde with such extreame hate : But now I see that words haue seuerall b9apv-017-a-0770 credi●●● words haue seuerall workes , And theres no credit in the countenance . b9apv-017-a-0800 coun●en●●●● seuerall workes , And theres no credit in the countenance . b9apv-017-a-2640 i●sect my hope . As for the earth it is too much infect , To yeeld me hope of any of her mould . b9apv-017-a-2790 lingerye Why linger ye ? bring forth that daring feend , And b9apv-017-a-2860 fe●nd Why linger ye ? bring forth that daring feend , And let him die for his accursed deed b9apv-017-a-3050 extre●●tie Not that I feare the extremitie of death , For Nobles cannot stoop to seruile b9apv-017-a-3100 N●bles that I feare the extremitie of death , For Nobles cannot stoop to seruile feare . Doo I ( b9apv-017-a-3110 ca●not feare the extremitie of death , For Nobles cannot stoop to seruile feare . Doo I ( O King b9apv-017-a-3180 ● Nobles cannot stoop to seruile feare . Doo I ( O King ) thus discontented liue . But b9apv-017-b-0710 presigure That shall prefigure those vnquenched fiers , Of Phlegiton prepared b9apv-017-b-1100 accnsde thus , Or for thy meed , hast falsely me accusde . b9apv-018-a-2010 meanea shalbe ransomed with thy deeth , And not so meane a torment as we heere Deuisde for him , b9apv-018-a-2970 Ex●unt Exeunt . b9apv-018-b-0500 incompaeable inhumane and barberous attempt , If this incomparable murder thus , Of mine , but now no more b9apv-019-b-1300 c●use But Pedringano , to preuent the worst , And cause I know thee secret as my soule , Heere for b9apv-019-b-2910 tbou they wil , Then shalt thou mount for this , thou knowest my minde . b9apv-020-a-3020 ●●●hing Vnworthy such a fauour may he faile , And wishing , want when such as I preuaile . As for b9apv-021-a-2010 Offormer guiltie conscience vrged with the thought , Of former euils , easily cannot erre : I am b9apv-021-a-3120 villame slaine that lou'd his Lord so well ? Iniurious villaine , murderer of his freend . b9apv-021-a-3220 P●dringano Hath Pedringano murdered Serberine ? My Lord , let me entreat b9apv-021-b-0300 Lor●nzo Assure thee Don Lorenzo he shall dye , Or els his Highnes hardly b9apv-021-b-1720 themselu●s multitude , Or any one in mine opinion , When men themselues their secrets will reueale . b9apv-021-b-2170 Pedring ano From Pedringano that's imprisoned . b9apv-022-a-0080 Pedring ●n● thy wits , Boy , goe conuay this purse to Pedringano , Thou knowest the prison , closely giue b9apv-022-b-0220 Pedring●no of gentlemanlike knauery . I must goe to Pedringano , and tell him his pardon is in this boxe b9apv-023-a-2790 fl●t knauery , ile not change without boot , thats flat . b9apv-023-b-1030 t●e Sirra , dost see yonder boy with the box in his hand ? b9apv-024-b-2270 confeder ate Lord , I slew him for your sake , And was confederate with the Prince and you , Wonne by rewards b9apv-025-a-0220 Horati● they haue wrongd , Both her , my selfe , Horatio , and themselues . Now may I make compare b9apv-025-b-0560 Hor●tio highest heauens , To heauen , I there sits my Horatio , Backt with a troup of fiery Cherubins b9apv-025-b-0620 offiery there sits my Horatio , Backt with a troup of fiery Cherubins , Dauncing about his newly b9apv-026-b-0140 deser●'d disparagement : Vnlesse by more discretion then deseru'd , I sought to saue your honour and mine b9apv-027-a-0280 A●tn● more fewell to your fire . Who burnt like Aetna for Andreas losse . b9apv-027-a-1990 Toloue To loue , and feare , and both at once my Lord b9apv-027-a-3170 tre●●ulo Balthazar doth feare as well as we . Est tremulo metui pauidum 〈…〉 , Et vanum stolidae proditionis b9apv-027-a-3180 met●● Balthazar doth feare as well as we . Est tremulo metui pauidum 〈…〉 , Et vanum stolidae proditionis b9apv-027-b-0180 eunningly Nay , and you argue things so cunningly , Weele goe continue this discourse at Court b9apv-027-b-0420 Baltbazar her heauenly lookes , Wends poore oppressed Balthazar , As ore the mountains walkes the wanderer b9apv-027-b-3070 kind'ed Within a hugie dale of lasting night , That kindled with the worlds iniquities , Doth cast vp b9apv-028-a-0150 Io●e soules : There in a brazen Caldron fixt by Ioue , In his fell wrath vpon a sulpher flame b9apv-028-b-0130 Baltbazar Ile haue a fling at him thats flat . And Balthazar ile be with thee to bring , And thee Lorenzo b9apv-028-b-3280 graee his sonne ? Nor am I least indebted to his grace , That bends his liking to my daughter thus b9apv-029-a-0180 heer● Now last ( dread Lord ) heere hath his highnes sent , Although he send b9apv-029-a-1070 redeem● sonne , My Sonne whom naught can ransome or redeeme . b9apv-029-a-3120 Bal●hazar himselfe , The ransome of the yong Prince Balthazar . Distract and in a manner lunatick . b9apv-029-b-0260 Hor●●● , let him haue his due , For what he hath Horatio shall not want , Happily Hieronimo hath b9apv-029-b-0440 helples●y But if he be thus helplesly distract , Tis requisite his office be resignde b9apv-029-b-0680 molanchollie We shall encrease his melanchollie so . Tis best that we see further in it b9apv-029-b-1690 Ex●●●t Exeunt . b9apv-029-b-1720 Hieronim● Enter Hieronimo with a book in his hand . b9apv-029-b-2210 sce●eri●us appoint their time . Perscelus semper tuinm est sceleribus iter . Strike , and strike home , where b9apv-029-b-2550 patienco worst of resolution . For he that thinks with patience to contend , To quiet life , his life shall b9apv-029-b-2710 mis●r●s life , his life shall easily end . Fata si miseros iuuant habes salutem : Fata si vitam negant b9apv-030-a-0600 ineuitableils the vulgare wits of men , With open , but ineuitable ils ▪ As by a secret , yet a certain meane b9apv-030-a-1460 letall make them think , That ignorantly I will let all slip : For ignorance I wot , and well b9apv-030-a-1560 ●ell let all slip : For ignorance I wot , and well they know , 〈◊〉 malorum iners est . Nor b9apv-030-a-2070 ●ung enioyne Thine eies to obseruation , and thy tung To milder speeches , then thy spirit affoords b9apv-030-a-2310 cutte●ie patience , and thy hands to rest , Thy Cappe to curtesie , and thy knee to bow , Till to reuenge b9apv-030-a-2410 〈◊〉 curtesie , and thy knee to bow , Till to reuenge thou know when , where , and how . How now b9apv-030-b-2330 Myrmy dons slightly knowne , May mooue the harts of warlike Myrmydons , And melt the Corsicke rockes with ruthfull b9apv-031-a-0070 〈◊〉 sonne , oh my sonne . My sonne , oh my sonne Horatio . But mine , or thine , Bazulto be content b9apv-031-a-0150 〈◊〉 my sonne Horatio . But mine , or thine , Bazulto be content . Heere , take my hand-kercher b9apv-031-a-3270 〈◊〉 Denye my passage to the slimy strond : The Thracian Poet thou shalt counterfeite : Come on olde b9apv-031-b-0070 Orphe●s counterfeite : Come on olde Father be my Orpheus , And if thou canst no notes vpon the Harpe b9apv-031-b-0900 Hieronim● Enter Hieronimo . b9apv-031-b-2120 thouart in this vpper earth ? To tell thy Father thou art vnreueng'd , To wring more teares from b9apv-031-b-2850 spri●gs Alas my L. whence springs this troubled speech ? b9apv-031-b-2980 〈◊〉 But let me looke on my Horatio : Sweet boy how art thou chang'd in deaths b9apv-032-a-0630 Son●e What , not my Sonne , thou then , a furie art , Sent from the b9apv-032-a-3090 B●limperia and Lorenzo , Balthazar , Don Pedro , and Belimperia . b9apv-032-a-3320 Casti●●c Castile . b9apv-032-b-0890 Ne●ce lend to vs . So is it that mine honorable Neice , For it beseemes vs now that it be knowne b9apv-032-b-1050 Bal●hazar that it be knowne , Already is betroth'd to Balthazar : And by appointment and our condiscent b9apv-032-b-3090 Cas● Exeunt all but Cast and Lor. b9apv-032-b-3160 Lo●enzo Nay stay Lorenzo , let me talke with you , Seest thou this b9apv-033-a-0060 th●se with you , Seest thou this entertainement of these Kings ? b9apv-033-a-0410 Bal●haz●r For her my Lord , whom Balthazar doth loue , And to confirme their promised b9apv-033-a-0620 Bel-imprria Who Bel-imperia , I my gratious Lord , And this is the day b9apv-033-a-0920 fa●lt Thou wouldst be loath that any fault of thine , Should intercept her in her happines b9apv-033-a-1090 L●renzo Heauens will not let Lorenzo erre so much , b9apv-033-b-1590 B●l-imperia Enter Balthazar aud Bel-imperia . b9apv-033-b-2110 fai●e bright eies , Wherein my hope and heauens faire beautie lies . b9apv-033-b-2890 Princ● Welcome Balthazar , welcome braue Prince , The pledge of Castiles peace : And welcome b9apv-033-b-3050 Wh● And welcome Bel-imperia , how now girle ? Why commest thou sadly to salute vs thus ? Content b9apv-034-a-2080 K●ing Sonne , Because you haue not accesse vnto the King , And say tis he that intercepts your sutes b9apv-034-b-1600 sit my louely Lord , For diuers causes it is fit for vs , That we be freends , the world b9apv-034-b-2130 shonld What els , it were a shame it should not be so . b9apv-034-b-3050 lak●s Phlegeton : Nor ferried Caron to the fierie lakes , Such fearfull sights , as poore Andrea b9apv-035-a-0010 Re●enge Such fearfull sights , as poore Andrea se● ? Reuenge awake . b9apv-035-a-0880 degone to reuenge : Awake Reuenge , or we are woe begone . b9apv-035-a-2210 ●able them doth Himen hie as fast , Clothed in sable , and a Saffron robe , And blowes them out b9apv-035-b-0630 Hier●nimo Enter Bel-imperia and Hieronimo . b9apv-036-a-2280 Horat●oes thine auaile , Ioyne with thee to reuenge Horatioes death . b9apv-036-a-2760 Bel-imperi● How now Hieronimo , what , courting Bel-imperia ▪ b9apv-037-b-1470 Phoeb● Like Phoebe , Flora , or the huntresse , Which to your b9apv-037-b-2680 ●itting Lords , all this must be perfourmed , As sitting for the first nights reuelling . The Italian b9apv-037-b-2770 Tragedian● the first nights reuelling . The Italian Tragedians were so sharpe of wit , That in one houres b9apv-038-b-0350 th●se Downe with these branches and these loathsome bowes , Of this vnfortunate and b9apv-038-b-0510 ●ent fatall pine . Downe with them Isabella , rent them vp , And burne the roots from whence b9apv-038-b-1520 shal the yong saplings , The earth with Serpents shalbe pestered , And passengers for feare to b9apv-038-b-2230 seited thy sonne , For sorrow and dispaire hath scited me , To heare Horatio plead with Radamant b9apv-039-a-0020 Hier●nimo Enter Hieronimo , he knocks vp the curtaine . b9apv-039-a-0200 Hieroni●o How now Hieronimo wheres your fellows , That you take all b9apv-039-a-1230 ●o past into the gallerie , You would vouchsafe to throwe me downe the key . b9apv-039-b-0550 Bel-imperi● Who , Bel-imperia ? b9apv-039-b-2310 Balt●azar See Vice-Roy , that is Balthazar your Sonne , That represents the Emperour b9apv-040-a-0840 Erast● Enter Erasto . b9apv-040-a-1540 Erast● Ah Bashaw , heere is loue betweene Erasto And faire Perseda soueraigne of my soule b9apv-040-a-2810 ●im Stab him . b9apv-041-b-0480 sl●y appointed to that tragicke part , That she might slay him that offended her . Poore Bel-imperia b9apv-041-b-0510 offtended tragicke part , That she might slay him that offended her . Poore Bel-imperia mist her part in b9apv-041-b-2990 Vico. Vice b9apv-042-a-0620 Bal●hazar daughter Bel-imperia . For by her hand my Balthazar was slaine I saw her stab him . b9apv-043-a-0050 wo●ke freends in pleasing sort , And on my foes worke iust and sharpe reuenge . Ile lead my freend b9apv-043-a-0060 〈◊〉 freends in pleasing sort , And on my foes worke iust and sharpe reuenge . Ile lead my freend b9apv-043-a-0150 H●ratio iust and sharpe reuenge . Ile lead my freend Horatio through those feeldes , Where neuer dying b9apv-043-a-0260 i●●●de feeldes , Where neuer dying warres are still inurde . Ile lead faire Isabella to that traine b9apv-043-a-0500 ●oyes paine . Ile lead my Bel-imperia to those ioyes , That vestal Virgins , and faire Queenes b9apv-043-a-1900 be wai●e Balthazar about Chineras neck , And let him there bewaile his bloudy loue , Repining at our ioyes b9apv-043-a-2200 Pedringaco take from Siciphus his endles mone . False Pedringano for his trecherie , Let him be dragde through