The Heir May, Thomas This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A07326 of text S109948 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 17713). 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 Hannah Bredar 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 A07326.xml The heire an excellent comedie. As it was lately acted by the Company of the Reuels. Writren [sic] by T.M. Gent. May, Thomas, 1595-1650. 32 600dpi TIFF G4 page images University of Michigan, Digital Library Production Service Ann Arbor, Michigan 2006 February (TCP phase 1) 99845578 STC (2nd ed.) 17713. Greg, II, 384(a). 10485 A07326 2264205569

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 The heire an excellent comedie. As it was lately acted by the Company of the Reuels. Writren [sic] by T.M. Gent. Excellent comedy called the heire. May, Thomas, 1595-1650. [72] p. Printed by B[ernard] A[lsop] for Thomas Iones, and are to bee sold at his shop in Chancery-lane, ouer-against the Roles, and in Westminster Hall, London : 1622. 1620

By Thomas May, whose name appears on A3r.

In verse.

Printer's name from STC.

Signatures: A-I4.

Running title reads: An excellent comedy called the heire.

The first leaf and the last leaf are blank.

Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.

 A07326 shc The Heir May, Thomas Hannah Bredar 1620 play comedy shc no A07326 S109948 (STC 17713). 66 21259 0 0 0 3 3 0 1.39 B The rate of 1.39 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 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

THE HEIRE AN EXCELLENT COMEDIE .

As it was lately Acted by the Company of the Reuels .

Written by T. M. Gent.

LONDON , Printed by B. A. for Thomas Iones , and are to bee sold at his shop in Chancery-lane , ouer-against the Roles , and in Westminster Hall .

TO MY HONOVRED friend , master Thomas May , vpon his Comedy , The Heire . THe Heire being borne , was in his tender age Rockt in the Cradle of a priuate Stage , Where lifted vp by many a willing hand , The child doth from the first day fairely stand , Since , hauing gathered strength , he dares preferre His steps into the publicke Theater The World : where he dispaires not but to find A doome from men more able , but lesse kind . I but his Vsher am , yet if my word May passe , I dare be bound he will afford Things must deserue a welcome , it well knowne Such as best writers would haue wisht their owne . You shall obserue his words in order meete , And often stealing on , with equall feete Slide into equall numbers , with such grace As each word had beene moulded for that place . You shall perceiue an amorous passion , spun Into so smooth a web , as had the sunne , When he pursu'd the swiftly flying Maid , Courted her in such language she had staid , A loue so well exprest must be the same , The Author felt himselfe from his faire flame . The whole plot doth like it selfe disclose Through the fiue Acts , as doth a Looke , that goes With letters , for till euery one be knowne , The Lock 's as fast as if you had found none . And where his sportiue Muse doth draw a thred Of mirth , chast Matrons may not blush to reade . Thus haue I thought it fitter to reueale My want of art ( deare friend ) then to conceale My loue . It did appeare I did not meane So to commend thy well-wrought Comicke-Sceane , As men might iudge my arme rather to be , To gaine praise to , , then giue it thee ; Though I can giue thee none but what thou hast Deseru'd , and what must my faint breath outlast . Yet was this garment ( though I skillesse be To take thy measure ) onely made for thee , And if it proue to scant , 't is cause the stuffe Nature allow'd me , was not large enough . Thomas Caron
AN EXCELLENT COMEDY CALLED the Heire .
Enter Polimetes , Roscio . Pol.

ROscio .

Ro.

My Lord .

Pol. Hast thou divulg'd the newes That my sonne dy'd at Athens . Ros. Yes my Lord , With euery circumstance , the time , the place , And manner of his death ; that it is beleeu'd And told for newes with as much confidence As if t were writ in Gallobelgicus . Pol. That 's well , that 's very well , now Roscio Followes my part , I must expresse a griefe Not vsuall , not like a well left heire For his dead father , or a lusty Widdow For her old husband , must I counterfeit , But in a deeper , a farre deeper straine Weepe like a Father for his onely sonne , Is not that hard to doe , ha , Roscio ? Ro. Oh no my Lord , Not for your skill , has not your Lordship seene A player personate Ieronimo ? Pol. By th' masse t is true , I haue seen the knaue paint griefe In such a liuely colour , that for false And acted passion he has drawne true teares From the spectators eyes , Ladyes in the boxes Kept time with sighes , and teares to his sad accents As had he truely bin the new man he seemd . Well then I le neere dispaire ; but tell me thou Thou that hast still beene priuy to my bosome , How will this proiect take ? Rosc. Rarely my Lord , when now my thinkes , I see your Lordships house Is with suitors of the noblest ranke , And my yong Lady your supposed Heire Tir'd more with woing then the Grecian Queene In the long absence of her wandring Lord . There 's not a ruinous nobility In all this kingdome , but conceiues a hope Now to rebuild his fortunes on this match . Pol. Those are not they I looke for , no , my nets Are spread for other game , the rich and greedy Those that haue wealth enough , yet gape for more They are for me , Ros Others will come my Lord , All sorts of fish will presse vpon your nets , Then in your Lordships wisedome it must lie To cull the great ones , and reiect the frie . Pol. Nay feare not that , there 's none shall haue accesse To see my daughter , or to speake to her , But such as I approue , and ayme to catch . Ro. The iest will be , my Lord , when you shall see How your aspiring suitors will put on The face of greatnesse , and bely their fortunes Consume themselues in shew , wasting like Merchants Their present wealth in rigging a fayre ship For some ill venture de voyage , that vndoes vm . Here comes a youth with letters from the Court , Bought of some fauourite at such a price As will for euer sinke him , yet alas All 's to no purpose , he must loose the prize . Pol. This was a iest well thought of , the conceit Will feed me fat , with sport that it shall make , Besides the large aduentures it brings home Vnto my daughter . How now . enter seruant Ser.

My Lord , Count Virro is come to see you .

Pol. Conduct him in ; So , so , it takes already See Roscio see , this is the very man My proiect aymd at , the rich Count that knowes No end of his large wealth , yet gapes for more There was no other loadstone could attract His Iron heart , for could beauty haue mou'd him , Nature has beene no niggard to my girle , But I must to my griefe , here comes the Count . Enter Count Virro . Vir.

Is your Lord a sleepe ?

Ro. No Sir . I thinke not , my Lord , Count Virro . Vir.

How doe you Sir .

Pol.

I do intreat your Lordship pardon , my griefe and some want of sleepe haue made mee at this time vnmannerly , not fit to entertaine guests of your worth .

Vir

Alas Sir I know your griefe .

Ro.

T was that that fetcht you hither . aside .

Vir. Y' haue lost a worthy and a hopefull sonne , But heauen that alwayes giues , will sometimes take And that the best , there is no balsome left vs To cure such wounds as these but patience , There 's no disputing with the acts of heauen , But if there were , in what could you accuse Those powers that else haue beene so liberall to you , And left you yet one comfort in your age : A faire and vertuous daughter . Ros.

Now it beginnes .

Vir.

Your blood is not extinct , nor your age childlesse , from that fayre branch that s left may come much fruite to glad posteritie , thinke on that my Lord .

Pol. Nay heauen forbid I should repine at what the Iustice of those powers ordaine , it has pleasd Them to confine my care onely to one , and to See her well bestowd is all the comfort I now Must looke for , but if it had pleasd heauen that My sonne , ah my Eugenio . he weepes . Vir.

Alas good Gentleman .

Ros.

Fore heauen he does it rarely .

Vir, But Sir , remember your selfe , remember your Daughter , let not your griefe for the dead make You forget the liuing , whose hopes , and fortunes Depend vpon your safety . Pol.

Oh my good Lord , you neuer had a soone .

Ros. Vnlesse they were bastards , and for them no Doubt but he has done as other Lords do . Pol. And therefore cannot tell what t is to loose A sonne , a good sonne , and an onely sonne . Vir. I would , my Lord , I could as well redresse As I can take compassion of your griefe You should soone finde an ease . Pol.

Pray Pardon me my Lord , if I forget my selfe toward you at this time , if it please you visite my house ofter you shall be welcome .

Vir.

You would faine sleepe my Lord , I le take my leaue Heauen send you comfort , I shall make bold shortly to visite you .

Pol. You shall be wondrous welcome , Wait on my Lord out there . exit Virro . So now he 's gone , how thinkst thou Roscio , Will not this Gudgeon bite ? Ro. No doubt my Lord , So faire a bayte would catch a cunning fish . Po. And such a one is he , he euer lou'd The beauty of my girle , but that s not it Can draw the earth bred thoughts of his grosse soule Gold is the God of his idolatry , With hope of which I le feed him , till at length I make him fasten , and Ixion like For his lou'd Iuno graspe an empty clowd . Ros.

How stands my yong Lady affected to him .

Pol.

There 's all the difficulty , we must win her to loue him , I doubt the peeuish Gyrle will thinke him too old , he 's well neere threescore : in this businesse I must leaue somewhat to thy wit and care , prayse him beyond all measure .

Ros.

Your Lordship euer found me trusty .

Pol.

If thou effect it , I will make thee happy . exeunt

Enter Philocles , Clerimont . Phi. Eugenios sister then is the rich heire By his decease . Cler. Yes , and the faire one too , She needs no glosse that fortune can set on her , Her beauty of it selfe were prize enough To make a king turne begger for . Phil. Hoy day , What in loue Clerimont , I lay my life t is so , Thou couldst not praise her with such passion else . Cler. I know not , but I slept well enough last night , But if thou sawst her once , I would not giue A farthing for thy life , I tell thee Philocles One fight of her would make thee cry , ay me , Sigh , and looke pale , me thinkes I do imagine How like an Idolatrous louer thou wouldst looke Through the eye-lids , know no body . Phi. T is very well , but how did your worship scape Youe haue seene her . Cler. True , but I haue an Antidote , and I can teach it thee . Phi. When I haue need on 't I le desire it . Cler. And t will Be worth thy learning , when thou shalt see the Tyranny of that same scuruy boy , and what fooles He makes of vs ; shall I describe the beast ? Phi.

What beast ?

Cler.

A louer .

Phi.

Doe .

Cler.

Then to be briefe , I will passe ouer the opinion of your ancient fathers , as likewise those strange Loues spoken of in the Authenticke histories of chiualrie Amadis du Gaule , Parismus , the Knight of the Sunne , or the witty Knight Don Quixot de la Manca , where those braue men , neither Enchantments , Gyants , Wind-mils , nor flockes of sheepe could vanquish , are made the trophyes of tryumphing loue .

Phi.

Prithee come to the matter .

Cler.

Neither will I mention the complaints of Sir Guy for the faire Phelis , nor the trauels of Parismus for the loue of the beautious Laurana , nor lastly , the most sad pennance of the ingenious knight Don Quixot vpon the mountains of Scienna Morenna , moou'd by the vniust disdaine of the Lady Dulcinea del Toboso , as for our moderne Authors , I will not so much as name them , no not that excellent treatise of Tullies Loue , written by the Master of Art .

Phi.

I would thou wouldest passe ouer this passing ouer of Authors , and speake thine owne iudgement .

Cler.

Why then to be briefe , I thinke a Louer lookes like an Asse .

Phi.

I can describe him better then so my selfe , he lookes like a man that had sitten vp at Cards all night , or a stale Drunkard wakened in the middest of his sleepe .

Cler.

But Philocles , I would not haue thee see this Lady , she has a bewitching looke .

Phi.

How darest thou venture man , what strange medicine hast thou found , Ouid neere taught it thee , I doubt I guesse thy remedy , for loue , goe to a bawdy house or so , is t not ?

Cler.

Faith , and that 's a good way I can tell you , we yonger brothers are beholding to it , alas wee must not fall in loue and choose whom wee like best , wee haue no Ioyntures for vm , as you blest heires can haue .

Phi.

Well I haue found you Sir , and prithee tell me , how got'st thou Wenches ?

Cler.

Why I can want no Panders , I lye in the Constables house .

Phi. And there you may whoore by authority , But Clerimont , I doubt this Parragon That thou so praisest , is some il fauoured Wench Whom thou wouldst haue me laugh at for commending . Cler. By heauen I spoke in earnest , trust your eyes , I le shew you her . Phi. How canst thou doe it ? Thou know'st this Ladies father is to mine A deadly enemy , nor is his house , Open to any of our kindred . Cler. That 's no matter , My lodging 's the next doore to this Lords house , And my backe Window lookes into his Garden , There euery morning faire Leucothoe , ( For so I heare her nam'd ) walking alone , To please her senses makes Aurora blush , To see on brighter then her softe appeare . Phi.

Well I will see her there . Exeunt .

Enter Franklin , Fancisco , Luce grauida . Franc. Yet for her sake be aduised better Sir , Frank . Impudent Rascall , canst looke me i' th face , And know how thou hast wrong'd me , thou hast Dishonoured my Daughter , made a whoore on her . Franc. Gentle Sir , The wrong my loue has made to your faire Daughter T is now too late to wish vndone againe , But if you please , it may be yet clos'd vp Without dishonour , I will marry her . Frank.

Marry her , she has a hot catch of that , marry a Begger , what Iointure canst thou make her ?

Franc. Sir I am poore I must confesse , Fortune has blest you better , but I sweare By all things that can bind , t was not your wealth Was the foundation of my true built loue , It was her single vncompounded selfe , Her selfe without addition that I lou'd , Which shall for euer in my sight outweigh All other womens fortunes , and themselues , And were I great , as great as I could wish My selfe for her aduancement , no such barre As Fortunes inequality should stand Betwixt our loues . Luce.

Good Father heare me .

Frank.

Dost thou not blush to call me father , Strumpet I le make thee an example .

Luce. But heare me Sir , my shame will be your owne . Frank.

No more I say , Francisco leaue my house , I charge You come not heere .

Franc. I must obey and will , Deare Luce be constant . Luce. Till death Exit Francisco . Frank. Here 's a fine wedding towards , the Bridegroome when he comes for his bride , Shall find her great with child by another man , Passion a me minion , how haue you hid it so long ? Luc.

Fearing your anger Sit , I striu'd to hide it .

Frank. Hide it one day more then , or be damn'd , Hide it till Shallow be married to thee , And then let him do his worst . Lu.

Sir I should too much wrong him .

Frank.

Wrong him , there bee great Ladies haue done the like , t is no newes to see a bride with childe .

Lu.

Good Sir .

Frank.

Then be wise , lay the child to him , he 's a rich man , tother 's a beggar .

Lu.

I dare not Sir .

Frank.

Do it I say , and he shall father it .

Lu.

He knowes he neuer touch me Sir .

Frank.

That s all one , lay it to him , wee le out face him t is his : but harke , he is comming , I heare the Musicke , sweare thou wilt doe thy best to make him thinke t is his , sweare quickly .

Lu.

I doe .

Frank.

Go step aside , and come when thy que is , thou shalt heare vs talke . Luce aside .

Enter Shallow with Musicke . Sha.

Morrow Father .

Frank.

Sonne bridegroome welcome , you haue beene lookt for here .

Sha.

My Tayler a little disappointed me , but is my Bride ready .

Frank.

Yes long ago , but you and I will talke a little , send in your Musicke .

Sha. Go wait within , and tell me father , did she not Thinke it long till I came . Frank, I warrant Her she did , she loues you not a little . Sha. Nay that I dare sweare , she has giuen me many Tasts of her affection . Frank. What before you Were marryed . Sha. I meane , in the way Of honesty father . Fran. Nay that I doubt , Yong wits loue to be trying , and to say Truth , I see not how a woman can deny a man Of your youth and person vpon those tearmes , You le not be knowne on t now . Shal. I haue kist Her or so . Fran. Come , come , I know you are no Foole , I should thinke you a very Asse , nay I tell You plainely , I should be loth to marry my Daughter to you if I thought you had not tride Her in so long acquaintance , but you haue tride Her , and she poore soule could not deny you . Sha.

Ha ha hae .

Frank. Faith tell me sonne , t is but a Merry question , she 's yours . Sha. Vpon my Virginity father . Frank. Sweare not by that , I le nere beleeue you . Sha. Why then as I am A Gentleman I neuer did it that I remember . Frank.

That you remember , oh is t thereabouts .

Luc.

Hee le take it vpon him presently .

Frank. You haue beene so familiar with her , You haue forgot the times , but did you neuer Come in halfe fudled , and then in a kinde humour , Caetera quis nescit . Sha.

Indeed I was wont to serue my mothers maides so when I came halfe foxt as you sayd , and then next morning I should laugh to my selfe .

Frank.

Why there it goes , I thought to haue chid you sonne Shallow , I knew what you had done , t is too apparant , I would not haue people take notice of it pray God she hide her great belly as she goes to Church to day .

Sha.

Why father is she with child ?

Frank.

As if you knew not that , fie , fie , leaue your dissembling now .

Sha.

Sure it cannot be mine .

Frank.

How 's this , you would not make my daughter a whore , would you ? this is but to try if you can stirre my choller , your wits haue strange trickes , do things ouer night when you are merry , and then deny vm . But stay , here she comes alone , step aside , she shall not see vs ,

they step aside . Lu. Ah my deare Shallow , thou needst not haue made Such hast , my heart thou knowest was firme enough To thee , but I may blame my owne fond loue , That could not deny thee . Shal. She 's with child indeed , it swels , Fran. You would not beleeue me , t is a good wench , She does it handsomely . Luc. But yet I know if Thou hadst bin thy selfe , thou wouldst neere haue Offered it , t was drinke that made thee . Shal. Yes sure , I was drunke when I did it , for I had Forgot it , I lay my life t will proue a girle Because t was got in drinke . Lu.

I am ashamd to see any body .

Frank.

Alas poore wretch , go comfort her , Luce .

Shal.

Sweet heart , nay neuer bee ashamd , I was a little too hasty , but I le make thee amends , wee le bee marryed presently .

Fran.

Be cheery Luce , you were man and wife before , it wanted but the ceremony of the Church , and that shall be presently done .

Shal.

I I , sweet heart , as soone as may be .

Frank.

But now I thinke on t sonne Shallow , your wedding must not now be publicke , as we entended it .

Shal.

Why so ?

Frank.

Because I would not haue people take notice of this fault , wee le go to Church , onely we three , the Minister and the Cleark , that s witnesses enough , so the time being vnknowne , people will thinke you were marryed before .

Shal.

But will it stand with my worship to be married in priuate .

Frank.

Yes , yes , the greatest do it , when they haue bene nibling before hand , there is no other way to saue your brides credite .

Shal.

Come le ts about it presently .

Frank.

This is closd vp beyond our wishes .

Exeunt , manet Luce . Luc. I am vndone , vnlesse , thy wit Francisco , Can find some meanes to free me from this foole , Who would haue thought the sot could be so grosse To take vpon him what he neuer did , To his owne shame , I le send to my Francisco , And I must loose no time , for I am dead , If not deliuered from this loathed bed .
Actus secundus . Enter Philocles , Clerimont at the window . Cler. SEE Philocles , yonder s that happy shade , That often vailes the faire Lucothoe , And this her vsuall howre , shee le not be long , Then thou shalt tell me , if so rare an obiect Ere blest thine eyes before . Phil. Well , I would see her once , Wert but to try thy iudgement Cleremont . Cler. And when thou doest , remember what I told thee , I would not be so sicke , but soft looke to thy heart , Yonder she comes , and that s her waiting woman . Leucothoe and Psecas in the garden . Now gaze thy fill , speake man how likest thou her . Leu.

Psecas .

Psecas .

Madam .

Leu. What flower was that That thou wert telling such a story of Last night to me . Pse. T is call Narcissus Madam . It beares the name of that too beautious boy , That lost himselfe by louing of himselfe , Who viewing in afaire and cristall streame Those lips that onely he could neuer kisse , Dotes on the shadow , which to reach in vaine Striuing , he drownes thus scorning all beside For the loued shadow the fairer substance dyde . Leu. Fie fie , I like not these impossible tales , A man to fall in loue with his owne shadow , And died for loue , it is most ridiculous . Pse. Madam I know not , I haue often seene Both men and women court the looking glasse With so much seeming contentation , That I could thinke this true , nay weare it about vm As louers do their Mistresse counterfeit . Leu. That 's not for loue , but to correct their beauties And draw from others admiration , For all the comfort that our faces giue Vnto our selues is but reflection Of that faire likeing that another takes . Cler. I would we were a little neerer vm We might but heare what talke these wenches haue When they are alone , I warrant some good stuffe . Phi. T is happinesse enough for me to see The motion of her lips . Cler. I faith is t there abouts . Why Philocles , what lost already man , Strooke dead with one poore glance , looke vp for shame And tell me how thou likest my iudgement now , Now thou doest see . Phi. Ah Cleremont too well , Too well I see what I shall neuer taste , You Ladies beautie : she must needs be cruell ( Though her faire shape deny it ) to the sonne Of him that is her fathers enemy , That , Cleremont , that fatall difference Checkes my desire , and sinkes my rising hopes , But loue 's a torrent violent if stopt , And I am desperately mad : I must I must be hers , or else I must not be . Cler. Containe that passion that will else ouerwhelme All vertue in you , all that is called man , And should be yours , take my aduice my heart My life to second you , let vs consult , You may find time to speake to her and woe her . Phi. May , nay I will in spite of destinie , Let women and faint hearted fooles complaine In languishing dispayre , a manly loue Dares shew it selfe and presse to his desires Through thickest troopes of horid opposites , Were there a thousand waking Dragons set To keepe that golden fruit : I would attempt To plucke and taste it , t is the danger crownes A braue atchieuement : what if I should goe And boldly wooe her in her fathers house In spite enmity , what could they say ? Cle. T were madnesse that not wisedome rash attempts Betray the meanes , but neuer worke the end . Phi. She would not hate a man for louing her , Or if she did , better be once deemed Then liue for euer haplesse . Cle. But take time , The second thoughts our wise men say are best . Pli. Delaye 's a double death , no I haue thought A meanes , that straight I le put in execution , I le write a Letter to her presently , Take how it will . Cle.

A Letter , who shall carry it ?

Pli.

I le tell thee when I haue done , hast thou Pen and Inke in thy Chamber .

Cle.

Yes , there is one vpon the Table , I le stay here at the window , and watch whether she stay or not , what a sudden change is this .

Leu. Did not count Virro promise to be heare To day at dinner . Pse. Yes Madame that he did , and I dare sweare He will not breake . Leu. He needes not , he is rich enough , vnlesse Hee should breake in knauery , as some of our Merchants doe now adayes . Pse. Breake promise Madame I meane , & that he will not For your sake , you know his businesse . Leu. I would I did not , he might spare his paines And that vnusuall cost , that he bestowes In pranking vp himselfe , and please me better He would not please his Taylor and his Barbar , For they got more for your sake by their Lord Then they got this twenty yeeres before . Leu. Ah Psecas , Psecas , can my father thinke That I can loue Count Virro , one so old ( That were enough to make a match vnfit ) But one so base , a man that neuer loued For any thing called good , but drosse and pelfe , One that would neuer , had my brother liued Haue mooued this sute , no I can neuer loue him , But canst thou keepe a secret firmely Psecas . Pse.

Doubt me not Madame .

Leu. Well I le tell thee then , I loue , alas , I dare not say I loue him , But there 's a yong and noble Gentleman , Lord Euphues sonne , my fathers enemy . A man whom natures prodigality Stretcht euen to enuy in the making vp , Once from a Window my pleased eye beheld This youthfull Gallant as he rode the streete , On a coruetting Courser , who it seemed Knew his faire loade , and with a proud disdaine Checkt the base earth , my father being by I ask't his name , he told me Philocles , The sonne and Heyre of his great enemy : Iudge Psecas then , how my deuided brest , Suffered betweene two meeting contraries , Hatred and Loue , but Loues a deity , And must preuaile against mortals , whose command Not Ioue himselfe could euer yet withstand . Cle.

What is the letter done already , I see these Louers haue nimble inuentions , but how will you send it .

Phi.

What a question 's that , seest thou this stone .

Cle. Ah , then I see your drift , this stone must guide your Fleeting Letter in the Ayre , and carry it to that Faire Marke you ayme at . Phi.

Hard by her .

Cle. I think you would not hit her with such stones as this , Lady looke to your selfe , he that now throwes one Stone at you , hopes to hit you with two . Phi.

But prethee tell mee what doest thinke this Letter may doe .

Cle. Well I hope , T is ten to one this Lady oft hath seene you , You neuer liued obscure in Syracuse , Nor walk'd the streetes vnknowne , and who can tell What place you beare in her affections , Lou'd or mislik'd ; if bad , this letter sent , Will make her shew her scorne , if otherwise , Feare not a womans wit , shee le find a time To answere your kind Letter , and expresse What you desire she should , then send it boldly , You haue a fairer make there . Phi. Cupid guide my arme , Oh be as iust blind God as thou art great , And with that powerfull hand , that golden shaft That I was wounded , wound you tender brest , There is no saluem but that , no cure for me , Cle.

See what a wonder it strikes vm in , how it should come .

Phi.

Shee le wonder more to see what man it comes from .

Cle. I like her well , yet she is not afraid to open it : She starts , stay marke her action when shee has read the Letter . She reades " LEt it wrong this Letter that it came , " From one that trembled to subscribe his name , " Fearing your hate , O let not hate descend , " Nor make you cruell to so vow'd a friend , " If you le not promise loue , grant but accesse , " And let me know my woes are past redresse , " Be iust then beautious Iudge , and like the lawes " Condemne me not till you haue heard my cause , " Which when you haue , from those faire lips returne " Either my life in loue , or death in scorne . Yours or not , Philocles . Am I awake or dreame I , is it true Or does my flattering fancy but suggest What I most couet . Pse. Madame the words are there , I le sweare it canna be , nor be illusion . Leu.

It is too good for truth .

Phi. Mocke me not fortune , She kist it , sawest thou her , by heauen she kist it . Cle. And with a looke that relisht loue , not scorne , Leu.

This Letter may be forged , I much desire to know the certainty , Psecas thy helpe must further me .

Pse.

I le not be wanting .

Leu.

Here comes my father , he must not see this .

Pse.

No nor your tother sweet heart , hee is with him yonder .

Enter Polimetes , Virro , Roscio . Pol. Nay noble Count you are too old a Souldier To take a maides first no , for a deniall , They will be nice at first , men must pursue That will obtaine , woe her my Lord and take her , You haue my free consent if you can get hers , Yonder she walkes alone , goe comfort her . Virro I le doe the best I may , but we old men Are but cold comfort , I thanke your Lordships loue . Pol. I wonder Roscio that the peeuish Girle Comes on so slowly on perswasions That I can vse , do mooue the setting forth Count Virroes greatnesse , wealth and dignity Seemes not to affect her , Roscio . Roscio . I doubt the cause my Lord , For were not that , I dare ingage my life , She would be wonne to loue him , she has plac'd Already her affections on some other . Poli. How should I find it out Ros. Why thus my Lord There s neuer man nor woman that ere loued , But chose some bosome friend whose close conuerse , Sweeten their ioyes , and ease their burdened minds Of such a working secret , thus no doubt Has my yong Lady done , and but her woman , Who should it be , t is she must out with it , Her secrecy if wit cannot orereach , Gold shall corrupt , leaue that to me my Lord , But if her Ladies heart doe yet stand free And vnbequeath'd to any , your command And fathers iurisdiction enterpos'd Will make her loue the Count , no kind of meanes must want to draw her . Pol. Thou art my Oracle , My Braine , my Soule , my very being Roscio , Walke on and speede whilst I but second thee . Cle. It is euen so , Count Virro is your riuall , See how the old Ape smugs vp his mouldy chaps To seize the bit . Phi. He must not if I liue , But yet her father brings him that has the meanes That I should euer want . Cle. If he do marry her Reuenge it nobly , make him a Cuckold boy , Phi. Thou iests that feeles it not , prithee le ts goe , Cle. Stay , I le not curse him briefely for thy sake , If thou doest marry her mayest thou be made A Cuckold without profit , and nere get An Office by it , nor fauour at the Court , But may thy large ill gotten treasury Be spent in her bought lust , and thine owne gold Bring thee adulterers , so farewell good Count . Exeunt Phiocles . Enter Seruant . Ser. My Lord , ther 's a Messenger within Desires accesse , has businesse of import , Which to no eare but yours he must impart . Enter Eugenio disguised . Pol.

Admit him , now friend , your businesse with me .

Ser.

If you be the Lord Polimetes .

Pol.

The same .

Euge. My Lord , I come from Athens with such newes As I dare say is welcome though vnlooked for , Your sonne Eugenio liues whom you so long Thought dead and mourn'd for . Pol.

How , liues .

Euge. Vpon my life my Lord I saw him well Within these few dayes . Pol. Thankes for thy good newes , Towards him Roscio , but now tell me frend Hast thou reueal'd this newes to any man In Syracuse but me . Eu. To none my Lord , At euery place where I haue staid in towne , Enquiring for your Lordships house , I heard These tragicke , but false newes , the contrary I still conceald , though knew , intending first Your Lordships eare should drinke it . Pol. Worthy friend . I now must thanke your wisedome as your loue In this well carried action , I le requite it , Meane time pray vse my house , and still continue your Silence in this businesse , Roscio make him welcome , and Part as little from him as you can for feare . Ro.

Thinke it done , my Lord .

Pol.

Psecas come hither .

Vir. Be like your selfe , let not a cruell doome Passe those faire lips , that neuer were ordain'd To kill , but to reuiue . Leu. Neither my Lord Lyes in the power to doe . Vir. Yes sweete to me . Whom your scorne kils , and pitty will reuiue . Leu.

Pitty is shew'd to men in misery .

Vir.

And so am I , if not relieu'd by you .

Leu.

T were pride in me , my Lord , to thinke it so .

Vir.

I am your beauties captiue .

Leu. Then my Lord , What greater gift then freedome can I giue , T is that that Captiues most desires , and that You shall command , y' are free from me my Lord , Vir.

Your beauty contradicts that freedome Lady .

Pol. come noble Count , I must for this time interrupt you You 'le finde time enough within to talke . Vir.

I le wait vpon your Lordship . exeunt manet Euge. solus .

Euge. Thus in disguise I haue discouer'd all , And found the cause of my reported death , Which did at first amaze me , but t is well , T is to draw on the match betweene my sister And this rich Count , heauen grant it be content As well as fortune to her , but I feare She cannot loue his age , how it succeedes I shall perceiue , and whilst vnknowne I stay , I cannot hurt the proiect , helpe I may . Exit . Enter Francisco , Sumner . Fran. This will make good worke for you in the spirituall Court , Shallow is a rich man . Sum. I marry Sir , Those are the men we looke for , ther 's somewhat To be got , the Court has many businesses at this Time , but they are little worth , a few waiting Women got with child by Seruingmen or so , scarce Worth the citing . Fran. Do not their Masters get Vm with child sometimes . Sum. Yes no doubt , but They haue got a trick to put vm off vpon their Men , and for a little portion saue their Owne credits ; besides , these priuate marriages Are much out of our way , we cannot know when There is a fault . Fran. Well , these are no Starters I warrant you , Shallow shall not deny it , And for the Wench she neede not confesse it , she has A marke that will betray her . Sum. I thanke you Sir for your good intelligence , I hope t is certaine . Franc.

Feare not that , is your citation ready .

Sum.

I haue it heere .

Franc.

Well step aside , and come when I call , I heare vm comming . Exit Sumner .

Enter Franklin , Shallow , Luce , Parson . Frank.

Set forward there , Francisco what make you here .

Franc. I come to claime my right , Parson take heede , Thou art the Author of adultery If thou conioyne this couple , shee 's my wife . Frank.

you saucebox .

Shal.

Father , I thought she had beene mine , I hope I shall not loose her thus .

Frank. Francisco , dare not to interrupt vs , for I sweare thou shalt endure the lawes extremity For thy presumption . Franc. doe your worst , I feare not , I was contracted to her . Frank.

What witnesse haue you .

Franc.

Heauen is my witnesse , whose imperiall eye saw our contract .

Shal.

What an Asse is this to talke of contracting , hee that will get a wench , must make her bigger as I haue done , and not contract .

Franc.

Sir , you are abus'd .

Shal.

Why so .

Franc.

The wife you goe to marry is with child , and by another .

Shal.

A good iest yfaith , make me beleeue that .

Franc.

How comes this foole possest , he neuer toucht her I dare sweare .

Frank. No more Francisco as you will answere it , Parson set forward there . Franc. stay , If this will not suffice , Sumner come forth . Frank.

A Sumner , we are all betraid . Enter Sumner .

Sum. God saue you all , I think you guesse my businesse , These are to cite to the spirituall Court You master Shallow , and you mistresse Luce , Aske not the cause , for t is apparant here , A carnall copulation , ante matrimonium . Frank. This was a barre vnlookt for , spitefull Francisco Franc. Iniurious Franklin , could the lawes diuine , Or humane suffer , such an impious act , That thou shouldst take my true and lawfull wife , And great with child by me , to giue t' another , Gulling his poore simplicity . Shal.

Do you meane me Sir .

Sum.

Gallants Farewell , my writ shall be obeyd .

Frank.

Summer it shall . exit Summer

Par. I le take my leaue , there s nothing now for me to do Frank.

Farewell good master Parson . exit Parson

Frank.

Francisco canst thou say thou euer louedst my daughter , and wouldst thou thus disgrace her openly .

Franc. No , I would win her thus , And did you hold her credit halfe so deare As I , or her content , you would not thus Take her from me , and thrust her against her will On this rich foole . Sha.

You are very bold with me Sir .

Franc.

Let me haue newes what happens dearest Luce .

Luc.

Else let me die . exit Francisco .

Frank. This was your doing Luce , it had beene Vnpossible he should ere haue knowne the time So truly else , but I le take an order next time For you babling . Sha.

What s the matter father .

Fran. We may Thanke you for it , this was your haste that will Now shame vs all , you must be doing a fore your Time . Sha. T was but a tricke of youth father , Frank. And therefore now you must eene stand in a White sheete for all to gaze at . Sha. How , I would be loath to weare a surplesse now , t is a Disgrace the house of the Shallowes neuer knew . Fran.

All the hope is , officers may be brib'd , and so they will , t were a hard world for vs to liue in else .

Shal.

You say true father , if t were not for corruption , euery poore rascall might haue iustice as well as one of vs , and that were a shame . exeunt Shal. Luce

Frank. This was a cunning stratagem well layd , But yet Francisco th' hast not won the prize : What should I do , I must not let this cause Proceed to tryall in the open Court , For then my daughters oath will cast the child Vpon Francisco : no , I haue found a better , I will before the next Court day prouide Some needy Parson , one whose pouerty Shall make him feare no Cannons , he shall marry My daughter to rich Shallow , when t is done Our gold shall make a silence in the Court . Exit . Enter Philocles , Psecas . Pse. I must returne your answere to my Lady , He tell her you will come . Phil. Come , And such a Angell call , I should forget All Offices of Nature , all that men Wish in their second thoughts , ere such a duty Commend my seruice to her , and to you My thankes for this kind Message . exit Psecas . I neuer breath'd till now , neuer till now now Did my life relish sweetenesse , breake not heart , Cracke not yee feeble Ministers of nature With inundation of such swelling ioy , To great to beare without expression : The Lady writes that she has knowne me long By sight , and lou'd me , and she seemes to thanke Her starres she loues , and is belou'd againe , She speakes my very thoughts , by heauen t is strange And happy when affections thus can meete ; She further writes at such an houre to day , Her fathers absence , and all household spies Fitly remoou'd , shall giue accesse to me Vnmarkt to visit her , where she alone Will entertaine discourse and welcome me . I hope t is truely meant , why should I feare , But wisedome bids me feare : fie , fie , t is base , To wrong a creature of that excellence , With such suspicion I should iniure her , I will as soone suspect an angell false , Treason neare lodg'd within so faire a brest , No , if her hand betray me , I will will runne On any danger , t is alike to me To dye , or find her false , for on her truth Hangs my chiefe being , well I le lose no time No not a minute , dearest loue I come , To meete my sweetest wishes I will flye , Heauen and my truth , sheild me from trechery . Exit .
Actus Tertius . Enter Polimetes , Roscio , Eugenio , Psecas . Pol. I Cannot credit it , nor thinke that she Of all the noble youth in Sicilly , Should make so strange a choise , that none but he , None but the sonne of my vow'd enemy Must be her mate , it strikes me to amaze , Minion take heede , doe not belie your Mistresse . Pse. Mercy forsake me if I doe my Lord , You charg'd me to confesse the truth to you , Which I haue fully done , and presently I le bring you where conceal'd , you shall both see Their priuacy and heare their conference . Pol. Well I beleeue thee wench , and will reward Thy trust in this , goe get thee in againe And bring me word when Philocles is come , Sir you le be secret to our purpose . Euge.

As your owne breast my Lord .

Pol. I shall rest thankfull to you : This stranger must be soothd lest he marre all . Rosc.

This was well found out my Lord , you now haue meanes to take your enemie .

Pol. With blest occasion I will so pursue As childlesse Euphes shall for euer rue . Rise in thy blackest looke direst Nemesis Assistant to my purpose , helpe me glut My thirsty soule with blood . This bold yong man To his rash loue shall sacrifice his life . Ros.

What course you intend , to ruine him .

Pol.

Why kill him presently .

Ro. Oh no my Lord , You le rue that action , thinke not that the Law Will let such murther sleepe vnpunished . Pol. Should I now let him goe now I haue caught him Ros.

Yes Sir , to catch him faster , and more safely .

Pol.

How should that be ? speake man .

Ros. Why thus my Lord ; You know the law speakes death to any man That steales an Heire without her friends consent , This must he do , his loue will prompt him to it , For he can neuer hope by your consent To marry her , and she t is like will giue Content , for womens loue is violent , Then marke their passage you shall easly find How to surprise them at your will my Lord . Pol. Thou art my Oracle deare Roscio , Here s Psecas come againe ; how now what newes ? Pse.

My Lord they both are comming please you withdraw , you shall both heare and see what you desire .

Enter Philocles and Leucothoe . Leu. Ye are welcom Noble Sir and did my power , Answere my loue your visitation , Sould be more free , and your deserued welcome Exprest in better fashion . Phi. Best of Ladies , It is so well , so excellently well , Comming from your wisht loue , my barren thankes Wants language for 't , there lies in your faire lookes More entertainement then in all the pompe That the vaine Persian euer taught the world , Your presence is the welcome I expected , That makes it perfect . Leu. T is your noble thought Makes good what s wanting here , but gentle friend , For so I now dare call you . Pol. T is well Minion you are bold Enough I see to chuse your friends without my leaue . Phi.

T is my ambition euer to be yours .

Leu. Thinke me not light , deare Philocles , so soone To grant thee loue , that others might haue sought With eagerest pursuit , and not obtain'd , But I was yours by fate , and long haue beene , Before you wood Leucothoe was wonne , And yours without resistance . Phi. Oh my Starres T was your kind influence , that whist I slept In dullest ignorance , contriu'd for me The way to crowne me with felicity . Pol. You may be deceiu'd though , You haue no such great reason To thanke your Starres if you knew all . Phil. And know faire Mistresse you haue met a loue , That time , nor fate , nor death can euer change , A man that but in you can haue no being : Let this kisse seale my faith . Leu.

And this mine .

Pol.

Nay too 't againe , your sweete meate shall haue sowre sawce .

Phi. But sweet , 'mongst all these Roses ther 's one thorne That prickes and galls me , our parents enmity Will crosse our loues , I doe assure my sonne This father neuer will giue his consent . Leu. No so I thinke , he moues me still to Virro That old craz'd Count , and with such vehemency I dare scarce bide his presence if I deny him ; Therefore we must be speedy in our course , And take without his leaue what he denyes . Pol.

I thanke you for that good daughter .

Ros.

I told you Sir t would come to this at last .

Phi. Oh thou hast spoke my wishes , and hath shewd Thy selfe in loue as true as beautifull ; Then let 's away dearest Leucothoe , My fortunes are not poore , then feare no want , This constant loue of ours may proue so happy , To reconcile our parents enmity . Leu.

Heauen grant it may .

Po.

Neuer by this meanes yongster .

Leu.

But soft now I thinke better on t I le not goe .

Phi.

Why dearest , is thy loue so quickly cold ?

Leu. No , but i le not venter thee , thine is the danger , Thou knowest t is death by law to steale an heire , And my deare brothers most vntimely death , Hath lately made me one , what if thou shouldst be taken . Phi. Oh feare not that , had I a thousand liues , They were too small a venture for such prise , I tell thee sweete , a face not halfe so faire As thine , hath arm'd whole actions in the field , And brought a thousand ships to Tenedos , To sacke lamented Troy , and should I feare To venture one poore life , and such a life As would be lost in nor possessing thee : Come come , make that no scruple , when shall we goe . Leu. This present euening , for to morrow morning My father lookes that I should giue consent To marry with the Count , Phil. Best of all , would t were this present houre , I le goe prepare , but shall I call thee heere . Leu.

Oh no , wee le meete .

Phi.

Where dearest .

Leu. East from the City by a Riuers side , Not distant halfe a mile there stands a groue , Where often riding by I haue obserued A little Hermitage , there I will stay If I be first , if you , doe you the like , Let th' houre be ten , then shall I best escape . Phi. Nere sweeter comfort came from Angels lips I know the place , and will be ready there Before the houre : I le bring a friend with me As true as mine owne heart , one Clerimont , That may doe vs good if danger happen . Leu.

Vse your pleasure .

Phi. Dearest farewell , Houres will seeme yeeres till we are met againe . exeunt . Pol. Ah Sirrah , this geere goes well , god a mercy girle For thy intelligence , why this is as much as a Man could desire , the time , place , and euery thing ; I warrant vm they passe no further , well Goe thou in and wait vpon thy Mistresse , shee s Melancholly till she see her sweete heart againe , but When shee does , shee shall not see him long , Not a word of what s past among vs for your life . Pse.

I warrant you my Lord .

Pol. I le not so much as shew an angry looke , Or any token that I know any of their proceedings , But Rosio , we must lay the place strongly , if they Should scape vs , I were pritily fool'd now after all This . Ros. Why t is impossible my Lord , wee le goe Strong enough , besides I thinke it fit we tooke An Officer along with vs to countenance it the Better . Pol. Thou sayst well , goe get one , I le goe my selfe along with you too , I loue To see sport though I am old , you 'le goe Along with vs to Sir . Eu. I Sir , you shall Command my seruice when you are ready . Pol. Now Euphues , what I did but barely act Thy bleeding heart shall feele , losse of a sonne If Law can haue his course , as who can let it , I know thou think'st mine dead , and in thy heart Laughest at my falling house , but let them laugh That winne the prize , things nere are knowne till ended . Exeunt . Pol. and Ros. Eugenio solus . Eug. Well I like my sisters choise , she has taken a man Whose very lookes and carriage speake him Worthy , besides he is Noble , his fortunes sufficient , They both loue each other , what can my father More desire , that he gapes so after this old Count , that comes for the estate , as tother vpon My soule does not , but pure spotlesse loue , but Now his plot is for reuenge vpon his old enemy : Fye , Fye t is bloudy and vnchristian , my soule Abhors such acts , this match may rather Reconcile our houses , and I desire where worth Is to haue friendship , as on my soule t is there . Well Philocles I hope to call thee brother . Somewhat I le doe , I le goe perswade Count Virro Not to loue her , I know the way , and I le but Tell him truth her brother liues , that will Coole his loue quickly ; but soft , here comes The Count as fit as may be . Enter Virro . Vir. She loues me not yet , but that 's no matter , I shall haue her , her father sayes I shall , And I dare take his word , maides are quickly Ouer-rul'd , ah , ah , me thinkes I am growne yonger Then I was by twenty yeeres , this Fortune Cast vpon me , is better then Medeas charme , to Make an old man yong againe , to haue a Lords estate freely bestowed , and with it such A beauty as should warme Nectors bloud , Make old Priam lusty . Fortune I see thou louest me Now , I le build a Temple to thee shortly , and Adore thee as the greatest deity . Now what are you . Euge. A poore Scholler my Lord , one that Am little beholding to Fortune . Vir. So are most of your profession , Thou shouldst take some more thriuing Occupation , to be a iudges man , they are The brauest now adayes , or a Cardinals Pander , that were a good profession and gainefull . Euge.

But not lawfull , my Lord .

Verro . Lawfull , That Cardinall may come to be Pope , and Then he could pardon thee and himselfe too . Eu. My Lord I was brought vp a Scholler . And I thanke your counsell , My Lord , I haue some for you , and therefore I Came . Vir.

For me , what I prithee .

Eu.

T is weighty and concernes you neere .

Vir.

Speake , what is t ?

Eu.

My Lord , you are to marry old Polimetes Daughter .

Vir.

And Heire .

Eu. No Heire My Lord , her Brother is aliue . Vir.

How , Thou art mad .

Eu. My Lord , What I speake is true , and to my knowledge His father giues it out in pollicy to marry his Daughter the better , to hooke in sutors , and Specially aym'd at you , thinking you rich And couetous , and now he has caught you . Vir.

But dost thou mock me .

Eu. Let me be euer miserable if I speake Not truth , as sure as I am here Eugenio liues , I know it , and know him , where he is . Vir.

Where prithee .

Eu. Not a daies iourney hence , Where his father enioyn'd him to stay till your Match , and sends word to him of this plot : Besides , I ouer-hard the old Lord and his man Roscio , laughing at you for being caught thus . Vir. Why , wert thou at the house then . Eu. Yes , But had scuruy entertainment Which I haue thus reueng'd Vir. Beshrew my heart I know not what To thinke on 't , til like enough , this Lord was Alwayes cunning beyond measure , and it Amaz'd me that he should grow so extreme Kind to me on the suddaine to offer me all this : Besides this fellow is so confident , and on No ends of couznage that I can see ; well , I would faine enioy her , the Wench is Delicate , but I would haue the estate too , and not be guld , what shall I doe , now braines If euer you will , helpe your Master . Eu. It stings him . Vir. Well , so , Sir , What may I call your name ? Eu. Irus my Lord . Vir. Your name as well as your attire Speakers you poore . Eu. I am so . Vir. And very poore . Eu. Very poore . Vir. Would you not gladly take a course To get money , and a great some of mony . Eu. Is gladly if your Lordship would but Shew me the way . Vir. Harke ye . Eu. Oh my Lord , Conscience . Vir. Fye , neuer Talke of the Conscience , and for Law thou art Free , for all men thinke him dead , and His father will be ashamed to follow it Hauing already giuen him for dead , And then who can know it , come be wise , Fiue hundreth crownes I le giue . Eu. Well , t is pouerty that does it , and not I , When shall I be paid . Vir. When thou hast done it . Eu. Well giue me your Hand for it my Lord Vir. Thou shalt . Eu. In writing , to be paid when I haue Poysoned him , and thinke it done . Vir. Now thou But loue has made me bold , the time has beene , In such a place as this I should haue fear'd Each rowling leafe , and trembled at a reed Stird in the Mooneshine , my fearefull fancy Would frame a thousand apparisions , And worke some feare out of my very shadow : I wonder Philocles is tardy thus , When last wee parted euery houre , he said , Would seeme a yeere till we were met againe , It should not seeme so by the hast he makes I le sit and rest me , come I know he will . Enter Philocles and Clerimont . Phi. This Clerimont this is the happy place Where I shall meet the summe of all my ioyes , And be possest of such a treasury As would inrich a Monarch . Leu. This is his voyce , My Philocles . Phi. My life , my soule , what here before me , Oh thou dost still out goe me , and dost make All my endeauours poore in the requitall Of thy large fauours , but I forget my selfe . Sweete bid my friend here welcome , this is he That I dare trust next mine owne hearth with secrets . But why art thou disguised thus . Leu. I durst not venture else to make escape . Phi. Euen now me thinkes I stand as I would wish With all my wealth about me , such a loue And such a friend , what can be added more To make a man liue happy , thou darke groue That hast beene cald the seat of Melancholy , And shelter for the discontented spirits ; Sure thou art wrong , thou seemst to me a place Of solace and content , a Paradise That giuest me more then euer Court could doe Or richest Palace , blest be thy faire shades , Let birds of musicke euer chant it heere , No croking Rauen , or ill booding Owle Make heere their balefull habitation Frighting thy walkes , but mayst thou be a groue Where loues faire Queene may take delight to sport : For vnder thee two faithfull Louers meet , Why is my faire Leucothoe so sad . Leu.

I know no cause , but I would faine be gone .

Phi.

Whether sweete .

Leu. Any whether from hence . My thoughts diuine of treason , whence I know not , There is no creature knowes our meeting heere But one , and that s my maid , she has beene trusty And will be still I hope , but yet I would She did not know it , prithee le ts away Any where else , we are secure from danger . Phi. Then le ts remoue , but prithee be not sad . noise within . What noise is that . Leu.

Ay me .

Phi.

Oh feare not Loue . draw .

Eer Polimedes , Roscio , Eugenio and Officers . Pol.

Vpon vm Officers , yonder they are .

Phi.

Theeues , Villaines .

Pol. Thou art the Thiefe and the Villaine too , Giue me my Daughter thou rauisher . Phi.

First take my life .

Pol. Vpon vm I say . fight . Knocke vm downe Officers if they resist , they are taken . Leu. Oh they are lost , ah wicked , wicked Psecas ; Pol.

So keepe vm fast , wee le haue vm faster shortly , and for you Minion , I le tye a clog about your neck for running away any more .

Leu.

Yet do but heare me father .

Pol. Call me not father thou disobedient wretch , Thou Run-away , thou art no child of mine , My Daughter nere wore Breeches . Leu. Oh Sir , my Mother would haue done as much For loue of you , if need had so required , Thinke not my mind transformed as my habite . Pol. Officers away with vm , peace Stumpet , You may discharge him , he 's but an assistant . Leu. Oh stay and heare me yet , heare but a word And that my last it may be , doe not spill The life of him in whom my life subsists , Kill not two liues in one , remember Sir , I was your Daughter once , once you did loue me , And tell me then , what fault can be so great , To make a father murtherer of his child , For so you are in taking of his life . Oh thinke not Sir that I will stay behinde him Whilst there be Aspes , and Kniues , and burning Coles , No Roman dame shall in her great example Outgoe my loue . Phi. Oh where will sorrow stay , Is there no end in griefe or in my death Not punishment enough for my offence , But must her griefe be added to afflict me ; Dry vp those Pearles dearest Leucothoe , Or thou wilt make me doubly miserable , Preserue that life , that I may after death Liue in my better part , take comfort deare , People would curse me , if such beauty should For me miscarry , no , liue happy thou , And let me suffer what the law inflicts . Leu. My offence was as great as thine , And why should not my punishment . Pol. Come haue you done , Officers away with him . Exit Philocles . I le be your keeper , but I le looke better to you . But Rosie you and I must about the businesse : sir let it be your charge to watch my Daughter , And see she send no message any whither , Nor receiue any . Eu. It shall my Lord . exeunt manet Eu. and Leu. I le be an Argus , none shall come heere I warrant you , My very heart bleedes to see two such louers so Faithfully parted so . I must condemne my father , Hee s too cruell in this hard action , and did not Nature forbid it , I could raile at him , to reake His long fostred malice against Lord Euphues thus Vpon his sonne , the faithfull louer of his owne Daughter , and vpon her , for should it come to passe As he expects it shall , I thinke t' would kill her Too , she takes it — : See in what strange amazement Now she stands , her griefe has spent it selfe so Farre that it has left her sencelesse , it greeues Me thus to see her , I can scarce forbeare reuealing Of my selfe to her , but that I keepe it for a Better occasion when things shall better answere to My purpose : Lady . Leu.

What are you .

Eu. In that my Lord your father has appointed To giue attendance on you . Leu. On me , alas I neede no attendance , He might bestow his care better for me . Eu. I came but lately to him , nor doe I meane Long to stay with him , in the meane time Lady Might I but doe you any seruice . Leu.

All seruice is too late , my hopes are deseperate .

Eu. Madame , I haue a feeling of your woe , A greater your owne brother could not haue , And thinke not that I come suborn'd by any To vndermine your secrets , I am true , By all the gods I am , for further tryall Command me any thing , send me on any message I le doe it faithfully , or any thing else That my poore power can compasse . Leu. Oh strange fate Haue I lost pitty in a fathers heart , And shall I find it in a stranger : Sir I shall not liue to thanke you , but my prayers Shall goe with you . Eu. T is not for thankes or neede But for the seruice that I owe to vertue I would doe this . Leu. Surely this man Is nobly bred , how ere his habite giue him : But Sir , all physicke comes to me too late , There is no hope my Philocles should liue . Eu. Vnlesse the King were pleasd to grant his pardon , T we're good that he were mou'd . Leu. Ah who should doe it , I feare me t is in vaine , Count Virro And my father both will crosse it , but I would venture If I could get but thither . Eu. That s in my power To giue you liberty , your father left me To be your keeper , but in an act So meritorious as this , I will not hinder you , Nay I will waite vpon you to the Court . Leu. A thousand thankes to you , well i le goe , Grant oh you powers aboue , if Virgins teares , If a true loues prayers had euer power To moue compassion grant it now to me , Arm'd with so strong a vigor , my weake words They may pierce deepe into his kingly brest , And force out mercy in spite of all opposers . Eu.

Come le ts away . exeunt .

Actus quartus . Enter Francisco reading a letter . Fran. MY dearest Luce , were thy old Sire as iust As thou art truely constant , our firme loue Had neuer met these oppositions , All my designes as yet , all practises That I haue vs'd , I see are frustrated , For as my faire intelligencer writes , He will before the next court day prouide Some carelesse person , that in spite of lawes Shall marry her to Shallow , this being done , He meanes to hold the Courts seuerity To by a golden bit , and so he may , Alas it is too true , I must preuent it , And that in time , before it grow too farre ; But how , there lies the point of difficulty : But what strange sight is this that greetes mine eyes , Alphonso my old Captaine , sure t is he . Enter Allphonso . Al. Thus once againe from twenty yeares exile , Tost by the stormes of fortune too and fro , Has gratious heauen giuen me leaue to tread My natiue earth of Sicily and draw That aire that fed me in my infancy . Fr. T is he , most noble Captaine , oh what power Has bene so gratious as to blesse mine eyes Once more with sight of my most honored master . Al. Kind youth the teares of ioy that I haue spent To greet my natiue country haue quite robd Mine eyes of moysture , and haue left me none To answer thy affection , but tell me , Tell me how thou hast liu'd in Syracuse These fiue yeeres here , since that vnluckly storme Diuided vs at Sea . Fr. Faith poorely Sir , As one that knows no kindred nor alliance , Vnknowne of any haue I shifted out , But I haue heard you say that I was borne In Syracuse , tell me what stocke I come of , What parentage , how meane so ere they be , They cannot well be poorer then my selfe , Speake , do you know them Sir ? Al. Yes very well , And I am glad the fates haue brought me home , For thy deare sake , that I may now disclose Thy honorable birth . Fr.

Honorable ?

Al. Yes noble youth , thou art the second sonne To old Lord Euphues , a man more worthy And truly noble neuer drew this ayre ; Thy name 's Lysandro , this discouery Will be as welcome to your friends as you . Fr.

You do amaze me Sir .

Al. I le tell you all , It was my fortune , twenty a yeare ago , Vpon the Tyrrhene shore , whose sea diuides This I le from Italy , to keepe a fort Vnder your noble father , where your selfe Then but a child , was left to my tuition , When sodainly the rude assailing force Of strong Italian Pirats so preuaild , As to surprisall of the fort and vs . Your name and noble birth I then conceald , Fearing some outrage from the enmity Of those fell Pyrates , and since from your selfe I purposely haue kept the knowledge of it . As loath to grieue your present misery With knowledge of what fortunes you had lost , That this is true , you straight shall see th' effect , I le goe acquaint your father with the tokens , And make his oreioyde heart leape to embrace Thee his new found and long forgotten sonne : Fr. Worthy Captaine , your presence was alwayes Welcome to me , but this vnlookt for newes , I Cannot suddenly disgest . Al.

Well I le go to him presently . exit Alphonso .

Fr. Now my deare Luce , I shall finde meanes to quite Thy loue , that couldst descend so low as I When I was nothing , and with such affection , This was my suit still to the powers aboue , To make me worthy of thy constant loue . Exit Francisco . But i le about the proiect I intended . Enter Virro and Polimetes . Pol.

Why now my Lord you are neerer to her loue then euer you were yet , your riuall by this accident shall be remoued out of the way , for before the scorneful girle would neuer fancy any man else .

Vir.

I conceiue you Sir .

Pol. I labourd it for your sake as much as for my Owne , to remoue your riuall and my enemy , you Haue your loue , and I haue my reuenge . Vir. I shall liue my Lord to giue you thankes , but aside . T' will be after a strange manner , if Irus has Dispatched what he was hired too , then my kind Lord I shall be a little too cunning for you . Pol.

My Lord you are gracious with the King .

Vir.

I thanke his Maiesty , I haue his care before another man .

Pol.

Then see no pardon be granted , you may stop any thing ; I knew Euphues will be soliciting for his sonne .

Vir.

I warrant you my Lord no pardon passes whilst I am there , i le bee a barre betwixt him and the King , but hearke the King approaches .

Enter the King with attendants . Ambo .

Health to your Maiesty .

King . Count Virro , and Lord Polimetes welcome , You haue beene strangers at the Court of late ; But I can well excuse you Count , you are about a wife , A yong one and a faire one too they say , Get me yong souldiers Count , but speake When is the day , I meane to be your guest , You shall not steale a marriage . Vir.

I thanke your Maiesty , but the marriage that I intended is stolen to my hand , and by another .

King .

Stolne , how man .

Vir. My promised wife Is lately stolne away by Philocles , Lord Euphues sonne against her fathers will , Who followed vm and apprehended them , The Law may right vs Sir , if it may haue course . King .

No reason but the law should haue his course .

Enter Euphues . Euph.

Pardon dread Soueraigne , pardon for my sonne .

King .

Your sonne , Lord Euphues , what is his offence .

Euph. No hainous one my Leige , no plot of treason Against your royall person or your state , These aged cheekes would blush to beg a pardon For such a foule offence , no crying murder Hath steyned his innocent hands , his fault was loue , Loue my deare Leige , vnfortunately he tooke The Daughter and Heire of Lord Polimetes , Who followes him and seekes exstremity . Pol. I seeke but Law , I am abus'd my Leige , Iustice is all I beg , my Daughters stolne , Staffe of my age , let the law doe me right , Vir. To his iust prayers doe I bend my knee My promised wife is stolne , and by the sonne Of that iniurious Lord , iustice I craue . Euph. Be like those powers aboue , whose place on earth You represent , shew mercy gracious King , For they are mercifull . Pol. Mercy is but the Kings prerogatiue , T is Iustice is his office , doing that He can wrong no man , no man can complaine , But mercy shewed oft takes way reliefe From the wronged partie that the Law would giue him : Eup. The Law is blind and speakes in generall termes , She cannot pitty where occasion serues , The liuing law can moderate her rigour , And that s the King . Pol. The King I hope in this will not do so , Eup. T is malice makes thee speake , Hard hearted Lord , hadst thou no other way To wreake thy cankred and long fostred hate Vpon my head but thus , thus bloudily By my sonnes suffering , and for such a fault As thou shouldst loue him rather , is thy daughter Disparaged by his loue , is his blood base , Or are his fortunes sunke , this law was made For such like cautions , to restraine the base From wronging noble persons by attempts Of such a kind , but where equality Meetes in the match , the fault is pardonable . Leu.

Mercy my Soueraigne , mercy gratious King .

Pol. Minion who sent for you , t were more modesty For you to be at home . King . Let her alone , speake Lady , I charge you no man interupt her . Enter Leucothoe Leu. If euer pitty toucht that princely brest , If euer Virgins teares had power to moue , Or if you euer lou'd and felt the pangs That other louers doe , pitty great King , Pitty and pardon two vnhappy Louers . King .

Your life is not in question .

Leu. Yes royall Sir If Law condemne my Philocles , he and I Haue but one heart , and can haue but one fate . Eu.

Excellent vertue thou hadst not this from thy father .

King . Ther 's Musicke in her voice , and in her face More then a mortall beauty : Oh my heart , I shall be lost in passion if I heare her , I le heere no more , conuey her from my presence , Quickly I say . Eu.

This is strange .

Vir. I told you what he would doe , I knew He would not here of a pardon , and I against it , He respects me . Pol. No doubt he does my Lord . I like this passage well . King . But stay , Stay Lady , let me heare you , beshrew my heart My minde was running of another matter . Vir. Where the diuell hath his minde bin all this while , Perhaps he heard none of vs neither , We may eene tell our tales againe . Pol.

No sure he heard vs , but t is very strange .

King . T is such a tempting poison I draw in , I cannot stay my draught , rise vp Lady . Leu. Neuer vntill your graces pardon raise me , Ther 's pitty in your eye , oh shew it Sir , Say Pardon gracious King , t is but a word And short , but welcome as the breath of life . King . I le further here the manner of this fact , Auoid the presence all , all but the Lady , And come not till I send . Pol.

I like not this .

Vir.

Nor I here is mad dancing .

Eu. Heauen blesse thy sute thou mirror of thy sex , And best example of true constant loue , That in the Sea of thy transcendent vertues Drown'st all thy fathers malice , and redeem'st More in my thoughts then all thy kin can lose . exeunt . King . Now Lady what would you doe to saue the life Of him you loue so deerely . Leu. I cannot thinke that thought I would not doe , Lay it in my power , and beyond my power I would attempt . King . You would be thankefull then To me if I should grant his pardon . Leu. If euer I were thankefull to the gods For all that I call mine , my health and being , Could I to you be vnthankefull for a gift I value more then those , without which These blessings were but wearisome . King . Those that are thankefull study to requite A courtesie , would you doe so ? would you requite This fauour ? Leu. I cannot Sir , For all the seruice I can doe your Grace Is but my duty , you are my Soueraigne , And all my deedes to you are debts not merits , But to those powers aboue that can requite , That from their vastlesse treasures hope rewards , More out of grace then merrit on vs mortals , To those i le euer pray that they would giue you More blessings then I haue skill to aske . King .

Nay but Leucothoe , this lies in thy power to requite , thy loue will make requitall , wilt thou loue me ?

Leu. I euer did my Lord . I was instructed from my infancy , To loue and honour you my Soueraigne . King .

But in a neerer bond of loue .

Leu. There is no neerer nor no truer loue Then that a loyall subiect beares a Prince . King . Still thou wilt not conceiue me , I must deale plain With you , wilt thou lye with me , and I will seale his Pardon presently ; nay more , I le heape vpon you Both all fauours , all honours that a Prince can giue . Leu. Oh me vnhappy , in what a sad dilemma stands my choise . Either to lose the man my soule most loues , Or saue him by a deed of such dishonour As he will euer loath me for , and hate To draw that breath that was so basely kept . Name any thing but that to saue his life , I know you doe but tempt my frailty Sir , I know your royall thoughts could neuer stoope To such a foule dishonourable act . King . Bethinke your selfe , there is no way but that , I sweare by Heauen neuer to pardon him But vpon those conditions . Leu.

Oh I am miserable .

King . Thou art not if not wilfull , yeeld Leucothoe , It shall be secret , Philocles for his life Shall thanke thy loue , but neuer know the price Thou paidst for it ; be wise thou heardst me sweare , I cannot now shew mercy , thou maist saue him , And if he dye , t is thou that art the Tyrant . Leu. I should be so if I should saue him thus , Nay I should be a Traytor to your grace , Betray your soule to such a foe as lust , But since your oath is past , deare Philocles I le shew to thee an honest cruelty , And rather follow thee in spotlesse death , Then buy with sinning a dishonoured life . King . Yet pitty me Leucothoe , cure the wound Thine eyes hath made , pitty a begging King , Vncharme the charmes of thy bewitching face , Or thou wilt leaue me dead : will nothing moue thee , Thou art a Witch , a Traytor , thou hast sought By vnresisted spels thy soueraignes life : Who are about vs there , call in the Lords againe , Lord Polemetes , take your daughter to you , Keepe her at home . Pol.

I will my Leige , Rosio see her there I wonder what is done .

King . Euphues I haue tane a solemne oath Neuer to grant a pardon to thy sonne . Euph. O say not so my Leige , your grace I know Has mercy for a greater fault then this . King .

My oath is past and cannot be recalled .

Pol.

This is beyond our wishes .

Vir.

What made him sweare this I wonder .

Euph. A heauy oath to me and most vnlooked for , Your iustice Sir has set the period Vnto a loyall house , a Family That haue bin props of the Sicylian crowne , That with their blouds in many an honourd field , Gainst the hot French , and Neopolitan Haue seru'd for you and your great Ancestors , Their children now can neuer more doe so , Farewell my Soueraigne , whilest I in teares Spend the sad remnant of my childlesse age , I le pray for your long life and happy raigne , And may your Grace and your Posterity At neede finde hands as good and hearts as true As ours haue euer beene . King .

Farewell good old man .

Eup. For you my Lord , your cruelty has deseru'd A curse from me , but I can vtter none , Your Daughters goodnesse has weigh'd down your malice Heauen prosper her . Poly.

Amen .

King . He is an honest man and truely noble , Oh my rash oath , my lust , that was the cause , Would any price would buy it in againe . Vi.

Your Maiesty is iust .

Pol. T is a happy Land Where the King squares his actions by the law . King . Away , you are base and bloudy , That feedes your malice with pretence of iustice , T is such as you make Princes tirranous , And hated of their subiects , but looke too 't , Looke your owne heads stands fast for if the law Doe finde a hole in your coates , beg no mercy . Vir.

Pardon vs my Lord , we were wrong'd .

Pol.

And sought redresse but by a lawfull course .

King .

Well leaue me alone .

Vir.

Fare well my Leige , now let him chafe alone .

Pol.

Now we haue our ends . exeunt .

King . Is there no meanes to saue him no way , To get a dispensation for an oath , None that I know except the Court of Rome Will grant one , that s well thought on , I will not spare for gold , and that will doe it , Nicanor . Nica.

Sir .

King . What booke is that Thou hadst from Paris about the price of sinnes . Nic.

T is cald the Texes of the Apostolicall Chancery .

Kin.

Is there a price for any sinne set downe .

Nic. A my Sir , how heinous ere it be , Or of what nature , for such a summe of money As is set downe there , it shall be remitted Kin.

That s well , go fetch the book presently . exit Nic.

Nic.

I will my Lord .

Kin. Sure there is periury Among the rest , and I shall know what rate It beares before I haue committed it . How now hast brought it . Nic.

Yes Sir .

Kin. Reade , I would know the price of periury , Nic

I shall find it quickly , here s an Index . he reads Imp. For murder of all kinds of a Clergy man , of a lay man , of father , mother , Sonne , brother , sister , wife .

Kin.

Reade till you come at periury .

Nic. Item , for impoysoning , enchantments , witchcraft , Sacriledge , simony , and their kind and Branches . Item , pro lapsu carnis , fornication Adultery , incest without any exception or Distinction ; for sodomy , Brutality , or any of That kind . Kin. My heart shakes with horror To heare the names of such detested sinnes , Can these be bought for any price of money , Or do these merchants but deceiue the world With their false Wares : no more of that foule booke , I will know what I came to know , I would not for the world redeeme my oath By such a course as this , no more Nicanor Vnlesse thou finde a price for Atheisme . Nic. Here s none for that my Lord , his Holinesse Can pardon that in no man but himselfe . Kin. Well this is not the way , I haue thought of another that may proue , And both discharge my oath and saue his life , Nicanor run presently , call Matho hither , Matho the Lawyer , command him to make hast , I long to be resolued . Nic.

I runne Sir .

King . He is a subtill Lawyer , and may find Some point , that in the Lawes obscurity Hes hid from vs , some point may doe vs good , I haue seene some of his profession Out of case as plaine , as cleere as day To our weake iudgements , and no doubt at first Meant like our thoughts by those that made the Law , Picke out such hard inextricable doubts , That they haue spun a suit of seuen yeere long , And leade their hood winke Clients in a wood , A most irremoueable Labyrinth , Till they haue quite consum'd vm , this they can doe In other cases , why not as well in this . I haue seene others could extend the Law Vpon the wrack , or cut it short againe To their owne priuate profits , as that thiefe Cruell Procrustes seru'd his haplesse guests , To fit them to his bed ; Well I shall see , I would Nicanor were returned againe , I would faine ease my conscience of that oath , That rash and inconsiderate oath I tooke , But see , heere they are comming . Enter Matho . Ma.

Health to my Soueraigne .

King . Matho , welcome . I sent for thee about a businesse I would intreate thy helpe in . Ma. Your Highnesse may command my seruice In that , or any thing lies in my power . King .

T is to decide a case that troubles me .

Ma. If it lye within the compasse of my knowledge , I will resolue your Highnesse presently . King . Then thus it is , Lord Euphues sonne , Yong Philocles , has lately stolne away The Daughter and Heire of Lord Polimetes , Who is his enemy , he following him hard Has apprehended him , and brings him to his tryall To morrow morning : thou hast heard this newes . Ma. I haue my Liege , and euery circumstance That can be thought on in the businesse . King .

And what will be the issue by the Law .

Ma. He must dye for it , the case is plaine , Vnlesse your grace will grant his pardon . King . But can there be no meanes thought vpon To saue him by the Law . Matho .

None my Lord .

King . Surely there may , speake man , I le giue thee Double Fees . Ma.

It cannot be my Leige , the Statutes is plaine .

King . Nay now thou art too honest , thou shouldst do As other Lawyers doe , first take my mony , And then tell me thou canst doe me good . Ma. I dare not vndertake it , could it be done , I de goe as farre as any man would doe . King . Yes if t were to cut a poore mans throat you could , For some rich griping Land-lord you could grin'd The face of his poore Tenant , stretch the Law To serue his turne , and guided by his Angels , Speake Oracles more then the tongues of men , Then you could find exceptions , reseruations , Stand at a word , a silible , a letter , Or coine some scruples out of your owne braines , But in a cause so full of equity So charitable as this , you can find nothing , I shall for euer hate all your profession . Ma. I do beseech your Highnesse to excuse me , I cannot doe more then your lawes will let me , Nor falsifie my knowledge nor my conscience . King . Then I am miserable , rise Matho rise , I do not discommend thy honesty , But blame my owne hard fate , ay Philocles I would redeeme thy life at any price , But the Starres crosse it , cruell fate condemnes thee . Exeunt . Enter Constable and Watch . Con. Come fellow watchmen , for now you are my fellowes , Watch.

It pleases you to call vs so master Constable .

Con.

I do it to encourage you in your office , it is a tricke that we commanders haue , your great Captains call your souldiers fellow souldiers to encourage them .

2. Watch.

Indeed and so they do , I heard master Curate trading a story booke tother day to that purpose .

Con.

Well I must shew now what you haue to do , for I my selfe before I came to this prefermity , was as simple as one of you , and for your better destruction , I will deride my speech into two parts . First , what is a watchman . Secondly , what is the office of a watchman . For the first , if any man aske me what is a watchman , I may answer him , he is a man as others are , nay a tradesman , as a Vintner , a Tayler , or the like , for they haue long bils .

3. Wat.

He tels vs true neighbour , we haue bils indeed .

Con.

For the second , what is his office ; I answer , he may by vertue of his office reprehend any person , or persons , that walke the streets too late at a seasonable houre .

4. Wat

may we indeed master Constable .

Con.

Nay , if you meet any of those rogues at seasonable houres , you may by vertue of your office commit him to prison , and then aske him whither he was going .

1. Watch.

Why that s as much as my Lord Maior does .

Con.

True , my Lord Maior can doe no more then you in that point .

2. Wat.

But master constable what if hee should resist vs .

Con.

Why if he do resist , you may knocke him downe , and then bid him stand , and come afore the Constable . So now I thinke you are sufficiently cunstructed concerning you office take your stands , you shall heare rogues walking at these seasonable houres , I warrant you , stand close .

Enter Eugenio . Purpose , now doe I take as much care to be apprehended , As others doe to scape the watch , I must speake To be ouerheard , and plainly too , or els these dolts Will neuer conceiue mee . Con.

Harke who goes by ?

Eu.

Oh my conscience , my conscience , the teror of a Guilty conscience .

Con. How , conscience talkes hee of , He 's an honest man , I warant him , let him passe 2. Wa.

I I , let him passe , good night honest gentleman .

Eu. These are wise officers , I must bee plainer yet . That gold , that cursed gold , that made me poison him Made me poison Eugenio . Con.

How made me poison him , he 's a knaue I warrant him .

3. Wa. M. Constable has found him already , Con.

I warant you a knaue cannot passe me , go reprehend him , I le take his excommunication my selfe .

1. Wa. Come afore the constable 2. Wa.

Come afore the Constable .

Con. Sirrah , sirrah , you would haue scap'd Would you , no sirrah you shall know the Kings Officers haue eyes to heare such roagues as you , Come sirrah , confesse who it was you poison'd , he Lookes like a notable roague . 1. Wa. I dooe not like His lookes . 2. Wa.

nor I .

Con. You would deny it Would you sirra , we shall sift you , Eu. Alas master Con. I cannot now deny what I have said You ouer heard me , I poisoned Eugenio sonne to Lord Polimetes . 1. Wa.

Oh rascall .

2. Wa. my Young Landlord . Con. Let him alone , the law Shall punish him , but sirra where did you poison Him . Eu. About a dayes iourney hence , as he was Comming hom from Athens I met him , and Poisoned him . Con. But sirrah who set you a worke Confesse , I shall finde out the whole nest of there Rogues , speake . Eu.

Count Virro hired me to do it .

Con.

Oh lying Rascall .

1. Wat.

Nay he that will steale will lye .

2. Wat.

I le beleeue nothing he sayes .

3. Wat.

Be lye a man of worship .

4. Wat. A noble man Con. Away with him , I le heare no more , remit him to Prison ; Sirrah , you shall heare of these things To morrow , where you would be loath to heare vm . Come le ts goe . exeunt .
Actus quintus . Enter Franklin , Shallow , Luce , Francisco in a Parsons habit , and a true Parson otherwise attyred . Frank.

I Le take your counsell Sir , I le not be seene in 't , but meete you when t is done , you le marry them .

Fran.

Feare not that Sir , I le doe the deede .

Frank.

I shall rest thankfull to you , till then I le leaue you .

Sha.

I pray father leaue vs , wee know how to behaue our selues alone , mee thinkes Luce wee are too many by two yet .

Luce.

You are merry Sir . exeunt manet Franklin .

Frank. Now they are sure or neuer , poore Francisco Thou metst thy match , when thou durst vndertake To ouerreach me with tricks , wher 's now your Sumner ? Fore heauen I cannot but applaud my braine , To take my daughter euen against her will , And great with child by another , her shame publisht , She cited to the Court , and yet bestow her On such a fortune as rich Shallow is , Nay that which is the Master-peece of all , Make him beleeue 't is his , though he nere toucht her , If men nere met with crosses in the world , There were no difference twixt the wise and fooles , but I le goe meete vm , when t is done , I feare not . exit . Enter Francisco , Parson , Shallow , Luce . Fran. Nay fret not now , you haue beene worse abusd If you had married her , she neuer lou'd you . Luce. I euer scorn'd thy folly and hated thee , though Sometimes afore my father I would make an Asse Of thee . Shal. Oh women , monstrous women , Little does her father know who has married her . Luce. Yes , he knowes the Parson married me , And you can witnesse that . Fran.

And he shall know the Parson will lye with her .

Shal. Well Parson , I will be reuenged on all thy coate , I will not plough an Acre of ground for you to Tyth , I le rather pasture my neighbours cattle For nothing . Par.

Oh be more charitable Sir , bid God giue vm ioy .

Shal. I care not greatly if I do , he is not the first Parson that has taken a gentlemans leauings . Fran.

How meane you Sir ?

Shal. You guesse my meaning , I hope to haue good luck To horse-flesh now she is a Parsons wife . Fran.

You haue laine with her then Sir .

Shal.

I cannot tell you that , but if you saw a woman with child without lying with a man , then perhaps I haue not .

Luce.

Impudent Coxcombe , darest thou say that euer thou layst with mee , didst thou euer so much as kisse my hand in priuate .

Shal.

These things must not be spoken of in company .

Luce.

Thou know'st I euer hated thee .

Shal.

But when you were i' th good humour you would tell me another tale .

Luce.

The foole is mad , by heauen my Francisco I am wrong'd . He discouers himselfe .

Fran. Then I must change my note , sirrah , vnsay What you haue spoken , sweare here before The Parson and my selfe , you neuer toucht her , or I le cut thy throat , it is Francisco threatens thee . Shal. I am in a sweete case , what should I doe now , her Father thinkes I haue laine with her , if I deny it Hee le haue about with me , if I say I haue , this Young rogue will cut my throat . Fran.

Come will you sweare .

Shal.

I would I were fairely off , I would lose my wench with all my heart , I sweare .

Fran.

So , now thou art free from any imputation that his tongue can stick vpon thee .

Enter Franklin . Frank.

Well now I see t is done .

Shal. Her 's one Shall talke with you . Frank. God giue you ioy sonne Shallow. Fran.

I thanke you father .

Frank. How 's this , Francisco in the Parsons habite , Fran I haue married her as you bad me Sir , but this Was the truer Parson of the two , he tyed the Knot and this Gentleman is our witnesse . Frank.

I am vndone , Strumpet thou hast betraied thy selfe to beggery , to shame besides , and that in open Court , but take what thou hast sought , hang , beg , and starue , i le pitty thee .

Luce.

Good Sir .

Shal.

I told you what would come on 't .

Frank.

How did your wisedome lose her ?

Shal.

Eene as you see . I was beguild , and so were you .

Frank.

Francisco take her , thou seest the portion thou art like to haue .

Fran.

T is such a portion as will euer please mee , but for her sake be not vnnaturall .

Luce.

Do not reiect me father .

Fran.

But for the fault that she must answere for , or shame shee should endure in Court , behold her yet an vntoucht Virgin , Cushion come forth , here signior Shallow , take your child vnto you , make much of it , it may proue as wise as the father .

He the Cushion at him . Frank This is more strange then tother , ah Luce , wert Thou so subtill to deceiue thy selfe , and me ; well Take thy , t is thine owne choise . Fran.

Sir we can force no bounty from you , and therefore must rest content with what your pleasure is .

Enter Euphues , Alphonso . Al.

Yonder he is my Lord , that 's he in the Parsons Habet , he is thus disguisd about the businesse I told you of Lysandro , see your noble father .

Eu. Welcome my long lost sonne from all the stormes Of frowning fortune that thou hast endur'd Into thy fathers armes . Luce.

Is my Francisco noble .

Frank.

Lord Euphues sonne , I am amaz'd .

Eup.

I heare Lysandro that you are married .

Francisco .

Yes my Lord , this is my Bride , the Daughter and Heyre of this rich Gentleman , t was onely she that when my state was nothing , my poore selfe and Parentage vnknowne , vouchsaf't to know , nay grace mee with her loue , her constant loue .

Euph. Such merit must not be forgot my sonne , Daughter much ioy attend vpon your choise . Fran.

Now wants but your consent .

Frank. Which with a willing heart I do bestow , Pardon me worthy sonne , I haue so long Beene hard to you , t was ignorance Of what you were , and care I tooke for her . Fran.

Your care needes no Apology .

Euph. But now Lysandro I must make thee sad Vpon thy wedding day , and let thee know There is no pure and vncompounded ioy Lent to mortality , in depth of woe Thou metst the knowledge of thy parentage , Thy elder brother Philocles must dye , And in his tragedy , our name and house Had sunke for euer , had not gracious heauen Sent as a courtier to my childlesse age , Thy long lost selfe supporter of the name . Franc.

But can there be no meanes to saue his life .

Euph. Alas ther 's none , the King has tane an oath Neuer to pardon him , but since they say His Majestie repents , and faine would saue him . Franc, Then up I wretched , like a man long blind , That comes at last to see the wisht for sonne , But finde it in ecclipse , such is my case , To meete in this darke woe my dearest friends , Eu.

Had you not heard this newes before Lysandro ?

Fran. Yes Sir , and did lament , As for a worthy stranger , but nere knew My sorrow stood engag'd by such a tye As brotherhood , where may we see him Sir ? Eu. This morning hee 's arraign'd , put of that habite You are in , and goe along with me , leaue your Friends heare awhile . Fran. Farewell father , Deare Luce till soone farewell , nought but so sad A chaunce , could make mee cloudy now . Exeunt Frank : Well Luce thy choice has proued better then we Expected , but this cloud of griefe has dimde Our mirth , but will I hope blow ouer , Heauen graunt it may . And signior Shallow , though you haue mist what My loue meant you once , pray be my guest . Shal.

I thanke you Sir , I le not be strange . Exeunt

Enter King , Nicanor . King . Nicanor , I would find some priuy place Where I might stand vnseene , vnknowne of any , To heare the arraignment of yong Philocles . Ni. The Iudges are now entring , please you Sir Heere to ascend , you may both heare and see . King . Well I le goe vp , And like a iealous husband heere and see That that will strike me dead , am I a King And cannot pardon such a small offence , I cannot doo 't , nor am I Caesar now , Lust has vncrown'd me , and my rash tane oath Has reft me of a Kings prerogatiue , Come come Nicanor , helpe me to ascend , And see that fault that I want power to mend . Ascendant Enter ▪ 3. Iudges , Virro , Polimetes , Euphues , Francisco , Leucothoe , Clerimont , Roscio . 1. Iu.

Bring forth the prisoner , where are the witnesses ?

Pol. Here my Lords , I am the wrong'd party , And the fact my man , here besides the Officers That tooke them can iustifie . 2. Iu.

That 's enough .

Enter Philocles with a guard . 1. Iu. Philocles stand to the Barre , and answere to such Crimes as shall be here obiected against thy life . Reade the enditement . Phi. Spare that labour , I do confesse the fact that I am charg'd with , And speake as much as my accusers can , As much as all the witnesses can proue , T was I that stole away the Daughter and Heire Of the Lord Polimetes , which wert to doe againe Rather then lose her , I againe would venture , This was the fact , your sentence honour'd fathers . Cler.

T is braue and resolute .

1. Iu. A heauy sentence noble Philocles , And such a one , as I could wish my selfe Off from this place , some other might deliuer , You must dye for it , death is your sentence . Phi. Which I embrace with willingnesse , now my Lord , to Pol. Is your hate glutted yet , or is my life Too poore a sacrifice to appease the rancor Of your inueterate malice , if it be to Inuent some scandall that may after blot My reputation , father dry your teares , Weepe not for me , my death shall leaue no staine Vpon your bloud , nor blot on your faire name : The honour'd ashes of my ancestors May still rest quiet in their teare wet Vrnes For any fact of mine , I might haue liu'd If heauen had not preuented it , and found Death for some foule dishonourable act . Brother farewell , no sooner haue I found to Francisco But I must leaue thy wisht for company . Farewell my dearest loue , liue thou still happy , And may some one of more desert then I , Be blest in the enioying what I loose , I neede not wish him happinesse that has thee , For thou wilt bring it may hee proue as good As thou art worthy . Leu. dearest Philocles , There is no roome for any man but thee Within this brest , oh good my Lords Be merciful , condemne vs both together Our falts are both a like , why should the law Be parciall thus , and lay it all on him , 1. Iu. Lady , I would we could as lawfully Saue him as you , hee should not dye for this , Enter Constable leading Eugenio . How now , who 's that you haue brought there ? Con. A benefactor , if it please your Lordships , I reprehended him in my watch last night . Vir. Irus is taken . 2. Iu.

What 's his offence ?

Con,

murder .

Watch.

No master Constable , t was but poisoning of a man .

Con.

Go thou art a foole .

Vir.

I am vndon for euer , all will out .

3. Iu.

What proofes haue you against him ?

Con.

His owne profession if it please your honor .

3. Iu. And that s an ill profession , to be a murderer , thou Meanest hee has confest the fact . Con.

Yes my Lord , hee cannot deny it .

1. Iu.

Did he not name the party who it was that he had Poisoned ?

Con. marry with reuerance be it spoken . It was Eugenio , my Lord Polimetes his sonne . Pol. How 's this 1. Iu

He di'd long sence at Athens .

Pol. I cannot tell what I should thinke of it , This is the man that lately brought me newes 2. Iu. Fellow stand to the barre , thou hearst thy accusation What canst thou say . Eug. Ah my good Lord , I cannot now deny what I haue saide , This man , oreheard me , as my bleeding heart Was making confession of my crime . Con. I told him an t shall please your Lordships The Kings officers had eies to heare such rascalls . 1. Iu. You haue bin carefull in your office Constable , You may now leaue your Prisoner , Con.

I le leaue the fell on with your Lordship .

1. Iu. Farewel good Con. Murder I see will out . exit Con. Why didst thou poison him . Eug. I was poore , And want made me be hir'd . 2. Iu.

Hir'd , by whom ?

Eu. By Count Virro , There he stands . Vir. I do beseech your Lordships not to credit What this base fellow speakes , I am innocent . 1. Iu. I doe beleeue you are , sirrah speake truth , You haue not long to liue . Eu. Please it your Lordship I may relate the manner . 3. Iu.

doe .

Eug. Eugenio was aliue when first the newes Was spred in Syracuse he was dead , Which false report Count Virro crediting , Became an earnest suitor to his Sister Thinking her Heyre , but finding afterwards Her brother liu'd , and comming home Not a dayes iourney hence , he sent me to him , And with a promise of fiue hundred crownes Hir'd me to poyson him , that this is true Heer 's his owne hand to witnesse it against him , Please it your Lordships to peruse the writing . 1. Iu.

This is his hand .

2. Iu. Sure as I liue , I haue seene Warrants from him with iust these Carracters . 3. Iu. Besides me thinkes this fellowes Tale is likely . Pol. T is too true , This fellowes suddaine going from my house Put me into a feare . 1. Iu. Count Virro , stand to the barre , What can you say to cleere you of this murder ? Vir.

Nothing my Lords , I must confesse the fact .

2. Iu. Why then against you both doe I pronounce . Sentence of death . Amb.

The Law is iust .

Pol. Wretch that I am , is my dissembled griefe Turn'd to true sorrow , were my acted teares But Prophesies of my ensuing woe , And is he truely dead . oh pardon me Deare Ghost of my Eugenio , t was my fault That cal'd this hasty vengeance from the Gods , And shortened thus thy life , for whilst with tricks I sought to fasten wealth vpon our house , I brought a Canniball to be the graue Of me and mine , base bloudy murderous Count . Vir.

Vile Cousner , cheating Lord , dissembler .

1. Iu. Peace , stop the mouth of malediction there , This is no place to raile in . Eu. Ye iust powers , That to the quality of mans offence , Shape your correcting rods , and punish there Where he has sinn'd , did not my bleeding heart Beare such a heauy share in this dayes woe , I could with a free soule applaud your iustice . Pol. Lord Euphues and Philocles forgiue me To make amends , I know's impossible For what my malice wrought , but I would faine Doe somewhat that might testifie my griefe And true repentance . Eu.

This is that I look't for .

Eup. Y' are kind too late my Lord , had you bin thus When neede required , y 'had sau'd your selfe and me , Our haplesse sonnes , but if your griefe be true I can forgiue you heartily . Phi. And I , Eug. Now comes my que , my Lord Polimetes , Vnder correction let me aske one question . Pol.

What question ? speake .

Eu. if this young Lord Should liue , would you bestow your Daughter Willingly vpon him , would you Lord ? Pol.

As willingly as I would breath my selfe .

Eug. Then dry all your eyes , Ther 's no man heare shall haue a cause to weepe , to Phil. Your life , is sau'd , Leucothoe is no Heire , Her brother liues , and that cleares you Count Virro Of your supposed murder . All .

How , liues ?

Eu.

Yes liues to call thee brother Philocles .

He discouers himselfe . Leu.

Oh my deare Brother .

Pol. My sonne , Welcome from death . Eu. Pardon me good my Lord that I thus long Haue from your knowledge kept my selfe conceal'd , My end was honest . Pol. I see t was , And now sonne Philocles giue mee thy hand , Heere take thy wife , she loues thee I dare sweare , And for the wrong that I intended thee , Her portion shall be double what I meant it . Phi.

I thanke your Lordship .

Pol. Brother Euphues , I hope all enmity is now forgot Betwixt our houses . Eu.

Let it be euer so , I do embrace your loue .

Vir. Well my life is sau'd yet , though my wench be lost , God giue you ioy . Phi.

Thankes good my Lord .

1. Iu. How suddenly this tragicke sceane is charg'd , And turn'd to Comedy 2. Iu.

T is very strange . The King speakes from aboue

Pol.

Let vs conclude within .

King . Stay , And take my ioy with you . Eup. His Maiesty Is comming downe , let vs attend . Enter King . King . These iarres are well clos'd vp , now Philocles , What my rash oath deni'de me , this blest howre And happy accident has brought to passe , The sauing of thy life . Phi. A life my Leige , That shall be euer ready to be spent Vpon your seruice . King . Thankes good Philocles , But wher 's the man whose happy presence brought All this vnlook't for sport : where is Eugenio ? Eu.

Heere my dread Leige .

King . Welcome to Syracuse , Welcome Eugenio , prithee aske some boone That may requite the good that thou hast done . Eu. I thanke your Maiesty , what I haue done Needes no requitall , but I haue a suite Vnto Lord Euphues , please it your Maiesty To be to him an intercessor for me , I make no question but I shall obtaine . King .

What is it ? speake , it shall be granted thee .

Eu. That it would please him to bestow on me His Neece , the faire and vertuous Lady Laeda . Euph. With all my heart , I know 't will please her well , I haue often heard her praise Eugenio , It shall be done within . King . Then here all strife ends , I le be your guest my selfe to day , and helpe To solemnize this double marriage . Pol.

Your royall presence shall much honour vs .

King . Then leade away , the happy knot you tye , Concludes in loue two houses enmity .
FINIS .
EPILOGVS . OVr Authors heire if it be legitimate T is his , if not , he dares the worst of fate , For if a Bastard , charity is such , That what you giue , it cannot be too much , And he , and we , vow if it may be showne , To doe as much for yours , as for our owne . FINIS .
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Writren Written by T. M. Gent. appea●e deare friend ) then to conceale 〈…〉 It did appeare I did not meane 〈…〉 thy well-wrought Comicke-Sceane th● onely made for thee , 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 , 'tis cause the stuffe 〈…〉 allow'd me , was not large enough allow●d , 〈…〉 to 〈◊〉 , 'tis cause the stuffe 〈…〉 allow'd me , was not large enough . Car●● Thomas Caron ●hen Rarely my Lord , when now my thinkes , I see your Lordships house 〈◊〉 now my thinkes , I see your Lordships house Is with suitors of the noblest ranke , And 〈◊〉 ranke , And my yong Lady your supposed Heire Tir'd more with woing then the Grecian Queene There●s In the long absence of her wandring Lord . There's not a ruinous nobility In all this kingdome ●ebuild this kingdome , but conceiues a hope Now to rebuild his fortunes on this match . ●all's price As will for euer sinke him , yet alas All's to no purpose , he must loose the prize knowe● My proiect aymd at , the rich Count that knowes No end of his large wealth , yet gapes for ●●auen faine sleepe my Lord , Ile take my leaue Heauen send you comfort , I shall make bold shortly 〈◊〉 grosse soule Gold is the God of his idolatry , With hope of which Ile feed him , till at length seuruy when thou shalt see the Tyranny of that same scuruy boy , and what fooles He makes of vs ; shall 〈◊〉 Aurora blush , To see on brighter then her softe appeare . maide● Indeed I was wont to serue my mothers maides so when I came halfe foxt as you sayd , seevs comes alone , step aside , she shall not see vs , drwones shadow , which to reach in vaine Striuing , he drownes thus scorning all beside For the loued shadow Tha●s Thats not for loue , but to correct their beauties ●aith I faith ist there abouts . Why Philocles , what 〈◊〉 May , nay I will in spite of destinie , Let women and faint hearted fooles complaine ●oue preuaile against mortals , whose command Not Ioue himselfe could euer yet withstand . peswasions that the peeuish Girle Comes on so slowly on perswasions That I can vse , do mooue the setting forth chap● , See how the old Ape smugs vp his mouldy chaps To seize the bit . f●iend Worthy friend . I now must thanke your wisedome as your iesty A good iest yfaith , make me beleeue that . faith A good iest yfaith , make me beleeue that . threrefore And therefore now you must eene stand in a White sheete Ou● daughter to rich Shallow , when tis done Our gold shall make a silence in the Court . m● direst Nemesis Assistant to my purpose , helpe me glut My thirsty soule with blood . This exreme , and it Amaz'd me that he should grow so extreme Kind to me on the suddaine to offer me all Cou●ts , this being done , He meanes to hold the Courts seuerity To by a golden bit , and so he Al●● seuerity To by a golden bit , and so he may , Alas it is too true , I must preuent it , And Al●phonso Enter Allphonso . knowlenge from your selfe I purposely haue kept the knowledge of it . As loath to grieue your present martiage to be your guest , You shall not steale a marriage . he●d thy cankred and long fostred hate Vpon my head but thus , thus bloudily By my sonnes suffering ile●heape will seale his Pardon presently ; nay more , ile heape vpon you Both all fauours , all honours soule royall thoughts could neuer stoope To such a foul dishonourable act . Pol●●●tes vs there , call in the Lords againe , Lord Polemetes , take your daughter to you , Keepe her s●nne solemne oath Neuer to grant a pardon to thy sonne . rem●an● Soueraigne , whilest I in teares Spend the sad remnant of my childlesse age , Ile pray for your 〈◊〉 way , To get a dispensation for an oath , None that I know except the Court of Rome Will c●urse not for the world redeeme my oath By such a course as this , no more Nicanor Vnlesse thou finde fi● Procrustes seru'd his haplesse guests , To fit them to his bed ; Well I shall see , I would I● It pleases you to call vs so master Constable fany the office of a watchman . For the first , if any man aske me what is a watchman , I may w●lke reprehend any person , or persons , that walke the streets too late at a seasonable houre cnstructed the Constable . So 〈…〉 you are sufficiently cunstructed concerning you office take your stands , ne●● worke Confesse , I shall finde out the whole nest of there Rogues , speake . 〈◊〉 no difference twixt the wise and fooles , but ile goe meete vm , when tis done , I feare do●e Well now I see tis done . How'● How's this , Francisco in the Parsons habite , 〈◊〉 the truer Parson of the two , he tyed the Knot and this Gentleman is our witnesse ▪ ha●e , thou seest the portion thou art like to haue . ●●ther This is more strange then tother , ah Luce , we●● 〈◊〉 so subtill to deceiue ●●edes Your care needes no Apology . Apo●ogy Your care needes no Apology . 〈◊〉 euer , had not gracious heauen Sent as a courtier to my childlesse age , Thy long lost selfe 〈◊〉 gracious heauen Sent as a courtier to my childlesse age , Thy long lost selfe supporter of the ●e But can there be no meanes to saue his life . 〈◊〉 Neuer to 〈◊〉 him , but since they say His Majestie repents , and faine would saue him . r●pents 〈◊〉 him , but since they say His Majestie repents , and faine would saue him . 〈◊〉 Then up I wretched , like a man long blind , That 〈◊〉 like a man long blind , That comes at last to see the wisht for sonne , But finde it in ha● cannot doo't , nor am I Caesar now , Lust has vncrown'd me , and my rash tane oath H●s 〈◊〉 Enter ▪ Iudges , Virro , Polimetes , Euphues , 〈◊〉 〈…〉 to the barre , thou herest thy accusation 〈…〉 say . ●●rought Brought to fasten wealth vpon our house , Thought a Canniball to be the graue Of me and mine inte●cessor , please it your Maiesty To be to him an intercessor for me , I make no question but I shall