The Insatiate Countess

THE INSATIATE Countesse .

The Countesse of Sweuia discouered sitting at a Table couered with blacke , on which stands two blacke Tapers lighted , she in mourning . Enter ROBERTO Count of Cypres , GVIDO Count of Arsena , and Signior MIZALDVS . Mizaldus . WHat should we doe in this Countesses darke hole ? She 's sullenly retyred , as the Turtle :

Euery day has beene a blacke day with her since her husband dyed , and what should wee vnruly members make here ?

Guid. As melancholy night masques vp heauens face , So doth the Evening-starre present her selfe Vnto the carefull Shepheards gladsome eyes , By which vnto the folde he leades his flocke . Mizald.

Zounds what a sheepish beginning is here ? 't is said true , Loue is simple ; and it may well hold , and thou art a simple louer .

Rober. See how yond Starre like beauty in a cloud , Illumines darknesse , and beguiles the Moone Of all her glory in the firmament . Mizal.

Well said man i' the Moone . Was euer such Astronomers ? Marry I feare none of these will fall into the right Ditch .

Robert .

Madame .

Count .

Ha Anna , what are my doores vnbarr'd ?

Miz.

I le assure you the way into your Ladiship is open .

Rob. And God defend that any prophane hand Should offer sacriledge to such a Saint . Louely Isabella , by this dutious kisse , That drawes part of my Soule along with it , Had I but thought my rude intrusion Had wak'd the Doue-like spleene harbour'd within you , Life and my first borne should not satisfie Such a transgression , worthy of a checke , But that Immortals wincke at my offence , Makes me presume more boldly : I am come To raise you from this so infernall sadnesse . Isab. My Lord of Cypres , doe not mocke my griefe : Teares are as due a Tribute to the dead , As feare to God , and duty vnto Kings . Loue to the Iust , or hate vnto the Wicked . Rober. Surcease . Beleeue it is a wrong vnto the Gods : They saile against the winde that waile the dead . And since his heart hath wrestled with deaths pangs , From whose sterne Caue none tracts a backward path . Leaue to lament this necessary change , And thanke the Gods , for they can giue as good . Isab. I waile his losse ! Sinke him tenne cubites deeper , I may not feare his resurrection : I will be sworne vpon the holy Writ I morne thus feruent cause , he di'd no sooner : Hee buried me aliue , And mued mee vp like Cretan Dedalus , And with wall-ey'd Ielousie kept me from hope Of any waxen wings to flye to pleasure . But now his soule her Argos eyes hath clo'sd , And I am free as ayre . You of my sexe , In the first flow of youth vse you the sweets Due to your proper beauties , ere the ebbe And long waine of vnwelcome change shall come . Faire women play : she 's chaste whom none will haue . Here is a man of a most milde aspect , Temperate , effeminate , and worthy loue , One that with burning ardor hath pursued me : A donatiue he hath of euery God ; Apollo gaue him lockes , Ioue his high front , The God of Eloquence his flowing speech , The feminine Deities strowed all their bounties And beautie on his face : that eye was Iuno's , Those lips were his that wonne the golden Ball , That virgin-blush Diana's : here they meete , As in a sacred Synod . My Lords , I must intreate A while your wisht forbearance . Omnes .

We obey you Lady . Exit Guido and Mizald . Ma. Rob.

Is. My Lord , with you I haue some conference . I pray my Lord , doe you woo euery Lady In this phrase you doe me ? Rob. Fairest , till now , Loue was an Infant in my Oratory . Isab.

And kisse thus too ?

Rob. I nee'r was so kist , leaue thus to please , Flames into flames , seas thou pour'st into seas . Isab. Pray frowne my Lord , let me see how many wiues You 'll haue . Heigh-ho , you 'll bury me I see . Rob.

In the Swans downe , and tombe thee in mine armes .

Isab. Then folkes shall pray in vaine to send me rest . Away , you 're such another medling Lord . Rob. By heauen my loue 's as chaste as thou art faire , And both exceede comparison : by this kisse , That crownes me Monarch of another world Superiour to the first , faire , thou shalt see As vnto heauen , my loue so vnto thee . Isab. Alas poore creatures , when we are once o' the falling hand , A man may easily come ouer vs . It is as hard for vs to hide our loue , As to shut sinne from the Creators eyes . I faith my Lord , I had a Months minde vnto you , As tedious as a full rip'd Maidenhead . And Count of Cypres , thinke my loue as pure , As the first opening of the bloomes in May ; Your vertues man ; nay , let me not blush to say so : And see for your sake thus I leaue to sorrow . Beginne this subtile coniuration with mee , And as this Taper , due vnto the dead , I here extinguish , so my late dead Lord I put out euer from my memory , That his remembrance may not wrong our loue . Puts out the Taper . As bold-fac'd women when they wed another , Banquet their husbands with their dead loues heads . Rob. And as I sacrifice this to his Ghost , With this expire all corrupt thoughts of youth , That fame-insatiate Diuell Iealousie , And all the sparkes that may bring vnto flame , Hate betwixt man and wife or breed defame . Enter MIZALDVS and MENDOSA . Guid.

Marry Amen , I say : Madame , are you that were in for all day , now come to be in for all night ? How now Count Arsena ?

Miz. Faith Signior not vnlike the condemn'd malefactor , That heares his iudgement openly pronounc'd ; But I ascribe to Fate , Ioy swell your loue , Cypres , and Willow grace my drooping crest . Rober. We doe entend our Hymeneall rights With the next rising Sunne . Count Cypres , Next to our Bride , the welcomst to our feast . Count . Ars. Saneta Maria , what thinkst thou of this change ? A Players passion I le beleeue hereafter , And in a Tragicke Sceane weepe for olde Priam , When fell reuenging Pirrhus with supposde And artificiall wounds mangles his breast , And thinke it a more worthy act to me , Then trust a female mourning ore her loue : Naught that is done of woman shall me please , Natures step-children rather her desire . Miz. Learne of a well composed Epigram , A womans loue , and thus 't was sung vnto vs : The Tapers that stood on her husbands hearse , Isabell' aduances to a second bed : Is it not wondrous strange for to rehearse Shee should so soone forget her husband dead ; One houre ? for if the husbands life once fade , Both loue and husband in one graue are laid . But we forget our selues , I am for the marriage Of Signior Claridiana , and the fine Mris. Abigall . Count . Ars.

I for his arch-foes wedding Signior Rogero , and the spruce Mris. Thais : but see , the solemne rites are ended , and from their seuerall Temples they are come .

Mizal.

A quarrell on my life .

Enter at one doore Signior CLARIDIANA , ABIGAL his wife , the Lady LENTVLVS with Rosemary as from Church . At the other doore Signior ROGERO and THAIS his wife , MENDOSA FOSCARII , Nephew to the Duke , from the Bridall , they see one another , and draw , Count Arsena and others step betweene them . Clarid.

Good my Lord detaine me not , I will tilt at him .

Rogero . Remember , Sir , this is your wedding day , And that triumph belongs onely to your wife . Rogero .

If you be noble let me cut off his head .

Clarid.

Remember o' the other side , you haue a maiden-head of your owne to cut off .

Rog.

I le make my marriage day like to the bloudy bridal Alcides by the fierie Centaurs had .

Thais .

Husband , deare Husband !

Rog. Away with these catterwallers . Come on sir . Clarid.

Thou sonne of a Iew .

Guid.

Alas poore wench , thy husband's circumcis'd .

Clarid. Begot when thy fathers face was toward th' East , To shew that thou would'st proue a Caterpiller : His Messias shall not saue thee from me , I le send thee to him in collops . Arsen.

O fry not in choler so Sir .

Roger. Mountebancke with thy Pedanticall action , Rimatrix , Buglors , Rhimocers . Mend. Gentlemen , I coniure you By the vertues of men . Rog.

Shall any broken Quacksaluers Bastard oppose him to mee in my Nuptials ? No , but I le shew him better mettall then ere the Gallemawfrey his father vsed . Thou scumme of his melting pots , that wert christned in a Crusoile , with Mercuries water , to shew thou would'st proue a stinging Aspis ; for all thou spitst is Aqua fortis , and thy breath is a compound of poysons stillatory : if I get within thee , hadst thou the scaly hyde of a Crocodile , as thou art partly of his nature , I would leaue thee as bare as an Anatomy at the second veiwing .

Clarid.

Thou Iew , of the Tribe of Gad , that sure , there were none here but thou and I , would'st teach mee the Art of breathing , thou wouldst runne like a Dromidarie .

Clar.

Thou that art the tal'st man of Christendome ; when thou art alone , if thou dost maintaine this to my face , I le make thee skip like an Ounce .

Mend.

Nay , good sir , be you still .

Roger. Let the Quacksaluers sonne be still : His father was still , and still , and still againe . Clarid.

By the Almighty I le study Negromancy but I le be reueng'd .

Arsen. Gentlemen , leaue these dissentions , Signior Rogero , you are a man of worth . Clarid.

True , all the Citie points at him for a Knaue .

Arsen. You are of like reputation Signior Claridiana : The hatred twixt your Grandsires first beganne , Impute it to the folly of that age . These your dissentions may erect a faction , Like to the Capulets and Montagues . Mend. Put it to equall arbitration , choose your friends , The Senators will thinke 'em happy in 't . Miz.

I le ne'er embrace the smoake of a Furnace , the quintessence of minerall or simples , or as I may say more learnedly , nor the spirit of Quickesiluer .

Clarid.

Nor I such a Centaure , halfe a man , halfe an Asse , and all a Iew .

Arsen.

Nay , then wee will be Constables , and force a quiet : Exeunt all the Men . Manet Lent . Thais . Abig. and Mend. Gentlemen , keepe 'em asunder , and helpe to perswade 'em .

Mend.

Well Ladyes , your Husbands behave 'em as lustily on their wedding dayes , as ere I heard any . Nay Lady widow , you and I must haue a falling : you 're of Signior Mizaldus faction , and I am your vowed enemie , from the bodkin to the pincase . Harke in your eare .

Abigall .

Well Thais , O you 're a cunning caruer : we two that any time these fourteene yeeres haue called sisters , brought and bred vp together : that haue tolde one another all our wanton dreames , talkt all night-long of youngmen , and spent many an idle houre , fasted vpon the stones on S. Agnes night together , practised all the petulant amorousnesses that delights young Maides , yet haue you conceal'd not onely the marriage , but the man : and well you might deceiue mee , for I le be sworne you neuer dream'd of him , and it stands against all reason you should enioy him you neuer dream'd of .

Thais .

Is not all this the same in you ? Did you euer manifest your Sweet-harts nose , that I might nose him by 't ? commended his calfe , or his neather-lip ? apparant signes that you were not in loue or wisely couered it . Haue you euer said , such a man goes vpright , or has a better gate then any of the rest , as indeed , since he is proued a Magnifico , I thought thou wouldst haue put it into my hands what ere 't had beene .

Abig.

Well wench , wee haue crosse fates : our Husbands such inueterate foes , and we such entire friends , but the best is we are neighbours , and our backe Arbors may afford visitation freely : prethee let vs maintaine our familiaritie still whatsoeuer thy husband doe vnto thee , as I am afraid he will crosse it i' the nicke .

Thais .

Faith , you little one , If I please him in one thing , he shall please mee in all , that 's certaine . Who shall I haue to keepe my counsell if I misse thee ? who shall teach mee to vse the bridle , when the reynes are in mine owne hand ? what to long for ? when to take Physicke ? where to be melancholy ? why , we two are one anothers grounds , without which would be no Musicke .

Abig.

Well said wench , and the Pricke-song wee vse shall be our husbands .

Thais .

I will long for Swines-flesh o' the first childe .

Abig. Wilt 'ou little Iew ? And I to kisse thy husband Vpon the least belly-ake . This will mad 'em . Thais .

I kisse thee wench for that , and with it confirme our friendship .

Mend.

By these sweet lips Widow .

Lady Lent . Good my Lord learne to sweare by roate : Your birth and fortune makes my braine suppose , That like a man heated with wines and lust , Shee that is next your obiect is your mate , Till the foule water haue quencht out the fire . You the Dukes kinsman , tell me , I am young , Faire , rich , and vertuous ; I my selfe will flatter My selfe , till you are gone , that are more faire , More rich , more vertuous , and more debonaire : All which are ladders to an higher reach : Who drinkes a puddle that may taste a spring ? Who kisse a Subiect that may hugge a King ? Mend. Yes , the Cammell alwayes drinkes in puddle water , And as for huggings reade Antiquities . Faith , Madame , I le bord thee one of these dayes . Lady . I , but ne'er bed mee my Lord : my vow is firme Since God hath called mee to this noble state , Much to my griefe , of vertuous Widow-hood , No man shall euer come within my gates . Mend. Wilt thou ram vp thy porch-hold ? O widow , I perceiue You 're ignorant of the Louers legerdemane . There is a fellow that by Magicke will assist To murther Princes inuisible , I can command his spirit . Or what say you to a fine scaling Ladder of ropes ? I can tell you , I am a mad wag-halter : But by the vertue I see seated in you , And by the worthy fame is blazond of you , By little Cupid , that is mighty nam'd , And can command my looser follies downe , I loue , and must enioy , yet with such limits , As one that knowes inforced marriage To be the Furies sister . Thinke of me . Amb.

Ha , ha , ha .

Mend.

How now Lady , does the toy take you , as they say ?

Abig.

No , my Lord , nor doe we take your toy , as they say . This is a childes birth , that must not be deliuered before a man , Though your Lordship might be a Mid-wife for your chinne .

Mend.

Some bawdy riddle is 't not ? you long til 't be night .

Thais .

No , my Lord , womens longing comes after their marriage night . Sister , see you be constant now .

Abig.

Why , dost thinke I le make my Husband a Cuckold ? O here they come .

Enter at seuerall doores Count Ars. with CLARIDIANA : GVIDO , with ROGERO , at another doore , MENDOSA meetes them . Mend.

Signior Rogero , are you yet qualified ?

Rogero .

Yes : does any man thinke I le goe like a sheepe to the slaughter ? Hands off my Lord , your Lordship may chance come vnder my hands : If you doe , I shall shew my selfe a Citizen , and reuenge basely .

Clarid. I thinke if I were receiuing the holy Sacrament His sight would make me gnash my teeth terribly : But there 's the beauty without parallel , To Abigall . In whom the Graces and the Vertues meete : In her aspect milde Honour sits and smiles : And who lookes there , were it the sauage Beare , But would deriue new nature from her eyes . But to be reconcil'd simply for him , Were mankinde to be lost againe , I de let it , And a new heape of stones should stocke the world . In heauen and earth this power beauty hath , It inflames Temp'rance , and temp'rates Wrath : What ere thou art , mine art thou wise or chaste : I shall set hard vpon thy marriage vow , And write reuenge high in thy Husbands brow , In a strange Character . You may beginne sir . Mend. Signior Claridiana , I hope Signior Rogero Thus employed me about a good office , 'T were worthy Ciceroes tongue , a famous Oration now ? But friendship that is mutually embraced of the Gods , And is Ioues Vsher to each sacred Sinod , Without the which hee could not raigne in heauen , That over-goes my admiration shall not vnder-goe my censure . These hot flames of rage , that else will be As fire midst your nuptiall Iolitie , Burning the edge off from the present Ioy , And keepe you wake to terror . Clarid.

I haue not yet swallowed the Rhimatrix nor the Onocentaure , the Rimocheros was monstrous .

Arsen.

Sir , be you of the more flexible nature , and confesse an error .

Clarid. I must , the Gods of loue command , And that bright Starre , her eye , that guides my fate . Signior Rogero , ioy then Signior Rogero . Rog.

Signior , sir , O Diuell .

Thais . Good Husband shew your selfe a temp'rate man , Your mother was a woman I dare sweare ; No Tyger got you , nor no Beare was riuall In your conception : you seeme like the issue The Painters limbe leaping from Enuies mouth , That deuoures all hee meetes . Rog. Had the last , or the least Syllable Of this more then immortall eloquence , Commenc'd to mee when rage had beene so high Within my bloud , that it ore-topt my soule , Like to the Lyon when he heares the sound Of Dian's Bowe-string in some shady wood , I should haue coucht my lowly limbe on earth , And held my silence a proud sacrifice . Clarid. Slaue , I will fight with thee at any oddes , Or name an instrument fit for destruction , That ne'er was made to make away a man , I le meete thee on the ridges of the Alpes , Or some inhospitable wildernesse , Starke naked , at push-of-pike , or keene Curt'laxe , At Turkish Sickle , Babilonian Sawe , The auncient Hookes of great Cadwalleder , Or any other heathen inuention . Thais .

O God blesse the man .

Lent .

Counsell him good my Lord .

Mend. Our tongues are weary , and he desperate , He does refuse to heare : What shall we doe ? Clarid. I am not mad , I can heare , I can see , I can feele , But a wise rage in man , wrongs past compare , Should be well nourisht as his vertues are : I de haue it knowne vnto each valiant sp'rit . He wrongs no man that to himselfe does right . Catzo I ha' done , Signior Rogero , I ha' done . Arsen. By heauen this voluntary reconsilation made Freely , and of it selfe , argues vnfaign'd And vertuous knot of loue . So sirs embrace . Rog. Sir , by the conscience of a Catholike man , And by our mother Church that bindes And doth attone in amitie with God , The soules of men , that they with men be one , I tread into the center all the thoughts Of ill in mee , toward you , and memory Of what from you might ought disparage mee , Wishing vnfaignedly it may sincke low , And as vntimely births want power to grow . Mend.

Christianly said : Signior what would you haue more ?

Clar.

And so I sweare , you 're honest Onocentaure .

Arsen. Nay see now , fie vpon your turbulent spirit , Did he doo 't in this forme ? Clar.

If you thinke not this sufficient , you shall commaund mee to be reconcil'd in another forme , as a Rhimatrix or a Rimocheros .

Mend.

S'blood , what will you doe ?

Clar.

Well , giue mee your hands first , I am friends with you i'faith : thereupon I embrace you , kisse your Wife , and God giue vs ioy . To Thais .

Thais .

You meane me and my husband .

Clar.

You take the meaning better then the speech , Lady .

Roger. The like wish I , but ne'er can be the like , And therefore wish I thee . Clar.

By this bright light that is deriu'd from thee .

Thais .

So sir , you make me a very light creature .

Clar. But that thou art a blessed Angell , sent Downe from the Gods t' attone mortall men , I would haue thought deedes beyond all mens thoughts , And executed more vpon his corps : Oh let him thanke the beautie of this eye , And not his resolute sword or destinie . Arsen. What saist thou Mizaldus , come applaud this Iubile , A day these hundred yeeres before not truely knowne , To these diuided factions . Clar. No nor this day had it beene falsely borne , But that I meane to sound it with his horne . Miz.

I lik'd the former iarre better : then they shew'd like men and Souldiers ; now like Cowards and Leachers .

Arsen.

Well said Mizaldus : thou art like the Base Violl in a Consort , let the other Instrument wish and delight in your highest sense , thou art still grumbling .

Clar. Nay , sweet receiue it , Giues it Abigall . And in it my heart : And when thou read'st a mouing syllable Thinke that my soule was Secretary to 't . It is your loue , and not the odious wish Of my reuenge , in stiling him a Cuckold , Makes mee presume thus farre : then reade it faire , My passion 's ample as your beauties are . Abig.

Well sir , we will not sticke with you .

Arsena . And Gentlemen , since it hath hapt so fortunately , I doe entreat wee may all meete to morrow , In some Heroick Masque , to grace the Nuptials Of the most noble Countesse of Sweuia . Mend.

Who does the young Count marry ?

Arsen. O sir , who but the very heire of all her sexe , That beares the Palme of beautie from 'em all : Others compar'd to her , shew like faint Starres To the full Moone of wonder in her face : The Lady Isabella , the late Widow To the deceast and noble Vicount Hermut . Mend. Law you there , widow , there 's one of the last edition , Whose Husband yet retaines in his colde truncke Some little ayring of his noble guest , Yet she a fresh Bride as the month of May . Lent . Well my Lord , I am none of these , That haue my second Husband bespoke , My doore shall be a testimonie of it . And but these noble Marriages encite me , My much abstracted presence should haue shew'd it . If you come to me , harke in your eare my Lord , Looke your Ladder of ropes be strong , For I shall tie you to your Tackling . Arsen.

Gentlemen , your answere to the Masque .

Omnes .

Your Honour leades , wee 'll follow .

Rogero .

Signior Claridiana .

Clarid.

I attend you sir . Exeunt omnes . Manet Clarid.

Abigall .

You 'll be constant .

Clar. Aboue the Adamant the Goates bloud shall not breake me , Yet shallow fooles , and plainer morall men , That vnderstand not what they vndertake , Fall in their owne snares , or come short of vengeance , No , let the Sunne view with an open face , And afterward shrinke in his blushing cheekes , Asham'd , and cursing of the fixt decree , That makes his light bawd to the crimes of men , When I haue ended what I now deuise . Appolloes Oracle shall sweare me wise , Strumpet his wife , branch my false-seeming friend , And make him foster what my hate begot , A bastard , that when age and sicknesse seaze him , Shall be a cor'siue to his griping heart : I le write to her , for what her modestie Will not permit , nor my adulterate forcing , That blushlesse Herauld shall not feare to tell : Rogero shall know yet that his foe 's a man , And what is more , a true Italian . Exit . Finis Actus primi .

Actus secundi Scaena prima . Enter ROBERTO , Lord Cardinall , ISABELLA , Lady LENTVLVS , ABIGAL and THAIS . Lights . Roberto . MY graue Lord Cardinall , we congratulate , And zealously doe entertaine your loue : That from your high and diuine contemplation , You haue vouchsafde to consumate a day Due to our Nuptials : O , may this knot you knit , This indiuiduall Gordiant graspe of hands , In sight of God so fairely entermixt , Neuer be seuer'd , as heauen smiles at it , By all the Darts shot by infernall Ioue , Angels of grace Amen , Amen , say to 't . Faire Lady Widow , and my worthy Mistresse , Doe you keepe silence for a wager ? Thais . Doe you aske a woman that question my Lord , When shee inforcedly pursues what she 's forbidden ? I thinke if I had beene tyed to silence , I should haue beene worthy the Cucking-stoole ere this time . Rob.

You shall not be my Orator ( Lady ) that pleades thus for your selfe .

Ser.

My Lord , the Masquers are at hand .

Rob.

Giue them kinde entertainment . Some worthy friends of mine , my Lord , vnknowne to mee , too lauish of their loues , Bring their owne welcome in a solemne Masque .

Abigall . I am glad there 's Noble-men i' the Masque With our Husbands to ouer-rule them , They had sham'd vs all else . Thais .

Why ? for why , I pray ?

Ab.

Why ? marry they had come in with some Citie shew else , Hyred a few Tinsell coates at the Vizard-makers , which would ha' made them looke , for all world , like Bakers in their linnen bases , and mealy vizzards , new come from bolting . I saw a shew once at the Marriage of a Magnificero's daughter , presented by Time : which Time was an olde bald thing ; a seruant , 't was the best man ; hee was a Dyer , and came in likenesse of the Raine-bow in all manner of colours , to shew his Art , but the Raine-bow smelt of vrine , so wee were all afraid the property was chang'd , and look'd for a shower . Then came in after him , one that ( it seem'd ) fear'd no colours , a Grocer that had trim'd vp himselfe handsomely : hee was Iustice , and shew'd reasons why . And I thinke this Grocer , I meane this Iustice , had borrowed a weather-beaten Ballance from some Iustice of a Conduit , both which Scales were replenisht with the choise of his Ware , And the more liberally to shew his nature , He gaue euery woman in the roome her handfull .

Thais .

O great act of Iustice ! well , and my Husband come cleanly off with this , hee shall ne'er betray his weakenesse more , but confesse himselfe a Citizen hereafter , and acknowledge their wit , for alas they come short .

Enter in the Masque , the Count of Arsena , MENDOSA , CLARIDIANA , Torch-bearers . They deliuer the shields to their seuerall Mistresses , that is to say . MENDOSA , to the Lady LENTVLVS ; CLARIDIANA , to ABIGAL ; to ISABELLA , GVIDO Count of Arsena ; to THAIS , ROGERO . Isab.

Good my Lord , be my expositer . To the Cardinall .

Card. The Sunne setting , a man pointing at it : The Motto , Senso 〈…〉 Calarem : Faire Bride , some seruant of yours , that here imitates To haue felt the heate of Loue bred in your brightnesse , But setting thus from him , by marriage , He onely here acknowledgeth your power , And must expect beames of a morrow Sunne . Lent .

Lord Bridegroome , will you enterprete me ?

Rober. A sable Shield : the word , Vidua spes . What the forlorne hope , in blacke , despairing ? Lady Lentulus , is this the badge of all your Sutors ? Lent .

I by my troth my Lord , if they come to me .

Rob.

I could giue it another interpretation . Me thinkes this Louer has learn'd , of women , to deale by contraries : if so , then here he sayes , the Widow is his onely hope .

Lent .

No : good my Lord , let the first stand .

Rober.

Inquire of him , and hee le resolue the doubt .

Abig. What 's here ? a Ship sailing nigh her hauen ? With good ware belike : 't is well ballast . Thais .

O , your this deuice smels of the Marchant . What 's your ships name , I pray ? The forlorne Hope ?

Abigall .

No : The Merchant Royall .

Thais .

And why not Aduenturer ?

Abig.

You see no likelihood of that : would it not faine be in the hauen ? The word , Vt tangerem Portum .

Marry , for ought I know , God grant it . What 's there ? Thais .

Mine 's an Azure shield : marry what else ; I should tell thee more then I vnderstand ; but the word is , Aut precio , aut precibus .

Abigall .

I , I , some Common-counsell deuice . They take the women , and dance the first change .

Mend.

Faire widow , how like you this change ?

Lent .

I chang'd too lately to like any .

Mend. O your husband ! you weare his memory like a Deaths-head . For heauens loue thinke of mee as of the man Whose dancing dayes you see are not yet done . Lent .

Yet you sinke apace sir .

Mend.

The fault 's in my Vpholsterer , Lady .

Roger. Thou shalt as soone finde Truth telling a lye , Vertue a Bawd , Honestie a Courtier , As me turn'd recreant to thy least designe : Loue makes me speake , and hee makes loue diuine . Thais . Would Loue could make you so : but t' is his guise To let vs surfet ere hee ope our eyes . Abig. You graspe my hand too hard ifaith , faire sir , Holding her by the hand . Clar. Not as you graspe my hart , vnwilling wanton . Were but my breast bare and Anatomized , Thou shouldst behold there how thou tortur'st it : And as Appelles limb'd the Queene of Loue , In her right hand grasping a heart in flames , So may I thee , fairer , but crueller . Abig.

Well sir , your vizor giues you colour for what you say .

Clar. Grace me to weare this fauour , 't is a Iemme That vailes to your eyes , though not to th' Eagles , And in exchange giue me one word of comfort . Abig. I marry : I like this wooer well : Hee 'll win 's pleasure out o' the stones . The second change . Isabella fals in loue with Rogero when the changers speak . Is. Change is no robbery : yet in this change Thou rob'st me of my hart , sure Cupid's here , Disguis'd like a pretty Torch-bearer , And makes his brand a Torch , that with more sleight He may intrap weake women : here the sparkes Fly as in Etna from his Fathers Anuile . O powerfull Boy ! my heart 's on fire , and vnto mine eyes The raging flames ascend , like to two Beacons , Summoning my strongest powers , but all too late , The Conquerour already opes the gate . I will not aske his name . Abig.

You dare put it into my hands .

Mend.

Zounds , doe you thinke I will not ?

Abig.

Then thus , to morrow ( you 'll be secret , seruant . )

Mend.

All that I doe , I le doe in secret .

Ab.

My husband goes to Mawrano to renew the Farme he has .

Men.

Well , what time goes the Iakes-farmer ?

Abig.

He shall not be long out , but you shall put in , I warrant you . Haue a care that you stand iust i' the nicke about sixe a clocke in the euening ; my Maide shall conduct you vp , to saue mine honor you must come vp darkling , and to auoid suspition .

Mend.

Zounds , hudwinck'd , and if you 'll open all sweet Lady .

Abig.

But if you faile to doo 't .

Mend.

The Sunne shall faile the day first .

Abig. Tye this ring fast , you may be sure to know . You 'll brag of this , now you haue brought me to the bay . Mend. Poxe o' this Masque : would 't were done , I might To my Apothecaries for some stirring meates . Tha. Me thinkes sir , you should blush e'en through your vizor , I haue scarce patience to dance out the rest . Robert . The worse my fate that plowes a marble quarry : Primaleon yet thy Image was more kinde , Although thy loue not halfe so true as mine . Dance they that list , I saile against the winde . Thais . Nay sir , betray not your infirmities , You 'll make my Husband iealous by and by ; We will thinke of you , and that presently . Guid. The Spheares ne'er danc'd vnto a better tune . Sound Musicke there . Isab.

'T was Musicke that he spake . The third change ended , Ladies fall off .

Rob.

Gallants I thanke you , and Beginne a health to your Mistresses .

3. or 4.

Faire thankes sir Bridegroome .

Isab. He speakes not to this pledge , has he no Mistresse ? Would I might chose one for him : but 't may be Rogero dances a Laualto , or a Galliard , & in the midst of it , falleth into the Brides lap , but straight leapes vp , and danceth it out . Hee doth adore a brighter Starre then wee . Rob.

Sit Ladies sit , you haue had standing long .

Men.

Blesse the man : sprit'ly and nobly done .

Thais .

What , is your Ladiship hurt ?

Isab. O no , an easie fall . Was I not deepe enough , thou God of lust , But I must further wade ? I am his now , As sure as Iuno's Ioues , Hymen take flight , And see not me , 't is not my wedding night . Exit Isabella . Card.

The Brides departed , discontent it seemes .

Rob. Wee 'll after her . Gallants , vnmasque I pray , And taste a homely banquet we entreate . Exit Rob. Card. and Lights . Clarid.

Candidi Ernigos I beseech thee .

Men. Come Widow , I le be bold to put you in . My Lord will you haue a sociate ? Exit Thais . Rog. Good gentlemen if I haue any interest in you , Lent . Abig. Let me depart vnknowne , 't is a disgrace Of an eternall memory . Mend.

What the fall my Lord , as common a thing as can be , the stiffest man in Italy may fall betweene a womans legs .

Clar.

Would I had chang'd places with you my Lord , would it had beene my hap .

Rog. What Cuckold laid his hornes in my way ? Signior Claridiana , you were by the Lady when I fell , Doe you thinke I hurt her ? Clar.

You could not her , my Lord , betweene the legs .

Rog.

What was 't I fell withall ?

Mend.

A crosse point my Lord .

Rog. Crosse-point indeede : well if you loue me , let me hence vnknowne , The silence yours , the disgrace mine owne . Ex. Clar. & Mend. Enter ISABELLA with a gilt Goblet and meetes ROGERO . Isab. Sir , if Wine were Nectar I le beginne a health , To her that were most gracious in your eye , Yet daigne , as simply 't is the gift of Bacchus , To giue her pledge that drinkes : this God of Wine Cannot inflame me more to appetite , Though he be co-supreme with mightie Loue , Then thy faire shape . Rog.

Zounds she comes to deride me .

Isab. That kisse shall serue To be a pledge although my lips should starue . No tricke to get that vizor from his face ? Rog.

I will steale hence , and so conceale disgrace .

Isab.

Sir , haue you left nought behinde ?

Rog. Yes , Lady but the Fates will not permit ( As Iems once lost are seldome or neuer found ) I should conuay it with me . Sweete Good-night . Shee bends to mee : there 's my fall againe . Exit . Isab. He 's gone , that lightning that a while doth strike Our eyes with amaz'd brightnesse , and on a sudden Leaues vs in prisoned darknesse . Lust thou art hie , My smiles may well come from the Skye . Anna , Anna . Enter ANNA . Anna .

Madame , did you call ?

Isab. Follow yond stranger , prethee learne his name : Wee may hereafter thanke him . How I doate ? Exit Anna . Is hee not a God That can command what other men would winne With the hard'st aduantage ? I must haue him , Or shadow-like follow his fleeting steps . Were I as Daphne , and he followed chase , Though I reiected young Appolloes loue , And like a Dreame beguile his wandring steps , Should he pursue me through the neighbouring groue , Each Cowslip stalke should trip a willing fall , Till hee were mine , who till then am his thrall : Nor will I blush , since worthy is my chance . 'T is said that Venus with a Satyre slept , And how much short came she of my faire aime ? Then Queene of Loue a president I le be , To teach faire women learne to loue of mee . Speake Musicke , what 's his name . Enter ANNA . Anna .

Madame , It was the worthy Count Massino .

Isab. Blest be thy tongue : the worthy Count indeede , The worthiest of the Worthies . Trusty Anna , Hast thou pack'd vp those Monies , Plate , and Iewels I gaue direction for ? Anna . Yes , Madame , I haue trust vp them , that many A proper man has beene trust vp for . Isab. I thanke thee , take the wings of night , Beloued Secretary , and poste with them to Sweuia , There furnish vp some stately Pallace Worthy to entertaine the King of Loue : Prepare it for my comming and my Loues , Ere Phoebus Steedes once more vnharnest be , Or ere he sport with his beloued Thetis , The siluer-footed Goddesse of the Sea , Wee will set forward . Flye like the Northern winde , Or swifter , Anna , fleete like to my minde . An.

I am iust of your minde Madame , I am gone . Exit An.

Isab. So to the house of Death the mourner goes , That is bereft of what his soule desir'd , As I to bed , I to my nuptiall bed , The heauen on earth : so to thought slaughters went The pale Andromeda bedew'd with teares , When euery minute she expected gripes of a fell monster , And in vaine bewail'd the act of her creation . Sullen Night that look'st with suncke eyes on my nuptiall bed , With ne'er a Starre that smiles vpon the end , Mend thy slacke pace , and lend the malecontent , The hoping louer , and the wishing Bride Beames that too long thou shadowest : or if not In spight of thy fixt front when my loath'd Mate Shall struggle in due pleasure for his right , I le think 't my loue , and die in that delight . Exit . Enter at seuerall doores ABIGAL and THAIS . Abig. Thais , you 're an earely riser . I haue that to shew will make your hayre stand on-end . Thais .

Well Lady , and I haue that to shew you will bring your courage downe . What would you say , and I would name a partie saw your Husband court , kisse , nay almost goe through for the hole ?

Abig.

How , how , what would I say ? nay , by this light , what would I not doe ? If euer Amazon fought better , or more at the face then I le doe , let me neuer be thought a new married wife . Come vnmasque her : 't is some admirable creature , whose beautie you neede not paint . I warrant you , 't is done to your hand .

Thais . Would any woman but I , be abused to her face ? Prethee reade the contents : Know'st thou the Character ? Abig.

'T is my Husbands hand , and a Loue-Letter : But for the contents I finde none in it . Has the lustfull monster , All backe and belly-starv'd me thus ? What defect does he see in mee ? I le be sworne wench , I am of as pliant and yeelding body to him , e'en which way hee will , hee may turne mee as hee list himselfe . What ? and dedicate to thee : I marry , here 's a stile so high , as a man cannot helpe a Dog o'er it . He was wont to write to me in the Citie phrase , My good Abigall : here 's Astonishment of nature , vnparaleld excelency , and most vnequal raritie of creation : Three such wordes will turne any honest woman in the world whore : for a woman is neuer wonne till shee know not what to answere ; and beshrew me if I vnderstand any of these : you are the partie I perceiue , and here 's a white sheete , that your husband has promist me to do penance in : you must not thinke to dance the shaking of the sheetes alone though there be not such rare phrases in 't , t is more to the matter ; a legible hand , but for the dash , or the ( hee ) and ( as ) : short bawdy Parenthesis as euer you saw , to the purpose : hee has not left out a pricke I warrant you , wherein he has promist to doe me any good , but the Law 's in mine owne hand .

Thais .

I euer thought by his red beard hee would proue a Iudas , here am I bought and solde ; hee makes much of me indeede . Well wench , we were best wisely in time seeke for preuention , I should be loath to take drinke and die on 't , as I am afraid I shall that hee will lye with thee .

Abig.

To be short sweete hart , I le be true to thee , though a lyer to my Husband : I haue signed your Husbands bill like a Wood cocke as hee is held , perswaded him ( since nought but my loue can asswage his violent passions ) hee should enioy , like a priuate friend , the pleasures of my bed : I tolde him my Husband was to goe to Mawrano to day , to renew a Farme hee has , and in the meane time hee might be tenant at will , to vse mine : this false fire has so tooke with him , that he 's rauisht afore hee come . I haue had stones on him all red : dost know this :

Thais .

I , too well , it blushes for his Mr. . Points to the ring .

Abigall . Now my Husband will be hawking about thee anon , And thou canst meete him closely . Thais .

By my faith I would be loath in the darke , and hee knew mee .

Abig.

I meane thus : the same occasion will serue him too , they are birds of a feather , and will flye together , I warrant thee wench , appoint him to come : say that thy Husband 's gone for Mawrano , and tell mee anone if thou mad'st not his heart-bloud spring , for ioy , in his face .

Thais .

I conceiue you not all this while .

Abig.

Then th' art a barren woman , and no meruaile if thy Husband loue thee not : the houre for both to come is sixe , a dark time fit for purblinde louers ; and with cleanly conuayance by the niglers our maids , they shall be translated into our Bed-chambers .

Your Husband into mine , and mine into yours . Thais .

But you meane they shall come in at the backe-dores .

Abig.

Who , our Husbands ? nay , and they come not in at the fore-dores , there will be no pleasure in 't . But we two will climbe ouer our garden-Pales , and come in that way , ( the chastest that are in Venice will stray for a good turne ) and thus wittily will wee be bestowed , you into my house to your husband , and I into your house to my husband , and I warrant thee before a month come to an end , they 'll cracke louder of this nights-lodging , then the Bed-steads .

Thais .

All is if our Maids keepe secret .

Abig.

Mine is a Maid I le be sworne , shee has kept her secrets hitherto .

Thais .

Troath , and I neuer had any Sea-captaine borded in my house .

Abig. Goe to then : and the better to auoid suspition ,

Thus wee must insist , they must come vp darkling , recreate themselues with their delight an houre or two , and after a million of kisses , or so .

Thais .

But is my husband content to come darkling ?

Abig.

What not to saue mine honour ? hee that will runne through fire , as hee has profest , will by the heate of his loue , grope in the darke . I warrant him he shall saue mine honour .

Thais .

I am afraid my voyce will discouer mee .

Abig.

Why then , you 're best say nothing , and take it thus quietly when your husband comes .

Thais .

I , but you know a woman cannot chuse but speake in these cases .

Abig. Bite in your neather-lip , and I warrant you , Or make as if you were whiffing Tobacco ; Or puich like me . Gods-so , I heare thy Husband . Exit . Thais .

Farewell wise-woman .

Enter MIZALDVS . Mizal. Now gins my vengeance mount high in my lust : 'T is a rare creature , shee 'll do 't i'faith ; And I am arm'd at all points , A rare whiblin , To be reueng'd , and yet gaine pleasure in 't , One height aboue reuenge : yet what a slaue am I , Are there not younger Brothers enough , but we must Branch one another ? oh but mine 's reuenge , And who on that does dreame Must be a Tyrant euer in extreame . O my Wife Thais get my Breakefast ready , I must into the Country to a Farme I haue Some two miles off , and , as I thinke , Shall not come home to night . Iaques , Iaques , Get my Vessell ready to row me downe the Riuer . Prethee make haste Sweet girle . Exit Mizal . Thais .

So , there 's one foole shipt away : are your crosse-points discouer'd ? Get your Breake-fast ready !

By this light I le tie you to hard fare : I haue beene too sparing of that you prodigally offer Voluntary to another : well you shall be a tame foole hereafter . The finest light is when we first defraud ; Husband to night 't is I must lie abroad . Exit . Enter ISABELLA and a Page with a Letter . Isab. Here , take this Letter , beare it to the Count : But Boy , first tell me ; think'st thou I am in loue ? Page .

Madame , I cannot tell .

Isab. Canst thou not tell ? Dost thou not see my face ? Is not the face the Index of the minde ? And canst thou not destinguish Loue by that ? Page .

No Madame .

Isab. Then take this Letter and deliuer it Vnto the worthy Count . No , fie vpon him , Come backe againe : tell me , why shouldst thou thinke That same 's a Loue-letter ? Page .

I doe not thinke so Madame .

Isab. I know thou dost : for thou dost euer vse To hold the wrong opinion . Tell me true , Dost thou not thinke that Letter is of Loue ? Page .

If you would haue me thinke so Madame , yes .

Isab. What dost thou thinke thy Lady is so fond ? Giue me the Letter , thy selfe shall see it . Yet I should teare it in the breaking ope , And make him lay a wrongfull charge on thee ; And say thou brok'st it open by the way ; And saw what haynous things I charge him with : But 't is all one , the Letter is not of loue , Therefore deliuer it vnto himselfe , And tell him hee 's deceiu'd , I doe not loue him . But if he thinke so bid him come to me , And I le confute him straight ; I le shew him reasons , I le shew him plainely why I cannot loue him . And if he hap to reade it in thy hearing , Or chance to tell thee that the wordes were sweet , Doe not thou then disclose my lewde entent , Vnder those Syren wordes , and how I meane To vse him when I haue him at my will : For then thou wilt destroy the plot that 's laid , And make him feare to yeeld when I doe wish Onely to haue him yeeld ; for when I haue him , None but my selfe shall know how I will vse him . Be gone , why stayest thou ? yet returne againe . Page .

I Madame .

Isab. Why dost thou come againe ? I bad thee goe . If I say , Goe , neuer returne againe . Exit Page . My bloud , like to a troubled Ocean , Cuff'd with the Windes , incertaine where to rest , Buts at the vtmost share of euery limbe . My Husband 's not the man I would haue had : O my new thoughts to this braue sprightly Lord , Was fixt to that hid fire Louers feele : Where was my minde before , that refin'd iudgement , That represents rare obiects to our passions ? Or did my lust beguile me of my sence ? Making me feast vpon such dangerous cates , For present want , that needes must breede a surfeit : How was I shipwrackt ? yet Isabella thinke Thy Husband is a noble Gentleman , young , wise , And rich : thinke what Fate followes thee , And nought but lust doth blinde thy worthy loue : I will desist . O no , it may not be . Euen as a head-strong Courser beares away His Rider , vainely striuing him to stay . Or as a sodaine gale thrusts into Sea The Haven-touching Barke , now neare the lea : So wauering Cupid brings me backe againe , And purple Loue resumes his Darts againe : Here of themselues , thy shafts come as if shot : Better then I thy quiuer knowes 'em not Enter Count Arsena , and a Page . Page .

Madame : the Count .

Rog. So fell the Troian wanderer on the Greeke , And bore away his rauisht prize to Troy : For such a beautie , brighter then his Dana . Ioue should ( me thinkes ) now come himselfe againe : Louely Isabella , I confesse me mortall : Not worthy to serue thee in thought , I sweare , Yet shall not this same ouer-flow of fauour Diminish my vow'd dutie to your beauty . Isab. Your loue , my Lord , I blushingly proclaime it , Hath power to draw me through a wildernesse , Wer 't arm'd with Furies , as with furious Beasts . Boy , bid our Traine be ready , wee 'll to horse . Ex. Page . My Lord , I should say something , but I blush , Courting is not befitting to our sexe . Rog. I le teach you how to woo , Say you haue lou'd me long , And tell me that a womans feeble tongue Was neuer tuned vnto a wooing-string ; Yet for my sake you will forget your sexe , And court my Loue with strain'd Immodestie , Then bid me make you happy with a kisse . Is. Sir , though women doe not woo , yet for your sake , I am content to leaue that ciuill custome , And pray you kisse mee . Rog. Now vse some vnexpect vmbages , To draw me further into Vulcanes Net . Isab.

You loue not mee so well as I loue you .

Rog.

Faire Lady , but I doe .

Isab.

Then shew your loue .

Rog. Why in this kisse I shew 't , and in my vowed seruice , This wooing shall suffice , 't is easier farre To make the current of a siluer-brooke Conuert his flowing backeward to his Spring , Then turne a woman wooer . There 's no cause Can turne the setled course of Natures Lawes . Isab.

My Lord , will you pursue the plot ?

Rog. The Letter giues direction here for Pauie . To horse , to horse : thus once Eridace , With lookes regardiant , did the Thracian gaze , And lost his gift , while he desir'd the sight . But wiser I , lead by more powerfull charme ; I de see the world winne thee from out mine arme . Exeunt . Enter at seuerall doores , CLARIDIANA and GVIDO . Gui.

Zounds , is the Huritano comming ? Claridiana what 's the A trampling of Horses heard . matter ?

Clar. The Countesse of Sweuia has new taken horse . Flye Phoebus , flye , the houre is sixe a clocke . Guid.

Whither is shee going Signior ?

Clarid. Euen as Ioue went to meete his simile . To the Diuell I thinke . Guido .

You know not wherefore ?

Clar. To say sooth I doe not . So in immortall wise shall I ariue . Guid.

At the Gallowes . What in a passion Signior ?

Clarid. Zounds , doe not hold me sir : Beautious Thais , I am all thine wholy . The staffe is now aduancing for the Rest , And when I tilt , Mizaldus aware thy Crest . Exit . Enter ROBERTO , in his Night-gowne , and Cap , with Seruants , hee kneeles downe . Guid.

What 's here ? the capring Cods-head tilting in the aire ?

Rob. The Gods send her no Horse , a poore olde age . Eternall woe , and sicknesse lasting rage . Guid.

My Lord , you may yet o'er-take 'em .

Rob. Furies supply that place , for I will not : no , Shee that can forsake mee when pleasure 's in the full , Fresh and vntir'd , what would she on the least barren coldnes ? I warrant you she has already got Her Brauoes , and her Ruffians : the meanest whore Will haue one buckler , but your great ones more . The shores of Sicilie retaines not such a Monster , Though to Galley-slaves they daily prostitute . To let the Nuptiall Tapers giue light to her new lust , Who would haue thought it ? Shee that could no more forsake my company , Then can the day forsake the glorious presence of the Sunne . When I was absent , then her galled eyes Would haue shed Aprill showers , and out-wept The clouds in that same o'er-passionate moode : When they drown'd all the world , yet now forsakes me : Women your eyes shed glances like the Sunne : Now shines your brightnesse , now your light is done . On the sweetest Flowers you shine , 't is but by chance , And on the basest Weede you 'll waste a glance . Your beames once lost can neuer more be found : Vnlesse we waite vntill your course runne round , ( And take you at fist hand . ) Since I cannot Enioy the noble title of a man , But after-ages , as our vertues are Buryed whilst we are liuing , will sound out My infamie , and her degenerate shame ; Yet in my life I le smother 't if I may , And , like a dead man , to the world bequeath These houses of vanitie , Mils , and Lands . Take what you will , I will not keepe among you Seruants , And welcome some religious Monasterie , A true sworne Beads-man I le hereafter be , And wake the morning cocke with holy prayers . Ser.

Good my Lord : noble Master .

Rob. Disswade me not , my will shall be my King ; I thanke thee Wife , a faire change thou hast giuen , I leaue thy lust to woo the Loue of Heauen . Exit cum seruis . Guid. This is conuersion , is 't not ? as good as might haue beene , He turnes religious vpon his Wiues turning Curtezan . This is iust like some of our gallant Prodigals , When they haue consum'd their Patrimonies wrongfully , They turne Capuchins for deuotion , Exit . Finis Actus secundi .

Actus tertij Scaena prima . CLARIDIANA , and ROGERO being in a readinesse , are receiued in at one anothers houses by their Maids . Then Enter MENDOSA , with a Page , to the Lady LENTVLVS Window . Mendosa . NIght like a solemne Mourner frownes on earth , Enuying that Day should force her doffe her roabes , Or Phoebus chase away her Melancholy . Heauens eyes looke faintly through her sable masque , And siluer Cinthia hyes her in her Sphaere , Scorning to grace blacke nights solemnitie . Be vnpropitious Night to villaine thoughts , But let thy Diamonds shine on vertuous loue : This is the lower house of high-built heauen , Where my chaste Phaebe sits , inthron'd 'mong thoughts So purely good , brings her to heauen on earth . Such power hath soules in contemplation . Sing boy ( though night yet ) like the mornings Larke : Musicke playes . A soule that 's cleare is light , though heauen be darke . The Lady LENTVLVS , at her window . Lent .

Who speakes in Musicke to vs ?

Mend.

Sweet , 't is I . Boy , leaue me , and to bed . Exit Page .

Lent .

I thanke you for your Musicke : now good-night .

Men. Leaue not the World yet , Queene of Chastitie , Keepe promise with thy Loue Endimion , And let mee meete thee there on Latmus top . 'T is I whose vertuous hopes are firmely fixt On the fruition of thy chaste vow'd loue . Lent .

My Lord , your honor made me promise your ascent into my house , since my vow barr'd my doores ,

By some wits engine , made for theft and lust : Yet for your Honour , and my humble fame , Checke your blouds passions , and returne deare Lord : Suspition is a Dogge that still doth bite . Without a cause , this act giues foode to Enuy ; Swolne big , it bursts , and poysons our cleare flames . Men.

Enuy is stinglesse when she lookes on thee .

Lent .

Enuy is blinde , my Lord , and cannot see .

Men.

If you breake promise , faire , you breake my hart .

Lent . Then come . Yet stay . Ascend . Yet let vs part . I feare , yet know not what I feare : Your Loue 's precious , yet mine Honor 's deare . Mend. If I doe staine thy Honor with foule lust , May Thunder strike me , to shew Ioue is iust . Lent . Then come my Lord , on earth your vow is giuen . This aide I le lend you . He throwes vp a ladder of cords , which she makes fast to some part of the window , he asends , and at top fals . M. Thus I mount my heauen . Receiue me sweete . Lent . O me vnhappy wretch . How fares your Honour ? speake Fate-crost Lord . If life retaine his seate within you , speake ; Else like that Sestian Dame , that saw her Loue , Cast by the frowning billowes , on the sands , And leane death swolne big with the Hellespont , In bleake Leanders body , like his Loue , Come I to thee , one graue shall serue vs both . Mend. Stay miracle of women , yet I breathe , Though death be enter'd in this Tower of flesh , Hee is not conquerour , my heart stands out , And yeelds to thee , scorning his tyranny . Lent . My doores are vow'd shut , and I cannot helpe you . Your wounds are mortall , wounded is mine Honour , If there the Towne-guard finde you . Vnhappy Dame , Reliefe is periur'd , my vow kept , shame . What hellish Destinie did twist my fate ? Mend. Rest ceaze thine eye-lids ; be not passionate : Sweet sleepe secure , I le remoue my selfe . That Viper Enuy shall not spot thy fame : I le take that poyson with me , my soules rest , For like a Serpent , I le creepe on my breast . Lent .

Thou more then man , loue-wounded : ioy and griefe fight in my bloud . Thy wounds and constancie Are both so strong none can haue victory .

Mend. Darken the world , earths-Queene , get thee to bed ; The earth is light while those two Starres are spread : Their splendor will betray me to mens eyes . Vaile thy bright face : for if thou longer stay , Phoebus will rise to thee , and make night day . Lent .

To part and leaue you hurt my soule doth feare .

Mend.

To part from hence I cannot , you being there .

Lent . Wee 'll moue together , then Fate Loue controules , And as we part so bodies part from soules . Mend. Mine is the earth , thine the refined fire : I am mortall , thou diuine , then soule mount higher . Lent .

Why then take comfort sweet , I le see 'ou to morrow . Exit .

Men. My wounds are nothing , thy losse breedes my sorrow . See now 't is darke . Support your Master , legges , a little further : Faint not bolde heart with anguish of my wound : Try further yet , can bloud weigh downe my soule ? Desire is vaine without abilitie . He staggars on , and then fals downe . Thus fals a Monarch , if Fate push at him . Enter a Captaine and the Watch . Capt.

Come on my hearts , we are the Cities securitie , I le giue you your charge , and then like Courtiers euery man spye out : let no man in my company be afraid to speake to a Cloake lined with Veluet , nor tremble at the sound of a gingling Spurre .

1 Watch.

May I neuer be counted a cock of the game , if I feare Spurres : but be gelded like a Capon for the preseruing of my voyce .

Cap.

I le haue none of my Band refraine to search a veneriall house , though his Wifes sister be a lodger there : nor take two shillings of the Bawd to saue the Gentlemens credits that are aloft : and so like voluntary Pandars leaue them , to the shame of all Halbardiers .

Nay , for the Wenches , wee 'll tickle them , that 's flat .

Cap.

If you meete a Sheuoiliero , that 's in the grosse phrase , a Knight , that swaggers in the streete , and being taken , has no money in his Purse to pay for his fees ; it shall be a part of your duty to entreate me to let him goe .

O meruailous his there such Sheuoiliers ?

Some 200. that 's the least , that are reueal'd . Mend. groues .

Cap. What groane is that ? bring a light . Who lyes there ? It is the Lord Mendosa , kinsman to our Duke . Speake good my Lord , relate your dire mischance : Life like a fearefull seruant flyes his Master , Art must attone them , or' th whole man is lost . Conuay him to a Surgeons , then returne : No place shall be vnsearch'd vntill we finde The truth of this mischance . Make haste againe . Exit the Watch . Manet Captain . Whose house is this stands open ? in , and search . What guests that house containes , and bring them forth . This Noble-mans misfortune stirs my quiet , And fils my soule with fearefull fantasies . But I le vnwinde this Labyrinth of doubt , Else industry shall lose part of it selfes labour . Enter the Watch , with Claridiana and Rogero taken in one anothers houses , in their shirts and night-gownes , they see one another . Who haue we there ? Signiors cannot you tell vs How our Princes kinsman came wounded to the death Nigh to your houses . Rog. Hey-day ; crosse-ruffe at midnight . Is 't Christmas ? You goe a gaming to your neighbours house . Clar.

Dost make a Mummer of me Oxe-head ?

Cap.

Make answere Gentlemen , it doth concerne you .

Rog.

Oxe-head will beare an action ; I le ha' the Law ; I le not be yoakt . Beare witnesse Gentlemen , he cals me Oxe-head .

Cap.

Doe you heare sir ?

Clarid.

Very well , very well , take Law and hang thy selfe , I care not . Had she no other but that good face to doate vpon ? I de rather she had dealt with a dangerous French-man , then with such a Pagan .

Cap.

Are you mad ? answere my demaund .

Rog. I am as good a Christian as thy selfe , Though my Wife haue now new christned mee . Cap.

Are you deafe , you make no answere ?

Clar. Would I had had the circumcising of thee Iew , I de ha' Cut short your Cuckold-maker , I would ifaith , I would ifaith . Cap.

Away with them to prison ; they 'll answere better there .

Rog.

Not to fast Gentlemen : what 's our crime ?

Cap.

Murther of the Dukes kinsman , Signior Mendosa .

Amb.

Nothing else ? we did it , we did it , we did it .

Cap.

Take heede Gentlemen what you confesse .

Cla. I le confesse any thing since I am made a foole by a knaue . I le be hang'd like an innocent , that 's flat . Rog.

I le not see my shame . Hempe in stead of a Quacksaluer , you shall put out mine eyes , and my head shall be bought to make Incke-hornes of .

Cap.

You doe confesse the murder ?

Clar. Sir , 't is true , Done by a faithlesse Christian and a Iew . Cap. To prison with them , wee will heare no further , The tongue betrayes the heart of guilty murder . Exeunt Omnes . Enter Count GVIDO , ISABELLA , ANNA , and Seruants . Guid. Welcome to Pauy sweet , and may this kisse Chase Melancholy from thy company : Speake my soules ioy , how fare you after trauaile . Isab. Like one that scapeth dangers on the Seas , Yet trembles with cold feares being safe on land , With bare imagination of what 's past . Guid.

Feare keepe with cowards , aire-stars cannot moue .

Isab.

Feare in this kinde , my Lord , doth sweeten loue .

Guid.

To thinke feare ioy ( deare ) I cannot coniecture .

Isab. Feare 's sire to fervencie , Which makes loues sweet prone Nectar : Trembling desire , feare , hope , and doubtfull leasure , Distill from loue the Quintessence of pleasure . Guid. Madame , I yeeld to you ; Feare keepes with Loue , My Oratorie is too weake against you : You haue the ground of knowledge , wise experience , Which makes your argument inuincible . Isab.

You are Times Scholler , and can flatter weaknesse .

Guid. Custome allowes it , and we plainly see Princes and women maintaine flatterie . Isab. Anna , goe see my Iewels and my Trunckes Be aptly placed in their seuerall roomes . Exit Anna . Enter GNIACA Count of Gaza , with Attendants . My Lord , know you this Gallant ? 't is a compleate Gentleman . Guid.

I doe ; 't is Count Guiaca , my endeared friend .

Gniac. Welcome to Pauie , welcome fairest Lady : Your sight deare friend , is lifes restoratiue ; This day 's the period of long-wish'd content , More welcome to me then day to the world , Night to the wearyed , or gold to a Mizer ; Such ioy feeles Friendship in Societie . Isab. A rare shap'd man : compare them both together , Guid. Our loues are friendly twins , both at a birth ; The ioy you taste , that ioy doe I conceiue , This day 's the Iubile of my desire . Isab. He 's fairer then he was when first I saw him . This little time makes him more excellent . Gniac. Relate some newes . Harke you , what Lady 's that ▪ Be open breasted , so will I to thee . They whisper . Isab. Error did blinde him that paints Loue blinde ; For my Loue plainly iudges difference : Loue is cleare sighted , and with Eagles eyes , Vndazeled , lookes vpon bright Sunne-beam'd beauty : Nature did rob her selfe , when she made him . Blushing to see her worke excell her selfe , T is shape makes mankinde semelacie . Forgiue me Rogero , 't is my Fate To loue thy friend , and quit thy loue with hate . I must enioy him , let hope thy passions smother : Faith cannot coole bloud ; I le clip him , wer 't my brother . Such is the heate of my sincere affection , Hell nor earth can keepe loue in subiection . Gnia. I craue your Honors pardon my Ignorance Of what you were , may gaine a curteous pardon . Is. There needes no pardon , where there 's no offence ; His tongue strikes Musicke rauishing my sense : I must be sodaine , else desire confounds me . Guid. What sport affords this Climate for delight ? Gnia. We 'll hawke and hunt to day , as for to morrow Varietie shall feede varietie . Is. Dissimulation womens armour is , Aide loue beliefe , and female constancie . Oh , I am sicke my Lord , kinde Rogero helpe me . Guido . Forsend it heauen , Madame sit ; how fare you ? My liues best comfort speake , O speake sweet Saint . Is. Fetch Art to keepe life , runne my Loue , I faint : My vitall breath runnes coldly through my veynes , I see leane Death with eyes imaginarie , Stand fearefully before me : here my end A wife vnconstant , yet thy louing friend . Guid.

As swift as thought , flie I to wish thee aide . Exit .

Isab. Thus innocence by craft is soone betraid . My Lord Guiaca , 't is your Art must heale me , I am loue-sicke for your loue ; loue , loue , for louing : I blush for speaking truth ; faire Sir beleeue me , Beneath the Moone nought but your frowne can grieue me . Gniaca.

Lady , by heauen , me thinkes , this fit is strange .

Isab. Count not my loue light for this sodaine change : By Cupids Bow I sweare , and will avow , I neuer knew true perfect loue till now . Gniac. Wrong not your selfe , me , and your dearest friend , Your loue is violent , and soone will end . Loue is not Loue vnlesse Loue doth perseuer , That loue is perfect loue , that loues for euer . Isab. Such loue is mine , beleeue it well-shap'd youth , Though women vse to lye , yet I speake truth . Giue sentence for my life or speedy death : Can you affect me ? Gniac. I should belye my thoughts to giue deniall , But then to friendship I must turne disloyall : I will not wrong my friend , let that suffice . Isab. I le be a miracle , for loue a woman dyes , Offers to stab her selfe . Gn. Hold madame , these are soule killing passions . I de rather wrong my friend then you your selfe . Isab. Loue me , or else by Ioue death 's but delaid : My vow is fixt in heauen , feare shall not moue me , My life is death with tortures 'lesse you loue me . Gnia.

Giue me some respite , and I will resolue you .

Isab. My heart denies it . My bloud is violent , now or else neuer , Loue me , and like loues Queene I le fall before thee , Inticing daliance from thee with my smiles , And steale thy heart with my delicious kisses . I le study Art in loue , that in a rupture Thy soule shall taste pleasures excelling nature . Loue me , both Art and nature in large recompence , Shall be profuse in rauishing thy sense . Gni. You haue preuail'd , I am yours from all the world , Thy wit and beauty haue entranc'd my soule : I long for daliance , my bloud burnes like fire , Hels paine on earth is to delay desire . Isab. I kisse thee for that breath , this day you hunt ; In midst of all your sports leaue you Rogero , Returne to me whose life rests in thy sight , Where pleasure shall make Nectar our delight . Gniac. I condescend to what thy will implores me ; He that but now neglected thee , adores thee : Enter Rogero , Anna , Doctor . But see here comes my friend , feare makes him tremble . Isab. Women are witles that cannot dissemble : Now I am sicke againe : where 's my Lord Rogero ? His loue and my health 's vanish'd both together . Guid. Wrong not thy friend , deare friend , in thy extreames , Here 's a profound Hipocrates , my deare , To minister to thee the spirit of health . Isab. Your sight to me , my Lord , excels all Phisicke ; I am better farre ( my Loue ) then when you left me : Your friend was comfortable to me at the last . 'T was but a fit , my Lord , and now 't is past . Are all things ready sir ? Anna .

Yes Madame , the house is fit .

Gnia.

Desire in women is the life of wit . Exeunt Omnes .

Enter ABIGAL and THAIS at seuerall doores . Abig.

O partner , I am with childe of laughter , and none but you can be my Mid-wife : was there euer such a game at Noddy ?

Thais .

Our Husbands thinke they are fore-men of the Iurie , they hold the Hereticke point of Predestination , and sure they are borne to be hanged .

Abig.

They are like to proue men of iudgement , but not for killing of him that 's yet aliue , and well recouered .

Thais . As soone as my man saw the Watch come vp , All his spirit was downe . Abig, But though they haue made vs good sport in speech , They did hinder vs of good sport in action . O wench , imagination is strong in pleasure . Thais .

That 's true : for the opinion my Good-man had of enioying you , made him doe wonders .

Why shold weake man , that is so soone satisfied , desire variety ?

Thais .

Their answere is , to feede on Phesants continually would breede a loathing .

Abigall .

Then if we seeke for strange flesh that haue stomackes at will , 't is pardonable .

Thais .

I , if men had any feeling of it , but they iudge vs by themselues .

Abig.

Well , we will bring them to the Gallowes , and then , like kinde virgins , begge their liues , and after liue at our pleasures , and this bridle shall still reyne them .

Thais . Faith , if we were disposed , we might seeme as safe , As if we had the broad seale to warrant it : But that nights worke will sticke by me this forty weekes . Come , shall we goe visit the discontented Lady Lentulus ? Whom the Lord Mendosa has confest to his Chirurgion , He would haue rob'd ? I thought great men would but Haue rob'd the poore , yet he the rich . Abig.

He thought that the richer purchase , though with the worse conscience : but wee 'll to comfort her , and then goe heare our Husbands lamentations . They say mine has compiled an vngodly volume of Satyres against women , and cals his booke The Snarle .

Thais .

But he 's in hope his booke will saue him .

Ab.

God defend that it should , or any that snarle in that fashion .

Tha. Well wench , if I could be metamorphosed into thy shape , I should haue my husband pliant to me in his life , And soone rid of him : for being weary with his continuall motion , He 'de dye of a consumption . Abig. Make much of him , for all our wanton prize , Follow the Prouerbe , Merry be and wise . Exeunt . Enter ISABELLA , ANNA , and Seruants . Isab. Time that devour'st all mortalitie , Runne swiftly these few houres , And bring Guiaca on thy aged shoulders , That I may clip the rarest modell of creation . Doe this gentle Time And I will curle thine aged siluer locke , And dally with thee in delicious pleasure . Medea-like I will renew thy youth ; But if thy frozen steps delay my loue , I le poyson thee with murder , curse thy pathes , And make thee know a time of infamy . Anna , giue watch , and bring me certaine notice When Count Guiaca doth approach my house . An. Madame I goe . I am kept for pleasure , though I neuer taste it . For 't is the vshers office still to couer His Ladyes priuate meetings with her Louer . Exit . Isab. Desire , thou quenchlesse flame that burn'st our soules , Cease to torment me ; The dewe of pleasure shall put out thy fire , And quite consume thee with satietie . Lust shall be cool'd with lust , wherein I le proue , The life of loue is onely sau'd by loue . Enter Anna . An.

Madame , hee 's comming .

Isab. Thou blessed Mercurie , Prepare a banquet fit to please the Gods ; Let Sphaere-like Musicke breathe delicious tones Into our mortall eares ; perfume the house With odoriferous sents , sweeter then Myrrhe , Or all the Spices in Panchaia : His sight and touching wee will recreate , That his fiue Senses shall be fiue-fold happy . His breath like Roses casts out sweete perfume ; Time now with pleasure shall it selfe consume . Enter Gniaca in his hunting weedes . How like Adonis in his hunting weedes , Lookes this same Goddesse tempter ? And art thou come ? this kisse entrance thy soule . Gods I doe not enuy you ; for know this Way 's here on earth compleate , excels you blisse : I le not change this nights pleasure with you all . Gniac. Thou creature made by Loue , compos'd of pleasure , That mak'st true vse of thy creation , In thee both wit and beauty's resident ; Delightfull pleasure , vnpeer'd excellence . This is the fate fixt fast vnto thy birth , That thou alone shouldst be mans heauen on earth : If I alone may but enioy thy loue , I le not change earthly ioy to be heauens Ioue : For though that women haters now are common , They all shall know earths ioy consists in woman . Isab. My loue was dotage till I loued thee ; For thy soule truely tastes our petulance , Conditions Louer , Cupids Intelligencer , That makes man vnderstand what pleasure is : These are fit attributes vnto thy knowledge ; For womens beautie o'er men beare that rule . Our power commands the rich , the wise , the foole . Though scorne growes big in man in growth & stature , Yet women are the rarest workes in nature . Gnia. I doe confesse the truth , and must admire That women can command rare mans desire . Isab. Cease admiration , sit to Cupids feast , The preparation to Papheon daliance , Harmonious Musicke breathe thy siluer Ayres , To stirre vp appetite to Venus banquet , That breath of pleasure that entrances soules , Making that instant happinesse a heauen , In the true taste of loues deliciousnesse . Gniac. Thy wordes are able to stirre cold desire , Into his flesh that lyes entomb'd in Ice , Hauing lost the feeling vse of warmth in bloud , Then how much more in me , whose youthfull veynes , Like a proud Riuer , ouer-flow their bounds ? Pleasures Ambrosia , or loues nourisher , I long for priuacie ; come , let vs in , 'T is custome , and not reason makes loue sinne . Isab. I le leade the way to Venus Paradise , Where thou shalt taste that fruit that made man wise . Exit Isab. Gnia. Sing notes of pleasure to elate our bloud : Why should heauen frowne on ioyes that doe vs good ? I come Isabella keeper of loues treasure , To force thy bloud to lust , and rauish pleasure . Exit . After some short Song enter ISABELLA and GNIACA againe , she hanging about his necke laciviously . Gniac. Still I am thy captiue , yet thy thoughts are free : To be Loues bond-man is true libertie . I haue swomme in seas of pleasure without ground , Ventrous desire past depth it selfe hath drownd . Such skill has beauties Art in a true louer , That dead desire to life it can recouer . Thus beauty our desire can soone aduance , Then straight againe kill it with daliance . Diuinest women , your enchanting breaths Giue Louers many lifes and many deaths . Isab. May thy desire to me for euer last , Not dye by surfet on my delicates : And as I tye this Iewell about thy necke , So may I tie thy constant loue to mine , Neuer to seeke weaking varietie , That greedy curse of mans and womans hell , Where nought but shame and loath'd diseases dwell . Gniac. You counsell well , deare , learne it then ; For change is giuen more to you then men . Isab. My faith to thee , like rockes , shall neuer moue , The Sunne shall change his course ere I my loue . Enter Anna . Anna .

Madame , the Count Rogero knockes .

Isab. Deare Loue into my chamber , till I send My hate from sight . Gniac.

Lust makes me wrong my friend . Exit Gniaca .

Isab. Anna , stand here , and entertaine Lord Rogero . I from my window straight will giue him answere . The Serpents wit to woman rest in me , By that man fell , then why not he by me ? Fain'd sighes and teares dropt from a womans eye , Blindes man of reason , strikes his knowledge dumbe : Wit armes a woman , Count Rogero come . Exit Isabella . Anna . My office still is vnder : yet in time Vshers proue Masters , degrees makes vs climbe . Guido knockes . Who knockes ? is 't you my noble Lord ? Enter GVIDO in his hunting weedes . Guid.

Came my friend hither , Count Guiaca ?

An.

No , my good Lord .

Guid.

Where 's my Isabella ?

An.

In her Chamber .

Guid.

Good : I le visit her .

An.

The chamber 's lockt my Lord : shee will be priuate .

Guid.

Lockt against me , my sawcy mallapert ?

An.

Be patient good my Lord : shee 'll giue you answere .

Guid.

Isabella life of loue , speake , 't is I that cals . Isab. at her window .

Isab.

I must desire your Lordship pardon me .

Guid.

Lordship ? what 's this ? Isabella , art thou blinde ?

Isab. My Lord , my lust was blinde , but now my soule 's cleare sighted , And sees the spots that did corrupt my flesh : Those tokens sent from hell , brought by desire , The messenger of euerlasting death . Anna .

My Lady 's in her Pulpit , now shee 'll preach .

Guid. Is not thy Lady mad ? in veritie I alwayes Tooke her for a Puritane , and now shee shewes it . Isab. Mocke not Repentance . Prophanation Brings mortals laughing to damnation . Beleeue it Lord , Isabella's ill past life , Like gold refin'd , shall make a perfect Wife . I stand on firme ground now , before on Ice ; We know not vertue till wee taste of vice . Guid.

Doe you heare dissimulation , woman sinner ?

Isab. Leaue my house good my Lord , and for my part , I looke for a most wisht reconciliation Betwixt my selfe and my most wronged Husband . Tempt not contrition then religious Lord . Guid. Indeede I was one of your familie once : But doe not I know these are but braine-trickes : And where the Diuell has the Fee-simple , he will keep possession . And will you halt before me that your selfe has made a criple ? Isab. Nay , then you wrong me : and disdained Lord , I paid thee for thy pleasures vendible . Whose mercenary flesh I bought with coyne , I will diuulge thy basenesse , 'lesse with speede Thou leaue my house and my societie . Guid. Already turn'd apostate , but now all pure , Now damn'd your faith is , and loues endure Like dewe vpon the grasse , when pleasures Sunne Shines on your vertues , all your vertue 's done . I le leaue thy house and thee , goe get thee in , Thou gaudy childe of pride , and nurse of sinne . Isab. Raile not on me my Lord ; for if you doe , My hot desire of vengeance shall strike wonder ; Reuenge in woman fals like dreadfull thunder . Exit . Anna .

Your Lordship will command me no further seruice ?

Guid. I thanke thee for thy watchfull seruice past ; Thy vsher-like attendance on the Staires , Being true signes of thy Humilitie . Anna .

I hope I did discharge my place with care .

Guid. Vshers should haue much wit , but little haire ; Thou hast of both sufficient : prethee leaue mee , If thou hast an honest Lady , commend me to her , But shee is none . Exit Anna , manet Guido . Farewell thou priuate strumpet worse then common . Man were on earth an Angell but for woman , That seauen-fold branch of hell from them doth grow , Pride , Lust , and Murder , they raise from below , With all their fellow sinnes . Women were made Of blood , without soules : when their beauties fade , And their lust's past , auarice or bawdry Makes them still lou'd : then they buy venerie , Bribing damnation , and hire brothell slaues . Shame 's their executors , Infamie their graues . Your painting will wipe off , which Art did hide , And shew your vgly shape in spite of pride . Farewell Isabella poore in soule and fame , I leaue thee rich in nothing but in shame . Then soulelesse women know , whose faiths are hollow , Your lust being quench'd , a bloudy act must follow . Exit . Finis Actus tertij .

Actus quarti Scaena prima . Enter the Duke of Amago , the Captaine , and the rest of the Watch , with the Senators . Duke . IVstice that makes Princes like the Gods , drawes vs vnto the Senate , That with vnpartiall ballance wee may poyse The crimes and innocence of all offenders , Our presence can chase bribery from Lawes : He best can iudge , that heares himselfe the cause . 1 Senat. True mighty Duke , it best becomes our places , To haue our light from you the Sonne of Vertue , Subiect Authoritie , for gaine , loue or feare Oft quits the guilty , and condemnes the cleare . Duke . The Land and people's mine , the crimes being knowne , I must redresse my subiects wrong's , mine owne . Call for the two suspected for the murder Of Mendosa , our endered kinsman . These voluntary murderers That confesse the Murder of him that is yet aliue . Wee 'll sport with serious Iustice for a while , In shew wee 'll frowne on them that make vs smile . 2 Sen.

Bring forth the Prisoners we may heare their answeres .

Enter ( brought in with Officers ) CLARIDIANA , and MIZALDVS . Duke . Stand forth you Vipers , that haue suck'd bloud , And lopt a branch sprung from a royall tree : What can you answere to escape tortures ? Rog. We haue confest the fact my Lord , to God and man , Our ghostly father , and that worthy Captaine : We beg not life but fauourable death . Duke .

On what ground sprung your hate to him we lou'd ?

Clarid.

Vpon that curse laid on Venecians ielousie . Wee thought he being a Courtier , would haue made vs Magnificoes of the right stampe , and haue plaid at Primero in the presence , with gold of the Citie brought from our Indies .

Rog.

Nay more , my Lord , we feared that your kinsman for a messe of Sonnets , would haue giuen the plot of vs and our wiues , to some needy Poet , and for sport and profit brought vs in some Venician Comedy vpon the Stage .

Duke .

Our Iustice dwels with mercy ; be not desperate .

1 Sen.

His Highnesse faine would saue your liues if you would see it .

Rog.

All the Law in Venice shall not saue mee , I will not be saued .

Clar.

Feare not , I haue a tricke to bring vs to hanging in spite of the Law .

Rog. Why now I see thou louest me ; thou hast confirm'd Thy friendship for euer to me by these wordes . Why , I should neuer heare Lanthorne and candle call'd for , But I should thinke it was for me and my Wife . I le hang for that , forget not thy tricke . Vpon 'em with thy tricke , I long for sentence . 2 Sen.

Will you appeale for mercy to the Duke ?

Clar. Kill not thy Iustice Duke , to saue our liues : We haue deserued death . Rog. Make not vs presidents for after wrongs , I will receiue punishment for my sinnes , It shall be a meanes to lift me towards heauen . Clar.

Let 's haue our desert ; we craue no fauour .

Duke . Take them asunder , graue Iustice makes vs mirth , That man is soulelesse that ne'er sinnes on earth .

Signior Mizaldus , relate the weapon you kill'd him with , and the manner .

Rog.

My Lord , your lustfull kinsman , I can title him no better , came sneaking to my house like a Promoter to spye flesh in the Lent : now I hauing a Venecian spirit , watcht my time , and with my Rapier runne him through , knowing all paines are but trifles to the horne of a Citizen .

Duke .

Take him aside . Signior Claridiana , what weapon had you for this bloudy act ? what dart vs'd Death ?

Clar.

My Lord , I brain'd him with a leauer my neighbour lent me , and he stood by and cryed strike home olde boy .

Duke . With seuerall Instruments . Bring them face to face . With what kill'd you our Nephew ? Rog.

With a Rapier Leige .

Clar. T is a lye , I kill'd him with a leauer , and thou stood'st by . Rog.

Dost think to saue me & hang thy selfe ? no I scorne it ; is this the tricke thou said'st thou had'st : I kill'd him Duke .

Hee onely gaue consent : 't was I that did it . Clar.

Thou hast alwayes beene crosse to me and wilt be to my death . Haue I taken all this paines to bring thee to hanging , and dost thou slip now ?

Rog.

We shall neuer agree in a tale till we come to the gallowes , then we shall iumpe .

Clar. I le shew you a crosse-point , if you crosse me thus , When thou shalt not see it . Rog.

I le make a wry mouth at that , or it shall cost me a fall : 'T is thy pride to be hang'd alone , because thou scorn'st my company : but it shall be knowne I am as good a man as thy selfe , and in these actions will keepe company with thy betters Iew .

Clar.

Monster .

Rog.

Dog-killer .

Clar.

Fencer . They bustle .

Duke .

Part them , part 'em .

Rog.

Hang vs , and quarter vs , we shall ne'er be parted til then .

Duke .

You doe confesse the murther done by both .

Clar. But that I would not haue the slaue laugh at mee , And count me a coward , I haue a very good mind to liue , Aside . But I am resolute : 't is but a turne . I doe confesse . Rog. So doe I , Pronounce our doome , wee are prepar'd to dye . 1 Sen. We sentence you to hang till you be dead : Since you were men eminent in place and worth , We giue a Christian buriall to you both , Clar.

Not in one graue together we beseech you , wee shall ne'er agree .

Rog. He scornes my company , till the day of Iudgement , I le not hang with him . Duke . You hang together , that shall make you friends , An euerlasting hatred death soone ends : To prison with them till the day of death ; Kings words like Fate , must neuer change their breath . Rog. You malice-monger , I le be hang'd afore thee , And 't be but to vexe thee . Cla.

I le doe you as good a turne or the hangman , & shall fall out .

Exeunt ambo guarded . Enter MENDOSA in his night gowne and cap guarded , with the Captaine . Duke . Now to our kinsman , shame to royall blood , Bring him before vs . Theft in a Prince is sacrilege to honour 'T is vertues scandall , death of Royalty , I blush to see my shame ; Nephew sit downe Iustice that smiles on those on him must frowne , Speake freely Captaine , where found you him wounded ? Capt. Betweene the widowes house & these crosse neighbors , Besides an Artificiall ladder made of ropes Was fastned to her window which he confest He brought to rob her of Iewels and coine . My knowledge yeelds no further circumstance . Duke . Thou know'st too much , would I were past all knowledge , I might forget my griefe springs from my shame , Thou monster of my blood , answere in briefe To these Assertions made against thy life . Is thy soule guilty of so base a fact ? Mend. I doe confesse I did intend to rob her . In the attempt I fell and hurt my selfe Lawes thunder is but death , I dread it not , So my Lentulus honor be preseru'd From black suspition of a lustfull night . Duke . Thy head 's thy forfeit for thy harts offence , Thy bloods prerogatiue may claime that fauour , Thy person then to death doomb'd by iust lawes , Thy death is infamous , but worse the cause . Enter ISABELLA alone GVIACA following her . Isabella . O heau'ns that I was borne to be hates slaue , The foode of Rumor , that devour's my fame ; I am call'd Insatiat Countesse lusts paramowre A glorious Diuell , and the noble whore , I am sick , vext , and tormented , O reuenge . Guiaca .

On whom would my Isabella be reueng'd ?

Isab. Vpon a Viper , that does get mine honour , I will not name him till I be reueng'd , See , her 's the Libels are diuulg'd against me , An euerlasting scandall to my name . And thus the villen writes in my disgrace . She reads . Who loues Isabella the insatiate , Needs Atlas back for to content her lust , That wandring Strumpet , and chaste wedlockes hate , That renders truth : deceipt for loyall trust , That sacrilegious thiefe to Himens rights , Making her lust her God , heau'n her delights . Swell not proud heart , I le quench thy griefe in blood , Desire in woman cannot be withstood . Guiaca . I le be thy champion sweet gainst all the world , Name but the villaine that defames thee thus . Isab. Dare thy hand execute , whom my tongue condemnes , Then art thou truely valiant , mine for euer , But if thou fain'st , hate must our true loue seuer . Guiaca . By my dead fathers soule , my mothers vertues , And by my knight hood and gentilitie ; I le be reueng'd On all the Authors of your Obloquie : Name him . Isab.

Rogero .

Guiaca .

Ha .

Isab. What does his name affright thee coward Lord ? Be mad Isabella , curse on thy reuenge , This Lord was knighted for his fathers worth , Not for his owne . Farewell thou periur'd man , I le leaue you all , You all conspire to worke mine honors fall . Guia. Stay my Isabella , were he my fathers sonne , Composed of me , he dies , Delight still keepe with thee : goe in . Isabella . Thou art iust : Reuenge to me is sweeter now then lust . Enter GVIDO : they see one another and draw and make a passe , then enter ANNA . Anna .

What meane you Nobles , will you kill each other ?

Ambo .

Hold .

Guido .

Thou shame to friendship , what intends thy hate ?

Guiaca . Loue Armes my hand , makes my soule valiant , Isabellas wrongs now sits vpon my sword , To fall more heauie to thy cowards head , Then thunderbolts vpon Ioues rifted Oakes : Deny thy scandall , or defend thy life . Guido . What ? hath thy faith and and reason left thee both ? That thou art onely flesh without a soule : Hast thou no feeling of thy selfe and me ? Blind rage that will not let thee see thy selfe . Guiaca . I come not to dispute but execute : And thus comes death . Another passe . Guido .

And thus I breake thy dart , her 's at thy whores face .

Guiaca .

'T is mist : here 's at thy heart , stay , let vs breath .

Guido . Let reason gouerne rage , yet let vs leaue , Although most wrong be mine , I can forgiue : In this attempt , thy shame will euer liue . Guiaca . Thou hast wrong'd the Phenix of all women rarest , She that 's most wise , most louing , chaste and fairest . Guid. Thou dotest vpon a diuell , not a woman , That ha's bewitcht thee with her Sorcerie , And drown'd thy soule in leathy faculties , Her vselesse lust has benumb'd thy knowledge , Thy intelectuall powers , obliuion smothers , That thou art nothing but forgetfulnesse . Guiaca . What 's this to my Isabella , my sinnes mine owne , Her faults were none , vntill thou madest 'em knowne . Guido . Leaue her , and leaue thy shame where first thou found'st it ; Else liue a bondslaue to diseased lust , Deuour'd in her gulfe-like appetite And infamy shall write thy Epitaph , Thy memory leaues nothing but thy crimes , A scandall to thy name in future times . Guia. Put vp your weapon , I dare here you further , Insatiat lust is Sire still to murther . Guido . Beleeue it friend , if her heart bloud were vext , Though you kill me , new pleasure makes you next : She lou'd me deerer , then she loues you now , Shee 'll nere be faithfull , has twice broke her vow . This curse pursues femall Adulterie , They 'l swimme through blood for sinnes varietie : Their pleasure like a sea groundlesse and wide , A womans lust was neuer satisfied . Guia. Feare whispers in my brest , I haue a soule That blushes red , for tending bloudy facts , Forgiue me friend , if I can be forgiuen , Thy counsell is the path leades me to heauen . Guid.

I doe embrace thy reconciled loue .

Guiaca . That death or danger , now shall ne'er remoue , Goe tell thy Insaciate Countesse Anna , We haue escap't the snares of her false Loue , Vowing for euer to abandon her . Guid.

You haue heard our Resolution , pray be gone .

Anna . My office euer rested at your pleasure , I was the Indian , yet you had the treasure . My faction often sweates , and oft takes cold , Then gilde true diligence o'er with gold . Guia. Thy speech deseru's it there 's gold , giues her gold . Be honest now , and not loues Noddy , Turn'd vp and plaid on whil'st thou keep'st the stock , Prethe formally let 's ha thy absence . Anna .

Lords farewell , Exit Anna .

Guido .

T is Whores and Panders , that makes earth like hell .

Guiaca . Now I am got out of lusts Laborinth , I will to Venice , for a certaine time , To recreate my much abused spirits , And then reuisit Pani and my friend , Guido . I le bring you on your way but must returne ; Lust is like Aetna , and will euer burne . Yet now desire is quench't flam'd once in height : Till man knowes hell , he neuer has firme faith . Exeunt Ambo . Enter Isabella rauing , and Anna . Isabella . Out scritch-Owle messenger of my reuenges death Thou do'st belye Guiaca 't is not so . Anna .

Vpon mine honestie they are vnited .

Isabella . Thy honestie ? thou vassaile to my pleasure take that Strike her . Darst thou controule me , when I say no ? Art not my footestoole , did not I create thee ? And made thee gentle , being borne a begger : Thou hast beene my womans Pandar for a crowne , And dost thou stand vpon thy honestie ? Anna .

I am , what you please Madame . Yet 't is so .

Isab.

Slaue , I will slit thy tongue , lesse thou say no .

Anna .

No , no , no Madame .

Isabella . I haue my humour , though they now be false , Faint-hearted coward get thee from my sight , When villaine ? hast , and come not nere me . Anna .

Madame : I run , her sight like death doth feare me . Ex.

Isabella . Perfidious cowards , staine of Nobilitie , Venecians , and be reconcil'd with words : O that I had Guiaca once more here , Within this prison , made of flesh and bone , I 'de not trust Thunder with my fell reuenge , But mine owne hands , should doe the dire exploit , And fame should Chronicle a womans acts : My rage respects the persons not the facts . There place and worths hath power to defame me , Meane hate is stinglesse , and does onely name me : I not regard it , 't is high bloud that swels , Giue me reuenge , and damne me into hels , Enter Don Sago a Coronell , with a band of Souldiers and a Lieutenant . A gallant Spaniard , I will heare him speake , Griefe must be speechlesse , ere the heart can breake . Sago . Lieutenant let good Discipline be vs'd In quartring of our Troops within the Citie , Not seperated into many streetes , That shewes weake loue , but not sound policie . Diuision in small numbers makes all weake , Forces vnited are the nerues of warre , Mother and nurse of obseruation . Whose rare ingenious spright , fils all the world By looking on it selfe with piercing eyes , Will looke through strangers imbecilities : Therefore be carefull . Lieft. All shall be ordred fitting your command , For these three gifts which makes a Souldiour rare , Is loue and dutie with a valiant care . Exiunt . Lieft. & Souldiors . Sago . What rarietie of women feeds my sight , And leades my sences in a maze of wonder ? Sees her Bellona , thou wert my mistris till I saw that shape But now my sword , I le consecrate to her , Leaue Mars and become Cupids Martialist , Beauty can turne the rugged face of warre , And make him smile vpon delightfull peace , Courting her smoothly like a femallist , I grow a slaue vnto my potent loue , Whose power change hearts , make our fate remoue . Isabella . Reuenge not , Pleasure now ore-rules my blood , Rage shall drown faint loue in a crimson flood , And were he caught , I 'de make him murders hand . Sago . Me thinkes 't were ioy to die at her command , I le speake to heare her speech , whose powerfull breath , Is able to infuse life into death . Isabella .

He comes to speake : hee 's mine , by loue he is mine .

Sago . Lady , thinke bold intrusion curtesie , T is but imagination alters them , Then 't is your thoughts , not I , that doe offend . Isabella . Sir , your intrusion yet 's but curtesie , Vnlesse your future humor alter it . Sago . Why then Diuinest woman , know my soule Is dedicated to thy shrine of beauty , To pray for mercy , and repent the wrongs Done against loue , and femall puritie . Thou abstract drawne from natures empty store-house , I am thy slaue , command my sword , my heart The soule is tri'd best by the bodies smart . Isabella . You are a stranger to this land and me , What madnesse is t for me to trust you then ? To cosen women is a trade 'mongst men , Smooth promises faint passions with a lye , Deceiues our sex of fame and chastitie : What danger durst you hazard for my loue ? Sago . Perils that that neuer mortall durst approue . I le double all the workes of Hercules , Expose my selfe in combat 'gainst an Hoste , Meete danger in a place of certaine death , Yet neuer shrinke , or giue way to my Fate ; Bare-brested meete the murderous Tartars dart , Or any fatall Engine made for death : Such power ha's loue and beauty from your eyes , He that dies resolute , does neuer die : 'T is feare giues death his strength , which I resisted , Death is but emptie Aire , the Fates haue twisted . Isab.

Dare you reuenge my quarrell , 'gainst a foe ?

Sago . Then aske me if I dare embrace you thus , Or kisse your hand , or gaze on your bright eye , Where Cupid dances , on those globes of loue , Feare is my vassall , when I frowne he flyes , A hundred times in life , a coward dies . Isabella .

I not suspect your valor , but your will .

Sago .

To gaine your loue , my fathers bloud I 'le spill .

Isab.

Many haue sworne the like , yet broke their vow .

Sago . My whole endeuour to your wish shall bow . I am your plague to scourge your enemies . Isabella . Performe your promise , and enioy your pleasure , Spend my loues Dowry , that is womens treasure : But if thy resolution dread the triall , I le tell the world , a Spaniard was disloyall . Sago . Relate your griefe , I long to heare their names , Whose bastard spirits , thy true worth defames : I 'le wash thy scandall off , when their hearts bleeds , Valour makes difference betwixt words and deeds . Tell thy fames poison , blood shall wash thee white , Isab. My spotlesse honor , is a slaue to spite : These are the monsters Venice doth bring forth , Whose emptie soules are banckrupt of true worth . False Count Guido , treacherous Guiaca , Countesse of Gazia , and of rich Massino . Then if thou beest a Knight , help the opprest , Through danger safetie comes , through trouble rest . And so my loue . Sago . Ignoble villens , their best bloud shall proue , Reuenge fals heauy , that is rais'd by loue . Isab. Thinke what reproch is to a womans name , Honor'd by birth , by marriage , and by beautie : Be God on earth , and reuenge innocence , O worthy Spaniard , on my knees I begge , Forget the persons , thinke on their offence . Sago . By the white soule of honour , by heau'ns Ioue : They die if their death can attaine your loue . Isab. Thus will I clip thy waste , embrace thee thus : Thus dally with thy haire , and kisse thee thus : Our Pleasures Pothean-like in sundry shapes , Shall with varietie stirre daliance . Sago . I am immortall , O diuinest creature : Thou do'st excell the Gods , in wit and feature . False Counts you die , reuenge now shakes his rods : Beautie condemnes you , stronger then the Gods . Isab. Come Mars of louers , Vulcan is not here , Make vengeance like my bed , quite voide of feare . Sago . My sences are intranst , and in this slumber , I taste heau'ns ioyes , but cannot count the number . Ex. Ambo . Enter LADY LENTVLVS , ABIGALL and THAIS . Abigal . Well Madame : you see the destinie that followes marriage , Our husbands are quiet now , and must suffer the law . Thais .

If my husband had beene worth the begging some Courtier would haue had him : he might be beg'd well inough , for he knowes not his owne wife from another .

Lady Lent .

O you 'r a couple of trusty wenches , to deceiue your husbands thus .

Abig.

If wee had not deceiu'd them thus , we had been Trust wenches .

Thais .

Our husbands will be hang'd , because they thinke themselu's Cuckolds .

Abig.

If all true Cuckolds were of that minde , the hangman would be the richest occupation , and more wealthie widdowes , then there be yonger brothers to marry them .

Thais .

The Marchant venturers would be a very small companie .

Abag.

'T is twelue to one of that , how euer the rest scape , I shall feare a massacre .

Thais . If my husband hereafter for his wealth chance to be dub'd : I 'le haue him cal'd the Knight of the supposed home . Abag.

Faith , and it sounds well .

Lady .

Come madcaps leaue iesting , and let 's deliuer them out of their earthly purgation ; you are the spirits that torment them : but my loue and Lord , kinde Mendosa , will loose his life , to preserue mine honor , not for hate to others .

Abig.

By my troth , if I had beene his iudge , I should haue hang'd him for hauing no more wit , I speake as I thinke , for I would not be hang'd for ne'er a man vnder the heau'ns .

Thais .

Faith , I thinke I should for my Husband . I doe not hold the opinion of the Philosopher , that writes we loue them best , that we inioy first : for I protest I loue my husband better then any that did know me before .

Abig.

So doe I , yet life and pleasure are two sweet things to a woman .

Lady .

He that 's willing to die to saue mine honor , I 'le die to saue his .

Abig.

Tut : beleeue it who that list , wee loue a liuely man I grant you :

But to maintaine that life , I 'le ne're consent to die . This is a rule I still will keepe in brest , Loue well thy husband wench , but thy selfe best . Thais .

I haue followed your counsell hetherto , and meane to doe still .

Lady . Come : we neglect our businesse , 't is no iesting , To morrow they are executed leasse we reprieue them , Wee be their destinies to cast their fate . Let 's all goe . Abig.

I feare not to come late . Exeunt .

Enter DON SAGO SOLVS with a case of Pistols . Sago . Day was my night , and night must be my day : The sunne shin'd on my pleasure , with my loue , And darknesse must lend aide to my reuenge , The stage of heau'n , is hung with solemne black , A time best fitting , to Act Tragedies , The nights great Queene , that maiden gouernesse Musters black clouds , to hide her from the world , Afraide to looke on my bold enterprise . Curs'd creatures messengers of death , possesse the world , Night-Rauens , scritch-owles , and vote-killing Mandrakes , The ghosts of misers , that imprison'd gold , Within the harmelesse bowels of the earth , Are nights companions : bawdes to lust and murder , Be all propitious to my Act of iustice : Vpon the scandalizers of her fame , That is the life-blood of deliciousnesse , Deem'd Isabella , Cupids Treasurer . Whose soule containes the richest gifts of loue : Her beautie from my heart , feare doth expell ; They rellish pleasure best , that dread not hell . Who 's there ? Enter Count Rogero . Rogero .

A friend to thee , if thy intents be iust & honorable .

Sago .

Count Rogero , speake , I am the watch .

Rogero .

My name is Rogero : do'st thou know me ?

Sago . Yes slanderous villen , nurse of Obloquie , Whose poison'd breath , ha's speckl'd cleare fac't vertue , And made a Leper of Isabella's fame , That is as spotlesse , as the eye of heau'n . Thy vitall threds a cutting , start not slaue , Hee 's sure of sudden death , heau'n cannot saue . Count Rog. Art not Guiaca turn'd Apostata , ha's pleasure once againe Turn'd thee againe a diuell , art not Guiaca ? hah ! Sago . O that I were , then would I stab my selfe , For he is mark't for death , as well as thee : I am Don Sago thy mortall enemie , Whose hand loue makes thy executioner . Rogero . I know thee valiant Spaniard , and to thee Murders more hatefull , then is sacrilege Thy actions euer haue been honourable . Sago . And this the crowne of all my Actions , To purge the earth , of such a man turn'd monster . Rogero . I neuer wrong'd thee Spaniard , did I ? speake I 'le make thee satisfaction like a souldiour , Tell him all the Plot. A true Italian , and a Gentleman : Thy rage is treacherie without a cause . Sago . My rage is iust , and thy heart bloud shall know , He that wrongs beautie , must be honors foe : Isabels quarrell , armes the Spaniards spirit . Rogero . Murder should keepe with basenesse , not with merit : I 'le answere thee to morrow by my soule , And cleare thy doubts , or satisfie thy will . Sago . Hee 's warres best scholler , can with safety kill . Take this to night , now meete with me to morrow , Shootes . I come Isabella , halfe thy hate is dead , Valour makes murder light , which feare makes dead . Capt. The pistoll was shot here seize him , Enter Capt. with a band of Soldiors . Bring lights , what Don Sago Collonell of the horse ? Ring the Alarum bell , raise the whole Citie , His Troops are in the towne , I feare treacherie : Whos 's this lies murdred , speake bloud-thirstie Spaniard . Sago .

I haue not spoil'd his face , you may know his visnomy .

Capt. 'T is Count Rogero , goe conuay him hence . Thy life proud Spaniard , answeres this offence , A strong guard for the prisoner , lesse the cities powers Rise to rescue him . Begirt him with souldiours . Sago . What needs this strife ? Know slaues , I prize reuenge aboue my life . Fames register to future times shall tell That by Don Sago , Count Rogero fell . Exeunt omnes . Finis Acti Quarti .

Actus quintus Scaena prima . Enter MEDINA , the dead body of GVIDO Alias Count Arsena , and Souldiours , Don Sago guarded , Executioner , Scaffold . Medina . DOn Sago quak'st thou not to behold this spectacle , This innocent sacrifice murdred noblenes , When bloud the maker euer promiseth , Shall though with slow yet with sure vengeance rest . I't is a guerdon earn'd , and must be paide , As sure reuenge , as it is sure a deede : I nee'r knew murder yet , but it did bleed . Canst thou after so many fearefull conflicts , Betweene this obiect , and thy guilty conscience , Now thou art freed from out the serpents Iawes , That vilde Adultresse , whose sorceries Doth draw chaste men into incontinence : Whose tongue flowes ouer with harmefull eloquence . Canst thou I say repent this hainous Act , And learne to loath , that killing Cockatrice ? Sago . By this fresh blood , that from thy manly brest , I cowardly sluct out , I would in hell , From this sad minute , still the day of doome : To re-inspire vaine Aesculapius . And fill these crimson conduits , feele the fire Due to the damned , and this horrid fact Medina

Vpon my soule , braue Spaniard , I beleeue thee .

Sago . O cease to weepe in blood , or teach me too , The bubbling wounds , doe murmure for reuenge : This is the end of lust , where men may see , Murders the shadow of Adulterie : And followes it to death . Medina . But hopefull Lord , we doe commiserate , Thy bewitch't fortunes ▪ a free pardon giue : On this thy true and noble penitence . With all we make thee Collonell of our horse ; Leuied against the proud Venecian state . Sago . Medina , I thanke thee not , giue life to him , That sits with Risus , and the full cheek't Bacchus , The rich and mighty Monarchs of the earth , To me life is ten times more terrible , Then death can be to me , O breake my breast : Diuines and dying men may talke of hell , But in my heart the seuerall torments dwell . What Tanais , Nilus ? or what Tioris swift ? What Rhenus ferier then the Cataract ? Although Neptolis cold , the waues of all the northerne sea , Should flow for euer , through these guiltie hands , Yet the sanguinolent staine would extant be . Medina .

God pardon thee , we doe .

Enter a messenger . A shoute . Messenger . The Countesse comes my Lord , vnto the death : But so vnwillingly , and vnprepar'd , That she is rather forst , thinking the summe She sent to you of twenty thousand pound , Would haue assured her of life . Medina . O Heauens ! Is she not wearie yet of lust and life ? Had it been Cressus wealth , she should haue died ; Her goods by law , are all confiscate to vs , And die shee shall : her lust Would make a slaughter house of Italy . Ere she attain'd to foure and twenty yeeres , Three Earles , one Vicount , and this valiant Spaniard , Are knowne to abeene the fuell to her lust : Besides her secret louers , which charitably I iudge to haue beene but few , but some they were . Here is a glasse , wherein to view her soule , A Noble , but vnfortunate Gentleman , Cropt by her hand , as some rude passenger Doth pluck the tender Roses in the budde , Murder and lust , the least of which is death , And hath she yet any false hope of breath ? Enter ISABELLA , with her haire hanging downe , a chaplet of flowers on her head , a nosegay in her hand , Executioner before her , and with her a Cardinall Isabella .

What place is this ?

Cardin.

Madame , the Castle greene .

Isab.

There should be dancing on a greene I thinke .

Card.

Madame : to you none other then your dance of death .

Isabell. Good my Lord Cardinall doe not thunder thus , I sent to day to my Phisician , And as he say's he findes no signe of death , Card.

Good Madame , doe not iest away your soule .

Isab. O seruant , how hast thou betrai'd my life ? To Sago . Thou art my dearest louer now I see . Thou wilt not leaue me , till my very death . Bless't be thy hand , I sacrifice a kisse To it and vengeance : worthily thou didst , He died deseruedly , not content to inioy My youth and beauty , riches and my fortune : But like a Chronicler of his owne vice , In Epigrams and songs , he run'd my name , Renown'd me for a Strumpet in the Courts , Of the French King , and the great Emperor . Didst thou not kill him druncke . Medina .

O shamelesse woman !

Isab. Thou shouldest , or in the embraces of his lust , It might haue beene a womans vengeance . Yet I thanke thee Sago , and would not wish him liuing Were my life instant ransome . Card.

O Madame : in your soule haue charitie .

Isab.

Ther 's money for the poore . Giues him money .

Card. O Lady this is but a branch of charitie , An ostentation , or a liberall pride : Let me instruct your soule , for that , I feare , Within the painted sepulcher of flesh , Lies in a dead consumption : good Madame , read , giues a booke . Isab.

You put me to my booke my Lord , will not that saue me .

Card.

Yes Madame , in the euerlasting world .

Sago .

Amen , Amen .

Isab. While thou wert my seruant , thou hast euer said , Amen to all my wishes , witnesse this spectacle : Wher 's my Lord Medina ? Medina .

Here Isabella . What would you ?

Isab.

May we not be reprieu'd ?

Medina .

Mine honors past , you may not .

Isab.

No , t is my honor past ,

Medina .

Thine honors past indeed .

Isab.

Then ther 's no hope of absolute remission .

Medina . For that your holy Confessor will tell you , Be dead to this world , for I sweare you dye , Were you my fathers daughter . Isab.

Can you doe nothing my Lord Cardinall ?

Card. More then the world sweet Lady , help to saue What hand of man , wants power to destroy . Isab. You 'r all for this world , then why not I ? Were you in health and youth , like me my Lord , Although you merited the crowne of life , And stood in state of grace , assur'd of it : Yet in this fearefull separation , Old as you are , e'ne till your latest gaspe , You 'd craue the help of the Phisition : And wish your dayes lengthn'd one summer longer , Though all be griefe , labour and misery , Yet none will part with it , that I can see . Medina .

Vp to the scaffold with her , 't is late .

Isab. Better late then neuer my good Lord you thinke : You vse square dealing , Medina's mighty Duke : Tyrant of France , sent hither by the diuell . She ascends the Scaffold . Medina .

The fitter to meete you .

Card.

Peace : Good my Lord in death doe not prouoke her .

Isab. Seruant low as my destiny I kneele to thee , To Sago . Honouring in death , thy manly loyaltie : And what so e'er become of my poore soule , The ioyes of both worlds euermore be thine . Commend me to the Noble Count Guiaca , That should haue shared thy valour , and my hatred : Tell him I pray his pardon , and Medina , art yet inspir'd from heau'n , Shew thy Creators Image : be like him , Father of mercy . Medina .

Head's man , doe thine office .

Isab. Now God lay all thy sinnes vpon thy head , And sinke thee with them , to infernall darknesse , Thou teacher of the furies cruelty . Card O Madame : teach your selfe a better prayer , This is your latest hower . Isab. He is mine enemie , his sight torments me , I shall not die in quiet . Med.

I 'le be gone : off with her head there . Exit .

Isab. Tak'st thou delight , to torture misery ? Such mercie finde thou in the day of doome . Sould. My Lord : here is a holy Frier desires , Enter Roberto Count of Cipres in Friers weeds . To haue some conference with the prisoners . Roberto . It is in priuate , what I haue to say , With fauour of your father-hood . Card.

Frier : in Gods name welcome . Roberto ascends to Isabella .

Rob. Lady : it seemes your eye is stil the same , Forgetfull of what most it should behold , Doe not you know me then ? Isab. Holy Sir : so farre you are gone from my memorie , I must take truce with time , ere I can know you . Robert . Beare record all , you blessed Saints in heau'n , I come not to torment thee in thy death : For of himselfe hee 's terrible enough , But call to minde a Ladie like your selfe . And thinke how ill in such a beauteous soule , Vpon the instant morrow of her nuptials , Apostasie and vilde reuolt would shew : With all imagine that she had a Lord , Iealous , the Aire should rauish her chaste lookes : Doating like the creator in his models , Who viewes them euery minute , and with care , Mixt in his feare of their obedience to him . Suppose he sung through famous Italy , More common then the looser songs of Petrarch : To euery seuerall Zanies instrument , And he poore wretch , hoping some better sate , Might call her back from her Adulterate purpose : Liues in obscure , and almost vnknowne life , Till hearing , that she is condemn'd to die : For he once lou'd her , lends his pined corps , Motion to bring him to her stage of honour Where drown'd in woe : at her so dismall chance , He claspes her : thus he fals into a trance . Isab. O my offended Lord lift vp your eyes : But yet auert them from my loathed sight . Had I with you inioyed the lawfull pleasure , To which belongs , nor feare , nor publike shame : I might haue liu'd in honour , died in fame . Your pardon on my faultring knees I begge : Which shall confirme more peace vnto my death , Then all the graue instructions of the Church . Roberto . Pardon belongs vnto my holy weeds , Freely thou hast it , farewell my Isabella . Let thy death ransome thy soule , O die a rare example , The kisse thou gau'st me in the church , here take , As I leaue thee , so thou the world forsake . Exit Roberto . Clarid. Rare accident , ill welcome noble Lord : Madame : your executioner desires you to forgiue him . Isab.

Yes and giue him too , what must I doe my friend ?

Executioner .

Madame : onely tie vp your haire .

Isabella . O these golden nets , That haue insnar'd so many wanton youthes , Not one but ha's beene held a thred of life , And superstitiously depended on , Now to the block , we must vaile : what else ? Executioner .

Madame : I must intreat you blind your eyes .

Isabella . I haue liued too long in darknesse my friend : And yet mine eies with their majesticque light , Haue got new Muses , in a Poets spright . They haue beene more gazed at then the God of Day : Their brightnes neuer could be flattered , Yet thou command'st a fixed cloud of Lawne , To Ecclipse eternally these minutes of light . What else ? Executioner . Now Madame : als done , And when you please , I 'le execute my office . Isabella . We will be for thee straight . Giue me your blessing my Lord Cardinall : Lord , I am well prepar'd : Murder and lust , downe with my ashes sinke . But like ingratefull seede perish in earth , That you may neuer spring against my soule , Like weedes to choake it in the heauenly haruest , I fall to rise , mount to thy maker , spirit , Leaue here thy body , death ha's her demerit . Strike . Cardin.

An host of Angels be thy conuey hence .

Medina . To funerall with her body , and this Lords : None here I hope can taxe vs of iniustice : She died deseruedly , and may like fate , Attend all women so insatiate . Exeunt omnes . Enter AMAGO the Duke , the Watch and Senators . Duke I am amazed at this maze of wonder , Wherein no thred or clue presents it selfe , To winde vs from the obscure passages , What saies my Nephew ? Watch.

Still resolute my Lord , and doth confesse the theft .

Duke Wee 'll vse him like a fellon , cut him off : For feare he doe pollute our sounder parts . Yet why should he steale , That is a loaden Vine ? riches to him , Were adding sands into the Libian shore , Or farre lesse charitie : what say the other prisoners ? Watch. Like men my Lord , fit for the other world , They tak 't vpon their death , they slew your Nephew . Duke . And he is yet aliue , keepe them asunder We may sent out the wile . Enter CLARIDIANA and ROGERO bound : with a Frier and Officers . Rogero . My friend ; is it the rigour of the law I should be tied thus hard , I le vndergoe it : If not , prethee then slacken ; yet I haue deseru'd it , This murder lies heauie on my conscience . Clarid.

Wedlocke , I here 's my wedlocke ; O whore , whore , whore .

Frier .

O Sir be quallified .

Clarid. Sir : I am to die a dogges death , and will snarle a little At the old Segnior , you are onely a Parenthesis , Which I will leaue out of my execrations : but first To our quondam wiues , that makes vs cry our Vowels In red Capitall letters , Jove are cuckolds , O may Bastard bearing with the panges of childbirth , be Doubled to him : may they haue euer twins And be three weekes in trauell betweene , may they be , So Riuell'd with painting by that time they are thirty , that it May be held a worke of condigne merit But to looke vpon 'em , may they liue , To ride in triumph in a Dung-cart And be crown'd with al the odious ceremonies belonging too 't : May the cucking stoole be their recreation , And a dungeon their dying chamber , May they haue nine liues like a Cat , to endure this and more ; May they be burnt for witches of a sudden , And lastly , may the opinion of Philosophers Proue true , that women haue no soules . Enter THAIS and ABIGALL . Thais .

What husband ? at your prayers so seriously ?

Clari. Yes : a few orisons ; Frier , thou that stand'st betweene The soules of men and the diuell , Keepe these female spirits away , Or I will renounce my faith else . Abig.

Oh husband , I little thought to see you in this taking .

Rogero . O whore , I little thought to see you in this taking , I am gouernour of this castle of cornets , My graue will be stumbl'd at , thou adultrat whore , I might haue liu'd like a Marchant . Abig.

So you may still husband .

Rogero .

Peace , thou art verie quicke with me .

Abig. I by my faith , and so I am husband , Belike you know I am with child . Rogero . A bastard , a bastard , a bastard : I might haue liu'd like a gentleman , And now I must die like a Hanger on : Shew trickes vpon a woodden horse , And runne through an Alphabet of scuruie faces : Doe not expect a good looke from me . Abig.

O mee vnfortunate !

Clarid. O to thinke whil'st we are singing the last Hymne , And readie to be turn'd off , Some new tune is inuenting , by some Metermonger , To a scuruie Ballad of our death . Againe at our funerall Sermons , To haue the Diuine , diuide his text into faire branches : Oh , flesh and bloud cannot indure it , Yet I will take it patiently like a graue man , Hangman , tie not my halter of a true louers knot , I shall burst it if thou doost . Thais . Husband , I doe beseech you on my knees , I may but speake with you . I 'le winne your pardon , Or with teares like Niobe bedew a. Clarid. Hold thy water Crocodile , and say I am bound To doe thee no harme : were I free yet I could not Be looser then thou : For thou art a whore . Agamemnons daughter that was sacrific'd For a good winde , felt but a blast of the torments : Thou should'st indure , I 'de make thee swownd Oftner , then that fellow that by his continuall practise Hopes to become Drum Maior . What saist thou to tickling to death with bodkins ? But thou hast laught too much at me alreadie , whore . Iustice O Duke , and let me not hang in suspence . Abig. Husband : I 'le naile me to the earth , but I 'le Winne your pardon . My Iewels , iointure , all I haue shall flye : Apparell , bedding , I 'le not leaue a Rugge ; So you may come off fairely . Clarid. I 'le come off fairely . Then beg my pardon , I had rather Chirurgions hall should begge my dead bodie For an Anatomie , then thou begge my life : Iustice O Duke , and let vs die . Duke . Signior , thinke , and dally not with heauen , But freely tell vs , did you doe the murther ? Rogero . I haue confest it , to my ghostly father , And done the Sacrament of penance for it . What would your highnesse more ? Clar. The like haue I , what would your highnesse more ? And here before you all tak 't o' my death . Duke . In Gods name then on to the death with them , For the poore widdowes that you leaue behinde , Though by the law , their goods are all confiscate , Yet wee 'll be their good Lord , and giue 'em them . Clari.

Oh hell of hels . Why did not we hire some villaine to fire our houses ?

Rog.

I thought not of that , my minde was altogether of the gallowes .

Clar. May the wealth I leaue behinde me , help to damne her , And as the cursed fate of curtezan , What she gleanes with her traded art , May one as a most due plague cheat from , In the last dotage of her tired lust , And leaue her an vnpittied age of woe . Rogero .

Amen , Amen .

Watchm.

I neuer heard men pray more feruently .

Rogero . O that a man had the instinct of a Lyon , He knowes when the Lionesse place fals to him : But these solaces , these women , They bring man to gray haires before he be thirtie . Yet they cast out such mistes of flatterie from their breath , That a mans lost againe : sure I fell into my marriage bed drunke : Like the Leopard , well with sober eyes would I had auoided it ; Come graue and hide me from my blasted fame ; Exeunt Ambo with officers . O that thou could'st as well conceale my shame . Thais . Your pardon & your fauor gracious Duke Women kneele . At once we doe implore , that haue so long . Deceiu'd your royall expectation , Assur'd that the Comick knitting vp , Will moue your spleene , vnto the proper vse , Of mirth , your naturall inclination : And wipe away the watery couloured anger , From your inforced cheeke . Faire Lord , beguile Them and your saf't , with a pleasing smile . Duke . Now by my life I doe , faire Ladies rise , I nee'r did purpose any other end , To them and these designes . I was inform'd , Of some notorious errour , as I sate in iudgement . And doe you heare ? these night workes require a Cats eyes , To impierce deiected darknesse : call back the prisoners . Clari. Now what other troubled newes , Enter Clarid. and Rogero , with officers . That we must back thus ? Ha's any Senator beg'd my pardon , Vpon my wiues prostitution to him . Rog. What a spight 's this , I had kept in my breath of purpose Thinking to goe away the quieter , and must we now backe ? Duke . Since you are to die , wee 'll giue you winding sheetes , Wherein you shall be shrouded aliue , By which we winde out all these miseries . Segnior Rogero , bestow a while your eye , And reade here of your true wiues chastity . Giues him a Letter . Rog. Chastitie ? I will sooner expect a Iesuites recantation : Or the great Turkes conuersion , then her chastitie . Pardon my leige , I will not trust mine eyes : Women and Diuels , will deceiue the wise . Duke .

The like Sir is apparant on your side . To tother .

Clar. Who ? my wife ? chaste ? ha's your grace your sense , I 'le sooner beleeue A coniurer may say his prayers with zeale , Then her honestie . Had she been an Hermaphrodite I would scarce hath giuen credit to you , Let him that hath drunke loue drugs trust a woman , By heau'n I thinke , the aire is not more common . Duke . Then we impose a strict command vpon you : On your Allegeance , reade what there is writ . Clar.

A writ of errour , on my life my liege .

Duke .

You 'le finde it so I feare .

Cla.

What haue we here the Art of Brachigraphy ? Lookes ont .

Thais . Hee 's stung already , as if his eyes were turn'd on Persies shield . There motion is fixt , like to the poole of Stix . Abig. Yonder s our flames , and from the hollow Arches , Of his quick eyes , comes commet traines of fire : Bursting like hidden furies , from their Canes , Reades . Your's till he sleepe , the sleepe of all The world , Rogero . Rogero .

Marry and that Lethergie seize you , reade againe .

Clar. Thy seruant so made by his stars , Rogero . Reads againe . A fire on your wandring starres Rogero . Rog.

Sathan , why hast thou tempted my wife ? To Clarid.

Cla. Peace , seducer , I am branded in the forehead With your starre-marke . May the starres drop vpon thee , And with their sulphure vapours choake thee , ere thou Come at the gallowes . Rogero .

Stretch not my patience Mahomet .

Clarid.

Termagant that will stretch thy patience .

Rogero . Had I knowne this I would haue poison'd thee in the Chalice , This morning , when we receaued the Sacrament . Clari. Slaue , knowst thou this ? t is an Appendix to the Letter , But the greater temptation is hidden within . I will scowre thy gorge like a Hawke : thou shalt swallow thine owne stone in this letter , They bustle . Seal'd and deliuered in the presence of . Duke .

Keepe them asunder , list to vs , we command .

Clari. O violent villayne , is not thy hand hereto ? And writ in bloud to shew thy raging lust ? Thais . Spice of a new halter , when you go a ranging thus like Deuills , would you might burne for 't as they doe . Rogero . Thus t is to lye with another mans wife : He shal be sure to heare on 't againe . But we are friends , sweet ducke , kisse her . And this shall be my maxime all my life , MAN neuer happy is till in a wife . Clari. Here sunke our hate lower then any whirlepoole . And this chaste kisse I giue thee for thy care . kisse . That fame of women full as wise as faire . Duke . You haue saued vs a labour in your loue . But Gentlemen , why stood you so prepostrously ? Would you haue headlong runne to Infamy , In so defam'd a death ? Rogero . O my Liege , I had rather rore to death with Phaleris Bull , then Darius-like , to haue one of my wings extend to Atlas , the other to Europa . What is a Cuckold learne of me , Few can tell his pedigree , Nor his subtill nature conster , Borne a man , but dyes a monster . Yet great Antiquaryes say , They spring from our Methusala , Who after Noahs flood was found , To haue his Crest with branches crown'd . God in Edens happy shade , This same creature made . Then to cut off all mistaking , Cuckolds are of womens making . From whose snares , good Lord deliuer vs . Clari. Amen , Amen . Before I would proue a Cuckold , I would indure a winters Pilgrimage in the Frozen Zone , Goe starke naked through Muscouia , where the Climate is degrees colder then Ice . And thus much to all marryed men . Now I see great reason why Loue should mary ielousie : Since mans best of life is fame , He had neede preserue the same . When t is in a womans keeping , Let not Argos eyes be sleeping . The poxe is vnto Panders giuen By the better powers of heauen . That contaynes pure chastity , And each Virgin soueraignety , Wantonly she op't and lost : Gift whereof , a God might boast . Therefore shouldst thou Diana wed , Yet be iealous of her bed . Duke . Night , like a Masque , is entred heauens great hall , With thousand Torches vshering the way : To Risus will wee consecrate this Euening , Like Missermis cheating of the brack . Wee le make this night the day . Faire ioyes befall Vs and our Actions . Are you pleased all ? Exeunt omnes .

FINIS .