The dumbe knight A historicall comedy, acted sundry times by the children of his Maiesties Reuels.

The dumbe Knight .

A historicall Comedy , acted sundry times by the children of his Maiesties Reuels .

LONDON , Printed by Nicholas Okes , for Iohn Bache , and are to be sold at his shop in Popes-head Palace , neere to the Royall Exchange . 1608.

To the vnderstanding Reader .

RVMOR that Hydra headed Monster , with more tongues then eyes , by help of his intelligencer enuy hath made strange misconstructions on this dumbe Knight , which then could not answere for himselfe : but now this publication doth vnty his tongue , to answer the obiections of all sharp critticall censures which heretofore haue vndeseruedly past vpon him . And for my part ( I protest ) the wrongs I haue receiued by some ( whose worths I will not traduce ) with a milde neglect I haue laught at their follies ; for I thinke my selfe happy , because I haue beene enuyde , since the best now in grace haue beene subiect to some slanderous tongues that want worth themselues , and thinke it great praise to them to detract praise from other that deserue it ; yet hauing a partner in the wrong , whose worth hath beene often approued , I count the wrong but halfe a wrong , because hee knowes best how to answer for himselfe : But I now in his absence , make this Apologie , both for him and me . Thus leauing you and the booke together , I euer rest yours .

Lewes Machin .

Act. 1.

Sce. 1. Musicke , Enter the King of Cypres , Phylocles , Florio , and attendants in armes . Cypr. INnough , these loud sounds deafes my passions How long shall loue make me a slaue to hope , And mixe my calme desires with tyranny ? O Phylocles t' is heresie I hold , Thought and affection cannot be controld . Phy. Yet mai 't be bent and suppled with extreames , Sith few dare see the end of violence What makes the skilfull Leech to vse the fire , Or warre her engines , or states policie , But to recouer things most desperate ? Reuolt is recreant when pursuit is braue , Neuer to faint doth purchase what we craue Cyp. True my Phylocles , yet my recreant soule , Slaued to her beauty , would renounce all warre , And yeeld her right to loue , did not thy spirit Mixt with my longing , fortifie these armes . But I am now resolud and this sad houre , Shall giue an end to my disemprature . Summon a parley . Enter a loft , the Queene of Sicille , the Duke of Epire , Alphouso and attendants . Queene . What saies our tyrant sutor , our disease in loue , That makes our thoughts a slaue vnto his sword : What saies my Lord ? Cyp. Madame attend me , this is my latest summons , The many sunnes my sorrowes haue beheld , And my sad nights of longings , all through hope , T' enioy the ioy of earth , ( your owne deare selfe ) Are growne so infinite in length and waight , That like to wearied Atlas , I inforce These warres as Hercules , to beare my loade : Briefly I must enioy you , or else loose The breath of life , which to preuent , behold , My sword must be my Cupid , and with feathered steele , Force pity from your breast , your Cities walles , Chidden with my Canons , haue set ope a path And boldly bids me enter , all your men of warre , Feebled with famine , and a weary siege , Take danger from mine actions , onely your selfe , Strong in your will , oppose euen destiny : And like the giants warre offend the heauens , Which to preuent , do but discend and giue Peace to my loue-suit , and as orecome thereby , I 'le yeeld my selfe your prisoner , and be drawne , A thrall in your triumphant victory . If otherwise , behold these fatall swords , Shall neuer be sheath'd , till we be conquerours : And not respecting innocence nor sexe , The cries of infants , nor the prayers of age , All things shall perish , till within my armes I fould your selfe my thrall and conquerour . Qu. Thou maiest be maister of my bodies Tombe But for my soule and minde , they are as free As their creation : and with Angels wings Can soare beyond thy reach ; trust me king of Cypres Those coales the Roman Portia did deuour , Are not burnt out , nor haue th' Egiptian wormes , Yet lost their stings , steele holds his temper still , And these are ransomes from captiuity . But art thou noble , hast thou one royall thought ? Cyp. Approue me by your question . Qu. Then briefly thus : To shun the great effusion of their bloods , Who feele no touch in mine affections , Dare you to single combate , two to two , Referre your right in loue ? Cyp. Who are your combatants ? we loue equality . Qu. This is the first , the Epyre duke , a man , Sprung from the line , of famous Scanderbag : The next Alphonso , sprung from noble bloud : Who laden with rich lusitanian prize , Hath rod through Syracusa twice in pompe . Cyp. Their likings to the motion . Ep. They are like wrath , Neuer vnarmd to beat weake iniury . Alp. Nay more , we are the sonnes of destiny : Vertu 's our guide , our ayme is dignity . Phy. S'foot king , shalt not forsake them : this I see , Loue , fight , and death , are rul'd by destiny . Cyp. My spirit speakes thy motion . Madame , although aduantage might euade , And giue my loue more hope , yet my bent will , Bowd to your pleasure , doth imbrace your lawe , We do accept the combate , and our selfe Will with that Duke try fortunes , this my friend , The more part of my selfe , me deerest Philocles , One of an Angels temper , shall with that that Lord Trie best and worst the place , the time , the sword . Epy. They are your rights , we claime as challengers . Cyp. And we would lose that vantage , but since fame Makes vertue dulat , we embrace our rights : The place before these walles , the houre next sunne , The pollax and the hand axe for the fight . Qu. It is enough , My hostage is my person and my loue : Cyp. And mine my hope , my faith and royalty . Epy. They are of poysse sufficient , and one light Shall at one instant , giue vs day and night . Exeunt . Queene , Mariano , Alphonso . Cyp. Shee 's gone my Philocles : and as she goes euen so , The sunne forsakes the heauens to kisse the sea , Day in her beauty leaues vs , and methinkes , Her absence doth exile all happines . Tell me my Philocles , nay pray thee tell me true , Euen from that loue Which to vs both should bend one sympathy : Discharge an open breast , dost thou not thinke , She is the mirror of her beauteous sexe ? Vnparalleld , and vncompanioned . Phi. Enuy will say shee 's rare , then truth must vow , She is beyond compare , sith in her lookes , Each motion hath a speaking maiesty , She is herselfe , compared with her selfe : For but her selfe , she hath no companion . But when I thinke of beauty , wit and grace , The elements of actiue delicacy , Those all eie-pleasing harmonies of sight Which do inchant mens fancies , and stir vp The life bloud of dull earth , O then methinkes , Faire Mariana hath an equall place And if not outshine , it shewes more beautifull . Cyp. More then my Queene ? Phi. More in the glosse of beauty , lesse in worth , Of wisedome and great thoughts , the one I finde was made for wonder , th' other for admire . Cyp. Thine equall praises makes my facnies rich : And I am pleas'd with thy comparisons , Things of like nature liue in best consent , Beauty with subiects , maiesty with Kings , Then let those two Ideaes liuely moue , Spirit beyond all spirit , in our breasts , That in the end of our great victory , we may attaine both loue and maiesty . Phy. Although my first creation and my birth , My thoughts and other tempers of my soules , Tooke all their noble beings from the sword , And made me onely for the vse of warres : Yet in this combate , something methinkes apeares , Greater then greatest glory , and doth raise My minde beyond her selfe , S'foot methinkes Casars Pharsalia , Nor Scipios Carthage , nor Emilias acts , Were worthy chaires of triumph , they ore mens Poore mangled bodies , and fire-wasted climes , Made their triumphant passage , but we two Must conquer thoughts and loue , more then the gods can doe . Cyp. True , and therein Consists the glorious garland of our praise , But we neglect th' affaires of preparation . Florio be it your charge To see th' erection of the squared lists , Fit ground for either army , and what else , Belongs vnto such royall eminence . Flo. How neere will your maiesties hand the lists extend Vnto the Cities walles ? Cyp. So as the dullest eie , May see the heedfulst passage in the fight . Flo. What square or circuite ? Cyp. Threescore pace each way . Flo. Your maiesty shal haue your will perform'd . Phy. Do , and you do vs grace ; and now thou sunne , That art the eye of heauen , whose pure sight , Shall be our guide , and Ioues great Chronicler , Looke from thy spheare , No guilt of pride , of mallice or of blood , Puts on our armour , onely pure naked loue Tutors our hopes , and doth our actions moue . Cyp. Enough my Philocles , thine orizons are heard . Come le ts away . Exeunt . Enter Lollia , the wife of Prat the Orator . Lol.

Now fy vpon 't , who would be an Orators wife , and not a Gentlewoman if she could chuse ? a Lady is the most sweet lasciuious life , conieyes and kisses , the tire , O the tire , made castell vpon castell , iewell vpon iewell , knot vpon knot , crownes , garlands , gardins , and what not ? the hood , the rebato , the french fall , the loose bodyed gowne , the pinne in the haire , now clawing the pate , then picking the teeth , and euery day change , when we poore soules must come and goe for euery mans pleasure , and what 's a Lady more then another body ? we haue legges and hands , and rouling eies , hanging lips , sleeke browes , cherrie cheekes , and other things as Ladies haue , but the fashion carries it away .

Enter Mistresse Collaquintida . Col.

Why how now Mistresse Prat ? i' the old disease still , will it neuer be better , cannot a woman finde one kind man amongst twentie ? O the daies that I haue seene , when the lawe of a womans wit , could haue put her husbands purse to execution .

Lol.

O Mistresse Collaquintida , mine is euen the vnnaturallest man to his wife .

Col.

Faith for the most part , all schollers are so : for they take so vpon them to know al things , that indeed they know nothing : & besides , they are with study and ease , growne so vnweldy , that a woman shall neare want a sore stomacke that 's troubled with them .

Lol. And yet they must haue the gouernment of all . Col.

True , and great reason they haue for it , but a wise man will put it in a womans hand , what ? shee 'le saue what he spends .

Lol. You haue a pretty ruffe , how deep is it ? Col.

Nay this is but shallow , marry I haue a ruffe is a quarter deep , measured by the yeard .

Lol. Indeed , by the yeard ? Col.

By the standard I assure you : you haue a pretty set too , how big is the steele you set with ?

Lol.

As big as a reasonable sufficient ; pitty of my life , I haue forgot my selfe , if my husband should rise from his study , and misse me , wee should haue such a coile .

Co.

A coyle , why what coyle ? if he were my husband and did but thwart mee , I would ring him so many alarums , sound him so many brasse trumpets , beate him so many drums to his confusion , and thunder him such a peale of great shot , that I would turne his brain in the panne , and make him madde with an eternall silence .

Lo.

O mistresse Coloquintida , but my husbands anger is the worst fauouredst without all conscience of any mans in all Sicilie , he is euen as peeuish as a sick munkie , and as waspish as an ill pleasd bride the second morning .

Co.

Let your wrath be reciprocall , and pay him at his owne weapon : but to the purpose for which I came , the party you wote of , commends him to you in this diamond , hee that met the party you know , and said the parties partie was a party of a partly pretty vnderstanding .

Lo. O the Lord , Alphonso . Co.

The very same beleeue it , he loues you , and sweares he so loues you , that if you doe not credit him you are worse then an infidell .

Lo.

Indeede mistresse Coloquintida , he hath the right garbe for apparell , the true touch with the tongue in the kisse , and he dances well but falles heauily : but my husband woman , my husband , if we could put out his cattes eies , there were something to be said but they are euer peeping & prying that they are able to pierce through a milstone : besides : I may say to you , he is a little iealous too , and see where hee comes , wee shall haue a coyle now .

Enter Prate the Orator . Co. Begin you to pout first , for that s a womans preuention . Pra.

What Lollia I say , where are you my house lookes you , my men lack you , I seeke you , and a whole quest of inquiry cannot finde you , fy , fy , fy , fy , Idlenes is the whip of thrift , a good huswife should euer be occupied ?

Lo. Indeede I haue much ioy to bee occupied in any bodies company . Prate . Why , what s the matter ? Lo.

Why Orators wiues shortly will bee knowne like images on water staires , euer in one wetherbeaten suite , as if none wore hoodes but Monkes and Ladies , nor feathers but fore-horses and waiting gentlewomen , nor chaines but prisoners and Lords officers , nor perriwigs but players and hotte braines , but the weakest must to the walles still .

Prate . Go to , you shall haue what you will . Lo.

Nay nay , 't was my hard fortune to be your wife , time was I might haue done otherwise , but it matters not , you esteeme me as you doe your selfe , and thinke all things costly enough that couers shame , and that a paire of silken foresleeues to a satten brestplate , is a garment good enough for a capitoll : but is master Wrangle , master Tangle , or master Trobleare of that opinion ? in faith sir no.

Ther 's neuer a gallant in our state That goes more rich in gaudy brauery : And yet I hope for quality of speech , Audacious words or quirkes or quidities , You are not held their much inferiour . Fy , fy , I am asham'd to see your basenesse . Co.

Indeede master Prate she telles you truly ; I wonder that you being a proper man and an Orator will not go braue , according to the custome of the country .

Prate .

Go to neighbour , he that wil rise to the top of a high ladder must goe vp , not leape vp : but be patient wench , and thou shalt shortly see me gallant it with the best , and for thy selfe my Lollia ,

Not Lollia Paulina , nor those blasing starres , Which makes the world the Apes of Italy : Shall match thy selfe in sun-bright splendency . Lo.

Nay , verily for my selfe I care not , t is you that are my pride , if you would goe like your selfe I were appeasd .

Prate .

Beleeue it wench so I will , but to the purpose for which I came , the end of this great warre is now brought to a combate , two to two , the Duke of Epyre and Alphonso for our Queene against the King and Prince Philocles : now wench if thou wilt goe see the fight , I will send and prouide thee of a good standing .

Lo. Indeede , for you haue nere a good one of your owne . Prate . What , President I say ? Pre. Anon , anon sir. Prate .

Why when I say , the villains bellie is like a bottomlesse pit , euer filling and yet emptie , at your leasure sir.

Enter President Prates man eating . Pre.

I can make no more haste then my teeth will giue mee leaue .

Prate .

Well sir , get you without the towne , to the place for the combate , and prouide me for my wife some good standing , to see the conflict .

Pre.

How master how , must I prouide a good standing for you for my mistresse ? truly Master I thinke a mary bone pye , candi'd erringoes , preseru'd dattes , or marmaladd of cantharides were much better harbingers , cock sparrowes stew'd , doues braines or swannes pizels are very prouocatiue , roasted potatoes or boild skerrets are your onely lofty dishes , me thinks these should fit you better then I can doe .

Prate .

What s this , what s this I say ? prouide mee a standing for my wife vpon a scaffold .

Pre. And truely Master , I thinke a priuat chamber were better . Prate . I graunt you , if there were a chamber conuenient . Pre.

Willing minds will make shift in a simple hole , close windowes , strong locks , hard bed and sure posts , are your onely ornaments .

Prate .

I thinke the knaue be madde , sirra you chop logicke , blockhead , you that haue your braine panne made of dry leather , & your wit euer wetshod : pack about your businesse , or I le pack your pen and inckhorne about your cares .

Pre.

Well sir , I may go or so , but would my mistresse take a standing of my preferment , I would so mount her , shee should loue strange things the better all her life after .

Prate . Why when sir. Exit President . And come sweete wife , nay neighbour let vs haue your company too . Exeunt . Enter at one dore a Herald , and Floria marshall for the King , with officers bearing the lists , at the other dore a herald and Caelio marshall for the Queene . Cae. Holla , what are you ? Flo. High marshall for the King , your Character . Cae. I likewise for the Queene , where lies your equall ground ? Flo.

Here vnderneath these walles , and there and there ground for the battailes .

Cae. Place there the Queenes seate , And there and there chaiers for the combatants . Flo. Place here the lists , fixe euery ioint as strong As 't were a wall , for on this foote of earth This day shall stand two famous monuments , The one a throne of glory bright as gold , Burnisht with angels luster , and with starres , Pluckt from the crowne of conquest , in which shall sit Men made halfe Gods through famous victory : The other a rich tombe of memorable fame , Built by the curious thoughts of noble mindes , In which shall sleepe these valiant soules in peace , Whom Fortunes hand shall only ouerthrow . Heauen in thy Palme , this day the ballance hings . Which makes Kings Gods , or men more great then Kings . Cae. So now let the heralds giue the champions signe Of ready preparations . Exeunt Herralds . The cornets sound , and enter at one end of the stage a Herald , two pages , one with pollaxes , the other with hand axes , the Duke of Epyre , and Alphonso like combatants , the Queene and Mariana and Prate , Lollia , Coloquintida and President aloft . Flo. What are you that appeare , and what deuoyre Drawes you within these lists ? Epy. I am the Duke of Epyre , and the mine , Which doth attract my spirit to run this marshall course , Is the faire guard of a distressed Queene , Would wedde to hate and in equality and brutish force , Which to withstand I boldly enter thus , And will defaile , or else proue recreant . Flo. And what are you or your intendiments ? Alp. I am Alphonso marshall of this realme , Who of like tempered thoughts and like desires , Haue grounded this my sanctimonious zeale , And will approue the Dukes assertions , Or in this field lie slaine and recreant . Flo. Enter and prosper as your cause deserues . The cornets sound , and enter at the other end of the stage a Herald , two Pages with axes and pollaxes , then the king of Cypres and Philocles , like combatants and their Army . Cae. What are you that appeare , and what deuoyre Drawes you within these lists ? Cy. I am the King of Cypres , who led on By the diuine instinct of heauenly loue , Come with my sword to beg that royall maid , And to approue by gift of heauen and fate She is a one to me appropriate : Which to maintaine I challenge entrance here , Where I will liue a King or recreant . Cae. And what are you or your intendiments ? Phi. I am lesse then my thoughts , more then my selfe , Yet nothing but the creature of my fate , By name my nature onely is obscur'd , And yet the world baptis'd me Philocles . My entrance here is proofe of holy zeale , And to maintaine that no seuere disdaine , False shape of chastitie , nor womans will , Neglectiue petulance , or vncertaine hope , Foule vizard coynes , nor seducing fame Should rob the royall temper of true loue From the desired aime of his desires , Which my best bloud shall witnesse , or this field Intombe my body made a recreant . Cae. Enter and pro sper as your cause deserues . Drawes 2 swords . Flo. Princes , lay your hands on these swords points Here you shall sweare by hope , by heauen , by loue ; And by the right you challenge in true fame , That here you stand not arm'd with any guile , Malignant hate , or vsurpation Of philters charmes , of nightspels characters , Or other blacke infernall vantages , But euen with thoughts as pure As your pure vallures , or the sunnes pure beames , T' approue the right of pure affection ; And howsoe're your fortunes rise or fall , To breake no faith in your conditions , So help you Ioue . Al. We sweare . Qu. How often doth my maiden thoughts correct And chide my froward will , for this extreame Pursuit of bloud ! beleeue me , faine I would Recall mine oathes vow , did not my shame Hold fast my cruelty , by which is taught Those gems are prized best , are deerest bought , Sleep my loues softnes then , waken my flame , Which guards a vestall sanctity ; Princes behold , Vpon those weapons sits my God of loue , And in their powers my loues seuerity . If them you conquere , we are all your slaues , If they triumph , wee le mourne vpon your graues . Ma. Now by my maiden modesty I wish Good fortune to that Philocles , my minde Presages vertue , in his eaglets eies . S'foot he lookes like a sparrow hauke , or a wanton fire A flash of lightning , or a glimpse of day , His eie steales to my heart , and lets it see More then it would , peace , blab no secresie , He must haue blowes . Flo. Sound cornets , Princes respect your guards . Heere they fight , and Philocles ouerthrowes Alphonso , and Epyre ouerthrowes Cypres . Phi. I craue the Queenes conditions , or this blow Sends this afflicted soule to heauen or hell . Speake madame , will you yeeld or shall he die ? Epy. Neither bould Prince , if thou but touch a haire , The kings breath shall redeeme it : madame your loue Is safe in angels guarding , let no feare Shake hands with doubtfulnesse , you are as safe As in a tower of Diamonds . Phi. O t' is but glasse , And cannot beare this axes massinesse . Duke , thy braue words that second thy braue deedes , Fils me with emulation , onely we two Stand equall victors ; then if thou hast that tie And bond of well knit valure , which vnites Vertue and same together , let vs restore Our captiues vnto freedome , and we two , In single combate trie out the mastery . Where whoso falles each other , shall subscribe To euery clause in each condition . Epy. Thou art the index of mine ample thought , And I am pleas'd with thine election . Speake madame , if euer I deserued grace , Grace me with your consent . Qu. T' is all my will . Thy noble hand erect and perfit me . Phi. What saies his maiesty ? My starres are writ in heauen , nor death nor fate Are slaues to feare , to hope or human state . Cyp. I neither feare thy fortune nor my ruine ; But hold them all beyond all prophesie . Thou hast my free consent , and on thy power Lies my liues date or my deaths hower . Epy. Then rise and liue with safety . Phi. Alphonso , here my hand , Thy fortune lends thy peace no infamy . And now thou glorious issue of Ioues braine , That burnt the Telamonian Rauisher , Looke from thy spheare , and if my heart containe An impure thought of lust , send thy monsters forth And make me more then earthly miserable . Here the cornets sound , they fight , and Philocles ouercomes the Duke , the Queene defends . Phi. Yeld , recant or dye . Epy. Thine axe hath not the power to wound my thought , And yeelds a word my tongue could neuer sound , I say th' art worthy valiant , for my death , Let the Queene speake it , t is an easie breath . Qu. Not for the worlds large circuite , hold gentle Prince , Thus I doe pay his ransome , lowe as the ground , I tender mine vnspotted virgin loue , To thy great willes commandement , let not my care My woman tyrannie , or too strict guard , In bloudy purchase take away those sweetes Till now haue gouernd your amazd desires : For trust me king , I will redeeme my blame , With as much loue , as Philocles hath fame . Cy. Thus comes a calme vnto a Sea-wract soule , Ease to the pained , foode vnto the staru'd , As you to me my best creation . Trust me my Queene , my loues large chronicle Thou neuer shalt ore read , because each day It shall beget new matter of amaze : And liue to doe thee grace eternally , Next whom my Philocles my bounteous friend , Author of life , and soueraigne of my loue , My heart shall be thy throne , thy breast the shrine , Where I will sit to study gratefulnes To you and you my Lords , my best of thoughts , Whose loues haue shewd a dutious carefulnes , To all free thankes and graces , this vnity Of loue and kingdomes , is a glorious sight . Mount vp the royal Champion , musicke & cornets sound . Let shouts and cries make heauen and earth rebound . Exeunt . Epy. How like the sunnes great bastard ore the world , Rides this man mounted engine , this proud prince And with his breath sindges our continents Sit fast proud Phaeton , for by heauen i le kicke And plunge thee in the sea : if thou 'lt needes ride , Thou shouldst haue made thy seat vpon a slaue , And not vpon mine honours firmament . Thou hast not heard the God of wisedomes tale , Nor can thine youth curbe greatnes , till my hate , Confound thy life with villaine policy . I am resolu'd since vertue hath disdaind To cloath me in her riches , henceforth to proue A villaine fatall , blacke and ominous : Thy vertue is the ground of my dislike : And my disgrace , the edge of enuies sword , Which like a rasor shall vnplumbe thy crest ; And rob thee of thy natiue excellence , When great thoughts giue their homage to disgrace Thers 's no respect of deedes , time , thoughts or place .

Act. 2.

Sce. 1. Musicke . Enter Prat , Lollia , Colloquintida , and President . Prat. COme wife , me thought our partie stood stifly to it . Pres.

Indeed they were stiffe whilest they stood , but when they were downe , they were like men of a low world , a man might haue wound their worst anger about his finger .

Lol.

Goe to sirra , you must haue your fooles bolt in euery bodies quiuer .

Pre.

Indeed mistresse , if my master should breake his arrow with foule shooting or so , I would bee glad if mine might supply the whole .

Prat. I find you kinde sir. Pre.

True sir , according to my kinde , and to pleasure my kinde Mistresse .

Prat.

Go to sirra , I will not haue your kindnes to intermeddle with her kinde , she is meate for your master .

Pre. And your man sir , may licke your foule trencher . Col. I but not eate of his mutton . Pre. Yet I may deep my bread in the woole , Mistresse Colloquintida . Prat.

Goe to sirra , you will bee obscene , and then I shall knocke you ; but to the combate , me thought our side were the more proper men .

Lol.

True , and therefore thoy had the worse fortune : but see heere is the Lord Florio .

Enter Florio . Flo.

Master Orator , it is the King and Queenes maiesties pleasure , that you presently repaire vnto the Court , touching the drawing out of certaine Articles for the benefite of both the kingdomes .

Prat. My Lord , I will instantly attend their maiesties . Flo. Doe , for they expect you seriously . Exit Florio . Prat.

Wife you can haue my seruice no longer . Sirra , President , attend you vpon your mistresse home : and wife , I would haue you to hold your iourney directly homeward , and not to imitate princes in their progresse , step not out of your way to visit a new gossip , to see a new garden-house , to smell the perfumes of Court ierkins , or to handle other tooles then may fit for your modestie : I would not haue you to step into the Suburbs , and acquaint your selfe either with monsters or motions , but holding your way directly homeward , shew your selfe still to bee a rare houswife .

Lol. I'faith , I'faith , your blacke out-side will haue a yellowe lining . Prat.

Content thee wife , it is but my loue that giues thee good counsaile . But here comes one of my clients .

Enter Drap , a country Gentleman . Drap . Sir , master Orator , I am bold to trouble you about my suit . Prat. Si , Mr. country gentleman , I am now for present busines of the kings . Dra. You may the better remember me . Pra. Hey day , I shall mixe your businesse with the kings . Dra. No but you may let his maiestie know my necessity . Pra.

Sir , sir , you must not confine me to your seasons , I tell you I will collect mine owne leasures .

Enter Veloups a Citizen . Ve.

Master Orator , is it your pleasure I attend you about my dispatches ?

Pra.

Sir , it is my pleasure you dispatch your selfe from mine incumbrance , I tell you I am for instant businesse of the Kings ,

Ve. Sir , I haue borne mine attendance long . Pra.

Beare it till your bones ake , I tell you I cannot beare it now , I am for new busines .

Dra. Ve. Yet the old would be dispatcht , it was first paid for . Prat. If you be gentlemen do not make me mad . Dra. Ve. Sir , our suits are of great waight . Prat.

If you be Christians do not make me an Atheist , I shall prophane if you vex me thus .

Enter the Lord Mechant .

What more vexation ? my Lord , my Lord , saue your breath for your broth , I am not now at leasure to attend you .

Me. A word good Mr. Orator . Prat.

Not a word I beseech your Lordship , I am for the Kings businesse , you must attend me at my chamber .

Exit Prat. Me. Dra. Ve. And euery where else , wee will not leaue you . Exeunt . Pre.

Now methinkes my master is like a horse-leech , and these sutors so many sicke of the gout , that come to haue him suck their bloud : O t' is a mad world .

Lol.

Goe to sirra , you will neuer leaue your crabtree similies ; but pity of me who haue we heare ?

Enter Alphonso . O t' is the Lord Alphonso . Alph.

Mistresse God saue : nay your lip I am a stranger ; & how doth Mistresse Colloquintida , O you are an excellent seasoner of city stomackes .

Col.

Faith my Lord I haue done my best to make somebody relish your sweet meates ; but harke you my Lord , I haue strucke the stroak , I haue done the deed , there wants nothing but time , place and her consent .

Alp. Call you that nothing ? Col.

A trifle , a trifle , vpon her , vpon her my Lord , she may seeme a little rough at the first ; but if you stand stifly to her , shee 'le fall ; a word with you Mr. President .

They whisper . Alp.

Mistresse Prat , I am a souldier , and can better act my loue then speake it , my suit you know by your neighbour , my loue you shall proue by my merit , to both which my tokens haue bin petty witnesses and my body shal seale & deliuer vpon thee such a braue confirmation , that not all the Orators in Sicill shall bee able to cancell the deede .

Lol.

Truely my Lord , methinkes you being witty should bee honest .

Alph.

Nay wench , if I were a foole , ther 's no question but I would be honest ; But to the purpose , say wench , shall I enioy , shall I possesse ?

Lol. To enioy my loue , is not to possesse my body . Alp.

Tut wench , they be words of one signification , and cannot be separated .

Lol. Nay then I should wrong my husband . Alp.

S'foot , thou shouldest but do for him as he does for the whole world ; why an Orator were a needle name , if it were not to defend wrong : then wench , do as he doth , write by a president .

Lol. O my Lord , I haue a husband , A man whose waking ielousie suruiues , And like a Lion , sleepes with open eies ; That not a minute of mine houres are free From the intelligence of his secret spies . I am a very toward Danae Thorow whose roofe , suspition will not let , Gold showers haue passage , nor can I deceiue , His Argus eies , with any policy : And yet I sweare I loue you . Al. Death of affection , if thou lou'st me , as thou saiest thou dost , Thou canst inuent some meanes for our delight . The rather sith it euer hath beene said , That walles of brasse withstand not willing mindes : And women when th' are prone make loue admir'd : For quaint indeuours , come instruct thy wit : And finde some scale to our hie hight of blisse . Lol. Then breefly thus my Lord . To morrow doth the Senate sit to iudge , Causes both criminall and of the stave ; Where of necessity my husbands place , Must be fild by himselfe , because his tongue , Must guild his clients causes , Now if you please , All that selfe houre , when he is turmoil'd , About those serious trifles , to vouchsafe To visit me , his absence and my care Shall giue vs libertie of more delight . You know my meaning , and I am asham'd My loue should thus betray my modesty ; But make the vse according to your fancy . Alp. What houre assures his absence ? Lol. Eight is the latest time . Alp. This kisse leaue my faith with thee , farewell . Th' ast giuen me double glory from thy breath , Nothing shall lose me time but certaine death . Exit Alp. Pre.

Truely Mistresse Collaquintida , you are an excellent peece of sweet gall .

Lol. Well sir , will you lead the way homeward ? Pre. To your bed chamber mistresse , or your priuie lodging . Exeunt . Enter Philocles alone . Phi. Night clad in blacke mournes for the losse of day , And hides the siluer spangles of the aire , That not a sparke is left to light the world , Whil'st quiet sleep the nourisher of life Takes full possession on mortality . All creatures take their rest in soft repose Saue malecontents , and we accursed louers , Whose thoughts perturbed , makes vs passions slaue : And robs vs of the iuice of happinesse . Deere Mariana , shapt in an Angels mould , Thou thral'st my senses , and inflam'st my blood , Loue , power , by wisedome cannot bee withstood . But see the morning starre breakes from the East , To tell the world her great eie is awak't To take his iourney to the westerne vales : And now the court begins to rise with him . Here passes ouer the stage a Physitian , a Gentleman Vsher , and a waiting maide . There goes the Physitian , the waiting maid , And a fine straight leg'd Gentleman Vsher , The preface to a kirtill all puffe past . One that writes sonnets in his Ladies praise , And hides her crimes with flattering poesie . Enter Marian. But peace amazement , see the day of life , Natures best worke , the worlds chiefe paragon . Madame one word . Ma. I ; so now farewell . Phi. You do mistake me . Ma. That your selfe can tell , You ask't me one word , which I gaue , said I , A word of least vse in a virgins breath , Vrge not my patience then with fond reply . Phi. Deere Lady lend an eare vnto my voice Sith each were made for others happines : My tong 's not oild with courtly flatterings , Nor can I paint my passions to the life ; But by that power which shapt this heauenly forme , I am your bond-slaue , forc'd by loues command , Then let soft pitty with such beauty dwell . Madame I loue you . Ma. As I am a virgin so do I. Phi. But Madame whom ? Ma. My selfe , no Lady better . Phi. But will you loue me ? Ma. No by my chastity . Phi. I hope you do but iest . Ma. Nay i le keep mine oath , Men shall abandon pride and iealousie Ere i le be bound to their captiuity , They shall liue continent , and leaue to range , But men like to the moone , each month must change . Yet we must seeke that naught their sight displeases , And mixe our wedlock sweetes with loathd diseases : When we consume our selues and our best beauty , All our reward is why , t' was but our duty . Phi. Iudge not so hard of all for some offendors ; For you are subiect to the selfe same crimes , Of men and women alwaies haue bene had Some good of each . Ma. But for the most part bad : Therefore i le haue none at all but die a perfit maide . Phi. That humour like a flower soone will fade , Once did mine owne thoughts sing to that delight , Till loue and you reformd my barbarousnesse : Therefore deere Lady , pitty my wounded heart . Ma. A Surgeon here for this loue-wounded man . How deep 's your vlcerd orifice , I pray you tell ? Phi. Quite thorow my heart . Ma. T' is strange and looke so well ; Yet Ladies eies haue power to murder men , And with one smile to make them whole agen . Achilles launce to a haire , but doe you loue me prince ? Phi. Deerer then my soule . Ma. Would I could loue you . Phi. Madame so you may . Ma. As yet I cannot , therefore let me goe . Phi. O do not leaue me , grant me but one request , And here I vow by that diuinest power , The salt-seas glorious issue , whose bright spheare Rules my sick heart , and knowes my chast intent , That if you please t' impose on me that taske Which neither men nor monster can atchieue , Which euen Angels haue a dread to touch , Deedes which outstretch all possibility , S'foot more then can be thought , and i 'le effect , Or else i 'le perish in th' accomplishment . Ma. Let your request fit virgin modesty , And you obey your vow , I am content To giue your thoughts contented happinesse , Phi. T' is but a kisse I aske , a minutes ioy . Ma. Now Cupid help thee , is thy griefe for this , Keep thy strong vow , & freely take a kisse . He kisses her . Phi. I haue obtaind my heauen , and in this touch , I feele the breath of all delitiousnesse : Then freely giue the sentence of my worke , Muster vp all the engins of your wit , Teach Iuno rules beyond malitiousnesse , What eare it be , i 'le die but i 'le performe it . Ma. Thou shalt not kil thy selfe , nor fight with monsters , Nor bring the great Turkes berd to shew thy zeale : Thy life thou shalt not hazard for my loue , Nor will I tie thee to an endlesse taske , But euen with ease , and gentle rangled knots , Thou shalt vntwind thy clew of miseries , Phi. Let it haue passage , madame giue me my doome . Ma. Then Philocles knit silence to my words , And marke thy doome : for thus my strickter will Loads griefe vpon thy vainer leuity . Hence for the space and compasse of one yeare Thou shalt abiure the liberty of speech , Thou shalt not speake for fully twelue months space , For friend nor foe , for danger nor for death ; But liue like aire , with silent emptinesse . Breake thou this vow , i 'le hold thee for a villaine : And all the world shall know thy periury . Phi. Be heauen and earth a witnesse of my vow , And mine eternall silence , I am dumbe . Ma. Why so , now shal I not be troubled with vaine chat Or idle prate of idle wantonnesse : For loue I cannot , therefore t is in vaine , Would all my sutors tongues I thus could raine , Then should I liue free from faind sighes and groanes , With O take pitty , t is your seruant moanes , And such harsh stuffe , that frets me to the heart : And sonnets made of Cupids burning dart . Of Venus lip , and Iunoes maiestie . Then were I freed from fooles and foolerie . In May the cuckoe sings , then sheel 'e come hither , Her voice and yours will rarely tune together . Exit Mariana . Enter Florio . Flo. Prince Philocles , the king would speake with you : Speakes louder & louder . Prince Philocles , the king would speake with you , Prince Philocles , the king would speake with you . Philocles strikes Florio and fels him . Flo. The pox rot off your fingers for this blow , It is coronation day , thorow all my scull , There s such a fatall ringing in my braine , Has woone the selt , has laid fiue fingers on ; But t was a knauish part of him to play so . Heare me you Gods for this my open wrong , Make short his fingers as you haue his tongue . Exit Flo. Enter Meshant alone : Me. T is not mans fortune , enuy or neglect , Which makes him miserable , but t is meane fate , Euen sole predestination , a firme gift , Fixt to his birth , before the world was made , For were it otherwise , then within our liues , We should finde some distractions , errours change . And other toies of much vncertaintie : But my mishaps are fixt so to my blood , They haue no sire but my creation : The Queene out of suspition that my loue , First set an edge vpon the Kings desires , And made him wooe her with a victors sword , Casts me from fauour , seazes all my lands , And turnes my naked fortunes to the cold . The King made proud with purchase of his wish Neglects my sufferance for him , and ore lookes , The low-tide of my fortunes ; lest my woes Should speake my wrongs to his ingratitude ; The whil'st those lords whose supple hams haue bow'd To doe me formal reuerence , now despise And sleight me in their meanest compliments : O t is a torment more then hell yet knowes To be an honest flatterer , or to liue A saint in Limbo , which that I may preuent , I le be nor best nor worst , but all indifferent . But here comes a noble man , I must turne petitioner . Enter Florio . My Lord , may I not see the king ? Flo. You may not . His maiestie is now downe prest with seriousnesse : As for your suit it is with Prat the Orator . I heard his highnesse giue him a speciall charge For your dispatch with fauour . Me. O but he doth neglect , And sleights me like his weake orations , And by your Lordships leaue , I do not thinke His wisedome worthy of the conference . Flo.

Nay if you will correct the kings coyne you are not for my conference , Fare you well .

Exit Florio . Me. Why , and fare you well , S'foot this is more then strange , That being grieu'd I may not say i 'me paind . Enter Alphonso . But heere comes another : Mine honorable Lord May I not haue some conference with the king ? Alp. You may not , businesse of greater waight Imports both him and vs : nay pray you cease ; As for your suit t is with the Orator . Me. Yet methinkes t were meet Alp. That you would rather trouble him then me . Me. It s strange . Alp. It s strange indeed , to see you wrong your ease . I am not now for idle conferences , adiew . Exit Alph. Me. Why this is court grace to men in misery , And thus these taile-lesse Lions with their roare , Affright the simple heard : O I could now Turne rebell gainst their pride . Enter Epire. But heere comes the Duke : My gratious Lord , vouchsafe to heare my griefes . Epy. For Gods loue cease your trouble , wee are all Troubled with griefes of stranger qualities . Me. Words are no heauy burthen . Epy No , had I no other waight ; But we are all downe prest with other poise : As for your suit it is refer'd to Prat : And he must giue you faire dispatch with fauour ; Which if he sleight for enuy or for bribe , Repaire to me , and I will not forget To giue you ease , and chide his negligence . Meane space I pray you leaue me , for we all Are troubled now with greatest miracles . Me. Your grace doth do me comfort , and I will Study with seruice to deserue your fauours , And so I take my leaue . Exit Mershant . Enter 2 Doctors . Epy. Your owne content●…ts follow you . Now gentlemen what newes within , can this dumbe wonder speake ? Haue you cut off those lets that tied his speech . And made your fame to sound thorow Sicille ? 1 Doct. All hopefull meanes that man or art can finde , Haue we made triall of , but t is in vaine : For still my Lord , the cur'e 's invincible . 2 Doct. Those Organs nature gaue to moue the tongue , He fully doth possesse as well as we ; Which makes vs thinke his suddaine apoplexe , Is either will , vow , or a miracle . Epy. I should thinke strangly , had wee strange things on earth ; But wonders now are most familiar : But here comes his maiestie , now we shall see If this dumbe beast can speake before the king . Cornets , and enter Cypres , Queene Philoclas , Mariana and attendants . Cyp. My best of friends , my deerest Philocles , Thy griefes run in my spirit , make me sad , And duls my sense with thine affliction . My soule with thine doth sympathize in woe , And passion gouerns him that should rule all . What say our Doctors is there no hope of help ? 1 Doct. No hope my Lord , the cure is desperate . Cyp. Then I am king of greife , for in his words Found I more musicke then in quires of Angels , It was as siluer as the chime of spheares . The breath of Lutes , or ioues deliciousnesse : Next to my Queene , he is my ioy on earth : Nor shall the world containe that happy good Which with my teares I will not wooe for him . My Lord of Epyre , let it be straight proclaim'd Thorow all the cities in our kingdomes verdge , That who so will avow to cure this prince , And bring his worke to wisht effectualnesse Shall haue ten thousand crownes and our best loue ; But if he faile in his great enterprise , His daring is the losse of present life , Since no man hitherto could doe him good , The next shall help him or else loose his bloud . Epy. Your Maiesty shall haue your will performd . Ma. Not all so soone deare brother , what if a woman now Should turne Aesculapius and restore This dumbe Hypolitus ? nay do not looke strange , I dare auow and vndertake the cure . Epy. You sister , are you in your wits ? Ma. Faith of the out side of them brother , yet a womans tongue Whose burthen still is superfluity , May lend a man an ages complement . Cy. Madam I would not haue you with the barke Play your selfe into day net , this great cure , I feare is farre beyond your Physicks helpe . Ma. My Lord , you know not how Apollo loues me , I haue beene thought as faire as Oenon was , And dare be bold to claime this miracle . Cy. Mariana attend , glory & ruine compasse thee about This hand shall raise thee to a golden throne , And grace thee with all stiles of dignity ; This cast thee downe . Lower then liues misfortune and orewhelme Thy beauties with thy graue , performe be great , Faile and be worse then worst calamitie . Que. Stay gentle friend , my loue doth bid thee stay , Attempt not , and be safe from misery . Epy. Sister you shall not graspe with mischiefe thus , My bloud doth challenge interest in your ill , And I coniure you from this desperatnes . Ma. Brother content your selfe , words but augment our strife , I will performe or else my pawn 's my life . Cy. Proceed faire virgin . Ma. Vouchsafe me priuacy : now Venus be my speed , Speake gentle Philocles , thine oaths bond I vntie And giue thy vowes a free infranchisment , Thy well kept league hath show'd thy strength of truth , And doth confirme me in my vertuousnesse : Thy martyrdome and sufferance is too long , And I restore it to new liberty . Then speake my Philocles , speak gentle Prince To her whose loue respects and honors thee . Cy. How now , what vertue from thy charmes ? Ma. No hope is left , deare Philocles regard my miseries . Vntie that wilfull let which holds in speech , And make me happy through thy noble pity . I see the face of mine ill shapt contempt , Where like with like hath quit most iniury : Then speake my Lord , vtter one Angell breath To giue me ioy , and saue me from strange death . What not a word , hath this small silence brought An vtter detestation to thy speech ? Wilt thou nor heare , nor speak , nor pity me , The gentle Gods moue thee to more remorse . Cy. What , wilt not be ? Fond maid thou hast drawne affliction on thy head , And thrald thy selfe to worst calamity : Till morrow sunne thy incantations vse , But then effectlesse , all hopes desperate , Wert thou my bosome loue thou diest the death , Best ease for madnesse is the losse of breath . Exeunt all but Phi. and Ma. Ma. O Philocles I am no courts disgrace , No cities Prostitution , countries shame , Nor one shall bring Troys fire vnto thy house , Turne not away hard harted Mirmidon , See , on my knees I le follow thee in court , And make the world condemne thy cruelty : Yet if my teares may mollifie thy heart , Receiue them as the floods of strangest rides , Turne not thy face from her that doates on thee , Loue now hath made me subiect to thy will , And pale disdaine hath tane reuenge on me . Behold my nerues I le weare vpon this earth , And fill this roofe with lamentations . What dost thou smile , hath fury so much sway As euen to banish poore ciuilitie ? Then be thy selfe , and breake thine itching spleene : For I disdaine thy ransomes victorie , Life thou art weary brought , welcome my death , Sweet because wisht for , good because my choice : Yet when I am dead , this of me shall be said , A cruell Prince murdered a louing maid . And after ages to th' unborne shall tell , Thy hate , my loue , thy enuie and my hell . Nay do not speak I charge thee , go let nothing moue thee , Death is my glory , since thou wilt not loue me . Exeunt .

Act. 3.

Scena . 1. Musique . Enter the Duke of Epyre and Alphonso . Epy. GRiefe which controles the motions of our thoughts , Raines in my bloud and makes me passions slaue , My sisters miserie torments my soule , And breaks my gall when I but thinke of her : She was bewicht with spelles to her misfortune , Or else borne haplesse vnder a lowring starre , And t is her fate to be thus miserable : O Philocles hadst thou no other scale To mount thy heauen but by our miseries , Must all the noble fame of our great house Waste downe her royall pillars to make steps For thee to climbe to glory ? well I see Thou plots our shames in thy great dignity . Alp. Patience great Lord , me thinkes these ill raisd stormes Haue not more violence then may be borne , Come we will both go sue vnto the King . We there will kneele and pray eternally , And neuer rise till he remit his dome : It shall be so , I will vnto the King , To beg great fauour for a small offence : But if she dy for this , then King take heede , Thee and thy fortunes by this hand shall bleed . Exeunt . Enter Chyp , Shauenig and others with a Scaffold . Chy.

Come my harts , le ts make all things ready for the execution , heer 's a maiden head must be cut off without a featherbed .

Sha. It s a signe she deales with sharp tooles & a cruell heads man . Chy.

If I had beene her iudge , she should haue beene tost to death in a blanket .

Sha. No , I would haue had her smothered in a featherbed . Chy. They say she would not pleade at her triall . Sha. No that s true , for she had a great desire to be prest . Chy.

And I haue knowne some of her sex , haue got that fauor to be prest for speaking .

Sha. Then she was vnwise to hold her tongue being a woman . Chy. What is her crime that she must loose her head ? Sha. Because she liued honest , contrary to the statute . Chy.

There is a great number of my neighbors will neuer suffer for that fault .

Sha.

No nor thou neither if the truth were knowne , for my part I shunne that danger .

Chy. I thinke we are all out of danger of the lawe for that crime . Sha.

I know I am free , for I am a knaue if I haue not forgot what wench had my maiden head .

Enter Florio . Flo. Make roome there , his Maiesty is comming to the execution . Chy. Come , now all things are ready : le ts away . Exeunt . Enter Epyre and Alphonso . Epy. Mercy is banisht courts , the King like flint , Hardens his royall temper gainst our plaints , And makes our woes most vnauoidable . What inauspicious starre raignd at her birth , That heauen thus frownes vpon her misery ; And my good Lord , now innocence must die . As white as vntroade snow , or culuer downe , Kings words are lawes , and cannot be withstood ; Yet t' is false greatnesse , which delights in blood . Alph. Patience my Lord , I do not thinke this ill Is yet so big as vnrecouerable . The king doth hold you in most choice respect , And whom kings loue , they study to oblige . Then call your reason home , make not this ciuill ware , To suffer makes woes lesser then they are . Epy. How wel the sound can salue the sicke-mans griefe ! But O how ill he can disgest his pils ! O my good Lord , you shall not lose a sister , That is the ioy and comfort of your breath , T' is not your bloud shall issue from her wound , But mine that runs in riuers from her teares : And rounds my face in her calamitie . Well , let her perish , since her soule is cleare , And for her death , i le make a massacrie . Enter Cypres , Queene , Philocles , Mariana bound , a guard of halberts and an Executioner . Cyp. Your suits are bootlesse : for my vowes haue glewd And closd mine eares that they retaine no sound Of your intreaties , and euen now the time Doth run vpon his latest minutes , and Saue but by speech , there s no recouery . Qu. Haue mercy good my Lord , O let my teares intrude Betwixt your vowes and her calamitie . In her you take from me my best of life , My ioy , my comfort and my play-fellow . Cyp. Content you madame , for my vow is past , And is like fate still vnreuocable : Ascend poore modell of calamity . Ma. As lightly burdened with the waight of crimes , As spotesse infants , or poore harmlesse lambes , Thus I ascend my heauen , this first step lower , Mounts to this next , this , thus and thus hath brought My bodies frame vnto its highest throne ; Heere doth her office end , and hence my soule With golden wings of thought shall mount the skie , And reap a palace of pure sanctitie . Farewell my soueragine , madame within your thoughts Make me a tombe , and loue my memory . Brother farewell , nay do not mourne my death , It is not I that die to spot our house , Or make you liue in after obloquy . Then weep no more , but take my last adiew , My vertues not my faults preserue with you . Lastly , to you that are my last of hope , Nay do not hide your eies , I loue them still : To part friends now is greatest charitie . O be thy dayes as fruitfull in delights , As Eden in choice flowers , thine honours such As all the world may striue to imitate . Be master of thy wishes : onely this , When the sad nurse to still the wrangling babe , Shall sing the carefull story of my death , Giue me a sigh , from thy hearts purest breath : And so farewell . Exec. Madame kneele here , forgiue me for your death . Ma. With all my heart , thou art but lawes poore hand , Thus to my death I bowe , and yet arise , Angels protect my spirits in the skies . He offers to strike . Phi. Hold , or thine owne hand shal be thine owne destruction . Cyp. Neuer did musicke sound with better voice . Vnbind the Lady . Flo. The feare of death hath brought her to a swound . Cyp. Indeuour her recouery . Epy. Sister , deere sister call thy spirits backe ; Sister , O sister , hearken to my woes , Recouer breath and liue with happinesse . Qu. She stirs , giue way to ayre that she may breath . Speake Mariana , thy woes are cancelled : Ma. You are not charitable vnto my moanes , Thus to afflict me with a double punishment : One death for one poore fault might well suffice , They are most wretched who twice liues and dies . Phi. Madame to saue your life I kill my soule : And speckle that which was immaculate . Blacke periury that open eied disease , Which is the plague sore of society , Brands me with mischiefe , and protests I hold Nothing within me but vnworthinesse : And all these ils are your creation . Ma. Which to wash off ; loe heere I yeeld my selfe An humble sacrifice to loue and thee : All my best hopes , my fortunes and my loue , My faith , my seruice , and my loialtie , Shall as thy slaues attend on thy commands , And make me famous in my suffrages . Cyp. Receiue her Philocles , for it pleaseth vs . Phi. But not me my thrice royall soueraigne . I 'le rather wed a sooty blackamoore , A Leaper , monster , Incubus or hagge , A wretch deformd in nature , loath'd of men Then her that hath bemonster'd my pure soule , Her scorne and pride had almost lost her life , A maid so faulted , seldome proues ' good wife . Qu. What is the reason you not loue her now , And were so passionate in loue before ? Phi. Not that I loue her lesse , but rather more , Run I this backward course ; onely my vow , Sith vnperform'd craues satisfaction ; Which thus I reconcile , when this faire maide , Shall with as strong a loue , as firme a zeale , A Faith as constant , and a shame as strong , Requit my care , and shew as ample proofe In mine extreames , as I haue in her death , Then will I loue , enioy and honour her . Till when , I will not think a louing thought ; Or giue the easie temper of my minde To loue-sicke passion , or delitiousnesse . Onely with those which do adore the sunne , I 'le giue her all respect and reuerence , Ma. I am well pleas'd , and with a doubtfull foe , You haue good reason thus to capitulate , Then hang your colours forth , extend your thought Muster your strongest powers , of stricktest wit , And when your reasons best artilleries bent Loue not my loue , if it be not excellent . Cyp. I haue not seene a warre breed better wit , Or passion draw on more delightfulnesse : Proceed in your contention , for we boast , That loue is best , which is approued most . But now to reuels , since our tragicke sceane Is turnd to comicke mirthfull constancie ; In stead of mourning we will daunce and banquet And fill our emptie veines with all delights : For oft we find that stormes and sorrowes proue The best forerunners of a happy loue . Exeunt all but Epyre. Epy. He will , but he will not , loues but cannot like , Will and affection in this Prince are like Two buckets which do neuer both ascend : Or those star twins which shine not in one spheare . O Philoceles , I see thy soule growes fat , And feeds vpon the glories of my same ; But I 'le forestall thine Epileptique fits ; And by my plots breed thy destruction . Reuenge now rules as soueragine of my bloud , And others ruines shall aduance my good . Which once attaind to , I will proue ambitious , Great men like Gods , are nere thought-vitious . Now Philocles stand fast , King guard thy crowne , For by this braine , you both shall tumble downe . Exit . Enter Veloups and Drap . President sitting at his deske . Ve. This is his chamber , le ts enter , heere s his clarke . Pre. Fondling , said he , since I haue hem'd thee heere , Within the circuit of this Iuory pale . Dra. I pray you sir help vs to the speech of your master . Pre. I le be a parke , and thou shalt be my Deere : He is very busie in his study . Feed where thou wilt , in mountaine or on dale . Stay a while he will come out anon . Graze on my lips , and when those mounts are drie , Stray lower where the pleasant fountaines lie . Go thy way thou best booke in the world . Ve. I pray you sir , what booke doe you read ? Pre.

A book that neuer an Orators clarke in this kingdome but is beholden vnto ; it is called maides philosophie , or Venus and Adonis : Looke you gentlemen , I haue diuers other pretty bookes .

Drap .

You are very well storde sir , but I hope your master wil not stay long .

Pre. No he will come presently . Enter Meshant . Ve.

Who haue we heere ? another Client sure , crowes flock to carkasses ; O t is the Lord Meshant .

Me. Saue you Gentlemen ; sir is your master at any leasure ? Pre. Heere sit thee downe where neuer serpent hisses , And being set i le smother thee with kisses . His businesses yet are many , you must needes attend a while . Me. We must attend , vm , euen snailes keep state When with slow thrust their hornes peep forth the gate . We must attend , t is customs fault not mine To make men proud , on whom great fauours shine , It s somewhat gainst my nature to attend . But when we must , we must be patient , A man may haue admittance to the king As soone as to these long roabes , and as cheap . Come gentlemen shall we walke ? Thus are the pauement stones before the doores Of these great tongue guilt Orators , worne smoth With clients dauncing for them . Ve.

It 's strange to see how the world waits vpon them , therein they are the onely men now .

Me. O onely ; they of all men in request . Your physitian is the lawier for your health : And moderate vnruly humours best . Others are no body compard with him : For all men neglect their health in regard of their profit . Dra. True , and that s it makes these men grow so fat , Swell with rich purchases . Me. Yea with golden fees , And golden titles too , they can worke miracles , And like creators , euen of emptie nothing Erect a world of goodly liuings , faire demeanes , And gallant mannors , heapt one on another . Ve. They gaine indeed excessiuely , & are not like vs citizens Expos'd to hazard of the seas and trafficke . Me. Why here s a fellow now , this Orator Euen Prat , you would little thinke it , his father was An honest proiner of our cuntry vines ; Yet hee 's shot to his foot-cloath . Drap . O hee is ; hee proind him well and brought him vp to learning . Me. Faith reasonable learning , a smattring in the Latine tongue , A little Rhetoricke , with wrangling sophistrie , Were his preparatiues vnto his art . Ve. After these preparatiues ( if you call them so ) The physicke wrought well for a few yeares practise , Brought him in wondrous credit , and preferments Came tumbling in : O such a suddaine rise , Hath fortune for her minions , blame him not then , Though he looke high on 't . Me. Nay for his pride , of weaker soules tearmd state , It hurts none but himselfe . Dra. Yet to my seeming it is very strange , That from so base beginning , men can breath Such soaring fames . Me. Srange ; it 's not strange a whit , Dunghils and marrish bogs , dart store of vapours , And viscous exhalations , against heauen , Which borrowing luster there ( though basly bred ) Seeme yet like glorious planets fairest starres : To the weake eies of wondring ignorance , When wise men know they are but Meteors . But here comes the Orator . Enter Prate . Prat. What President I say , come and attend me to the senate house . Pre.

I am ready sir , if you haue Copia verborum , I haue Copia rerum in a buckram bagge here .

Prat. Your Lordships pleasure . Me. Master Orator , t is not vnknowne my suit Prat. Nay your Lordship must be briefe , I not attend The shallow sleight of words , your suit , your suit . Me. The restoration of my lands and honours . Prat. They are confiscat . Me. My lands confiscat , and my body free ? Prat. My Lord , my Lord , the Queen 's more mercifull . Me. Sir , you forget my place . Pra. Sir you forget your faith , T' was knowne vnto the Queene , the state and vs , Your malecontented spirit , your disease in duty : Your diligent purturbance of the peace : Your passages , occurrences and — Me. Sir . Prat. Sir me no sirs . Do not I know you were the chiefe of those Which raisd the warres in Sicill ? and long since Wrought in the kings loues bloody businesse . Did not you hold faire quarter and commerce With all the spies of Cypres ? fie I am asham'd , Blinde impudence should make you be so bold , To beare your face before authority . Me. But heare me . Pra. I will heare no reply , go home , repent , pray & die . Come Gentlemen , what 's your businesses ? Ve.

Your confirmation to his highnesse grant , touching our trade with Spaine , in which if it please you to assist vs , wee haue a thousand crownes which shall attend you .

Pra. O I haue you in my memory , the suit is great : And I must squeisse forth more then a thousand crownes . Wel attend me to the senate , you shal haue faire dispatches Exeunt all but Meshant .. Me. I not attend the shallow sleight of words , Go home repent , pray and die . Excellent precepts for an Orators chamber . Where speech must bath a handful deep in gold , Till the poore giuers conduit being drie , The wretch goes home , doth curse , repent and die . It is thy counsaile Orator , thy tale breath Good onely but to season infamie . From this reproch , this incarressing humour Hath taught my soule a new philosophie . I will goe home and there repent all good Done to thy name or thy profession . I will go home and there new frame my selfe More thirstily pernicious to thy state , Then warre or vnabated mutiny . As for my praiers Orator , they are for thee ; Thou hast a pretty , louely , witty wife : O maist thou liue , both to be knowne and know Thy selfe the greatest cuckold in our land ; And yet not dare to amend or greiue at it . Maist thou imbrace thy shame with thankful armes , Hugge thy disgrace , make thy black poison wine , And cap and crouch to thy dishonor , May thy remembrance liue , vpon my knees I pray , All night in belmens mouthes , with Pasquill in the day . Enter Alphonso vnbrac't . Alp. Day be my speede , night shall not cloake my sin , If I haue naught to doe , it s by the Sunne , The light giues leaue to all mine Idlenes . Quick businesse and ope eies cease on mine orator , Whilst I create him horny presidents . Enter Coloquintida .

But heere s my bed broker . Now my great armefull of good intelligence , where is my Mistresse ?

Co.

Fast lockt in her bed with a close ward to deuoure thee my braue Paraquito ; but husht no words , there is a calme before the tempest .

Alp.

Tut , tell me of no stormes , but direct me to her bed chamber , my noble firelock of a flesh pistoll .

Co.

Follow thy colours my braue worthy , mount vp thy standard , so enter and prosper .

She puts Alph. into the Orators house .

Thou hast a rich roome , safe locks , sweete sheetes , a choice armefull , with ô the rare , rare thought of imagination .

Me. What s this , what s this , doth this Lord Alphonso turne the Orator to an Antilop ? t is more then excellent , And from the iuice of this despight I suck Delight more great then all my miseries , Obserue , deare eies obserue . Co.

Nay go thy way for a Camell or a Camelion , thou maist compare with all Europe , Africke and Asia , and one that will change tricks , though thou wert worthy to be schoolmaster either to Proteus or Aritine : what an excellent gift did God giue vnto man when he gaue him woman , but how much more when that woman was made faire ? but ô the most of all when she had wit to vse euery member of her creation . Well I le stand to it , their s nothing but beautie , vse and old age that puts weomen of my ranck out of request , and yet like old bucklers though fewe of your gallant cauileres will weare vs , yet many of your stale Ruffins will imploy vs , and that s our comfort still .

Me. Was euer heard a baude more damnable ? A very mountebanke of wench flesh , an Emperick , A dog-leech for the putrefied sores , Of these Iust-cankerd great ones , O I could Euen mad my selfe with railing at their vices . Prate knocks at the dore . But hearke one knocks , O for the orator , Heauens I beseech thee , O for the orator . Co. How now , who knocks so rudely at the dore ? Pra. T is I I say , open the dore , I am in hast . Me. T is he , iust heauens t is he , fore God the orator . Co. Soule of my bawdie office , how are wee betraid , Anon , anon sir , what Mistres Prate I say ? Arise for shame , your husbands at the dore , I come , I come , Lord God how dull you are When danger 's at your heeles , rise quickly . Pra. Open the dore , or I wil breake it ope . Co. I come , I come , I thinke hee 's mad with hast , What Iohn , what Thomas , Robert , wher 's these knaues , What Iulian , Mary , Sislie , neere a maid within . Lo. For Gods loue stay , i le find the key straight way . Enter Lollia and Alphonso in his shirt . O mistres Coloquintida , what shall become of vs ? Co. Nay I am at my wits end , and am made Duller then any spurgald , tired Iade . Alph. Sfoote if he enter , I will breake his neck . Lo. Not for a world deare loue , step into my closet . Alp. Did euer slaue come thus vnluckily ? Lo. Nay now 's no time for passion , good Lord in . Exit Alph. and enter Prate . Co. Fy I haue almost broke my hart with running . Lo. How now deare husband , what hath moued this hast ? Pra.

I thinke I was not blest this morning when I rose : for through my forgetfulnes I haue left behind me in my study the breuiates of all my causes , and now the Senat is faine to daunce attendance on my leasure , fy , fy , fy .

Exit Prate . Lo.

Nay if he smell nothing but papers , I care not for his dry foote hunting , nor shall I neede to puffe pepper in his nostrils , but see hee comes againe .

Enter Prate , and stumbling at his wiues bed , sees Alphonsos rich apparell lying thereon . Pra. I thinke the Diuell haue laid his hornes in my way . Me.

Yes , and if you had wit you might coniure him out of your wiues closet .

Prate .

Sancte benedicite , what haue we heere , hath the golden snake cast his skinne vpon my bed , go toe wife , I smell I smell , mee thinkes your plaine rug should not agree with this rich counterpoint .

Lo.

Husband , either I haue fitted you now , or else I shall neuer fit you whilst I breath .

You oft haue told me , that like those of your ranke , Who both adorne their credits and them selues , Yea euen their causes with their costly cloaths , Your selfe in like sort would striue to imitate , And now my neighbour heere hath brought this suite , Which if you please to buy , t is better cheape Then ere t' was made by full fiue thousand crownes . Prate . Saist thou me so wench , a kisse for that ifaith ,

Fore God it is a delicate fine suite , rich stuffe , rare worke , and of the newest fashion ; nay if the Senats businesse were neuer so hasty , I will stay to try it on , come , help good wenches helpe , so there , there there .

The Orator puts on Alphonsos apparell . Me. Sfoote will the oxe put on the Lions hyde , He will , he will , t is more then excellent , So guild the tombe which holds but rottennes , Laughter I feare will burst me , looke how hee struts , O God that euer any man should looke Vpon this maumet and not laugh at him , Prate . Fit fit : excellent fit as though , The body it was made for wore my mould , Wife I will haue it , wee le dispute no price . Enter Velons . Ve.

Master Orator , the Senat are set , and can dispatch no causes through your absence , therfore they earnestly intreat your presence .

Pra. I come , I come , good friend go say I come , And wife see that you pay for this suite , what so ere it cost . Ex. Pra. Me. Not aboue making you cuckold , that s the most . Lo. What is he gone ? Co. He is . Enter Alphonso in his shirt . Lo. Why then come forth poore naked Lord . Alp.

What is he gone , may the Diuell and his hornes both follow him .

Lo. He is gone : but yet he hath discouered your treason . Alp. How ? Co.

Yes , and in reuenge thereof hath vow'd , that in this naked sort as you are , you shall doe penance through the Citie for your sinne of vnchastitie .

Alp.

I pray thee leaue thy womans phrase , and speake like a man , plainly , plainly .

Lo.

Then plainly thus , he is gone and hath taken away your apparell .

Alp. Vpon what accident ? Lo.

This , when your negligence had left your cloathes vpon my bed , he espied them , taskt me for the owner , I in excuse told him it was a suite brought by my gossip to be sold , hee straight like a childe proud of a new coate , presently puts it on , presently is sent for to the Senat , and at this present hath left you that the world may behold your naked doings .

Alp.

I would it were washt in the bloud of a Centaure , that when he puts it off , his skinne might follow it , but how shall I get to my chamber ?

Lo. Truly I know not , except you wil weare a smocks vpper-coate . Alp. What a petticote , you mad me with your mirth . Lo.

Then seriously thus , as he hath tane your cloathes , you must take his , and let the world know you haue had more then fidlers fare , for you haue meat , money and cloth .

Alp.

Sfoote how shall I looke in this Diuels suite , sure I shall grow sick to see my shape .

Lo.

Well extremity must then be your physick , but come , you shall attire your selfe in my chamber .

Exit Alp. Co. and Colo. Me. Are these the winding turnes of female shames , Loose womans gamboles , and the tricks of sinne ? And are we borne to beare these suffrages ? O hee that s tide vnto a brothell bed , Feeles his worst hell on earth , and may presume There is no sicknes like his pestilence : Well , what the issue of this iest will proue , My wit but yet conceiues and after time Shall perfit it and giue it liberty , In such sort , that if it true fire strike , A world of Apes shall study for the like . Ex. Enter the Duke of Epire alone . Epy. My thoughts are troubled , Ioy forsakes me quite , And all my meditations are reuenge : Ambition and fell murder ioyne in me , And aid each other to vntwine a state , And make whole millions proue vnfortunate . Now must I practise court art flattery , And wisely temporise with blackest deedes : I le smile and stab now weepe , then laugh , then frowne , And with sly tricks of state kill all suspition . Diuels must seeme like Angels , saith ambition , The blackest thoughts I le study to excell , Crownes and reuenge haue made men diue to hell . My plot is currant and it cannot misse , Whilst wisedome windes me on the clew of blisse . The King shall kill the Queene , that acted right , I soone will turne his brightest day to night . Hee s simple , honest , and loues downy rest , Then he must fall , t is policie in state To hurle them downe are blest with happy fate . Thus each shall scourge himselfe with his owne rod , Who is all policie , auowes no God . Who is within there hoe ? Enter Florio . Flo. Did your grace call ? Epy. I did , where is the King ? Flo. He is in his priuie chamber playing at chesse . Epy. Go straight and tell him I must speake with him , And say my businesse doth import great haste . Flo. I goe my Lord . Epy. Be a blest Mercury , now mount thee vp my spirit , And shew thy selfe a Polititian , Let slaunder rule thy tongue , enuy thy hart , And let destruction be thy period Of what thou speakst ; for this my maxim is , But rule no heauen , and but reuenge no blisse . Enter Cypres , Florio and attendants . Cy. Here comes the King , my Lord we must be priuat , Remoue your hearings from our conference , Now speake my Lord , speake freely as to heauen . Epy. First with my knee I kisse this prostrate earth , And humbly beg , that which my tongue shall speake , So it proceede from loue and vassallage , May beare a pardon or forgetfulnes . Cy. You haue it , arise , discharge an open breast . Epy. O my dread Liege , my speech will make you sad , ( And Kings doe seldome rellish their distastes ) And from that sadnes such a storme will rise As will euen droune vp all credulity . O that my loyall hart could couer sinne , Or that my tongue inured vnto griefe , Might lose his spleene ere it distemper you , But loue and mine alleagance bid me speake . Cy. Then speake , and doe not rack me with delay . Epy. Women , why were you made for mans affliction , The first that euer made vs taste of griefe , And last of whom in torments we complaine , You diuels shapt like Angels , through whose deedes , Our forked shames are made most visible , No soule of sense would wrong bright Maiesty , Nor staine their bloud with such impurity . Cy. Nay good Lord leaue this Allegorick speech , And giue me knowledge from a plainer phrase . Epy. Then plainly thus , your bed is prest with lust . I know you doe not credit , nay what s more , I know you hate me for my vertuousnes , Your Queene behaues her like a curtezan , I know you hold me for a vild imposter , O foolish zeale that makes me be so fond To leaue my faith vnto black censuring , O she hath sinn'd and done a double wrong To you , to her and sacred chastity . Cy. Duke thou art valiant , and with a valiant mind , Slander is worse then theft or sacrilidge , Nay more then murder , or the height of treason , A step beyond the vtmost plagues in hell . Then thou which in that nature wrongst a Queene , Deseru'st a scourge beyond their punishments , Vertue should kill thee now . Epy. Nay doe , my brest is bare vnto thy steele , Kill me because I loue thee and speake true , Is this the merit of a Romane faith , For this haue I obseru'd , pried in vnto , And searcht each secret shift of vanity ? Nay pray you kill me , faith I le patient stand , Liue still a monster , hold shame in your hand . Cy. Speake a word more , a King shal be thy death . Epy. Death is a slaue to him that is resolud , And my soule loathes this seruile flattery : Nor will I couer such intemperate sinne , But to the world make them and that transparent , Vnlesse your selfe will seeke to right your selfe . Cy. Thou hast awakt me , and thy piercing words Haue split my sense in sunder : yet what ground ha ? Remaines wheron to ground suspition ? a cuckold , cuckold Epy. Your absence is the baud to her desires , For their maskes , dauncings , gaming , banquetting , Strange priuate meetings and all to●…fes in loue . As wanton speeches to stirre Appetite , And all inchantments that inflame desire . When you returne , then all is husht and still , And she demurely walkes like vertues Ghost : Before your face shee s like a Puritane , Behind your back a blushes curtezan . Cy. O I haue drunck in poison at mine eares , which makes my bloud boile with vnquenched flames , But speake who is it that dishonors me ? Epy. He that you prize a line before your life , I know you will not credit faith you will not . Cy. Nay if thou cease to speake , thou hatst my life , Tak'st thou delight to kill me , then forbeare , Sfoote I am mortall man kill me , doe doe doe . Epy. Your best of friends , your dearest Philocles Vsurps your bed and makes you a cornute , A creature vncreate in paradise . And one that s onely of a womans making . Cy. I st possible ? can I giue faith to this ? Epy. Nay be but patient , smooth your brow a little , And you shall take them as they clip each other . Euen in their height of sin then dam them both , And let them stinck before they aske God pardon , That your reuenge may stretch vnto their soules . Cy. To be a cuckold doth exceede all griefe . Epy. To haue a pleasant scoffe at Maiesty . Cy. To taste the fruit forbidden from my tree . Epy. But he shall loose his paradise for that . Cy. The slaue will make base songs in my disgrace . Epy. And wound your reputation in strange Lands . Cy. This iniury sads all my ioies on earth . Epy. Hornes are not shund by wisdom , wealth or birth Cy. Watch their close meetings , & then giue vs notice , Meane space my loue shall in thy bosome rest , My griefe is like my birth great , great and hie : Giue close intelligence , till then farewell , Lust is the broadest path which leades to hell . Exit Cypres . Ep. Hee 's gone with blacke suspition in his heart : And made his soule a slaue to iealousie , My plots shall driue him to his owne destruction ; And I gaine both reuenge and dignitie . He shall no sooner put his Queene to death , But i le proclaime her spotlesse innocence . All men will hate him for so vile an act , And mad with rage depose him from his crowne . Then I will be his death , his state doth giue , Kings once deposd , long after must not liue ; For like a Phoenix rare in iealousie , , He shall consume himselfe in scortching flames , Whilest from his ashes I a Phoenix spring : Many renounce their God to be a king , And i le be one to kill men with a frowne . None dare dispute the actions of a crowne . Exit .

Act. 4.

Scen. 1. Musicke . Enter Florio and Meshant . Florio . THe Queene is all for reuelles , her light heart , Vnladen from the heauinesse of state , Bestowes it selfe vpon delightfulnesse . Me. She followes her creation and her sexe . In my conceit it is as vile a thing , To see the worthy modell of a woman , Who had not beene at all ; but to giue life , And stirring spleene to mans allacrity , To sit orewhelmd with thought , with darke amuze And the sad sullennesse of a grieued dislike ; As to behold an old man in his furres , Whose well spent youth , hath giuen his age full strength To be his countries best physitian , To caper to his graue , and with vaine gaudes Trick vp his coffin , and vpon his tombe , To leaue no knowledge but his leuitie . Flo. T is true indeed , and nature in her selfe , Doth giue vs still distaste in contraries . And in my thoughts it is as base to see a woman man As see a man a long roab'd feminine . Me.

Well , we forget our selues my Lord , What is the musicke ready ? I pray you command the guard to take their halberts in their hands , the Vshers should haue seene this roome perfum'd , in faith they are too negligent : here comes the Queene .

Enter the Queene , Mariana , and waiting women , Philocles and other Lords , the King disguised like one of the guard at the one end of the stage , and the Duke so likewise disguised at the other end of the Stage . Qu. Loud musicke there , and let the God of Harmony Rauish our senses with delightfull aires , Tun'd to the musicke of the higher spheare , And with that mortall signe rarely shew , The ioyes in Ioues high court , to feast the Gods , Making that place abound in happinsse . Come noble Philocles I ceaze you first , ( Mariana there are choice of other Lords ) In gracing you , it is the king I grace . Ma. Come honest Lord , t is you must stand to me , The Queene in mine doth challenge interest , And I must flie for shelter to my friends . Me. And i le be glad to be your couerture . Ma. O no my Lord , not till the weather change . Me. Wel when you please , meane time you do me grace . Qu. Nay my Lord , ther 's a Lady worth the handling . Sound musicke then , fill earth with heauens pleasure , Cyp. My Queene is out of time , though she keep measure . Heere they daunce the first straine . Epi. Be luckie villainie , Hit now the marke that mine ambition aimes at Me thinks I see that leane Italian diuell , iealousie , daunce In his eies : possesse him spirit of rage , Mufflle his vnderstanding with black thoughts , Let passion gouerne reason , falshood truth , Obliuion hide his age , hate kill his youth . Epy. Thou dauncest on my heart lasciuious Queene , Euen as vpon these rushes , which thou treadest : See how her motions winde about his eies , And doth present to him her passions , Now doth her moistning palme glow in his hand And courts him vnto dalliance : she dies , t is iust , Shee 's slaue to murder that is slaue to lust . Epi. Thou curse of greatnesse , waking ei'd suspition , Now help thy poore friends , murder and ambition . The first straine ends . Qu. This straine contain'd a preticke change . Proceed vnto the next . They daunce the second . Cyp. Sinne follows sin , and change on change doth wait , Thy change doth change my loue to cruell hate . Here in this straine Mariana came to Philocles . Phi. Madam methinks this change is better then the first . Ma. I if the musicke would not alter it . Qu. Methinks t is worse , come we wil haue another strain They daunce againe . Phi. I pleas'd , let vs proceed . Cyp. Riuals in crownes and beds of kings must bleed , Can that faire house containe so foule a guest . As lust , or cloake inordinate and base desires , Vnder so faire a couerture ; O yes , Women can blind our sense when we se best , And set faire landskips on inconstancie , Making vs blind with seeing the daunce ends , Your sins are blackest , breach of loue and friends . Epy. Now to the king , blow rage till it flame hate , A polititian thriues the best in state . Exit Epyre , and enters to the King againe . Qu. Come sweet Prince Philocles , Deuise some new delights to shorten time , This dulnesse hath no relish in my sense , It hath no pith , and sloth in my conceit Is but a tipe of pride in best constructions . Ma.

Madame i le stand , that a faire woman must bee proud or else a foole .

Phi. I would faine heare that I'faith . Qu. Thy reason wench , I pray the come disburse . Ma. A woman faire is like a full blowne rose , Qu. Which holds the faire no longer then it growes . Ma. A woman faire is like the finest gold . Phi. Which kept from vse is good though nere so old . Ma. Nay good Lord leaue a little , She that is faire is wise , and ought to know it , For to that end did nature first bestow it . Now of this knowledge if we be not proud , We wrong the author , and we are allowd To ranke with sensles beasts , sith carelesse wee For want of pride detract our dignitie . Now knowing it , we know truth in the same , Not to be proud of truth askes follies name . This lesson still is read in beauties schoole , She that is faire and humble is a foole : For neither knowe she how to hold her good , Or to keep safe the treasure of her bloud . Qu. a notable declamation . Ma Nay madame by your leaue , Pride giues a luster to a womans faire , Things that are highest prizd , are euer deere . Why is the Diamond the Saphyrs king , But for esteeme and rarenesse ? both which spring From the stones pride , which is so chast and hard , Nothing can pierce it , it selfe is it selfes guard , Now what is pride ? selfe loue , our owne esteeme , A strength to make vs of our selues well deeme : From whence this maxim I collect mongst other , Who hates her selfe can neuer loue another . And to conclude , mans appetite growes dull To what it may haue , emptie hope is full , To all our sexe on earth , maid , widow , wife and bride , They happy liue , when they liue with chast pride . Cyp.

My Queene will speake as much for lust as shee for pride , if the toy take her .

Me. Your Ladiship sowes dangerous seede abroad . Ma. But I hope my lord all grounds are not fruitfull . Qu. Well wench , shalt be the proud womans champion . Ma. And i le defend them against all men , as at single tongue . Me. I had rather fight with a gyant , then you at that weapon . Cyp. My Lord go forth , returne in your owne shape , say I am comming . Epy. I goe my Lord . Exit Epyre. Cyp. I le note their countenance when they heare of me . Kings often see that which they would not see . Qu. Dauncing hath made me weary , what sport is next ? Phi. What your highnesse will command . Cyp. she will command you sir to play with her . Enter Epyre. Epy. Madame his maiestie is returnd to court . Qu. Nay then away with reuels and with sports , Lie husht , and still this vainer idlenesse , It now hath lost his spleene , come Lords away . My sunne is risen , brings a brighter day . Exeunt all but Cypres and Epyre. Cyp. Darknesse is thy delight lasciuious Queene , And thou wouldst haue thy sun pent vp in cloude : If I be he , O falsnesse did I for this , In single opposition hand to hand , Hazard my royall bloud for thee to be My greatest shame , the scandall of my blood , Whil'st rumour crownes me king of infamy ? But I will be reueng'd : watch gentle Lord , When next I see them , they shall tast of death , Such power hath basenesse ouer great defame That monarches cannot couer their own shame . Exit Cypres . Epy. My plot yet holds a true proportion , And I do see , an euen way to rule , A crowne like a bould champion bids me on , And fame shall chronicle mine enterprise : The Queene being dead , I must oppose my selfe , Against her tyrant husband , that s my claime And with strong courage , stand the shocke of warre : If of my selfe I can withstand the King , Then all the Land will flocke vnto mine aide , if not , The king is Gods annointed , my head fits the blocke , And that s the worst , yet future times will tell : I sunke not sleightly , for a crowne I fell . Exit Epyre. Enter Meshant , and a guard of watchmen . Me. Come on my masters , you know the tenure of the kings command , And what in this great businesse you must do , Which is to keep him safe , and not vouchsafe That any creature speake or visit him , Till he be brought to the presence of the king , You must not start for bountie nor for threats . No though he say he is a noble man , As it may be , he may proue mightie borne , Yet what for that ? you must performe your office Or else expect to tast sharp punishment . 1 Watch.

Tut , feare not my Lord , wee that haue had Cerberus office so many yeares vnder a gate , are not to learne now to play either diules or tyrants , let vs but see him , and then take no care for his safety .

2 Watch.

Nay hee shall bee put into safe keeping , for my wife shall take charge of him .

Enter Alphonso in the Orators clothes . Me. T is well deui'sd , see where he comes , He may not see my presence , thinke vpon 't , Your charge is trusty , and of mightie waight . Farewell . Exit Meshant . 1 Watch.

Feare not : come my ●…arts , compasse him about , and ceaze on him all at once , like so many Rauens on a dead horse .

Alp. Now an eternall sleep , an apoplex , a swound Ceaze on their senses , who in this disguise Shall view or note my vile deformitie . I was bewitcht with spels to my misfortune : Or else starre crost with some hagges hellishnesse . Sure I said my prayers , ris'd on my right side , Wash't hands and eies , put on my girdle last ; Sure I met no splea-footed baker , No hare did crosse me , nor no bearded witch , Nor other ominous signe , O then why Should I be thus damn'nd in the diuels nets ? Pst possible ? this habit which I weare Should become any man ? now of my soule , I loath to see my selfe , and willingly I would euen vomit at my counteneance . 1 Watch. Stand sir , we arrest you . Alp. Arrest me , why I iniure no man but my selfe . 2 Watch.

You are the more vnkind , he that wrongs himselfe , will not sticke to wrong the whole world also .

1 Wa.

Nay striue not for we arrest you by vertue of the Kings commission .

Alp. Well my masters be carefull , you may mistake me . 2 Wa. Indeed it is no maruaile you are so like other men . Alp. Indeed at this time , I am hardly like one of Gods making . 1 Wa.

Faith and I am sure you are no man of a good taylors making , you are but peest worke .

Alp. Well yet I may hap to proue a noble man . 2 Wa.

A whoremaster or an vnthrift , away with him , and let no man man catachise him vpon paine of my displaesure .

Exeunt Enter the Duke of Epyre alone Epy. Roule on the chariot wheeles of my deere plots , And beare mine ends to their desired ●●kes : As yet ther s not a rub of wit , a gulfe of thought , No rockie misconstruction , thorny amaze , Or other let of any doubtfulnesse ; As yet thy way is euen smoth and plaine , Like the greene Ocean , in a silent calme . Blessed credulity , thou great God of errour , That art the strong foundation of huge wrongs , To thee giue I my vowes and sacrifice , By thy great deity he doth beleeue Falshoods , that falshoods selfe could not inuent , And from that misbeleefe doth draw a course To ouerwhelme euen vertue , truth and sanctitie . Let him go on blest starres , t is meet he fall , Whose blindfold iudgement hath no guid at all . But O these shadowes haue bewitchted long , To threat and not to do , doth malice wrong ; And see heere comes the Queene . Enter the Queene , Mariana and other Ladies . Qu. My Lord the Duke , your presence and my wish , Iumpe in an euen line together : come we must to cardes , I haue some crownes I needs must lose to you . Epy. I humbly beseech your highnesse pardon me , I haue important businesse of the Kings , Which doth command mine instant diligence . Ma. Brother , indeede you shall attend the Queene , Another time will serue those state dispatches . Epy. Sister content you , the affaires of state Must giue their best attendance on the times , And great occurrents must not lose their minutes . Ma.

Now i le stand to it , that to be a states man or a lawier , is to be of the most thanklesse occupation that euer was deriu'd from humain inuention .

Que. Why I pray thee wench ? Ma.

Because they bestow all the laborious toile of the minde vntill they be forty , that they may liue imprison'd in a study chamber till they be fourescore , onely this worlds Mammon , which is great name and riches , like a string betweene a gallie slaues legs , is the only ease of their fetters .

Que.

A notable construction of a noble labor : but shall we not haue your company my Lord ?

Epy.

My seruice Madam , but my presence the King hath imploid , onely if you please , I will send Prince Philocles to your Maiestie .

Que. No creature better for his skill in play , Is equall with our knowledge , good my Lord , Send him to my priuy chamber presently . Exit Queene and Mariana . Enter Philocles . Epy. I will , and send affliction after him , And see where he comes , My Lord your presence hath Saued me much labour , and a little care , I was in quest for your faire company : The Queene my Lord intreats you earnestly You will attend her in her priuy chamber . Phi. Vnto what end ? Epy. Only to waste some time at cards with her , The lasie howers stick heauy on her thoughts , Which she would lose with some forgetfulnesse . Phi. Faith , & play nere relisht worse within my thoghts , I know not how , but loaden heauinesse Drawes me to be in loue with melancholy . Epi. The fitter for you with more light sports To chace that bloud consumer from your brest , Who with a honnie poison doth deuoure , And kill the very life of liuelihood . Phi. T is true , & therfore shall your counsaile tutor me , Where is her Maiesty ? Epy. Gone to her priuie chamber where she doth expect you . Phi. I will attend her presently . Exit Phi. Epy. Doe , and I will attend thee to thy graue , Poore shallow Lord , by much too vertuous . Hoe , whose within there ? Enter Florio . Flo. Your graces pleasure . Epy. Go tell his Maiesty that I must speake with him . Flo. I go . Enter aloft to cardes the Queene and Philocles . Que.

Come my Lord take your place , here are cards , and here are my crownes .

Phi. And here are mine , at what game will your Maiesty play ? Qu. At mount saint . Phi. A royall game , and worthy of the name , And meetest euen for Saincts to exercise : Sure it was of a womans first inuention . Qu. It is not Saint , but Cent , taken from hundreds . Phi. True , for mongst millions hardly is found one saint Qu. Indeede you may allow a double game , But come list for the dealing , it is my chance to deale . Phi. An action most , most proper to your sex . Enter Cypres . Cy. How now my waking dragon , thou whose eies Doe neuer fall or close through Lethean sleepe , What is there a Hercules that dare to touch , Or enter the Hesperian Rosaries ? Epy. Speak softly gentle Lord behold , behold The sillie birds are tangled in your snare , And haue no way to scape your punishment : See how her eies doe court him , and his lookes pay to her loue a double interest : fie fie , they are toe blame . Que. What are you my Lord ? Phi. Your highnes seruant , but misfortunes slaue . Que. Your game I meane . Phi. Nothing in show , yet somewhat in account , Madam I am blanke . Qu.

You are a double game , and I am no lesse , there s an hundred , & all cards made but one knaue .

Epy. Marke that , of my life she meanes your Maiesty . Cy. True , I know she holds me as her varlet , And that I am imperfit in her game , But my reuenge shall giue me better place , Beyond the hate of her foule impudence . Epy. Nay good my Lord obserue , they will confirme you better . Qu. What s your game now ? Phi. Foure Kings as I imagine . Qu. Nay I haue two , yet one doth me little good . Phi. Indeed mine are 2 Queenes , & one I le throw away . Epy. Doth your Maiesty marke that ? You are the King that she is wearie of , And my sister the Queene that he will castaway . Phi. Can you decard Madam ? Qu. Hardly but I must doe hurt . Phi. But spare not any to confirme your game . Epy. Would you haue more plaine proofe of their foule treason ? They doe not plot your highnes death alone . Cy. But others which they thinke depend on me . Epy. My selfe and those which doe you seruices , They are bloudy minded , yet for my selfe , Were it not for your saftie , I could wish You would remit and blot these errors out , In hope that time would bring them to more vertue . Cy. O then thou didst not loue me , nor thy faith Tooke hold vpon my scandals , fie I am mad , Sham'd and disgrac't , all wit-stung , wisdomlesse . Within there ho ? Enter Florio . Flo. Did your maiesty call ? Cy. Go instantly , ( nay doe not looke sad or pale , Neither dispute with me nor with thy thoughts : But as thou lou'st thy life , effect my will ) Call all my guard , ascend the Queenes priuie chamber , And in my name arrest her and Prince Philocles of treason : Make no delay but in thy diligence Shew how thou dost respect me , arrested once , Conuey them vnto straitest prison : away . Exit Florio . For you my Lord , go instantly prepare , And summon all the Princes of our land Vnto an instant Parliament , where we Will haue them both condemn'd imediately , Without their answeres plaints or pitiousnes . Since womens teares doe blunt reuenges sword , I will not see nor heare them speake one word . Ex. Cy. Epy. Enter Florio and a guard aloft to the Queene and Philocles Flo.

Madam and Prince Philocles , in the Kings name I arrest you both of high treason .

Phi. He lies that saith I euer knew the word . Que. I pray thee doe not affright me gentle Lord , Thy words doe cary death euen in their sound . Flo. Madam I am most sorrie t is my fortune , But what I doe is by the Kings commission . Que. Whence is that warrant grounded , or what s our treason ? Flo. I am his instrument but not his counsailor . Que. Witnesse my teares that I am innocent . Phi. Madam be patient , that we doe not know , Wee haue no cause to grieue at , as for enuies toile , Let her euen break her owne gall with desire , Our innocence is our preuention . Be cheerefull Madam , t is but some villains sound , Made onely to amaze , not to confound . And what must wee doe my Lord ? Flo. To prison are the words of my commission . Phi. Then leade the way ; he hath of griefe no sense , Whose conscience doth not know of his offence .

Act. 5.

Scene . 1. Musique . Enter at one dore Epyre , at another Mariana . Epyre. HOw now mad sister , your deare loue is condemn'd , A sweete adulterer . Ma. How , condemd before their tryall ? Epy. No they were condemnd by Act of Parliament . Ma. I doe not hold thee brother for a man , For it is reasonlesse to mock calamity , If he die innocent , thrice happy soule ; If guilty , weepe , that man should so transgresse : Nature of reason thus much doth importune , Man should partake in griefe with mans misfortune . Epy. For him , if ere mine eies weep , may they drop out And leaue my body blinder then my sense : Pittie my foe the ruine of my house , My valours scandall , and mine honours poison ! No let him fall , for bloud must still quench lust , Law hath condemd him , then his death is iust . Ma. Spit out that monster enuy , it corrupts you , And mildly heare me answere for my loue , What did he gainst you was not honourable , Which you gainst him would not haue gladly done ? Will you hate him for acting your owne thoughts ? Can it be ill in him yet good in you ? Let reason waigh this difference then you le find His honor poizes downe his infamy . Epy. Canst thou loue him that brought thee to thy death ? Ma. No like a God he made me with his breath . Epy. Did he not win thy loue and then reiect thee ? Ma. His honor not his loue doth now neglect me . Epy. Fond maid thy foolish dotage doth mistake him . Ma. Hell shall haue mercie ere I will forsake him . Epy. Farewell then sister , friend to my greatest foe , Reuenge strikes home , being ended with one blow . Exit Epy. Ma. Preuention thou best midwife to misfortune , Vnfold this vgly monsters treachery , And let his birth be ominous strooke dead , Ere it haue being in this open world : Loues commands nature , brother pardon me , Thine enuy dies by my loues liberty . Inuention ( hart of wit ) possesse my braine , For treason is to treason her owne bane . And you bright heauens , now aid me in my plots , That truth may shine through falshoods leporous spots . My life I le hazard to redeeme my loue , Firme constancy like rocks can neuer moue . Be bold then maiden hart in his defence He saued thy life , thy life 's his recompence . My wit and hopes haue furnisht me with all The helpes of art , to bring forth treasons fall . Now to the meanes : some say that gold hath power , To enter without force a gatelesse tower ; And I le try that , which if it take fast hold , I le neuer blame them more that doate on gold . Hoe , whose within there ? Enter Gailer . Ga.

Who calles , what would you haue ? I thought you were a woman you were so hasty : O Madam is it you ? I cry you mercie .

Ma. My griefe speakes loud sir , and my swift desire Ore rules my tongue , makes it keepe time with thought , I long to see a prisoner in this ill built house . Ga. What prisoner Madam ? Ma. The worthy Prince , the famous Philocles . Ga. Madame I dare not , without especiall warrant . Ma. I haue my brothers strong commission , hold there is gold . Ga.

This golden calfe is an excellent Idoll ; and sewe of my profession but serues it this dumb god giues tongue to all men , wit to all men , honour to any man , but honesty to no man ; and therefore as for honesty I meane not to deale with so deare a commodity , but leaue it to my better : Madam those staires direct you to his lodging .

Ma. I thanke you sir. Exit Mariana . Ga.

This is a worthy Lady to giue thus much for the bare sight of a man in affliction , if he were at liberty it were nothing : but being as it is , it is most bountifull , but it may be it is for the past houres of former recreations , well let it be what it shall be , I am sure it was not that I should hold this disputation : but see here she comes againe .

Enter Philocles in Marianaes attire , and Mariana in his . Phi. Madame my soule cannot consent to leaue Your life in this great hazard , nor can death Carie such vgly shape as doth the thought That you are left in this extremity : Indeede I will not leaue you . Ma. Will you grow mad ? what shall your nobler spirit Which is the schoole of wisdome grow so fond , As to reuolt from all our happines ? Our plots you know , and how to manage cares , Whose true euents haue true proportions . Then deare Lord rest resolu'd , the Gailer ouer heares : Liue you with safetie , most worthy maid farewell . Phi. Farewell faire Prince ; thanks M Iayler and a kind commend . Gai. As much vnto your Ladiship . So now I le lock my dores . Exit Mar. Phi. and Gatler . Enter Cypres , Meshant , Florio and attendants . Cy. Is our commission , as wee gaue in charge , Deliuered ore to the Corigidors ? Me. It is , and with such strictnes and aduice , For speedy execution of the same , That by this time I know they are in the way Vnto their execution , for the hower Of death doth runne vpon his latest minutes . Cy. T is well : for till their shamelesse liues haue end , There can no comfort creepe into my thoughts , Or ought saue mifchief keepe me company . Why was I borne to this malignity And lownesse of base fortune : yet my place Aboue the leuell of the vulgars sight , O it is but to let me know thus much , That those which ly within the richest graues Were at the best but fortunes glorious slaues . But see , here comes my shame . Enter Corigidors , Queene and Philocles bound , and a guard of halberts with the executioner . Que. My dearest Lord . Cy. Passe and respect me not lasciuious woman , Thy teares are of the speares of Crocodils , See how I stop mine eares against thy plaints , And glue mine vnderstandings from thy charmes , Nay call on him thou hast offended most , Mercy from me were worse then cruelty . Qu. My dearest dreade , my best best soueraigne , Whom I haue nere offended but with zeale And constant loue , loyall and honorable , Vouchsafe me though a Queene a subiects right , And let me know for what offence I perish . Cyp. For thine adulterat and monstrous lust , Shamefull and grosse and most vnsufferable . Qu. Who doth accuse vs ? Cyp. Our selfe , and our owne soule that haue beheld Your vile and most lasciuious passages . Ma. O that my tongue would not betray my knowledge Then would I amaze them all with mine assertions : Madame , challenge the law . Qu. My gratious Lord , since no desert in me , Can merit your beliefe , nor that your eie , Can rightly iudge my pure complexion : Yet as your handmaid , let me beg the right , Due vnto wretches from our countries lawes . Cyp. The tenure of the law you do demand . Qu. That in the case of slander , where the proofe Proceedes as much from enuy as from truth , We are allow'd our champions to defend Our innocence , with a well ordered sword . Cyp. I lookt for this obiection and allow it , Nor am I vnprouided for your best And strongest hope in any victory ; Lords attend in my Champion . Here the noble men go forth , and bring in the Duke of Epire like a combatant . Qu. Will you my Lord approue the Kings assertion . Epy. Madame , although against the nature of my spirit , And my first duty , bound to your allegeance , Yet now compeld by duty and by truth , I must of force become your opposite . Qu. Thou art no true Italian , nor true gentleman , Thus to confound the glory of thy iudgement . Hath not that arme which now is arm'd against me That valour , spirit , iudgement and that worth , Which onely makes you worthy , stood t' approue More then my selfe will challenge to my vertues ? And are you now basely turnd retrograde ? Well , I perceiue ther 's nought in you but spleene , And times obseruance , still to hold the best : Still I demand the Law . Cyp. And you shall haue it in the amplest manner . Sound cornets . Heere the cornets sound thrice , and at the third sound , enters Philocles disguised like a combatant . Flo. There is a combatant on the defendants part ; your maiesties pleasure . Cyp. Giue him his oath according to the lawes . Flo. Are the faire ends of this your warlike posture , To proue the innocence of these two condemnd ? So help you Ioue . Phi. They are . Cyp. Then giue the warlicke signall to the fight . Heere the combate being fought , Philocles ouercomes the Duke . Phi. Thou art my slaue , either confesse or die . Epi. Didst thou speake true , I would not sound a word To saue the world from cinders ; yet that thou maiest With more resolued fury murder me , This I confesse , t was I that onely stird , Out of strong falshoods hate and iealousie The kings eternall wrath , and made him thinke Vntruths , that euen vntruth would not suggest : And all my malice sprung from that Prince Philocles . Phi. No t was from me that still am Philocles . Cyp. My Philocles , my Queene , O double pardon me , My iealousie , his enuy , and your vertues : Are sprung from such impatient contraries , I cannot reconcile them ; yet O pardon me : My faith in life shall make you recompence : For thee rare Mariana ; thou hast wrought A worke of noble constant magnitude . As for this monster , this my tempting diuell , Whose forfait life is witnesse to his shame : I giue his life and fortunes to the Queene , She whom his malice would haue brought to death , Shall now be iudge and Iurer of his breath . Ma. In which commission , ( madame ) let it be inrold He is my brother and my best of blood . Qu. And onely that is charter for his life : Liue enuious Lord , more enuious then th' art great , Liue to lament thy worst of wretchednesse , Liue to repent , since this I certaine know : Thine owne gald conscieuce will be thy worst woe . Enter a guard of watchmen with Alphonso . 1 Watch.

Come bring him away , thrust him forward , though fauour and a great purse were against him .

Cyp. How now , what tamult haue we there ? 2 Watch.

And it please your maiestie we haue brought you heere a slip a peece of false coine : one that is neither stampt with true coine for his excuse , nor with good clothes for his redemption .

Cyp.

Alphonso , in the name of madnes how comes this Metamorphosis ? Nay stand forth , discourse , if thou dost lie , thou art mine enemy .

Me.

Nay more , if thou sticke in any bogge , and by a tricke seeke to wind out , I will discouer you .

Alph.

This coniuration ( beleeue it my Lord ) shall make me leap out of all fetters , and briefly thus I haue long time loued the faire wife of the Orator ; & hauing no opportunity but his absence at the senate , I tooke that season : hee out of negligence , omitting his papers returnd vnseasonably , found mee insufficiently , and forst mee to take sanctuary strangely , which howeuer I purchast , yet hee found mine apparrell , and mistaken in the tenure , reacht it presently , put it on immediatly : and now in the senat house is pleading in it seriously .

Cyp.

I cannot blame him , you hauing got so much within his inward garment .

Me.

Of all which my Lord , I being ( in a strict conceit ) a baudy witnesse : and hauing both from the Orators scornes and delaies receiued many indignities ; though by this discouery to cry quittance with my proud enemy .

Cyp. And you haue amply done , yet this iest , So perfit doth deserue more memory . Florio , go bid the Orator attend vs presently . Exit Flo. And now to you Drap and Velous , I did Referre you long since to the Orator . Yet I note your attention : come there is Some too close fisted hardnes in your hearts , You gripe too hard , your bribes will not disburse , Come tell me truely , as you looke for heauen , What must you pay for your dispatches ? Dra. Ve. A thousand crownes we offred willingly . Cyp. And will your suit auaile with such disbursment ? Dra. Ve. It will , and we most richly satisfied . Cyp. Will you bestow the money on our selfe , We will see the businesse perfited . Dra. Ve.

With all our hearts , and be full ioy'd thereat , heere are the crownes .

Cyp. You shall haue your dispatches . Enter Prat and Florio . See heere comes the Orator , Prat come hither . These Gentlemen whom long since I referd To Your dispatches , are yet vnsatisfied . Prat. Alas my Lord the state , Cyp. I know implores you , yet there s many minutes May giue your best cares leasure ; come there is Some odde disburse , some bribe , some gratulance , Which makes you lock vp leasure , come tell true , What bribe must they giue , what is your v●●●ost price Pra. But fiue hundred crownes of my best conscience . Cyp. Tut it is nothing , hold heere is the coine , And let them haue their pattens presently : Or looke to loose both place and soueraignty . Prat. Legions of diuels haunt their dilligence . Cyp. Fie , I would not haue a man of your high place , Or for respect of wealth or base obseruance In smallest things thus to neglect your credit . Why looke you my Lords , this Orator is not like others of his ranke , Who from their ganish and fantasticke humours , Go thorow the streets , spotted in peacocks plumes . Wearing all colours , laces , broderies , Sattans and silkes , so antike garnished , That when their gownes are off , you cannot finde In Italy a master shapt more nice . But this fellow Prate , heer 's of another sort , Cloth'd like himselfe , demure and soberly : Nay you shall see him for a president . Vngownes the Orator . Passion of mine eie-sight , who haue we heere ? This is Alphonso , ther 's the Orator . Pra. Heart of impatience , I am then a Cuckold , A scorne , a by word and a laughing stocke . What is my wife turnd whoreand must her depth Be sounded by the plumes of forrainers ? Well , the reuenge that I will take for this my shame , Shall make all whores hereafter dread my name . Cyp. Not for thy life , not for my loue I charge thee : Thy wife is honest , chast and vertuous : Onely this wanton Lord , with lust and come Hath much attempted , but preuaild in nought , For proofe see heere the crownes hee would haue giuen T' haue purchas'd her beds honour but she would not , Which I bestow on you for recompence . Therefore as thou dost hope my grace to finde , So to thy wife , be louing , gentle kinde . Prat. Your maiestie may mould me to your pleasure Cyp. I thanke you and will quittance it . Now Meshant , we restore to you your lands , Your honours and neere places , next our selfe , To all that feele distaste in any sore , We giue to cure them , all our grace and fauour , Thus stormes bring gentle sun-shine , and our hands , May after shipwracke bring vs to safe lands .

FINIS .