Enter Charaloyes with a paper , Romont , Charmi . Charmi. SIR , I may moue the Court to serue your will , But therein shall both wrong you and my selfe . Rom. Why thinke you so sir ? Charmi. 'Cause I am familiar With what will be their answere : they will say , T is against law , and argue me of Ignorance For offering them the motion . Rom. You know not , Sir How in this cause they may dispence with Law , And therefore frame not you their answere for them , But doe your parts . Charmi. I loue the cause so well , As I could runne , the hazard of a checke for 't . Rom. From whom ? Charmi. Some of the bench , that watch to giue it , More then to doe the office that they sit for : But giue me ( sir ) my fee . Rom. Now you are Noble . Charmi. I shall deserue this better yet , in giuing My Lord some counsell , ( if he please to heare it ) Then I shall doe with pleading . Rom. What may it be , sir ? Charmi. That it would please his Lordship , as the Presidents , And Counsaylors of Court come by , to stand Heere , and but shew your selfe , and to some one Or two , make his request : there is a minute When a mans presence speakes in his owne cause , More then the tongues of twenty aduocates . Rom. I haue vrg'd that . Enter Rochfort : Du Croye . Charmi. Their Lordships here are comming , I must goe get me a place , you 'l finde me in Court , And at your seruice . Exit Charmi , Rom. Now put on your Spirits . Du Croy . The ease that you prepare your selfe , my Lord , In giuing vp the place you hold in Court , Will proue ( I feare ) a trouble in the State , And that no slight one . Roch. Pray you sir , no more . Rom. Now sir , lose not this offerd meanes : their lookes Fixt on you , with a pittying earnestnesse , Inuite you to demand their furtherance To your good purpose . — This such a dulnesse So foolish and vntimely as — Du Croy . You know him . Roch. I doe , and much lament the sudden fall Of his braue house , It is young Charloyes . Sonne to the Marshall , from whom he inherits His fame and vertues onely . Rom. Ha , hey name you . Du Croye . His father died in prison two daies since . Roch. Yes , to the shame of this vngratefull State ! That such a Master in the art of warre , So noble , and so highly meriting , From this forgetfull Country , should , for want Of meanes to satisfie his creditors , The summes he tooke vp for the generall good , Meet with an end so infamous . Rom. Dare you euer hope for like oportunity ? Du Croye . My good Lord ! Roch. My wish bring comfort to you . Du Croye . The time calls vs . Roch. Good morrow Colonell . Exeunt Roch. Du Croy . Rom. This obstinate spleene , You thinke becomes your sorrow , and sorts wel With your blacke suits : but grant me wit , or iudgement , And by the freedome of an honest man , And a true friend to boote , I sweare 't is shamefull . And therefore flatter not your selfe with hope , Your sable habit , with the hat and cloake , No though the ribons helpe , haue power to worke 'em To what you would : for those that had no eyes , To see the great acts of your father , will not , From any fashion sorrow can put on , Bee taught to know their duties . Char. If they will not , They are too old to learne , and I too young To giue them counsell , since if they partake The vnderstanding , and the hearts of men , They will preuent my words and teares : if not , What can perswasion , though made eloquent With griefe , worke vpon such as haue chang'd natures With the most sauage beast ? Blest , blest be euer The memory of that happy age , when iustice Had no gards to keepe off wrongd innocence , From flying to her succours , and in that Assurance of redresse : where now ( Roment ) The damnd , with more ease may ascend from Hell , Than we ariue at her . One Cerberus there Forbids the passage , in our Courts a thousand , As lowd , and fertyle headed , and the Client That wants the sops , to fill their rauenous throats , Must hope for no accesse : why should I then Attempt impossibilities : you friend , being Too well acquainted with my dearth of meanes To make my entrance that way ? Rom. Would I were not . But Sir , you haue a cause , a cause so iust , Of such necessitie , not to be deferd , As would compell a mayde , whose foot was neuer Set ore her fathers threshold , nor within The house where she was borne , euer spake word , Which was not vshered with pure virgin blushes , To drowne the tempest of a pleaders tongue , And force corruption to giue backe the hire It tooke against her : let examples moue you . You see great men in birth , esteeme and fortune , Rather then lose a scruple of their right , Fawne basely vpon such , whose gownes put off , They would disdaine for Seruants . Char. And to these can I become a suytor ? Rom. Without losse , Would you consider , that to gaine their fauors , Our chastest dames put off their modesties , Soldiers forget their honors , vsurers Make sacrifice of Gold , poets of wit , And men religious , part with fame , and goodnesse ? Be therfore wonne to vse the meanes , that may Aduance your pious ends . Char. You shall orecome . Rom. And you receiue the glory , pray you now practise . 'T is well . Enter Old Nouall , Liladam , & 3 Creditors . Char. Not looke on me ! Rom. You must haue patience — Offer 't againe . Char. And be againe contemn'd ? Nou. I know what s to be done . 1 Cred. And that your Lordship Will please to do your knowledge , we offer , first Our thankefull hearts heere , as a bounteous earnest To what we will adde Nou. One word more of this I am your enemie . Am I a man Your bribes can worke on ? ha ? Lilad. Friends , you mistake The way to winne my Lord , he must not heare this , But I , as one in fauour , in his sight , May harken to you for my profit . Sir , I pray heare em . Nou. T is well . Lilad. Obserue him now . Nou. Your cause being good , and your proceedings so , Without corruption ; I am your friend , Speake your desires . 2 Cred. Oh , they are charitable , The Marshall stood ingag'd vnto vs three , Two hundred thousand crownes , which by his death We are defeated of . For which great losse We ayme at nothing but his rotten flesh , Nor is that cruelty . 1 Cred. I haue a sonne , That talkes of nothing but of Gunnes and Armors , And sweares hee 'll be a soldier , t is an humor I would diuert him from , and I am told That if I minister to him in his drinke Powder , made of this banquerout Marshalls bones , Prouided that the carcase rot aboue ground , 'T will cure his foolish frensie . Nou. You shew in it A fathers care . I haue a sonne my selfe , A fashionable Gentleman and a peacefull : And but I am assur'd he 's not so giuen , He should take of it too . Sir , what are you ? Char. A Gentleman . Nou. So are many that rake dunghills . If you haue any suit , moue it in Court . I take no papers in corners . Rom. Yes as the matter may be carried , and hereby To mannage the conuayance — Follow him . Lil. You are rude . I say , he shall not passe . Exit Nouall . Char : and Aduocates . Rom. You say so . On what assurance ? For the well cutting of his Lordships cornes , Picking his toes , or any office else Neerer to basenesse ! Lil. Looke vpon mee better , Are these the ensignes of so coorse a fellow ? Be well aduis'd . Rom. Out , rogue , do not I know , ( Kicks him ) These glorious weedes spring from the sordid dunghill Of thy officious basenesse ? wert thou worthy Of any thing from me , but my contempt , I would do more then this , more , you Court-spider . Lil. But that this man is lawlesse ; he should find that I am valiant . 1 Cred. If your eares are fast , T is nothing . What s a blow or two ? as much — 2 Cred. These chastisements , as vsefull are as frequent To such as would grow rich . Rom. Are they so Rascals ? I wil be-friend you then . 1 Cred. Beare witnesse , Sirs . Lil. Trueth , I haue borne my part already , friends . In the Court you shall haue more . Exit . Rom. I know you for The worst of spirits , that striue to rob the tombes Of what is their inheritance , from the dead . For vsurers , bred by a riotous peace : That hold the Charter of your wealth & freedome , By being Knaues and Cuckolds that ne're prayd , But when you feare the rich heires will grow wise , To keepe their Lands out of your parchment toyles ; And then , the Diuell your father 's cald vpon , To inuent some wayes of Luxury ne're thought on . Be gone , and quickly , or I le leaue no roome Vpon your forhead for your hornes to sprowt on , Without a murmure , or I will vndoe you ; For I will beate you honest . 1 Cred. Thrift forbid . We will beare this , rather then hazard that . Ex : Creditor . Enter Charloyes . Rom. I am some-what eas'd in this yet . Char ( Onely friend ) To what vaine purpose do I make my sorrow , Wayte on the triumph of their cruelty ? Or teach their pride from my humilitie , To thinke it has orecome ? They are determin'd What they will do : and it may well become me , To robbe them of the glory they expect From my submisse intreaties . Rom. Thinke not so , Sir , The difficulties that you incounter with , Will crowne the vndertaking — Heauen ! you weepe : And I could do so too , but that I know , There s more expected from the sonne and friend Of him , whose fatall losse now shakes our natures . Then sighs , or teares , ( in which a village nurse Or cunning strumpet , when her knaue is hangd , May ouercome vs . ) We are men ( young Lord ) Let vs not do like women . To the Court , And there speake like your birth : wake sleeping iustice , Or dare the Axe . This is a way will sort With what you are . I call you not to that I will shrinke from my selfe , I will deserue Your thankes , or suffer with you — O how brauely That sudden fire of anger shewes in you ! Giue fuell to it, since you are on a shelfe Of extreme danger suffer like your selfe. Exeunt . Enter Rochfort, Nouall Se. Charmi, Du Croye, Aduocates, Baumont, and Officeers, and 3. Presidents. Du Croye . Your Lordship 's seated . May this meeting proue prosperous to vs , and to the generall good of Burgundy . Nou. Se. Speake to the poynt . Du Croy Which is , With honour to dispute the place and power Or primier President , which this reuerent man Graue Rochfort , ( whom for honours sake I name ) Is purpos'd to resigne a place , my Lords , In which he hath with such integrity , Perform'd the first and best parts of a Iudge , That as his life transcends all faire examples Of such as were before him in Dijon , So it remaines to those that shall succeed him , A President they may imitate , but not equall . Roch. I may not sit to heare this . Du Croy . Let the loue And thankfulnes we are bound to pay to goodnesse , In this o'recome your modestie . Roch. My thankes For this great fauour shall preuent your trouble . The honourable trust that was impos'd Vpon my weakenesse , since you witnesse for me , It was not ill discharg'd , I will not mention , Nor now , if age had not depriu'd me of The little strength I had to governe well , The Prouince that I vnder tooke , forsake it . Nou. That we could lend you of our yeeres . Du Croy . Or strength . Nou. Or as you are , perswade you to continue The noble exercise of your knowing iudgement . Roch. That may not be , nor can your Lordships goodnes , Since your imployments haue confer'd vpon me Sufficient wealth , deny the vse of it , And though old age , when one foot 's in the graue . In many , when all humors else are spent Feeds no affection in them , but desire To adde height to the mountaine of their riches : In me it is not so , I rest content With the honours , and estate I now possesse , And that I may haue liberty to vse , What Heauen still blessing my poore industry , Hath made me Master of : I pray the Court To ease me of my burthen , that I may Employ the small remainder of my life , In liuing well , and learning how to dye so , Enter Romont , and Charalois . Rom. See sir , our Aduocate . Du Croy . The Court intreats , Your Lordship will be pleasd to name the man , Which you would haue your successor , and in me , All promise to confirme it . Roch. I embrace it , As an assurance of their fauour to me , And name my Lord Nouall . Du Croy . The Court allows it . Roch. But there are suters waite heere , and their causes May be of more necessity to be heard , And therefore wish that mine may be defer'd , And theirs haue hearing . Du Croy . If your Lordship please To take the place , we will proceed . Charm . The cause We come to offer to your Lordships censure , Is in it selfe so noble , that it needs not Or Rhetorique in me that plead , or fauour From your graue Lordships , to determine of it . Since to the prayse of your impartiall iustice ( Which guilty , nay condemn'd men , dare not scandall ) It will erect a trophy of your mercy With married to that Iustice . Nou. Se. Speake to the cause . Charm . I will , my Lord : to say , the late dead Marshall The father of this young Lord heere , my Clyent , Hath done his Country great and faithfull seruice , Might taske me of impertinence to repeate , What your graue Lordships cannot but remember , He in his life , become indebted to These thriftie men , I will not wrong their credits , By giuing them the attributes they now merit , And fayling by the fortune of the warres , Of meanes to free himselfe , from his ingagements , He was arrested , and for want of bayle Imprisond at their suite , and not long after With losse of liberty ended his life . And though it be a Maxime in our Lawes , All suites dye with the person , these mens malice In death find matter for their hate to worke on , Denying him the decent Rytes of buriall , Which the sworne enemies of the Christian faith Grant freely to their slaues : may it therefore please Your Lordships , so to fashion your decree , That what their crueltie doth forbid , your pittie May giue allowance to . Nou. Se. How long haue you Sir practis'd in Court ? Charmi. Some twenty yeeres , my Lord . Nou. Se. By your grosse ignorance it should appeare , Not twentie dayes . Charmi. I hope I haue giuen no cause in this , my Lord — Nou. Se. How dare you moue the Court , To the dispensing with an Act confirmd By Parliment , to the terror of all banquerouts ? Go home , and with more care peruse the Statutes : Or the next motion sauoring of this boldnesse , May force you to leape ( against your will ) Ouer the place you plead at . Carmi. I foresaw this . Rom. Why does your Lordship thinke , the mouing of A cause more honest then this Court had euer The honor to determine , can deserue A checke like this ? Nou. Se. Strange boldnes ! Rom. T is fit freedome : Or do you conclude , an aduocate cannot hold His credit with the Iudge , vnlesse he study His face more then the cause for which he pleades ? Charmi. Forbeare . Rom. Or cannot you , that haue the power To qualifie the rigour of the Lawes When you are pleased , take a little from The strictnesse of your sowre decrees , enacted In fauor of the greedy creditors Against the orethrowne debtor ? Nou. Se. Sirra , you that prate Thus sawcily , what are you ? Rom. Why I le tell you , Thou purple-colour'd man , I am one to whom Thou owest the meanes thou hast of sitting there A corrupt Elder . Charmi. Forbeare . Rom. The nose thou wearst , is my gift , and those eyes , That meete no obiect so base as their Master , Had bin , long since torne from that guiltie head , And thou thy selfe slaue to some needy Swisse , Had I not worne a sword , and vs'd it better Then in thy prayers thou ere didst thy tongue . Nou. Se. Shall such an Insolence passe vnpunisht ? Charmi. Heare mee . Rom. Yet I , that in my seruice done my Country , Disdaine to bee put in the scale with thee , Confesse my selfe vnworthy to bee valued With the least part , nay haire of the dead Marshall , Of whose so many glorious vndertakings , Make choice of any one , and that the meanest Performd against the subtill Fox of France , The politique Lewis , or the more desperate Swisse , And 't wyll outwaygh all the good purpose , Though put in act , that euer Gowneman practizd . Nou. Se. Away with him to prison . Rom. If that curses , Vrg'd iustly , and breath'd forth so , euer fell On those that did deserue them ; let not mine Be spent in vaine now , that thou from this instant Mayest in thy feare that they will fall vpon thee , Be sensible of the plagues they shall bring with them . And for denying of a little earth , To couer what remaynes of our great soldyer : May all your wiues proue whores , your factors theeues , And while you liue , your ryotous heires vndoe you . And thou , the patron of their cruelty , Of all thy Lordships liue not to be owner Of so much dung as will conceale a Dog , Or what is worse , thy selfe in . And thy yeeres , To th' end thou mayst be wretched , I wish many , And as thou hast denied the dead a graue , May misery in thy life make thee desire one , Which men and all the Elements keepe from thee : I haue begun well , imitate , exceed . Roch. Good counsayle were it , a prayse worthy deed . Ex. Officers with Rom. Du. . Remember what we are . Chara. Thus low my duty Answeres your Lordships counsaile . I will vse In the few words ( with which I am to trouble Your Lordships eares ) the temper that you wish mee , Not that I feare to speake my thoughts as lowd , And with a liberty beyond Romont : But that I know , for me that am made vp Of all that 's wretched , so to haste my end , Would seeme to most , rather a willingnesse To quit the burthen of a hopelesse life , Then scorne of death , or duty to the dead . I therefore bring the tribute of my prayse To your seueritie , and commend the Iustice , That will not for the many seruices That any man hath done the Common wealth , Winke at his least of ills : what though my father Writ man before he was so , and confirmd it , By numbring that day , no part of his life , In which he did not seruice to his Country ; Was he to be free therefore from the Lawes , And ceremonious forme in your decrees ? Or else because he did as much as man In those three memorable ouerthrowes A Granson , Morat , Nancy , where his Master , The warlike Charloyes ( with whose misfortunes I beare his name ) lost treasure , men and life , To be excus'd , from payment of those summes Which ( his owne patrimony spent ) his zeale , To serue his Countrey , forc'd him to take vp ? Nou. Se. The president were ill . Chara. And yet , my Lord , this much I know you ll grant ; After those great defeatures , Which in their dreadfull ruines buried quick , Enter officers . Courage and hope , in all men but himselfe , He forst the proud foe , in his height of conquest , To yeeld vnto an honourable peace . And in it saued an hundred thousand liues , To end his owne , that was sure proofe against The scalding Summers heate , and Winters frost , Ill ayres , the Cannon , and the enemies sword , In a most loathsome prison . Du Croy . T was his fault to be so prodigall . Nou. Se. He had from the state sufficient entertainment for the Army . Char. Sufficent ? My Lord , you sit at home , And though your fees are boundlesse at the barre : Are thriftie in the charges of the warre , But your wills be obeyd . To these I turne , To these soft-hearted men , that wisely know They are onely good men , that pay what they owe 2 Cred. And so they are . 1 Cred. 'T is the City Doctrine , We stand bound to maintaine it . Char. Be constant in it , And since you are as mercilesse in your natures , As base , and mercenary in your meanes By which you get your wealth , I will not vrge The Court to take away one scruple from The right of their lawes , or one good thought In you to mend your disposition with . I know there is no musique to your eares So pleasing as the groanes of men in prison , And that the teares of widows , and the cries Of famish'd Orphants , are the feasts that take you . That to be in your danger , with more care Should be avoyded , then infectious ayre , The loath'd embraces of diseased women , A flatterers poyson , or the losse of honour . Yet rather then my fathers reuerent dust Shall want a place in that faire monument , In which our noble Ancestors lye intomb'd , Before the Court I offer vp my selfe A prisoner for it ; loade me with those yrons That haue worne out his life , in my best strength I le run to th' incounter of cold hunger , And choose my dwelling where no Sun dares enter , So he may be releas'd . 1 Cred. What meane you sir ? 2 Aduo. Onely your fee againest her's so much sayd Already in this cause , and sayd so well , That should I onely offer to speake in it , I should not bee heard , or laught at for it . 1 Cred. 'T is the first mony aduocate ere gaue backe , Though hee sayd nothing . Roch. Be aduis'd , young Lord , And well considerate , you throw away Your liberty , and ioyes of life together : Your bounty is imployd vpon a subiect That is not sensible of it , with which , wise man Neuer abus'd his goodnesse ; the great vertues Of your dead father vindicate themselues , From these mens malice , and breake ope the prison , Though it containe his body . Nou. Se. Let him alone , If he loue Lords , a Gods name let him weare 'em , Prouided these consent . Char. I hope they are not So ignorant in any way of profit , As to neglect a possibility To get their owne , by seeking it from that Which can returne them nothing , but ill fame , And curses for their barbarous cruelties . 3 Cred. What thinke you of the offer ? 2 Cred. Very well . 1 Cred. Accept it by all meanes : let 's shut him vp , He is well-shaped and has a villanous tongue , And should he study that way of reuenge , As I dare almost sweare he loues a wench , We haue no wiues , nor neuer shall get daughters That will hold out against him . Du Croy . What 's your answer ? 2 Cred. Speake you for all . 1 Cred Why , let our executions That lye vpon the father , bee return'd Vpon the sonne , and we release the body . Nou. Se. The Court must grant you that . Char. I thanke your Lordships , They have in it confirm'd on me such glory , As no time can take from me : I am ready , Come lead me where you please : captiuity That comes with honour , is true liberty . Exit Charmi , Cred & Officers . Nou. Se. Strange rashnesse . Roch. A braue resolution rather , Worthy a better fortune , but howeuer It is not now to be disputed , therefore To my owne cause . Already I haue found Your Lordships bountifull in your fauours to me , And that should teach my modesty to end heere And presse your loues no further . Du Croy . There is nothing The Court can grant , but with assurance you May aske it , and obtaine it . Roch. You incourage a bold Petitioner , and 't is not fit Your fauours should be lost . Besides , 't as beene A custome many yeeres , at the surrendring The place I now giue vp , to grant the President One boone , that parted with it . And to confirme Your grace towards me , against all such as may Detract my actions , and life hereafter , I now preferre it to you . Du Croy . Speake it freely . Roch. I then desire the liberty of Romont , And that my Lord Nouall whose priuate wrong Was equall to the iniurie that was done To the dignity of the Court , will pardon it , And now signe his enlargement . Nou. Se. Pray you demand The moyety of my estate , or any thing Within my power , but this . Roch. Am I denyed then — my first and last request Du Croy . It must not be . 2. Pre. I haue a voyce to giue in it . 3. Pre. And I . And if perswasion will not worke him to it , We will make knowne our power . Nou Se. You are too violent , You shall haue my consent — But would you had Made tryall of my loue in any thing But this , you should haue found then — But it skills not . You haue what you desire . Roch. I thanke your Lordships . Du Croy . The court is vp , make way . Ex. omnes , prater Roch. & Baumont . Roch. I follow you — Baumont . Baum. My Lord . Roch. You are a scholler , Baumont , And can search deeper into th' intents of men , Then those that are lesse knowing — How appear'd The piety and braue behauiour of Young Charloyes to you ? Baum. It is my wonder , Since I want language to expresse it fully ; And sure the Collonell — Roch. Fie ! he was faulty — what present mony haue I ? Baum. There is no want Of any summe a priuate man has vse for . Roch. 'T is well : I am strangely taken with this Charaloyes ; Methinkes , from his example , the whole age Should learne to be good , and continue so . Vertue workes strangely with vs : and his goodnesse Rising aboue his fortune , seemes to me Princelike , to will , not aske a courtesie . Exeunt .

Enter Pontalier , Malotin , Baumont . Mal.

T Is strange .

Baum.

Me thinkes so ,

Pont. In a man , but young , Yet old in iudgement , theorique , and practicke , In all humanity ( and to increase the wonder ) Religious , yet a Souldier , that he should Yeeld his free liuing youth a captiue , for The freedome of his aged fathers Corpes , And rather choose to want lifes necessaries , Liberty , hope of fortune , then it should In death be kept from Christian ceremony . Malo . Come , 'T is a golden president in a Sonne , To let strong nature haue the better hand , ( In such a case ) of all affected reason . What yeeres sits on this Charalois ? Baum. Twenty eight , for since the clocke did strike him 17 old Vnder his fathers wing , this Sonne hath fought , Seru'd and commanded , and so aptly both , That sometimes he appear'd his fathers father , And neuer lesse then 's sonne ; the old mans vertues So recent in him , as the world may sweare , Nought but a faire tree , could such fayre fruit beare . Pont. But wherefore lets he such a barbarous law , And men more barbarous to execute it , Preuaile on his soft disposition , That he had rather dye aliue for debt Of the old man in prison , then he should Rob him of Sepulture , considering These monies borrow'd bought the lenders peace , And all their meanes they inioy , nor was diffus'd In any impious or licencious path ? Bau. True : for my part , were it my fathers trunke , The tyrannous Ram-heads , with their hornes should gore it , Or , cast it to their curres ( than they ) lesse currish , Ere prey on me so , with their Lion-law , Being in my free will ( as in his ) to shun it . Pont. Alasse ! he knowes himselfe ( in pouerty ) lost : For in this parciall auaricious age What price beares Honor ? Vertue ? Long agoe It was but prays'd , and freez'd , but now a dayes 'T is colder far , and has , nor loue , nor praise , Very prayse now freezeth too : for nature Did make the heathen , far more Christian then , Then knowledge vs ( lesse heathenish ) Christian . Malo .

This morning is the funerall .

Pont. Certainely ! And from this prison 't was the sonnes request That his deare father might interment haue . Recorders Musique . See , the young sonne interd a liuely graue . Baum.

They come , obserue their order .

Enter Funerall . Body borne by 4. Captaines and Souldiers . Mourners . Scutchions , and very good order . Charolois , and Romont meet it Char. speaks . Rom. weeping , solemne Musique , 3 Creditors . Char. How like a silent streame shaded with night , And gliding softly with our windy sighes ; Moues the whole frame of this solemnity ! Teares , sighes and blackes , filling the fimily , Whilst I the onely murmur in this groue Of death , thus hollowly break forth Vouchsafe To stay a while , rest , rest in peace , deare earth , Thou that brought'st rest to their vnthankfull lyues Whose cruelty deny'd thee rest in death : Heere stands thy poore Executor thy sonne , That makes his life prisoner , to bale thy death ; Who gladlier puts on this captiuity , Then Virgins long in loue , their wedding weeds : Of all that euer thou hast done good to , These onely haue good memories , for they Remember best , forget not gratitude . I thanke you for this last and friendly loue . And tho this Country , like a viperous mother , Not onely hath eate vp vngratefully All meanes of thee her sonne , but last thy selfe , Leauing thy heire so bare and indigent , He cannot rayse thee a poore Monument , Such as a flatterer , or a vsurer hath . Thy worth , in euery honest brest buylder one , Making their friendly hearts thy funerall stone . Pont.

Sir .

Char. Peace , O peace , this sceane is wholy mine . What weepe ye , souldiers ? Blanch not , Romont weepes . Ha . let me see , my miracle is eas'd , The iaylors and the creditors do weepe ; Euen they that make vs weepe , do weepe themselues . Be these thy bodies balme : these and thy vertue Keepe thy fame euer odoriferous , Whilst the great , proud , rich , vndeseruing man , Aliue stinkes in his vices , and being vanish'd , The golden calfe that was an Idoll dect With Marble pillars Iet , and Porphyrie , Shall quickly both in bone and name consume , Though wrapt in lead , spice , Searecloth and perfume 1 Cred.

Sir .

Char. What ! Away for shame : you prophane rogues Must not be mingled with these holy reliques : This is a Sacrifice , our showre shall crowne His sepulcher with Oliue , Myrrh and Bayes The plants of peace , of sorrow , victorie , Your teares would spring but weedes . 1 Cred. Would they not so ? Wee 'll keepe them to stop bottles then : Rom. No ; keepe 'em for your owne sins , you Rogues , Till you repent : you 'll dye else and be damn'd . 2 Cred.

Damn'd , ha ! ha , ha .

Rom.

Laugh yee ?

3 Cred. Yes faith . Sir , weel 'd be very glad To please you eyther way . 1 Cred. Y' are ne're content , Crying not laughing . Rom.

Both with a birth shee rogues .

2 Cred.

Our wiues , Sir , taught vs .

Rom. Looke , looke you slaues , your thanklesse cruelty And sauage manners , of vnkind Dijon , Exhaust these flouds , and not his fathers death . 1 Cred.

Slid , Sir , what would yee , ye' are so cholericke ?

2 Cred. Most souldiers are so y faith , let him alone : They haue little else to liue on , we haue not had A penny of him , haue wee ? 3 Cred ,

'Slight , wo'd you haue our hearts ?

1 Cred. We haue nothing but his body heere in durance For all our mony . Priest .

On .

Char. One moment more , But to bestow a few poore legacyes , All I haue left in my dead fathers rights , And I haue done . Captaine , weare thou these spurs That yet ne're made his horse runne from a foe . Lieutenant , thou , this Scarfe , and may it tye Thy valor , and thy honestie together : For so it did in him . Ensigne , this Curace Your Generalls necklace once . You gentle Bearers , Deuide this purse of gold , this other , strow Among the poore : t is all I haue . Romont , ( Weare thou this medall of himselfe ) that like A hearty Oake , grew'st close to this tall Pine , Euen in the wildest wildernesse of war , Whereon foes broke their swords , and tyr'd themselues ; Wounded and hack'd yee were , but neuer fell'd . For me , my portion prouide in Heauen : My roote is earth'd , and I a desolate branch Left scattered in the high way of the world , Trod vnder foot , that might haue bin a Columne , Mainely supporting our demolish'd house , This would I weare as my inheritance . And what hope can arise to me from it , When I and it are both heere prisoners ? Onely may this , if euer we be free , Keepe , or redeeme me from all infamie . Song . Musicke . 1 Cred.

No farther , looke to 'em at your owne perill .

2 Cred. No , as they please : their Master 's a good man . I would they were the Burmudas . Saylor . You must no further . The prison limits you , and the Creditors Exact the strictnesse . Rom. Out you wooluish mungrells ! Whose braynes should be knockt out , like dogs in Iuly , Lest your infection poyson a whole towne . Char. They grudge our sorrow : your ill wills perforce Turnes now to Charity : they would not haue vs Walke too farre mourning , vsurers reliefe Grieues , if the Debtors haue too much of griefe . Exeunt . Enter Beaumelle : Florimell : Bellapert . Beau.

I prithee tell me , Florimell , why do women marry ?

Flor.

Why truly Madam , I thinke , to lye with their husbands .

Bella. You are a foole ; She lyes , Madam , women marry husbands , To lye with other men . Flor.

Faith , eene such a woman wilt thou make . By this light , Madam , this wagtaile will spoyle you , if you take delight in her licence .

Beau.

T is true , Florimell : and thou wilt make me too good for a yong Lady . What an electuary found my father out for his daughter , when hee compounded you two my women ? for thou , Florimell , art eene a graine too heauy , simply for a wayting Gentlewoman .

Flor.

And thou Bellapert , a graine too light .

Bella.

Well , go thy wayes goodly wisdom , whom no body regards . I wonder , whether be elder thou or thy hood you thinke , because you serue my Ladyes mother , are 32 yeeres old which is a peepe cut , you know .

Flor.

Well sayd , wherligig .

Bella.

You are deceyu'd : I want a peg i th' middle . Out of these Prerogatiues ! you thinke to be mother of the maydes heere , & mortifie em with prouerbs : goe , goe , gouern the sweet meates , and waigh the Suger , that the wenches steale none : say your prayers twice a day , and as I take it , you haue performd your function .

Flor.

I may bee euen with you .

Bell.

Harke , the Court 's broke vp . Goe helpe my old Lord out of his Caroch , and scratch his head till dinner time .

Flor.

Well . Exit .

Bell.

Fy Madam , how you walke ! By my mayden-head you looke 7 yeeres older then you did this morning : why , there can be nothing vnder the Sunne valuable , to make you thus a minute .

Beau. Ah my sweete Bellapert thou Cabinet To all my counsels , thou dost know the cause That makes thy Lady wither thus in youth . Bel. Vd'd-light , enioy your wishes : whilst I liue , One way or other you shall crowne your will . Would you haue him your husband that you loue , And can 't not bee ? he is your seruant though , And may performe the office of a husband . Beau. But there is honor , wench . Bell. Such a disease There is in deed , for which ere I would dy . — Beau. Prethee , distinguish me a mayd & wife . Bell. Faith , Madam , one may beare any mans children , Tother must beare no mans . Beau.

What is a husband ?

Bell.

Physicke , that tumbling in your belly , will make you sicke i th' stomacke : the onely distinction betwixt a husband and a seruant is : the first will lye with you , when hee please ; the last shall lye with you when you please . Pray tell me , Lady , do you loue , to marry after , or would you marry , to loue after ?

Beau.

I would meete loue and marriage both at once .

Bell.

Why then you are out of the fashion , and wil be contemn'd : for ( I le assure you ) there are few women i' th world , but either they haue married first , and loue after , or loue first , and marryed after : you must do as you may , not as you would : your fathers will is the Goale you must fly to if a husband approch you , you would haue further off , is he your loue ? the lesse neere you . A husband in these dayes is but a cloake to bee oftner layde vpon your bed , then in your bed .

Baum.

Humpe .

Bell.

Sometimes you may weare him on your shoulder , now and then vnder your arme : but seldome or neuer let him couer you : for 't is not the fashion .

Enter y. Nouall , Pontalier , Malotin , Lilladam , Aymer . Nou. Best day to natures curiosity , Starre of Dijum , the lustre of all France , Perpetuall spring dwell on thy rosy cheekes , Whose breath is perfume to our Continent , See Flora turn'd in her varieties . Bell.

Oh diuine Lord !

Nou. No autumne , nor no age euer approach This heauenly piece , which nature hauing wrought , She lost her needle and did then despaire , Euer to worke so liuely and so faire . Lilad.

Vds light , my Lord , one of the purles of your band is ( without all discipline falne ) out of his ranke .

Nou. How ? I would not for a 1000 crownes she had seen 't . Deare Liladam , reforme it . Bell.

Oh Lord : Per se , Lord , quintessence of honour , shee walkes not vnder a weede that could deny thee any thing .

Baum.

Prethy peace , wench , thou dost but blow the fire , that flames too much already . Lilad . Aym. trim Nouall , whilst Bell her Lady .

Aym.

By gad , my Lord , you haue the diuinest Taylor of Christendome ; he hath made you looke like an Angell in your cloth of Tissue doublet .

Pont.

This is a three-leg'd Lord , ther 's a fresh assault , oh that men should spend time thus !

See see , how her blood driues to her heart , and straight vaults to her cheekes againe .

Malo .

What are these ?

Pont.

One of 'em there the lower is a good , foolish , knauish , sociable gallimaufry of a man , and has much taught my Lord with singing , hee is master of a musicke house : the other is his dressing blocke , vpon whom my Lord layes all his cloathes , and fashions , ere he vouchsafes 'em his owne person ; you shall see him i' th morning in the Gally-foyst , at noone in the Bullion , i' th euening in Quirpo , and all night in —

Malo .

A Bawdyhouse .

Pont.

If my Lord deny , they deny , if hee affirme , they affirme : they skip into my Lords cast skins some twice a yeere , and thus they liue to eate , eate to liue , and liue to prayse my Lord .

Malo .

Good sir , tell me one thing .

Pont.

What 's that ?

Malo .

Dare these men euer fight , on any cause ?

Pont.

Oh no , 't would spoyle their cloathes , and put their bands out of order .

Nou.

Mrs , you heare the news : your father has resign'd his Presidentship to my Lord my father .

Malo . And Lord Charolois vndone foreuer . Pont. Troth , 't is pity , sir . A brauer hope of so assur'd a father Did neuer comfort France . Lila. A good dumbe mourner . Aym A silent blacke . Nou. Oh fie vpon him , how he weares his cloathes ! As if he had come this Christmas from St. Omers , To see his friends , and return'd after Twelfetyde . Lilad. His Colonell lookes fienely like a drouer , Nou. That had a winter ly'n perdieu i' th rayne . Aym. What , he that weares a clout about his necke , His cuffes in 's pocket , and his heart in 's mouth ? Nou.

Now out vpon him !

Beau. Seruant , tye my hand . How your lips blush , in scorne that they should pay Tribute to hands , when lips are in the way ! Nou. I thus recant , yet now your hand looks white , Because your lips robd it of such a right . Monsieur Aymour , I prethy sing the song Deuoted to my Mrs Cant. Musicke . After the Song , Enter Rochfort , & Baumont . Baum. Romont will come , sir , straight . Roch. 'T is well . Bean. My Father . Nouall . My honorable Lord . Roch. My Lord Nouall , this is a vertue in you , So early vp and ready before noone , That are the map of dressing through all France . Nou. I rise to say my prayers , sir , heere 's my Saint . Roch. T is well and courtly ; you must giue me leaue , I haue some priuate conference with my daughter , Pray vse my garden , you shall dine with me . Lilad. Wee 'l waite on you . Nou. Good morne vnto your Lordship , Remember what you haue vow'd — to his Mrs. Exeunt omnes , prater Roch. Daug. Beau. Performe I must . Roch. Why how now Beaumelle , thou look'st not well . Th' art sad of late , come cheere thee , I haue found A wholesome remedy for these mayden fits , A goodly Oake whereon to twist my vine , Till her faire branches grow vp to the starres . Be neere at hand , successe crowne my intent , My businesse fills my little time so full , I cannot stand to talke : I know , thy duty Is handmayd to my will , especially When it presents nothing but good and fit . Beau. Sir , I am yours . Oh if my teares proue true , Exit Daug Fate hath wrong'd loue , and will destroy me too . Enter Romont keeper . Rom. Sent you for me , sir ? Roch. Yes . Rom. Your Lordships pleasure ? Roch. Keeper , this prisoner I will see forth comming Vpon my word — Sit downe good Colonell . Exit keeper . Why I did wish you hither , noble sir , Is to aduise you from this yron carriage , Which , so affected , Romont , you weare , To pity and to counsell yee submit With expedition to the great Nouall : Recant your sterne contempt , and slight neglect Of the whole Court , and him , and opportunity , Or you will vndergoe a heauy censure In publique very shortly . Rom. Hum hum : reuerend sir , I haue obseru'd you , and doe know you well , And am now more affraid you know not me , By wishing my submission to Nouall , Then I can be of all the bellowing mouthes That waite vpon him to pronounce the censure Could it determine me torments , and shame . Submit , and craue forgiuenesse of a beast T is true , this bile of state weares purple Tissue , Is high fed , proud : so is his Lordships horse , And beares as rich Caparisons . I know , This Elephant carries on his backe not onely Towres , Castles , but the ponderous republique , And neuer stoops for 't , with his strong breath trunk Snuffes others titles , Lordships , Offices , Wealth , bribes and lyues , vnder his rauenous iawes , What s this vnto my freedome ? I dare dye ; And therfore aske this Cammell , if these blessings ( For so they would be vnderstood by a man ) But mollifie one rudenesse in his nature , Sweeten the eager relish of the law , At whose great helme he sits : helps he the poore In a iust businesse ? nay , does he not crosse Euery deserued souldier and scholler , As if when nature made him , she had made The generall Antipathy of all vertue ? How sauagely , and blasphemously hee spake Touching the Generall , the graue Generall dead , I must weepe when I thinke on 't . Roch. Sir . Rom. My Lord , I am not stubborne , I can melt , you see , And prize a vertue better then my life For though I be not learnd , I euer lou'd That holy Mother of all issues , good , Whose white hand ( for a Scepter ) holdes a File To pollish roughest customes , and in you She has her right : see , I am calme as sleepe , But when I thinke of the grosse iniuries , The godlesse wrong done , to my Generall dead , I raue indeed , and could eate this Nouall A soule-lesse Dromodary . Roch. Oh bee temperate , Sir , though I would perswade , I 'le not constraine Each mans opinion freely is his owne , Concerning any thing or any body , Be it right or wrong , t is at the Iudges perill . Enter Baumond . Bau. These men , Sir , waite without , my Lord is come too . Roch. Pay 'em those summes vpon the table , take Their full releases : stay , I want a witnesse : Let mee intreat you Colonell , to walke in , And stand but by , to see this money pay'd , It does concerne you and your friends , it was The better cause you were sent for , though sayd otherwise . The deed shall make this my request more plaine . Rom. I shall obey your pleasure Sir , though ignorant To what is tends ? Exit Seruants Romont . Roch. Worthiest Sir , Enter Charolois . You are most welcome : fye , no more of this : You haue out-wept a woman , noble Charolois . No man but has , or must bury a father . Char. Graue Sir , I buried sorrow , for his death , In the graue with him . I did neuer thinke Hee was immorrall , though I vow I grieue , And see no reason why the vicious , Vertuous , valiant and vnworthy men Should dye alike . Roch. They do not . Char. In the manner Of dying , Sir , they do not , but all dye , And therein differ not : but I haue done . I spy'd the liuely picture of my father , Passing your gallery , and that cast this water Into mine eyes : see , foolish that I am , To let it doe so . Roch. Sweete and gentle nature , How silken is this well comparatiuely To other men ! I haue a suite to you Sir , Char Take it , t is granted . Roch. What ? Char. Nothing , my Lord . Roch. Nothing is quickly granted . Chara. Faith , my Lord , That nothing granted , is euen all I haue , For ( all know ) I haue nothing left to grant . Roch. Sir , ha' you any suite to me ? Ill grant You some thing , any thing . Char. Nay surely , I that can Giue nothing , will but sue for that againe . No man will grant mee any thing I liue for . But begging nothing , euery man will giue 't . Roch. Sir , the loue I bore your father , and the worth I see in you , so much resembling his , Made me thus send for you . And tender heere Drawes a Curtayne What euer you will take , gold , Iewels , both , All , to supply your wants , and free your selfe . Where heauenly vertue in high blouded veines Is lodg'd , and can agree , men should kneele downe , Adore , and sacrifice all that they haue ; And well they may , it is so seldome seene . Put off your wonder , and heere freely take Or send your seruants . Nor , Sir , shall you vse In ought of this , a poore mans fee , or bribe , Vniustly taken of the rich , but what 's Directly gotten , and yet by the Law . Char. How ill , Sir , it becomes those haires to mocke ? Roch. Mocke ? thunder strike mee then . Char. You doe amaze mee : But you shall wonder too , I will not take One single piece of this great heape : why should I Borrow , that haue not meanes to pay , nay am A very bankerupt , euen in flattering hope Of euer raysing any . All my begging , Is Romonts libertie . Enter Romont , Creditors loaden with mony . Baumont . Roch. Heere is your friend , Enfranchist ere you spake . I giue him you , And Charalois . I giue you to your friend As free a man as hee ; your fathers debts Are taken off . Char. How ? Rom. Sir , it is most true . I am the witnes . 1 Cred. Yes faith , wee are pay'd . 2 Cred. Heauen blesse his Lordship , I did thinke him wiser 3 Cred. He a states-man , he an asse Pay other mens debts ? 1 Cred. That hee was neuer bound for . Rom. One more such would saue the rest of pleaders Char. Honord Rochfort . Lye still my toung and bushes , cal'd my cheekes , That offter thankes in words , for such great deeds . Roch. Call in my daughter : still I haue a suit to you . Would you requite mee . Baum . Exit . Rom. With his life , assure you . Roch. Nay , would you make me now your debter , Sir . This is my onely child : what shee appeares , Enter Baum Your Lordship well may see her education , Beau . Followes not any : for her mind , I know it To be far fayrer then her shape , and hope It will continue so : if now her birth Be not too meane for Charolois , take her This virgin by the hand , and call her wife , Indowd with all my fortunes : blesse mee so . Requite mee thus , and make mee happier , In ioyning my poore empty name to yours , Then if my state were multiplied ten fold . Char. Is this the payment , Sir , that you expect ? Why , you participate me more in debt That nothing but my life can euer pay , This beautie being your daughter , in which yours I must conceiue necessitie of her vertue Without ill dowry is a Princes ayme , Then , as shee is , for poore and worthlesse I , How much too worthy ! Waken me , Romont , That I may know I dream't , and find this vanisht Rom. Sure , I sleepe not . Roch. Your sentence life or death . Char. Faire Beaumelle , can you loue me ? Beau. Yes , my Lord . Enter Novall , Pontal Char. You need not question me , if I can you . Malotine , Lilad , Aymer . All salute . You are the fayrest virgin in Digame And Rochfort is your father . Nou. What 's this change ? Roch. You met my wishes , Gentlemen . Rom. What make These dogs in doublets he ere ! Beau. A Visitation , Sir . Char. Then thus , Faire Beaumelle , I write my faith Thus seale it in the sight of Heauen and men . Your fingers tye my heart-strings with this touch In true-loue knots , which nought but death shall loose . And yet these eares ( an Embleme of our loues ) Like Cristall riuers indiuidually Flow into one another , make one source , Which neuer man distinguish , lesse deuide : Breath , marry , breath , and kisses , mingle soules Two hearts , and bodies , heere incorporate : And though with little wooing I haue wonne , My future life shall bee a wooing tyme . And euery day , new as the bridall one , Oh Sir , I groane vnder your courtesies , More then my fathers bones vnder his wrongs , You Curtius-like , haue throwne into the gulfe , Of this his Countries foule ingratitude , Your life and fortunes , to redeeme their shames . Roch. No more , my glory , come , let 's in and hasten This celebration . Rom. Mal. Pont. Bau. All faire blisse vpon it . Exeunt Roch. Char. Rom. Bau. Mal. Nou. Mistresse . Beau. Oh seruant , vertue strengthen me . Thy presence blowes round my affections vane : You will vndoe me , if you speake againe . Exit Beaum. Lilad. Aym. Here will be sport for you . This workes . Exeunt Lilad . Aym. Nou. Peace , peace . Pont. One word , my Lord Nouall . Nou. What , thou wouldst mony ; there . Pont. No , I le none , I le not be bought a slaue , A Pander , or a Parasite , for all Your fathers worth , though you haue sau'd my life , Rescued me often from my wants , I must not Winke at your follyes : that will ruine you . You know my blunt way , and my loue to truth : Forsake the pursuit of this Ladies honour , Now you doe see her made another mans , And such a mans , so good , so popular , Or you will plucke a thousand mischiefes on you , The benefits you haue done me , are not lost , Nor cast away , they are purs'd heere in my heart , But let me pay you , sir , a fayrer way Then to defend your vices , or to sooth 'em . Nou. Ha , ha , ha , what are my courses vnto thee ? Good Cousin Pontalier , meddle with that That shall concerne thy selfe . Exit Nouall . Pont. No more but scorne ? Moue on then , starres , worke your pernicious will . Onely the wise rule , and preuent your ill . Exit . Hoboyes . Here a passage ouer the Stage , while the Act is playing for the Marriage of Charalois with Beaumelle , &c.