The Lost Lady Berkeley, William This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A08731 of text S106656 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 1902). 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 Madeline Burg 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 A08731.xml The lost lady a tragy comedy. Berkeley, William, Sir, 1608-1677. 28 600dpi TIFF G4 page images University of Michigan, Digital Library Production Service Ann Arbor, Michigan 2003 January (TCP phase 1) 99842369 STC (2nd ed.) 1902. Greg, II, 534(b*). 7016 A08731 2240850663

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 The lost lady a tragy comedy. Berkeley, William, Sir, 1608-1677. [2], 53, [1] p. By Io. Okes, for Iohn Colby, and are to be sold at his shop, at the signe of the Holy Lambe on Ludgate hill, Imprinted at London : 1638. 1638

Anonymous. By Sir William Berkeley.

In verse.

Reproduction of the original in Cambridge University Library.

 A08731 shc The Lost Lady Berkeley, Sir William Madeline Burg 1637 play tragicomedy shc no A08731 S106656 (STC 1902). 56 26187 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 A This text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. Incorporated ~ 10,000 textual changes made to the SHC corpus by Hannah Bredar, Kate Needham, and Lydia Zoells between April and July 2015 during visits, separately or together, to the Bodleian, Folger and Houghton Libraries as well as the Rare Book Libraries at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago

THE LOST LADY A Tragy-COMEDY COMEDY .

Imprinted at LONDON by Jo. Okes , for John Colby , and are to be sold at his Shop , at the Signe of the Holy Lambe on Ludgate hill . 1638 .

THE LOST LADY A Tragedy-Comedy .
Enter AGENOR . PHYSITIAN . AGENOR . SIr , I hope Lord LYSICLES is not yet retir'd . PH. No Sir , he commanded immediate notice Should be given of your comming . AG. I feare my stay at the Castlle , hath made my Duty seeme unmannerly , but till this minute I had not My dispatches from the Governour . PH. Let it not trouble you , he never shuts his eies Till all this other World opens theirs , nor does he Sleepe then , but with distracted thoughts Labours his fancy , to present him objects that may Advance his griefe . AG. What may the monstrous cause be ? PH. 'T was monstrous indeede , he lost his Mistris , Barbarously murdered by her perfidious Uncle : Her Urne is in CIRRHA , which my Lord nightly Visits and presents it , all his contracted Sighes of the fled day ; but at his parting Reassumeth more , by thinking she is not : to Whose deare memory his teares and griefes are Offered , he 's now alone , and the religious awe Which makes our Priests retire , before they Doe adore the incensed powers , is seene in him , Who never dares approach her honored tombe , Till a just contemplation of his losse , hath Enter . LYSICLES , Made his sorrow eloquent . See he comes , if when he parts your hast will License you , I will relate the story of his Unequal'd suffrings . LYS. Doe you depart to night ? AG. This houre my Lord . LYS. I will not wrong you to intreate your care in suddainly Delivering these small packets , but least you Should beleeve they are meerely ceremonious , And so beare any date , I now informe you , I am concern'd in nothing neerer , my griefes excepted . AG. I wish your Lordships happinesse . LY. First , wish me a captivity , for as I am i th' instant , if heaven should powre his blessings On me , their quality would alter . Sir , good night . PH. Sir , you are sad . AG. He has no heart to joy that can be otherwise , That sees this glorious youth groane under his harsh fate . PH. What a sad accent had each word he uttred ? AG. I could not marke them much , but his whole Frame is of such making , as if dispaire had bin the Architect , We may wish , not hope a long life in him . PH. Sir , will you now take horse ? AG. I should , had you not promis'd the originall of This misfortune , and trust me 't is a bold Curiosity , that makes me search into it , for if The silent presentation hath strooke amazement In me , how shall I guard my heart , when sad Disasters violence my passions . PH. Thus then in short , These noble Kingdomes THESSALY and SPARTA , Have from the time , two Kings commanded all , Under both Titles , still bin emulous , And jealous of th' advantages which each , Suspected might be in the adverse party : This caus'd a lasting warre , but the fierce storme Threatned not till the raigne of these two Kings , Both crowned yong , both of an equall age , Both having all the passions of their subjects , Their feares excepted : the Embassadors That should congratulate the new made Kings , As if one spirit had inspired both , Came with this message little varied , That each were joy'd in such an enemy : No more the fearefull wisedome of old men Should rust their swords , that fate had given to one Command of all . In short , their forces met , And in ten bloody daies none could decide Which had the better cause : The vertues of each Prince so prevalent . Fortune was but spectator , to conclude , Urgent affaires at home compel'd each King To leave their Armies , ours committed his To STRIMON father of Prince LYSICLES . The Duke of ARGOS did command the SPARTANA , Who swolne with the great name of Generall . Before his King had hardly left the sight Of his great Army , drawes his forces out . And fac'd us in our Trenches : 't is not yet Unquestion'd , whether feare or policy Made STRIMON keepe in his : but certainly this , That Vertue sharpn'd by necessity , Procur'd our Triumph : here LYSICLES Anticipated yeares unto his fame , And on the wounds of his brave Enemy , Did write his Story , which our Virgins sing . But from this conquest did begin the cause of all his misery . AG. How from this ? unlesse the King should judge It , too dangerous an honor to be given to one . PH. Hee 's Lord of so much Vertue , He cannot feare it in a Subject . AG. And as the common voice reacht him in ATHOS , There 's none he lookes on with greater Demonstration of his love . PH. I know not that , but this I am perfit in , His judgment is directed by the Kings so powerfully , He cannot thinke his vertues injured , Though many should be neerer in his graces , It would inflict him strangely if any should be thought , To love his Prince better than he . AG. Pardon my interruption , pray proceed . PH. The Duke defeated , posts unto the Court , Where he design'd , unto his dire revenge , Th' obscurest path that ever time reveal'd Since her first glasse : procures his King to throw Neglects upon him , and to seeme in doubt Of his obliged faith : a severe search Made on his papers , his treasure vallued By the publicke Officer , and is himselfe , Twice deprehended in a seeming flight , Calumniated , libeld , and disgrac'd , By his owne seeking , and beleefe of others , Who judging him to be their honors ruine . First raze his house , and then demand his life As sacrifice , unto their brothers , sonnes , Nephewes , and publicke losse : sedition Had now the face of piety , which once Receiv'd as just , can hardly be repel'd . The King with difficulty doth assure his life , With promise of his banishment . This he fore-saw and sought , and did disguise Himselfe , in feare of the incensed people : Parts in the night , and partner of his fate Hath his faire Neece , who is so innocent , She cannot thinke there is a greater crime , Practiz'd by men than errour , which does make Us seeme more vicious , than in act we are . AG. I want a perspective for this darke Mystery ; And but your knowledge doth dissolve my doubts ; T would seeme a Riddle , that a Gentleman Of his knowne valour , reputation , Should strive to lose both for some secret end , I cannot yet arrive too . PH. Sir , you know Revenge doth master all our passions , That are not servants to her rage . AG. But how unfriended , banisht the reproach Of Traytor fixt upon him , he could find The way unto 't more easie , I am ignorant . PH. This story will resolve you , to this Court he comes , Is brought to th' King , then with a modest freedome Relates his suffrings , hopes that same hath taught His story ere his comming , else he should Continue miserable , as beleev'd , Both by his friends and enemies a Traytor : Delivers that he sought protection From him , because none else could vindicate His innocence , which many mothers here Saith , he hath wept that day when fortune Consulted Eate , who should be Conqueror : You brave Lords ( saith he ) that were present , did my sword Parley ? did you receive wounds on condition ? Were these by compact ? all my bloud is lost Since t is discredited , what before was spent , Ran in my name and made that live : but now Great King , you onely repeale my honors fall , By giving death unto your enemy . Our Prince resents his fate , confirmes him his By a large pension , and too soone intrusts With all his secrets , gives him meanes to view His forts , which he designes , and learnes the strength Of each particular province , and inform'd Of all , makes his escape , and is received . Of the SPARTANA King with all remonstrances Of love , and confess'd service ; but before He parted , did that horrid act which LYSICLES must dye for . AG. Indeed this story doth not much concerne Him , if I mistake not . PH. At his arrivall here , he left his Neece With this designe , that when his plots were ripe , Without suspect he might come to the borders : Hither he comes , and at his entrance , is By a base trayterous Servant certified , Of the great love 'twixt her and LYSICLES , The compact of their vowes , with divers Letters The Lovers had exchang'd : he stormes and cries , If thou dost love young LYSICLES , my hate Shall strike thee dead , thy hand pluckt backe my honor When it was mounting , be constant , and this hand Shall by her death give thee a lingring one , And my revenge in thy owne house begin . Then with a barbarous unheard of cruelty Murthers his Neece , and the same instant flies : Fame had the next Sun blowne this through the City , His house was searcht , the trunke of the dead Lady Found in the Hall , the head he carried with him , In honor of his cruelty . AG. Sure he was mad . PH. I would say so too , but that I would not make Him lesse guilty of this inhumanity . AG. What furies governe man ? we hazard all Our lives and fortunes to gaine hated memories : And in the search of vertue , tremble at shadowes . But how are you ascertain'd that he did This horrid act ? PH. He sent the bitter summons of her death , By her that had betray'd her ; the report Did make her spirits throng unto her heart , And sure had kild it , had not Heaven decreed His hand should be as blacke as his intent . She begg'd sometime for prayer , and retir'd : In her owne blood did write her Tragedy , And parting , wishes to her deare bethroth'd . Now heare the strangest mistooke piety , That ever entred in a Virgins breast : She so much lov'd this barbarous Homicide , She would not have him guilty of her death , And therefore with her owne hand wounds her selfe , And as she bled , she writ unto her Lord : At last concludes . They will not let me make them innocent : I 'me cald unto my death , and I repent My wound , because I would not hurt That which I hope you lov'd : this bloody note Was found the next day in her pocket . AG. And came it to the Lord LYSICLES ? PH. It did , and if you e're had seene A hundred parents at one time deplore The unexpected deaths of their lost Children : The fathers sorrow , and the mothers teares , Would Emblemize , but not expresse his griefe . Sometimes he shreekt , as if h 'ad sent his soule Out in his voice : sometimes stood fixt , and gaz'd As if he had no sence of what he saw : Sometime he 'd sound , and if the memory Of his deare Mistresse , even i th' gates of Death Had not pursu'd him , he had certaine dyed : Torment did now give life , at last he drew His sword , and ere he could be staid , did fall Upon the point . This I thinke did preserve him , For not being mortall , and he fainting with The losse of bloud , had not then strength enough To end himselfe ; untill he was perswaded To live , to celebrate her memory , Which nightly he doth doe upon her Tombe , Whither he now is gone . AG. I have not heard of such a love as this ! PH. Nor never shall of such a beauty as did cause it . 'T is late , and I 'le not trouble you with her story : When you are at Court , all tongues will speake Her merit to your wonder . I 'le bring you to your horse . Exit . The Tombe discovered . Enter LYSICLES , and a Page , with a Torch . Enter ERGASTO , and CLEON . CL. And will you marry now ? ER. Indeed will I . CL. And what shall be done with all those lockes of haire You have ? ER. Why I 'le make buttons of 'em , and had they halfe The value that I swore they had , when I did beg 'em , Rich orient Diamonds could not equall them : Some came easily , and some I was forc'd to dig for in the Mine CL. And your priz'd liberty , what shall become of that ? You swore you would not marry till there were A Law established , that married men Might be redeem'd as Slaves are . ER. I was an Asse when I talkt so : Those damb'd bookes of Chastity I read In my minority corrupted me ; but since I 'm practis'd in the World , I find there are No greater Libertines than married men . 'T is true 't was dangerous , this knot in the First Age , when it was a crime to breake vowes : But thankes to VENVS , the Scaene is altered , And we act other parts . I 'le tell thee , The priviledges we enjoy when we are married . First , our secrecy is held Authentick , Which is assurance will take up any woman at Interest , that is not peevish , then the acquaintance Which our wives bring us , to whom at times I carry My wives commendations , and if their husbands be Not at home , I doe commend my selfe . CL. For what I prethee ? ER. For a good Dancer , A good Rider , a good — any thing That I thinke will please 'em . CL. Thou 'lt have a damnable conceite of thy wife By thy knowledge and opinion of all other Women , unlesse you thinke her a Phoenix . ER. 'T will be my best resolution . But harke in thy Eare Rogue , I could be content to thinke , and Wish mine and all — for the publicke good , And weare my hornes with as much confidence , As the best velvet head of 'em all , and paint Them in my Crest , with this Inscription ; These he deserv'd for his love to the Common-wealth . CL. A rare fame you would purchase . ER. A more lasting one than any Monument you can Repeate the Epitaph of , and would it not be Glorious to be commemorated as the first founder Of the Commonalty of undisparag'd Cuckolds ? CL. Yes , and pray'd for by bastards that got better Fathers than they were destin'd to by their mothers marriages . ER. And curs'd by Surgeons that were undone by Honest womens practices . CL. And this done voluntarily , which you will Hardly avoide , though you have a thousand Guards to prevent it . I that , have beene your Play-fellow , shall be first suspected , And first banish'd . ER. By JVPITER never ; no , though 't would preserve A thousand smooth fore-heads : if she be honest Your Arts cannot alter her , and if otherwise , Had I not rather adopt a sonne of thine Than a strangers : and confesse truely CLEON , Would not you for this publicke benefit be Content to sacrifice a Sister , that we might Love no longer by obligations , but affection ; and Seeing , liking , and enjoying , finish'd in a meeting . CL. Unlesse I had meanes to appropriate one , you Cannot suspect but I should wish a title unto all : But what hopes have you of your Mistris ? ER. No airy ones of liking and affection , but mine Are built on terrafirma already , which her father Lookes on greedily , and proportions This to that grand-child , to the second this . CL. Is he not somewhat startled at the report of Thy debauchery ? for though your thicke set woods , And spreading Vineyards make excellent shades To keepe away the Sun , I meane the piercing eye Of censure ; yet some suspicious common fame will raise . ER. Indeede it was my enemy whilst my elder brother liv'd . CL. But since his death you are altred I must Confesse it , for then the slendernesse of your Annuity allowed you but the election of some One sinne : I meane a cherisht sin , whilst The others repin'd that thought themselves Of equall dignity , in time they had their turnes , Yet singly still ; but since your brothers Death You have shewne your selfe a gratefull Gentleman , and recompenc'd those that have Suffred for you to the full . ER. A pretty Satyre this , to whip boyes of nine : Yet still I tell thee , I am another in the opinion of the world . CL. Another Heliogabalus thou wouldst be , Hadst thou his power ; but by what conjuration can You bring me to thinke it ? ER. By reason , which is a spirit will hardly be Rais'd in you , but thus it is : whilst my brother Liv'd , my wildnesse was observed by — CL. But now you walke in shades , recluse , and shut Up in your Coach , your painted Liveries Supposed Faries , and she that you were wont to Visit by the name of Madam Ruffiana , is now Your Aunt , all this I am perfit in ; yet cannot Reach the mystery of your suppos'd disguise , You say doth Masque you . ER. Heare me and be converted ; I say I was Observed by those that were neerest in blood to me , And with feare too , least the ruine of my Fortune might force them to supply my wants . This caus'd the Ague , ; this the admonitions , and Frequent counsels ; sometimes severe reproofes , Every one curling himselfe from any hopes of mine , They would assist me , and those gave largest counsels , That would give nothing else . CL. Of this I am yet a sad party , and a witnesse too . ER. Since my brothers death , the names of things Are changed , my ryots are the bounties of my nature , Carelesnesse the freedome of my soule , My prodigality an easenesse of mind proportion'd To my fortune : beleeve me CLEON , this poverty Is that which puts a multiplying-glasse upon our Faults , and makes 'em swell , and fill the eye ; Our crimes cry highest then , when they have brought us low . CL. I have not knowne any condemn'd for playing , But for loosing . ER. True , and let it be thy rule for all things else . CL. It this be certain , 't will be long ere I be reputed vertuous . ER. Thou 'lt never be , unlesse it be this way . I prophesie , good CLEON . CL. 'T is a sad story , pray let us leave it . Have you no Rivals ? ER. None present that I can feare , having her Fathers firme consent CL. EVGENIO , your Rivall still continues banisht . ER. And I hope will , till I am full possessed of HERMIONE . CL. Did you give him cause to draw upon you in th' garison ? ER. Nor knew then any of offence , or his pretences , Which his folly look'd I should devine ; he met me on the guard , And drew upon me ; we had a lettle scuffle , Were parted , and he banisht for the insolence . CL. Prince LYSICLES labours to recall him . ER. By all meanes , he was by in the nois'd battle , saw the Prince cleave this man to the twist , divide a second , overthrow A third , he is his Trumpet . CL. His actions need none . ER. Wilt thou be happy CLEON , beleeve not Fame So farre , as to make thy selfe lesse than another man , There were thousands that served for sixe Sestersce , That did more than both ; yet sleepe forgotten : 'T is Now time to meet the Ladies on the walke . Exeunt . Enter LYSICLES , kneeles to the Tombe , and then speakes . LY. I doe prophane this place , for were my griefes As great as I would boast 'em , I could not live To tell them to the World : Or is the passage which my soule should make Shut up with sorrow ? 'T is so , and a joy , A hopefull joy , to meete her must give freedome To my sad prisoner , when my hand shall lead This dagger to his heart , that parted ours . And Heaven that heares this vow , powre on my head Dire thunder , if I shrinke in what I promise : And sacred'st Saint , if from thy place of rest , Thou turn'st thy eyes upon thy holy Relickes , Accept my vowes , and pardon me the life Of the curst Homicide , a full revenge Of thy Death , and my lives misery , Shall make him pay the time he has out-liv'd My happinesse ; and when he is falne , Present thy selfe in all thy glories to me , That my freed soule may owe her liberty To no force but impatient longing Of re-injoying thee ; and holy Tombe , The Altar where my heart is nightly offered , Let my wing'd love have passage through thy marble , And fan the sacred ashes , knowing no heate , But what he takes from them ; so peace and rest Dwell ever with thee . Exit . Enter HERMIONE , IRENE , PHILLIDA , all vailed . IR. Deare HERMIONE , pinch me or I shal sink with laughter . HER. What said the stranger ? PHILLIDA , I did not heare it ? PHI. Nothing madam . HER. Then he did talke by signes , he was long about it : What was 't , IRENE ? IR. He long importun'd her to shew her face , which After many urgings she consented to ; and he in Recompence made a low Revernce to her , and Then thankes her for the great favour , and Concludes he never did receive so great a one From any woman , since all else have done with them A reference to themselves : but hers was meerely Goodnesse , for before he saw her be might Have suspected her face handsomely hid , for a Peece of beauty , if her vertue would have Suffered him to be longer in that errour . PHI. I would I were a man for his sake . IR. So you told him , and he still courteous for All your anger , promis'd to give you what you Wanted of a Man , or teach you how to make one . HER. Thou wilt never be old wench , if thou still Keep'st this humour . Enter ERGASTO and CLEON . IR. Not a sigh older these seven yeares if 't Please Sir CVPID , for he blowes our bellowes . But looke , yonder s your servant , there 's no Starting now ; you must stand too 't , but before He comes to interrupt us , observe with me , How in that deepe band , short cloake , and his Great bootes , he lookes three stories high , and His head is the garret , where he keepes nothing but lists of Horse matches , and some designes for his next cloaths . PHI. Where is his cellarage ? IR. He 'll shew it thee himselfe deare PHILLIDA , and Thine too , if thou wilt have him : but they make to us . ER. Madam will you honor me , and this Gentleman , With a sight of that which doth inrich the World ? HER. You will not take our excuses , if we should say You find us now with more advantage to our beauties . ER. So breakes the morning forth , but the Sunnes Raies , are not so quicke and piercing as your eyes , For they descend even to our hearts . IR. Heaven defend : my heart would tremble if they should . ER. Why Madame ? IR: See such impieties as are lodg'd there in a Man , and not be stucke with horror , 't is impossible . ER. Your wit doth make you cruell : but Madam , I Have something to deliver unto you , which your Father commanded no eare should heare but yours . IR. What have you there CLEON ? CL. Verses Madam . IR. Whose ? CL. Of Lord ERGASTO'S , Written in celebration of the faire HERMIONE . IR. Did he buy them , or found them without a father , And has adopted them for his owne ? CL. They are his owne . IR. Here . CL. I pray read them . IR. What have I deserv'd of you good CLEON , that You should make me read his Verses in his owne presence ? If you thinke I have not already as an ill opinion Of him , as I can have , you lose your labour . CL. Read them , and I le assure you you 'l find things Well said and seriously , and you will alter your opinion of him . Ir. Pray give them me , I long to be working wonders . Rubies — Peases — Roses — Heaven . She reads single words . Doe you not thinke he has done my Cozen a Simple favour comparing of her voice to that of Heaven ? CL. 'T is his love makes him doe it , not finding any Thing on Earth fit to expresse her , he Searcheth Heaven for a similitude . IR. Alas good Gentleman , 't is the first time he Ever thought on 't ; what frequent thunders Should I heare , if 't were as he would have it ? Let me counsaile you , lay them aside till They have contracted an inch of dust , then with Your finger write their Epitaph , expressing The mutuall quiet they gave men , and received From them ; or as all poisons serve for some use , Give them your Physitian , and let him Apply them to his Patient for a Vomit , This way they may be usefull . CL. How ever you esteeme them , such an Elogy Would make you thinke your glasse had not yet flattered you . IR. It cannot , I prevent it , and accuse it , for Not shewing the Hils of Snow , the Rubies And the Roses , they say , have being from me : But stay , Heaven opens , and I see a Tempest comming , Your Poët is a Prophet . HER: I 'le call an oath to be my witnesse . ER. Madam ? HER. My owne feares light upon me , if the might that Eve's the day of Marriage doth not shut me from the World . ER. Why Madam , this intemperance ? HER. 'T is a just anger . ER. If you are angry Madam with all that love you , There lives none that has more enemies , Every eye that lookes upon you , you must hate . Ir. Sir CLEON , our friends are engag'd , pray let Vs be o' th' party : what has cal'd up this Choler in my sweet Cozen ? My Lord you have Beene begging favours . ER. Yes of Heaven , that it would furnish me With merits fit to deserve your Cozen . IR. When it has granted you , returne to her , and Renue your suite ; but if you stay till then , You must get spectacles to see her beauty with . HER. Why should you hinder you repose and mine ? You know I never lov'd you . IR. Then he has no reason to accuse you of inconstancy . ER. Why are you faire ? or why has my scars Enforc'd me to love nothing else ? IR. If your love were considerable , what an Obligation had my Cozen to your Starres ? Then these remonstrances of yours are Impulsive , and not voluntary . IR. I cannot tell , but when I seriously direct them to you , I 'le sweare I am bewitch'd . CL. Madam , this is repugnant to your other vertues , That you should hate a man for loving you , Before he did professe himselfe your servant . I know you did receive him with indifferency At least : whence then proceeds your hate ? HER. From his expression of his love . CL. A cruell Son sprung from so mild a Father , if he did Vrge you to any thing might blast your honor . IR. She would not heare him , and as it is , how Much does he obliege her , he 's now her servant , And would entreate her to let him be her Master , A request strangely modest . CL. If I were he , I 'de take an honorable composition , Let her chuse whom she pleas'd for husband , And continue her secret servant still . HER. You are uncivill . Enter PINDARVS . CL. Pardon me Madam , this mirth 's a liberty : Your cozen doth allow me — Here comes your father . PINDARYS whispers with ERGASTO , he speakes to HERMIONE . PIN. How long is t you have undertaken to be your Owne disposer ? HER. Sir . PIN. After my cares had sought you out a man that brings All blessings that the world cals happy ; you must refuse him . HER. Sir , I have tane an oath . PIN. I know the priest that gave it . Doe you not blush , Being so yong , to know how to distinguish the difference Of desires , and this so wildly ? that you will put off your Obedience rather than loose one that you dare not say Hath int'rest in you ; but by my hopes of rest , Enter LYSICLES . I 'le use the power custome and nature gives me , To force you to your happinesse . LYSICLES . How now my Lord ? what miracle can raise a Tempest here , where so much beauty raignes ? Pin. My Lord , you are not practis'd in the cares of Fathers . I thought to have seene this Gentleman My son to morrow ; and she does not refuse him : but — LYS. It must not be , pardon me vertue , that I begin An act , will set a staine upon my blushing brow : Yet I must thorough . Lord PINDARVS , my Fortunes carry a pardon with them , when They make me erre in acts of ceremoniall Decencies , they have bin so heavy and so mighty , They have bent me so low to th' earth , I could not cast my face upwards to hope a blessing , The cause you are perfit in . PIN. 'T is a noble sorrow , but your deepe Melancholy Gives it too large a growth . LYS. Thus all doe presse it ; yet had my griefe relation Onely to my selfe , I would not part them from My heart and memory they justly doe possesse : But my father hath no more issue save my selfe , For to conferre his name and fortunes on . PIN. Our Greece would mourne if such a glorious Stocke should end in the most flourishing branch . LYS. If you doe wish it a continuance , 't is in your Power to make it lasting to ages . Since my MILESIA'S death , I have not lov'd a Lady equall With your HERMIONE , in her I hope to lose My swolne mis-fortunes , and find out a joy That may extinguish them : 't is now no time To tell her how much I am her servant : for This Lord here that does pretend to her faire Graces , before I had declar'd my selfe his Rivall , perchance you would beleeve me , if I had said , he no way doth deserve her . PIN. Where you pretend who can , but Heaven That design'd a blessing to my child , it had Beene pride to hope for , hath made her still Averse to his pretences ; but giving her the Liberty of refusing , I know he is remov'd . LYS. Thus then to morrow I 'le waite on yon , Ladies I am your servant . Exit . PIN. My Lord ERGASTO , you see with how much candor I have embrac'd your love , yet though I doe Put on a fathers strictnesse in my daughters presence , I cannot force her to an act whereon For ever will depend her happinesse . My house shall still be open to you as my heart . My businesse cals me , get you home , your servant . CL. ERGASTO my Lord ERGASTO , what have you left Your tongue with your heart ? ER. Is she not strangely faire ? CL. You 'l not beleeve me , if I should say the contrary . ER. D' ee thinke that there are such faces in Elizium ? CL. I 'me sure many better go t'other way , if they Be not marr'd in the Voyage ; but doe you Remember where you are to meet with PHORMIO ? ER. Nor any thing else , her beauty makes me forget All things that has no Reference to it . CL. Hey day , if within these two houres , if you doe Not forget the cause of this forgetfulnesse , I 'le Be an Eunuch , what if the Prince should be your Rivall ? I cannot tell , but my Lord PINDARVS on a Suddaine fell from his anger , to his daughter , to a Ceremony , to you might be suspected . ER. 'T is a feare that makes me tremble . CL. Courage man , if you have not lost your Memory , your remedy is certaine : there Are more handsome faces will recompence this losse . Let us meet PHORMIO . Exeunt .
ACT. 2. SCAE. 1. Enter HERMIONE , IRENE , and PHILLIDA . IRENE . HAve you sent for the Egyptian Lady ? HER. I have , and she 'l be here within this halfe houre . IR. She speakes our Language . HER. Her father was of Greece , a wealthy Marchant , And his businesse enforcing him to leave his Country , he married a Lady of that place where he liv'd , Who excellent in the Mystery of devination , Hath left that knowledge to her daughter , Enricht with thousand other modest vertues , As is deliver'd to me by those are frequent with her . IR. Doe you beleeve what PHILLIDA saith , Is the voice of all your friends ? HER. What is t ? IR. That you shall marry with Prince LYSICLES . PHI. I heard your Uncle say , the Governour did Receive it with all appearances of joy , in hope This match will free him from this deepe Melancholy : And 't is determin'd the next feast joynes your hands . HER. The Grave must be my bed then : With what harsh fate doth Heaven afflict me , That all those blessings which make others happy , Must be my ruine ? but if this Ladies knowledge Shall informe me , that I shall nee're enjoy EVGENIO , Darknesse shall ceaze nee 're Tapers light , My blushes to the fore-swome HYMENS rights . IR. Why should you labour your disquiet Cozen ? Anticipating thus your knowledge , you will make Your future sufferings present , and so call A lasting griefe upon you , which your hopes Might dissipate till Heaven had made your mind Strong enough to encounter them . HER. Deare IRENE , our Stars , whose influence doth governe us , Are not malignant to us , but whilst we Remaine in this false earth : he that hath courage To devest himselfe of that , removes with it Their powers to hurt him ; and injured love Who sees that Fortune would usurpe his power , I know will not be wanting . Enter ACANTHE the Moore . See , the Lady comes . Madam , the excuse that justifies sicke men that Send for their Physitian , must beg my pardon , That did not visite you to have this honor . Here you see A Virgin , that hath long stood the marke of Fortune , And now 's so full of misery , that though the gods Resented what I suffer , yet I feare That they have plung'd me to extreames exceed Their owne assistance . MO. Feare not their power . HER. I doe not , but their will to helpe me I must doubt , For those that know no reason of their hate , Must feare it is perpetuall . And let the Ensignes of their wrath fall on me , If ere by any willing act I have Provok't their justice : to you now , in whom 'T is said , as in their Oracle they speake . I come to Know what mighty growth of dangers are decreed me . MO. First , dearest Lady , doe not thinke my power Greater as my will to serve you , 't is so weake That if you should reley on 't , I shall seeme Cold in your service , when it does not answer What is expected from it , all I know , Is but conjectured , for our Stars encline , Not force us in our actions . Let me observe your face . HER. Doe , and if yet you are not perfit in your Mysteries , Observe mine well , and when you meet a face Branded with such a line , conclude it miserable : When an eye that doth resemble this , Teach it to weepe betimes , that so being lost , It may not see those miseries must be his onely object . The Moore starts . Are my misfortunes of that horrid shape , That the meere speculation doth affright Those whose compassion onely it concernes ? I that must stand the stroakes then , what defence Shall I prepare against them ? yet a hope That they be ripen'd now to fall on me , Lightens a desperate joy to my darke soule . For the last dart shall be embraced As remedy , to cure my former wounds . MO. 'T is not that , I was surpriz'd in considering I must Partake of all your fortunes , for our ascendants Threaten like danger to us both . HER. Are then my miseries growne infections too , Must that be added ? pardon me gentle Lady this sad crime . I must account amongst my secret faults : I meant no more but to communicate , Not part my sorrowes with you . MO. Would you could , with what great willingnesse Should I embrace a share of what afflicts you . I 'de hast to meet and ease you of your feares . Now if to one whose interest doe force her To advance your hopes , you dare deliver The cause of your disquiet , you shall find A closet , if not a fort , to vindicate your feares . HER. You shall know all . I have exchang'd my heart With a yong Gentleman 's now banished His Country and my hopes , his rivall labours To make me his , my Father resolute , I should consent , till Fortune changed , but Lessened not my sufferings ; for our Prince LYSICLES ruines me with the honour of his search . MO. Does EVGENIO know you love him ? HER. No . MO. Why does he doubt it ? HER. A womanish scorne to have my love reveal'd , Made me receive his declaration of it , As an affront unto my honour . And when he came to take his leave , I left him in the opinion I would obey my Father . MO. I 've heard as much ; but contradictions In the Princes actions doe amaze me : They say he loves your friend , and labours now For to recall him , and that every Night He courts his former flame , hid in the ashes Of his lost Mistresse . HER. By this judge how miserable I am ? That my malignant Starres force them to change Nature and Vertue too , that else would shine , Unmoved like the Starre , that does direct The wandering Sea-men : must then Nature change , And will not Fortune cease to persecute ? Good gods ; I will submit to all but breach of faith . MO. They will not heare us Madam , unlesse we Contribute to their aide our best indeavours . I have thought a way may for a time secure you ; You must dissemble with the Prince , and seeme To love ERGASTO . 'T is not impossible , but he seeing you Preferre one so beneath him , may provoke A just neglect from him ; then for ERGASTO , Besides the time you gaine , there may succeed A thousand waies to hinder his pretence . HER. Can my heart e're consent my tongue should say , I am to any other but EVGENIO ? No my deare Love , though cruell Fate hath sever'd My vow'd embraces , yet hath Death Ice enough To fright all others from them . MO. I see Love is a Child still , what a trifle Doth now disturbe him : You will not get your health O' th price of saying you are sicke ; I know There is another remedy more proportion'd for your disease , But not for you that suffer , which is this : Tell the Prince that you 're engag'd , but he That broke with vowes and friendship , for your love , Will not desist for such suppos'd slight lets , And then your Father will force you to his will . HER. If the Prince leave me , it is most certaine He 'le use his power to make me take ERGASTO . MO. Those that in dangers that doe presse them nearely , Will not resolve , Upon some hazard , and give leave to chance To governe what our knowledge cannot hinder , Must sit still , and waite their preservation from a miracle . HER. I am determin'd ; for knives , fire , and Seas shall lose Their qualities , ' ere Fate shall make me his : And if Death cannot be shun'd , I 'le meet it boldly . Enter IRENE . IR. Cozen , the Prince is come to see you . MO. Good Madam use some meanes that I may speake With him before he goes ; my heart doth promise I shall doe something in your service , and Be sure when he first speakes of love , seeme not To understand him . Exit . Enter LYSICLES . LY. Madam , I have beg'd leave of your Noble Father , To offer up my selfe a servant to your vertues . HER. It is a grace our family must boast of , That you descend to visit those that stile Themselves your creatures , made such by your goodnesse , Which we can onely pay by frequent praiers , That your Line may last , as glorious to Posterity , as your now living fame is . LY. Madam , you were not wont , by a feigned praise , To scorne those that admire you ; or would you thus Insinuate what I should be , by telling Me I am , what I must ever aime at . HER. Were there proportion 'twixt our births my Lord , ' I would ill become a Virgins mouth to utter How much you doe deserve , that will excuse , When I shall say , our Greece ne're saw your equall . LY. I did not thinke I ever could be mov'd With my owne praise , but now my happinesse So much depends , that you shall truely thinke What now you utter of me ; that I glory My actions are thus favour'd by your judgement . HER. We must forget our safeties , and the gods , Whose Instrument you were of our deliverance , When we are silent of the mighty Debt This Kingdome owes your courage . LY. This declaration of your favouring me , will plead My pardon , if I doe omit the Ceremoniall circumstance , Which usually makes way for this great truth I now must utter . Madam , I doe love Your vertues with that adoration , That the all-seeing Sunne does not behold A Lady that I love with equall ardour . Our friends have most power over us , both Doe second my desires of joyning us In the sacred tye of Marriage . HER. My Lord , I thought at first how ill my words Became a Virgins but give 'em the right sence They were design'd , which was to speake you truely , Not with a flatt'ring ambition : They might engage you to the love of one So farre unequall , if I have ever gain'd Any thing on your goodnesse , I 'le not lose it By foolishly aspiring to that height , You must in honour dispossesse me of When I was seated : Marry you my Lord ! The King , our neighbour Princes , all good men Must curse me as a staine to those great vertues You 're the single Lord of ; if you speake this to try What easie conquest you can make of all , You faintly but pretend to , I 'le confesse The weakenesse of our Sexe , who would be prouder Onely to have the shewes of your affection , Than reall loves of any they can hope With Justice to attaine to . LY. What ever I deserve , The gods have largely recompenc'd my intent Of doing vertuously , if it hath gain'd so much Upon your goodnesse , as to make a way for my affection . HER. My Lord , I doe not understand you . LY. Pardon me dearest Lady , if my words Too boldly doe deliver what my actions And frequent services should first have smooth'd The way they are to take , my Happinesse So nearely is concern'd , you shall approve Me for your Servant , that I trembling hast , To know what rigours or what joyes expect me . But ere you doe begin to speake my Fate , Know whom you doe condemne , or whom make happy : One , that when misery had made so wretched , That it ravisht his desires to change , Whose eyes were turned inward on his griefe , Pleas'd with no object but what caus'd their teares , Your beauty onely rais'd from his darke seate Of circling sorrowes , lighting me a hope By you I might receive all happinesse , The gods have made my heart capacious of . HER. Good my Lord , give me leave againe to say , I dare not understand you , you are too noble To glory in the conquest of a heart That ever hath admir'd you , and to thinke You can so farre forget your Birth and Vertue , As to beleeve me fit to be your Wife , Were a presumption , that swelling pride Must be the father of , which never yet My heart could be ally'd to : continue Prince , Be the example of a constant love , And let not your MILESIA'S ashes shrinke With a new piercing cold , which they will feele I' th' instant , that your heart shall be consenting To any new affection , and give me leave to say , Your mind can ne're admit a noble Love , If it hath banisht hers your memory . LY. Must that be argument of cruelty , Which should be cause of pitty ? And will you Assume the Patronage of envious Fortune By adding torments unto her affliction ? Must I be miserable in loosing you , Because the gods thought me unworthy her ? Did I so easily digest her death , That I want pitty , and am thought unworthy Of all succeeding love ? Witnesse my losse of joyes , if sorrow could Have kill'd me , I had not liv'd to shew you mercy . HER. Protect me Vertue , Pardon me my Lord , I know your griefes How great and just they are , and onely meant By mentioning MILESIA , to confesse How much unworthy I am to succeed her In your affection , which though you bent As low as I durst raise my selfe to reach , 'T were now impiety for me to graspe , I being no more my owne disposer . LY. Ha , what Fate hath ta'ne you from your selfe : HER. The Lord ERGASTO'S importunitie , Whom though at first no inclination Of mine made me affect his vowes , Hath vanisht my determination , I finding nothing in my selfe deserving The constancy of his affection to me , Besides my Fathers often urging me To make my choice obeying his commands , And threatning misery , if I declin'd the least , Knowing his violent nature , I consented To a contract 'twixt me and the Lord ENGASTO . LY. Oh the prophesies of my unjust feares how true My heart fore-told you ! Madam , it cannot be you should affect One that hath no desert , but what you give , By making him a part of you , my hopes Though alwaies blasted , could not apprehend A feare from him : I should be happy yet , If any worthy love shadowed my shame Of being refus'd by you . HER. Give not my want of power to serve your Grace , The cruell Title of refusing you . Your merits are so great , you may assure Your selfe of all you can desire that 's possible To grant , whom thousand worthier than my selfe Would kneele to . By my life , if my Faith were not given , I would Here offer up my selfe to be dispos'd by you . Though no ambitious pride could flatter me , You could descend to raise me to your height . LY. Must this be added to my former griefes ? That in the instant you professe to pittie What I must suffer in your losse ; your vertue , For which I admire you , must exclude My hopes of ever changing your resolves : Yet let my vowes gaine thus much of you , That for a Month you will not marry him ; I know your Father will not force you to 't , For he not knowing what hath pass'd betweene you , Consented to this visit . HER. By all things holy this I sweare to doe , Though violent Diseases should enclose me Till the Priest joyn'd our hands ; yet if you please Let not my Father know , but he 's the cause , I dare not looke upon the mightie blessing Your love doth promise . LY. May I not know the reason ? HER. That he may know , that this unquestion'd power Hath forc'd me to that errour , which himselfe , And I , must ever mourne unpittied . LY. Now you throw Oyle upon the wound you make : I may be ignorant of all things else , But of my want of merit to deserve I am most perfect in : be happy Lady , He that enjoyes you shall not neede that praier : My Fathers businesse calls me . HER. Let me intreate you , that you 'le see a Lady , Whose vertues doe deserve the honour of our knowledge . LY. What is shee ? HER. An Egyptian Lady , lately come to Cirrha . LY. I have heard of her ; they say she knowes our Actions past , and future . HER. When you know her , you will beleeve me , That vertue chose that darke inhabitation , To hide her Treasure from the envious world . I le call her to your Grace . Enter ACANTHE . HER. Madam , this is the Prince . He salutes her . MO. You neede not tell me it , though this be the first Time that I saw him since I came to Cirrha , His Fame doth make him knowne to all that are Remotest from him . LY. My miseries indeede have made it great ; For all things else I should be more Beholding unto silence , than the voice Of my most partiall friends : Why doe you gaze upon me so ? MO. Have you not lately lost a Lady that did love you dearly ? LY. If you doe measure time by what I suffer , My undiminish'd griefe tells me but now : But now I lost her , if the sad Minutes , That have oppressd me since the fatall stroake , It is an age eternity of torments I have felt . MO. Good Sir , with-draw a little , I shall deliver They whisper . What you beleeve , none know besides my selfe . LY. Most true it is , what god that heard our Vowes hath told it you ? But if your eies pierce farther in their secrets Than our weake fancies can give credit to , Tell me if where she is , she can discerne and know my actions ? MO. Most perfectly she does , and mournes your losse of faith , That now beginne after so many vowes , So many oathes you would be onely hers , To thinke of a new choise . LY. This may be conspiracy . I le trie it further . MO. Had you beene snacht from her , and for her sake Murther'd , as she for you , your Urnes cold ashes Should have hid her fire of faithfull love . Pardon me my Lord . Her injur'd spirit inspires me with this boldnesse . LY. I am certaine , this is no inspiration of the gods , It cannot be she should consent , my faith Should be the ruine of my name and memory , Which necessarily must follow , if vertuous love Did not continue it to future ages . MO. Fame of a constant lover will eternize it More than a numerous issue ; would you heare Her selfe expresse her sorrow ? LY. If I should desire it , it were impossible . MO. You conclude too fast : if this night you 'le come Unto her Tombe , you there shall see her . LY. Though she bring Thunder in her hand , I will not faile to come . And though I cannot credit that your power can procure it , My hope 's it should be so , will overcome my reason . Ladies , I am your servant . Exit . MO. Madam , I cannot stay to know particulars , Of what hath pass'd betwixt you and the Prince : Onely tell me how he relisht your saying , you Were promis'd to ERGASTO ? HER. Respects to one I seem'd to have made choise of , Made him forbeare his Character : But shall not I be punish'd seeming to prefer , One so unworthy both to EVGENIO , and this noble Prince ? MO. The gods give us permission to be false , When they exclude us from all other waies , Which may preserve our faith . Longer I dare not stay , I am your servant . Exeunt . Enter ERGASTO , CLEON , FORMIO . ER. Now we are met , what shall we doe to keep us together ? PH. Let 's take some argument may last an houre of mirth . CL. If you 'le have ERGASTO be of the parley , it must Be of the Ladies , for he is desperately in love . PH. If the disease grow old in him , I 'le pay the physitian ; But be it so , and let it be lawfull to change as often as we will . ER. What the Ladies ? PH. The discourse of them , and themselves too , if we Could arrive to it : but what is she you love ? ER. One that I would sacrifice halfe my life , To have but a weekes enjoying of . PH. At these games of love we set all ; but the best is , We cannot stake , and there 's no losse of credit in the breaking . CLEON , hast thou seene him with his Mistresse ? CL. Yes ; and he stands gazing on her , as if he were begging Of an Almes . PH. 'T is not ill done ; but does he not speake to her ? CL. Never , but in Hyperbolies ; tels her , her eyes are Stars , Which Astronomers should onely study to know our Fate by . PH. 'T is not amisse , if she have neither of the extreames . CL. What doe you intend ? PH. I meane , neither so ill favoured , as to have No ground for what we say , for their beleefe Will hardly enter ; nor so handsome , as to have It often spoken to her : For your indifferent beauties Are those whom flattery surpriseth , there being So naturall a love and opinion of our selves , That we are adapted to beleeve that men are rather Deceived in us , than abuse us . ER. Your limitation takes away much of my answer : But grant all that you say , I have no hope of Obtaining my Mistresse . PH. Then thou hast yet a yeare of happinesse : But why I prethee ? ER. She is so deserving , she thinkes none worthy Of her affections , and so can love none . PH. You have more cause to doubt , that she will never Affect you , than that already she is not in love : What a yong handsome Lady , that carries the flame of her heart in her cheeks , not have yet seen any one to desire ? 't is impossible . ER. I was of your minde , till I had experience Of the contrary . PH. Conceites of your selfe , makes you of the opinion I mention'd : You thinke 't is impossible for all men , What you cannot attaine to ; what Arts Have you us'd to gaine her ? CL. He knowes none but distilling sighes At the Altar of her beauty . PH. i he be subject to that frenzie , I will Counsell him to take any Trade upon him Rather than that of Love . ER. And doe you thinke there is any thing fitter To call downe affection than submission ? PH. Nothing more opposite for languishing transports ; Whinings and Melancholy makes us more laught at , Than belov'd of our Mistresses ; and with reason : For why should we hope to deserve their favours , When we confesse we merit not a lawfull esteeme of our selves ? CL. I have knowne some their Mistresses have forsaken , Onely because they were certaine the world tooke notice They were deepely in love with them . PH. And they did wisely ; for the victory being got , They were to prepare for a new Triumph , and Not like your City Officers , ride still with the Same Liveries . Some I confesse , have miscarry'd In it , but 't was because their provision of Beauty was spent before they came to composition . ER. Thou wer 't an excellent foole in a chamber , if you Continue , you 'le be so in a Comedie : Dost beleeve Thau canst swagger them out of their loves ? PH. Sooner than soften their hearts by my teares , And though a River should run through me , I would seale up my eies , before a drop should Come that way : for our unmanly submissions Raise them to that height , that they thinke We are largely favour'd , if they hearken to us with contempt . ER. 'T is safer they should do so , than hate us for our insolence . PH. If thou hast ever beene us'd to talke sence , I should wonder at thee now : why I should Sooner hope to gaine a Lady after the Murther Of her familie , than after she had an opinion I deserv'd to be slighted by her . CL. 'Fore VENVS he talkes with Authority : I know Not well what he has said , but methinkes There is something in it : prithee let 's hearken to him . PH. Doe ; and if I doe not dispossesse you of all your Opinions , let me be — ER. You must deale by inchantment then ; for I am Resolv'd to sticke to my conclusions . PH. 'T is the best hold-fast your foolish Devill has , But strong reasons shall be your Exorcisme . Tell me first what is she you love ? ER. Would I could . PH. Then for all thy jesting , there 's some hope Thou art yet in thy wits . ER. You mistake me ; I meane I could not tell , because No Tongue can speake her to her merit . PH. Heyda , if the Ballad of the Rose and the Honey-combe Doe not doe it more than she deserves , or almost any woman , Let me be condemn'd to sing the funerals of Parrats . CL. Would the Ladies heard you . PH. They would beleeve me , though they would be Sorry your Honours should : but what , this love Has it transform'd us all ? CLEON , you can tell Who 't is he thus admires ? CL. Yes , and will ; 't is HERMIONE , PINDARVS his heire . PH , What EPICTETVS in a petti-coate ? she that disputes love into nothing , or what 's worse , a friendship with a woman ? CL. The same , and I know you 'le confesse shee 's deserving PH. Yes , but the mischiefe is , shee 'le ne're thinke so Of him : If POLYGAMY were in fashion , I would Perswade him to marrie her , to be Governesse to the rest , But not till then , wouldst thou be content To lye with a Statue , that will never confesse more of love , Than suffering the effects of thine ? CL. And have his liberties in the discourse of her friends , That her retirednesse may be more magnified . PH. Beleeve me ERGASTO , these severe beauties , that Are to be look'd on with the eyes of respect , Are not for us : we must have them that love to Be prais'd more for faire Ladies , than judicious . ER. You mistake me gentlemen , I chuse for my self , not for you . PH. Faith for that , who ever marries , must sacrifice To Fortune , and she , whose wisedome makes her Snow to you , may be Fire to another : Some odde Wrinkled fellow , that conquers her with wit , May throw her on her backe with reason . Take This from the Oracle , that for the generall Calamity of Husbands , all women are reputed Vicious , and for the quiet of particulars , Every one thinkes his wife the Phoenix . ER. You have met with rare Fortunes . PH. Calumnie is so generall , that Truth has lost Her credit : But to th' purpose , what Rivalls ? what hopes ? CL. A potent Rivall takes away all ; LYSICLES does woe her . PH. Good night , I will dispute it no more , whether thou Shouldst have her , or no ; for now I conclude , it is impossible . ER. I had her Fathers firm consent before he declar'd himselfe . PH. Though thou hadst hers too , be wise , and dispaire Betimes : In this point Women are Common-wealths , And are oblig'd to their faiths no farther Than the safety and honour of the State is Concern'd : If thou wer 't the first example , I Would excuse thee for being the first cozen'd . But stay , who 's here ? Enter PHILLIDA vail'd , beckons to ERGASTO . O' my conscience , an Embassage from some of Your kind Mistresses , that would faine take their Leaves before you goe to captivity . ER. Is 't possible ? PHI. She desires you to see her , and beleeve that ambition Cannot gaine more upon her than your affection . ER. Take this Ring , and this . PHIL. I dare not Sir . ER. I 'le pay thy Dowry then within this halfe houre ; I 'le waite on her . Exit PHILLIDA . CL. From what part of the Towne came this faire day In a Cloud , that makes you looke so cheerefully ? ER. A las Gentlemen , I was borne to know nothing Of love , but sighes and despaires . I can be servant to none that have the election of two . CL. Unriddle , unriddle . HER. 'T was the servant of HERMIONE that came to Have nie waite upon her Lady . CL. PHORMIO , what doe you thinke of this ? PH. I wo'not thinke at all , for feare I judge amisse . The Mazes of a woman are so intricate , no Precept can secure us : yet this I am resolv'd on , Shee will not love you . CL. Why sent she for him then ? PH. The Divell that advis'd her can tell you , they Will not lose a servant whilst he lives , Though they command him to be murdred : 't is the Woman Art , if they perceive a lover to desist Through feare , distrust , or harsher usage , they Open him the Heaven of their beauty , in smiles , And yeelding lookes , and with their eyes doe melt The ice of doubts their feares contracted : perhaps Prince LYSICLES spurs coldly , whilst he rides Alone , and you must straine to make him goe The faster : EVGENIO too was servant to your Mistresse , and LYSICLES and he parted good friends . Should I thinke all the waies they have to cozen Us , 't were endlesse : but I le along with you , And ghesse at more . Exeunt .
ACT. 3. SCAE. 1. Enter HERMIONE , IRENE , PINDARVS following . PIN. Tell my Lord LYSICLES , I wil attend him in the walks . Where 's this ungratefull child , whom the just gods Have curs'd so much , they will not let her take The blessings they doe offer ? HER. Here Sir , on her knees , begging your pardon , or your pitty . PIN. Canst thou hope either from my injur'd patience , Vext by thy folly into rage and madnesse , What colour now to cover disobedience ? Is LYSICLES unworthy ? or your knowledge , Does it pierce farther than the eyes of all Into EVGENIO'S vertues ? I tremble When I thinke thou maist have cause To know him to thy shame : doe not confesse it , By the just gods if I doe come to know it , I le sacrifice thee on thy Mothers Tombe . HER. What secret sinne calls downe this punishment ? That I should be accused of a fault I dare not heare the sound of . Adde not Sir Suspitions of new crimes unto your rage ; The faults I have committed are enough to arme Your Justice ; bring me to the Tombe , And kill me there , my Mothers Ghost will smile To see my blood shed to preserve my faith . PIN. Your faith ? HER. Yes Sir : Nor is my disobedience so swolne , As you endeare it by your passion : I now obey your generall commands , Of doing vertuously in loving him You did applaud , whilst my poore brother liv'd . PIN. But you are not the same , 't was never meant He should enjoy you if your brother died . HER. I was not made acquainted with so much , But strengthned by your approbation , Gave up my will to his , and vowes to heaven to know no other man for husband . PIN. Nor I no childe , if you continue thus : Nor will I argue more to make you doubt , I am not resolute in my intents : A live or dead I le give thee in the hands of LYSICLES . HER. Good gods , if you are mov'd with teares , grant This a tryall onely of the weake proportion Of vertue you have lent me , not the overthrow . IR. How is it dearest Cozen ? HER. As with a Martyr , almost as much pleas'd with Knowledge what I dare to suffer for EVGENIO , As griev'd with my affliction : Fortune in her Malice has given me yet a field to exercise My faith and love to him I doe adore . IR. Whilst you beleeve you have such cause to grieve , All comforts seeme importunate ; but yet Prince LYSICLES — HER. But what ? Forbeare , I feare thy thoughts Are poyson'd , which thou wouldst faine infuse To wound my constancy . IR. Sure there is Magick in that mysticke name , It could not else divide us from our reason : What Law , what faith can binde us to remove Love of our selves , and reverence to our parents ? You must forgive this ; your EVGENIO , If he were here , must speake as J doe now , Granting his love be great as his profession , For that must have reflexion on your peace , Not bargaining for his owne happinesse With the price of the intire destruction Of yours : what is t you feare report ? It will reproach your being obstinate , Or breach of faith : D' ee feare ? The gods for you have made it not a fault , Proposing such an object as Prince LYSICLES . HER. Who ever had a misery like mine ? All that are griev'd have yet the liberty And ease of their complaints , or pittying friends , J am excluded both ; for my misfortune Is masqu'd with happinesse , and if I grieve Such comforts as we give to those complaine Of being too rich , have I smiles of contempt . JR. If it be thus , retire into your reason , And for a time forget your passion . D' ec thinke that all the names of vertue shrinke Into the sound of constancy ? Must this Make you forget the debt that you doe owe Unto your Father , friends , and to your selfe ; Their houses honour , and your happinesse , Is LYSICLES lesse worthy than his Rivall ? HER. No more , their vertues that exceedes all other mens , In them are equall . IR. But yet their fortune is not . HER. 'T is confess'd : nor never any man had juster claime Than he against her ; rich in all vertues , That make men desir'd : her narrow hand Excludes him , unwonted to bestow Her treasure there where an excesse of merit Would make her gifts but seeme the pay of vertue , Not favours of her partiall love . Enter ACANTHE ( the Moore . Oh you are welcome . Here behold a Rocke That stands the shame of the impetuous windes , And the swolne Seas . MO. Has there beene any new stormes since I went ? HER. O yes , and more endangering songs of Syrens : A flourishing Land propos'd , on which I might Have shipwrackt with delight . MO. I thinke I understand you . HER. You must needs : It was Prince LYSICLES presented in his lustre , Gainst whom I arm'd the vertues of my friend , And my owne faith irresolute to whom The victory should yeeld : at last I left My heart , the prize , to both divided . MO. To both divided ? HER. Yes , the Prince hath the adoration of my heart , EVGENIO the love . MO. What Fires , what Seas must your EVGENIO passe , To make him worthy you ? me thinkes I feele His soule sigh for a tryall of his faith . HER. We both have had satiety of that : But can you bring no comfort ? have the gods Shut up their Oracles , as well as mercy ? Though they will give no ease , they might advise , That we may put off misery by death . MO. They seldome let us know what is to come , That we may still implore their aide to helpe us : Yet something I can tell , if hope or force Shall make you deviate from your resolve , You are the subject of their hate : or if You measure your or their affection By merit , or advantages of fortune , You are the marke of all disasters . HER. I have complain'd unjustly of the gods , They favour me so much , they doe applaud My resolution for EVGENIO . Merits in others , I will close my eyes From the blest Sunne , before they shall take in An object that may startle my firme faith . MO. Be constant , and be happy , when you meet With opposition that may shake your judgement . Remember what affliction 't is to weepe A fault irrepairable , and thinke not Reason can pacifie your fathers rage : You must oppose your passion unto his , And love will be victorious , being the noblest : To morrow I will bring more certaine councell . Exit . HER. Where cannot vertue dwell ? what a still shade Hath shee found out to live securely in From the attempts of men ? Come my IRENE , Though thou hast spoken treason against my love , 'Cause thine did produce it , I must thanke thee . Let 's in , and fortifie our selves with some sad tale of those , whose perjur'd loves have made them live Hated , and dye most miserable . Enter IRENE and PHILLIDA . PH. If J should weepe as my Lady does , for all the Servants I have lost ? IR. Thou wouldst weepe in thy grave PHILLIDA : yet the Worst is , thou wilt lose more within this seven Yeares , than thou hast got in ten : for men are Changeable sweete PHILLIDA . PH. And our faces were not 't were no matter , They should make haste , or we she should overtake them , Or prevent them ; a commodity of beauty that Would last forty yeares would beare a good price Madam . IR. By Venus would it PHILLIDA , as high as that of honour . PH. But is not my Lady a strange woman to weepe Thus for one servant , when she has another in His place ? for my part , I could never finde such Differences in men to be sad when I had any . IR. And thy word may be taken as soone as any wenches In Greece , or there be slanderers in the world : But she affects constancy . PH. Some ill-favour'd woman , that meant to preserve Her last purchase which her want of beauty Forfeited , invented that name . IR. Th' art in the right PHILLIDA , this inconstancy is A Monster without teeth , for it devoures none , Make no Sonne weare happy mourning , nor Mother childlesse : and for my part , I am of Opinion that the gods give a blessing to it , for None live happier , than those that have greatest Aboundance of it . PH. What is got by this whining constancy , but the losse Of that beauty for one servant , which would procure us The Vowes , Sacrifice , and service of a thousand ? IR. Enough of this ; wer 't thou with Ergasto ? PH. Yes , and told him that my Lady sent for him : But to what intent did you make me lye ? IR. Thou art so good natur'd , that thou wilt pardon Such a trifle for one Reason , but I have two : The first is , I would faine speake with him , The other knowing my Cozen to be in an ill humour , If he presse to see her , I hope she will give him such an answer , That he shall never dare to speake to her more . PH. These men have lesse reason than Mice , they would Know else how to shift places , and shelter themselves From a storme . If I were a man , and lost the happinesse Of seeing my Mistresse two daies , I should Lose the desire the third : Doe you sigh Madam ? you are in love too ? IR. As far as goes to sighing , but no dying for their breeches . PH. I 'le be your Compurgator for the handle of a Fan : I know many love has brought into the world , But let out none : has he pierc'd you , ha ? IR. Oh no , my skin was alwaies proofe against his Dart ; But he once found me laughing , and so thrust it Downe to my heart . PH. Looke to it , though 't is but a little weapon , but I have knowne it make greater swellings than The sting of a Bee . Doe you long for a man ? IR. Yes , a Husbandman , and let the gods after take care For my children . PH. You 'le find enow to doe it : is the Moore still with My Lady ? IR. I left her with her . PH. 'T is a shame such people should be suffered Neere the Court . IR. Why prethee ? PH. As 't is , there be so many inquisitive Rascalls , That we have much adoe to keepe matters secret ; But if in dispite of our care they be devulg'd , We shall be defamed on the exchanges . IR. Thou hast reason , but shee is secret as the night she resembles . PH. Is she ? I would faine aske her one question : But , t is no matter , 't is but taking Physick at the worst . IR. If thou talk'st a little longer , I shall guesse as much As she knowes : but who 's here ? Ergasto , Formio , Cleon , talking at the doore . PHO. Ne're fright me with the lightning of her eies : On me she may open or shut her eies as she please , But my happinesse is not at her disposing . CL. If thou prov'st a Lover , my next Song is begun . PHO. I will not deny but I may love her if she please : But if she be not pleas'd with my love , if it continue Two Houres , I 'le give her leave to tye me to her Monkey . CL. Looke , Ergasto has found two of the Ladies , And has set his face to begin to them . PHO. In Verse , or prose ? CL. We shall heare , if we draw nearer : a good evening Ladies . IR. We thanke you my Lords , but if we were superstitious , Your company were no good Omen . PH. Why I beseech you ? ER. Nay , I am no Expositer ; you come my Lord , To see my Cozen Hermione ? ER. I doe Madam , And should be proud to heare I live in her memory . IR. Can you doubt it ? I 'le assure you , you doe , shee 's Never troubled with any thing , but you presently Are call'd into the comparison with it ; her Teeth Cannot ake , but she sweares it is almost as great a vexation As your love : if any dye out of her pitty to save the teares Of a few mourners , she wishes it were you . ER. If I heard her desire it , she should quickly have her wish . IR. She would be glad on 't o' my conscience , though The scruple of having you doe any thing for her sake Would trouble her a little , yet I can teach you To make advantage of all this . PH. What advantage my delicate sweet Lady ? IR. A very great one Six : For first beleeve He desires nothing more , than to be assured She esteemes him for her Servant . PH. Right ; but does this usage shew it ? IR. Most evidently : for being thus severe to none else , T is manifest she confesseth a power over him , and paies His Services with this coine of scorne and contempt , And having her stampe upon 't , he is bound to accept it . CL. What thinke you of this Phormio ? PHO. A most excellent Girle , would she were poore . CL. Why poore ? PHO. She would live rarely by her — CL, What ? PH. Wit , I would be a good customer . IR. 'T would please you to heare with what Arguments She justifies this cruelty , and sweares it is not Revenge enough for spoyling her good nature . ER. I , her good nature . PHO. Nay , let her goe on , I 'le hearken an Age . IR. Yes , you , by suthing her undeserved scorne , have bred Such a delight and habite of it in her , that she Can hardly forbeare it , when she strives to be Complaisant to her best friends ; and to say truth , We are all endangered by such as you , when we see That frownes procure us knees , and kind usage Scarce gets us two good morrows . PHO. If ever there were a Sibyll at sixteene , this Lady is one By this day you have a high place in my heart . IR. In your heart ? PHO. Nay , dispise it not , you 'le find good company there . IR. But I love to be alone . PHO. And I would saine meete you when you are so . Will you give me leave to speake with your Scholler ? Hermione and Acanthe above . IR. If you be his friend , teach him to be wife . PHO. For your sake I will doe all I can : ERGASTO , Wilt thou be happy ? Marry this Lady : Wilt thou be Reveng'd on thy proud Mistrosse ? marry her : Wilt thou be sure to Father , wife , children doe as I bid thee . ER. I will deale truely with thee ; she has taken My heart out of HERMIONES keeping . PH. Be thankefull , and bestow it upon her in recompence : She will accept it , doubt not ; she has taken such paines To redeeme it : looke how she casts her eies upon thee : Shee 's thine owne for ever , and has beene long . ER. I am desperately in love . PH. Marrie , and get out of it ; there may be some little straining At the first offer of the present , but if she send not for it Before you get home , I le ne're trust my eies more . PHILLIDA steales away , CLEON followes . ER. I le attempt it , let what will follow . PH. Be confident , and prosper . ER. Madam , what would you expect from him You had redeem'd from captivity ? IR. The disposing of his liberty . ER. 'T is just , but this may be no great favour to the slave , If his misery be onely altred , not lessen'd . PH. You are little curious ; why doe you aske who This concernes ? well , I 'le tell you , you have redeem'd ERGASTO , and he kneeles to know your commands . Whil'st he kneeles , Hermione and the Moore looke downe from the window . MO. You may beleeve her Madam , she loves him , Now you may revenge her , perswading you to leave EVGENIO , by smiling on Ergasto ; 't will advance Your Cozens ends too , if you doe as I le advise you , whilst we descend . IR. 'T is festivall to day my Lords , and so I admit This mirth : but to morrow I will tell you ; I am no more Inclin'd to love than my Cozen Hermione . ER. But you can suffer your selfe to be belov'd ? IR. I thinke I can . PH. He 'le aske no more , But leave the rest to his respects and services . IR. But you consider not whom you may offend in this mirth . ER. I 'le ne re consider whom I offend in loving you : I wish her beauty centupled , that my first Obligation To you might be , leaving her : by this faire hand I 'le never name any but you for Mistresse . IR. I may beleeve you , when Time and your actions Shall tell it me as well as your words . PHO. You wrong your beauty , to expect an assurance From time , ordinarie faces require it , to perfect The Impressions they make : yours strikes like lightning , In an instant ; if he did not adore you till now , You must attribute it to some fascination : But his judgment clear'd , he will be forc'd To continue the adoration he has begun . Enter HERMIONE , MOORE , PHILLIDA , CLEON , they find ERGASTO kneeling . PHO. Who 's that ? ER. The Moore you heard of . PHO. I have a strange Capriccio of love enter'd me : I must Court that shade . HER. How now my Lord , Courting another Mistresse ? I see I must locke up my winds , Or you will seeke the nearest harbour . ER. Excluded by your rigour , Madam , I was intreating Your faire Cozen to present my vowes . HER. Was it no more ? ER. No more , you cannot doubt it Madam , turne in Your eyes upon your beauties and perfections , and they Will tell you , how impossible it is to lose the Empire They have gain'd upon our hearts and wills : Fortune and want of merit may make me lose The hope of your faire graces , but never so much Traitor , As to pay homage to any other beauty , or change The resolution I have fix'd to be your servant onely . HER. I thanke you Sir : my Sexe will be my pardon If I returne not equall thankes ; we thinke if any Manumit before we license them to part , They doe usurpe a power is ours by nature : the posture I found you in , was more than ordinary courtship gives . ER. You might condemne it , had not you beene the Cause on 't : I never thinke your Name , but with A Reverence great as I pay the gods ; and they Allow us bending to their Images when we Transferre our vowes : The faire Irene is worthy all , Have not the hope of you , but whilst you give me leave To cherish that ambition ; I must not owne So great an injury , as to admit the profer'd love of those Who are so distant from your merit . HER. 'T was unkindly done to undermine me . ER. In her presence I will confirme this to you . HER. You shall oblige me since she has wrong'd me : Irene harke you . They talke in private . After a long whisper , the Moore strives to goe from Phormio , he holds her . PHO. In the name of darknesse , d' ee thinke I am not In earnest , that you coy it thus ? MO. Forbeare uncivill Lord . She goes from him . CL. Do'st thou not see that all the fire is out of the coale ? If thou would'st have it burne , lay thy lips To the sparke that 's left , and blow it into flame . PH. What wouldst thou have me doe ? CL. Kisse her . PH. Not for five hundred Crownes . CL. Wouldst lye with her , and not kisse her ? PH. Yes , and can give reasons for 't besides experience , And when this act is knowne , this resolute Incounter , rich widdowes of threescore will Not doubt my prowesse . Hermione , Irene , Ergasto breake off their private talke IR. As I live he swore all this to me . HE. Hide thee inconstant man , thou art so false Thy oathes doe serve thee for no other use But to condemne thee , not to get beleefe : Be gone , and leave to love , till thou hast found The way to truth , and let not vanity cozen you To beleeve that I am mov'd , because you change . A thousand other imperfections Have made me hate thee : yet I chose this way To let thee know 't , that deprehended with the Blacke marke upon thee , thou maist not dare To trouble me againe . ER. Madam . HE. There may be some , that for their secret sinnes The gods will punish making them love you , Chuse amongst them , Irene , I will hope , though she Be credulous , will learne by this , how far 't is safe to trust you . MO. This was well manag'd . PH. What Mountaine Have you pierc'd , that hath sent forth this wind since I left you ? ER. I have undone my selfe for ever . PH. As how ? ER. I told Hermione I never lov'd Irene . CL. Did she heare it ? ER. Oh yes , it mought have beene for sworne else . CL. The Divell thou hast ? ER. Aske him , he made me do 't . CL. What course will you take to redeeme your fault ? ER. A precipice , as being asham'd to live any longer . PH, A halter you shall as soone : come , come , I le intercede And be your surety : Looke , she staies to pardon You ; downe on your knees . She goes away , Phormio puls her backe , Ergasto kneeles , holds up his hands , his cloake over his face . PH.

Oh my sweet Lady , be mercifull like the gods you resemble ; they have as often pardon in their hands as Thunder : And the truth is , if they will not forgive this fault of inconstancy , they must live alone , or at least without men . This was the last gaspe of his dying friendship to her , And now he is entirely yours .

IR. He has not wrong'd me . PH. Fie , say not so , that 's as great an injurie as not Pardoning him : he has , and shall come naked To receive his punishment . See he dares not looke For comfort , let him take it in at his eares . IR. Pray content your selfe with the time you have Made me lose , and let me goe . PH. Never till you pardon him . IR. I will doe any thing for my release , if he has Offended me , let him learne hereafter to Speake truer than he sweares ; and in time He may get credit . PH. 'T is enough . ER. Is she gone ? PH. Yes . ER. How did she looke ? PH. Faith asham'd , she lov'd you so well , and sorry she Had no reason to love you better . PH. 'T is an excellent Lady . PH. If I could make Joynters , I would not take this Paines for your honour . Cleon whither slip you ? CL. After Phillida . PH. And what successe ? CL. POX on 't , these waiting women will not deale unlesse They have earnest in their hands , and I was unprovided . PH. Away unthrift . Exeunt .
Act. 4 SCAE. 1. Enter LYSICLES . LY. This is the houre powerfull Acanthe promis'd , I should once more behold my lost Milesia . Pardon me reason , that my wither'd hopes Rebell against thy force , a happinesse So mighty is oppos'd unto thy doubts , That I le devest my selfe for ever of thee , Rather than not beleeve impossibles , That bring such comforts to my languisht soule . Haile holy Treasurer of all the wealth Nature e're lent the world , be still the envy Of the proud Monuments that doe enclose The glorious Titles of great Conquerors . Let no prophane aire pierce thee but my sighes , MILESIA riseth like a ghost . Let them have entrance whilst my teares doe warme Thy colder Marble . — Ha , what Miracle , Are the gods pleas'd to worke to ease affliction ? The Phoenix is created from her ashes , Pure as the flames that made 'em : still the same , The same Milesia ! Heaven does confesse in this , That she can onely adde unto thy beauty , By making it immortall . Let it be lawfull for thy Lysicles , To touch thy sacred hand , and with it guide My wandring soule unto that part of Heaven , Thy beauty does enlighten . GHO, Forbeare , and heare me : if you approach , I vanish , Impious inconstant Lysicles , cannot This miracle of my reassuming A mortall shape , perswade thee there are gods To punish falsehood , that thou still persists In thy dissembling : doe not I know Thy heart is swolne with vowes thou hast laid up For thy Hermione , whom thou wouldst perswade , Thy narrow heart is capable of love By mocking of my ashes , and erecting Tombs to me , which are Indeed but Trophies of thy dead conquer'd love and vertue . LY. No more blest shape : I shall not thinke that thou descend'st from Heaven , If thou continuest thus in doubt of me ; Nor can there be a Hell where such formes are . The knowledge how thou com'st here , doth disturbe me ; Yet such a reverence I doe owe thy image , That I will lay before thee all my thoughts Spotlesse as Truth , then thou shalt tell the shades , How Fortune , though it made my love unhappy , Could not diminish it , nor presse it one degree From the proud height it was arrived to : How I did nightly pray to this sad Tombe , Bringing and taking fire of constant love From the cold ashes , how when incompast With thousand horrours Death had beene a rest , I did preferre a loath'd life to revenge my selfe , And her upon the murderer . GHO. I shall desire to live if this be true ; Nothing can adde a comfort where I am , But the assurance of your love : I know Faith is not tyed to passe the confines Of this life , yet Hermione's happinesse Does trouble me : You 'le thinke I lov'd you living , when dead , I am jealous of you . LY. Milesia , againe blest Saint , now I am sure thou art What thou resemblest , and do'st know my secret'st thought . But as the gods , of which thou art a part , Art not content with our hearts sacrifice , Unlesse our words confesse it : heare me then , If my thoughts e're consented to replant My love , may your dire Thunder light Upon my head , and sinke it downe so low , I may not see thy glories : I confesse My words have sacrific'd to Deities , I ne're ador'd those staines of love , My teares and friendship to the best of mén , I hope I have cancell'd for my Eugenio : I did pretend a love unto Hermione , Who else had sold her selfe unto the rage Of her offended Father ; had you liv'd , You would have pardon'd , when infidelity But personated did preserve a faith So holy as theirs was , this is my fault . GHO. My glory and my happinesse . LY. Yet this as oft I wept as I was forc'd ( For his deare cause ) to injure sacred love , Yet durst not but decline his severe Lawes , When my friends life excus'd the pious errour . GHO. Did you suspect her , that you conceal'd this from her ? LY. There is but one MILESIA , besides , If true , I meant her feares should aide My false disguise , which her quick-sighted Father Would else have pierc'd , who hates EVGENIO , And loves no vertue but what shines through wealth . LY. My best , best LYSICLES , I am againe in love , Thy holy flame doth lend me light to see My closed fires ; why did not Fate give me So large a field to exercise my Faith ? I envy thee this tryall , and would be Expos'd to dangers , that have yet no name , That I might meet thy love with equall merit . LY. The cause takes all away , and want of power Excuseth what I cannot yet expresse too much of me , But how our loves came to so sad a period , As yet in clouds I have onely seene , GHO. My Uncles cruelty and hate of you procur'd our separation . LY. But how knew he our loves ? though torment since Have wrung it from me , my joyes ever flow'd silent and calme . GHO. I know it , but we were betray'd By one that serv'd me , and the doubts confirm'd By the Moore you spake with yesterday . LY. Ha ? How came she to know it , she was not here . GHO. All that I ever did shee 's conscious of , And jealous of your love unto HERMIONE , Did place me here , to search into your thoughts , And now is prouder of this discovery , Thanifa Crowne were added to her . LY. To what strange Lawes does Heaven confine it selfe , That it will suffer them that dare be damn'd To have power over those it has selected , My teares and sacrifice could never gaine So much upon its mercy , as to lend Thy happy sight for one faint minutes comfort : Yet those that sell themselves to Hell , can force Thy quiet rest for inquisition on innocence , And to what purpose serves faith and religious secresie When Magick mocks and frustrates all our vowes ? This Moore then was confederate with your Uncles passion . GMO. She is the cause that I doe walke in shades . LY. And I will be , that she shall walke in Hell : With her I will begin , then seeke revenge Under the ruines of thy Uncles house : All men that dare to name him , and not curse His memory , shall feele the power Of my despised hate and friendship . GHO. My dearest Lysicles , promise to be But temperate in your anger , and I will Discover more than you yet hop'd to know . Enter Pindarus and servants . LY. As justice that 's concern'd to punish crimes , I will . GHO. Then know I was betrai'd . Oh love , here 's company , I must retire . PIN. Talking to graves at night , and making love i' th day : My Lord , I , nor my daughter have deserv'd this . LY. Pardon me Sir , I could doe no lesse , Being to take an everlasting farewell , but give this Visite to her memory : reserve your censure Till ten dayes be over , and if I doe not Satisfie you , condemne me . Exeunt . Enter HERMIONE and PHILLIDA . HER , Philly , take thy Lute , and sing the song Was given thee last . Exeunt . SONG . W Here did you borrow that last sigh , and that relenting groane ? For those that sigh , and not for love , Vsurpe what 's not their owne . Loves arrowes sooner armour pierce , Than your soft snowy skinne , Your our eyes can onely teach us love , But cannot take it in . Another sigh then I may hope The Song being ended , Enter PHILLIDA . PH. Oh Madam , call all your sorrowes to you , you are Not sad enough to heare the newes I bring . HER. Would it were killing , that my death might end My feares , as my life has my hopes . PH. You mistake me Madam , Eugenio is return'd . HE. Eugenio return'd ? thou hast reason , Phillida , I Should be dead with sorrow : 'T is not fit we heare his name Without a miracle : where is he ? send to bring him hither . PH. He waites on your commands without . HER. Bring him in . Good gods , if you can suffer me one minutes joy , Give it me now , and let excesse of happinesse Finish what sorrow cannot . But where 's this happinesse I faine would dreame of ? Eugenio is return'd , That I may looke on him , and not be his , And call our faiths in vaine to aide our loves . Enter EVGENIO and PHILLIDA . EV. May the gods give you , Madam , a content As high , as you have power to bestow On those you favour , and then your happinesse Will be as great as is your beauty . HE. Oh my best Lord , you now behold a face Too much acquainted with my sad hearts griefe , Not to be stain'd with 't : sure you cannot know it . I pray say you doe not , you will wrong Two things I am most proud of , my just griefe , And your young love , which could not grow , Nourish't with such poore heate as now it gives . I have a story that will breake your heart When you have heard it , and mine ere I Deliver it . Prince Lysicks to morrow marries me , Or I must leave my duty , or my life : Forgive me that I dare to utter this . Eu. Madam , forbeare your teares , they are a ransome Too mighty to redeeme the greatest faith The gods were ever witnesse to . I know Whereto you tend , you would have me untye The knot that bound our loves , and I will do 't , Though it be fasten'd to my strings of life : Be happie in your choice , give to his merit , What once you promis'd to my perfit love , By which I onely did pretend my claime : I doe release you , as I know heaven has ; Who in his justice cannot have consented To a longer faith in you ; you must not be The conquest of a miserable man , O're whom their cruelst influences raigne . HE. Some saving power close up my drowned eyes , Which death had long since shut , had not the love And hope of seeing you preserv'd them open . Have I beene false for this to all my friends , That you should thinke I can be so to you ? Adde not by your suspitions a crime to our mis-fortune . Eu. Of you I can have none , but what excuse you : You had made me miserable , had not your faith Yeelded to those assaults ; as worth and greatnesse Titles your fathers rage , and your owne judgement Did shake and raze it , with what disturbed minde Should I have look'd on you my heart ador'd , And love made miserable ? still you weepe , But these are teares your fortune did lay up To ease your misery : had you continned mine , And your Sunnes clear'd from their last clouds , They will more freely shine upon your Lysicles : For my selfe , my love in his last act shall recompence The injuries 't as done to your repose By killing me , then must injustice flie , And hale inconstancie along with her , From your faire conquered soule they now possesse . HE. Oh my griefes ! Now I perceive the gods decreed you endlesse , Since they have made him adde unto my torment , Whose memory before did make the sharpest , glorious : Teares , and sighes , and groanes farewell : They ne're were spent but when I feard for you ; And you being lost I have no use of them . Here , take this paper , 't is the last Legacy My love shall ever give you : 't was design'd When I conceiv'd you worthy . If you beleeve her words , whose faith was never lost , Though you ungratefully have flung it off , If so , you be not that you accuse me for , you there shall finde A story that will punish your suspition . He reades , and then kneeles , and she turnes from him . Eu. You that by powerfull prayers have diverted An imminent ruine , inspire me with fit words To appease my injur'd Mistresse ; heare me , doe not kneele for mercy , but to begge Your leave to dye : I must not live When pardons make my offence most horrible , And hell is here without them ; take a middle way If you incline to mercy , and forget me . HER. Rise , this is worse than your doubts were . Turne not your face away ; would you revenge , Then let my eyes dwell on 't : what punishment Can there be greater , than for me to see the beauty I have lost By my owne fault ? looke then upon me . HER. No , I must yet keepe my anger to preserve my honour , And I dare not trust that , and my eyes at once , If they behold you . Eu. Then heare a wretched man , that has out-liv'd So much his hopes , he knowes not what to wish , Whether to live or die ; yet life for this I onely seeke , that you may finde I shrinke not To punish him your Justice has condemn'd . HER. Rise , I can hold out no longer , the bare sounds Of your death dissolve my resolutions : Forget my anger , as I will the cause . Eu. Never , it shall live here to honour me , Since pitty of my love made you decline it : But must — — HER. Yes , the vertuous Lysicles , for his respects to me , How'ere unhappy , challeng'd that name , In your absence labours to marry me : yet death — Eu. Wretched Eugenio , did thy coward Fate Not dare to strike thee , till thou turn'dst thy backe : Must I returne from banishment to finde My hopes are banish'd ? Did I for this love Vertue , Pursued her rugged pathes , when danger made Her horrid to the valiant , to be ruin'd By him that is most vertuous ? Yee gods , Was envy , malice , Fortune impotent To injure me , but you must raise up Vertue To suppresse me — If I suffer it , I shall deserve it . HER. Oh my Eugenio , we are miserable , Yet must not quarrell love , to take or give A seeming comfort : goe trie all your power Of hate or friendship to undoe this match , I le give you leave to die first : any thing , But let not me have so much leave to change , As to beleeve you thinke it possible . Exeunt . Enter LYSICLES and Servant . SER. The Physitian you sent for waits without . LY. Bring him in , and stay in the next roome . Enter Physitian . You are welcome : I must imploy your trust and Secresie in something that concernes me . You must Procure me instantly a powerfull poison . PH. My Lord ! LY. Nay , no ceremonies of deniall . I give you My Intents , not to be disputed , but obeyed . I know You walke not frequently in these rough waies ; But 't is not want of knowledge , but your will , Makes you decline them . PH. My Lord , I have observ'd you long , and see you Weare your life like something you would faine Put off . I will not undertake to counsell you , in That your nearest friends have oft attempted , Without successe : yet if my life should issue With the words I now will utter , I le boldly tell Your Grace , I will not be a meanes to cut your Daies off , to make mine happy ever . LY. I did expect this from you ; and to enforme you Briefely , know , though I doe loath my life , I will Not part with 't willingly , till it does serve Me to revenge my wrongs : and t o'assure you more , I will not use your Art against my selfe : Let Your composition procure the greatest torture Poison can force , for I must use it upon one Our Lawes cannot condemne ; because the circumstance That makes him guilty cannot be produc't , but With expence of time , and my revenge will not admit it . By my honour this is the cause . PH. If I were sure your enemies should onely trie The effects of what I can doe in your service , The horrid'st tortures Treason e're justified , Should not exceed the suff'rings of those Should take the poison I can bring you . LY. Bring it me instantly ; and if the paines of Hell Can be felt here , let your ingredients call them up . If his life were onely my aime and end , whilst I doe weare this , I 'de not implore your aide ; But I must set him on the racke , that there he May confesse my inquisition justice . PH. An houre returnes me with your commands Perform'd — yet I 'le observe you farther . LY. So , this is the first degree to my revenge , Which I will prosecute till I have made All that were guilty of my losse of peace , Wash their impiety in their guilty bloud . All places where I meete them shall be Altars , On which I 'le sacrifice the Murtherers , To appease the spirit of my injur'd Mistresse : And the last Victime I will fall my selfe Upon her sacred Tombe , to expiate The crimes I have committed in deferring Justice thus long . This curs'd Magitian Shall be the first , she did reveale our loves ; MILESIA said she did ; and if it were Her blessed spirit , nothing but truth dwels in 't . If t were a fantosme rais'd by her foule spels ; She paies the fault of her abusing me , Insidiating with my MILESIA'S forme , To search , and then betray my resolution Enter Servant . Of serving my best friend : how now ? SER. Sir , Lord PINDAR vs would speake with you . LY. Where is he ? Exeunt .
ACT. 5. SCAE. 1. Enter SERVANT , and LYSICLES . SER. Sir , I have waited as you commanded , Neere the house of the AEgyptian Lady : Something is done , that disturbs them all , Divers runne in and out , Physitians are sent for : At last , I went in my selfe , and entred her Chamber , found her on her bed almost distract With torture , cries she is poison'd , curses her Iealousie and curiosity , cals upon your name , Desires , and then forbids you should be sent for . LY. But I will come to her confession : courage my soule , Let no faint pitty hinder thee the joyes Thou art receiving , triumph in their sufferings That have attempted thine : Looke downe MILESIA , Applaud my pietie , that snatcht the sword From sleeping Justice , to revenge thy death . Exit . SER. What meanes my Lord to be pleas'd with this Sad newes ? how can this stranger have offended him ? I 'le follow , learne the issue , and the cause . Exit . Enter the MOORE on her bed , HERMIONE , PHILLIDA , and IRENE . The bed thrust out . MOO. Oh , oh , oh , gods ! if I have merited your hate , You might have laid it on untill my name Had beene a word to expresse full misery , And I had thank'd you , if you had forborne To make his innocence the instrument Of your dire wrath . HERMIONE , IRENE , I have conjur'd my servants not to tell you When I am dead , who I was : but if Their weakenesse shall discover 't , let it be hid From the best Lysicles : I burne , I burne , And death dares not to ceaze me , frighted With the furies that torment me . HER. Mysterious powers ! instruct us in the way You would be serv'd , for we are ignorant ; Your Thunder else would not be aim'd at those That follow vertue , as it is prescrib'd , Whilst thousand others scape unpunished , Enter LYSICLES . That violate the Lawes we are taught to keepe . LY. What meane these sad expressions of sorrow ? HER. Oh my Lord , Nature had not made our hearts Capable of pitty , if we forbeare it here : The vertuous Acanthe has beene tormented With paines , nothing is able to expresse But her owne groanes : she feares shee 's poison'd , Talkes of you , of Tombes , and of Milesia , And in the midst of all her torture Sayes , her distrust and jealousie deserves a greater punishment . LY. And I beleev 't , nor should you pitty her : Those that doe trace forbidden paths of knowledge The gods reserve unto themselves , doe never doo 't , But with intent to ruine the beleevers , And venterers on their Art : Something I know O' th' curs'd effects of her commanding Magick , And she ( no doubt ) is conscious to her selfe Of infinite more mischiefes than are yet reveal'd . I am confident she is fled her Country For the ills she has done there , and now The punishment has overta'ne her here : And for her shewes of Vertue , they are Masks To hide the rottennesse that lyes within , And gaine her credit with some dissembled acts Of piety , which levells her a passage To those important mischiefes , Hell Has imploy'd her here to execute . MOO. Oh gods , deny me not a death , since you Have given me the tortures that devance it : If I deserve this , your inflicting hands Doe reach unto the shades , lay it on there , Hermione , Irene , is Eysicles yet come ? LY. Yes , to counsell you to pacifie The gods you have offended by your cursed Arts : The blessed Ghost you sent me too , has told me Some sad effects on 't , and in her name , And cause , have the gods hurl'd this punishment On thy foule soule , and made my griefe inrag'd To madnesse , the blest instrument of thy destruction , Which does but here begin . MO. You then did send the poison , with the Present I receiv'd ? LY. Yes , I did ; and wonder you durst tempt My just revenge , unlesse you did beleeve You could confine the Revelations Of the best spirits , your cursed Charmes Betray'd first , and then inforc'd to leave Their happy seates , to perfect the designes Your malice labour'd in . MOO. What unknowne waies have the gods invented To punish me ! I feele a torment No tyranny e're parallell'd , yet must confesse An obligation to him that impos'd it . Good gods ! if I doe bow under your wills , Without repining at your sad decrees , Grant this to recompence my Martyrdome , That he that is the Author of my sufferings , May never learne his errour . Sir , if torments e're could expiate the crimes We have committed , mine might chalenge your pardon And your pitty : I feele Death entring me ; Love the memory of your Mylesia , and forgive — IR. Helpe , helpe , she dyes . LY. If it be possible , call life into her for some minutes , Her full confession will obsolve my Justice . IR. Bring some water here , she does but swoone : So chafe her Temples , — Oh Heavens ! what prodigy Is here ! her blacknesse falls away : My Lord , looke on This Miracle , doth not Heaven instruct us in pitty Of her wrongs , that the opinions which prejudice Her vertue , should thus be wash't away with the Blacke clouds that hide her purer forme ? HER. Heaven hath some further ends in this Than we can pierce : More water , she returnes to life , And all the blacknesse of her face is gone . IR. PALLAS , APOLLO , what may this portend ? My Lord , Have you not seene a face like this ? LY. Yes , and horrour ceazeth me : 'T is the Idea Of my Milesia . Impenetrable powers , Deliver us in Thunder your intents , And exposition of this Metamorphosis . HER. She stirres . LY. Hold her up gently — He kneeles . MOO. Oh , oh ; why doe you kneele to me : LY, Are not you MILESIA ? MOO. Why doe you aske ? LY. Oh then you are . MOO. My Lysicles , I am by miracle preserv'd , Though since the gods repent them of their succours . Knowing me unworthy of thy firme constant love : I never thought that death could be a terrour Too long acquainted with the miseries Pursue our lives , but now the apprehension My grave should swallow thee , makes me to welcome it With a heavinesse that sinkes dispairing sinners . LY. Powre downe your Thunder gods , upon this head , And try if that can make me yet more wretched : Was not her death affliction enough , But you must make me be the murtherer ? Is this a punishment for adoring her Equall with you , you made so equail to yee ? Pardon the fault you forc't me to commit : So visible a Divinity could not be loo'd on With lesse adoration . MOO. If e're I did expect a happier death , May I dye loathed : what Funerall pompe Can there be greater , than for me to heare Whilst I yet live , my dying Obsequies With so much zeale pronounc'd by him I love ? Tortures againe doe seize me . LY. Eyes , are you dry where such an object calls Your teares forth — My bloud shall supply your place . MO. For heavens sake hold his hands : O my best Lysicles , Doe not destroy the comforts of my soule ; What a division doe I feele within me ! I am but halfe tormented , my soule in spight O' th' tortures of my body , doe feele a joy That meets departed spirits in the blest shades — LY. What unexpected mischiefes circle me , What Arts hath malice , arm'd with Fortune , found To make me wretched ? could I e're have thought A Miracle could have restor'd thee to my eyes , But they should see the joyes of Heaven in thee ? Yet now the height of my affliction is , That they behold thee guilty of the close Of thine for ever : see HERMIONE , The countenance Death should put on , when Death Would have us throng unto her Palaces , And court her frozen Sepulchres . IR. Sure she is dead : how pale she is ! LY. No : she is white as Lillies , as the Snow That falls upon PARNASSVS ; if the Red were here , As I have seene 't enthron'd , the rising day Would get new excellence by being compar'd to her : ARGOS , nor CYPRVS , AEGYPT never saw A beauty like to this ; let it be lawfull for me to usurpe So much on Deaths right , as to take a kisse From thy cold Virgin-lips , where she and Love Yet strive for Empire : the flames that rise from hence , Are not lesse violent , though lesse pleasing now , Than when she did consent I should receive What now I ravish . MO. Dares not Death shut those eyes where love Hath enter'd once , or am I in the shades Assisted with the Ghost of my deare Lysicles ? LY. She speakes againe : good Heaven , she speakes againe ! HE. You are yet living . MO. And therefore dying , but before I goe Let me obtaine your pardon for the wrongs My jealousie hath throwne upon your innocence . 'T was my too perfect knowledge of my want Of merits to deserve , made me doubt yours : I meane your constant love , which I will teach Below , and make them learne againe to love , Who have dyed for it . LY. Doe not abuse your mercy and my griefe , By asking pardon of your murtherer , But curse your sufferings off , on this devoted head , To save the beauty of the world in you . MO. Why should your griefe make me repent the joyes I ever beg'd of heaven ? the knowledge Of your love , could there be added more Unto my happinesse , than to be confirm'd By my owne sufferings how much you did love me , And prosecuted those that desired my ruine ? Like Semele I dye , who could not take The full god in her armes . I have but one wish more , that I may beare Vnto the shades the glorious title of your wife : If I may live so long to heare but this Pronounc'd by Lysicles , I dye in peace . LY. Heare it with my vowes , not to behold The Sunne rise after you are gone . MO. O say not so , live , I command you live ; Let your obedience unto this command , Shew you have lost a Mistresse . LY. Can I heare this , and live ? IR. My Lord , our cares will be imployed better , In seeking to avert this Ladies death , Than in deploring it . LY. You advise well : runne all to the Physitian : I Will my selfe to Arnaldo , who gave This poison to me . Let me have word sent to the Cypresse grove , the minute she is dead . Exeunt . Draw in the bed . Enter Lysicles meditating . LY. If Life be given as a blessing to us , What Law compels us to preserve it longer , Than we can see a possibility Of being happy by it ? But we must expect Till the same power that plac't us here , commands A restitution of his gift : This is indeed a rule To make us live , but not live happily . 'T is true , the slave that frees himselfe by death Doth wrong his Master : but yet the gods are not Necessitous of us , but we of them . Who then is injur'd if I kill my selfe ? And if I durst to heare their voyce , they call Men to some other place , when they remove The gust , and taste of this , we should adore thee death , If constant vertue , not inforcement built Thy spacious Temples . Enter EVGENIO . Welcome Eugenio , welcome worthie friend , How long are you arrivd ? Eu. Time enough to revenge , though not prevent The injuries you have done me . LY. What meanes my friend ? Eu. I must not heare that name now , you have lost The effects and vertue of it : I come to punish Your breach of faith . LY. Is Hell affeard my constancie should conquer The mischiefes that are rais'd to swallow me , That it invents new plagues to batter me ? By all that 's holy , I never did offend my friend , Not in a thought . Eu. Those that by breach of vowes provoke their justice , Doe seldome feare prophaning of their names , To hide their perjuries will put it on them . You have attempted my Hermione , And forc'd her father to compell her voice Unto your Marriage . LY. All this I doe confesse ; but 't was for both your goods , As I will now informe you . Eu. Hell and furies : because your specious titles , Your spreading Vineyards , and your guilded house Doe shine upon our Cottage , must our faiths , Which Heaven did seale , be cancell'd ; 't was my vertue Wonne her faire graces , which still out-shine Your flames of vice . LY. It hath not light enough to let you see your friend . Gods ! Could that man have liv'd , that dar'd to say , Eugenio did suspect his Lysicles ? And now in pittie you doe shew him mee , That I may flie the world without regreet , Not leaving one of worth behinde me in it . Begon , and learne your errours . Eu. I have don 't alreadie : they were trusting you With my lifes happinesse : draw , and restore the vowes You made Hermione , or I will leave you dead , And teare them from your heart . LY. Fond man , thou dost not know how much 't is in My power to make thee miserable : I could now force thee execute my wish In killing mee ; and thou wouldst flie the light , When it had shewd thee whom thy rage offended : But till I fall by my owne hand , my life Is chain'd unto my honour , which I will weare Upon my Sepulchre : nor must I die , Being guilty of Milesia's murther , For any cause but hers , else were my breast , Since you have wrong'd me , open to your poynt . Eu. Can you denie but that you have attempted The faith of my Hermione ? LY. I can , with so strong circumstance of truth Would make you blush for have doubted mine ; But he that was my friend , and suspects me , Must attend lesse satisfaction than a stranger . Proceede , and let your case be both your judge and guide . Eu. What should I doe ? I dare not trust my sence , If he should tell me that it does deceive me : Vertue it selfe would lose her qualitie E're he forsooke her , and his words doe fall Distorted from him ; his soule doth labour Vnder some heavy burthen , which my passion Did hinder me from seeing . Sir forgive , Or take your full revenge ; let your owne griefes Teach you to pitty those are distract with it : I will not rise untill you pardon me . LY. Oh my Eugenio , thy kindnesse hath undone me , My rage did choake my griefe , which now did spread It selfe over my soule and body : up , and helpe To beare me till I fall eternally . Eu. Who can heare this , and not be turn'd to Marble ? Good Sir impart your sorrowes , I may bring comfort . LY. Whilst they were capable thou didst , but now They are too great and swolne to let it in . Milesia , Whom you and J supposed dead , By me to day is poison'd , and lies dying in her torment ; Is not this strange ? Eu. What have you said that is not ? But heaven avert this last . LY. It is too late now ; let me beg thy kindnesse Would doe that for me , J forbad thy passion . Eu. What is 't ? LY. Kill me . Eu. You cannot wish me such an hated office : Call up your reasons and your courage to you , Which was not given you onely for the warres , But to resist the batteries of Fortune . People will say , that Lysicles did want Part of that courage Fame did speake him Lord of , When they shall heare him sunke below her succour . LY. You will not kill me then ? Eu. When I beleeve there is no other meanes to ease you , I will doe 't . LY. All but death are fled . Eu. Then draw your sword , and as J lift my arme To sheath this in your breast , let yours pierce me , On this condition J may doe your will . LY. J may not for the world : why should you die ? Eu. See how your passions blinde you ; is Death An ease or torment ? if it be a joy , Why should you envie it your dearest friend ? LY. Our causes are not equall . Eu. They will be when you are dead : How you mistake The Lawes of Friendship and commit those faults You did accuse me of ! J would not live so long To thinke you can survive your dying friend . LY. Eugenio I am conquerd , yet I hoep thy kindnesse Will doe that for me , which thy sword refuseth : Love thy Hermione , she deserves it friend : Leave me alone a while . Eu. Your griefe 's too great for me to trust your life with 't : I dare not venture you beyond my helpe . Within . Where 's Prince Lysicles ? where 's Prince Lysicles ? LY. Hearke , I am cal'd , the fatall newes is come . Drawes . Eu. Fie ; how unmanly 's this ? Can sounds affright you , Which yet you know not whether they doe bring Or joyes , or sorrowes ? when remedies are despair'd of , You have still leave to dye ; perhaps she lives , And you le exhale her soule into your wounds , And be the death of her you mourne for living . Within . Where 's Prince Lysicles ? where 's Prince Lysicles ? Eu. It is the voyce of comfort , none would strive To be a sad relator ; I le call him , holla , here he is . Enter a Servant . SER. The strange Lady kisses your hands , my Lord : Arnaldo Has restor'd her ; she bad me say , your sight can onely Give perfection to what he has begunne . Eu. Will you dye now ? LY. Softly , good friend , gently let it slide Into my breast ; my hearts too narrow yet To take so full a joy in : You 're sure this newes is true ? SER. On my Life . Eu. Why should you doubt it ? LY. My comforts ever were like Winter Sunnes , That rise late , and set betimes , set with thicke Clouds That hide their light at noone : but be this true , And I have life enough to let me see it : I shall be ever happy . Eu. So , 't is well , at length his hope hath taught despaire to feare . Exeunt . Enter Milesia , Hermione , Irene , Physitian . PHY. Madam , my innocence will plead my pardon ; I could Not ghesse for whom my Lord intended it ; the truth is , I feard , considering his deepe melancholy , he Intended to use it on himselfe , and therefore meant to Make him out of love with death , by suffering the paines Our soules doe feele when they are violenc'd from us . I had provided Antidotes , but could not , till this houre , Learne on whom it was imployed : sure I was , it could Be death to none , though full of torment . MI. Till I have farther meanes , thanke you ; receive this ring . HE. But Madam , what did your poore Hermione deserve , That you should hide your selfe from her ? Or are you the Milesia that were pleas'd To call me friend ? or is she buried By Pallas Temple ? truely beleefe and memory Opposing sence , makes doubt which to credit : I wept you dead , the Virgins did intombe you : Were we then or no deceiv'd ? MI. My faire deare friend , you shall know all my story . T is true , my Uncle did designe my death For loving Lysicles , for at his comming hither He charg'd me by all ties that were betweene us , To hate him as the ruine of his honour , And yet for some darke ends I understood not , Resolv'd to leave me here . I swore obedience , But knew not what offence it was to keepe An oath so made , till I had seene the Lysicles , Which at your house I did ; when he came wounded From hunting of the Boare , all but his name Appear'd most god-like to me ; you all did runne To stoppe his wounds , and I thought I might see My enemies bloud ; yet soone did pitty ceaze me To see him bleed : thus , love taking the shape Of pitty , glided unseene of me into my heart , And whilst I thought my selfe but charitable , I nurst my infant love with milke of pitty Till he grew strong enough to take me prisoner . I found his eyes on mine , and ere I could Remove them , heard him say , he 'de thanke his fortune For this last wound : if 't were the cause Of seeing me ; then tooke his leave , But left me speechlesse that I could not say , My heart farewell : after this visite our loves Grew to that height that you have heard of . HER. The Groves , and Temples , and darke shade have heard Them mourned , and celebrated by your friend . MI. I had a servant unsuspected of me , For none I trusted that observ'd our meetings , And ghessing by my sighes that love had made them , Betray'd them to my Uncle ; on PALLAS Eve He rusht into my Chamber , his sword drawne , And snacht me by the arme : I fell downe , But knowing yet no fault , could begge no pardon . A while our eyes did onely speake our thoughts ; At length out of his bosome he pull'd out A paper , 't was the contract 'twixt my Lord and me : And ask't me if I would avow the hand . Heaven said I , has approv'd it , and the gods Have chose this way to re-unite our houses ; Staine of thy kindreds honour , he exclaimes : Was there no other man to ease your lust But he that was our greatest enemy . Resolve to dye , thy bloud shall hide the staines Of our dishonour . HER. He could not be so cruell to intend it . MI. He was : for leaving me oppress'd with sighes And teares ; yet not of sorrow and repentance , But feare that I should lose my dearest servant , Commands his cruell slaves to murther me As I descended : and least pitty should Create remorse in their obdurate hearts , The lights were all put out : then hastily My name was heard ; I then intreated her That betray'd me , tell them I was comming , And tooke this time to write unto my Lord : She went , but by the way was ceaz'd , And strangled by those murtherers That expected me . My Uncle heard Her latest groanes ; and now the act was past , His power to helpe , he wisht it were undone : Brings lights to see the body , and perceiv'd The strange mistake : by signes and lifted eyes Confess'd Heavens hand was in 't ; yet would not leave His revenge here , commands his slaves to change My cloathes with hers was slaine ; then takes the head off , And on the Trunke did leave a note , which told My death for loving LYSICLES , in hope my ruine : Knowing his noble nature would be his . At mid-night quits this Towne , leaving none behind Were conscious of the fact , immures me in his house Till I escapt in that disguise I wore , When I first came to you . IR. Why did you not declare your selfe when you came hither ? MI. You were the cause on 't : at my arrivall here , I heard my LYSICLES should marry you , And therefore kept the habite I was in , To search unknowne the truth of this report , And practiz'd in the private actions of some neere friends , Got an opinion I could presage The future : thus was I sought by you , Thus found the faith of my deare LYSICLES , When at the Tombe I did appeare his ghost , And had reveal'd my selfe , had not the shame Of doubting such a faith , kept my desires in . HER. Then he dissembled when he made love to me ? MI. He did : forgive it him , 't was for his friend . HER. I am sorry for it . MI. How my deare friend ? HER. Nay , it is true , Enter LYSICLES . & EVGENIO . EVGENIO and he are of such equall tempers , I shall suspect he has dissembled too . MI. Oh you are pleasant ; Here comes my Lord . LY. Is there a wish beyond this happinesse , When I embrace thee thus ? I will not aske Thy Story now , it is enough to know That you are living . MI. The gods have made this tryall in my sufferings , If I deserv'd so great a blessing : I have but one griefe left . LY. Is that word yet not earth ? MI. Yes , but it springs from an excessive joy Of finding such admired worth in you . What I hereafter shall doe in your service , Must weare the name of Gratitude , not Love . LY. No my MILESIA , Mine was the first ingagement , and the gods Made thee so excellent to keepe on earth Love that was flying hence , finding no object Worthy to fixe him here . HER. No more EVGENIO , if your words could adde Expressions to your love , you had not had So much of mine ; and after I have tryed Your faith so many waies , it would appeare Ingratitude not modesty to shew a Mistresse coldnesse . EU. May I beleeve , all advantagious words , Or may I doubt them , seeing they come from you Who are all truth ? I will not speake How undeserving I am of these favours , Because I will not wrong the Election Your gracious pitty forceth on your Iudgement . LY. Our joyes doe multiply ; but my deare friend , I have yet something that will adde to yours : My Father 's call'd to Court , and you are left Governor in his place ; this ( I know ) will make Lord PINDARVS consent to both your wishes , Your pardon Madam , and when you lye embrac't With your EVGENIO , tell him , if my faith Had not the double tye of Friend and Mistresse . A single one had yeelded to the hopes Enter Of the enjoying you : Here comes my Lord — PINDARVS . Oh my good Lord , I must intreate your pardon For a fault my love unto my friend ingag'd me in : Let your consent compleate the happinesse Of these two perfect Lovers ; I am confident You ever did approve his vertue : his fortune now Can be no hinderance , since our gracious King In contemplation of his merits , Hath made him Governor in my Fathers place . PIND. Most willingly I give it , since I have lost The hopes of being ally'd to you , Heaven blesse you both . Sir , your owne love of my HERMIONE , And yours now , will teach you to admit An easie satisfaction for the troubles My love unto my Child hath throwne upon you . EU. You are all goodnesse , and my services Ever directed by your will , shall shew , Though I can never merit this great honour , I will doe nothing shall deprive me of The honour of your love and favour . PIND. Your vertue promiseth more than I may heare From you : once more Heaven blesse you . If my Lord ERGASTO now were satisfi'd , I shall be at peace ; for having promised My Daughter to him , I would not have him Thinke that by me hee 's injur'd . HER. 'T is in your power Sir , to satisfie him . PIND. I would doe any thing . HER. Perswade my Cozen to confesse she loves him , Which I doe know she does , and he already Has made profession of his , unto my prejudice : Nay blush not Cozen , since you would not allow me This secret as a friend , you may excuse The inquisitivenesse of a rivall . MI. This is all truth my Lord , I can assure you . PIND. Is 't possible , IRENE , doe you love ERGASTO ? IR. Me thinkes your experience , Uncle , should teach you , That such a question was not to be ask't : Well , if I did love him , 't was because I thought That he lov'd me ; but if he does not , I pardon him : For I am certaine he once beleev'd it himselfe . PIND. If ever love make any deepe impression In you , I am deceiv'd . IR. His Dart may strike as farre into me As into another for ought you know Uncle . PIND. You have ill lucke else Neece . Enter PHORMIO , ERGASTO , CLEON . PHO. Nay , 't is most certaine the Towne is full of it : MILESIA , I know not how , is alive againe : EVGENIO is made Governour ; though you were constant , You can have no longer hopes of HERMIONE : Therefore let me advise you , make that seeme Your owne Election , which will else be Inforcement : Quit your Interest in HERMIONE , and renew Your suite to IRENE . ER. Observe me . PIND. Welcome my Lords , doe you know this Lady ? ER. Most perfectly , and came to congratulate With the Prince , for her double recovery . LY. I thanke you my Lord , and when my friend and you Are reconcil'd , you may assure your selfe I am your servant . ER. What 's in my power to give him satisfaction : He may command . Eu. Your friendship does it . PIN. my Lord , this reconcilement will make way unto my Pardon , I have not beene wanting in my promise To you ; but my daughter thinkes she has chosen So well , that without any leave , she hath made her Selfe , her owne disposer . ER. Ages of happinesse attend them : If I may hope to Gaine the graces of the faire IRENE , I shall be happy too . PIN. If I have any power , she shall be yours . LY. Let me beg the honour of interceding : your fortunes And condition are so equall , it were a sin to part you . PH. Pray Sir , let him doe it himselfe : the taske is not So hard , to require a Mediator . IR. Have you such skill in perspective ? PH. As good as any Chyromancer's in AEgypt Madam . ER. He has reason , for I have open'd my breast to him , And he has seene my heart , and you inthron'd in 't . PH. He tels you true Lady . IR. Indeed Sir : and pray what did it looke like ? PH. Faith to deale truely , much like the wheele of Fortune , Which turning round , puts the same persons Sometimes at top , sometimes at bottome : but at last Love shot his dart thorough the Axel-tree , And fixt you Regent . IR. Well , I have considered , and my Cozens Example shall teach me . ER. What in the name of doubt ? IR. To avoid the infinite troubles you procur'd her by your Fruitlesse solicitations : d' ee thinke your teares shall cost Me so many teares , as they have done her ? PIN. You may excuse them by consenting To your friends desires . MI. Sweet Madam , let me obtaine this for him : He dyes if you deny him . HER. Deare IRENE , perfit the happinesse of this day . IR. You have great reason to perswade me To take him you abhorr'd . HER. I was ingag'd . IR. Well , if any here will passe their words He can continue constant a weeke , I will Be dispos'd by you . OMNES . We all will be ingag'd for him . IR. On this condition I admit him to a Months service , And my selfe to a perpetuall servitude . ER. I ever shall be yours . IR. My father said so , till my mother wept . Eu. A notable woing this . LY. And as notably finish'd . Let 's now unto my father , Who expects you to deliver his Commission to you . Come my MILESIA , tell my wounded heart No more , her sighes shall wander through the aire Not knowing where to find thee : nor no more Shall the mistaken Tombe of false ONONE Be moistened with my teares ; yet since she dyed To save thy life , her ghost could not expect A cheaper sacrifice : this I 'le onely adde In memory of us , All Lovers shall Repute this day , as their great Feastivall .
FINIS .
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Tragy THE LOST LADY A Tragy-COMEDY COMEDY . Tragy-Comedy THE LOST LADY A Tragedy-Comedy . greane otherwise , That sees this glorious youth groane under his harsh fate . T would your knowledge doth dissolve my doubts ; Twould seeme a Riddle , that a Gentleman Of his n y Since my brothers death , the names of things Are proverty proportion'd To my fortune : beleeve me CLEON , this poverty Is that which puts a multiplying-glasse parred shall lead This dagger to his heart , that parted ours . And Heaven that heares this vow , ofrest : And sacred'st Saint , if from thy place of rest , Thou turn'st thy eyes upon thy holy augry If you are angry Madam with all that love you , There lives couferre hath no more issue save my selfe , For to conferre his name and fortunes on . mee 're nee're enjoy EVGENIO , Darknesse shall ceaze nee're Tapers light , My blushes to the fore-swome me ant must account amongst my secret faults : I meant no more but to communicate , Not part Butnot remedy more proportion'd for your disease , But not for you that suffer , which is this affire you . Your merits are so great , you may assure Your selfe of all you can desire that's kneelc whom thousand worthier than my selfe Would kneele to . By my life , if my Faith were not given r solves must exclude My hopes of ever changing your resolves : Yet let my vowes gaine thus much of you thesegames At these games of love we set all ; but the best Ifhe if he be subject to that frenzie , I will Counsell prothee but methinkes There is something in it : prithee let's hearken to him . Tle I'le pay thy Dowry then within this halfe houre sacrisice just gods if I doe come to know it , Ile sacrifice thee on thy Mothers Tombe . vertuonsly now obey your generall commands , Of doing vertuously in loving him You did applaud , whilst my Toknow Gave up my will to his , and vowes to heaven to know no other man for husband . Ofthose and fortifie our selves with some sad tale of those , whose perjur'd loves have made them I le advance Your Cozens ends too , if you doe as Ile advise you , whilst we descend . foire your rigour , Madam , I was intreating Your faire Cozen to present my vowes . far'tis Be credulous , will learne by this , how far 'tis safe to trust you . atleast of inconstancy , they must live alone , or at least without men . This was the last gaspe Youliving happinesse Does trouble me : You'le thinke I lov'd you living , when dead , I am jealous of you Iftrue There is but one MILESIA , besides , If true , I meant her feares should aide My sosad too much of me , But how our loves came to so sad a period , As yet in clouds I have onely youspake me , and the doubts confirm'd By the Moore you spake with yesterday . Ofmy curse His memory , shall feele the power of my despised hate and friendship . Y armour pierce , Than your soft snowy skinne , Your our eyes can onely teach us love , But cannot ofhappinesse minutes joy , Give it me now , and let excesse of happinesse Finish what sorrow cannot . But woudl witnesse to . I know Whereto you tend , you would have me untye The knot that bound our loves defign'd Legacy My love shall ever give you : 'twas design'd When I conceiv'd you worthy . If you beleeve kweeles He reades , and then kneeles , and she turnes from him . oftence dye : I must not live When pardons make my offence most horrible , And hell is here without pirty , it shall live here to honour me , Since pitty of my love made you decline it : But must Purtued are banish'd ? Did I for this love Vertue , Pursued her rugged pathes , when danger made Her rongh I know You walke not frequently in these rough waies ; But 'tis not want of knowledge , Iftwere blessed spirit , nothing but truth dwels in't . If twere a fantosme rais'd by her foule spels Hermioue reach unto the shades , lay it on there , Hermione , Irene , is Eysicles yet come ? Jrene the shades , lay it on there , Hermione , Irene , is Eysicles yet come ? e'reparalell'd punish me ! I feele a torment No tyranny e're parallell'd , yet must confesse An obligation notearth Is that word yet not earth ? inquifitivenesse This secret as a friend , you may excuse The inquisitivenesse of a rivall .