A looking glasse for London and England. Made by Thomas Lodge Gentleman, and Robert Greene. In Artibus Magister

A LOOKING GLASS , for London and England . Enters Rasni King of Niniuie , with three Kings of Cicilia , Creete , and Paphlagonia , from the ouerthrow of Ieroboam , King of Ierusalem . SO pace ye on triumphant warriours , Make Venus Lemmon armd in all his pompe , Bash at the brightnesse of your hardy lookes , For you the Viceroyes and the Caualires , That wait on Rasnies royall mightinesse : Boast petty kings , and glory in your fates , That stars haue made your fortunes clime so high , To giue attend on Rafnies excellency , Am I not he that rules great Niniuie , Rounded with Lycas siluer flowing streames , Whose Citie large Diametri containes , Euen three dayes iourneyes length from wall to wall , Two hundred gates carued out of burnisht brasse , As glorious as the portoyle of the Sunne , And for to decke heauens battlements with pride , Six hundred Towers that toplesse touch the clouds : This Citie is the footstoole of your King , A hundred Lords do honour at my feet , My scepter straineth both the poralels , And now to t' enlarge the highnesse of my power , I haue made Iudeas Monarch flee the field , And beat proud Ieroboam from his holds , Winning from Cades to Samaria . Great Iewries God that foyld stout Benhadab , Could not rebate the strength that Rasni brought , For be he God in heauen , yet Viceroyes know , Rasni is God on earth , and none but he . Cicilia . If louely shape , feature by natures skill , Passing in beauty fayre Endimions , That Luna wrapt within her snowy brests , Or that swéet boy that wrought bright Venus bane , Transformde vnto a purple Hyacinth , If beautie Nunpareile in excellence , May make a King match with the Gods in gree , Rasni is God on earth , and none but he . Creet . If martiall lookes wrapt in a cloud of wars More fierce then Mars , lightneth fro his eyes , Sparkling reuenge and dire disparagement : If doughty deeds more haughtie then any done , Sealde with the smile of fortune and of fate , Matchlesse to manage Lance and Curtelex , If such high actions grac'd with victories , May make a King match with the Gods in gree , Rasni is God on earth , and none but he . Paphlag .

If Pallas wealth .

Rasni . Uiceroyes inough , peace Paphlagon no more , See where 's my sister fayre Remilia . Fairer then was the virgin Dania , That waytes on Venus with a golden show , Shee that hath stolne the wealth of Rasnes lookes , And tide his thoughts within her louely lockes , She that is lou'd , and loue vnto your King , Sée where she comes to gratulate my fame . Enters Radagon with Remilia , sister to Rasni , Aluida wife to Paphlagon , and other Ladies , bring a Globe seated in a shippe . Rem. Victorious Monarch , second vnto Ioue , Mars vpon earth , and Neptune on the Seas , Whose frowne stroyes all the Ocean with a calme ; Whose smile , drawes Flora to display her pride , Whose eye holds wanton Venus at a gaze , Rasni the Regent of great Niniuie , For thou hast foyld proud Ieroboams force , And like the mustering breath of Aeolus , That ouerturnes the pines of Libanon , Hast scattered Iury and her vpstart groomes , Winning from Cades to Samaria , Remilia gréets thée with a kinde salute , And for a present to thy mightinesse , Giues thée a Globe folded within a ship , As King on earth and Lord of all the Seas , With such a welcome vnto Nyniuie As may thy sisters humble loue afford . Rasni . Sister . The title fits not thy degrée , A higher state of honour shall be thine , The louely Trull that Mercury intrapt , Within the curious pleasure of his tongue , And she that basht the sun-god with her eyes , Faire Semele the choyce of Venus maides , Were not so beautious as Remelia . Then swéeting , sister shall not serue the turne , But Rasnes wife , his Lemmon and his loue . Thou shalt like Iuno wed thy selfe to Ioue , And fold me in the riches of thy faire , Remilia shall be Rasnes Paramour . For why if I be Mars for warlike déeds ? And thou bright Venus for thy cleare aspect , Why should not from our loynes issue a sonne , That might be Lord of royall soueraintie ? Of twentie worlds , if twentie worlds might be , What saist Remilia , art thou Rasnes wife ? Remilia . My heart doth swell with fauour of thy thoughts , The loue of Rasni maketh me as proud As Iuno when she wore heauens Diademe . Thy sister borne , was for thy wife by loue , Had I the riches nature locketh vp , To decke her darling , beautie when shee smiles , Rasni should prancke him in the pride of all . Rasni . Remelias love , is farre more either prisde , Then Ieroboams or the worlds subdue , Lordings , i le haue my weddings sumptuous , Made glorious with the treasures of the world , I le fetch from Albia shelues of Margarites , And strip the Indies of their Dyamonds , And Tyre shall yeelde me tribute of her gold , To make Remelias wedding glorious , I le send for all the Damosell Queenes that liue Within the reach of Rafnies Gouernment , To wait as hand-maydes on Remelia , That her attendant traine may passe the troupe That gloried Venus at her wedding day . Creete . Oh my Lord , not sister to thy Loue , T is incest , and too fowle a fact for Kings , Nature allowes no limites to such lust . Rada . Presumptuous Uiceroy darst thou check thy Lord ? Or twit him with the lawes that Nature loues , Is not great Rasni aboue natures reach , God vpon earth , and all his will is law ? Creet . Oh flatter not , for hatefull is his choyse , And sisters loue will blemish all his worth . Radag. Doth not the brightnesse of his maiestie , Shadow his deeds from being counted faultes . Rasni . Well hast thou answered within Radon , I like thee for thy learned Sophistrie : But thou of Creet that countercheck'st thy King , Packe hence in exile , give Radagon thy crowne , Bee thee Vicegerent of his Royaltie ? And faile me not in what my thoughts may please , For from a beggar haue I brought thee vp , And gracst thee with the honour of a Crowne , Ye quandam king , what feed ye on delayes ? Creete . Better no king then Viceroy vnder him That hath no vertue to maintaine his Crowne . Rasni . Remilias , what fayre dames be those that waite Attendant on thy matchlesse royaltie ? Rem.

T is Aluia , the fayre wife to the king of Paphlagonia

Rasni . Trust me she is fayre : thou hast Paphlagon a Iewell , To fold thee in so bright a sweetings armes . Rad.

Like you her my Lord ?

Rasni .

What if I do Radagon ?

Rada . Why then she is yours my Lord , for mariage Makes no exception , where Rasni doth command . Paph.

Ill dost thou counsell him to fancy wiues .

Rada .

Wife or not wife , who so he likes is his .

Rasni . Well answered Radagon , thou art for me , Feede thou mine humour , and be still a king . Lords go in triumph of my happy loues , And for to feast vs after all our broyles , Frolicke and reuell it in Niniuie . Whatsoeuer befitteth your conceyted thoughts , Or good or ill , loue or not loue my boyes , In loue , or what may satisfie your lust , Act it my Lords , for no man dare say no. Smith .

Denesum imperium , Cum Ioue nunc teno .

Exeunt . Enters brought in by an Angell Oseas the Prophet , and set downe ouer the Stage in a Throne . Angell . Amaze not man of God , if in the spirit Th' art brought from Jewrie vnto Niniuie , So was Elias wrapt within a storme , And set vpon mount Carmell by the Lord , For thou hast preacht long to the stubborne Iewes , Whose flinty hearts haue felt no sweet remorse , But lightly valuing all the threates of God , Haue still perseuerd in their wickednesse . Loe , I haue brought thee vnto Niniuie , The rich and royall Citie of the world , Pampred in wealth , and ouergrowne with pride , As Sodome and Gomorrha full of sinne , The Lord lookes downe , and cannot see one good , Not one that couets to obey his will , But wicked all , from Cradle to the Church . Note then Oseas all their grieuous sinnes , And see the wrath of God that payes reuenge . And when the ripenesse of their sinne is full , And thou hast written all their wicked through , I le carry thee to Iewry backe againe , And seate thee in the great Ierusalem , There shalt thou publish in her open streetes , That God sends downe his hatefull wrath for sin , On such as neuer heard his Prophets speake , Much more will he inflict a world of plagues , On such as heare the sweetnesse of his voyce , And yet obey not what his Prophets speake , Sit thee Oseas pondring in the spirit , The mightinesse of these fond peoples sinne . Oseas ,

The will of the Lord be done .

Exit Angell . Enters the Clowne and his crew of Ruffians , to goe to drinke . Ruffian .

Come on Smith , thou shalt be one of the crewe , because thou knowst where the best Ale in the Towne is .

Smith .

Come on , in faith my colts , I haue left my M. striking of a heate , and stole away , because I would keep you company .

Clowne .

Why , what shall wee haue this paltrie Smith with vs ?

Smith .

Paltry Smith , why you in of Niniue you that you speak petty treason against trade ?

Clowne .

Why slaue , I am a gentleman of Niniue

Smith .

A Gentleman good sir , I remember you well, and all your progenitors , your father bare office in our towne, an honest man he was , and in great discredit in the parish , 〈…〉 two squiers liuings on him , the one was on working dayes, and then he kept the towne stage , and on Holidayes they made him the Sextens man , for he whipt dogs out of the Church. Alasse sir , your father , why sir , mée-thinks I see the Gentleman still, a proper youth , he was faith , aged some foure and ten , his Rats colour colour , halfe blacke halfe white , his nose was in the highest degrée of noses , it was nose Autem glorificam , so set with rubies that after his death it should haue bin nailed vp in Copper-smiths hall for a monument . Well sir , I was beholding to your good father , for he was the first man that euer instructed me in the mysterie of a pot of Ale .

Well said Smith , thou hast crost him ouer the thumbs .

Clowne .

Villaine were it not that we goe to be merry , my rapier should presently quit thy opprobrious termes . O Peter , Peter , put vp thy sword I prithie heartily into thy scabbard bard , hold in your rapier , for though I haue not a long Reacher , I haue a short hitter . Nay then gentlemen , stay me , for my choller beginnes to rise against him : for marke the words of a paltry Smith , Oh horrible sentence , thou hast in these wordes , I will stand to it , libelled against all the sound horses , whole horses , sore horses , Coursers , Curtalls , Iades , Cuts , Hackneies , and Mares : whereupon whereupon my friend , in their defence , I giue thee this curse , thou shalt not be worth a horse of thine owne this seuen yeare .

1. Clowne .

I prithie Smith is your occupation so excellent ? A paltry Smith , why i le stand to it , a Smith is Lord of the foure elements , for our yron is made of the earth , our bellowes blow out ayre , our flore holdes fire , and our forge water . Nay sir , wee reade in the Chronicles , that there was a God of our occupation .

〈…〉 a Cuckold .

〈…〉 he cald your father cousin , paltry smith , 〈…〉 thou hast defaced their worshipfull occupation .

〈…〉 how ?

〈…〉 stand to it , that a Smith in his kinde , is a 〈…〉 and a Barber . For let a Horse take a cold , or be troubled with the hots , and we straight giue him a potion or 〈…〉 phisicall maner that he mends straight , if 〈…〉 diseases , as the spuing , splent , ring-bone , 〈…〉 fashion , or sir a galled backe , we let him blood & clap 〈…〉 to him with a pestilence , that mends him with a 〈…〉 , now if his mane grow out of order , and he haue 〈…〉 haires , we straight to our shéeres and trim him 〈…〉 cut it please vs , picke his eares and make him neat , 〈…〉 indéed sir , we are slouings for one thing , we neuer vse 〈◊〉 musk-balls to wash him with , and the reason is sir , because 〈◊〉 woe without kissing .

Clowne .

Well sirrha , leaue off these praises of a Smyth , 〈◊〉 vs to the best Ale in the Towne .

〈◊〉 sir I haue a feate aboue all the Smythes in Niniuie , for sir 〈◊〉 am a Philosopher that can dispute of the nature of Ale , for 〈◊〉 you sir , a pot of Ale consists of foure parts , Imprimis the 〈◊〉 , the Toast , the Ginger , and the Nutmeg .

Clowne .

Excellent .

〈◊〉 Ale is a restoratiue , bread is a binder , marke you sir two excellent points in phisicke , the Ginger , oh ware of that , the philosophers haue written of the nature of ginger , t is expullsitiue in two degrées , you shal here the sentence of Galen , it wil make a man belch , cough , and fart , and is a great comfort to the hart , a proper poesie I promise you , but now to the noble vertue of the Nutmeg , it is saith one Ballad I think an English Roman was the authour , an vnderlayer to the braines , for when the Ale giues a buffet to the head , oh the Nutmeg that keepes him for while in temper .

Thus you sée the discription of the vertue of a pot of Ale , now sir to put my phisical precepts in practise 〈…〉 any further .

Clowne .

What s the matter now ?

Why séeing I haue prouided the Ale , who is 〈…〉 wenches , for masters take this of me , a cup 〈…〉 wench , why alasse t is like an egge without salt , 〈…〉 without mustard .

Lead vs to the Ale , wée le haue wenches inough I 〈…〉

Oseas . Iniquitie seekes out companions still , And mortall men are armed to do ill : London looke on , this matter nips thee neere , Leaue off thy ryot , pride and sumptuous cheere . Spend lesse at boord , and spare not at the doore , But aide the infant , and releeue the poore : Else seeking mercy being mercilesse , Thou be adiudged to endlesse heauinesse . Enters the Vsurer , a yoong Gentleman , and a poore man . Vsurer .

Come on , I am euery day troubled with these néedie companions , what newes with you , what wind brings you hither .

Gent.

Sir I hope how far soeuer you make it off , you remember too well for me , that this is the day wherin I should pay you mony that I tooke vp of you alate in a commoditie .

Poore man .

And sir , sirreuerence of your manhood and genterie , I haue brought home such mony as you lent me .

Vsurer .

You yoong Gentleman is my mony readie .

Gentle .

Truly sir this time was so short , the commoditie so bad , and the promise of friends so broken , that I could not prouide it against the day , wherefore I am come to intreat you to stand my friend and to fauour me with a longer time , and I wil make you sufficient consideration .

Vsurer .

Is the winde in that doore , if thou hast my mony so it is , I will not defer a day , an houre , a minute , but take the forfeyt 〈…〉 sir consider that my losse was great by the 〈…〉 vp , you knowe sir I borrowed of you fortie 〈…〉 I had ten pounds in money , and thirty pounds 〈…〉 , which when I came to sell againe , I could get 〈…〉 for them , so had I sir but fiftéene poundes for 〈…〉 In consideration of this ill bargaine , I pray you sir 〈…〉 month longer .

〈◊〉 .

I answered thée afore not a minute , what haue I to do how thy bargain proued , I haue thy hand set to my booke that thou receiuedst fortie pounds of me in mony .

Gent.

I sir it was your deuise that , to colour the Statute , but your conscience knowes what I had .

Poore .

Friend thou speakest Hebrew to him when thou talkest to him of conscience , for he hath as much conscience about the forfeyt of an Obligation , as my blinde Mare God blesse her , hath ouer a manger of Oates .

Gent.

Then there is no fauour sir ?

Vsurer .

Come to morrow to mée , and sée how I will vse thée .

Gent.

No couetous Caterpillar , know , that I haue made extreame shift rather then I would fall into the hands of such a rauening panthar , and therefore here is thy mony and deliuer me the recognisance of my lands .

Vsurer .

What a spight is this , hath sped of his Crownes , if he had mist but one halfe houre , what a goodly Farme had I gotten for fortie pounds , well t is my cursed fortune , Oh haue I no shift to make him forfeit his recognisance .

Gent.

Come sir will you dispatch and tell your mony .

Strikes 4. a clocke . Vsurer .

Stay , what is this a clocke foure , let me sée , to be paid betwéen the houres of thrée and foure in the afternoone , this goes right for me , you sir , heare you not the clocke , and haue you not a counterpaine of your Obligation , the houre is past , it was to be paid betwéene thrée and foure , and now the clocke hath strooken foure , I will receiue none , I le stand to the forfeyt of the recognisance .

Gent.

Why sir , I hope you do but iest , why t is but foure , and will you for a minute take forfeyt of my bond , if it were so sir , I was here before foure .

Vsurer .

Why didst thou not tender thy mony then ? if I offer thée iniury take the law of me , complaine to the Iudge , I will receiue no mony .

Poore .

Well sir , I hope you will stand my good maister for my Cow , I borrowed thirtie shillings on her , and for that I haue paid you 18. pence a wéeke , and for her meate you haue had her milke , and I tell you sir , she giues a goodly soape : now sir here is your mony .

Vsurer .

Hang beggarly knaue , commest to me for a Cow , did I not bind her bought and sold for a peny , and was not thy day to haue paid yesterday , thou getst no Cow at my hand .

Poore .

No Cow sir , alasse that word no Cow , goes as cold to my heart as a draught of small drinke in a frostie morning . No Cow sir , why alasse , alasse , M. Usurer , what shall become of me my wife , and my poore childe ?

Vsurer .

Thou getst no Cow of me knaue , I cannot stand prating with you , I must be gone .

Poore .

Nay but heare you M. Usurer , no Cow , why sir here s your thirtie shillings , I haue paid you 18. pence a wéeke , & therefore there is reason I should haue my Cow .

Vsurer .

What pratest thou , haue I not answered thée thy day is broken ?

Poore .

Why sir alasse , my Cow is a Common-wealth to me , for first sir , she allowes me , my wife and sonne , for to banket our selues withal , Butter , Chéese , Whay , Curds , Creame , sod milk , raw-milke , sower-milke , swéete-milk , and butter-milke , besides sir , she saued me euery yeare a peny in Almanackes , for she was as good to me as a Prognostication , if she had but set vp her tayle and haue gallapt about the meade , my litle boy was able to say , oh father there will be a storme , her verie taile was a Kalender to me , & now to loose my cow , alas M. Usurer take pittie vpon me .

Vsurer .

I haue other matters to talke on , farwell fellowes .

Gent.

Why but thou couetous churle , wilt thou not receiue thy mony and deliuer me my recognisance ?

Vsurer .

I le deliuer thée none , if I haue wronged thée , séeke thy mends at the law .

Gent.

And so I will insatiable pesant .

Poore .

And sir , rather then I will put vp this word no Cow , I will laie my wiues best gowne to pawne , I tell you sir , when the slaue vttered this word no Cow , it strooke to my heart , for my wife shall neuer haue one so fit for her turne againe , for indéed sir , she is a woman that hath her twidling strings broke .

Gent.

What meanest thou by that fellow ?

Poore .

Marry sir , sirreuerence of your manhood , she breakes winde behinde , and indéed sir , when she sat milking of her Cow and let a fart , my other Cowes would start at the noyse , and kick downe the milke and away , but this Cow sir the gentlest Cow , my wife might blow whilst she burst , and hauing such good conditions , shall the Usurer come vpon me with no Cow : Nay sir , before I pocket vp this word no Cow , my wiues gowne goes to the Lawier , why alasse sir t is as ill a word to me , as no Crowne to a King .

Gent.

Well fellow , go with me , and i le helpe thee to a Lawyer .

Poore .

Marry and I will sir : No Cow , well the world goes hard . Exeunt .

Oseas . Oseas . Where hatefull vsurie Is counted husbandrie , Where mercilesse men rob the poore , And the needie are thrust out of doore . Where gaine is held for conscience , And mens pleasures is all on pence , Where yong Gentlemen forfeit their lands , Through riot , into the Vsurers hands : Where pouertie is despisde & pity banished And mercy indeed vtterly vanished . Where men esteeme more of mony then of God , Let that land looke to feele his wrathfull rod . For there is no sin more odious in his sight , Then where vsurie defraudes the poore of his right . London take heed , these sinnes abound in thee : The poore complaine , the widowes wronged bee . The Gentlemen by subtiltie are spoilde , The plough-men loose the crop for which they toild ▪ Sin raignes in thee o London euery houre , Repent and tempt not thus the heauenly power . Enters Remilia , with a traine of Ladies in all royaltie . Remilia . Faire Quéenes , yet handmaids vnto Rasnes loue , Tell me , is not my state as glorious As Iunoes pomp , when tyred with heauens despoile , Clad in her vestments , spotted all with starres , She crost the siluer path vnto her Ioue , Is not Remilias far more beautious , Richt with the pride of natures excellence ? Then Venus in the brightest of her shine . My haires , surpasse they not Apollos locks , Are not my Tresses curled with such art , As loue delights to hide him in their faire ? Doth not mine eyne shine like the morning lampe That tels Anrera when her loue will come ? Haue I not stolne the beautie of the heauens , And plac'st it on the feature of my face ? Can any Goddesse make compare with me ? Or match her with the faire Remilia ? Aluida . The beauties that proud Paris saw fro Troy Mustring in Ida for the golden ball , Were not so gorgious as Remilia . Remilia . I haue trickt my tramels vp with richest balme , And made my perfumes of the purest Myrre : The pretious drugs that Aegypts wealth affoords , The costly paintings fetcht fro curious Tyre , Haue mended in my face what nature mist. Am I not the earths wonder in my lookes ? Alui .

The wonder of the earth & pride of heauen .

Remilia . Looke Aluida a haire stands not amisse , For womens locks are tramels of conceit , Which do intangle loue for all his wiles . Aluid . Madam , vnlesse you coy it trick and trim , And plaie the ciuill wanton ere you yéeld , Smiting disdaine of pleasures with your tongue , Patting your princely Rasni on the chéeke , When he presumes to kisse without consent : You marre the market , beautie nought auailes . You must be proud , for pleasures hardly got , And swéete , if once attainde . Remilia . Faire Aluida , Thy counsell makes Remilia passing wise . Suppose that thou weart Rasnes mightinesse , And I Remilia Prince of excellence . Aluida .

I would be maister then of loue and thée .

Remil . Of loue and me . Proud & disdainful king , Dar'st thou presume to touch a Deitie , Before she grace thée with a yéelding smile ? Aluida . Tut my Remilia , be not thou so coy , Say nay , and take it . Remilia . Carelesse and vnkinde , Talkes Rasni to Remilia in such sort As if I did enioy a humane forme ? Looke on thy Loue , behold mine eyes diuine , And dar'st thou twit me with a womans fault ? Ah Rasni thou art rash to iudge of me , I tell thée Flora oft hath woode my lips , To lend a Rose to beautifie her spring , The sea-Nymphs fetch their lillies from my chéeks . Then thou vnkind , and hereon would I wéepe . Alui . And here would Aluida resigne her charge , For were I but in thought Th' assirian King , I néeds must quite thy teares , with kisses swéete , And craue a pardon with a friendly touch , You know it Madam though I teach it not , The touch I meane , you smile when as you think il . Remi . How am I pleas'd to hear thy pritty prate , According to the humor of my minde ? Ah Nymphs , who fairer then Remilia ? The gentle winds haue woode me with their sighes , The frowning aire hath cléerde when I did smile , And when I tract vpon the tender grasse , Loue that makes warme the center of the earth , Lift vp his crest to kisse Remelias foote , Iuno still entertaines her amorous Ioue , With new delights , for feare he looke on me , The Phoenix feathers are become my Fanne , For I am beauties Phoenix in this world . Shut close these Curtaines straight and shadow me , For feare Apollo spie me in his walkes , And scorne all eyes , to sée Remilias eyes . Nymphes , Knancks , sing , for Mauors draweth nigh , Hide me in Closure , let him long to looke , For were a Goddesse fairer then am I , I le scale the heauens to pull her from the place . They draw the Curtaines and Musicke plaies . Aluida . Beléeue me , tho she say that she is fairest , I thinke my peny siluer by her leaue . Enter Rasni with his Lords in pomp , who make a ward about him , with him the Magi in great pompe . Rasni . Magi for loue of Rasni by your Art , By Magicke frame an Arbour out of hand , For faire Remilia to desport her in . Meane-while , I will bethinke me on further pomp . Exit . The Magi with their rods beate the ground , and from vnder the same riseth a braue Arbour , the King returneth in an other sute while the Trumpettes sounde . Rasni . Blest be ye man of Art that grace me thus , And blessed be this day where Himen hies , To ioyne in vnion pride of heauen and earth . Lightning and thunder wherewith Remilia is strooken . What wondrous threatning noyse is this I heare ? What flashing lightnings trouble our delights ? When I draw neare Remelias royall Tent , I waking , dreame of sorrow and mishap . Rada . Dread not O King , at ordinary chance , These are but common exalations , Drawne from the earth , in substance hote and drie , Or moist and thicke , or Meteors combust , Matters and causes incident to time , Inkindled in the firie region first . Tut be not now a Romane Angurer , Approach the Tent , looke on Remelia . Rasni . Thou hast confirmd my doubts kinde Radagon . Now ope ye foldes where Quéene of fauour sits , Carrying a Net within her curled locks , Wherein the Graces are entangled oft : Ope like th' imperiall gates where Phoebus sits , When as he meanes to wooe his Clitia . Necternall Cares , ye blemishers of blisse , Cloud not mine eyes whilst I behold her face . Remilia my delight , she answereth not . He drawes the Curtaines and findes her stroken with Thunder , blacke . How pale ? as if bereau'd in fatall méedes , The balmy breath hath left her bosome quite , My Hesperus by cloudie death is blent , Uillaines away , fetch Sircopes of the Inde , Fetch Balsomo the kind preserue of life , Fetch wine of Greece , fetch oiles , fetch herbes , fetch all To fetch her life , or I will faint and die . They bring in all these and offer , nought preuailes . Herbes , Oyles of Inde , alasse there nought preuailes . Shut are the day-bright eyes , that made me sée , Lockt are the Iems of ioy in dens of death , Yet triumph I on fate , and he on her . Malicious mistresse of inconstancie , Damd be thy name , that hast obscur'd my ioy , Kings , Uiceroyes , Princes , reare a royall tombe For my Remilia , beare her from my sight , Whilst I in teares , wéepe for Remilia . They beare her out . Rada . What maketh Rasni moodie ? Losse of one ? As if no more were left so faire as she ? Behold a daintie minion for the nonce , Faire Aluida the Paphlagonian Quéene , Wooe her , and leaue this wéeping for the dead . Ras.

What wooe my subiects wife that honoreth me ?

Rada . Tut Kings this meum tuum should not know . Is she not faire ? Is not her husband hence ? Hold , take her at the hands of Radagon . A prittie peate to driue your mourne away . Rasni . She smiles on me , I sée she is mine owne . Wilt thou be Rasnes royall Paramour ? Rad. She blushing yéelds concent , make no dispute : The King is sad , and must be gladded straight . Let Paphlagonian King go mourne meane-while . He thrust the King out , and so they Exeant . Oseas . Pride hath his iudgement , London looke about , T is not inough in show to be deuout , A Furie now from heauen to lands vnknowne , Hath made the Prophet speake , not to his owne , The wantons flie , this pride and vaine attire , The seales to set your tender hearts on fire . Be faithfull in the promise you haue past , Else Cod will plague and punish at the last . When lust is hid in shroude of wretched life , When craft doth dwell in bed of married wife . Marke but the Prophets , we that shortly showes , After death exspect for many woes . Enters the poore man and the Gentleman , with their Lawier . Gent.

I need not sir discourse vnto you the dutie of Lawiers in tendering the right cause of their Clients , nor the conscience you are tied vnto by higher command . Therefore suffise the Usurer hath done me wrong , you know the Case , and good sir , I haue strained my selfe to giue you your fées .

Lawier .

Sir if I should any way neglect so manifest a truth , I were to be accused of open periury , for the case is euident .

Poore .

And truly sir , for my case , if you helpe me not for my matter , why sir , I and my wife are quite vndone , I want my mease of milke when I goe to my worke , and my boy his bread and butter when he goes to schoole , M. Lawier pitie me , for surely sir , I was faine to laie my wiues best gowne to pawne for your fées , when I lookt vpon it sir , and saw how hansomly it was tawbed with statute lace , and what a faire mockado Cape it had , and then thought how hansomely it became my wife , truly sir my heart is made of butter , it melts at the least persecution , I fell on wéeping , but when I thought on the words the Usurer gaue me , no Cow : then sir , I would haue stript her into her smocke , but I would make him deliuer my Cow ere I had done , therefore good M. Lawier stand my friend .

Lawier .

Trust me father , I will do for thée as much as for my selfe .

Poore .

Are you married sir ?

Lawier .

I marry am I father .

Poore .

Then goods Benison light on you & your good wife , and send her that she be neuer troubled with my wiues disease .

Lawier .

Why what s thy wiues disease ?

Poore .

Truly sir , she hath two open faults , and one priuie fault , sir the first is , she is too eloquent for a poore man , and hath her words of Art , for she will call me Rascall , Rogue , Runnagate , Uarlet , Uagabond , Slaue , Knaue . Why alasse sir , and these be but holi-day tearmes , but if you heard her working-day words , in faith sir they be ratlers like thunder sir , for after the dewe followes a storme , for then am I sure either to be well buffetted , my face scratcht , or my head broken , and therefore good M. Lawyer on my knées I aske it , let me not go home again to my wife , with this word , No Cow : for then shée will exercise her two faults vpon me with all extremitie .

Lawier .

Feare not man , but what is thy wiues priuy fault ?

Poore .

Truly sir , that s a thing of nothing , alasse she indéed strreuerence of your mastership , doth vse to breake winde in her sléepe . Oh sir , here comes the Iudge , and the old Caitife the Usurer .

Enters the Iudge , the Vsurer , and his attendants . Vsurer .

Sir here is fortie angels for you , and if at any time you want a hundreth pound or two , t is readie at your command , or the féeding of thrée or foure fat bullocks : whereas these néedie slaues can reward with nothing but a cap and aknée , and therfore I pray you sir fauour my case .

Iudge .

Feare not sir , I le do what I can for you .

Vsurer .

What maister Lawier what make you here , mine aduersary for these Clients ?

Lawier .

So it chanceth now sir.

Vsurer .

I know you know the old Prouerbe , He is not wise , that is not wise for himselfe . I would not be disgracst in this action , therefore here is twentie angels say nothing in the matter , and what you say , say to no purpose , for the Iudge is my friend .

Lawier .

Let me alone , I le fit your purpose .

Iudge .

Come , where are these fellowes that are the plaintifes , what can they say against this honest Citizen our neighbour , a man of good report amongst all men ?

Poore .

Truly M. Iudge , he is a man much spoken off , marry euery mans cries are against him , and especially we , and therefore I thinke we haue brought our Lawier to touch him with as much law as will fetch his landes and my Cowe , with a pestilence .

Gent.

Sir , I am the other plaintife and this is my Councellour , I beseech your honour be fauourable to me in equitie .

Iudge .

Oh Signor Mizaldo , what can you say in this Gentlemans behalfe ?

Lawier .

Faith sir as yet litle good , sir tell you your owne case to the Iudge , for I haue so many matters in my head , that I haue almost forgotten it .

Gent.

Is the winde in that doore , why then my Lord thus , I tooke vpon this cursed Usurer , for so I may well tearme him , a commoditie of fortie poundes , whereof I receiued ten pounde in mony , & thirtie pound in Lute-strings , whereof I could by great friendship make but fiue pounds : for the assurance of this badde commoditie , I bound him my land in recognisance , I came at my day and tendred him his mony and he would not take it , for the redresse of my open wrong , I craue but iustice .

Iudge .

What say you to this sir ?

Vsurer .

That first he had no Lute-strings of me , for looke you sir , I haue his owne hand to my booke for the receit of fortie pound .

Gent.

That was sir , but a deuise of him to colour the Statute .

Iudge .

Well he hath thine owne hand , and we can craue no more in law , but now sir , he saies his mony was tendred at the day and houre .

Vsurer .

This is manifest contrary sir , and on that I will depose , for here is the obligation , to be paide betwéene thrée & foure in the after-noone , and the Clocke strooke foure before he offered it , and the words be betweene three and foure , therefore to be tendred before foure .

Gent.

Sir , I was there before foure , & he held me with brabling till the Clock strooke , and then for the breach of a minute he refused my money , and kéepe the recognisance of my land for so small a triflle : Good Signor Mizaldo speak what is law , you haue your fée , you haue heard what the case is , and therefore do me iustice and right , I am a yoong Gentleman and speake for my patrimony .

Lawier .

Faith sir , the Case is altered , you told me it before in an other maner , the law goes quite against you , and therfore you must pleade to the Iudge for fauour .

Gent.

O execrable bribery .

Poore .

Faith sir Iudge , I pray you let me be the Gentlemans Counsellour , for I can say thus much in his defence , that the Usurers Clocke is the swiftest Clock in all the Towne , t is sir like a womans tongue , it goes euer halfe an houre before the time , for when we were gone from him , other Clocks in the Towne strooke foure .

Iudge .

Hold thy prating fellow , and you yoong Gentleman , this is my ward , looke better another time both to your bargains and to the paiments , for I must giue flat sentence against you , that for default of tendering the mony betwéene the houres , you haue forfeited your recognisance , and he to haue the land .

Gent.

O inspeakeable iniustice .

Poore .

O monstrous , miserable , moth-eaten Iudge .

Iudge .

Now you fellow , what haue you to say for your matter ?

Poore .

Maister Lawier , I laid my wiues gowne to pawne for your fées , I pray you to this géere .

Lawier .

Alasse poore man , thy matter is out of my head , and therefore I pray thée tell it thy selfe .

Poore .

I hold my Cap to a noble , that the Usurer hath giuen him some gold , and he chawing it in his mouth , hath got the tooth-ache that he cannot speake .

Iudge .

Well sirrha , I must be short , and therefore say on .

Poore .

M. maister Iudge , I borrowed of this man thirtie shillings , for which I left him in pawne my good Cow , the bargaine was , he should haue eightéene pence a wéeke and the Cows milk for vsurie : Now sir , assoone as I had gotten the mony , I brought it him , and broke but a day , and for that he refused his mony and kéepes my Cow sir.

Iudge .

Why thou hast giuen sentence against thy selfe , for in breaking thy day thou hast lost thy Cow .

Poore .

Master Lawier now for my ten shillings .

Lawier .

Faith poore man , thy Case is so bad I shall but speak against thée .

Poore .

T were good then I shuld haue my ten shillings again .

Lawier .

T is my fée fellow for comming , wouldst thou haue me come for nothing ?

Poore .

Why then am I like to goe home , not onely with no Cow , but no gowne , this géere goes hard .

Iudge .

Well you haue heard what fauour I can shew you , I must do iustice , come M. Mizaldo and you sir , go home with me to dinner .

Poore .

Why but M. Iudge no Cow , & M. Lawier no gowne , Then must I cleane run out of the Towne .

How chéere you gentleman , you crie no lands too , the Iudge hath made you a knight for a gentleman , hath dubd you sir Iohn lack-land .

Gent.

O miserable time wherein gold is aboue God .

Poore .

Feare not man , I haue yet a fetch to get thy landes and my Cow againe , for I haue a sonne in the Court that is either a king or a kings fellow , and to him will I go & complaine on the Iudge and the Usurer both .

Gent.

And I will go with thée and intreat him for my Case .

Poore .

But how shall I go home to my wife , when I shall haue nothing to say vnto her , but no Cow . Alasse sir my wiues faults will fall vpon me .

Gent.

Feare not , let s go , I le quiet her shalt sée .

Exeunt . Oseas . Flie Iudges flie , corruption in your Court , The Iudge of truth , hath made your iudgement short . Looke so to iudge that at the latter day , Ye be not iudg'd with those that wend astray . Who passerh iudgement for his priuate gaine , He well may iudge , he is adiudg'd to paine . Enters the Clowne and all his crew drunke . Clowne .

Farewell gentle Tapster , maisters as good Ale as euer was tapt , looke to your féete , for the Ale is strong , well farwell gentle Tapster .

1. Ruffian .

Why sirrha slaue , by heauens maker , thinkest thou the wench loue thée best because she laught on thée , giue me but such an other word , and I will throw the pot at thy head .

Clowne .

Spill no drinke , spill no drinke , the Ale is good , I le tel you what , Ale is Ale , & so I le commend me to you with heartie commendations , farewell gentle Tapster .

Why wherfore peasant scornst thou that the wench should loue me , looke but on her , & i le thrust my daggar in thy bosome .

1. Ruffian .

Well sirrha well , th art as th art , and so i le take thée

Why what am I ?

Why what thou wilt , a slaue .

Then take that villaine , and learne how thou vse me another time .

Oh I am slaine .

That s all one to me , I care not , now wil I in to my wench and call for a fresh pot .

Clown .

Nay but heare ye , take me with ye , for the Ale is Ale , cut a fresh toast Tapster , fil me a pot here is mony , I am no beggar , I le follow thée as long as the Ale lasts : a pestilence on the blocks for me , for I might haue had a fall , wel if we shal haue no Ale i le sit me downe , and so farwell gentle Tapster .

Here he fals ouer the dead man . Enters the King , Aluida , the King of Cilicia , and of Paphlagonia , with other attendant . Rasni . What slaughtred wretch lies bléeding here his last ? So neare the royall pallaice of the King , Search out if any one be biding nie , That can discourse the maner of his death , Seate thée faire Aluida , the faire of faires , Let not the 〈◊〉 once offend thine eyes , L. Here s one sits here a sléepe my Lord , Rasni .

Wake him and make enquiry of this thing .

Lord.

Sirrha you , hearest thou fellow ?

Clowne .

If you will fill a fresh pot here s a peny , or else farewell gentle Tapster .

Lord.

He is drunke my Lord .

Rasni .

Wée le sport with him that Aluida may laugh .

Sirrha thou fellow , thou must come to the King .

Clowne .

I wil not do a stroke of worke to day , for the Ale is good Ale , and you can aske but a peny for a pot , no more by the statute .

Uillaine here s the King , thou must come to him .

Clown .

The King come to an Ale-house , Tapster , fil me thrée pots , where s the King , is this he ? giue me your hand sir , as good Ale as euer was tapt , you shall drinke while your skin cracke .

Rasni .

But hearest thou fellow , who kild this man ?

Clowne .

I le tell you sir , if you did taste of the Ale , all Niniuie hath not such a cup of Ale , it floures in the cup sir , by my troth I spent eleuen pence beside thrée rases of ginger .

Rasni .

Answer me knaue to my question , how came this man slaine ?

Clowne .

Slain , why Ale is strong Ale , t is hufcap , I warrant you t will make a man well , Tapster ho , for the King a cup of ale and a fresh toast , here s two rases more .

Aluida .

Why good fellow the King talkes not of drinke , he would haue thée tell him how this man came dead .

Clowne .

Dead nay , I thinke I am aliue yet , and wil drink a ful pot ere night , but here ye , if ye be the wench that fild vs drink , why so do your office , & giue vs a fresh pot , or if you be the Tapsters wife , why so , wash the glasse cleane .

Aluida .

He is so drunke my Lord , there s no talking with him .

Clowne .

Drunke , nay then wench I am not drunke , th art a shitten queane to call me drunke , I tell thée I am not drunke , I am a Smith I.

Enters the Smith , the Clownes maister . Lord.

Sir here comes one perhaps that can tell .

Smith .

God saue you master .

Rasni .

Smith canst thou tell me how this man came dead ?

Smith .

May it please your highnesse , my man here and a true of them went to the Ale-house , and came out so drunke that one of them kild another , and now sir , I am faine to leaue my shop and come to fetch him home .

Rasni .

Some of you carry away the dead bodie , drunken men must haue their fits , and sirrha Smith hence with thy man .

Smith .

Sirrha you , rise come go with me .

Clowne .

If we shall haue a pot of Ale let s haue it , here s mony , hold Tapster take my purse .

Smith .

Come then with me , the pot stands full in the house .

Clowne .

I am for you , let s go , th art an honest Tapster , wee le drinke sixe pots ere we part .

Exeunt . Rasni . Beautious , more bright then beautie in mine eyes , Tell me faire swéeting , wants thou any thing ? Conteind within the thréefold circle of the world , That may make Aluida liue full content . Aluida . Nothing my Lord , for all my thoughts are pleasde , When as mine eye surfets with Rasnes sight . Enters the King of Paphlagonia , male-content . Rasni . Looke how thy husband haunts our royall Courts , How still his sight bréeds melancholy stormes , Oh Aluida I am passion passionate , And vext with wrath and anger to the death , Mars when he held faire Venus on his knée , And saw the limping Smith come from his forge , Had not more déeper furrowes in his brow , Then Rasni hath to sée this Paphlagon . Alui . Content thée swéet , i le salue thy sorow straight , Rest but the ease of all thy thoughts on me , And if I make not Rasni blyth againe , Then say that womens fancies haue no shifts . Paphla . Shamst thou not Rasni though thou béest a King , To shroude adultry in thy royall seate , Art thou arch-ruler of great Niniuie , Who shouldst excell in vertue as in state , And wrongst thy friend by kéeping backe his wife , Haue I not battail'd in thy troupes full oft , Gainst Aegypt , Iury , and proud Babylon , Spending my blood to purchase thy renowne , And is the guerdon of my chiualrie , Ended in this abusing of my wife , Restore her me , or I will from thy Courts , And make discourse of thy adulterous déeds . Ras. Why take her Paphlagon , exclaime not man , For I do prise mine honour more then loue . Faire Aluida go with thy husband home . Alui . How dare I go , sham'd with so déep misdéed , Reuenge will broile within my husbands brest , And when he hath me in the Court at home , Then Aluida shall féele reuenge for all . Rasni . What saist thou king of Paphlagon to this ? Thou hearest the doubt thy wife doth stand vpon , If she hath done amisse it is my fault , I prithie pardon and forget all . Paphla . If that I meant not Rasni to forgiue , And quite forget the follies that are past , I would not vouch her presence in my Courts , But she shall be my Quéene , my loue , my life , And Aluida vnto her Paphlagon And lou'd , and more belou'd then before . Rasni .

What saist thou Aluida to this ?

Alui That will he sweare it to my Lord the king , And in a full carouse of Gréekish wine , Drinke downe the malice of his déepe reuenge , I will go home and loue him new againe . Rasni .

What answeres Paphlagon ?

Paphla .

That what she hath requested I wil do .

Alui . Go damosell fetch me that swéete wine That stands within thy Closet on the shelfe , Powre it into a standing bowle of gold , But on shy life taste not before the king , Make hast , why is great Rasni melancholy thus ? If promise be not kept , hate all for me . Here is the wine my Lord , first make him sweare . Paphla . By Niniuies great gods , and Niniuies great king ▪ My thoughts shall neuer be to wrong my wife , And thereon here s a full carowse to her . Alui And thereon Rasni here s a kisse for thée . Now maist thou freely fold thine Aluida . Paphla . Oh I am dead , obstructions of my breath The poison is of wondrous sharpe effect , Cursed be all adultrous quéenes say I , And cursing so poore Paphlagon doth die . Alui . Now haue I not salued the sorrowes of my Lord ? Haue I not rid ariuall of thy loues , What saist thou Rasni to thy Paramour ? Rasni . That for this déed i le decke my Aluida , In Sendall and in costly Sussapine , Bordred with Pearle and India Diamond , I le cause great Eol perfume all his windes , UUith richest myrre and curious Ambergréece , Come louely minion , paragon for faire , Come follow me swéet goddesse of mine eye , And taste the pleasures Rasni will prouide . Exeunt . Oseas . Where whordome raines , there murther followes fast , As falling leaues before the winter blast . A wicked life trainde vp in endlesse crime , Hath no regard vnto the latter time . When Letchers shall be punisht for their lust , When Princes plagu'd because they are vniust . Foresee in time the warning bell doth towle , Subdue the flesh , by praier to saue the soule . London behold the cause of others wracke , And see the sword of iustice at thy backe . Deferre not off to morrow is too late , By night he comes perhaps to iudge thy state . Enter Ionas Solus . Ionas . From forth the depth of my imprisoned soule , Steale you my sighes , testifie my paine , Conuey on wings of mine immortall tone , My zealous praiers , vnto the starrie throne : Ah mercifull and iust thou dreadfull God , Where is thine arme to laie reuengefull stroakes Upon the heads of our rebellious race ? Loe Israell once that flourisht like the vine , Is barraine laide , the beautifull encrease Is wholly blent , and irreligious zeale Incampeth there where vertue was inthroan'd Ah-lasse the while , the widow wants reliefe , The fatherlesse is wrongd by naked néed , Deuotion sléepes in sinders of Contempt , Hypocrisie infects the holie Priest , Aye me for this , woe me for these misdéeds , Alone I walke to thinke vpon the world , And sigh to sée thy Prophets so contem'd : Ah-lasse contem'd by cursed Israell . Yet Ionas rest content , t is Israels sinne That causeth this , then muse no more thereon , But pray amends , and mend thy owne amisse . An Angell appeareth to Ionas . Angel . Amithai , sonne , I charge thée muse no more , ( I am ) hath power to pardon and correct , To thée pertains to do the Lords command . Go girt thy loines , and hast thée quickly hence , To Niniuie , that mightie Citie wend , And say this message from the Lord of hoasts , Preach vnto them thse tidings from thy God . Behold thy wickednesse hath tempted me , And pierced through the ninefold orbes of heauen , Repent , or else thy iudgement is at hand . This said , the Angell vanisheth . Ionas Prostrate I lye before the Lord of hostes , With humble eares intending his behest , Ah honoured be Iehouahs great command , Then Ionas must to Niniuie repaire , Commanded as the Prophet of the Lord , Great dangers on this iourny do awaight , But dangers none where heauens direct the course , What should I déeme , I sée , yea sighing sée , How Israell sinne , yet knowes the way of truth , And thereby growes the by-word of the world , How then should God in iudgement be so strict ? Gainst those who neuer heard or knew his power , To threaten vtter ruine of them all : Should I report this iudgement of my God , I should incite them more to follow sinne , And publish to the world my countries blame , It may not be , my conscience tels me no. Ah Ionas wilt thou proue rebellious then ? Consider ere thou fall what errour is , My minde misgiues , to Ioppa will I flée , And for a while to Tharsus shape my course , Untill the Lord vnfret his angry browes . Enter certaine Merchants of Tharsus , a Maister and some Sailers . M. Come one braue merchants now the wind doth serue , And swéetly blowes a gale at West Southwest . Our yardes a crosse , our anchors on the pike , What shall we hence and take this merry gale ? Mer. Sailers conuey our budgets strait aboord , And we will recompence your paines at last , If once in safetie we may Tharsus sée , M. wée le feast these merry mates and thée . M. Mean-while content your selues with silly cates , Our beds are boordes , our feasts are full of mirth , We vse no pompe , we are the Lords of sée , When Princes swet in care , we swincke of glée . Orious shoulders and the pointers serue , To be our load-stars in the lingering night , The beauties of Arcturus we behold , And though the Sailer is no booke-man held , He knowes more Art then euer booke-men read . Sailer . By heauens well said , in honour of our trade , Let s sée the proudest scholler stir his course Or shift his tides as silly sailers do , Then wil we yéeld them praise , else neuer none . Mer. Well spoken fellow in thine owne behalfe , But let vs hence , wind tarries none you wot , And tide and time let slip is hardly got . M.

March to the hauen merchants , I follow you .

Ionas . Now doth occasion further my desires , I finde companions fit to aide my flight , Staie sir I pray , and heare a word or two . M. Say on good friend , but briefly if you please , My passengers by this time are aboord . Ionas .

Whether pretend you to imbarke your selues ▪

M. To Tharsus sir , and here in Ioppa hauen Our ship is prest and readie to depart . Ionas .

May I haue passage for my mony then ?

M. What not for mony ? pay ten siluerlings , You are a welcome guest if so you please . Ionas .

Hold take thy hire , I follow thée my friend .

Where is your budget let me beare it sir.

Ionas . To one in peace , who saile as I do now , Put trust in him who succoureth euery want . Exeunt . Ose. When Prophets new inspirde , presume to force And tie the power of heauen to their conceits , When feare , promotion , pride , or simony , Ambition , subtill craft , their thoughts disguise , Woe to the flocke whereas the shepheards foule , For lo the Lord at vnawares shall plague The carelesse guide , because his flocks do stray : The axe alreadie to the tree is set , Beware to tempt the Lord ye men of art . Enter Alcon , Thrasibulus , Samia , Clesiphon a lad . Clesi.

Mother , some meat or else I die for want .

Samia . Ah litle boy how glad thy mother would Supply thy wants but naked néed denies : Thy fathers slender portion in this world , By vsury and false deceit is lost , No charitie within this Citie bides : All for themselues , and none to helpe the poore . Clesi.

Father shall Clesiphon haue no reliefe ?

Alcon

Faith my boy I must be flat with thée , we must féed vpon prouerbes now . As necessitie hath no law , a churles feast is better then none at all , for other remedies haue we none , except thy brother Radagon helpe vs .

Samia . Is this thy slender care to helpe our childe ? Hath nature armde thée to no more remorse ? Ah cruell man , vnkind , and pittilesse , Come Clesiphon my boy , i le beg for thée . Clesi.

Oh how my mothers mourning moueth me ?

Alcon .

Nay you shall paie mée interest for getting the boye ( wife ) before you carry him hence . Ah-lasse woman what can Alcon do more ? I le plucke the belly out of my heart for thée fwéete Samia , be not so waspish .

Samia . Ah silly man I know thy want is great , And foolish I to craue where nothing is . Haste Alcon haste , make haste vnto our sonne , Who since he is in fauour of the King , May helpe this haplesse Gentleman and vs . For to regaine our goods from tyrants hands . Thra. Haue patience Samia , waight your weale from heauen , Tho Gods haue raisde your sonne I hope for this , To succour innocents in their distresse . Enters Radagon , Solus Lo where he comes from the imperiall Court , Go let vs prostrate vs before his féete . Alcon .

Nay by my troth , i le neuer aske my sonne blessing , che trow , cha taught him his lesson to know his father , what sonne Radagon , yfaith boy how doest thée ?

Rada .

Uillaine disturbe me not , I cannot stay .

Alcon .

Tut'sonne i le helpe you of that disease quickly , for I can hold thée , aske thy mother knaue what cunning I haue to ease a woman when a qualme of kindnesse come too neare her stomacke ? Let me but claspe mine armes about her bodie and saie my praiers in her bosome , and she shall be healed presently .

Rada . Traitor vnto my Princely Maiestie , How dar'st thou laie thy hands vpon a King ? Samia . No Traitor Radagon , but true is he , What hath promotion bleared thus thine eye , To scorne thy father when he visits thee ? Ah-lasse my sonne behold with ruthfull eyes , Thy parents robd of all their worldly weale , By subtile meanes of Usurie and guile , The Iudges eares are deaffe and shut vp close , All mercie sléepes , then be thou in these plundges A patron to thy mother in her paines , Behold thy brother almost dead for foode , Oh succour vs , that first did succour thee . Rada . What succour me , false callet hence auant ? Old dotard pack , moue not my patience , I know you not , Kings neuer looke so low . Samia . You know vs not . Oh Radagon you know , That knowing vs , you know your parents then , Thou knowst this wombe first brought thée forth to light , I know these paps did foster thée my sonne . Alcon .

And I know he hath had many a péece of bread & chéese at my hands , as proud as he is , that know I.

Thracib . I waight no hope of succours in this place , Where children hold their fathers in disgrace . Rada . Dare you enforce the furrowes of reuenge , Within the browes of royall Radagon ? Uillaine auant , hence beggers with your brats , Marshall why whip you not these rogues away ? That thus disturbe our royall Maiestie . Clesiphon . Mother I sée it is a wondrous thing , From base estate for to become a King : For why méethinke my brother in these fits , Hath got a kingdome , and hath lost his wits . Rada . Yet more contempt before my royaltie ? Slaues fetch out tortures worse then Titius plagues , And teare their toongs from their blasphemous heads . Thrasi. I le get me gone , tho woe begon with griefe , No hope remaines , come Alcon let vs wend. Ra.

T were best you did , for feare you catch your bane ,

Samia . Nay Traitor , I wil haunt thée to the death , Ungratious sonne , vntoward and peruerse , I le fill the heauens with ecchoes of thy pride , And ring in euery eare thy small regard , That doest despise thy parents in their wants , And breathing forth my soule before thy féete , My curses still shall haunt thy hatefull head , And being dead , my ghost shall thée pursue . Enter Rasni King of Assiria , attended on by his sooth-sayers and Kings . Rasni . How now , what meane these outcries in our Court ? Where nought should sound but harmonies of heauen , What maketh Radagon so passionate ? Samia .

Iustice O King , iustice against my sonne .

Rasni .

Thy sonne : what sonne ?

Samia .

This cursed Radagon .

Rada . Dread Monarch , this is but a lunacie , Which griefe and want hath brought the woman to , What doth this passion hold you euerie Moone ? Samia . Oh polliticke in sinne and wickednesse , Too impudent for to delude thy Prince . Oh Rasni this same wombe first brought him foorth . This is his father , worne with care and age , This is his brother , poore vnhaphie lad , And I his mother , though contemn'd by him , With tedious toyle we got our litle good , And brought him vp to schoole with mickle charge : Lord how we ioy'd to sée his towardnesse , And to our selues we oft in silence said , This youth when we are old may succour vs . But now preferd and lifted vp by thée , UUe quite destroyed by cursed vsurie , He scorneth me , his father , and this childe . Clesi. He plaies the Serpent right , describ'd in Aesopes tale , That sought the Fosters death that lately gaue him life . Alcon .

Nay and please your Maiesti-ship , for proofe he was my childe , search the parish booke , the Clarke wil sweare it , his godfathers and godmothers can witnesse it , it cost me fortie pence in ale and cakes on the wiues at his christning . Hence proud King , thou shalt neuer more haue my blessing .

He takes him apart . Rasni . Say sooth in secret Radagon , Is this thy father ? Rada . Mightie King he is , I blushing , tell it to your Maiestie . Ras.

Thy dost thou then contemne him & his friends ?

Rada . Because he is a base and abiect swaine , My mother and her brat both beggarly , Unméete to be allied vnto a King . Should I that looke on Rasnes countenance , And march amidst his royall equipage , Embase my selfe to speake to such as they ? T were impious so to impaire the loue That mightie Rasni beares to Radagon . I would your grace would quit them from your sight That dare presume to looke on Ioues compare . Rasni . I like thy pride , I praise thy pollicie , Such should they be that wait vpon my Court. Let me alone to answere ( Radagon . ) Uillaines , seditious traitors as you be , That scandalize the honour of a King , Depart my Court you stales of impudence , Unlesse you would be parted from your limmes , So base for to intitle father-hood , To Rasnes friend , to Rasnes fauourite ? Rada . Hence begging scold , hence caitiue clogd with yeares , On paine of death reuisit not the Court. Was I conceiu'd by such a scuruie trull , Or brought to light by such a lump of dirt : Go Lossell trot it to the cart and spade , Thou art vnméete to looke vpon a King , Much lesse to be the father of a King . Alcon .

You may sée wife what a goodly péece of worke you haue made , haue I tought you Arsmetry , as additiori multiplicarum , the rule of thrée , and all for the begetting of a boy , and to be banished for my labour . O pittifull hearing . Come Clesiphon follow me .

Clesi. Brother beware , I oft haue heard it told , That sonnes who do their fathers scorne , shall beg when they be old . Exet Alcon , Clesiphon . Radagon .

Hence bastard boy for feare you taste the whip .

Samia . Oh all you heauens , and you eternall powers , That sway the sword of iustice in your hands , ( If mothers curses for her sonnes contempt , May fill the ballance of your furie full ) Powre downe the tempest of your direfull plagues , Upon the head of cursed Radagon . Vpon this praier she departeth , and a flame of fire appeareth from beneath , and Radagon is swallowed . So you are iust , now triumph Samia . Exet Samia . Rasni . What exorcising charme , or hatefull hag . Hath rauished the pride of my delight ? What tortuous planets , or maleuolent Conspiring power , repining destenie Hath made the concaue of the earth vnclose , And shut in ruptures louely Radagon ? If I be Lord-commander of the cloudes , King of the earth , and Soueraigne of the seas , What daring Saturne from his fierie denne , Doth dart these furious flames amidst my Court ? I am not chiefe , there is more great then I , What greater then Th' assirian Satrapos ? It may not be , and yet I feare there is , That hath bereft me of my Radagon . Soothsaier . Monarch and Potentate of all our Prouinces , Muse not so much vpon this accident , Which is indeed nothing miraculous , The hill of Scicely , dread Soueraigne , Sometime on sodaine doth euacuate , Whole flakes of fire , and spues out from below The smoakie brands that Vulueus bellowes driue , Whether by windes inclosed in the earth , Or fracture of the earth by riuers force , Such chances as was this , are often séene , Whole Cities suncke , whole Countries drowned quite , Then muse not at the losse of Radagon . But frolicke with the dalliance of your loue . Let cloathes of purple set with studdes of gold , Embellished with all the pride of earth , Be spred for Aluida to sit vpon . Then thou like Mars courting the quéene of loue , Maist driue away this melancholy fit . Rasni . The proofe is good and philosophicall , And more , thy counsaile plausible and swéete . Come Lords , though Rasni wants his Radagon , Earth will repaie him many Radagons , And Aluida with pleasant lookes reuiue , The heart that droupes for want of Radagon . Exeunt . Oseas . When disobedience raigneth in the childe , And Princes eares by flattery be beguilde . When lawes do passe by fauour , not by truth , When falshood swarmeth both in old and youth . When gold is made a god to wrong the poore , And charitie exilde from rich mens doore . When men by wit do labour to disproue , The plagues for sinne , sent downe by God aboue . Where great mens eares are stop to good aduice , And apt to heare those tales that feed their vice . Woe to the land , for from the East shall rise , A lambe of peace , the scourge of vanities . The iudge of truth , the patron of the iust , Who soone will laie presumption in the dust . And giue the humble poore their hearts desire , And doome the worldlings to eternall fire . Repent all you that heare , for feare of plagues , O London , this and more doth swarme in thee , Repent , repent , for why the Lord doth see . With trembling pray , and mend what is amisse , The swoord of iustice drawne alreadie is . Enter the Clowne and the Smiths wife . Clowne .

UUhy but heare you mistresse , you know a womans eies are like a paire of pattens fit to saue shooleather in sommer , and to kéepe away the cold in winter , so you may like your husband with the one eye , because you are married , and me with the other , because I am your man . Alasse , alasse , think mistresse what a thing loue is , why it is like to an ostry fagot , that once set on fire , is as hardly quenched , as the bird Crocodill driuen out of her neast .

Wife .

Thy Adam cannot a woman winke but she must sléep , and can she not loue but she must crie it out at the Crosse , know Adam , I loue thée as my selfe , now that we are together in secret .

Clown .

Mis. these words of yours are like to a Fox taile placed in a gentle womans Fanne , which as it is light , so it giueth life . Oh these words are as swéete as a lilly , wherupon offering a borachio of kisses to your vnséemly personage , I entertaine you vpon further acquaintance .

Wife .

Alasse my husband comes .

Clowne .

Strike vp the drum , and say no words but mum .

Smith .

Sirrha you , and you huswife , well taken togither , I haue long suspected you , and now I am glad I haue found you togither .

Clowne .

Truly sir , and I am glad that I may do you any way pleasure , either in helping you or my mistresse .

Smith .

Boy here , and knaue you shall know it straight , I wil haue you both before the Magistrate , and there haue you surely punished .

Clowne .

Why then maister you are iealous ?

Smith .

Ielous knaue , how can I be but iealous , to sée you euer so familiar togither ? Thou art not only content to drinke away my goods , but to abuse my wife .

Clowne .

Two good quallities , drunkennesse and leachery , but maister are you iealous ?

Smith .

I knaue and thou shalt know it ere I passe , for I will beswindge thee while this roape will hold .

Wife .

My good husband abuse him not , for he neuer proffered you any wrong ,

Smith .

Nay whore , thy part shall not be behinde .

Clowne .

Why suppose maister I haue offended you , is it lawfull for the maister to beate the seruant for all offences ?

Smith .

I marry is it knaue .

Clowne .

Then maister wil I proue by logicke , that séeing all sinnes are to receiue correction , the maister is to be corrected of the man , and sir I pray you , what greater sinne is , then iealousie ? t is like a mad dog that for anger bites himselfe . Therefore that I may doe my dutie to you good maister , and to make a white sonne of you , I will so beswinge iealousie out of you , as you shall loue me the better while you liue .

Smith .

What beate thy maister knaue ?

Clowne .

What beat thy man knaue ? and I maister , and double beate you , because you are a man of credite , and therfore haue at you the fairest for fortie pence .

Smith .

Alasse wife , help , helpe , my man kils me .

Wife .

Nay , euen as you haue baked so brue , iealousie must be driuen out by extremities .

Clowne .

And that will I do , mistresse .

Smith .

Hold thy hand Adam , and not only I forgiue and forget all ▪ but I will giue thée a good Farme to liue on .

Clowne .

Begone Peasant , out of the compasse of my further wrath , for I am a corrector of vice , and at night I wil bring home my mistresse .

Smith .

Euen when you please good Adam .

Clowne .

When I please , marke the words , t is a lease paroll , to haue and to hold , thou shalt be mine for euer , and so let s go to the Ale-house .

Exeunt . Oseas . Where seruants gainst maisters do rebell , The Common-weale may be accounted hell . For if the feete the head shall hold in scorne , The Cities state will fall and be forlorne . This error London , waiteth on thy state , Seruants amend , and maisters leaue to hate . Let loue abound , and vertue raigne in all , So God will hold his hand that threatneth thrall . Enter the Merchants of Tharsus , the M. of the ship , some Sailers , wet from sea , with them the Gouernour of Ioppa . Gouer. Iop . What strange encounters met you on the sea ? That thus your Barke is battered by the flouds , And you returne thus sea-wrackt as I sée . Mer. Most mightie gouernor the chance is strange , The tidings full of wonder and amaze , Which better then we , our M. can report . Gouer.

M. discourse vs all the accident .

M. The faire Triones with their glimmering light Smil'd at the foote of cleare Rootes a raine , And in the wrath distinguishing the houres , The Load-starre of our course dispearst his cleare , When to the seas with blithfull westerne blasts , We saild amaine , and let the bowling flie : Scarce had we gone ten leagues from sight of land , But lo an hoast of blacke and sable cloudes , Gan to eclips Lucinas siluer face , And with a hurling noyse from foorth the South , A gust of winde did reare the billowes vp , Then scantled we our sailes with spéedie hands , And tooke our drablers from our bonnets straight , And seuered our bonnets from the courses , Our topsailes vp , we trusse our spritsailes in , But vainly striue they that resist the heauens . For loe the waues incence them more and more , Mounting with hideous roarings from the depth , Our Barke is battered by incountring stormes , And welny stemd by breaking of the flouds , The stéers-man pale , and carefull holds his helme , Wherein the trust of life and safetie laie , Till all at once ( a mortall tale to tell ) Our sailes were split by Bisas bitter blast , Our rudder broke and we bereft of hope , There might you sée with pale and gastly lookes , The dead in thought , and dolefull merchants lifts , Their eyes and hands vnto their Countries Gods , The goods we cast in bowels of the sea , A sacrifice to swage proud Neptunes ire , Onely alone a man of Israell , A passenger , did vnder hatches lie , And slept secure , when we for succour praide : Him I awooke , and said why slumberest thou ? Arise and pray , and call vpon thy God , He will perhaps in pitie looke on vs . Then cast we lots to know by whose amisse Our mischiefe come , according to the guise , And loe the lot did vnto Ionas fall , The Israelite of whom I told you last , Then question we his Country and his name , Who answered vs , I am an Hebrue borne , Who feare the Lord of heauen , who made the sea , And fled from him for which we all are plagu'd , So to asswage the furie of my God , Take me and cast my carkasse in the sea , Then shall this stormy winde and billow cease . The heauens they know , the Hebrues God can tell , How loth we were to execute his will : But when no Oares nor labour might suffice , We heaued the haplesse Ionas ouer-boord . So ceast the storme , and calmed all the sea , And we by strength of oares recouered shoare . Gouer.

A wonderous chance of mighty consequence .

Mer. Ah honored be the God that wrought the same , For we haue vowd , that saw his wonderous workes , To cast away prophaned Paganisme , And count the Hebrues God the onely God . To him this offering of the purest gold , This mirrhe and Cascia fréely I do yéeld . M. And on his altars perfume these Turkie clothes , This gassampine and gold i le sacrifice . Sailer . To him my heart and thoughts I will addict , Then suffer vs most mightie Gouernour , Within your Temples to do sacrifice . Gouer. You men of Tharsus follow me , Who sacrifice vnto the God of heauen , And welcome friends to Ioppais Gouernor . Exeunt a sacrifice . Oseas . If warned once , the Ethnicks thus repent , And at the first their errour do lament : What senslesse beasts deuoured in their sinne , Are they whom long perswations cannot winne . Beware ye westerne Cities where the word Is daily preached both at church and boord : Where maiestie the Gospell doth maintaine , Where Preachers for your good , themselues do paine . To dally long , and still protract the time , The Lord is iust , and you but dust and slime : Presume not far , delaie not to amend , Who suffereth long , will punish in the end . Cast thy account ô London in this case , Then iudge what cause thou hast , to call for grace . Ionas the Prophet cast out of the Whales belly vpon the Stage . Ionas . Lord of the light , thou maker of the world , Behold thy hands of mercy reares me vp , Loe from the hidious bowels of this fish , Thou hast returnd me to the wished aire , Loe here apparant witnesse of thy power , The proud Leuiathan that scoures the seas , And from his nosthrils showres out stormy flouds , Whose backe resists the tempest of the winde , Whose presence makes the scaly troopes to shake , With humble stresse of his broad opened chappes , Hath lent me harbour in the raging flouds . Thus though my sin hath drawne me down to death , Thy mercy hath restored me to life . Bow ye my knées , and you my bashfull eyes , Wéepe so for griefe , as you to water would : In trouble Lord I called vnto thée , Out of the belly of the déepest hell , I cride , and thou didst heare my voice O God : T is thou hadst cast me downe into the déepe , The seas and flouds did compasse me about , I thought I had bene cast from out thy sight , The wéeds were wrapt about my wretched head , I went vnto the bottome of the hilles , But thou O Lord my God hast brought me vp . On thée I thought when as my soule did faint , My praiers did prease before thy mercy seate . Then will I paie my vowes vnto the Lord , For why saluation commeth from his throane . The Angell appeareth . Angell . Ionas arise , get thée to Niniuie , And preach to them the preachings that I bad : Haste thée to sée the will of heauen perform'd . Depart Angell . Ionas . Iehouah I am Priest to do thy will . What coast is this , and where am I arriu'd ? Behold swéete Licas streaming in his boundes , Bearing the walles of haughtie Niniuie , Wheras thrée hundered towns do tempt the heauen . Faire are thy walles pride of Assiria , But lo thy sinnes haue pierced through the cloudes . Here will I enter boldly , since I know My God commands , whose power no power resists . Exet. Oseas . You Prophets learne by Ionas how to liue , Repent your sinnes , whilst he doth warning giue . Who knowes his maisters will and doth it not , Shall suffer many stripes full well I wot . Enter Aluida in rich attire , with the King of Cilicia , her Ladies . Aluida . Ladies go sit you downe amidst this bowre , And let the Eunickes plaie you all a sléepe : Put garlands made of Roses on your heads , And plaie the wantons whilst I talke a while . Lady .

Thou beautifull of all the world , we will .

Enter the bowers . Aluid . King of Cilicia , kind and curtious , Like to thy selfe , because a louely King , Come laie thée downe vpon thy mistresse knée , And I will sing and talke of loue to thée . King Cili . Most gratious Paragon of excellence , It fits not such an abiect Prince as I , To talke with Rasnes Paramour and loue . Al. To talke swéet friend ? who wold not talke with thée ? Oh be not coy , art thou not only faire ? Come twine thine armes about this snow white neck , A loue-nest for the great Assirian King , Blushing I tell thée faire , Cilician Prince , None but thy selfe can merit such a grace . K. Ci. Madam I hope you mean not for to mock me : Al. No king , faire king , my meaning is to yoke thée . Heare me but sing of loue , then by my sighes , My teares , my glauncing lookes , my changed cheare , Thou shalt perceiue how I do hold thée deare . K. Ci. Sing Madam if you please , but loue in iest , Aluid . Nay , I will loue , and sigh at euery rest . Song . Beautie alasse where wast thou borne ? Thus to hold thy selfe in scorne : When as Beautie kist to wooe thee , Thou by Beautie doest vndo mee . Heigho , despise me not . I and thou in sooth are one , Fairer thou , I fairer none : Wanton thou , and wilt thou wanton Yeeld a cruell heart to plant on ? Do me right , and do me reason , Crueltie is cursed treason . Heigho I loue , heigho I loue , Heigho , and yet he eies me not . King .

Madam your song is passing passionate .

Alui .

And wilt thou not then pitie my estate ?

King .

Aske loue of them who pitie may impart .

Alui .

I aske of thée swéet , thou hast stole my hart .

King .

Your loue is fixed on a greater King .

Alui . Tut womens loue , it is a fickle thing . I loue my Rasni for my dignitie . I loue Cilician King for his swéete eye . I loue my Rasni since he rules the world . But more I loue this kingly litle world . Embrace him . How swéete he lookes ? Oh were I Cinthias Pheere , And thou Endimion , I should hold thée déere : Thus should mine armes be spred about thy necke . Embrace his necke . Thus would I kisse my loue at euery becke . Kisse . Thus would I sigh to sée thée swéetly sléepe : And if thou wakest not soone , thus would I wéepe . And thus , and thus , and thus : thus much I loue thée . Kisse him . King . For all these vowes , beshrow me if I proue you : My faith vnto my King shall not be falc'd . Alui .

Good Lord how men are coy when they are crau'd ?

King .

Madam behold our King approacheth nie .

Alui . Thou art Endimion , then no more , heigho for him I die . Faints . Point at the king of Cilicia . Enter Rasni , with his Kings and Lords . What ailes the Center of my happinesse , Whereon depends the heauen of my delight ? Thine eyes the motors to command my world , Thy hands the axier to maintaine my world . Thy smiles , the prime and spring-tide of my world . Thy frownes , the winter to afflict the world . Thou Quéene of me , I King of all the world . Alui . Ah féeble eyes lift vp and looke on him , She riseth as out of a traunce . Is Rasni here ? then droupe no more poore hart , Oh how I fainted when I wanted thée ? Embrace him . How faine am I , now I may looke on thée ? How glorious is my Rasni ? how diuine ? Eunukes play himmes , to praise his deitie : He is my Ioue , and I his Iuno am . Rasni . Sun-bright , as is the eye of sommers day , When as he sutes Spenori all in gold , To wooe his Leda in a swanlike shape . Seemely as Galbocia for thy white : Rose-coloured , lilly , louely , wanton , kinde , Be thou the laborinth to tangle loue , Whilst I command the crowne from Venus crest : And pull Onoris girdle from his loines , Enchast with Carbunckles and Diamonds , To beautifie faire Aluida my loue . Play Eunukes , sing in honour of her name , Yet looke not slaues vpon her woing eyne , For she is faire Lucina to your king , But fierce Medusa to your baser eie . Alui .

What if I slept , where should my pillow be ?

Rasni . Within my bosome Nimph , not on my knée . Sléepe like the smiling puritie of heauen , When mildest wind is loath to blend the peace , Meane-while thy balme shall from thy breath arise , And while these closures of thy lampes be shut , My soule may haue his peace from fancies warre . This is my Morane , and I her Cephalus . Wake not too soone swéete Nimph , my loue is wonne : Catnies why staie your straines , why tempt you me ? Enter the Priest of the sunne , with the miters on their heads , carrying fire in their hands . Priest .

All haile vnto Th' assirian deitie .

Ras.

Priests why presume you to disturbe my peace ?

Priest . Rasni , the destinies disturbe thy peace . Behold amidst the addittes of our Gods , Our mightie Gods the patrons of our warre . The ghost of dead men howling walke about , Crying Ve , Ve , wo to this Citie woe . The statutes of our Gods are throwne downe , And streames of blood our altars do distaine . Aluida . Ah-lasse my Lord what tidings do I hear ? Shall I be slaine ? She starteth . Rasni . Who tempteth Aluida ? Go breake me vp the brazen doores of dreames , And binde me cursed Morpheus in a chaine , And fetter all the fancies of the night , Because they do disturbe my Aluida . A hand from out a cloud , threatneth a burning sword . K. Cili . Behold dread Prince , a burning sword from heauen , Which by a threatning armeis brandished . Rasni . What am I threatned then amidst my throane ? Sages ? you Magi ? speake : what meaneth this ? Sages . These are but clammy exhalations , Or retro grade , coniunctions of the starres , Or oppositions of the greater lights . Or radiatrous finding matter fit , That in the starrie Spheare kindled be , Matters betokening dangers to thy foes , But peace and honour to my Lord the King . Rasni . Then frolicke Uiceroies , Kings & potentates , Driue all vaine fancies from your féeble mindes . Priests go and pray , whilst I prepare my feast , Where Aluida and I , in pearle and gold , Will quaffe vnto our Nobles , richest wine , In spight of fortune , fate , or destinie . Exeunt . Oseas . Woe to the traines of womens foolish lust , In wedlocke rights that yeeld but litle trust . That vow to one , yet common be to all , Take warning wantons , pride will haue a fall . Woe to the land where warnings profit nought , Who say that nature , Gods decrees hath wrought . Who build one fate , and leaue the corner stone , The God of Gods , sweete Christ the onely one . If such escapes ô London raigne in thee : Repent , for why each sin shall punisht bee . Repent , amend , repent , the houre is nie , Defer not time , who knowes when he shall die ? Enters one clad in diuels attire alone .

Longer liues a merry man then a sad , and because I meane to make my selfe pleasant this night , I haue put my selfe into this attire , to make a Clowne afraid that passeth this way : for of late there haue appeared many strange apparitions , to the great fear and terror of the Citizens . Oh here my yoong maister comes .

Enters Adam and his mistresse . Adam .

Feare not mistresse , i le bring you safe home , if my maister frowne , then will I stampe and stare , and if all be not well then , why then to morrow morne put out mine eyes cleane with fortie pound .

Wife .

Oh but Adam , I am afraid to walke so late because of the spirits that appeare in the Citie .

Adam .

What are you afraid of spirits , armde as I am , with Ale , and Nutmegs , turne me loose to all the diuels in hell .

Wife .

Alasse Adam , Adam , the diuell , the diuell .

Adam .

The diuell mistresse , flie you for your safegard , let me alone , the diuell and I will deale well inough , if he haue any honestie at all in him , I le either win him with a smooth tale , or else with a toste and a cup of Ale .

The Diuell sings here . Diuell . Oh , oh , oh , oh , faine would I bée , If that my kingdome fulfilled I might sée . Oh , oh , oh , oh . Clowne .

Surely this is a merry diuell , and I beléeue he is one of Lucifers Minstrels , hath a swéete voice , now surely , surely , he may sing to a paire of Tongs and a Bag-pipe .

Diuell .

Oh thou art he that I séeke for .

Clowne .

Spritus santus , away from me satan , I haue nothing to do with thée .

Diuell .

Oh villaine thou art mine .

Clowne .

Nominus patrus , I blesse me from thée , and I coniure thée to tell me who thou art ?

Diuell .

I am the spirit of the dead man that was slaine in thy company when we were drunke togither at the Ale .

Clown .

By my troth sir , I cry you mercy , your face is so changed , that I had quite forgotten you , well maister diuell we haue tost ouer many a pot of Ale togither .

Diuell .

And therefore must thou go with me to hell .

Clowne .

I haue a pollicie to shift him , for I know he comes out of a hote place , and I know my selfe , the Smith and the diuel hath a drie tooth in his head , therefore will I leaue him a sléepe and runne my way .

Diuell .

Come art thou readie .

Clowne .

Faith sir my old friend , and now goodman diuell , you know , you and I haue bene tossing many a good cup of Ale , your nose is growne verie rich , what say you , will you take a pot of Ale now at my hands , hell is like a Smiths forge full of water , and yet euer a thrust .

Diuell .

No Ale villaine , spirits cannot drinke , come get vp on my backe , that I may carrie thée .

Clowne .

You know I am a Smith sir , let me looke whether you be well shod or no , for if you want a shoe , a remoue , or the clinching of a naile , I am at your command .

Diuell .

Thou hast neuer a shoe fit for me .

Clowne .

Why sir , we shooe horned beasts as well as you , Oh good Lord let me sit downe and laugh , hath neuer a clouen foote , a diuell quoth he , i le vse spritus santus nor nominus patrus no more to him , I warrant you I le do more good vpon him with my cudgell , now will I sit me downe and become Iustice of peace to the diuell .

Diuell .

Come art thou readie ?

Clowne .

I am readie . And with this cudgell I will coniure thée .

Diuell .

Oh hold thy hand , thou kilst me , thou kilst me .

Clowne .

Then may I count my selfe I thinke a tall man , that am able to kill a diuell . Now who dare deale with me in the parish , or what wench in Niniuie will not loue me , when they say , there goes he that beate the diuell .

Enters Thrasibulus . Thrasi. Loathed is the life that now inforc'd I leade , But since necessitie will haue it so , ( Necessitie it doth command then Gods ) Through euerie coast and corner now I prie , To pilfer what I can to buy me meate . Here haue I got a cloake not ouer old , Which will affoord some litle sustenance , Now will I to the broaking Usurer , To make exchange of ware for readie coine . Alcon .

Wife bid the Trumpets sound a prize , a prize , mark the posie , I cut this from a new married wife , by the helpe of a horne thombe and a knife , sixe shillings foure pence .

Samia .

The better lucke ours , but what haue we here , cast apparell . Come away man , the Usurer is neare , this is dead ware , let it not bide on our hands .

Thrasi. Here are my partners in my pouertie , Inforc'd to séeke their fortunes as I do . Ah-lasse that fewe men should possesse the wealth , And many soules be forc'd to beg or steale . Alcon well met . Alcon .

Fellow begger whither now ?

Thrasi.

To the Usurer to get gold on commoditie .

Alcon .

And I to the same place to get a vent for my villany , sée where the olde crust comes , let vs salute him , God spéede sir may a man abuse your patience vpon a pawne .

Vsurer .

Friend let me sée it .

Alcon .

Ecce signum , a faire doublet and hose , new bought out of the pilferers shop , a hansome cloake .

Vsurer .

How were they gotten ?

Thrasi.

How catch the fisher-men fish ?

take them as you thinke them worth , we leaue all to your conscience .

Vsurer .

Honest men , toward men , good men , my friends , like to proue good members , vse me , command me , I will maintaine your credits , there 's mony , now spend not your time in idlenesse , bring me commoditie I haue crownes for you , there is two shillings for thée , and six shillings for thée .

Alcon .

A bargaine , now Samia haue at it for a new smocke , come let vs to the spring of the best liquor , whilest this lastes , tril-lill .

Vsurer .

Good fellowes , propper fellowes , my companions , farwell , I haue a pot for you .

Samia . If he could spare it . Enters to them Ionas . Repent ye men of Niniuie , repent , The day of horror and of torment comes , When gréedie hearts shall glutted be with fire , When as corruptions vailde , shall be vnmaskt , When briberies shall be repaide with bane . When whoredomes shall be recompenc'd in hell . When riot shall with rigor be rewarded . When as neglect of truth , contempt of God , Disdaine of poore men , fatherlesse and sicke , Shall be rewarded with a bitter plague . Repent ye men of Niniuie , repent . The Lord hath spoke , and I do crie it out . There are as yet but fortie daies remaining , And then shall Niniuie be ouerthrowne . Repent ye men of Niniuie , repent . There are as yet but fortie daies remaining , And then shall Niniuie be ouerthrowne . Exet. Vsur.

Confus'd in thought , oh whither shall I wend ? Exet.

Thrasi.

My conscience cries that I haue done amisse . Exet.

Alcon .

Oh God of heauen , gainst thée haue I offended . Exet.

Samia .

Asham'd of my misdéeds , where shal I hide me ? Exet.

Clesi. Father methinks this word repent is good , He that punish disobedience , Doth hold a scourge for euery priuie fault . Exet. Oseas . Looke London , look , with inward eies behold , What lessons the euents do here vnfold . Sinne growne to pride , to misery is thrall , The warning bell is rung , beware to fall . Ye worldly men whom wealth doth lift on hie , Beware and feare , for worldly men must die . The time shall come , where least suspect remaines , The sword shall light vpon the wisest braines . The head that deemes to ouer-top the skie , Shall perish in his humaine pollicie . Lo I haue said , when I haue said the truth , When will is law , when folly guideth youth . When shew of zeale is prankt in robes of zeale , When Ministers powle the pride of common-weale ? When law is made a laborinth of strife , When honour yeelds him friend to wicked life . When Princes heare by others eares their follie , When vsury is most accounted holie . If these shall hap , as would to God they might not , The plague is neare , I speake although I write not . Enters the Angell . Angell .

Oseas .

Lord .

An. Now hath thine eies perus'd these hainous sins , Hatefull vnto the mightie Lord of hostes , The time is come , their sinnes are waxen ripe , And though the Lord forewarnes , yet they repent not : Custome of firme hath hardned all their hearts , Now comes reuenge armed with mightie plagues , To punish all that liue in Niniuie , For God is iust as he is mercifull , And doubtlesse plagues all such as scorne repent , Thou shalt not see the desolation That falles vnto these cursed Niniuites , But shalt returne to great Ierusalem , And preach vnto the people of thy God , What mightie plagues are incident to sinne , Unlesse repentance mittigate his ire : Wrapt in the spirit as thou wert hither brought , I le seate thée in Iudeas prouinces , Feare not Oseas then to preach the word . Oseas .

The will of the Lord be done .

Oseas taken away . Enters Rasni with his Viceroyes , Aluida and her Ladies , to a banquet . Rasni . So Uiceroyes you haue pleasde me passing well , These curious cates are gratious in mine eye . But these Borachious of the richest wine , Make me to thinke how blythsome we will be . Seate thée faire Iuno in the royall throne , And I will serue thée to sée thy face , That feeding on the beautie of thy lookes , My stomacke and mine eyes may both be fild . Come Lordings seate you , fellow mates at feast , And frolicke wags , this is a day of glée , This banquet is for brightsome Aluida . I le haue them skinck my standing bowles with wine , And no man drinke , but quaffe a whole carouse , Unto the health of beautious Aluida . For who so riseth from this feast not drunke , As I am Rasni Niniuies great King , Shall die the death as traitor to my selfe , For that he scornes the health of Aluida . K. Cili . That will I neuer do my L. Therefore with fauour , fortune to your grace , Carowse vnto the health of Aluida . Rasni . Gramercy Lording , here I take thy pledge . And Creete to thée a bowle of Gréekish wine , Here to the health of Aluida . Creete . Let come my Lord , Iack scincker fil it full , A pledge vnto the health of heauenly Aluida . Rasni . Uassals attendant on our royall feasts , Drinke you I say vnto my louers health , Let none that is in Rasnes royall Court , Go this night safe and sober to his bed . Enters the Clowne . Clowne .

This way he is , and here will I speake with him .

Lord.

Fellow , whither pressest thou ?

Clowne .

I presse no bodie sir , I am going to speake with a friend of mine .

Lord.

Why slaue , here is none but the King and his Uiceroyes .

Clowne .

The King , marry sir he is the man I would speake withall .

Lord.

Why calst him a friend of thine ?

Clowne .

I marry do I sir , for if he be not my friend , i le make him my friend ere he and I passe .

Lord.

Away vassaile be gone , thou speake vnto the King .

Clowne .

I marry will I sir , and if he were a king of veluet , I will talke to him .

Rasni .

What s the matter there , what noyce is that ?

Clowne .

A boone my Liege , a boone my Liege .

Rasni . What is it that great Rasni will not graunt This day , vnto the meanest of his land ? In honour of his beautious Aluida ? Come hither swaine , what is it that thou crauest ? Clowne .

Faith sir nothing , but to speake a fewe sentences to your worship .

Rasni .

Say , what is it ?

Clown .

I am sure sir you haue heard of the spirits that walke in the Citie here .

Rasni .

I , what of that ?

Clown .

Truly sir , I haue an oration to tel you of one of them , and this it is .

Alui .

Why goest not forward with thy tale ?

Clowne .

Faith mistresse , I féele an imperfection in my voyce , a disease that often troubles me , but alasse easily mended , a cup of Ale , or a cup of wine , will serue the turne .

Alui .

Fill him a bowle , and let him want no drinke .

Clown .

Oh what a pretious word was that , and let him want no drinke . Well sir , now i le tel you foorth my tale : Sir as I was comming alongst the port ryuale of Niniuie , there appeared to me a great diuell , and as hard fauoured a diuell as euer I saw : nay sir , he was a cuckoldly diuell , for he had hornes on his head . This diuell , marke you now , presseth vpon me , and sir indéed , I charged him with my pike staffe , but when that would not serue , I came vpon him with sprytus santus , why it had bene able to haue put Lucifer out of his wits , when I saw my charme would not serue , I was in such a perplexitie , that sixe peny-worth of Iuniper would not haue made the place swéete againe .

Alui .

Why fellow weart thou so afraid ?

Clowne .

Oh mistresse had you bene there and séene , his verie sight had made you shift a cleane smocke , I promise you though I were a man and counted a tall fellow , yet my Landresse calde me slouenly knaue the next day .

Rasni .

A pleasaunt slaue , forward sirrha , on with thy tale .

Clowne .

Faith sir , but I remember a word that my mistresse your bed-fellow spoake .

Rasni .

What was that fellow ?

Clowne .

Oh sir , a word of comfort , a pretious word : and let him want no drinke .

Rasni .

Her word is lawe : and thou shalt want no drinke .

Clowne .

Then sir , this diuell came vpon me and would not be perswaded but he would néeds carry me to hell , I proffered him a cup of Ale , thinking because he came out of so hotte a place that he was thirstie , but the diuell was not drie , and therfore the more sorie was I , well , there was no remedie but I must with him to hell , and at last I cast mine eye aside , if you knew what I spied you would laugh , sir I lookt from top to toe , and he had no clouen féete . Then I ruffled vp my haire , and set my cap on the one side , & sir grew to be a Iustice of peace to the diuel . At last in a great fume , as I am very cholloricke , and sometime so hotte in my fastin fumes that no man can abide within twentie yards of me , I start vp , and so bombasted the diuell , that sir he cried out , and ranne away .

Alui . This pleasant knaue hath made me laugh my fill . Rasni , now Aluida begins her quaffe , And drinkes a full carouse vnto her King . Rasni . A pledge my loue , as hardie as great Ioue , Drunke , when his Iuno heau'd a bowle to him . Frolicke my Lord , let all the standerds walke . Ply it till euery man hath tane his load . How now sirrha , how chéere , we haue no words of you ? Clown .

Truly sir , I was in a broune study about my mistresse .

Alui .

About me for what ?

Clowne .

Truly mistresse , to thinke what a golden sentence you did speake : all the philosophers in the world could not haue said more : what come let him want no drinke . Oh wise spéech .

Alui . Uillaines why skinck you not vnto this fellow ? He makes me blyth and merry in my thoughts . Heard you not that the King hath giuen command , That all be drunke this day within his Court , In quaffing to the health of Aluida ? Enters Ionas . Ionas Repent , repent , ye men of Niniuie repent . The Lord hath spoken , and I do crie it out , There are as yet but fortie daies remaining , And then shall Niniuie be ouerthrowne . Repent ye men of Niniuie , repent . Rasni . What fellow is this , that thus disturbes our feasts , With outcries and alarams to repent . Clowne .

Oh sir , t is one goodman Ionas that is come from Iericho , and surely I thinke he hath séene some spirit by the way , and is fallen out of his wits , for he neuer leaues crying night nor day , my maister heard him , and he shut vp his shop , gaue me my Indenture , and he and his wife do nothing but fast and pray .

Ionas .

Repent ye men of Niniuie , repent .

Rasni .

Come hither fellow , what art , & from whence commest thou ?

Ionas . Rasni , I am a Prophet of the Lord , Sent hither by the mightie God of hostes , To cry destruction to the Niniuites , O Niniuie thou harlot of the world , I raise thy neighbours round about thy boundes , To come and see thy filthinesse and sinne . Thus saith the Lord , the mightie God of hoste , Your King loues chambering and wantonnesse , Whoredome and murther do distaine his Court , He fauoureth couetous and drunken men . Behold therefore all like a strumpet foule , Thou shalt be iudg'd and punisht for thy crime : The foe shall pierce the gates with iron rampes , The fire shall quite consume thée from aboue . The houses shall be burnt , the Infants slaine . And women shall behold their husbands die . Thine eldest sister is Lamana . And Sodome on thy right hand seated is . Repent ye men of Niniuie , repent . The Lord hath spoke , and I do crie it out . There are as yet but fortie daies remaining , And then shall Niniuie be ouerthrowne . Exet offered . Rasni .

Staie Prophet , staie .

Ionas . Disturbe not him that sent me , Let me performe the message of the Lord. Exet. Rasni . My soule is buried in the hell of thoughts . Ah Aluida , I looke on thée with shame . My Lords on sodeine fixe their eyes on ground , As if dismayd to looke vpon the heauens . Hence Magi , who haue flattered me in sinne . Exet. His Sages . Horror of minde , disturbance of my soule , Makes me agast , for Niniuies mishap . Lords sée proclaim'd , yea sée it straight proclaim'd , That man and beast , the woman and her childe , For fortie daies in sacke and ashes fast , Perhaps the Lord will yéeld and pittie vs . Beare hence these wretched blandishments of sinne , And bring me sackcloth to attire your King . Away with pompe , my soule is full of woe : In pittie looke on Niniuie , O God . Exet. A man . Alui . Assaild with shame , with horror ouerborne , To sorrowes sold , all guiltie of our sinne . Come Ladies come , let vs prepare to pray . Ah-lasse , how dare we looke on heauenly light , That haue dispisde the maker of the same ? How may we hope for mercie from aboue , That still dispise the warnings from aboue ? Woes me , my conscience is a heauie foe . O patron of the poore opprest with sinne , Looke , looke on me , that now for pittie craue , Assaild with shame , with horror ouerborne , To sorrow sold , all guiltie of our sinne . Come Ladies come , let vs prepare to pray . Exeunt . Enter the Vsurer solus , with a halter in one hand , a dagger in the other . Vsurer . Groning in conscience , burdened with my crimes , The hell of sorrow hauntes me vp and downe . Tread where I list , mée-thinkes the bléeding ghostes Of those whom my corruption brought to noughts , Do serue for stumbling blocks before my steppes . The fatherlesse and widow wrongd by me . The poore oppressed by my vsurie , Mée-thinkes I sée their hands reard vp to heauen , To crie for vengeance of my couetousnesse . Where so I walke , I le sigh and shunne my way . Thus am I made a monster of the world , Hell gapes for me , heauen will not hold my soule . You mountaines shroude me from the God of truth . Mee-thinkes I sée him sit to iudge the earth . Sée how he blots me out of the booke of life . Oh burthen more then Atna that I beare . Couer me hilles , and shroude me from the Lord . Swallow me Licas , shield me from the Lord . In life no peace : each murmuring that I heare , Mée-thinkes the sentence of damnation soundes , Die reprobate , and hie thée hence to hell . The euill angell tempteth him , offering the knife and rope . What fiend is this that temptes me to the death ? What is my death the harbour of my rest ? Then let me die : what second charge is this ? Mée-things I heare a voice amidst mine eares , That bids me staie : and tels me that the Lord Is mercifull to those that do repent . May I repent ? oh thou my doubtfull soule ? Thou maist repent , the Iudge is mercifull . Hence tooles of wrath , stales of temptation , For I will pray and sigh vnto the Lord . In sackcloth will I sigh , and fasting pray : O Lord in rigor looke not on my sinnes . He sits him downe in sack-cloathes , his hands and eyes reared to heauen . Enters Aluida with her Ladies , with dispiearsed lookes . Alui . Come mournfull dames laie off your brodred locks , And on your shoulders spred dispiearsed haires , Let voice of musicke cease , where sorrow dwels . Cloathed in sackcloaths , sigh your sinnes with me . Bemone your pride , bewaile your lawlesse lusts , With fasting mortifie your pampered loines : Oh thinke vpon the horrour of your sinnes . Think , think , with me , the burthen of your blames , Woe to thy pompe , fal , e beautie , fading floure , Blasted by age , by sicknesse , and by death . Woe to our painted chéekes , our curious oyles , Our rich array , that fostered vs in sinne . Woe to our idle thoughts that wound our soules . Oh would to God all nations might receiue , A good example by our gréeuous fall . Ladies . You that are planted there where pleasure dwels , And thinkes your pompe as great as Niniuies , May fall for sinne as Niniuie doth now . Alui . Mourne , mourne , let moane be all your melodie , And pray with me , and I will pray for all . Lord.

O Lord of heauen forgiue vs our misdéeds .

Ladies .

O Lord of heauen forgiue vs our misdéeds .

Vsurer .

O Lord of light forgiue me my misdéeds .

Enters Rasni , the Kings of Assiria , with his nobles in sackcloath . K. Cilicia . Be not so ouercome with griefe O King , Least you endanger life by sorrowing so . Rasni . King of Cilicia , should I cease my griefe , Where as my swarming sinnes afflict my soule ? Uaine man know , this my burthen greater is , Then euery priuate subiect in my land : My life hath bene a loadstarre vnto them , To guide them in the laborinth of blame , Thus I haue taught them for to do amisse : Then must I wéepe my friend for their amisse , The fall of Niniuie is wrought by me : I haue maintaind this Citie in her shame . I haue contemn'd the warnings from aboue . I haue vpholden incest , rape , and spoyle . T is I that wrought the sinne , must wéepe the sinne . Oh had I teares like to the siluer streames , That from the Alpine Mountains swéetly streame , Or had I sighes the treasures of remorse , As plentifull as Aeolus hath blasts , I then would tempt the heauens with my laments , And pierce the throane of mercy by my sighes . K. Cil.

Heauens are prepitious vnto faithful praiers .

Rasni . But after our repent , we must lament : Least that a worser mischiefe doth befall . Oh pray , perhaps the Lord will pitie vs . Oh God of truth both mercifull and iust , Behold repentant men with pitious eyes , We waile the life that we haue led before . O pardon Lord , O pitie Niniuie . Omnes .

O pardon Lord , O pitie Niniuie .

Rasni . Let not the Infants dallying on the tent , For fathers sinnes in iudgement be opprest . K. Cil. Let not the painfull mothers big with childe , The innocents be punisht for our sinne . Rasni .

O pardon Lord , O pitie Niniuie .

Omnes .

O pardon Lord , O pitie Niniuie .

Rasni . O Lord of heauen , the virgins wéepe to thée . The couetous man forie sorie for his sinne . The Prince and poore , all pray before thy throane . And wilt thou then be wroth with Niniuie ? K. Cili .

Giue truce to praier O king , and rest a space .

Rasni . Giue truce to praiers , when times require no truce ▪ No Princes no. Let all our subiects hie Unto our temples , where on humbled knées , I will exspect some mercy from aboue . Enter the temple Omnes . Enters Ionas , solus . Ionas . This is the day wherein the Lord hath said That Niniuie shall quite be ouerthrowne . This is the day of horror and mishap , Fatall vnto the cursed Niniuites . These stately Towers shall in thy watery bounds , Swift flowing Licas find their burials , These pallaces the pride of Assurs kings , Shall be the bowers of desolation , Where as the sollitary bird shall sing , And Tygers traine their yoong ones to their nest . O all ye nations bounded by the West , Ye happie Iles where Prophets do abound , Ye Cities famous in the westerne world , Make Niniuie a president for you . Leaue leaud desires , leaue couetous delights . Flie vsurie , let whoredome be exilde , Least you with Niniuie be ouerthrowne . Loe how the sunnes inflamed torch preuailes , Scorching the parched furrowes of the earth . Here will I sit me downe and fixe mine eye Upon the ruines of you wretched towne , And lo a pleasant shade , a spreading vine , To shelter Ionas in this sunny heate , What meanes my God , the day is done and spent . Lord shall my Prophecie be brought to nought ? When falles the fire ? when will the iudge be wroth ? I pray thée Lord remember what I said , When I was yet within my country land , Iehouah is too mercifull I feare . O let me flie before a Prophet fault , For thou art mercifull the Lord my God , Full of compassion and of sufferance , And doest repent in taking punishment . Why staies thy hand ? O Lord first take my life , Before my Prophesie be brought to noughts . Ah he is wroth , behold the gladsome vine That did defend me from the sunny heate , Is withered quite , and swallowed by a Serpent . A Serpent deuoureth the vine . Now furious Phlegon triumphs on my browes , And heate preuailes , and I am faint in heart . Enters the Angell . Angell .

Art thou so angry Ionas ? tell me why ?

Ionas . Iehouah I with burning heate am plungde , And shadowed only by a silly vine , Behold a Serpent hath deuoured it ? And lo the sunne incenst by Easterne winde , Afflicts me with Cariculer aspect , Would God that I might die , for well I wot , T were better I were dead , then rest aliue . Angell .

Ionas art thou so angry for the vine ?

Ionas .

Yea I am angry to the death my God .

Angell . Thou hast compassion Ionas on a vine , On which thou neuer labour didst bestow , Thou neuer gauest it life or power to grow , But sodeinly it sprung , and sodeinly dide . And should not I haue great compassion On Niniuie the Citie of the world , Wherein there are a hundred thousand soules , And twentie thousand infants that ne wot The right hand from the left , beside much cattle . Oh Ionas , looke into their Temples now , And sée the true contrition of their King : The subiects teares , the sinners true remorse . Then from the Lord proclaime a mercie day , For he is pitifull as he is iust . Exet Angelus . Ionas . I go my God to finish thy command , Oh who can tell the wonders of my God , Or talke his praises with a feruent toong . He bringeth downe to hell , and lifts to heauen . He drawes the yoake of bondage from the iust , And lookes vpon the Heathen with pitious eyes : To him all praise and honour be ascribed . Oh who can tell the wonders of my God , He makes the infant to proclaime his truth , The Asse to speake , so saue the Prophets life . The earth and sea to yéeld increase for man . Who can describe the compasse of his power ? Or testifie in termes his endlesse might ? My rauisht spright , oh whither doest thou wend ? Go and proclaime the mercy of my God . Relieue the carefull hearted Niniuites . And as thou weart the messenger of death , Go bring glad tydings of recouered grace . Enters Adam solus , with a bottle of beere in one slop , and a great peece of beefe in an other .

Well good-man Ionas , I would you had neuer come from Iury to this Country , you haue made me looke like a leane rib of roast béefe , or like the picture of lent , painted vpon a read-herings cob . Alasse maisters , we are commanded by the proclamation to fast and pray , by my troth I could prettely so , so , away with praying , but for fasting , why t is so contrary to my nature , that I had rather suffer a short hanging , then a long fasting . Marke me , the words be these . Thou shalt take no maner of foode for so many daies . I had as léeue he should haue said , thou shalt hang thy selfe for so many daies . And yet in faith I néed not finde fault with the proclamation , for I haue a buttry , and a pantry , and a kitchen , about me , for proofe , Ecce signum , this right slop is my pantry , behold a manchet , this place is my kitchin , for loe a péece of béefe . Oh let me repeat that swéet word againe : For loe a péece of béef . This is my buttry , for sée , sée , my friends , to my great ioy , a bottle of béere . Thus alasse I make shift to weare out this fasting , I driue away the time , but there go Searchers about to séeke if any man breakes the Kings command . Oh here they be , in with your victuals Adam .

Enters two Searchers . 1. Searcher .

How duly the men of Niniuie kéep the proclamation , how are they armde to repentance ? we haue searcht through the whole Citie & haue not as yet found one that breaks the fast .

2. Sear .

The signe of the more grace , but staie , here sits one mée-thinkes at his praiers , let vs see who it is .

1. Sear .

T is Adam , the Smithes man , how now Adam ?

Adam .

Trouble me not , thou shalt take no maner of foode , but fast and pray .

1. Sear .

How deuoutly he sits at his orysons , but staie , mée-thinkes I féele a smell of some meate or bread about him .

2. Sear .

So thinkes me too , you sirrha , what victuals haue you about you ?

Adam .

Uictuals ! Oh horrible blasphemie ! Hinder me not of my praier , nor driue me not into a chollor , victailes ! why hardst thou not the sentence , thou shalt take no foode but fast and pray ?

2. Sear .

Truth so it should be , but me-thinkes I smell meate about thée .

Adam .

About me my friends , these words are actions in the Case , about me , No ; no : hang those gluttons that cannot fast and pray .

1. Sear .

Well , for all your words , we must search you .

Adam .

Search me , take héed what you do , my hose are my castles , t is burglary if you breake ope a slop , no officer must lift vp an iron hatch , take héede my slops are iron .

2. Sear .

Oh villaine , sée how he hath gotten victailes , bread , béefe , and béere , where the King commanded vpon paine of death none should eate for so many daies , no not the sucking infant .

Adam .

Alasse sir , this is nothing but a modicum non necet vt medicus daret , why sir , a bit to comfort my stomacke .

1. Sear .

Uillaine thou shalt be hangd for it .

Adam .

These are your words , I shall be hangd for it , but first answer me to this question , how many daies haue we to fast stil ?

2. Sear .

Fiue daies .

Adam .

Fiue daies , a long time , then I must be hangd ?

1. Sear .

I marry must thou .

Adam .

I am your man , I am for you sir , for I had rather be hangd than abide so long a fast , what fiue daies ? come i le vntrusse , is your halter and the gallowes , the ladder , and all such furniture in readinesse ?

1. Sear .

I warrant thée , shalt want none of these .

Adam .

But heare you , must I be hangd ?

1. Sear .

I marry .

Adam .

And for eating of meate , then friends , know ye by these presents , I will eate vp all my meate , and drink vp all my drink , for it shall neuer be said , I was hangd with an emptie stomake .

1. Sear .

Come away knaue , wilt thou stand féeding now ?

Adam .

If you be so hastie , hang your selfe an houre while I come to you , for surely I will eate vp my meate .

2. Sear .

Come let s draw him away perforce .

Adam .

You say there is fiue daies yet to fast , these are your words .

2. Sear .

I sir.

Adam .

I am for you , come let s away , and yet let me be put in the Chronicles .

Enter Ionas , Rasni , Aluida , kings of Cilicia , others royally attended Ionas . Come carefull King , cast off thy mournfull wéedes , Exchange thy cloudie lookes to smothed smiles , Thy teares haue pierc'd the pitious throane of grace , Thy sighes like Imence pleasing to the Lord : Haue bene peace-offerings for thy former pride . Reioyce and praise his name that gaue thée peace . And you faire Nymphs , ye louely Niniuites , Since you haue wept and fasted for the Lord , He gratiously haue tempered his reuenge , Beware hencefoorth to tempt him any more , Let not the nicenesse of your beautious lookes , Ingraft in you a high presuming minde , For those that climbe , he casteth to the ground , And they that humble be , he lifts aloft . Rasni . Lowly I bend with awfull bent of eye , Before the dread Iehouah , God of hoste , Despising all prophane deuice of man , Those lustfull lures that whilome led awry , My wanton eyes shall wound my heart no more : And she whose youth in dalliance I abus'd , Shall now at last become my wedlocke mate . Faire Aluida looke not so woe begone : If for thy sinne thy sorrow do excéed , Blessed be thou , come with a holy band , Let s knit a knot to salue our former shame . Alui . With blushing lookes betokening my remorse , I lowly yéeld my King to thy behest , So as this man of God shall thinke it good . Ionas . Woman , amends may neuer come too late . A will to practise goodnesse , vertuous . The God of heauen when sinners do repent , Doth more reioyce then in ten thousand iust . Rasni .

Then witnesse holie Prophet our accord .

Alui .

Plight in the presence of the Lord thy God .

Ionas . Blest may you be , like to the flouring sheaues , That plaie with gentle windes in sommer tide , Like Oliue branches let your children spred : And as the Pines in loftie Libanon , Or as the Kids that féede on Lepher plaines , So be the séede and ofspring of your loines . Enters the Vsurer , Gentleman , and Alcon . Vsurer . Come foorth my friends whom wittingly I wrongd , Before this man of God receiue your due , Before our King I meane to make my peace . Ionas behold in signe of my remorse , I heare restore into these poore mens hands , Their goods which I vniustly haue detaind , And may the heauens so pardon my misdéeds , As I am penitent for my offence . Thrasi And what through want from others I purloynd , Behold O King , I proffer fore thy throane : To be restord to such as owe the same . Ionas . A vertuous déed pleasing to God and man , Would God all Cities drowned in like shame , Would take example of these Niniuites . Rasni . Such be the fruites of Niniuies repent , And such for euer may our dealings be , That he that cald vs home in height of sinne , May smile to sée our hartie penitence . Uiceroyes proclaime a fast vnto the Lord , Let Israels God be honoured in our land . Let all occasion of corruption die . For who shall fault therein , shall suffer death . Beare witnesse God , of my vnfained zeale . Come holie man , as thou shalt counsaile me , My Court and Citie shall reformed be . Exeunt . Ionas . Wend on in peace , and prosecute this course , You Ilanders on whom the milder aire Doth swéetly breath the balme of kinde increase : Whose lands are fatned with the deaw of heauen , And made more fruitfull then Actean plaines . You whom delitious pleasures dandle soft : Whose eyes are blinded with securitie , Unmaske your selues , cast error cleane aside . O London , mayden of the mistresse I le , Wrapt in the foldes and swathing cloutes of shame : In thée more sinnes then Niniuie containes , Contempt of God , dispight of reuerend age . Neglect of law , desire to wrong the poore : Corruption , whordome , drunkennesse , and pride . Swolne are thy browes with impudence and shame . O proud adulterous glorie of the West , Thy neighbors burns , yet doest thou feare no fire . Thy Preachers crie , yet doest thou stop thine eares . The larum rings , yet sléepest thou secure . London awake , for feare the Lord do frowne , I set a looking Glasse before thine eyes . O turne , O turne , with wéeping to the Lord , And thinke the praiers and vertues of thy Quéene , Defers the plague which otherwise would fall . Repent O London , least for thine offence , Thy shepheard faile , whom mightie God preserue , That she may hide the pillar of his Church , Against the stormes of Romish Antichrist : The hand of mercy ouershead her head , And let all faithfull subiects say , Amen . FINIS .