Microcosmus A morall maske, presented vvith generall liking, at the private house in Salisbury Court, and heere set down according to the intention of the authour Thomas Nabbes.

MICROCOSMVS .

For the first Act. After a confused noyse and Musicke out of tune , Nature enters as amaz'd at it . WHat horrour wakes me ! and disturbs the peace I sate inthron'd in ? shall dissention ruine Eternall acts ? Hath the great deity Made me his instrument , and shall my power Be slighted so by their rebellious difference ? Cease mutiny , or be your owne destructions . Accurst confusion that neglects the forme Nature prescribes . I rather would preserve yee : That in distinguisht order yee might shew The glory of my worke ; each in his spheare Subscribing to my better government . But my commands are uselesse . Their deafe wills Persist to act their owne and my sad ills . To her Ianus . Where 's my delight I whence is this sad dejection ? How amaz'd Nature stands I Have our imbraces Brought forth a race of elementall formes That live in simple bodies , to be made Pregnant for other births , and will she now Neglect their teeming ? I would be a Grandfather , And see my issue multiply . Nature . Oh husband ! Our union hath beene vaine ; our off-spring proves A rebell to our peace , and natures lawes . Light fire descends to earth , beneath whose weight He grones to be deliver'd , till with struggling He lifts earth up , in whose repression ayre Contracts his forces to extinguish fire . Againe ; fire from this mutinous assault Doubles his strength ; when straight ambitious water Climbing his seate consumes her selfe in flames . Thus fire , ayre , water , earth , each would be all , And are made neither ; but a confus'd masse , And indigested Chaos . Ianus . Am I Ianus , ( The figure of eternall providence ) And shall this disobedience scape the stroke Of my sever'st correction ? Fire I shall lash you , And make your nimble pyramides skip upward . I le chaine earth to her centre . Ayre had best Confine himselfe to his three regions , Or else I le disinherit him . If water Exceed her bounds . To them the foure Elements , with their severall 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , ( which Paracelsus calleth homines spirituales ) playing on antique instruments out of tune . Nat. See ; the dissentious come Maz'd in the errours of their owne confusion : As if their dissolution should precede Their yet not perfect being . How my griefes Presse downe the organes of my utterance , And choake words in their passage ! Speake good Ianus . Ian. Yee disobedient children of that love That joyn'd us to produce yee . Fire . Stop good father , Our wills are deafe to counsaile . Ayre . Or to threats . Set both your browes with wrinckles , and put on Th' austerest anger , wee 'l be aw'd by none But our owne wills . Wat. I le quench my brothers flames , Or burne my selfe into him . My cold moysture Shall not be ty'd t' embrace as cold a sister , And not ascend above them . Earth . I le be active As ayre or fire . Else with my ponderous weight ▪ I le presse their climbing heads beneath my centre ; And by inversion bury them within me , 'Till earthquakes shatter all , and small ruine Dilate their passage . Fire . Are we not one birth ? Why then should there be a precedency , And not an equall power of all first qualities ? Be not you partiall parents , wee 'l obey The government of nature . Ayre . Otherwise With our owne strength we 'l prosecute this warre 'Till ruine stop 's it . Ian. Stubborne boyes , I le yoake yee In such a bondage . Nat. Gentle husband try Perswasions strength : Perhaps 't will better worke Vpon the temper of their fiercer nature . I am your mother ; let me reconcile yee : That in your peace I may preserve the order Of my intended worke . Should fire forsake His lofty mansion , and infect his flames With grosser weight , it would benumbe his activenesse , And make his motion dull . Were my pure ayre Pent in his sisters entrailes , her foule veines Would soone infect him . What creation mean't In your diversities , your rash ambitions Must not pervert . Since providence hath made yee The meanes for many ends , dispute not them , Nor your owne thought-defects : each is supply'd With a perfection , and an equall worth Distinguisht in proportion ; but the excellence Of your owne attributes cannot appeare , Whilst you disturbe the distribution Of them to other formes , which from your mixtures Must enter different bodies of the first , Second , third , fourth , fifth composition . Vapours & exhalations ; meteors ; vegetables And minerals ; animals , and lastly man , Homo dicitur 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; non ab humo , ut alij volunt . Call'd so from concord ▪ for he doth contain A harmony of parts , and in them figure His end of being . Let not then your wills Persist in this rebellious mutiny , And hinder high intendments . Pray agree , And leave the reason of such acts to me . Fire . Vaine oratory . Think you us so easie To be o'recome by words ! swell high my rage , And with licentious fury breake the tyes Of these too weake commands . Ayre . Let 's on to fight , Whilst the yet discord of the untun'd spheares Add's courage , and delights our warlike eares . The 4. Elements and their creatures dance a confused dance to their owne antique musicks : in which they seeme to fight with one another : and so goe forth confusedly . Nat. What shall we doe ? The universall fabrick Will be everted , if this war continue : Let 's sue to Love ; his power may be prevailing . To them Love . Love . See ; Love appeares at thy request . Thou cause of motion and of rest . Thou greater powers great substitute , Whose will and acts none must dispute . Thou that form'st the best of things From thought-impossibles , and brings Contrary matters to produce Another difference , then the use Of a meere quality in one Can worke unto perfection . Thou that thy secrets dost unlock To propagate a lasting stock ; And multiply that th' issue might Be little lesse then infinite . Thou mother of all that is found Within this universall round , What is thy will with Love ? Nat. Oh gentle power Thou that art Natures soule , and the beginning Of every humane thing : that giv'st them lawes , And to thy selfe art law . Figure of peace ; That to thy godheads attribute an next The quiet order of the worlds vast frame To have its forme and being from thy rule ; Which must be now imperious or its ruine Will prevent time . The mutinous elements Have ras'd rebellion , and dis-joynted quite The order of their fabrick . The pure heavens ( Whose motion should be harmony ) rowle crosse , And bend their Axletree , 'till both the poles Doe kisse each others ends . Then rectifie Great Love this dire confusion . Love . Straight I le doe it . Can Love deny if Nature woo it . The heavens first in tune I le set ; And from their musick soone beget A charme , of power to make light fire Skip to his spheare , and earth retire To her parcht den . The subtile ayre I le calme from mists , and make it faire , And water with her curl'd waves sweepe The bounded channels of the deepe , That order may succeed , and things Grow perfect from their lasting springs . Move right yee spheares in concord sound , And with your musick fill this round . Whilst the following song is singing , the first Scene appeares ; being a spheare in which the 4. Elements are figur'd , and about it they sit imbracing one another .

The Song . Hence confusion and dissention . Be no more new formes prevention , Crossing still A mothers will , And Natures great intention . Concord is the soule of being . Nothing 's better than agreeing . Chorus . Then let imbraces crowne this times beginning , Loves power is winning . And when he throws the darts that arme his hands , Who can resist his great commands ?

Nat. Nature must pay Love thanks for this great worke Of reconciliation . May the peace Be lasting as your selves , and no ambition Move a new warre : but from your loving mixtures New generation follow . Love . Spheares againe Your brazen trebles higher straine . And lusty moving sounds advance To make us active whilst we dance .

The dance . Now to the other worke : our art Shall make all perfect e're we part .

They returne into the Scene , and it closeth .

For the Second Act. Physander led in by Ianus . Ian. Come forth thou son of earth , and view the day That glories in the presence of thy beauty . Phys. What am I ? My imperfect sence is yet Vnapprehensive , and the intellect My mother hath inspir'd , doth not instruct me To know my selfe . Ian. Looke up thou master-peece Of Natures workemanship , thou little world : Thou that excel'st in forme , that comprehends All the perfections which her curious hand Design'd and finisht : That when other creatures Behold the earth , and with dejected eyes Looke downwards on 't , hast an erected figure To see the starres , and contemplate their beings , Celestiall causes , and their influence , Whence great effects ensue : Thou that hast speech To be thy thoughts interpreter , expect A farther act of Love to crowne thy life By joyning thee to an immortall wife . Exit . Phys. Receive my thanks great power . I yet am maz'd , And wander in a labyrinth of thoughts , That throng confusedly together , striving Who should first issue , 'till their multitude Choakes up the passage . Oh ye powers that made me To be a King , and to have soveraignty Annext unto my difference , send me quickly The glorious guide that may remove this darknesse . To him the 4. Complexions . Phys.

Ha! what are these ?

Chol.

You may goe looke . Yet if you aske me mildly , perhaps I le answer you .

Blood .

We are sent to be your servants .

Phys. By whom ? Our parents , the foure Elements . Phys.

Your names ?

Chol.

My name is Choller . I was begot by Fire on Natures Cooke-maide in the time of a Feastivall . I was dry nursed by a leane Butterwife , and bred up in Mars his Fencing-schoole : where I have learn't a mystery that consists in lying , distance and direction ; pase , space and place ; Time , motion and action ; progression , reversion and traversion ; blowes , thrusts , falses , doubles , ships and wards ; closings , gripes and wrastlings ; fights guardant , open , variable and close . Then have wee our stocatas , imbrocatas , mandritas , puintas and puintas reversas ; our stramisons , passatas , carricadas , amazzas and incartatas .

Phys.

And what 's all this ?

Chol.

Termes in our dialect to pusle desperate ignorance .

Phys.

What 's yours ?

Blood .

My name is Blood . Ayre was my father , and my mother a light-heel'd madame that kept a vaulting-schoole at the signe of Virgo . As she was one day practising a high triole she lost her hould , and fell downe into my fathers regions , where had not hee kind man stopt her about the middle , shee had brake her neck against a rock of Ice that hung beneath her , and Blood had not beene as he is , a Dancer sir.

Phys.

What art skill'd in ?

Blood .

Garbes and postures of the body . Here 's an honour for a Lord ; a back-fall for a Lady , and a high rising is best in an active gallant . But pardonne moy monsier , it doe straine a de back too mush . Here 's a traverse for a nimble Lawyer . A hop and skip shall raise the sonne of a Cobler well under-lay'd with pieces to the government of a province , 'till over-much ambitious cutting weares him into his Last . A turne above ground for a Mercuriall pick-pocket , and an easie passage to destruction for him that danceth after infected wantonnesse ▪ Cum multis alijs .

Phys.

And what 's your name ?

Phle .

Phlegme mine sir. Water was my mother , and she made me a Physician . I was nurst by Apolloes Hearbwife that dwells at the signe of the Crab , and she taught me to goe backwards .

Phys.

And what can you doe ?

Phle .

Live by the inspection of excrements , and draw aurum palpabile out of them . Kill any one cum privilegio artis . I am Venus Midwife , and trusted with many secrets , which I never reveale but to my Apothecary when we meete at Libra to share and settle our correspondence . Your Physician will serve you at your death sir.

Physa .

Now your name ?

Melan.

I am called Melancholy . I was begotten on the earth after a great drought in the time of barrennesse : who breeding me up hardly , enabled me the better for this hungry profession . I would faigne be in love ; but having no other mistresse . I am inforc't to love mine owne humour .

Physa . All these are humours , and must be my servants . What a vast bounty have the heavens given me ? But I must labour to preserve them regular , And not exceeding their proportions Blood skipping about , justles Choller . Of substance or of quality , for then They will be masters . Disagreeing ! Chol.

He hath stirr'd me sir , and I will be angry .

Blood .

Then Phlegme must coole you .

Chol.

Phlegme's a foole .

Melan.

Or a Physitian .

Phleg.

Choller , you must be taken downe .

Chol.

I le soone be up againe . Provoke me no more : I am adust with rage , and will make you an odde number .

Phys. Come , this agrees not with a servants duty . You must subscribe to order . Phlegme shall be My substitute to moderate these jarrings . And if hereafter any one transgresse But in the least dissention that disturbs The quiet of my state , he shall correct it ; Nor spare himselfe . For in a government Th' offence is greatest in the instrument That hath the power to punish ; and in lawes The authors trespasse makes the foulest cause . Recorders . What admiration workes upon my sense ! I heare and see such objects as would make Creation doubtfull whether she were perfect Without these parts . Into what strange delights I 'm hurried on the sudden ? ha ! The second Scene is here discover'd , being a perspective of clouds , the inmost glorious , where Bellamina sits betwixt Love and Nature ; behind her the Bonus and Malus Genius . Nat. Looke hither Thou comfort of my love that gave thee being To figure greater power . See , Love hath brought Thy wish a spouse of 's owne immortall race , Clad in the glory of her innocence . Doe not defile her , yet shee 's virgin white , And joyn'd unto thee , that thou mayst enjoy Knowledge and vertue , not thy sensuall pleasures , For being linckt unto thee she is made As sensible of thy corrupted passions , As thou of mortall griefes . Let her direct Thy powers of appetite . Shee 'l shew thee heaven , And the reward of good ; and if thou misse The path she guides thee in , thou wilt enforce her To share thy ruine , and pervert the ends Of her eternity . Which if thou tread By her directions , she communicates , And makes thee like her selfe . She must be chang'd According to thy disposition . Then let my counsaile be so deepe imprest The prosecution of 't may make thee blest . Whilst the following song is singing , they descend from the Scene and present Bellamina to Physander . Love . Fairest of all earthly things , Mount thy thoughts upon the wings Of contemplation , and aspire . To reach at my supernall fire : Whose heate shall purge thy spouse and thee From all dreggs of impurity . Let no falser love delight Thy sense deluding appetite To seeke out other wantons led , So heaven at length shall crowne thy head .

The Song . Descend thou fairest of all creatures , Grac't with all thy heavenly features , In whom all perfections shine ; For thou art In every part Little lesse than divine . Take thy Bride and enjoy her , But not with soule desires annoy her : For she is white And hath no true delight But what is given From the desire of heaven . Chorus . Now joyne , and each to other happy prove . That neither may Be led astray To seeke a stranger love .

Love and Nature returne to the Scene , and it closeth ▪ Phys. After my sacrifice of vowes and thankes Let me imbrace with reverence , Oh my life . And better soule : joy hath possession taken Of all my faculties , and gives a welcome To these delights . Bella. Doe not abuse them then , For my pure substance will admit no mixture With any thing that 's earthy , lest it should Be so defil'd . Together with my selfe I must bestow on thee two different servants . The one is like my selfe , all innocence , The other 's clad in an infernall robe Of malice to us , and will tempt thy frailty To loose desires , from her black invention Forging aspersions on me to divert Thy love : which I so prize , my blisse or ruine Hath sole dependance on it . If she urge Those accusations , deafe thy understanding To her suggestions , and informe thy reason Onely from th' other , who best knowes my passions , Powers and habits : thou wast made for me To be my instrument , and I for thee . Bella. And when I doe forsake thee , or infect My looser thoughts with any other object Then thy wisht good , may I be made th' example Of imbecillity ; the spoyle of time ; Mockery of fortune ; image of inconstancy ; The scale of envie and calamity . And this faire structure ( now by these upheld ) Be buried in it's owne and their lad ruines . Chol.

I am angry at it . We shall have morall now instead of Martiall discipline . Challenges will bee proclaim'd cowardise : and every white-liver'd silk-skinn'd Lady-courtier will answer a mans anger with , if it were not for the lawe and conscience . If no body will provoke me , I le quarrell with my selfe .

Phleg.

Take heed Choller of a halter .

Chol.

Phlegme thou art a Mountebank , and I will make thee quake .

Melan.

Not so hot good Choller . I am partaking , and as discontented at this match as envie can make mee . I could hatch a conspiracy to sever them , should cause posterity attribute all Matchiavillianisme to Melancholy .

Blood .

Blood 's prevented , and the expectation of so many children begot on severall mothers that should dote on the quivering of my calves , and the strength of my back is utterly frustrate . No Lady of liberty must admire this passage , or that skipping , 'till her veines swell with my addition . I must no more run here and there to tickle her sense , and fright the greene-sicknesse from her complexion .

Mela.

Shall it be a plot ?

Chol.

Let 's kill them presently .

Phleg.

But the meanes ?

Blood .

Why , is not Phlegme a Physitian ?

Phys. Come my kind servants , let your active limbs Move to delight us , whilst the spheares agree To guide your measures with their harmony . A dance , wherein the complexions expresse themselves in their differences : the two Genij alwaies opposite in the figure , and the Malus Genius stealing many times to Physander , whispers in his eare . I am disturb'd within ; a new desire Whet's appetite of pleasure in some change , Such as may touch the sence without a scruple Of wedlocks breach . Hence with these lawes of conscience That would set limits to what 's infinite . Two kisses more will cloy me ▪ nought can relish But variation . Mal. Gen . Hearken then to me . Leave this strict Bride that curbs licentious will , And rayn's it with her temperance . Liberty Makes delight full and swelling : it must feed On severall objects , else 't will glut it selfe Into a loathing . Phys. I applaude thy counsaile , And am prepar'd to act it . Bella. Ha! Physander . So suddenly forgetfull of thy vowes Before full consummation of those rites Crowne Bridegroomes happy ? Bon. Ge. Be not thus mis-led By her malicious envie . She but shewes thee The easie path to ruine , whose broad entrance Painted with falsest pleasures , ends in a point Of all the ills attend our misery Contracted into one . Though vertues way Be hard and straight to enter , yet the end Reacheth to heaven , where her faire hand bestowes Wreathes of bright stars to crowne deserving browes . Phys. Whisper that still ; each accent's musicall . The meere conceit of it makes me immortall . Hence ; 〈◊〉 converse is hatefull . I le not tye Desire to such imbraces . I le enjoy A mistresse fitt and sportive ; that can vary All shapes of dallyance , and present delight Each minute in a severall fashion . Guide me , I le follow . Compl.

And we will attend . Exeunt .

Bella. Wretched Bellamina , that in the instant Of thy expected comfort , shouldst be throwne Below all misery ! O that lustfull sense Should cause divorce betwixt us ! I am lost Almost beyond recovery , since my substance Must be partaking of his hated ills : Such is the fate of wedlock . His content Exit with Bon. Genius . In false delights , must be my punishment .

For the third Act. Physander richly habited . Malus Genius , the foure Complexions . Phys. I 'm bravely sitted ; these are fitting ornaments . Come my best prompter , with indeavours wings Let 's cut the ayre , and straine our motion , 'Till we attaine this bowre of Sensuality . And let the repetition of her praise Sweeten my painefull longings . My desire Fee'ls many throes of travaile ; 'till deliver'd Of it's sweet issue . Mal. Ge. You must suffer for 't . Pleasures whose meanes are easie , in the end Doe lose themselves . Things onely are esteem'd And valu'd by their acquisition . Should you win her delights without some paines , They would not relish . Whilst your expectation Labours with the event , prepare your selfe To court it bravely . Shee 's high-spirited ; And will not stoope to every common bayte That catcheth easie wantonnesse . Phys.

What 's the best ?

Chol.

A rough Souldiers phrase ; a strong back , and a brawny limbe : bayte her with these shee 'l bite home . If she be coy , kick her in the breech , and cry farewell : after a few dissembling teares shee 'l yeeld with the greater appetite . If she refus'd me , I 'de kill her .

Blood .

Could you but dance sir , and shew your selfe active before her , 't were impossible for her to hold out 'till the discovery of one knave 'mongst many officers . Dancing is the most taking : if a man rise well , his Mistresse cannot chuse but fall .

Phleg.

Court her with solid language , and such discourse as may relish of aged experience . Expresse your thoughts such , and your actions such , as shee may conceive judgement to be intayl'd upon you . If she be vertuous , that winnes upon her soule , and let your Physition alone with her body : If shee bee wanton , Phlegme can administer provocatives .

Melan.

Might I advise you sir , a passion at Courtship were more powerfull . Let a sigh be the period of every amorous sentence . Sing her some pathetick madrigall full of cromatick flats : 't will sharpen her . I would have all lovers begin and end their prick-song with Lachrymae , 'till they have wept themselves as dry as I am .

Phys. The ayre me thinkes begins upon a sudden To be perfum'd , as if Arabian windes Scatter'd their spices loosely on the face Of some rich earth , fruitfull with aromates . Musick breathes forth the soule of harmony . Musick . How egerly my senses catch these objects ! To them the 5. Sences . But what are these ? Mal. Ge. Servants to Sensuality That waite her will , and with a diligence Becomming duty doe prepare her pleasures . The 'r sent to entertaine you . Phys. What their names , And offices ? Seeing .

Seeing mine sir. I am my Ladies Chamber-maide , and the daughter of a Glasse-maker . A piece of brittle ware , and apt to be crack't . I have beene often cemented together , but could never hold above a moneth . Through me sir you may see my Ladies secrets , and mine owne are at your service when you shall command their revelation .

Hear .

My name 's Hearing . I am usher of the Hall , and the trumpet that proclaimes dinner ready with , Gentlemen , and Yeomen . When my Lady removes to her City privacy ( for shee keepes open house in the Country ) I am the foreman at her Gate , with an instrument of correction for the offensive beggers . If you love noyse sir , my wife and my selfe are at your service .

Phys.

Pray sir your name ?

Smel .

Mine is Smelling . I am my Ladies Huntsman , and keepe some lesser beagles for her chamber-use to excuse the freenesse of her necessities eruptions . I play the Gardner likewise , and attend her alwaies when shee goes to pluck a Rose . My Mistresse Cloaca had a very stinking breath , before Misackmos perfum'd her , and she is now growne lesse common , then when her imperfections lay open . When you will use me sir , you shall alwaies have me under your nose .

Phys.

And what 's yours ?

Taste .

Tasting mine sir. I am my Ladies Cooke , and King of the Kitchin : where I rule the roast ; command imperiously , and am a very tyrant in my office . My Subjects being all Souldiers are daily encounter'd by most fierce stomacks , and never return'd but maym'd and dismember'd . Brawne , Beefe , and Porke are alwaies muster'd in the van , and bring up Veale , Mutton , Minc'tpye , Goose , Turkie , Duck , and so forth . I have a sort of cowardly Custards , borne in the City , but bred up at Court , that quake for feare : yet are as valiant in suffering as the rest , and are all overcome even by the women with much noise . I then send forth a fresh supply of Rabits , Pheasant , Kid , Partridge , Quaile , Larke , Plover , Tele , Tarts , &c. With a French troope of Pulpatoones , Mackaroones , Kickshawes , grand and excellent . The battaile ended , I survey the field ; and those whom I find untoucht , I place in garrison in my larder : the rest endure a new and fierce assault by the valiant Serving-men . I then repairs my broken army ; see their overthrow at supper ; drinke my selfe drunke ; goe to bed , and my that dayes fury 's over . I le bee your servant sir in spight of your teeth .

Phys.

Now yours ?

Touch.

Touching mine . I am my Ladies Gentleman-usher , and kill Spiders for her Monkey . I am alwaies her foreman in publike , and sometimes in private : which makes way for mee to her favour in reversion , if shee survive two or three defective husbands , and her yet uncloy'd appetite can pretend an expectation of issue . Meane time a handfull of eringoes and a little tickling weds me and the waiting women in her closet with more vowes and protestations then a wanting gallant makes when he borrowes mony . Wee will conduct my Lady to her Bowre , where shee prepares to entertaine you . Exit .

Phys. Me thinkes I am transform'd into a happinesse Cannot be figur'd. If before enjoying The expectation can beget such blisse , What will possession ? Phleg.

Shall I question you sir Cooke ?

Taste .

Questionlesse a Cooke can answer a Physition .

Phleg.

What Physicall observations have you in your sawces , and condiments ? Shall I instruct you ?

Taste .

I thanke you sir. My method is to dresse Phesant , Partridge and Coney for Lords , but their Ladies many times make the sawce . The waiting women are fed with Wagtailes . I prepare tongues for Lawyers : most commonly Woodcocks for Aldermens Heires , and Puddings for costive Citizens ; whose wives must have flesh of a Court-dressing , or their bellies will never bee full . Your projectors feed upon Calves-braines , and your students upon innocent Mutton .

Chol.

I hope sir our after familiarity will bee the often taking downe of Choller s stomack . Wee should agree well ; we both love fire .

Tast.

And Choller shall not want his Brawne whilst Cookery and Winter feasts last . I must in and looke to my roste , of which at dinner you shall most plentifully taste . Exit .

Phys. I am enflam'd . My appetite begins To burne with hot desires ; and if protraction Delay their satisfying , they 'l consume Themselves and me . Mal. G.

She comes : these sounds forerunne her .

During the following Song , the third Scene is discover'd , being a pleasant arbour , with perspectives behind it , of a magnifique building : in the midst thereof Sensuality sits .

The Song . Flow flow delight , And pleasures swell to height . Drowne every eye with joyfull teares . And fill the eares With sounds harmonious as the spheares . Let every sense be ravisht quite With a large fulnesse of delight . Chorus . Ioyne all yee instruments of pleasure ; And from th' abundance of your treasure Chuse out one t' enrich this bowre , And make the Mistresse of this paramour .

Phys. Elysium sure is here , and that eternity I lately dream't of . Sens. Let mine eyes first gaze Vpon his figure . 'T is a heavenly creature , And worthy my embraces , I have yet Converst with earthy shapes , the baser issue Of that grosse element , but here 's a forme Mingled with fire , that moves the soule of sense , And kindles passion in me . What was she Durst ayme to prepossesse her selfe of him My mouth can onely challenge ? Welcome sir. If my expressions suit not entertainment Of such a guest , creation must be blam'd That gave none other ; for what ere in nature Is found that can affect you , here 't is stor'd ; And shall be all exhausted to declare How much I love you . Phys. You in throne me Lady In happinesse , above the difference Of that my birth can boast . You make me perfect : And every touch of this delicious hand , Cheeke , lip immortallize me . Sens. O'pe my treasury , And let it waste to emptinesse . Wilt please Thine eyes ? Wee 'l mount a Chariot made of diamonds , Whose lights reflexion shall create a day In the Cimmerian valleis . From some height We will survey the earth , and where weake beames Cannot extend themselves , wee 'l have an optick Shall show us in an instant all the hemispheare . Wee 'l see the faire Arcadian Virgins hunt In their Parthenian groves . Wee 'l count the beasts Lurke in Hucanias dens ; number the pines That crowne Lycaus . Phys. You are the onely object Mine eyes would gaze at . Sens. Would thine cares be blest With pleasing sounds ? The ayery Choristers Shall straine their throats by art , and harmony Call downe the spheares to make her consort up . Phys.

Your words are onely musick .

Sens. For thy smell Saba shall be translated where thou go'st , And strew thy path with spices . Panthers skins Shall be thy couch , and amber pave the floore Where thy foot treads . This breath's perfume enough To create a Phoenix , Wouldst delight thy taste ? Then Samlan Peacocks , and Ambracian Kidde , Henns of Numidia , Phesants , Phenicopters , Tartesian Lamprayes ; Eels of Benacus , Cockles of Lucane ; Eleusinian Plaise Shall fill thy dish , and thousand changes more To whet new appetite . Shalt drink no wine But what Falernus or Calabrian Aulon Yield from their grapes . Phys

This kisse is more then Nectar .

Sens. Shalt sleep upon a bed of purest down , Driven from white necks of Caysters Swans , And Peneus sparrowes . With Assyrian silkes I le cloath thy body . Phys. But this touch is softer . You ravish me with joyes beyond expression . Chol.

Why , this is rare . I am not angry .

Blood

I am very joyfull : this tickles me .

Phle .

And mak's me young .

Mel.

And me merry .

Tast.

Now my licentiate murderer , what say you to a dish of gluttony will bread the gout in a Lord before a begger can break his fast with it ? Are not we cookes good instruments ? who together with an Hospitall of sinne cause diseases faster then you can cure them ?

Sens. A livelyer musick , come sweet heart wee 'l dance . A familiar Countrey dance . How doth my sweetheart like it ? I doe not with an Oeconomick strictnesse Observe my servants , and direct their actions : Pleasure is free . To them Bellanima in mourning , Bon. Gen. But what sad object 's this ? Bella. I come to snatch a Husband from thine armes Lascivious strumpet ; thou whose looser eyes Bewitcht his ill affection , and entice His thoughts with wanton appetite of sense , From my chast love . Doth not Physander see Ruine hid under every bayt of pleasure ; She lays to catch him ? Sens. Laugh at her sweet heart , Thou art secure in these embraces . Bella. Do not Afflict me thus . Those false dissembling kisses Wound me to death . Return unto my bosome , That never shall be warm with others touch . Shee 's common , and will mixe her lustfull blood Even with beasts . Sens.

T is but her envy to me .

Bella. Let not her Syrene charms bewitch thee thus Vnto a shipwrack . Every smile of hers Shadow's a rock to split thee : in my armes Shalt sleep as safe as if the clowdes did guard thee . Am I not fayre ? Shoot not mine eyes a fire As lively ? grow not colours on my cheekes , Brighter then those that paynt her rottennesse ; And will Physander leave me ? Did I not Forsake th' etheriall Palace of my father , To be thine onely ? and a whore to rivall me ! Oh misery ! Phys. Th' art barren of those pleasures I here enjoy . Bella. What pleasures ? guilded ones , To mock thy sense ; their inside's bitternesse . Return , with me shalt find delights , As far exceeding these as the great day Starr His pale cheek't sister , or nightes lesser beautyes . A thousand wing'd intelligences dayly Shall be thy ministers , and from all parts Informe thee of the Worlds new accidents . Shalt from their scanning frame by my advice , Rules of prevention ; shalt command all arts ; As hand-mayds ; Shalt converse with Heaven and Angels ; And after all I le bring thee to Elysium . Cold there compells no use of rugged furrs , Nor makes the mountaines barren . Ther 's no dog To rage and scortch the harvest labourer : Whilst the lascivious Landlord wastes th' increase In prodigall contrivements , how t' allay The furious heat with artificiall snowes , And drinks his wine in ice . Spring 's alwayes there , And paynts the valleys : whilst a temperate ayre Sweeps their embroydred face with his curs'd gales , And breaths perfumes , no Persian aromates : Pontick Amomus , or Indian balsame Can imitate . There night doth never spread Her ebon wings ; but daylight's alwayes there , And one blest season crownes th' eternall yeare . Phys. He heare no more : nor can I be so credulous Having possession , to expect such fables . Here I am fixt . Bella.

And I made miserable .

Sens. Let 's in to feast , and revell ; and at night Shalt be possest of a more full delight . Exeunt . Bel. Thus doth chast wedlock suffer . Heavenly servant Whisper some powerfull counsaile in his eare , That may reclayme him . If it works , return , And bring me comfort , who 'till then must mourn . Exeunt severally .

For the Fourth Act. Tasting , the 4. Complexions drunck , each having a bottle of Wine in his hand . Tast.

The other health my boyes .

Phle .

No more health if you love me .

Tast.

Indeed health agrees not with your profession .

Coll.

But we will have more health , and lesse health ; or I will make a close stoole pan of your Physitians noddle .

Tast.

Good brother Choller he pacified .

Choll .

I will not be pacified . He that deny's health let him think himself dead e're he pronounce it . Choller 's drye .

Mela.

So is Melancholy .

Blood .

Blood would be heated better .

Phle .

And Phlegme moistned .

Choll .

Blood 's a skip-jack , and I will make him caper .

Tast.

Nay brother Choller , thou art so crosse .

Mela. And will she not return ? then may the Sun Stable his horses ever , and no day Guild the black ayre with light . If in mine eye Shee be not plac't , what object can delight it ? Tast

Excellent amorist . Here 's to thee Melancholy .

Mela. What do I see ? blush gray-ey'd morne , and spread Thy purple shame upon the mountain topps : Or pale thy self with envie , since here com's A brighter Venus , then the dull-eyd starre , That lights thee up Tast.

Very fine Law now : Melancholy hath been some neglected Courtier : hee 's perfect in she-flattery . If he mistake me for the idoll of his passion , I le abuse him .

Mela. Oh let me kisse those payre of red twinn'd cherries . That do distill Nepenthe . Tast. Kisse and spare not . Bite not the cherry stones and eate , I care not . Mel. Oh turn not from me ; let me smell the gumms , Which thy rich breath creates . Tast. As for my gumms you ' l find Sweeter here . I have no rotten teeth behind . Blood .

This leg's not right .

Tast.

I know it . 'T is my left .

Blood .

Carry your toes wider .

Tast.

Take heed that I foote not you .

Blood .

Now do your cinque passe cleanly .

Tast.

My cinque passe cleanly ! A cooke defyes it .

Chol.

You lye too open . Guard your selfe better , or I shall bang your coate .

Phle .

'T is a dangerous water . Here 's an hypostasis argues a very bad stomack .

Tast.

Some Souldier perhaps that want's his Pay .

Phleg.

This sediment betokens a great swelling in the belly .

Tast.

'T is some Chamber-maide sick of a Midwifes timpany .

Phleg.

'T were good she chang'd ayre . Remove her into the Countrey , and if she fall agen into the greene-sicknesse , she knows the cure . This water argues a great heart-burning .

Tast.

'T is a Lovers that : or some misers that dranke small beere in the Dog-dayes at his own charges .

Phleg.

The owner of this hath an impostume in his head , and it is neere breaking .

Tast.

Perhaps 't is a Fencers , or some Shopkeepers , whose wife sells underhand by retayle .

Phleg.

Let him compound for his light wife , and he may be cur'd without the charity of an Hospitall .

To them Physander sick . Phys. How on a sudden my delights are clowded ? As when a surfeit makes the pleasant dish That caus'd it more distastefull then th' offence Of any bitter potion . My dull'd senses Relish no objects . Colours doe not take My filmed eyes . Mine eares are deafe to sounds , Though by a Chorus of those lovely maides Which Iove begot on faire Mnemosyne Sung to Apollo's harpe . Tast.

Is it thereabouts ? I le play the state knave , and informe presently . Exit .

Phys. Sicknesse begins To make this 〈…〉 mansion . Feavers burne it , And shake the weak foundation : then a cold Chills it agen , as if a thousand Winters Contracted into one scatter'd their snow With Northerne blasts , and froze the very centre . Palseys dis-joynt the fabrick : loosen all The house-supporters , and at length they fall . Helpe me good servants . Phleg .

We cannot helpe our selves .

Chol .

Let 's kill him , or hee 'l kill us .

Melan.

Phlegme doe thou choake him .

Bloud .

I le empty his veines .

Chol.

I le doe it . Bloud 's not worthy the imployment .

Bloud .

Worthier then Choller .

Chol.

Thou ly'st in thy throat .

Bloud .

Thou hast inflam'd me .

They fall together by the eares , and Physander weakly endeavouring to part them , is himselfe hurt , and they flegh . Phys. Hold I command yee : How dare yee insult Vpon my weaknesse thus ? Oh I am wounded . Perfidious villaines , was this trechery Your duties act ? What fury prompted yee To such inhumane violence ? Will no hand Of art or heaven supply me with a balme ! Then I must die , and bury all my glories E're they are fully gaz'd at . Why did nature Produce me for her darling ; and not arme My passive body with a proofe 'gainst thunder ? To him Sensuality , the 5. Senses . Oh thou in whose embraces I have slept And dream't of heaven , when my waking sense Possest delights in thee , I seem'd to ride Commanding pleasure as if she had been My captive , and her spoyles enrich't the triumph ; Helpe now to save me : or with wonted kisses Make me to lose the sense of this great paine My bleeding wounds inflict . Let me expire Within thy bosome , and I shall forget That death hath any horrour . Sens. This Physander ! I know him not . The bloudy spectacle Is too offensive : Would it were remov'd . Tast.

Please you , I le carry the Calfe into my Slaughterhouse . But I feare hee 'l hardly be drest for your Ladyships tooth : he hath bled too much to be sweet flesh .

Phys. Not know me Lady ! how am I transform'd ! The sand of many minutes hath not fall'n From times gray glasse , since you vouchsaf't to call me Lord of your selfe and pleasures . Sens. Let me have Another sweet heart one whose lustie heat May warm my bosome . Gather all the flowers Tempe is paynted with , and strew his way . Translate my Bower to Turias rosie bankes , There , with a Chorus of sweet nightingales Make it continuall Spring . If the Sunnes rayes Offend his tender skin , and make it sweat , Fan him with silken wings of mildest ayre ; Breath'd by Etesian windes . The briskest Nectar Shall be his drink , and all th' Ambrosian cates , Art can devise for wanton appetite . Furnish his banquet . As his senses tire , Varye the object . Let delights be linck't , So in a circled chayne no end we see , Pleasure is onely my eternity . Exeunt . Tast. Sick Sir farewell . By that time you are dead I Will have made you a cawdle . Exit . I sure have dream't ; all past was but illusion . Hould out ye bloodlesse Organes untill I Have rayl'd upon this strumpet , then I 'le dye . To him the two Genij severally . How my distraction swells my tongue with curses ? That I could shoot the poyson of a Basiliske From my inflam'd eyes , or infect the ayre With my last breath to kill her . Mal. G.

Ha , ha , he .

Phys.

Who 's that can laugh at misery ?

Mal G. 'T is ! That triumph in thy ruine . I contriv'd it , And caus'd divorce betwixt thee and thy wife : Whom now ! will torment . Exit . Phys. That wound is deeper Then all the rest Calling to mind my ills , That left a chast wife for the loose embraces Of sensualitie , a paynted whore , 〈…〉 with beasts . Death hold thy ashye hand , Till I am concil'd to my Bellanima , Then strike and spare not . Bon G. Fixd in that resolution , I le bring her to thee . Exit . Phys. That 's my good Genius . The horrours of a thousand nights made black With pitchye tempests , and the Moones defect , When shee 's affrighted with the howlings of Crotonean Wolves , and groanes of dying Mandrakes Gather'd for charmes ; the Schritch-owles fatall dirge ▪ And Ghosts disturb'd by furyes from their peace . Are all within me . To him Bellanima , Bonus Genius . Bon. G. Wounded by the hands Of his distemper'd servants that are fled . Bella. Looke up Physander , I am come to help thee , Not to afflict : I share thy sufferings . There 's not an anguish but it is inflicted As equally on me . Why would Physander Cut wedlocks Gordian , and with looser eyes Doate on a common wanton ▪ what is pleasure More then a lustfull motion in the sense ? The prosecution full of anxious feares ; The end Repentance . Though content be call'd The soule of action , and licentious man Propounds it as the reason of his life ; Yet if intemperate appetite pursue it , The pure end 's lost , and ruine must attend it . But I would comfort thee . Doe but expresse A detestation of thy former follies , We will be reunited , and enjoy Eternall pleasures . Phys. Can Bellanima Forgive the injuries that I have done her ? Shee 's milder then thou Love , or pitties self . Let me be banish't ever to converse With Monsters in a desart . 't is a punishment Too little . Let me be confin'd to dwell On the North pole , where a continuall Winter May bleake me to a statue ; or inhabit The Acherusian fenns , whose noysome ayre May choake my nostrells with their poysonous fumes , Yet linger death unto a thousand ages . Bella. Wee 'l live Physander , and enjoy each other In new delights : thou shalt be cur'd by Temperance . Shee 's the Physitian that doth moderate Desire with reason , bridling appetite . Here the fourth Scene is suddainly discover'd , being a Rock , with a spring of water issuing out of it . At the foot thereof a cave ; where Temperance sits betwixt a Philosopher , an Hermite , a Ploughman and a Shepheard . Behind the Rocke a Lantskip● . Yonder 's her Cave , whose plaine , yet decent roofe Shines not with ivory or plates of gold . No Tyrian purples cover her low couch ▪ Nor are the carv'd supporters artists worke Bought at the wealth of provinces ; she feeds not On costly viands , in her gluttony , Wasting the spoyles of conquests : from a rock That weeps a running christall she doth fill Her shell cup , and drinks sparingly . Phys. Shee cannot Heale my affliction ; mercyes selfe denyes A time and meanes , and onely black despayre Whispers th' approach of death . Bon. G. Remove that sinne , And hope with sorrow . Greatest faults are small , When that alone may make amends for all . Phys. Might I yet live to practice my resolve Of reformation , sooner should the day Leave to distinguish night ; the Sunne should choake His breathlesse horses in the western mayne , And rise no more , the gray morn ushering in His light approach , then my relapse from thee , And goodnesse cause new miseryes . Direct me , Yet heavenly ministers ; informe my knowledge In the strict course that may preserve me happy , Whilst yet my sighes suck in th' unwilling ayre , That swells my wasted lunges . Though not in life , In death I le be Bellanima's . Bella. Physander , Expire not yet : thy wounds are not so mortall . Helpe me to beare him yonder ; gently rayse His weakned body . What can we not endure , When paynes are lessen'd by the hope of cure ? Temp. What wretched piece of miserable riot Is this that needs the ayde of Temperance ▪ What caus'd his sicknesse ? Bella. Liberty in ills To please his senses , which have surfeited With an excesse : and if your art supply not , Death will divorce us . Pitty then sweet Lady , And from your treasure of instructions Prescribe a powerfull medicine that may quicken His cold defects , which more and more increase , Less'ning his weakned powers . To a chast wife Preserve ( now 't is reform'd ) her husbands life . Temp. Let the earth be his bed ; this rock his pillow ; His curteines heaven ; the murmur of this water Instead of musick charm him into sleepe . And for the cates which gluttony invents To make it call'd an art , confected juice Of Pontick nuts , and Idumean palmes Candy'd with Ebosian sugar ; lampreyes guts Fetcht from Carpathian straights , and such like wantonnesse , Let him eat sparingly of what the earth Produceth freely ▪ or is where 't is barren Enforc't by industrye . Then poure this balsome Into his wounds , and whil'st his senses rest Free from their passive working , and endure Partiall privation of their meanes and objects , His slumbers shall present what mor 's requir'd To make him sound . Bella. My endlesse thanks great power , Mother of other vertues . Whilst he sleepes , My cares shall watch him . Oh thou death like god , That chayn'st the senses captive , and do'st rayse Dreames out of humours , whose illusive shadowes , Oft work on fancy to beget beliefe Of prophecies , let no black horrours mixe Their frightfull presence , but with gentle showes , ( Yet such as are instructive ) sweetly worke Vpon what wakes within whilst th' other cease ; Then sleepes the figure of eternall peace . They daunce every one in a proper garbe , shewing their respect to Temperance , whilst Physander sleepes betwixt Bellanima and Bonus Genius , that seeme to dresse his wounds . Phys. I feele quick sence return , and every Organe Is active to performe its proper office : I am not hurt . What miracle hath Heaven Wrought on me ? Bella. Next to Heaven , the thanks are due To this thy lifes restorer . She hath precepts , By which thou mayst preserve it to a length , And end it happie . Temp. What thy dreames presented , Put straight in act , and with a constancie Persever in 't . Rewards will onely crowne The end of a well prosecuted good . Philosophie ; religious solitude And labour waite on Temperance : in these Desire is bounded ; they instruct the mindes And bodies actions . 'T is lascivious ease That gives the first beginning to all ills . The thoughts being busied on good objects , sinne Can never find a way to enter in . Phys. Let me digest my joyes ; I onely now Begin to live : the former was not perfect . Bella Wee 'l shortly to my father , who with joy Will entertaine us . Tempe . I will meet ye there ; Where ye shall be invested by the hands Of Iustice , Prudence , Fortitude and me In the bright robes of immortalitie . Phys. My heart 's too narrow to conteine the joyes This reconciliation fills it with . Chayne me agen to misery , and make me Wretched beyond despayre when next I fall . Let this my resolution be enroll'd Amongst eternall acts not to be cancell'd . Then man is happy , and his blisse is full When hee 's directed by his better soule . Exeunt . Temperance with the rest of hers being return'd into the Scene , it closeth .

For the last Act. Malus Genius as discontented . Mal. G. It must not be ; his glory is my shame . Mischiefe attempted if it want successe , Is the contrivers punishment . As darts Shot at resisting walls , in their returne May light on him that did direct them . Malice Suggests a new attempt . I le practise all That hell can teach me , but I le work his fall . To the Malus Gen. Sensuality , the five Senses in torne and beggerlike habits . Who 's here ? Sens. Into what misery hath riot Brought my decayed state ? Whilst I had the meanes To purchase pleasures , all delights were sold me . Those gone , necessity and lust then made me A mercenary prostitute , and since By the gradation of a wanton life , I 'm fall'n to this . Want and a loathsome sicknesse Make me reflect ; nor can I but accuse my self At Conscience barre , but not with penitence ; That 's still in opposition with my will , Now custome hath confirm'd me in all ill . Exeunt . Mal. G. T' accuse Physander , thither will I goe , And if all fayle try what despaire can doe . To the Mal. Gen. Physander , Bellanima in their first habits with Bookes in their hands , Bonus Genius , the foure Complexions . Hee 's here . Phys. I shall not need your diligence . Your trecherie ( although forgiven ) hath made me Watchfull upon ye . I have gotten now A carefull guide to manage my affayres . Retire . I do embrace thy fellowship Prudence , thou vertue of the mind , by which We do consult of all that 's good or evill Conducing to felicity . Direct My thoughts and actions by the rule of reason . Teach me contempt of all inferiour vanities . Pride in a marble portall guilded ore ; Assyrian carpets ; chayres of ivory ; The luxurie of a stupendious house ; Garments perfum'd ; gemmes valew'd not for use But needlesse ornament ; a sumptuous table , And all the baytes of sense . A vulgar eye Sees not the danger which beneath them lye . Bella. Shee 's a majestick ruler , and commands Even with the terrour of her awfull brow . As in a throng sedition being rays'd , Th' ignoble multitude inflam'd with madnesse , Firebrands and stones fly ; fury shews them weapons : 'Till spying some grave man honour'd for wisdome , They straight are silent , and erect their eares , Whilst he with his sage counsayle doth asswage Their minds disorder , and appease their rage . So Prudence , when rebellious appetites Have rays'd temptations , with their batteryes Assaulting reason , she doth interpose , And keep it safe . Th' attemps of sense are weake , If their vaine forces wisdome deigne to breake . Phys. Temperance , to thee I owe my after life ; Thou that command'st o're pleasures , hating some , When thou dispens'st with others ; still directing All to a sound meane : under thy low roofe I le eate and sleepe , whilst grave Philosophy Instructs my soule in Iustice . What is she ? Bella. A habit of the mind by which just things Perfect their working . Man 's the best of creatures Enjoying Law and Iustice ; but the worst If separated from them . 'T is establisht By feare of Law , and by Religion ; Distributes due to all . Phys. That is reward To virtue , and to vice it 's punishment . The thought of it hath horrour in 't . I fell From height of goodnesse in forsaking thee , And must be punisht . Why is it delayd ? Inflict it straight ; protraction makes it greater . Bella. Physander is forgiv'n . Reflect not back On thy past errours , but with sorrowes eyes , That may be guides to the prevention Of after ills . Phys. Distract me not with comforts . If justice hath no other instrument . I must and will be just unto my selfe . When I have felt a torment that doth equall Th' offence for which I suffer it , 't will confirme me , Bellanima is satisfi'd . Bella. She is , And can expect no greater . Think on Fortitude . Be not dejected by a feare that 's grounded On such a weake foundation . T is not th' appetite Of things that carry horrour makes men valiant ; But patient bearing of afflictions That are necessited . Phys. Can Fortitude Be without Iustice ? Iustice without Fortitude Is perfect in it self . When I am just , Valour is usefull . Bella. It begins to worke ; I le prosecute the rest . What he intends For good , shall be inverted to my ends . Exit . Phys. Disswade me not Bellanima , I cannot Think the dimensions of thy goodnesse such , That it may be extended to remit So great an ill without it's satisfaction . Then will I challenge thy forgivenesse due When I have suffer'd punishment ; I dare not Owe all unto thy gentlenesse . Bella. Resist This black temptation : thy ill Genius whisper'd it . Phys. 'T is taught me here ; iustice instructs me in 't . Yet when I feele the lashes of their snakes Hells judges doe employ : when vultures gnaw My growing liver , and the restlesse wheele Hurryes my rackt limbes , ( for these torments are Lesse then my fault deserves , ) I le laugh at all , And with a scorn provoke the executioners 'Till they are tir'd ; and whilst they take in breath , Contrive some yet unhear'd of . Fortitude Shall teach me to beare all , ( their end being justice ) With more delight , then when I did enjoy Pleasures with Sensualitie . Bon. G. I le try him . Hells malice sometimes doth pretend that good Which Heaven instructs , to make distinguishable Their severall acts . But like a ball that bounds According to the force with which 't was throwne : So in afflictions violence he that 's wise , The more hee 's cast down will the higher rise . Exit . Bella. Presume not yet Physander : thou art weake . Feare , so Pusillanimous , is better Then daring confidence . Phys. I will encounter With a whole hoast of deaths , though each were arm'd In all th' artillery that ever conquer'd Mortality ; meete thunder if but warn'd That it is comming , and be fixt unmov'd T' embrace the subtile fire , though one step Might guard me in a grove of Magick Bayes Wall'd with Hienas skinnes . The apprehension Of horrour shall not fright me , though presented In the most hideous shape conceit can paynt . To them three Furies . What apparition's this ? or are ye Furies Sent to torment me ? Speake , and satisfie My growing feares , which like an earthquake , when Pent ayre dilates it self with violence Doe shake my trembling heart . 1. Fur. We are the daughters Of night and Acheron ; our number three , Answering those three affects that beare then headlong Into all wickednesse . These knotted snakes Shall sting thy bosome , and infect thy blood With burning rage , untill it hurrie thee Vnto some desperate act , and on thy self Thou be thine own revenger . Bella. Now Physander , Where is this boasted valour ? Feare 's exprest Even in thy silence . Terrour of an ill In sometimes greater in the expectation , Then th' ill it self : yet where true fortitude Guard 's the mind with resolves , 't is lessen'd by it , When it increaseth bouldnesse . Chance may cleare Many of punishment , but none of feare . Thou art not well instructed : go with me , I le teach thee how to shun them . Exeunt . 2. Fur. Hath he scap't us ? And left my vipers hissing for their prey , Which should have been his heart ? Then they must feed Vpon mine own . To them Malus Genius . Mal. G. Now my copartners In this black fellowship , is it successefull ? 3. Fur. No ; reason guards him ; frustrates our designe . And we must back to be our own tormentors . Exeunt Fu. Ma. G. Will nothing prosper ! Lend me Erinnis adders , That from their poyson my infected envie May swell untill it breake , venting a sea Of mischiefe to o'rewhelme him . One birth more My malice labours with . If that miscarry , I le in content of heaven that guards his bride Eate mine owne heart , and ne're be satisfi'd . To the Mal. Gen. Feare . The Iudge is entring . Feare .

Make way there for my Lord Conscience : he is upon comming , and I was afrayd the cushions had not been handsomely layd for his case . Long causes many times require a nap . How I tremble to think of a long sitting before dinner ; it makes feare have but a cold stomack . Blesse me ! who 's this ? one of the divells she lawyers ? Her case must needs have a black boxe .

Mal. G.

I come t' accuse Physander . Why dost quake so ?

Feare .

You never knew feare without an ague .

Ma , G.

Feare often cur's it .

Feare .

In the countrey where wise physitians practise .

Ma. G.

Is the court ready to sit ?

Feare .

Instantly . But pray' how long have you beene a sollicitrix ?

Ma. G.

Never before .

Feare .

I fear'd as much , when you aske an officer so many idle questions without some feeling .

Ma. G.

What officer art ?

Feare .

No worse then the mouth of the court , that recieves all in with , O yes .

To them Conscience , Hope , Despaire , Sensuality , the five Senses . You see the power of that word ; They are here . Stand by there . Hope .

Hope must be still an advocate .

Consc. 'T is well . Despaire's a subtile pleader , and employ'd Onely by hell . Desp. Be wing'd , and fetch him hither : Let me alone ; I le have a plea shall shake His courage . Exit Mal. Gen. Consc.

Feare call a court .

Feare .

O yes , ô yes , ô yes : All wicked mortalls that have any businesse in the court of Conscience , let them come and accuse themselves , if they have so little wit ▪ and they shall be judg'd by the proverb .

Con. List to my charge . Conscience the judge of actions Is neither power , nor habit , but an act ; To wit an application of that knowledge That shewes the difference . It s Synteresis , Or purer part , is th' instigation Of will to good and honest things , and seates The mind in a rich throne of endlesse quiet ; When being clog'd with guilt of many ills , Those leaden waight expresse it as it mounts , And sink it into horrour . Conscience stain'd Is like a fretting ulcer , that corrod's The part it hath infected , and though cur'd It leaves a scarre . So heale a wounded Conscience : Repentance stayes as the vestigium , Or marke imprest , by which the past disease Is found to have been . There 's no punishment Like that , to beare the witnesse in ones brest Of perpetrated evills , when the mind Beat 's it with silent stripes ; guilty of blame . But being unstain'd it laughs at lying fame . Feare .

Silence in the court , and hearken to the charge : it may indoctrinate ye for Iustices , if there be not too much of Conscience in it .

Consc. Hope is in opposition with despaire ; And like a zealous advocate i' th' cause Of his afflicted clyent , labours still To overthrow the fallacies and quirkes Despayre is nimble in ; whil'st feare with trembling Expects the trialls issue . By these three Mens acts inform'd of , scann'd and canvas'd be , At length by Conscience censur'd , thy are sent To have reward , or suffer punishment . Feare .

Hem. Now enter that woman .

Consc.

What are you ?

Sens.

A desperate piece of neglected mortality , that have been a Lady of pleasure , and kept an open house where Lords tooke me up at high rates , 'till my bare commons would no longer serve their high feeding .

Feare .

And the Geese that gras'd on it would alwayes be ever roasted .

Sens.

I thence fell to inferiour customers , and doated most on the junior actors , to the danger of cracking many a voyce . Night-walking then supply'd me , whil'st I had any thing to pleasure a constable , or relieve the mortified watch with a snatch and away . But now I am not worth the reversion of an almes-basket : and those which heretofore would hire me to sinne , doe now deny me the benefit of a Spittle . I have not strength to climbe and hang my selfe ; and having been so light all my life time 't is impossible I should be drown'd .

Hope .

Hope yet with griefe , and mend .

Sensu.

My mending must be miraculous . Were it in art to repayre this rotten carcase , and in my stock of credit with the broker enough to case it , I might hope for as golden dayes and coaching agen . But now welcome a cart or a Shrove-tuesdayes tragedy . Despaire tells me there is a fire in hell , and why should I , that have converst with heates all my life time , feare it !

Feare .

Stand by there . What are you ?

Seeing .

My Ladyes ape , that imitated all her fashions ; falling as she did , and running the same course of folly : the difference onely , that what was hers first was mine in reversion ; except her gentleman usher . Hell I feare not , for I have prevented leading apes . Besides the whips of furies are not halfe so terrible as a blew coate , and the shreeks of tormented ghosts nothing to the noyse of hemphammers .

Consc.

Proceed quickly with the rest .

Feare .

I would excuse my selfe ; but I despaire of being heard , now my Lady 's decayd and housekeeping broke up . I feare nothing so much as to be torne in pieces by the revengefull beggars .

Smell .

That punishment must I share . For I was an honest huntsman , and provided buriall for many a scavingers horse in my dogs bellies ; but finding it troublesome and unsavoury , tooke an easier course , and converted the remaines of dinner and supper that should have fed the poore , into my dogs breakfast . For which I expect to be pursu'd by the common hunt , till I come to hell ; and there the quest will be so hot , I shall not possibly scape it .

Feare .

Thou seem'st to have been a good fellow : shall I speake a word in thy behalfe ?

Tast.

No : Fear 's an ill orator ; hee 'l be out . I have been the most notorious theef , that ever rob'd by privilege of his office . I have converted more butter into kitchin-stuffe , then would have victualled a flemish garrison . I have cheated butchers ; gone on their scores , and payd them with hornes : helping to undo my Lady with the greatnesse of mine own credit . I have coney-catcht many a poulterers wife , and she hath pluckt my feathers : what I got by the back I spent on the belly . But now short commons serve , licking my fingers and the halfe-cold dripping pan . Since my Ladyes decay I am degraded from a cooke , and I feare the divell himself will entertaine me but for one of his black guard ; and he shall be sure to have his roast burnt .

Desp.

Stand by . You shall be sentenc'd presently .

Touch.

I was a spruce observer of formality ; wore good cloathes at the second hand , and payd for them quarterly . Together with my Ladyes my fortune tell , and of her gentleman usher I became her applesquire , to hold the doore , and keepe centinell at taverns . I can play the Bravo where my affronting is upon sure advantage : otherwise I can be kick't with as much patience , as a hungry fidler , when he expects the reversion of a gallants oysters . I may yet be serviceable to the Succubi in hell , but other preferment I despaire of .

Consc. Custome in ills that doe affect the sense Makes reason uselesse , when it should direct The ills reforming . Men habituate In any evill , 't is their greatest curse , Advise doth seldome mend , but makes them worse . To them Malus Genius , Physander , Bellanima , Bonus Genius . Mal. G. He 's come Now use your utmost skill in plea , For feare our cause miscarry . Consc.

Who is this ?

Desp

Her 's his accuser that prefers th' indictment .

Consc.

Let it be read .

Feare .

Stand out Physander .

Desp.

Thou art indicted by the name of Physander Lord of Microcosmus , for that being wedded to the faire and chast Bellanima , daughter and heire of immortall Love , thou hast unjustly forsaken her , and been guilty of incontinence with a common whore , Sensuality .

Phys. 'T is not deny'd , nor needs it other witnesse ; I beare it in my Conscience . Yet reverend judge , Sorrow for ills past doth restore frayle man To his first innocence . What mine hath beene , My earth bed wet with nightly teares can witnesse , And sighes , have made the trembling ayre retire , Vnwilling to be lodg'd in a sad brest Already fill'd with zeale . If a perseverance Sprung from a constant resolution , And joynd unto this sorrow may prevayle To th' expiation of my former guilt , I hope forgivenesse . Desp. But despaire me thinks Should fright that hope with apprehension Of what eternall justice will inflict : And feare of deserv'd punishment should make thee Tremble with horrour . Hope . 'T is not so false orator , Necessity may be a powerfull strengthening Of humane frailtie : and as it acut's Sloth often into Diligence , Despaire May be Hopes cause . The temple-robber to appease Th' offended god head to the Altar flies ; Nor shames to beg his pardon with drown'd eyes . Let thy resolves be firme . Phys. As fates decrees Enroll'd in steele . Nor will I be secure In any confidence of mine own strength : For such security is oft the mother Of negligence , and that th' occasion Of unremedied ruine . From instructions Found here , we will consult our after-safetyes . And in all courses of my following life , I will be guyded by my heavenly wife . Consc. I le then pronounce ye happy . Man 's a ship Laden with riches . Tempests rage , and hell Sends pirates out to rob him ; heavens eye guards him ; His soule 's the pilot , who through various seas Of time and fortune brings him to the port Of endlesse quiet . Now dismisse the court . Exeunt . Mal. G. My malice burst me . I have toyl'd in vaine : And mine own torment is my onely gaine . Exit . Sens. I le with thee to that place where horrors fright The guilty conscience with eternall night . Exit . Bon. G. Now freely passe unto the blest abodes , Where those heroes that do merit it In life , are crown'd with glory , and enjoy Pleasures beyond all comprehension . Bella. All le ts are now remov'd ; hells malice falls Beneath our conquest , and Loves palace gates Ope'to receive our tryumph . Here the last Scene is discover'd , being a glorious throne : at the top whereof Love sits betwixt Iustice , Temperance , Prudence and Fortitude , holding two crownes of starres : at the foote upon certaine degrees sit divers gloriously habited and alike as Elysij incolae ; who whil'st Love and the Vertues lead Physander and Bellanima to the throne , place themselves in a figure for the dance .

The Song . Welcome , welcome happy payre To those abodes , where spicie ayre Breaths perfumes , and every sense Doth find his objects excellence· Where 's no heate , nor cold extreme ; No winters ice , nor summers scorching beame . Where 's no sun , yet never night . Day alwayes springing from eternall light . Chorus . All mortall sufferings layd aside Here in endlesse blisse abide .

Love . Welcome to Love my now lov'd heyre , Elysium's thine ; ascend my chayre . For following Sensuality I thought to disinherit thee . But being new reform'd in life , And reunited to thy wife , Mine onely daughter , fate allow's That Love with stars should crown your brows . Ioyne ye that were his guides to this : Thus I inthrone ye both . Now kisse , Whil'st you in active measures move , Led on to endlesse joyes by Love . The daunce ended , they returne to their first order , whil'st Love speakes the Epilogue : which done , he is receiv'd into the Scene , and it closeth .

The End .