The Malcontent Marston, John This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A07071 of text S112286 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 17479). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. Martin Mueller Incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by Nayoon Ahn Kate Needham This text has not been fully proofread EarlyPrint Project Evanston IL, Notre Dame IN, St.Louis, Washington MO 2017 Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License A07071.xml The malcontent. By Iohn Marston. 1604. Marston, John, 1575?-1634. 32 600dpi TIFF G4 page images University of Michigan, Digital Library Production Service Ann Arbor, Michigan 2003 November (TCP phase 1) 99847541 STC (2nd ed.) 17479. Greg, I, 203(a). 12578 A07071 2240917752

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 The malcontent. By Iohn Marston. 1604. Malecontent. Marston, John, 1575?-1634. [62] p. By V[alentine] S[immes] for William Aspley, and are to be solde at his shop in Paules Church-yard, Printed at London : [1604] 1603

Partly in verse.

The first word of the title is xylographic.

Printer's name from STC. "Quires B-E .. are by another printer".

This edition collates: A4 (-A1) B-H4.

Running title reads: Malecontent.

Reproduction of the original in the Folger Shakespeare Library.

 A07071 shc The Malcontent Marston, John Nayoon Ahn Kate Needham 1603 play tragicomedy shc no A07071 S112286 (STC 17479). 64 20255 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 A This text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. Incorporated ~ 10,000 textual changes made to the SHC corpus by Hannah Bredar, Kate Needham, and Lydia Zoells between April and July 2015 during visits, separately or together, to the Bodleian, Folger and Houghton Libraries as well as the Rare Book Libraries at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin, PFORZ 659 PFZ

THE MALCONTENT .

By Iohn Marston .

1604 .

Printed at London by V. S. for William Aspley , and are to be sold at his shop in Paules Church-yard .

BENIAMINO IONSONIO POETAE ELEGANTISSIMO GRAVISSIMO

AMICO SVO CANDIDO ET CORDATO , IOHANNES MARSTON MVSARVM ALVMNVS

ASPERAM HANC SVAM THALIAM D. D.

To the Reader .

I Am an ill Oratour ; and in truth , vse to indite more honestly then eloquently , for t' is my custome to speake as I think , and write as I speake .

In plainenesse therefore vnderstand , that in some things I have willingly erred , as in supposing a Duke of Genoa , and in taking names different from that Citties families : for which some may wittily accuse me , but my defence shall bee as honest , as many reproofes vnto mee have been most malicious . Since ( I heartily protest ) t' was my care to write so farre from reasonable offence , that even strangers , in whose State I layd my Scene , should not from thence draw any disgrace to any , dead or living . Yet in despight of my indevors , I vnderstand , some have bin most vnadvisedly over-cunning in mis-interpreting me , & with subtilty ( as deep as hell ) have maliciously spread ill rumors , which springing from themselves , might to themselves have heavily returned . Surely I desire to satisfie every firme spirit , who in all his actions , proposeth to himselfe no more ends then God and vertue doe , whose intentions are alwayes simple : to such I protest , that with my free vnderstanding , I have not glanced at disgrace of any , but of those , whose vnquiet studies labor innovation , contempt of holy policie , reverent comely superiority , and established vnity : for the rest of my supposed tartnesse , I feare not , but vnto every worthy mind t' wil be approoved so generall and honest , as may modestly passe with the freedome of a Satyre . I would faine leave the paper ; onely one thing afflicts mee , to thinke that Scenes invented , meerely to be spoken , should be inforcively published to be read , & that the least hurt I can receive , is to do my selfe the wrong . But since others otherwise would doe me more , the least inconvenience is to be accepted . I have my selfe therefore set forth this Comedy ; but so , that my inforced absence must much relye vpon the Printers discretion : but I shal intreat , slight errors in orthography may bee as slightly or'epassed ; and that the vnhandsome shape which this trifle in reading presents , may bee pardoned , for the pleasure it once afforded you , when it was presented with the soule of lively action .

Me mea sequentur fata . I. M.
Dramatis personae . Giouanni Altofronto Disguised Maleuole sometime Duke of Genoa . Pietro Iacomo Duke of Genoa . Mendozo A Minion to the Dutchesse of Pietro Iacomo . Celso A friend to Altofront . Bilioso . An olde cholerike Marshall . Prepasso A Gentleman Vsher . Ferneze A yong Courtier , and inamored on the Dutchesse . Ferrardo A Minion to Duke Pietro Iacomo . Equato . Guerrino . Two Courtiers . Aurelia Dutches to Duke Piet : Iacomo . Maria Dutches to Duke Altofront . Emilia Beancha Two Ladies attending the Dutchesse . Maquerelle An olde Pandresse .
THE MALCONTENT . ACTVS PRIMVS . Vexat censura columbas .
SCE. PRIMA . The vilest out of tune Musicke being heard . Enter Bilioso and Praepasso . Bilioso .

WHy how now ? are yee mad ? or drunke ? or both ? or what ?

Praep.

Are yee building Babilon there ?

Bilioso

Heer 's a noyse in Court , you thinke you are in a Tauerne , do you not ?

Praep.

You thinke you are in a brothell house doe you not ? This roome is ill sented .

Enter one with a Perfume .

So ; perfume ; perfume ; some vpon me I pray thee : The Duke is vpon instant entrance ; so , make place there .

SCENA SECVNDA . Enter the Duke Pietro , Ferrardo , Count Equato , Count Celso before , and Guerrino . Pietro .

Where breath 's that Musique ?

Bilioso .

The discord rather then the Musique is heard from the Malcontent Maleuoles chamber .

Ferrar.

Maleuole .

Male .

* * Out of his Chamber . Yaugh , godaman what do'st thou there : Dukes Ganimed Iunces iealous of thy long stockings : shadow of a woman , what wouldst Weesell ? thou lambe a Court : what doost thou bleat for ? a you smooth chind Catamite .

Pietro .

Come downe thou rugged Cur , and snarle here , I giue thy dogged sullennesse free liberty : trot about and be-spurtle whom thou pleasest .

Maleuole .

I le come among you , you Gotish bloudded Toderers , as Gum into Taffata , to fret , to fret : I le fall like a spunge into water to suck vp ; to suck vp . Howle againe . I le pray , and come to you .

Pietro. .

This Maleuole is one of the most prodigious affections that euer conuerst with nature ; A man or rather a monster ; more discontent then Lucifer when he was thrust out of the presence , his appetite is vnsatiable as the Graue ; as farre from any content as from heauen , his highest delight is to procure others vexation , and therein hee thinkes he truly serues heauen ; for t is his position , whosoeuer in this earth can be contented is a slaue and dam'd ; therefore do's he afflict all in that to which they are most affected ; the Elements struggle within him ; his owne soule is at varience ; his speach is halter-worthy at all howers ; I like him faith , he giues good intelligence to my spirit , makes me vnderstand those weaknesses which others flattery palliate : harke they sing .

SCENA TERTIA . A Song . Enter Maleuole after the Song .

See he comes ; now shall you heare the extremity of a Malecontent : he is as free as ayre ; he blowes ouer euery man . And sir whence come you now ?

Mal.

From the publick place of much dissimulation ;

Piet.

What didst there ?

Mal.

Talke with a Vsurer ; take vp at Interest .

Piet.

I wonder what religion thou art ?

Mal.

Of a Souldiers religion .

Pietr.

And what doost thou thinke makes most Infidels now ?

Mal.

Sects , sects , I haue seene seeming Piety change her roabe so oft , that sure none but some arch-diuell can shape her a new Peticote .

Pietro .

Of a religious pollicie .

Mal.

But damnation on a politique religion .

Pietro .

But what s the common newes abroade Maleuole , thou dogst rumor still .

Mal.

Common newes ? why common words are , God saue yee , Fare yee well : common actions , Flattery and Cosenage : common things , Women and Cuckolds : and how do's my little Ferrard : a yee lecherous Animall , my little Ferret , he goes sucking vp & downe the Pallace into euery Hens nest like a Weesell : & to what doost thou addict thy time to now , more then to those Antique painted drabs that are stil affected of young Courtiers , Flattery , Pride & Venery .

Ferrard.

I study languages : who doost thinke to be the best linguist of our age ?

Mal.

Phew , the Diuell let him possesse thee , hee le teach thee to speake all languages , most readily and strangely , and great reason mary , hee s traueld greatly i the worlde ; and is euery where .

Ferrard.

Saue i th Court .

Mal.

I saue i th Court : and how do's my old Muckill ouerspred with fresh snow : thou halfe a man halfe a Goate , To Bilioso . all a Beast : how do's thy young wife old huddle ?

Bilio.

Out you improuident rascall .

Mal.

Doe , kick thou hugely hornd olde Dukes Oxe , good Maister Make-pleece .

Pietro .

How doost thou liue now a dayes Maleuole ?

Mal.

Why like the Knight S. Patrik Penlobrans , with killing a Spiders for my Ladies Munckey .

Pie .

How do'st spend the night , I heere thou neuer sleepst ?

Mal.

O no , but dreame the most fantasticall : O heauen : O fubbery , fubbery .

Pietro .

Dreame , what dreamst ?

Mal.

Why me thinkes I see that Signior pawnd his foot-cloth , that Metreza her Plate , this madam takes phisick , that tother Mounsieur may minister to her : here is a Pandar Ieweld : there a fellow in shift of Satten this day , that could not shift a shirt tother night , here a Paris supports that Hellen , there s a Lady Guineuer beares vp that sir Lancelot . Dreames , dreames , visions , fantasies , Chimeras , imaginations , trickes , conceites , * * To Prepasso . Sir Tristram Trimtram come a loft Iack a napes with a whim wham , here s a Knight of the land of Catito shall play at trap with any Page in Europe ; Doe the sword daunce , with any Morris-dauncer in Christendome ; ride at the Ring till the finne of his eyes looke as blew as the welkin , and runne the wilde-goose chase euen with Pompey the huge .

Pietro .

You runne .

Mal.

To the diuell : now Signor Guerchino ; that thou from a most pittied prisoner shouldst grow a most loathd flatterer : Alas poore Celso , thy starres opprest , thou art an honest Lord , t is pitty .

Equato.

I st pitty ?

Mal.

I marry i st Philosophicall Equato , and t is pitty that thou being so excellent a Scholler by Art , shouldst be so ridiculous a foole by Nature : I haue a thing to tell you Duke ; bid vm auant , bid vm auant .

Pietro .

Leaue vs , leaue vs , now sir what i st ?

Exeunt all sauing Pietro and Maleuole Mal.

Duke thou art a Beco , a Cprnuto .

Pietro .

How ?

Mal.

Thou art a Cuckold .

Pietro .

Speake ; vnshale him quick .

Mal.

With most tumbler-like nimblenes .

Pietro .

Who ? by whom ? I burst with desire .

Mal.

Mendozo is the man makes thee a horn'd beast ; Duke 't is Mendozo cornutes thee .

Pietro .

What conformance , relate , short , short .

Mal.

As a Lawyers beard ,

There is an old Crone in the Court , her name is Maquerelle , Shee is my Mistris sooth to say , and she doth euer tell me ,

Blirt a rime ; blirt a rime ; Maquerelle is a cunning Bawde , I am an honest villaine , thy wife is a close Drab , and thou art a notorious Cuckold , farewell Duke .

Pietro .

Stay , stay .

Mal,

Dull , dull Duke , can lazy patience make lame reuenge ; O God for a woman to make a man that which God neuer created , neuer made .

Pietro .

What did God neuer make ?

Mal.

A Cockold : To be made a thing that s hud-winkt with kindnesse whilst euery rascall philips his browes ; to haue a Cox-combe with egregious hornes pind to a Lords back , euery page sporting himselfe with delightfull laughter , whilst he must be the last must know it ; Pistols and Poniards , Pistols and Poinards .

Pietro .

Death and damnation .

Mal.

Lightning and thunder .

Pietro .

Vengeance and torture .

Mal.

Catzo .

Pietro .

O reuenge .

Mal.

I would dam him and all his generation , my owne hands should do it ; ha I would not trust heauen with my vengeance any thing .

Pietro .

Any thing , any thing Maleuole thou shalt see instantly what temper my spirit houlds ; farewell , remember , I forget thee not , farewell .

Exit Pietro .
SCENA QVARTA . Enter Celso . Cel.

My honor'd Lord .

Mal. Peace , speake low ; peace , O Celso , constant Lord , Thou to whose faith I onely rest discouered , Thou one of full ten millions of men That louest vertue onely for it selfe , Thou in whose hands olde OPS may put her soule ; Behold for euer banisht Altofront This Genoas last yeares Duke . O truly noble , I wanted those old instruments of state , Dissemblance , and suspect : I could not time it Celso , My throane stood like a point in midd'st of a circle , To all of equall neerenes , bore with none : Raind all alike , so slept in fearelesse vertue , Suspectles , too suspectles , till the crowde : ( Still liquerous of vntried nouelties ) Impacient with seuerer gouernmente : Made strong with Florence : banisht Altofront . Celso . Strong with Florence , I thence your mischiefe rose , For when the daughter of the Florentine : Was matched once with this Pietro now Duke , No stratagem of state vntride was lefte , till you of all Mal. Of all was quite berefte , Alas Maria too close prisoned : My true fayth'd dutches i' the Citadell . Celso .

I le still adhere , let s mutinie and die .

Mal. O clime not a falling tower Celso , T is well held desperation , no Zeale : Hopeles to striue with fate ( peace ) Temporize . Hope , hope , that neuer forsak'st the wretchedst man , Yet bidst me liue , and lurke in this disguise , What play I well the free breath'd discontent ,

Why man we are all philosophicall monarkes or naturall fooles , Celso the Courtes a fiar , the dutches sheets will smoke forth ere it be long : Impure Mendozo that sharpe nos'd Lord , that made the cursed match linkt Genoa with Florence now brode hornes , the Duke which he now knowes : Discord to malecontents is very Manna , when the rankes are burst then scuffle Altophant .

Celso .

I but durste .

Mal.

T is gone , t is swallowed like a minerall , some way t will worke , phewt i le not shrinke ,

Hee s resolute who can no lower sinke .

Celso .

Yonder 's Mendoza .

Mal.

True , the priuie key .

Celso .

I take my leaue sweete Lord .

Exit Celso . Mal.

T is fit , away .

SCENA QVINTA . Enter Mendoza with three or foure sutors . Mend.

Leaue your suites with me , I can and will : attend my secretarie , leaue me .

Mal.

Mendoza harke yee , harke yee , You are a treacherous villaine , God buye yee .

Mend.

Out you base borne rascall .

Mal.

We are all the sonnes of heauen though a Tripe wife were our mother ; a you whore-sonne hot rainde hee Marmoset , Egistus didst euer here of one Egistus ?

Mend.

Gistus ?

Mal.

I Egistus , he was a filthy incontinent Fleshmonger , such a one as thou art .

Mend.

Out grumbling roage .

Mal.

Orestes , beware Orestes .

Mend.

Out beggar .

Mal.

I once shall rise ,

Mend.

Thou rise ?

Mal. I at the resurrection . No vulgar seede but once may rise and shall , No King so huge , but fore he die may fall . Exit . Mend.

Now good Elizium , what a delicious heauen is it for a man to be in a Princes fauour ? ô sweet God , ô pleasure ! ô Fortune ! ô all thou best of life ? what should I thinke ? what say ? what do ? to be a fauorite ? a minion ? to haue a generall timerous respect , obserue a man , a statefull scilence in his presence : solitarinesse in his absence , a confused ham and busie murmure of obsequious suters training him ; the cloth held vp , and waye proclaimd before him ; Petitionarie vassailes licking the pauement with their slauish knees , whilst some odde pallace Lampreeles that ingender with Snakes , and are full of eyes on both sides with a kinde of insinuating humblenesse fixe all their lights vpon his browe : O blessed state what a rauishing prospect doth the Olympus of fauor yeeld ; Death , I cornute the Duke : sweete women , most sweet Ladies , nay Angels ; by heauen he is more accursed then a Diuell that hates you , or is hated by you , and happier then a God that loues you , or is beloued by you ; you preseruers of mankind , life blood of society , who would liue , nay who can liue without you ? O Paradice , how maiesticall is your austerer presence ? how imperiouslie chaste is your more modest face ? but O! how full of rauishing attraction is your pretty , petulant , languishing , laciuiously-composed countenance : these amarous smiles , those soule-warming sparkling glances ; ardent as those flames that sing'd the world by heedlesse Phaeton ; in body how delicate , in soule how witty , in discourse how pregnant , in life how wary , in fauours how iudicious , in day how sociable , and in night how ? O pleasure unutterable , indeed it is most certaine , one man cannot deserue onely to inioy a beautious woman : but a Dutches ? in dispight of Phoebus I le write a Sonnet instantly in praise of her .

Exit .
SCENA SEXTA . Enter Farnese vshering Aurelia , Emillia and Maquerelle bearing vp her traine , Beancha attending : all goe out but Aurelia , Maquerelle and Farneze . Aure.

And i st possible ? Mendozo slight me , possible ?

Far. Possible ? what can be strange in him that s drunke with fauour , Groes insolent with grace , speake Maquerelle , speake . Maque.

To speake feelingly , more , more richely in sollid sence then worthlesse words , giue me those Iewels of your eares to receiue my inforced dutie , as for my part t is well knowne I can put vp any thing ; can beare patiently with any man : But when I heard hee wronged your pretious sweetnesse , I was inforced to take deepe offence ; T is most certaine he loues Emillia with high appetite ; and as she told me ( as you knowe we woemen impart our secrets one to another ) when she repulsed his suite , in that he was possessed with your indeered grace : Mendozo most ingratfully renounced all fayth to you .

Fer.

Nay , cald you , speake Maquerelle , speake .

Maq.

By heauen witch ? dride bisquet , and contested blushlesly hee lou'd you but for a spurt or soe .

Fer.

For maintenance .

Maq.

Aduancement and regarde .

Aur.

O villaine ? O impudent Mendozo .

Maq

Nay he is the rustiest iawde , the fowlest mouthd knaue in rayling against our sex : he will rayle agen women .

Aur.

How ? how ?

Maq.

I am asham'd to spea kt , I .

Aur.

I loue to hate him , speake .

Maq.

Why when Emillia scornde his base vnsteddines the blacke throated rascall scoulded , and sedd .

Aur.

What ?

Maq.

Troth t is too shamelesse ,

Aur.

What saide he ?

Maq.

Why that at foure women were fooles , at foureteene Drabbes , at fortie Bawdes , at fourescore witches , and a hundreth Cats .

Aur.

O vnlimitable impudencie !

Fer. But as for poore Fernezes fixed hart , Was neuer shadelesse meadow drier parcht , Vnder the scortching heate of heauens dog , Then is my hart with your inforcing eyes . Maq.

A hotte simile .

Fer. Your smiles haue bin my heauen , your frownes my hel , O pitty then ; Grace should with beauty dwell . Maq.

Reasonable perfect bir-lady .

Aur. I will loue thee , be it but in dispight , Of that Mendozo , witch ! Farneze , witch ! Ferneze thou art the Dutches fauorite , Be faithfull , priuate , but t is dangerous , Fer. His loue is liuelesse , that for loue feares breath , The worst that s due to sinne , O would 't were death . Aur. Enioy my fauor , I wil be sick instantly & take phisick , Therefore in depth of night , visit Maq.

Visit her chamber , but conditionally you shall not offend her bed : by this Diamond .

Fer.

By this Diamond .

Giues it to Maquerelle . Maq.

Nor tary longer then you please : by this Ruby .

Fer.

By this Ruby .

Maq.

And that the doore shall not creake .

Fer.

And that the doore shall not creake .

Mal.

Nay but sweare .

Ferne.

By this purse .

Maq.

Goe to , I le keepe your oathes for you : remember , visit .

Enter Mendozo reading a Sonnet . Aur.

Dry'd bisquet ? looke where the base wretch comes .

Men.

Beauties life , Heauens modell , Loues Queene .

Maq.

That s his Aemilia .

Men.

Natures triumph , best of Earth .

Maq.

Meaning Emillia .

Mend.

Thou onely wonder that the world hath seene .

Maq.

That s Emilia .

Aur.

Must I then here her praisd ? Mendozo .

Mend.

Madam , your excellency is gratiously incountred ; I haue bin writing passionate flashes in honor of —

Exit Fer. Aur.

Out villaine , villaine , O iudgement where haue bin my eies ? what bewitched election made me doate on thee ? what sorcery made me loue thee ? but be gone , bury thy head ; O that I could doe more then loath thee : Hence worst of ill , No reason else , my reason is my will .

Exit with Maquer . Mend.

Women ? nay furies , nay worse , for they torment Onely the bad , but women good and bad .

Damnation of mankinde , breath hast thou praisd them for this : And i st you Ferneze are wrigled into smock grace ; fit sure , O that I could raile against these monsters in nature , models of hell , curse of the earth , women that dare attempt any thing , and what they attempt they care not how they accomplish , without all premeditation or preuention ; rashe in asking , desperate in working , impatient in suffering , extreame in desiring , slaues vnto appetite , mistresses in dissembling , onely constant in vnconstancie , onely perfect in counterfetting : their words are fained , their eyes forg'd , their sights dissembled , their lookes counterfeit , their haire false , their giuen hopes deceitfull , their very breath artificiall :

Their blood is their onely God : Bad clothes , and old age are onely the Diuels they tremble at :

That I could raile now .

SCENA SEPTIMA . Enter Pietro his sworde drawne . Pietro .

A mischiefe fill thy throate , thou fowle iaw'd slaue : Say thy prayers .

Mend.

I ha forgot vm .

Pietro .

Thou shalt dye .

Mend.

So shalt thou ; I am hart mad .

Pietro .

I am horne mad .

Mend.

Extreame mad .

Pietro .

Monstrously mad .

Mend.

Why ?

Pietro .

Why ? thou thou hast dishonored my bed .

Mend.

I ? come , come , sit , heere s my bare heart to thee as steddy as is this center to this glorious world ,

And yet harke thou art a Cornuto ; but by me ?

Pietro .

Yes slaue by thee .

Mend. Do not , do not with tart and spleenefull breath , Loose him can loose thee ; I offend my Duke ? Bare record O yee dumbe and raw aird nights , How vigilant my sleeplesse eyes haue bin , To watch the Traitor ; record thou spirit of truth , With what debasement I ha throne my selfe , To vnder offices , onely to learne The truth , the party , time , the meanes , the place , By whom , and when , and where thou wert disgrac'd : And am I paid with slaue ? hath my intrusion To places priuate , and prohibited , Onely to obserue the closer passages : Heauen knowes with vowes of reuelation , Made me suspected , made me deemd a villaine ? What roage hath wronged vs ? Pietro .

Mendozo , I may erre .

Mend. Erre ? t is too mild a name , but erre and erre , Runne giddy with suspect , fore through me thou know , That which most creatures saue thy selfe doe know , Nay since my seruice hath so loath'd reiect , Fore I le reueale , shalt finde them clipt together . Piet.

Mendozo thou knowst I am a most plaine brested man .

Mend.

The fitter to make a Cornuto , would your browes were most plane to .

Piet.

Tell me , indeed I heard thee raile ?

Mend. At women , true , why what cold fleame could chose , Knowing a Lord so honest , vertuous , So boundlesse louing , bounteous , faire shapt , sweete , To be contemn'd , abus'd , defam'd , made Cuckold ,

Hart , I hate all women for 't : sweete sheetes , waxe lights , Antique bed-posts , Cambrick smocks , villanous curtaines , Arras pictures , oylde hinges , and all yee tong-tide lasciuious witnesses of great creatures wantonnesse : what saluation can you expect ?

Piet.

Wilt thou tell me ?

Mend.

Why you may find it your selfe , obserue , obserue .

Piet.

I ha not the patience , wilt thou deserue me ; tell , giue it .

Mend.

Tak 't , why Farneze is the man , Ferneze , I le proou 't , this night you shall take him , in your sheets , wilt serue .

Piet.

It will , my bozome s in some peace , till night .

Mend.

What ?

Piet.

Farewell .

Mend. God how weake a Lord are you , Why doe you thinke there is no more but so ? Piet.

Why ?

Mend. Nay then will I presume to councell you , It should be thus ; you with some garde vpon the suddaine Breake into the Princes chamber , I stay behinde Without the doore , through which he needs must passe , Ferneze flies , let him , to me he comes , hee 's kild By me , obserue by me , you follow , I raile , And seeme to saue the body : Dutches comes On whom ( respecting her aduanced birth , And your faire nature ) I know , nay I doe know No violence must be vsed . She comes , I storme , I praise , excuse Ferneze , and still maintaine The Dutches honor , she for this loues me , I honor you , shall know her soule , you mine , Then naught shall she contriue in vengeance , ( As women are most thoughtfull in reuenge ) Of her Ferneze , but you shall sooner know 't Then she can think 't , thus shall his death come sure , Your Dutches braine-caught ; so your life secure . Piet. It is too well , my bozome , and my hart , When nothing helpes , cut of the rotten part . Exit . Mend.

Who cannot faine friendship , can nere produce the effects of hatred : Honest foole Duke , subtile lasciuious Dutches , silly nouice ferneze ; I doe laugh at yee , my braine is in labour till it produce mischiefe , & I feele sudden thro's , proofes sencible , the issue is at hand .

As Beares shape young , so I le forme my deuice , Which growne prooues horrid : Vengeance makes men wise .
ACTVS SECVNDVS .
SCE. PRIMA . Enter Mendozo with a Scene , to obserue Fernezes entrance , who whilst the Act is playing : Enter vnbraced 2. Pages before him with lights , is met by Maquerelle and conuaide in . The Dutches Pages sent away . Men. Hee 's caught , the Woodcocks head is i' th noose , Now treads Ferneze in daungerous path of lust , Swearing his sence is meerely deified . The foole grasps clowds , and shall beget Centaures . Aud now in strength of panting faint delight , The Goate bids heauen enuie him ; good Goose , I can afforde thee nothing but the poore confort of calamity , Pitty . Lusts like the plummets hanging on clock lines , Will nere a done till all is quite is vndone . Such is the course salt sallow lust doth runne . Which thou shalt trie ; I le be reueng'd . Duke thy suspect , Dutches thy disgrace , Ferneze thy riuall-ship , Shall haue swift vengeance , nothing so holy , No band of nature so strong , No law of friendship so sacred , But i le prophane , burst , violate Fore i le indure disgrace : contempt and pouertie : Shall I whose very humme , strooke all heads bare , Whose face made scilence : creaking of whose shooe , Forc'd the most priuate passages flie ope , Scrape like a seruile dog at some latch'd doore ? Learne now to make a leg ? and cry beseech yee , Pray yee is such a Lord within ? be aw'd At some odde vshers scoft formality ? First seare my braines : Unde cadis non quo refert . My hart cries perish all , how ? how ? what fate ? Can once auoide reuenge , that s desperate , I le to the Duke , if all should ope , if ? tush Fortune still dotes on those who cannot blush .
SCENA SECVNDA . Enter Maleuole at one doore , Beancha , Emillia and Maquerelle at the other doore . Mal.

Blesse ye cast a Ladies ; ha Dipsas , how doost thou old Cole .

Maq.

Olde Cole ?

Mal.

I old Cole , me thinkes thou liest like a brand vnder these billets of greene wood .

He that will inflame a yonge wenches hart , let him lay close to her , an ould Cole that hath first bin fierd a pandresse , my halfe burnt lynt , who though thou canst not flame thy selfe yet art able to set a 1000. virgins tapers a fiar : and how do's Ianiuere thy husband , my little periwincle : is a trobled with the cough a the Lunges still , does he hawke anights still , he will not bite .

Bean.

No by my troth , I tooke him with his mouth emptie of ould teeth .

Mal.

And hem tooke thee with thy belly ful of yong bones , marry he tooke his maime by the stroake of his enemie .

Bean.

And I myne by the stroake of my freinde :

Mal.

The close stock , ô mortall wench : Ladie ha ye now no restoratiues for your decayed Iason , looke yee , Crabs guts bak't , distil'd Oxe-pith , the puluerized haires of a Lyons vpper lip , gelly of Cock-sparrowes , Hee Monkeis marrow , or powder of Foxe-stones ; and whither are all you ambling now ?

Beanc.

Why to bed , to bed .

Mal.

Doe your husbands lye with yee ?

Bean.

That were countrey fashion yfaith .

Mal.

Ha yee no foregoers about you ; come , whither in good deed law now ?

Maq.

In good indeed law now , to eate the most miraculously , admirably , astonishable compos'd Posset with three Curds , without any drinke : will yee helpe me with a Hee Fox : heer 's the Duke .

Exeunt Ladies .
SCENA TERTIA . Enter Duke Pietro , Count Celso , Count Equato , Bilioso , Ferrard , and Mendozo . Piet.

The night growes deepe and fowle , what houre i st ?

Celso .

Vpon the stroake of twelue .

Mal.

Saue yee Duke .

Piet.

From thee , begone I do not loue thee , let me see thee no more , we are displeasd .

Mal. Why God buy thee , heauen heare my curse , May thy wife and thee liue long together . Piet.

Be gone sirra .

Mal.

When Arthur first in Court began , — Agamemnon , Menelaus , — was euer any Duke a Cornuto ,

Piet.

Begon hence .

Mal.

What religion wilt thou be of next ?

Mend.

Out with him .

Mal. With most seruile patience , time will come , When wonder of thy error will strike dumbe , Thy befeld sence , slaues I fauour , I marry shall he rise , Good God how subtile Hell doth flatter vice , Mount him aloft , and makes him seeme to flie , As foule the Tortois mockt : who to the skie , Th' ambitious shell fish rais'd , th' end of all , Is onely that from height he might dead fall . Exit . Piet.

It shall be so .

Mend. It must be so , for where great States reuenge , T is requisite , the parts with piety And soft respect forbeares , be closely dogd , Lay one into his breast shall sleepe with him , Feede in the same dish , run in selfe faction , Who may disseuer any shape of danger , For once disgrac'd , discouered in offence , It makes man blushlesse , and man is ( all confesse ) More prone to vengeance then to gratefulnesse . Fauours are writ in dust , but stripes we feele , Depraued nature stamps in lasting steele . Piet.

You shal be leagued with the Dutches .

Equat.

The plot is very good .

Mend.

You shall both kill , and seeme the course to saue .

Ferrard.

A most fine braine trick .

Celso .

Of a most cunning knaue .

Pietro . My Lords : The heauy action we intend Is death and shame , two of the vgliest shapes That can confound a soule , thinke , thinke of it ; I strike but yet like him that gainst stone walles , Directs his shaftes , rebounds in his owne face , My Ladies shame is mine , O God , t is mine . Therefore I do coniure all secresie , Let it be as very little as may be ; pray yee , as may be ; Make frightlesse entrance , salute her with soft eyes , Staine naught with blood , onely Ferneze dyes , But not before her browes : O Gentlemen God knowes I loue her , nothing els , but this I am not well ; if griefe that sucks veines drye , Riuels the skinne , casts ashes in mens faces , Be-duls the eye , vnstrengthens all the blood , Chance to remooue me to an other world , As sure I once must dye : let him succeed : I haue no childe , all that my youth begot , Hath bin your loues , which shall inherit me , Which as it euer shall , I doe coniure it Mendozo may succeed , hee s nobly borne ; With me of much desert . Celso .

Much .

Pietro . Your silence answeres I , I thanke you , come on now , ô that I might dye , Before her shames displaide , would I were forst To burne my fathers Tombe ; vnhill his boanes , And dash them in the durt , rather then this : This both the liuing and the dead offends , Sharpe surgery where nought but death amends . Exit with others .
SCENA QVARTA . Enter Maquerelle , Emillia and Beanca , with a posset . Maq. Euen here it is , three curds in three regions indiuiduallie distinct , Most methodically according to art compos'd , without any drinke . Bean.

Without any drinke .

Maq.

Vpon my honour , will yee sit and eate .

Emil.

Good the composure the receiue , how i st :

Maq.

T is a pretty pearle , by this pearle , ( how dost with me ) thus it is , seauen and thirty youlks of Barbarie hennes eggs , eighteene spoonfulles and a halfe of the Ioice of cocksparrowe bon s , one ounce , three drams , foure scruples , and one quarter of the Sirrop of Ethiopian Dates , sweetned with three quarters of a pound of pure Candid Indian Eringos , strow'd ouer with the powder of Pearle of America , Amber of Cataia , and Lambe stones of Muscouia .

Bean.

Trust me the ingredients are very Cordiall , and no question good , and most powerfull in operation .

Maq.

I know not what you meane by restauracion , but this it doth , it purifieth the blood , smootheth the skinne , inlifeneth the eye , strengthneth the vaines , mundefieth the teeth , comforteth the stomacke , fortifieth the backe , and quickneth the wit , that 's all .

Emil

By my troth I haue eaten but two spoonefuls , and me thinkes I could discourse most swiftly , and wittily already .

Maq.

Haue you the art to seeme honest .

Bean.

I thanke aduise and practise .

Maq.

Why then eate me a this posset , quicken your blood , and preserue your beauty , doe you knowe Doctor Plaster-face , by this curd he is the most exquisite in forging of veines , sprightning of eyes , dying of haire , sleeking of skinnes , blushing of cheeks , surpheling of brests , blanching and bleaching of teeth , that euer made an ould ladie gratious by torch-light : by this curd law .

Bean.

Well we are resolu'd , what God has giuen vs wee ll cherish .

Maq.

Cherish any thing sauing your husband , keepe him not too high least he leape the pale : but for your beauty , let it be your Saint , bequeath two howers to it euery morning in your closet , I ha bin yong , and yet in my conscience I am not aboue fiue and twenty , but beleeue me , preserue and vse your beauty , for youth and beautie once gone , we are like Beehiues without honey : out a fashion , apparell that no man will weare , therefore vse me your beauty .

Emil.

I but men say .

Maq.

Men say , let men say what the will , life a woman , they are ignorant of our wants , the more in yeeres the more in perfection the grow : if they loose youth and beauty , they gaine wisdome and discretion : But when our beauty fades , godnight with vs , there cannot be an vglier thing to see then an ould woman , from which , ô pruning , pinching , and painting , deliuer all sweete beauties .

Bean.

Harke musique .

Maq.

Peace t is i the Dutches bed-chamber , good rest most prosperously grac'd ladies .

Emil.

God night centinell .

Bean,

Night deere Maquerelle .

Exeunt at seuerall dores . Maq. May my possets operation send you my witt and honesty , And me your youth and beauty , the pleasingst rest . Exit .
SCENA QVINTA . A Song . Whilest the Song is singing , enter Mendozo with his sworde drawne standing ready to murder Ferneze as he flies from the Dutches chamber . All .

Strike , strike . Tumult within .

Aur.

Saue my Ferneze , ô saue my Ferneze .

Enter Ferneze in his shirt , and is receiud vpon Mendoz. sword . All .

Follow , pershew .

Aur.

O saue Ferneze .

Mend. Pierce , pierce , thou shallow foole drop there , He that attempts a Princes lawlesse loue , Must haue broad hands , close hart with Argos eyes , And back of Hercules , or els he dyes . Enter Aurelia , Duke Pietro , Ferrard , Bilioso , Celso and Equato . All .

Follow , follow ,

Mend.

Stand off , forbeare , yee most vnciuill Lords . Mendozo bestrids the wounded body of Ferneze and seemes to saue him .

Piet.

Strike .

Mend. Do not ; tempt not a man resolu'd ; Would you inhumane murtherers more then death ? Aur.

O poore Ferneze .

Mend.

Alas now all defence too late .

Aur.

Hee 's dead .

Piet. I am sory for our shame , goe to your bed , Weepe not too much , but leaue some teares to shed When I am dead ? Aur.

What weepe for thee ? my soule no teares shall find .

Piet.

Alas , alas , that womens soules are blind .

Mend. Betraye such beauty ? murther such youth ? contemne ciuilitie , He loues him not that railes not at him . Piet. Thou canst not mooue vs , we haue blood inough ; And please you Lady we haue quite forgot All your defects : if not , why then Aur.

Not .

Piet.

Not : the best of rest , good night .

Exit Pietro with other Courtiers . Aur.

Despight goe with thee .

Mend. Madam , you ha done me soule disgrace , You haue wrongd him much , loues you too much . Goe to ; your soule knowes you haue . Aur.

I thinke I haue .

Mend.

Do you but thinke so ?

Aur. Nay sure I haue , my eyes haue witnessed thy loue , Thou hast stood too firme for me . Mend. Why tell me faire checkt Lady , who euen in teares Art powerfully beautious , what vnaduised passion Strooke yee into such a violent heate against me , Speake , what mischiefe wrongd vs ? what diuell iniur'd vs ? Speake ? Aur. That thing nere worthy of the name of man ; Ferneze , Ferneze swore thou lou'st Emillia , Which to aduance , with most reprochfull breath , Thou both didst blemish and denounce my loue . Mend. Ignoble Villaine , did I for this bestride Thy wounded limbs ; for this ? ranck opposite Euen to my Soueraigne : for this ? O God for this ? Sunke all my hopes , and with my hopes my life , Ript bare my throate vnto the hangmans Axe , Thou most dishonour'd trunke — Emillia ? By life I know her not — Emillia ? Did you beleeue him ? Aur.

Pardon me , I did .

Mend.

Did you , and therevpon you graced him ?

Aur.

I did .

Mend.

Tooke him to fauour , nay euen claspd with him ?

Aur.

Alas I did .

Mend.

This night ?

Aur.

This night .

Mend.

And in your lustfull twines the Duke tooke you ?

Aur.

A most sad truth .

Mend. O God , O God , how we dull honest soules , Heauy braind men , are swallowed in the bogs Of a deceitfull ground , whilst nimble bloods , Light iointed spirits pent , cut good mens throats , And scape alas , I am too honest for this age , Too full of fleame , and heauy steddinesse : Stood still whilst this slaue cast a noose about me ; Nay then to stand in honor of him , and her , Who had euen slic'd my hart . Aur.

Come I did erre , and am most sorry , I did erre .

Mend.

Why we are both but dead , the Duke hates vs ,

„ And those whome Princes doe once groundly hate , „ Let them prouide to dye ; as sure as fate , „ Preuention is the hart of pollicie . Aur.

Shall we murder him .

Mend.

Instantly ?

Aur. Instantly , before he casts a plot , Or further blaze my honours much knowne blot , Let s murther him ? Mend.

I would do much for you , will ye marry me ?

Aur. I le make thee Duke , we are of Medices , Florence our friend , in court my faction Not meanly strength-ful ; the Duke then dead , We well prepar'd for change , the multitude Irresolutely reeling , we in force , Our partie seconded , the kingdome mazde , No doubt of swift successe all shal be grac'd . Mend. You do confirme me , we are resolute , To morrow looke for change , rest confident , T is now about the immodest waste of night , The mother of moist dew with pallid light , Spreds gloomy shades about the nummed earth , Sleepe , sleepe , whilst we contriue our michiefes birth , This man i le get inhum'de , farewell , to bed , I kisse thy pillow , dreame , the duke is dead . Exit Aurelia . So , so , good night , how fortune dotes on impudence , I am in priuate the adopted sonne of yon good Prince , I must be Duke , why if I must , I must , Most silly Lord , name me ? O heauen I see God made honest fooles , to maintaine craftie knaues : The dutches is wholy mine too ; must kill her husband To quit her shame , mutch : then marry her : I , O I grow prowd in prosperous trecherie , As wrestlers clip , so I le imbrace you all , Not to support , but to procure your fall . Enter Maleuole . Mal.

God arrest thee .

Mend.

At whose suite ?

Mal. At the diuels , ha you treacherous damnable monster , How doost ? how doost thou treacherous roage , Ha yee rascall , I am banish the Court , Sirra . Mend.

Prethee let s be acquainted , I do loue thee faith .

Mal.

At your seruice , by the Lord law , shal s go to supper , Let s be once drunke together , and so vnite a most vertuously strengthned friendship , shal s Hugonot , shal s ?

Mend.

Wilt fall vpon my chamber to morrow morne .

Mal.

As a Rauen to a dunghill , they say ther 's one dead here prickt for the pride of the flesh .

Mend

Fernez : there he is , prey thee bury him .

Mal.

O most willingly , I meane to turne pure Rochell Churchman , I .

Mend.

Thou Churchman , why ? why ?

Mal

Because i le liue lazely , faile vpon authoritie , deny Kings supremacie in things indifferent , and bee a Pope in mine owne parish .

Mend.

Wherefore doo'st thou thinke Churches were made ?

Mal.

To scoure Plough shares I ha seene Oxen plough vp Altars :

Et nunc seges vbi sion fuit . Mend.

Strange .

Mal.

Nay monstrous , I ha seene a sumptuous steeple turned to a stinking priuie : more beastly , the sacredst place made a Doggs kenill : nay most inhumane , the ston'd coffins of long dead Christians burst vp , and made Hogs-troughs .

Hic finis Priami .

Shall I ha some sack , and cheese at thy chamber , Good night , good mischiuous incarnate diuill , godnight Mendozo , ha , yee Inhumain villaine godnight , night fub :

Men.

God night : to morrow morne .

Exit Mendozo . Mal.

I , I will come friendly Damnation , I will come , I doe discrie crosse-poynts , honesty , and court-ship , straddle as farre a sunder , as a true Frenchmans legges .

Ferne.

O!

Mal.

Proclamations , more proclamations .

Fer.

O a Surgion .

Mal.

Hark lust cries for a surgion , what news from Limbe How does the graund cuckold Lucifer .

Fer.

O helpe , helpe , conceale & saue me .

Ferneze stirs & Male . helpes him vp and conuaies him away . Mal. Thy shame more then thy wounds do grieue me far , „ Thy woundes but leaue vpon thy flesh some skarre : „ But fame neare heales still ranckl's worse and worse , „ Such is of vncontrolled Lust the cursse . „ Thinke what it is in lawlesse sheetes to lye , „ But ô Ferneze what in lust to die : „ Then thou that shame respects ô flie conuerse , „ With womens eyes and lisping wantonesse : „ Stick candells gainst a virgin walles white back , „ If they not burne , yet at the least thei le blacke , Come I le conuey thee to a priuate porte , Where thou shalt liue ( O happy man ) from court . The beautie of the daye begins to rize , From whose bright forme Nights heauie shadow flies . Now gins close plots to worke , the Sceane growes full , And craues his eyes who hath a sollid Skull . Exeunt .
ACTVS TERTIVS .
SCENA PRIMA . Enter Pietro the Duke , Mendoz : Count Equato and Bilioso . Piet. T is growne to youth of day , how shall we wast this light ? My hart 's more heauie then a tyrants crowne . Shall we goe hunt ? Prepare for field . Exit Equa . Mend.

Would yee could be merry .

Piet. Would God I could : Mendoza bid am hast . Exit Mendo. I would faine shift place , O vaine reliefe . „ Sad soules may well change place , but not change griefe : As Deere being struck flie thorow many soyles , Yet still the shaft stick fast , so , A good old simile my honest Lord , I am not much vnlike to some sickman , That long desired hurtfull drinke ; at last Swilles in and drinkes his last , ending at once Both life and thirst : O would I nere had knowne My owne dishonor : good God , that men should Desire to search out that , which being found kils all Their ioye of life : to taste the tree of Knowledge , And then be driuen from out Paradice . Canst giue me some comfort ? Bili.

My Lord , I haue some bookes which haue beene dedicated to my honor , and I neare read am , and yet they had very fine names : Phisicke for Fortune : Lozinges of sanctified sincerity ; very prettie workes of Curats , Scriueners and Schoolemaisters . Mary I remember one Seneca , Lucius Aneus Seneca .

Piet.

Out vpon him , he writ of Temperance and Fortitude , yet liued like a voluptuous Epicure , and died like an effeminate coward . Hast thee to Florence : heere take our Letters , see um seald , awaye : report in priuate to the honourd duke his daughters forc'd disgrace , tell him at length we know too much , due complaints aduaunce .

There s naught that s safe and sweete but Ignorance .

Exit Duke .
SCENA SECVNDA . Enter Maleuole in some freeze gowne whilest Bilioso reades his Patent . Mal. I cannot sleepe my eyes ill neighbouring lids Will holde no fellowship : O thou pale sober night , Thou that in sluggish fumes all sence doost steepe : Thou that giues all the world full leaue to play , Vnbendst the feebled vaines of sweatie labour ; The Gally-slaue , that all the toilesome day , Tugges at his oare against the stubborne waue , Straining his rugged vaines ; snores fast : The stooping Sitheman that dooth barbe the field , Thou makst winke sure : in night all creatures sleepe , Onely the Malecontent , that gainst his fate , Repines and quarrels , alas hee s goodman tell-clock , His sallow iaw-bones sincke with wasting mone , Whilst other beds are downe , his pillowes stone . Bili.

Mal uole .

Mal.

Elder of Izrael , thou honest defect of wicked nature and obstinate ignorance , when did thy wife let thee lie with her ?

Bili.

I am going Embassadour to Florence .

Mal.

Embassador , now for thy countries honor , preethe doe not put vp Mutton and Porredge i' thy clock bag : thy yong lady wife goes to Florence with thee too do's she not ?

Bili.

No , I leaue her at the Pallace .

Mal.

At the Pallace ? now discretion shield man , for Gods loue let s ha no more cuckolds , Hymen begins to put of his Saffron robe , keepe thy wife i' the state of grace , hart a truth , I would sooner leaue my lady singled in a Bordello , then in the Genoa pallace , sinne there appearing in her sluttish shape Would soone grow loath some , euen to blushes sence ,

Surfet would cloake intemperate appetite , Make the soule sent the rotten breath of lust . When in an Italian lasciuious Pallace , a Lady gardianlesse . Left to the push of all allurement , The strongest incitements to immodestie , To haue her bound , incensed with wanton sweetes , Her vaines fild hie with heating delicates ,

Soft rest , sweete Musick , amorous Masquerers , lasciuious banquets , sinne it selfe gilt ore , strong phantasie tricking vp strange delights , presenting it dressed pleasingly to sence , sence leading it vnto the soule , confirmed with potent example , impudent custome intic'd by that great bawd opportunitie , thus being prepar'd , clap to her easie eare , youth in good clothes , well shapt , rich , faire spoken , promising noble , ardent bloud-full , wittie , flattering , Vlisses absent , O Ithaca can chastest Penelope hold out .

Bil.

Masse i le thinke on 't farewell .

Exit Bilioso . Mal. Farewell , take thy wife with the , farewell , To Florence , um ? it may prooue good , it may , And we may once vnmaske our browes .
SCENA TERTIA . Enter Count Celzo . Cel.

My honour'd Lord .

Mal.

Celso peace , how i st ? speake loe , pale feares suspect that hedges , walls & trees haue eares , speake how runs all ?

Cel. I faith my Lord , that beast with many heads , The staggering multitude recoiles apace , Though thorow great mens enuie , most mens mallice , Their much intemperate heate hath banisht you . Yet now they faind enuie and mallice neere , Produce faint reformation . The Duke , the too soft Duke lies as a block , For which two tugging factions seeme to sawe , But still the Yron through the ribbes they drawe . Mal. I tell thee Celzo , I haue euer found Thy brest most farre from shifting cowardize And fearfull basenesse : therfore i le tell thee Celzo , I finde the winde begins to come about , I le shift my sute of fortune , I know the Florentine whose only force , By marying his prowd daughter to this Prince , Both banisht me , and made this weake Lord Duke , Will now forsake them all , be sure he will : I le lye in ambush for conueniencie , Vpon their seuerance to confirme my selfe . Cel.

Is Ferneze interred ?

Mal.

Of that at leisure : he liues .

Cel.

But how stands Mendoza , how i st with him ?

Mal.

Faith like a paire of Snuffers , snibbes filth in other men , and retaines it in himselfe .

Cel.

He do's flie from publique notice me thinks , as a Haire do's from hounds , the feet wheron he flies betraies him .

Mal. I can track him Celzo : O my disguise fooles him most powerfully : For that I seeme a desperate malecontent He faine would claspe with me : he is the true slaue , That will put on the most affected grace , Enter Mendoz. For some vild second cause . Cel.

Hee s here .

Mal.

Giue place .

Illo , ho ho ho , art there old true peny ,

Exit Celso .

Where hast thou spent thy selfe this morning ? I see flattery in thine eyes , & damnation i' thy soule . Ha ye huge Rascal .

Men.

Thou art very merry .

Mal.

As a scholler futuens gratis : How doz the deuill go with thee now .

Men.

Maleuole , thou art an arrant knaue .

Mal.

Who I ? I haue beene a Sergeant man .

Men.

Thou art very poore .

Mal.

As Iob , an Alcumist , or a Poet .

Men.

The Duke hates thee .

Mal.

As Irishmen do bum-cracks .

Men.

Thou hast lost his amitie .

Mal.

As pleasing as Maids loose their virginitie .

Men.

Would thou wert of a lustie spirit , would thou wert noble .

Mal.

Why sure my bloud giues me I am noble , sure I am of noble kinde , for I finde my selfe possessed with all their qualities : loue Dogs , Dice and Drabs , scorne witte in stuffe clothes , haue beate my Shoomaker , knockt my Sempstres , cuckold my Pottecary , and vndone my Taylor .

Noble , why not ? since the Stoick said ; Neminem seruum non ex regibus , neminem regem non ex seruis esse oriundum , only busie fortune towses , and the prouident chaunces blends them together ; I le giue you a symilie : did you ere see a Well with 2. buckets , whilst one comes vp full to be emptied , another goes downe emptie to be filled ; such is the state of all humanitie : why looke you , I may be the sonne of some Duke , for beleeue me intemperate lasciuious bastardie makes nobility doubtfull , I haue a lusty daring hart Mendoza .

Men.

Let s graspe ? I doe like thee infinitely , wilt inact one thing for me ?

Mal.

Shall I get by it ?

Giues him his purse .

Commaund me , I am thy slaue , beyond death and hell .

Men.

Murther the Duke ?

Mal.

My harts wish , my soules desire , my fantasies dream , My blouds longing , the only haight of my hopes , how ? O God how ? O how my vnited spirits throng together , So strengthen my resolue .

Men.

The Duke is now a hunting .

Mal.

Excellent , admirable , as the diuell would haue it , lend me , lend me , Rapier Pistol , Crosebow : so , so , i le do it .

Men.

Then we agree .

Mal.

As Lent and Fishmongers , come a cape ape , how in forme ?

Men.

Know that this weake braind duke , who only stands on Florence stilts , hath out of witlesse zeale made me his heire , and secretly confirmed the wreathe to me after his lifes full point .

Mal.

Vpon what merit ?

Men.

Merit ? by heauen I horne him , onely Fernezies death gaue me states life : tut we are politique , he must not liue now .

Mal.

No reason marry : but how must he dye now .

Men.

My vtmost proiect is to murder the Duke , that I might haue his state , because he makes me his heire : to banish the Duches , that I might be rid of a cunning Lacedemonian , because I know Florence will forsake her , & then to marie Maria the banished duke Altofronts wife , that her friends might strengthen me and my faction , this is all lawe .

Mal.

Doe you loue Maria .

Mend.

Faith noe great affection , but as wise men do loue great wemen to innoble their bloud and augment their reuenew : to accomplish this now , thus now . The Duke is in the forest next the Sea , single him , kill him , hurle him i' the maine , and proclaime thou sawst Woolues eate him .

Mal.

Vm , not so good , me thinkes when he is slayne to get some Ipocrite , some daungerous wretch that s muffled , or with fayned holines to sweare he hard the Duke on some steepe cliffe lament his wifes dishonor , and in an agony of his hearts torture hurled his groning sides into the swolne sea , this circumstance well made , soundes probable , and hereupon the Dutches .

Men.

May well be banished : ô vnpeerable inuension , rare , Thou God of pollicie ! it hunnies me .

Mal.

Then feare not for the wife of Altofront , i le close to her .

Men.

Thou shalt , thou shalt , our excellencie is pleased : why wert not thou an Emperour , when wee are Duke i le make thee some great man sure ?

Mal.

Nay make me some ritch knaue , and I le make my selfe some great man .

Mend.

In thee be all my spirit , retaine ten soules , vnite thy vertuall powers , resolue , ha , remember greatnesse , hart farewell .

Enter Celso .

The fate of all my hopes in thee doth dwell .

Mal. Celzo didst heare ? ô heauen didst heare ? Such diuelish mischiefe , sufferest thou the world Carowse damnation euen with greedie swallow , And still doost winke , still duz thy vengeance slumber , If now thy browes are cleare ; when will they thunder . Exit .
SCENA QVARTA . Enter Pietro , Ferrard , Prespasso and three Pages . Ferr.

The Dogges are at a fault .

Cornets like hornes . Piet.

Would God nothing but the dogs were at it ? let the Deare persue safely , the Dogs follow the game , and do you follow the dogges , as for me , t is vnfit one beast should hunt another ; I ha one chaseth me : and please you I would be rid of yee a little .

Ferr.

Would your griefe would as soone as wee , leaue you to quietnesse .

Exeunt . Piet.

I thanke you : Boy ; what dost thou dreame of now ?

Page .

Of a drie summer my Lord for heer 's a hote world towards : but my Lord I had a strange dreame last night .

Piet.

What strange dreame ?

Page .

Why me thought I pleased you with singing , and then I dreamt you gaue me that short sword .

Piet.

Prettily begd : hold thee , i le prooue thy dreame true , tak 't .

Page .

My dutie : But still I dreamt on my Lord , and me thought and shall please your excellencie , you would needs out of your royall bountie giue me that iewell in your Hat .

Piet.

O thou didst but dreame boye , doe not beleeue it , dreames prooue not alwayes true , they may hold in a shorte sworde , but not in a Iewell . But now sir you dreame you had pleasd me with singing , make that true as I ha made the other .

Page .

Faith my Lorde I did but dreame , and dreames you say prooue not alwayes true : they may hold in a good sworde , but not in a good song : the truth is , I ha lost my voyce .

Piet.

Lost thy voyce , how ?

Page .

With dreaming faith but here 's a couple of Syrenicall rascall shall inchaunt yee : What shall they singe my good Lorde ?

Piet.

Sing of the nature of women , and then the song shall be surely full of varietie , olde crochets and most sweet closes ; it shall be humerous , graue , fantastick , amorous , melancholy , sprightly , one in all , and all in one .

Pags.

All in on ?

Piet.

Bi r Lady too many sing , my speech growes culpable of vnthriftie idlenesse , sing .

The Song .
SCENA QVINTA . Enter Maleuole with Crosebowe and Pistoll .

A , so . so , sing , I am heauie , walke of , I shall talke in my sleepe walke of .

Exeunt Pages . Mal.

Briefe , briefe , who ? the Duke ? good heauen that fooles should stumble vpon greatnesse ? do not sleepe duke , giue yee good morrow : must be briefe Duke . I am feed to murther thee , start not ; Mendozo , Mendozo hired me , her 's his gold , his Pistoll , Crosbowe , Sword , t is all as firme as earth : O foole , foole , choakt with the common maze of easie Ideots , credulity make him thine heire , what thy sworne murderer ?

Pietro .

O can it be ?

Mal.

Can ?

Pietro .

Discouered he not Ferneze ?

Mal.

Yes , but why ? but why ? for loue to thee , much , much , to be reueng'd vpon his riuall , who had thrust his iawes awrye , who being slaine supposed by thine owne hands ; defended by his sword , made thee most loathsome , him most gratious , with thy loose Princes , thou closely yeelding egresse and regresse to hir , madest him heire , whose hot vnquiet lust straight towzd thy sheetes , and now would seaze thy state , polititian , wise man , death to be led to the stake , like a Bull by the hornes to make euen kindnes cut a gentle throate , life , why art thou numb'd : Thou foggie dulnesse speake ? liues not more faith in a home thrusting tongue , then in these fencing tip tap Courtiers .

Enter Celso with a Hermits gowne and beard . Cel.

Lord Maleuole , if this be true

Mal.

If ? come shade thee with this disguise , if ? thou shalt handle it , he shall thanke thee for killing thy selfe , come follow my directions , and thou shalt see strange sleights .

Pietro .

World whether wilt thou ?

Mal. Why to the Divell : come , the morne growes late . A steady quicknes is the soule of state . Exeunt .
Finis actus tertij .
ACTVS QVARTVS ,
SCEN. PRIMA . Enter Maquarelle , knocking at the Ladies dore . Maq.

Medam , Medam , are you stirring Medame , if you be stirring Medam , if I thought I should disturbe yee .

Page .

My Lady is vp forsooth .

Maq.

A , pretty boy , faith how old art thou ?

Page .

I thinke foureteene .

Maq.

Nay , and yee be in the teens , are yee a gentleman borne , do you know me , my name is Medam Maquerelle , I lye in the old Cunny Court .

Enter Beancha and Emilia .

See heere the Ladyes .

Bean.

A faire day to yee Maquerelle .

Emili.

Is the Dutches vp yet Centinell ?

Maq.

O Ladies , the most abhominable mischance , O deare Ladies the most piteous disaster , Farneze was taken last night in the Dutches Chamber : Alas the Duke catcht him and kild him .

Bean.

Was he found in bed ?

Maq.

O no , but the villanous certenty is , the dore was not bolted , the tongue-tyed hatch held his peace , so the naked troth is , he was found in his shirt , whilest I like an arrand beast lay in the outward Chamber , heard nothing , and yet they came by me in the dark , and yet I felt them not , like a sencelesse creature as I was . O beauties , looke to your buske-poynts , if not chastely , yet charily : be sure the doore be boulted : is your Lorde gone to Florence ?

Bean.

Yes Maquarelle .

Maq.

I hope you le finde the discretion to purchase a fresh gowne fore his returne : Now by my troth beauties , I would ha ye once wise : he loues ye , pish : he is witty , bubble : faire proportioned , mew : nobly borne , winde ; let this be still your fixt position , esteeme me euery man according to his good gifts , and so yee shall euer remaine most deare , and most woorthie to be most deare Ladies .

Emilia .

Is the Duke returnd from hunting yet ?

Maq.

They say , not yet .

Bean.

T is now in mid'st of day .

Em.

How beares the Dutches with this blemish now ?

Maq.

Faith boldly , strongly defyes defame , as one that haz a Duke to her father . And there s a note to you , be sure of a stout friend in a corner , that may alwayes awe your husband . Marke the hauiour of the Dutches now , she dares defame , cryes , Duke do what thou canst , i le quite mine honor : nay , as one confirmed in her owne vertue against ten thousand mouthes that mutter her disgrace , shee s presently for daunces .

Enter Ferrar . Bean.

For daunces ?

Maq.

Most true .

Enusia .

Most strange , see , heere s my seruant yong Ferrard : How many seruants thinkst thou I haue , Maquarelle ?

Maq.

The more the merier : t was well sayd , vse your seruants as you doe your smocks , haue many , vse one , and change often , for that 's most sweete and courtlike .

Ferrar.

Saue yee fayre Ladies , is the Duke returned ?

Bean.

Sweet Sir , no voyce of him as yet in Court .

Fer.

T is very strange .

Bean.

And how like you my seruant , Maquarelle ?

Maq.

I thinke hee could hardly drawe Ulisses bowe , but by my fidelity , were his nose narrower , his eyes broader , his hands thinner , his lippes thicker , his legges bigger , his feete lesser , his haire blacker , and his teeth whiter , hee were a tollerable sweete youth ifaith . And hee will come to my Chamber , I will reade him the fortune of his beard .

Cornets sound . Fer. Not yet returnd I feare , but The Dutches approcheth . Enter Mendozo supporting the Dutches : Guerrino , the Ladyes that are on the Stage rise : Ferrard Vshers in the Dutches , and then takes a Lady to treade a measure .
SCENA SECVNDA . Aur.

We will daunce , musique , we will daunce .

Guer.

Lesquanto ( Ladie ) penses bien , passa regis , or Beanchas brawle .

Aur.

We haue forgot the brawle .

Fer.

So soone ? t is wonder .

Guerrino

Why t is but two singles on the left , two on the right , three double forward , a trauerse of six round : do this twice , three singles side , galliard tricke of twenty , curranto pace ; a figure of eight , three singles broken downe , come vp , meete two doubles , fall backe , and then honor .

Aurelia

O Dedalus ! thy maze , I haue quite forgot it .

Maq.

Trust me so haue I , sauing the falling back , and then honor .

Enter Prepasso . Aurelia

Musicke , musicke .

Prepasso

Who saw the duke ? the duke .

Enter Equato . Aurel.

Musicke .

Equato

The duke , is the duke returned ?

Aurelia

Musicke :

Enter Celso . Celso

The duke is either quite inuisible , or else is not .

Aurelia

We are not pleased with your intrusion vppon our priuate retirement : we are not pleasde : you haue forgot your selues .

Enter a Page . Celso

Boy , thy Maister , where 's the Duke ?

Page

Alas , I left him burying the earth with his spread ioylesse limbs : he tolde me he was heauy , would sleep , bade me walke off , for that the strength of fantasie oft made him talking in his dreames : I strait obeide , nor neuer saw him since : but , where so ere he is , hee 's sad .

Aur.

Musicke sound high , as is our heart , sound high .

SCENA TERTIA . Enter Maleuole and Pietro disguised like an Hermit . Mal.

The Duke , peace , the Duke is dead .

Aurel.

Musicke .

Mal.

I st Musicke ?

Men.

Giue proofe .

Fer.

How ?

Cel.

Where .

Pre.

When ?

Mal.

Rest in peace , as the Duke duz , quietly sit : for my owne part , I beheld him but dead , that s all : marry heer s one can giue you a more particular account of him .

Men.

Speake holy father , nor let any browe within this presence fright thee from the truth : speake confidently and freely .

Aur.

We attend .

Pietro Now had the mounting Suns all-ripening wings Swept the cold sweat of night from earths danke breast , When I ( whom men call Hermit of the Rocke ) Forsooke my Cell , and clamberd vp a cliffe , Against whose base , the heady Neptune dasht His high curld browes , there t' was I easde my limbes , When loe , my entrailes melted with the moane , Some one , who farre boue me was climbde , did make : I shal offend . Men.

Not .

Aur.

On .

Pietro . Me thinks I heare him yet , O female faith ! Goe sowe the ingratefull sand , and loue a woman : And do I liue to be the skoffe of men , To be their wittall cuckold , euen to hugge my poyson ? Thou knowest ô Trueth ! Sooner hard steele will melt with Southerne wind ; A Seamans whistle calme the Ocean ; A towne on fire be extinct with teares , Then women vow'd to blushlesse impudence , With sweet behauiour and soft minioning , Will turne from that where appetite is fixt . O powerfull blood ! how thou dost slaue their soule ? I washt an Ethiop , who for recompence Sullyde my name . And must I then be for'cd . To walke , to liue thus black : must , must , fie , He that can beare with must , he cannot die . With that he sigh'd so passionately deepe , That the dull ayre even groand , at last he cries : Sinke shame in seas , sinke deepe enough , so dies . For then I viewd his bodie fall and sowse Into the fomy maine , O then I saw That which me thinks I see , it was the Duke , Whome straight the nicer stomackt sea Belcht vp : but then , Mal. Then came I in , but las all was too late , For euen straight he sunke . Pietro .

Such was the Dukes sad fate .

Cel.

A better fortune to our Duke Mendozo .

Cry all , Mendozo : Cornets florish .

Enter a guard . Men. A guard , a guard , we full of hartie teares , For our good fathers losse , For so we well may call him : Who did beseech your loues , for our succession , Cannot so lightly ouer-iumpe his death . As leaue his woes reuenglesse : * * To Emilia , woman of shame , We banish thee for euer to the place , From whence this good man comes , Nor permit on death vnto the bodie any ornament : But base as was thy life , depart away . Aur.

Vngratefull .

Men.

Away .

Aur.

Villaine heare me .

Prepasso and Guerino leads away the Dutches . Men. Be gone my Lords , addresse to publique counsel , T is most fit , The traine of Fortune is borne vp by wit . Away , our presence shal be sudden , haste . All depart sauing Mendozo , Maleuole , and Pietro . Mal.

Now you egregious deuill , ha ye murthering polititian , how dost duke ? how dost looke now ? braue duke yfaith .

Men:

How did you kill him ?

Mal:

Slatted his brains out , then sowst him in the brinie sea .

Men:

Braind him and drownd him too ?

Mal:

O t was best , sure worke :

For he that strikes a great man , let him strike home , or els ware , hee le prooue no man : shoulder not a huge fellow , vnlesse you may be sure to lay him in the kennell .

Men: A most sound braine panne , I le make you both Emperours Mal:

Make vs christians , make vs christians .

Men:

I le hoist yee , yee shall mount .

Mal.

To the gallows , say ye ? O ô me , Pranium incertum petit certum scelus . How stands the Progresse ?

Men. Here , take my ring vnto the Citadell , Haue entrance to Maria the graue Dutches Of banisht Altofront . Tell her wee loue her : Omit no circumstance to grace our Person ( doo 't ) Mal.

Iste make an excellent pandar : Duke farewell , due adue Duke .

Exit Men. Take Maquerelle with thee ; for t' is found , None cutts a Diamon but a Diamound . Hermit , thou art a man for me , my Confessor , O thou selected spirit , borne for my good , Sure thou wouldst make an excellent elder in a deformed church : Come , we must be inward , thou and I all one . Pietro

I am glad I was ordayned for yee .

Men.

Goe to then , thou must knowe that Maleuole is a strange villaine : dangerous , very dangerous , you see howe broade a speakes , a grose-jawde rogue , I would haue thee poison him : hee s like a korne vpon my great toe , I cannot goe for him : hee must be kored out : he must , wilt doo 't , hu ?

Pietro

Anything , any thing .

Men. Heart of my life , thus then to the Citadell , Thou shalt consort with this Maleuole , There being at supper , poison him , It shal be layde vpon Maria , who yeeldes loue , or dies , Skud quicke . Pietro

Like lightning good deedes crawle , but mischiefe flies .

Enter Maleuole . Exit Pietro Mal.

Your diuelships ring haze no vertue , the buffe-captaine , the sallo-westfalian gamon-faced zaza cries stand out , must haue a stiffer wareant , or no passe into the castle of Comfort .

Men.

Commaund our sodaine Letter : not enter ? shat , what place is there in Genoa , but thou shalt into my heart , into my very heart : come , let s loue , we must loue , we two , soule and body .

Mal.

How didst like the Hermite ? A strange Hermite sirrah .

Men.

A dangerous fellow , very perillous : he must die .

Mal.

I , he must die .

Men.

Thoust kil him : we are wise , we must be wise .

Mal.

And prouident .

Men.

Yea prouident ; beware an hypocrite .

A Church man once corrupted , oh auoyd A fellow that makes Religion his stawking horse , He breedes a plague : thou shalt poyson him . Mal.

Ho , t is wondrous necessary : how ?

Men. You both goe ioyntly to the Citadell , There sup , there poison him : and Maria , Because she is our opposite , shall beare The sad suspect , on which she dies , or loues vs . Mal:

I runne .

Exit mal : Men: We that are great , our sole self good still moues vs : They shall die both , for their deserts craues more Than we can recompence , their presence still Imbraides our fortunes with beholdingnesse , Which we abhorre , like deede , not door : then conclude , They liue not to cry out Ingratitude . One sticke burnes tother , steele cuts steele alone : T is good trust few : but O , t is best trust none . Exit Mendozo .
SCENA QVARTA . Enter Maleuole and Pietro still disguised , at seuerall doores . Mal:

How doe you ? how doost Duke ?

Pietro O let the last day fall , drop , drop in our curssed heads ! Let heauen vnclasp itselfe , vomit forth flames : Mal:

O doe not raue , do not turne Player , there s more of them , than can well live one by an other already . What , art an Infidell still ?

Pietro

I am mazde , strucke in a swowne with wonder , I am commaunded to poison thee .

Mal:

I am commaunded to poyson thee , at supper .

Pietro

At supper ?

Mal:

In the Citadell .

Pietro

In the Citadell .

Mal:

Crosse capers , trickes ? truth a heauen would discharge vs as boyes do elder gunnes , one pellet to strike out another : of what faith art now ?

Pietro

Al is damnation , wickednes extreame , there is no faith in man .

Men.

In none but vsurers and brokers , they deceiue no man , men take vm for blood-suckers , and so they are : now God deliuer me from my friendes .

Pietro

Thy friendes ?

Mal.

Yes , from my friends , for from mine ennemies I le deliuer my selfe . O , cut-throate friendship is the ranckest villany , marke this Mendozo , marke him for a villaine : but heauen will send a plague vpon him for a rogue .

Pietro

O world !

Mal.

World ? T is the onely region of Death , the greatest shop of the Diuell , the cruelst prison of men , out of the which none passe without paying their dearest breath for a fee , there s nothing perfect in it , but extreame extreame calamitie , such as comes yonder .

SCENA QVINTA . Enter Aurelia , two Holberts before , and two after , supported by Celso and Ferrard , Aurelia in base mourning attire . Aur.

To banishment , led on to banishment .

Pietro

Lady , the blessednesse of repentance to you .

Au.

Why , why , I can desire nothing but death , nor deserue any thing but hell .

If heauen should giue sufficiencie of grace To deere my soule , it would make heauen gracelesse : My sinnes would make the stocke of mercy poore , Oh they would try heauens goodnes to reclaime them : Iudgement is iust yet from that vast villaine : But sure he shall not misse sad punishment , For he shall rule on to my Cell of shame . Pietro My Cell t is Lady , where insteede of Maskes , Musique , Tilts , Tournies , and such Courtlike shewes , The hollow murmure of the checklesse windes Shall groane againe , whilst the vnquiet sea Shakes the whole rocke with foamy battery : There Vsherlesse the ayre comes in and out , The reumy vault will force your eyes to weepe , Whilst you behold true desolation : A rocky barrennesse shall paine your eyes , Where all at once one reaches , where he stands , With browes the roofe , both walles with both his handes . Aur. It is to good , blessed spirit of my Lord : O in what or befoere thy soule is throand , Behold me worthily most miserable : O let the anguish of my contrite spirite , Intreate some reconciliation : If not , O ioy ! triumph in my iust griefe , Death is the end of woes , and teares reliefe . Pietro

Belike your Lord not lou'd you , was vnkinde .

Aur. O heauen , As the soule lou'd the body , so lou'd hee , T was death to him to part my presence , Heauen to see me pleased : Yet I like to a wretch given ore to hell , Brake all the sacred rites of marriage , To clippe a base vngentle faithles villaine : O God , a very Pagan reprobate ! What should I say , vngratefull throwes me out , For whom I lost soule , body , fame , and honor : But t is most fit : why should a better fate Attend on any , who forsake chaste sheetes , Flie the imbrace of a deuoted hart , Ioynd by a solemne vow sore God and man , To taste the brackish bloud of beastly lust In an adulterous touch ? Oh rauenous immodesty , Insatiate impudence of appetite : Looke , heere 's your end , for marke what sap in dust , What sinne in good , euen so much loue in lust : Ioy to thy ghost , sweete Lord , pardon to me . Cel.

It is the Dukes pleasure this night you rest in court .

Aur. Soule lurke in shades , run shame from brightsome skies , In night , the blind man misseth not his eies . exit Au: Mal.

Do not weep kind cuckold , take comfort man , thy betters haue beene Beccos : Agamemnon Emperour of all the merry Greekes ; that tickled all the true Troyans , was a Cornuto : Prince Arthur that cut off twelue Kings beardes was a Cornuto : Hercules , whose backe , bore vp heauen , and got forty wenches with childe in one night .

Pietro

Nay t was fifty .

Mal:

Faith fortie 's enow a conscience , yet was a Cornuto : patience , mischiefe growes prowde , be wise .

Piet:

Thou pinchest too deepe , art too keene vpon me .

Mal:

Tut , a pittifull surgeon makes a dangerous sore . I le tent thee to the ground . Thinkst I le sustaine my selfe by flattering thee , because thou art a Prince ? I had rather follow a drunkard , and liue by licking vp his vomite , than by seruile flattery .

Piet:

Yet great men ha don 't .

Mal:

Great slaues feare better than loue , borne naturally for a coale-basket , though the common usher of princes presence fortune ha blindely giuen them better place , I am vow'd to be thy affliction .

Pietro

Prethee be , I loue much misery , and be thou sonne to me .

Enter Biliosa . Mal: Because you are an vsurping Duke , Your Lordship 's well returnd for Florence . 'To Biliosa . Bil:

Well returnd , I praise my horse .

Mal:

What newes from the Florentines ?

Bil:

I will conceale the great Dukes pleasure , onely this was his charge , his pleasure is , that his daughter die , Duke Pietro be banished for banishing his bloudes dishonor , and that Duke Altofront be reaccepted : this is all , but I heare Duke Pietro is dead .

Mal.

I , and Mendozo is Duke , what will you doe ?

Bil:

Is Mendozo strongest ?

Mal:

Yet he is .

Bil:

Then yet I le hold with him .

Mal:

But if that Altofront should turne strait againe ?

Biliosa . Why then I would turne strait againe : T is good runne still with him that haz most might : I had rather stand with wrong , then fall with right . Mal.

Your Lordship sweats , your yong Ladie will get you a cloth for your old worships browes , Exit Biliosa . heere s a fellow to be damnd , this is his inuiolable Maximo . ( flatter the greatest , and oppresse the least : ) a whorson flesh fly , that still gnawes vpon the leane gauld backs .

Piet.

Why dust then salute him ?

Mal.

Faith as baudes go to Church , for fashion sake : come , be not confounded , th' art but in danger to loose a Dukedome , think this : this earth is the only graue and golgotha wherein all thinges that liue must rotte : t is but the draught wherein the heauenly bodies discharge their corruption , the verie muckhill on which the sublunarie orbes cast their excrements : man is the slime of this dongue-pit , and Princes are the gouernours of these men : for , for our soules , they are as free as Emperoures , all of one peece , there goes but a paire of sheeres betwixt an Emperour and the sonne of a bagpiper : only the dying , dressing , pressing , glossing makes the difference : now what art thou like to lose ?

A iaylors office to keepe men in bonds , Whilst toyle and treason , all lifes good confounds . Pietro . I heere renounce for euer Regencie , O Altofront , I wrong thee to supplant thy right : To trip thy heeles vp with a diuelish slight . For which I now from Throane am throwne , world tricks abiure , For vengance that comes slow , yet it comes sure . O I am chang'd , for heerefore the dread power , In true contrition I doe dedicate , My breath to solitarie holines , My lips to prayer , and my brests eare shall be , Restoring Altofront to regency . Mal.

Thy vowes are heard , and we accept thy faith .

Enter Ferneze and Celso vndisguiseth himselfe .

Altofront , Ferneze , Celso , Pietro .

Banish amazement : come , we foure must stand full shocke of Fortune , be not so sunder stricken .

Pietro

Doth Ferneze liue ?

Farn. .

For your pardon .

Pietro Pardon and loue , giue leaue to recollect My thoughts disperst in wilde astonishment : My vowes stand fixt in heauen , and from hence I craue all loue and pardon . Mal. Who doubts of prouidence , That sees this change , a hartie faith to all : He needs must rise , who can no lower fall , for still impetuous Vicissitude Looseth the world , then let no maze intrude Vpon your spirits : wonder not I rise , For who can sinke that close can temporise ? The time growes ripe for action , I le detect My priuatst plot , lest ignorance feare suspect : Let s cloase to counsell , leaue the rest to fate , Mature discretion is the life of state . Exeunt .
Actus quartus
Scena prima . Enter Maleuole and Maquarelle , at seuerall doores opposite , singing . Mal.

The Dutchman for a drunkard ,

Maq.

The Dane for golden lockes :

Mal.

The Irishman for vsquebath ,

Maq

The Frenchman for the ( )

Mal.

O thou art a blessed creature , had I a modest woman to conceale , I would put her to thy custodie , for no reasonable creature would euer suspect her to be in thy company : ha , thou art a melodious Maquarelle , thou picture of a woman and substance of a beast , and how dost thou think a this transformation of state now ?

Maq.

Verie verie well , for we women alwaies note , the falling of the one , is the rising of the other : some must be fat , some must be leane , some must be fooles , and some must be Lords : some must be knaues , and some must bee officers , some must be beggars , some must be Knightes : some must be cuckolds , and some must be citizens : as for example , I haue two court dogs , most fawning curres , the one calde Watch , thother Catch : now I , like Ladie Fortune , somtimes loue this dog , somtimes rouse that dog , somtimes fauour Watch , most commonly fancie Catch : Now that dogge which I fauour I feede , and hee s so rauenous , that what I giue he neuer chawes it , gulpes it down whole without any relish of what he haz , but with a great expectation of what he shal haue : the other dogge , now

Mal.

No more dogge , soote Maquarelle no more dogge and what hope hast thou of the Dutches Maria , will she stoope to the Dukes luer , wil she come , thinkst ?

Maq.

Let me see where 's the signe now ? ha ye ere a callender , where s the signe trow you ?

Mal.

Sign ? why , is there any moment in that ?

Maq.

O beleeue me a most secret power , looke yee a Caldean , or an Assyrian , I am sure t' was a most sweete Iew tould me , court any woman in the right signe , you shal not misse , but you must take her in the right veine then : As when the signe is in Pisces , a fishmongers wife is verie sotiable : in Cancer , a precisians wife is verie flexible : in Capricorne , a Marchants wife hardly holdes out : in Libra , a Lawyers wife is very tractable , especially , if her husband be at the tearme : onely , in Scorpioes verie dangerous medling , haz the Duke sent any jewell , anie rich stones ?

Enter Captaine . Mal.

I , I thinke those are the best signes , to take a Lady in : by your fauor signeur : I must discourse with the Lady Maria , Altofronts Dutches : I must enter for the Duke .

Cap.

Shee heere shall guie you enterveiw , I receaued the guardshippe of this Citadell from the good Altofront , and for his vse I le keep 't , til I am of no vse .

Mal.

Wilt thou , O heauen that a christian should be found in a buffeierkin , Captaine conscience ? I loue thee Captaine . Exit Captaine . wee attend , and what hope hast thou of this Dutches easinesse ?

Maq.

T will goe hard , she was a could creature euer , she hated munkies , fooles , ieasters , and gentlemen vshers extreamely : she had the vilde tricke on 't , not onely to bee truely modestly honourable in her owne conscience but shee would avoide the least wanton carriage that might incurre suspect , as God blesse me , she had almost brought bed pressing out of fashion : I could scarce get a fine , for the lease of a Ladies fauour once in a fortnight .

Mal.

Now in the name of immodesty , how many maiden-heads hast thou brought to the block ?

Maq.

Let me see : heauen forgiue vs our misdeedes , heere s the Dutches .

SCENA SECVNDA . Enter Meria and Captaine . Mal.

God blesse thee Lady ,

Mar.

out of thy company :

Mal.

We haue brought thee tender of a husband ,

Mar:

I hope I haue one already .

Maq.

Nay , by mine honour madam , as good hee nere a husband , as a banisht husband , hee s in an other world now , I le tell the Lady , I haue heard of a sect that maintained , when the husband was asleepe , the wife might lawfully entertaine another man : for then her husband was as dead , much more when he is banished .

Mar.

Vnhonest creature :

Maq.

Pish , honesty is but an art to seeme so : pray yee what s honesty ? what s constancie ? but fables fained , odde old fools chat deuisde by ielous fooles , to wrong our liberty .

Mal.

Mully , he that loues thee is a Duke , Mendozo , he will maintaine thee royally , loue the ardently , defend thee powerfully , marrie thee sumptuously , and keepe thee in despight of Rosciclere , or Donzell dell Phebes there 's jewels , if thou wilt , so , if not , so .

Mar: Captaine , for Gods loue saue poore wretchednesse , From tyranny of lustfull insolence : Inforce me in the deepest dungeon dwell Rather then heere , heere round about is hell . O my dear'st Altofront where ere thou breath , Let my soule sinke into the shades beneath : Before I staine thine honour , t is thou hast , And long as I can die , I will liue chaste . Mal.

Gainst him that can enforce how vaine is strife ?

Mar. She that can be enforc'd haz nere a knife . She that through force her limbes with lust enroules , Wants Cleopatraes aspes and Portiaes coales . God amend you . Exit with Captaine . Mal:

Now the feare of the Diuell for euer go with thee . Maquerelle , I tell thee I haue found an honest woman , faith I perceiue when all is done , there is of women as of all other things : some good , most bad , some saintes , some sinners : for as now adaies no Courtier but haz his mistris , no Captaine but haz his cockatrice , no Cuckold but haz his hornes , and no foole but haz his father : even so no woman but haz her weaknesse and feather too , no sex but haz his : I can hunt the letter no furder : O God how loathsome this toying is to me , that a Duke should be forcd to foole it : well , Stultorūplena sunt omnia , better play the foole Lord , then be the foole Lord : now , where s your slightes Madam Maquarelle ?

Maq.

Why , are yee ignorant that t is sed , a squemish affected nicenes is naturall to women , and that the excuse of their yeelding , is onely forsooth the difficult obtaining , you must put her too 't , women are flaxe , and will fire in a moment .

Mal.

Why was the flax put into thy mouth , and yet thou ? thou set fire ? thou enflame her .

Maq.

Mary , but I le tell yee now , you were too hot ,

Mal.

The fitter to haue influencd the flaxwoman .

Maq.

You were too boisterous spleeny , for indeede .

Mal. Go , go , thou art a weake pandres , now I see . Sooner earthes fire heauen it selfe shall waste , Then all with her can melt a minde that 's chaste .

Go thou the Dukes lime-twigge , I le make the Duke turne thee out of thine office , what not get one touch of hope , and had her at such advantage .

Maq.

Now a my conscience , now I thinke in my discretion , we did not take her in the right signe , the blood was not in the true veine , sure .

Exit .
SCENA TERTIA . Enter Prepasso and Ferrand , two pages with lightes , Celso and Equato , Mendozo in darker robes , Bilioso and Guerrino . : Exeunt all saving : Maleuole . Men.

On on , leaue vs , leaue vs : stay where is the hermit ?

Mal.

With Duke Pietro , with Duke Pietro .

Men.

Is he dead ? is he poysoned ?

Mal.

Dead as the Duke is .

Men.

Good , excellent , he will not blabbe , securenes liues in secrecy , come hither , come hither .

Mal.

Thou hast a certaine strong villanous sent about thee , my nature cannot indure .

Men.

Sent man ? what returnes Maria ? what answer to our sute ?

Mal.

Colde , frostie , she is obstinate .

Men, Then shee s but dead t is resolute , she dies : Black deede onely through black deedes safely flies Mal.

Pew , per scelera semper sceleribus tutum est iter .

Men.

What art a scholler ? art a polititian ? sure thou arte an arrand knaue .

Mal.

Who I ? I ha bene twice an vnder sherife , man .

Men.

Canst thou impoyson ? canst thou impoyson ?

Mal:

Excellently , no Iew , Potecary , or Polititian better : look ye , here 's a box , whom wouldst thou impoison , here 's a box , which opened , and the fume tane vp in condites , thorow which the braine purges it selfe , doth instantly for 12. houres space , bind vp al shew of life in a deep sensles sleep : here s another , which being opened vnder the sleepers nose , choaks all the pores of life , kills him sodainely .

Enter Celso Men.

I le try experiments , t is good not to be deceued : so , so , Catzo :

Who would feare that ma destroy , death hath no teeth , nor tong , Seems to poison Maleuole . And he that 's great , to him one slaues shame , Murder , fame and wrong . Celzo ? Cell:

My honored Lord .

Men.

The good Maleuole , that plain-tongued man , alas , is dead on sodaine wondrous strangely , he held in our esteem good place ,

Celso , see him buried , see him buried .

Cels:

I shall obserue yee .

Men. And Celso , prethee let it be thy care to night To haue some pretty shew , to solemnize Our high instalment , some musike , maskery : Wee le giue faire entertaine vnto Maria The Dutchesse to the banishd Altofront : Thou shalt conduct her from the Citadell Vnto the Pallace , thinke on some maskery . Cel:

Of what shape , sweete Lorde ,

Men. Why shape ? why any quicke done fiction , As some braue spirites of the Genoan Dukes , To come out of Elizium forsooth , Led in by Mercury to gratulate

Our happy fortune , some such any thing , some farre fet tricke , good for Ladies , some stale toy or other , no matter so 't be of our deuising .

Do thou prepar 't , t is but for fashion sake , Feare not , it shal be grac'd man , it shall take . Cel:

All seruice .

Men: All thankes , our hand shal not be close to thee : farewel Now is my trechery secure , nor can we fall : Mischiefe that prospers men do vertue call , I le trust no man , he that by trickes gets wreathes , Keepes them with steele , no man securely breathes , Out of distuned rankes the Crowde will mutter foole : Who cannot beare with spite he cannot rule : The chiefest secret for a man of state , Is to liue senslesse of a strengthlesse hate . Exit Mendozo . Mal.

Death of the damn'd thiefe , I le make one i' the maske , thou shalt ha some

Braue spirites of the antique Dukes .

Cel:

My Lord , what strange dilusion ?

Mal.

Most happy , deere Celso , poisond with an empty Starts vp and speakes . box ? I le giue thee all anone : my Lady comes to court , there is whurle of fate comes tumbling on , the Castles captaine stands for me , the people pray for me , and the great leader of the iust stands for me : then courage Celso .

For no disastrous chance can euer moue him , That leaueth nothing but a God aboue him . Exeunt . Enter Prepasso and Bilioso , two Pages , before them Maquar : Beanche , and Emilia . Bil:

Make roome there , roome for the ladies : why gentlemen , wil not ye suffer the ladies to be entred in the great chamber ? why gallants ? and you sir , to droppe your Torch where the beauties must sit too .

Pre.

And there s a great fellow playes the knaue , why dost not strike him ?

Bil:

Let him play the knaue a Gods name , thinkst thou I haue no more wit then to strike a great fellow , the musike , more lights , reueling , scaffolds : do you heare ? let there be othes enow ready at the doore , sweare out the diuel himself . Let s leaue the Ladies , and goe see if the Lords be ready for them .

All saue the Ladies depart . Maq.

And by my troth Beauties , why do you not put you into the fashion , this is a stale cut , you must come in fashion : looke ye , you must be all felt , fealt and feather , a fealt vpon your head : looke ye , these tiring things are iustly out of request now : and doe yee heare ? you must weare falling bands , you must come into the falling fashion : there is such a deale a pinning these ruffes , when the fine cleane fall is woorth all : and agen , if you should chance to take a nap in the afternoone , your falling band requires no poting sticke to recouer his forme : beheue me , no fashion to the falling band I say .

Bean.

And is not sinnior S. Andrew Iaques gallant fellow now ?

Maq.

By my maiden-head la , honour and hee agrees aswell together , as a satten sute and wollen stockings .

Emil.

But , is not Marshall Make-roome my seruant in reversion , a proper gentleman ?

Maq.

Yes in reuertion as he had his office , as in truth he hath all things in reversion : hee haz his Mistris in reversion , his cloathes in reversion , his wit in reversion , & indeede , is a suter to me for my dogge in reversion : but in good veritie la , hee is as proper a gentleman in reversion as : and indeede , as fine a man as may be , hauing a red beard and a paire of warpt legges ,

Bean.

But I faith I am most monstrously in loue with count Quidlibet in Quodlibet , is he not a pretty dapper windle gallant ?

Maq.

He is even one of the most busy fingerd lords , he will put the beauties to the squeake most hiddeously .

Bil.

Roome , make a lane there , the Duke is entring : stand handsomely for beauties sake , take vp the Ladies there . So , cornets , cornets .

SCENA QVARTA . Enter Prepasso ioynes to Bilioso , two pages with lightes , Ferrard , Mendozo , at the other dore two pages with lights , and the Captaine leading in Maria , the Duke meetes Maria , and closeth with her , the rest fall backe . Men. Madam , with gentle eare receiue my suite , A kingdomes safety should o're paize slight rites , Marriage is meerely Natures policy : Then since vnlesse our royall beds be ioynd , Danger and ciuill tumult frights the state , Be wise as you are faire , giue way to fate . Mar:

What wouldst thou , thou affliction to our house ? Thou euer diuell , t was thou that banishedst my truely noble Lord .

Men.

I ?

Mar: I , by the plottes by thy blacke stratagems , Twelue Moons haue suffred change since I beheld The lou'd presence of my deerest Lord . O thou faire worse than death , he partes but soule From a weake body , but thou soule from soule Disseuerst , that which Gods owne hand did knit . Thou scant of honor , full of diuelish wit . Men:

Wee le checke your too intemperate lauishnes , I I can , and will .

Mar:

What canst ?

Men:

Go to , in banishment thy husband dies .

Mar:

He euer is at home that s euer wise .

Men.

You st neuer meete more reason should Loue controule ,

Mar.

Not meete ?

She that deere loues , her loue 's still in her soule .

Men.

You are but a woman Lady , you must yeelde .

Mar: O saue me thou innated bashfulnes , Thou onely ornament of womans modestie . Men:

Modesty ? Death I le torment thee ,

Mar: Do , vrge all torments , all afflictions trie , I le die , my Lords , as long as I can die . Men:

Thou obstinate , thou shalt die : captaine , that Ladies life is forfeited to Iustice , we haue examined her ,

And we do finde , she hath impoisoned The reuerend Hermite , therefore we command Severest custody . Nay , if you le dooes no good , You st dooes no harme , a tyrants peace is blood . Mar. O thou art mercifull , O gratious diuell , Rather by much let me condemned be , For seeming murder than be damn'd for thee . I le mourne no more , come girt my browes with floures , Reuell and daunce , soule , now thy wish thou hast , Die like a Bride , poore heart thou shalt die chaste . Enter Aurelia in mourning habit . Life is a frost of could felicitie , Aur. And death the thaw of all our vanitie . Wast not an honest Priest that wrote so ? Men.

Who ? let her in .

Bili.

Forbeare .

Pre.

Forbeare .

Aur. Alas calamitie is euerie where . Sad misery , dispight your double doores , Will enter euen in court . Vnto Maria . Bili.

Peace .

Aur.

I ha done ; one word , take heede , I ha done .

Enter Mercurie with lowde musicke . Mer. Cilleman Mercurie , the God of ghostes , From glomie shades that spread the lower coastes , Calles fower high famed Genoa Dukes to come , And make this presence their Elizium : To passe away this high triumphall night , With song and daunces , courts more soft delight . Aur.

Are you God of ghostes , I haue a sute depending in hell betwixt me and my conscience , I would faine haue thee helpe me to an advocate .

Bil.

Mercurie shal be your lawier Lady ,

Aur.

Nay faith , Mercurie haz too good a face to be a right lawier .

Pre.

Peace , forbeare : Mercurie presents the maske .

Cornets : The song to the Cornets , which playing the mask enters . Enter Maleuole , Pietro , Ferneze , and Celso in white robes , with Dukes Crownes vpon lawrell , wreathes , pistolets and short swordes vnder thier roabes . Men.

Celso , Celso , court Maria for our loue Lady , be gratious , yet grace .

Mar.

With me Sir ?

Mal. Yes more loued then my breath : Maleuole taks his wife to daunce . With you I le dance . Mar. Why then you dance with death , But come Sir , I was nere more apt for mirth . Death giues eternitie a glorious breath O , to die honourd , who would feare to die . Mal:

They die in feare who liue in villanie .

Men.

Yes , beleeue him Ladie , and be rulde by him .

Pietro ,

Madam with me ? Pietro takes his wife Aurelia to dance

Aur.

Wouldst then be miserable ?

Pietro ,

I neede not wish .

Aur. O , yet forbeare my hand , away , fly , fly , O seeke not her that onely seekes to dy . Pietro ,

Poore loued soule .

Aur.

What , wouldst court miserie ?

Pietro ,

Yes .

Aur.

Shee le come too soone O my greev'd heart .

Pietro Lady ha done , ha , doone . Come downe let s dance , be once from sorrow free . Aur.

Art a sad man ?

Pietro ,

Yes sweete .

Aur.

Then wee le agree .

Ferneze takes Maquerelle , and Celso Beanche : then the cornets sownd the measure , on change , and rest . Fer:

Beleeue it Lady , shal I sweare , let me inioy you in To Beancha . priuate , and I le marrie you by my soule .

Bean.

I had rather you would sweare by your body : I think that would proue the more regarded othe with you .

Fer.

I le sweare by them both , to please you .

Bea.

O , dam them not both , to please me , for Gods sake .

Eer.

Faith swete creature let me inioy you to night , and I le marry you to morrow fortnight , by my troth lo .

Maq.

On his troth lo , beleeue him not , that kinde of cunnicatching is as stale as fir Oliuer Anchoues perfumde ierkin : promise of matrimony by a yoong Gallant , to bring a virgin Lady into a fooles paradise : make her a great woman , and then cast her off : t is as common as naturall to a Courtier , as jelosie to a Citizen , gluttony to a Puritan , wisdome to an Alderman , pride to a Tayler , or an empty to one of these sixepenny damnations : of his troth lo , beleeue him not , traps to catch polecats .

Mal.

Keepe your face constant , let no suddaine passion speake in your eies . To Maria .

Mar.

O my Altofront .

Pietro

A tyrants jelosies are verie nimble , you receiue it all . To Aurelia .

Aur.

My heart though not my knees doth vmbly fall , Lo as the earth to thee .

Pietro .

Peace , next change , no words .

Mar.

Cornets sounde the measure ouer again which daunced they vnmaske . Men.

Maleuole ?

They enuiron Mendozo loading their Pistolls on him . Mal.

No .

Men.

Altofront , Duke Lorenzo Ferneze , hah ?

All ,

Duke Altofront , Duke Altofront .

Cornets , aflorish . Men. Are we surprizde ? what strange delusions mocke Our sences , do I dreame ? or haue I dreamt This two daies space ? where am I ? They seize vpon Mendozo . Mal.

Where an arch villaine is .

Men. O lend me breath to liue til I am fit to dy . For peace with heauen , for your owne soules sake Vouchsafe me life . Pietro .

Ignoble villaine , whome neither heaven nor hell , goodnesse of God or man could once make good .

Mal. Base trecherous wretch , what grace canst thou expect , That hast growne impudent in gracelesnesse . Men.

O life !

Mal. Slaue , take thy life . Wert thou defenced through blood and woundes , The sternest horror of a ciuill fight , Would I atcheeue thee , but prostrat at my feete , I scorne to hurt thee , t is the heart of slaues That daines to triumph ouer peasants graves . For such thou art since birth doth neere inrole A man mong monarkes , but a glorious soule . To Pietro and Aurelia . To Mendozo To Maquerel : To Bilioso . To Celso and the Captaine : To Maria . You are ioyd spirits , wipe your long wet eies . Maleuole kickes out Mendozo . Hence with this man : an Eagle takes not flies . You to your vowes to Pietro & Aurelia , and thou vnto the suburbs . You to my worst friend I would hardly giue : Thou art a perfect olde knaue all pleased liue , You two vnto my breast , thou to my heart . And as for me I heere assume my right , To which I hope all 's pleasd : to all god night . Cornets a florish . Exeunt . omnes .
Finis .
Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
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Machine-generated castlist A07071-malevole 162 A07071-mendoza 123 A07071-pietro 98 A07071-aurelia 61 A07071-maquerelle 59 A07071-celso 26 A07071-beancha 21 A07071-ferneze 19 A07071-bilioso 18 A07071-maria 17 A07071-page 9 A07071-emilia 8 A07071-unassigned 7 A07071-ferrardo 7 A07071-prepaso 5 A07071-all 4 A07071-equato 3 A07071-guerrino 2 A07071-mercury 1 A07071-captain 1 A07071-enusia 1 A07071-farneze 1
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〈◊〉 Printed at London by V. S. for William Aspley , and are to be sold 〈…〉 〈◊〉 for William Aspley , and are to be sold at his shop in Paules Church-yard . Prae●. Praep. 〈◊〉 Bilioso ▪ Heer's a noyse in Court , you thinke you are in a Tauerne , do you Pr●p. Praep. bro●hell You thinke you are in a brothell house doe you not ? This roome is ill sented 〈◊〉 , Count Equato , Count Celso before , and Guerrino . 〈◊〉 Musique is heard from the Malcontent Maleuoles chamber ● ● is heard from the Malcontent Maleuoles 〈◊〉 . Ca●amite doost thou bleat for ? a you smooth chind Catamite . Pietr● Pietro. . se●ues vexation , and therein hee thinkes he truly serues heauen ; for tis his position , whosoeuer ●arth for tis his position , whosoeuer in this earth can be contented is a slaue and dam'd ; Intetest Talke with a Vsurer ; take vp at Interest . M●l.. Mal. ▪ my old Muckill ouerspred with fresh snow : thou halfe a mā halfe a Goate , all a Beast Bilios● To Bilioso . Bili●. Bilio. Morris ▪ dauncer Europe ; Doe the sword daunce , with any Morris-dauncer in Christendome ; ride at the riculous excellent a Scholler by Art , shouldst be so ridiculous a foole by Nature : I haue a thing to tell Corn●to Duke thou art a Beco , a Cprnuto . ▪ Stay , stay . danghrer thence your mischiefe rose , For when the daughter of the Florentine : Was matched once with vnt●ide this Pietro now Duke , No stratagem of state vntride was lefte , till you of all sayth'd , Alas Maria too close prisoned : My true fayth'd dutches i'the Citadell . ●ree lurke in this disguise , What play I well the free breath'd discontent , ●ar or naturall fooles , Celso the Courtes a fiar , the dutches sheets will smoke forth ere M●l. Mal. ▪ minion ? to haue a generall timerous respect , obserue a man , a statefull scilence in iud●ious pregnant , in life how wary , in fauours how iudicious , in day how sociable , and in night how d well , O pitty then ; Grace should with beauty dwell . Nortary Nor tary longer then you please : by this Ruby slaue● mischiefe fill thy throate , thou fowle iaw'd slaue▪ ▪ Say thy prayers . ▪ fill thy throate , thou fowle iaw'd slaue : Say thy prayers . ▪ the meanes , the place , By whom , and when , and where thou wert disgrac'd : And am I censu●a Vexat censura columbas . columb●s Vexat censura columbas . Agamennon When Arthur first in Court began , — Agamemnon , Menelaus , — was euer any Duke a Cornuto beseld wonder of thy error will strike dumbe , Thy befeld sence , slaues I fauour , I marry shall Posser Maquerelle , Emillia and Beanca , with a posset . compos●d distinct , Most methodically according to art compos'd , without any drinke . recei●e Good the composure the receiue , how ist : quarte● , three drams , foure scruples , and one quarter of the Sirrop of Ethiopian Dates , sweetned 〈◊〉 quarters of a pound of pure Candid Indian Eringos , strow'd ouer with the powder of Pearle 〈◊〉 America , Amber of Cataia , and Lambe stones of Muscouia . go●d ingredients are very Cordiall , and no question good , and most powerfull in operation . i●lifeneth purifieth the blood , smootheth the skinne , inlifeneth the eye , strengthneth the vaines ▪ mundefieth ▪ inlifeneth the eye , strengthneth the vaines , mundefieth the teeth , comforteth the stomacke ▪ honest for this age , Too full of fleame , and heauy steddinesse : Stood still whilst strength ▪ full our friend , in court my faction Not meanly strength-ful ; the Duke then dead , We well prepar'd pall●d waste of night , The mother of moist dew with pallid light , Spreds gloomy shades about the nummed ▪ , farewell , to bed , I kisse thy pillow , dreame , the duke is dead . ● her shame , mutch : then marry her : I , O I grow prowd in prosperous trecherie , As ▪ treacherous damnable monster , How doost ? how doost thou treacherous roage , Ha yee ye● doost ▪ how doost thou treacherous roage , Ha yee rascall , I am banish the Court , Sirra P●ethee Prethee lets be acquainted , I do loue thee faith ▪ to supper , Lets be once drunke together , and so vnite a most vertuously strengthned ●ll Wilt fall vpon my chamber to morrow morne . shar● To scoure Plough shares 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plough vp Altars : 〈◊〉 To scoure Plough shares I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plough vp Altars : 〈◊〉 To scoure Plough shares 〈◊〉 ha 〈◊〉 plough vp Altars : 〈◊〉 To scoure Plough shares 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seene Oxen plough vp Altars : ●ges Et nunc seges 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ 〈◊〉 Et nunc ●ges vbi 〈◊〉 ▪ 〈◊〉 Et nunc ●ges 〈◊〉 sion fuit ▪ ▪ Et nunc ●ges 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 forme Nights heauie shadow flies . Now gins close plots to worke , the Sceane growes full 〈◊〉 worke , the Sceane growes full , And craues his eyes who hath a sollid Skull . S●heman rugged vaines ; snores fast : The stooping Sitheman that dooth barbe the field , Thou ▪ makst ●aw-bones alas hees goodman tell-clock , His sallow iaw-bones sincke with wasting mone , Whilst other intemperare Surfet would cloake intemperate appetite , Make the soule sent the rotten besure weake Lord Duke , Will now forsake them all , be sure he will : Ile lye in ambush for conueniencie ▪ their qualities : loue Dogs , Dice and Drabs , scorne witte in stuffe clothes , haue beate ser●m why not ? since the Stoick said ; Neminem seruum non ex regibus , neminem regem non ex seruis in●oble , but as wise men do loue great wemen to innoble their bloud and augment their reuenew : ▪ is in the forest next the Sea , single him , kill him , hurle him i'the maine , and proclaime h●e Of a drie summer my Lord for heer's a hote world towards : but my Lord I had a strange ●ight : but my Lord I had a strange dreame last night . stiil My dutie : But still I dreamt on my Lord , and me thought and rascal● dreaming faith but here's a couple of Syrenicall rascall shall inchaunt yee : What shall they singe Piet▪ Piet. su●ely nature of women , and then the song shall be surely full of varietie , olde crochets and most h●r's start not ; Mendozo , Mendozo hired me , her's his gold , his Pistoll , Crosbowe , Sword y●e Saue yee fayre Ladies , is the Duke returned ? Ceil men call Hermit of the Rocke ) Forsooke my Cell , and clamberd vp a cliffe , Against whose Coe thinks I heare him yet , O female faith ! Goe sowe the ingratefull sand , and loue a woman Malenole Goe to then , thou must knowe that Maleuole is a strange villaine : dangerous , very ●oe poison him : hees like a korne vpon my great toe , I cannot goe for him : hee must be kored sha● Commaund our sodaine Letter : not enter ? shat , what place is there in Genoa , but thou cut-thr●ate mine ennemies Ile deliuer my selfe . O , cut-throate friendship is the ranckest villany , marke ▪ To banishment , led on to banishment . ysher naturally for a coale-basket , though the common usher of princes presence fortune ha blindely ▪ rather stand with wrong , then fall with right . muiolable heeres a fellow to be damnd , this is his inuiolable Maximo . ( flatter the greatest , and oppresse 〈◊〉 not confounded , th'art but in danger to loose a Dukedome , think this : this earth is a●●olgotha think this : this earth is the only graue and golgotha wherein all thinges that liue must s●ow world tricks abiure , For vengance that comes slow , yet it comes sure . O I am chang'd , for ▪ am chang'd , for heerefore the dread power , In true contrition I doe dedicate , My breath ●d Enter Ferneze and Celso vndisguiseth himselfe . vndisg●iseth Enter Ferneze and Celso vndisguiseth himselfe . w●nder stand full shocke of Fortune , be not so sunder stricken . st● full shocke of Fortune , be not so sunder stricken . 〈◊〉 Farn. . T● Who doubts of prouidence , That 〈◊〉 this change , a hartie faith to all 〈◊〉 Who doubts of prouidence , T● sees this change , a hartie faith to all : H● H● 〈◊〉 this change , a hartie faith to all : He 〈◊〉 ●ust rise , who can no lower fall , 〈◊〉 this change , a hartie faith to all : H● needs ●ust rise , who can no lower fall , 〈…〉 ●ust this change , a hartie faith to all : H● 〈◊〉 must rise , who can no lower fall , 〈…〉 impetuous 〈…〉 H● 〈◊〉 ●ust rise , who can no lower fall , for still impetuous Vicissitude Looseth the world petuous 〈◊〉 ●ust rise , who can no lower fall , 〈…〉 impetuous Vicissitude Looseth the world , then let Knights officers , some must be beggars , some must be Knightes ▪ some must be cuckolds , and some must ▪ some must be beggars , some must be Knights : some must be cuckolds , and some must be ▪ haue two court dogs , most fawning curres , the one calde Watch , thother Catch : now Ca●h fawning curres ▪ the one calde Watch , thother Catch : now I , like Ladie Fortune , somtimes ▪ like Ladie Fortune , somtimes loue this dog , somtimes rouse that dog , somtimes fauour ▪ Catch : Now that dogge which I fauour I feede , and hees so rauenous , that what I giue dow● what I giue he neuer chawes it , gulpes it down 〈◊〉 without any relish of what he haz , 〈◊〉 giue he neuer chawes it , gulpes it down whole without any relish of what he haz , but 〈◊〉 without any relish of what he haz , but with a great expectation of what he shal haue : the other ●pectation relish of what he haz , but with a great expectation of what he shal haue : the other dogge ▪ ▪ expectation of what he shal haue : the other dogge , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of what he shal haue : the other dogge ▪ now dog● No more dogge , soote Maquarelle no more dogge and what hope hast thou of the Dutches Maria ●he Let me see wheres the signe now ? ha ye ere a callender , wheres ●ould Assyrian , I am sure t'was a most sweete Iew tould me , court any woman in the right signe fishmo●gers then : As when the signe is in Pisces , a fishmongers wife is verie sotiable : in Cancer , a precisians Scorpio ●s her husband be at the tearme : onely , in Scorpioes verie dangerous medling , haz the Duke sent ve●ie husband be at the tearme : onely , in Scorpioes verie dangerous medling , haz the Duke sent any ●o and for his vse Ile keep't , til I am of no vse . Wil● Wilt thou , O heauen that a christian should Capt●e buffeierkin , Captaine conscience ? I loue thee Captaine . 〈◊〉 , and what hope hast thou of this Dutches easinesse ? conscienc● bee truely modestly honourable in her owne conscience 〈◊〉 shee would avoide the least wanton carriage 〈◊〉 modestly honourable in her owne conscience but shee would avoide the least wanton carriage carria● conscience 〈◊〉 shee would avoide the least wanton carriage 〈◊〉 might incurre suspect , as God blesse 〈◊〉 shee would avoide the least wanton carriage that might incurre suspect , as God blesse me 〈◊〉 incurre suspect , as God blesse me , she had 〈◊〉 brought bed pressing out of fashion 〈◊〉 incurre suspect , as God blesse me , she 〈◊〉 almost brought bed pressing out of fashion : I M●q. Maq. y● husband , hees in an other world now , Ile tell the Lady , I haue heard of a sect that maintained ▪ honour , tis thou hast , And long as I can die , I will liue chaste . f●ther haz his hornes , and no foole but haz his father : even so no woman but haz her weaknesse for●d this toying is to me , that a Duke should be forcd to foole it : well , Stultorūplena sunt ▪ , but Ile tell yee now , you were too hot , 〈◊〉 The fitter to haue influencd the flaxwoman . 〈◊〉 You were too boisterous spleeny ▪ for indeede . ▪ You were too boisterous spleeny , for indeede . M●. Mal. 〈◊〉 Go, go, , thou art a weake pandres , now I see . ●ner , thou art a weake pandres , now I see . Sooner earthes fire heauen it selfe shall waste he● heauen it selfe shall waste , Then all with her can melt a minde that's chaste . c●n it selfe shall waste , Then all with her can melt a minde that's chaste . mel● it selfe shall waste , Then all with her can melt a minde that's chaste . 〈◊〉 office , what not get one touch of hope , and had her at such advantage . 〈◊〉 Maq. . discre● Now a my conscience , now I thinke in my discretion, 〈◊〉 did not take her in ●e ●ght signe , 〈◊〉 my conscience , now I thinke in my discre● we did not take her in ●e ●ght signe , the 〈◊〉 thinke in my discre● 〈◊〉 did not take her in ●e ●ght signe , the blood was not in the ●e thinke in my discre● 〈◊〉 did not take her in the ●ght signe , the blood was not in the true ●ght in my discre● 〈◊〉 did not take her in ●e right signe , the blood was not in the true veine 〈◊〉 Enter Prepasso and Ferrand , two pages with lightes , Celso and Equato , Mendozo 〈◊〉 with lightes , Celso and Equato , Mendozo in darker robes , Bilioso and Guerrino . : Exeunt 〈◊〉 lightes , Celso and Equato , Mendozo in darker robes , Bilioso and Guerrino . : Exeunt all saving 〈◊〉 On on , leaue vs , leaue vs : stay where is the hermit ▪ ▪ leaue vs , leaue vs 〈◊〉 where is the hermit ? 〈◊〉 With Duke Pietro , with Duke Pietro . ▪ Is he dead ? is he poysoned ? 〈◊〉 Good , excellent , he will not blabbe ▪ securenes liues in secrecy ▪ cōme hither ▪ Good , excellent , he will not blabbe , securenes liues in secrecy ▪ cōme hither se●renes Good , excellent , he will not blabbe ▪ securenes liues in secrecy ▪ cōme hither ▪ come hither ▪ will not blabbe ▪ securenes liues in secrecy , cōme hither ▪ come hither . cōme not blabbe ▪ securenes liues in secrecy ▪ come hither ▪ come hither . liether blabbe ▪ securenes liues in secrecy ▪ cōme hither ▪ come hither . ▪ securenes liues in secrecy ▪ cōme hither , come hither . liether securenes liues in secrecy ▪ cōme hither ▪ come hither . indu●e villanous sent about thee , my nature cannot indure . ▪ Colde , frostie , she is obstinate . 〈◊〉 Men, ▪ ●is Then shees but dead tis resolute , she dies : Black deede onely a●te a scholler ? art a polititian ? sure thou arte an arrand knaue . Wh● Who h● Wh● I ? I ha bene twice an vnder sherife , man . 〈◊〉 Wh● I ? I h● bene twice an vnder sherife , man . impoys● Canst thou impoyson ▪ canst thou impoyson ? ▪ Canst thou impoyson ? canst thou impoyson ? ▪ Excellently , no Iew ▪ Potecary , or Polititian better ▪ Excellently ▪ no Iew , Potecary , or Polititian better : look ye 〈◊〉 Excellently ▪ no Iew ▪ Potecary , or Polititian better : look ye , here's a box , whom wouldst 〈◊〉 impoison , here's a box , which opened , and the fume ●ne vp in condites , thorow which the braine ●ne here's a box , which opened , and the fume tane vp in condites , thorow which the braine purge● vp in condites , thorow which the braine purges it selfe , doth instantly for 12. houres 〈◊〉 sleepers nose , choaks all the pores of life , kills him sodainely . 〈◊〉 Enter Celso decoued Ile try experiments , tis good not to be deceued ▪ 〈◊〉 so , Catzo : ▪ experiments , tis good not to be decoued : 〈◊〉 so , Catzo : 〈◊〉 experiments , tis good not to be decoued ▪ so, so , Catzo : t●ng that ma destroy , death hath no teeth , nor tong , And he thats great ▪ to him one slaues eems Seems to poison Maleuole . poi●n Seems to poison Maleuole . ▪ no teeth , nor tong , And he thats great , to him one slaues shame , Murder , fame sham● , And he thats great ▪ to him one slaues shame , Murder , fame and wrong ▪ Celzo ? ▪ one slaues shame , Murder , fame and wrong . Celzo ? Celzo● slaues shame , Murder , fame and wrong ▪ Celzo? ? 〈◊〉 The good Maleuole , that plain-tongued man, alas , is dead on sodaine wondrous strangely y●e I shall obserue yee . 〈◊〉 And Celso , prethee let it be thy care to night To haue some ▪ thy care to night To haue some pretty shew , to solemnize Our high instalment , some f●re instalment , some musike , maskery : Weele giue faire entertaine vnto Maria The Dutchesse to the ent●taine , some musike , maskery : Weele giue f●re entertaine vnto Maria The Dutchesse to the banishd Gen● done fiction , As some braue spirites of the Genoan Dukes , To come out of Elizium forsooth ●et fortune , some such any thing , some farre fet tricke , good for Ladies , some stale toy go●s , Ile trust no man , he that by trickes ▪ gets wreathes , Keepes them with ●le , no man ●le trickes ▪ go●s wreathes , Keepes them with steele , no man seemely breathes , Out of 〈◊〉 rankes se●ely wreathes , Keepes them with ●le , no man securely breathes , Out of 〈◊〉 rankes the Crowde 〈◊〉 with ●le , no man seemely breathes , Out of distuned rankes the Crowde will mutter foole : Who spi●e will mutter foole : Who cannot beare with spite he cannot rule : The chiefest secret for chi●st cannot beare with spite he cannot rule : The chiefest secret for a man of state , Is to liue senslesse 〈◊〉 with spite he cannot rule : The chiefest secret for a man of state , Is to liue senslesse Br●ue Braue spirites of the antique Dukes . 〈◊〉 Most happy , deere Celso , poisond with an empty box ▪ Ile giue thee poi● Most happy , deere Celso , poisond with an empty box ▪ Ile giue thee all anone ▪ , deere Celso , poisond with an empty box ? Ile giue thee all anone : my Lady comes ●●rle anone : my Lady comes to court , there is whurle of fate comes tumbling on ▪ the Castles ▪ there is whurle of fate comes tumbling on , the Castles captaine stands for me , the n● For no disastrous chance can euer m●e him , That m●e For no disastrous chance can euer moue him , That leaueth nothing but a God aboue entr●d gentlemen , wil not ye suffer the ladies to be entred in the great chamber ? why gallants ? and Ladie● All saue the Ladies depart . ▪ you into the fashion , this is a stale cut , you must come in fashion : looke ye , you ●ing a fealt vpon your head : looke ye , these tiring things are iustly out of request now : and sine a deale a pinning these ruffes , when the fine cleane fall is woorth all : and agen ▪ if ▪ fine cleane fall is woorth all : and agen , if you should chance to take a nap in the ba● take a nap in the afternoone , your falling band requires no poting sticke to recouer his 〈◊〉 poting sticke to recouer his forme : beheue me , no fashion to the falling band I say . 〈◊〉 And is not sinnior S. Andrew Iaques gallant fellow now ? Iaqu●● And is not 〈◊〉 S. Andrew Iaques gallant fellow now ? 〈◊〉 Yes in reuertion as he had his office , as in truth he hath indeed● cloathes in reversion , his wit in reversion , & indeede , is a suter to me for my dogge in reversion ●ingerd He is even one of the most busy fingerd lords , he will put the beauties to the ▪ Enter Prepasso ioynes to Bilioso , two pages with lightes , Ferrard , Mendozo a● leading in Maria , the Duke meetes Maria , and closeth with her , the rest fall backe . pa●ze my suite , A kingdomes safety should o're paize slight rites , Marriage is meerely Natures tumul● royall beds be ioynd , Danger and ciuill tumult frights the state , Be wise as you are faire sta●e ioynd , Danger and ciuill tumult frights the state , Be wise as you are faire , giue way to fa● , Be wise as you are faire , giue way to fate . th● affliction to our house ? Thou euer diuell , twas thou that banishedst my truely noble Lord . Men▪ Men. th● I , by the plottes by thy blacke stratagems , Twelue plo●e I , by the plottes by thy blacke stratagems , Twelue Moons ●hy I , by the plottes by thy blacke stratagems , Twelue Moons haue suffred blac●●agems I , by the plottes by thy blacke stratagems , Twelue Moons haue suffred change be held Twelue Moons haue suffred change since I beheld The lou'd presence of my deerest Lord . lou●d Moons haue suffred change since I beheld The lou'd presence of my deerest Lord . O thou faire de●st change since I beheld The lou'd presence of my deerest Lord . O thou faire worse than death , he kni● Disseuerst , that which Gods owne hand did knit . Thou scant of honor , full of diuelish wi● . Thou scant of honor , full of diuelish wit . Iauishnes Weele checke your too intemperate lauishnes , I I can , and will . ●eason Youst neuer meete more reason should Loue controule , de●re She that deere loues , her loue's still in her soule . re●erend And we do finde , she hath impoisoned The reuerend Hermite , therefore we command Severest Mar▪ Mar. ●amn'd condemned be , For seeming murder than be damn'd for thee . Ile mourne no more , come girt P●.. Pre. 〈◊〉 Alas calamitie is 〈◊〉 where . Sad misery , dispight your 〈◊〉 Alas calamitie is euerie where . Sad misery , dispight your double 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 where . Sad misery , dispight your double doores ▪ Will enter euen in court . ▪ Sad misery , dispight your double doores , Will enter euen in court . Mari● Vnto Maria . 〈◊〉 Enter Mercurie with lords d● musicke . wi● Enter Mercurio with lords d● musicke . lords Enter Mercurio with lowde d● musicke . 〈◊〉 Enter Mercurio with lords d● musicke . Merc● Cilleman Mercurie , the God of ghostes , From glomie shades 〈◊〉 Dukes to come , And make this presence their Elizium : To passe away this high triumphall night ●aine hell betwixt me and my conscience , I would faine haue thee helpe me to an advocate . 〈◊〉 Pietro takes his wife Au●ia to dance Au●ia Pietro takes his wife Aurelia to dance 〈◊〉 , fly , fly , O seeke not her that onely seekes to ●y . ●y fly , O seeke not her that onely seekes to dy . Beanch● To Beancha . ▪ O , dam them not both , to please me , for Gods so●nde Cornets sounde the measure 〈◊〉 against which 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cornets sounde the measure ouer against which 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 ▪ against Cornets sounde the measure 〈◊〉 again which 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 ▪ 〈◊〉 Cornets sounde the measure 〈◊〉 against which daunced they 〈◊〉 ▪ 〈◊〉 sounde the measure 〈◊〉 against which 〈◊〉 they vnmaske ▪ ▪ the measure 〈◊〉 against which 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 . ▪ Maleuole ? Fer● Altofront , Duke Lorenzo Ferneze , hah ? 〈◊〉 Duke Altofront , Duke Altofront . 〈◊〉 Cornets , aflorish . ●cke Are we surprizde ? what strange delusions mocke Our sences , do I dreame ? or haue I dream● dream● ●cke Our sences , do I dreame ? or haue I dreamt This two daies space ? where am I ? 〈◊〉 They seize vpon Mendozo . h●en Ignoble villaine , whome neither heaven nor hell , goodnesse of God or man could trecherour Base trecherous wretch , what grace canst thou expect , 〈◊〉 slaues That daines to triumph ouer peasants graves . For such thou art since 〈◊〉 d● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 peasants graves . For such thou art since birth d● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A man mong monarkes , but a glorious d● peasants graves . For such thou art since 〈◊〉 doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A man mong monarkes , but a glorious 〈◊〉 peasants graves . For such thou art since 〈◊〉 d● neere 〈◊〉 A man mong monarkes , but a glorious 〈◊〉 graves . For such thou art since 〈◊〉 d● 〈◊〉 inrole A man mong monarkes , but a glorious soule ▪ man mong monarkes , but a glorious soule . You are ioyd spirits , wipe your long ●et ●et soule ▪ You are ioyd spirits , wipe your long wet 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 You are ioyd spirits , wipe your long ●et eies . o●t Maleuole kickes out Mendozo . 〈◊〉 vowes to Pietro & Aurelia , and thou vnto the suburbs . You to my worst friend I would 〈◊〉 giue 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 . You to my worst friend I would hardly giue : Thou art a perfect olde knaue all ▪ art a perfect olde knaue all pleased liue , You two vnto my breast , thou to my heart ▪ You two vnto my breast , thou to my heart . And as for me I heere assume my right , 〈◊〉 Cornets a florish . Exeunt . omnes .