Actus Primus . Enter Silvio , and Valerio . Si. WEe are like to have a brave , and jolly time on 't . Va. The Court looks now as 't should be , after such A tempest , what should follow but a calme , And Sun-beames ? wher 's the Dutchesse ? And yet as the case stands , we can scarce give her That title , all her glory is eclips'd , Shee 's i' th west , poore gentle-woman I can But pity her , I meane Euphemia . Sil. I dare not speake . Val. Thou mayst speake any thing That 's Courtly , and in fashion . Sil. But the Duke . Val. ' Is Duke , and Heaven preserve him , let him have His humor , and his Mistresses , what are we The worse , nay le ts consider like wise-men We are the better for 't , it gives us liberty , And matter for our dutifull imitation . Sil. But she was his Dutchesse . Val. What then ? Sil. A Lady of , A flowing sweetnes , and but in his eyes Can want no beauty , how her nature may Thus cruelly affronted , keepe that soft , And noble temper . Val. Take heede , and be wise , We are or should be Courtiers , if it please The Duke for reasons best knowne to himselfe To have more Wives , I say 't is fit he have 'em , I make it my owne ease . Sil. Thou art not married . Val. No , I dare not for that reason , cause I hold it Unfit my conscience should be limited , But we are private men , and though the Lawes Have power on us , the State , and Dukedome may Suffer , if he that is the soule of all , I meane the Duke , should wast his life with one , One melancholy wife , come let me tell thee Since he has chosen one , that he thinks fayrer 'T is happy for his first to keepe her head on , Sil. Coulst thou have thought so cruell , las Euphemia Val. No thou art deceiv'd , if I were Duke 'T is ten to one I 'de have noe Wife at all , Sil. How ? Val. Not of mine owne , while any of my subjects Had those I could affect ; whom I wo'd have Presented by their husbands , they should doe Themselves that curtesie , none would denie , Considering what may follow . Sil. Besides Hornes . Val. Right , if the toy be gamesome , the husbands made For ever . Sil. Cuckold . Val. And his Wife a great one , Hornes excuse for all . Sil. The old mind still . Val. I know my constitution Enter Leontio . His countenance weares some sore of discontent Do'es he not appeare Cloudy . Sil. Lett 's speake to him . Val. My Lord , — my Lord . Not answer . Sil. He does not heare . My noblest Lord . Val. If I did thinke he were proud now of a suddaine , I wod not aske him how he do'es , to save His life — I 'le speake once more , my worthiest Lord , Leontio . Leo. Ha! Val. I ha waken'd him . Leo. Valerio , and Siluio . I am your servants . Val. Not that we grudge our duties to your Lordship Or breath , for without flattery , I dare Be hoarse with praysing , and with praying for you , But we would willingly have your Lordship take Notice , when we expresse our hearts to serve you . Leo. Your pardon gentlemen , I am confident You have more vertue then to let me suffer in your opinions Sil. You looke sad . Leo. Not I . Val. And talke as you had but started from a dreame , I dare not be too bold to enquire the cause , But your face will teach others melancholie . Sil. Now in this generall mirth it must appeare , The greater wonder to behold your trouble . Leo. I shall betray my selfe , keepe in my passions . Sil. Ther 's something in 't more then we apprehend . Val. What should distract the freedome of your sole Kinsman , and onely favourite to the Duke , The peoples love too , and these seldome meete , The minion of the Souldiers , who honour you Most infinitly for your valour , and your bounty . Leo. Flatter not gentlemen . Val. I 'le be your hinde first . Ecclipse not , Sr , the glories of your minde with this strange melancholy , I wod not for My hopes the Duke should see this dulnes , he May with unhappy jealousie interpret — Leo. What Jealousie ? Val. I know not . Leo. Is my heart transparent ? Val. Now ioy revels in the Court , By his command , and his example too ; Doe not affront his pleasure , I am bold , But 't is my zeale , that wo'd not have you suffer , And you may give it pardon . Leo. I must thanke Thy love Valerio , thy heart does speake A noble friendship , you shall witnesse Gentlemen I will be very pleasant , keepe , keepe in Yee rebell thoughts , and take some other time To shew your wildnes . Sil. Observ'd you that ? Val. Shall I be bold to aske your Lordship a que-stion ? Leo. Any thing . Ual. You will pardon the folly on 't ? Leo. What is 't ? be cleare with me . Val. Are you not in love , my Lord ? Leo. In Love ? Val. I have shrewd coniectures . Leo. From what ? Val. From these dull Symptomes , if you be Leo. What then ? Ual. Let me be your Physition , 't is a woman I must presume . Leo. What does a man love else ? Val. There be those men are in love with their own cloathes Their wits , their follies , their estates , themselves , But if you love a woman , let me advise you . Sil. Heare him my Lord , his practise upon that sex Has made him learn'd . Val. Something I have observ'd After a hundred Mistresses , I had beene dull else , But to the point . Leo. How would you advise mee ? Val. I would not counsell you not to love at all , As some that are all Satyr , 'gainst the sex , Love me a hansome Lady , but so love her That still your heart finde roome for a fresh beautie , For twentie , for a thousand . Leo. Is inconstancie So easie , and so pardonable . Ual. Why dee' shift Your shirt , the linnen 's fine , but not so cleane And sweete after a Journey , 't is a Justice To change : and a security a woman Is Tyrant , when she finds a dotage , Love But wisely , to delight our hearts , not ruine 'em With too severe impression . Leo. Prethee tell me , What doe most men desire that are in love ? Val. In this wise love I meane ? why , my Lord , they Desire to enioy their Mistresses , what else Can be expected ? and 't is necessary In my opinion . Leo. Hadst thou beene woman , Thou wod'st not have beene so cruell . Val. Troth , my Lord , I know not how the sex might have corrupted mee But had I beene Adonis , without question My Lady Venus should have had no cause To accuse my bashfullnesse , I should have left The Forrest to have hunted — Leo. I beleeve it . Val. But I must be content . Sil. Nothing will much trouble thy head Ualerio . Val. I doe not vex my selfe with much inquirie What men doe in the Indies , or what Trade The great Turke 's on , nor what his designe is , Nor does the State at home much trouble me , After the warres I enioy my limbs , and can Boast some activitie , untill some woman In kindnesse take me downe , be ruled by me , Employ your spring and youth upon those Joyes They are fit for , beget a new Elizium , Under some pleasing shade le ts lie and laugh Our Temples crown'd with Roses , with the choyse , And richest blood of Grapes , quicken our veines , Some faire cheek'd boyes skinking our swelling Cups , And we with Joviall soules shooting them round At each mans lip a Mistresse . Sil. I did looke for this before . Val. They in this Bower Shall with their Songs , and Musicke charme our eares , And nimbly dance , their bright haire loosely spread ; Nor shall they more their amorous beauties hide Then those contended for the golden Ball . Leo. Thou wod'st imagine many fine devices But after all these pleasures , as there is A limit , and a period set , what will Succeed these raptures , when they are past enjoyings But leave so many stings upon our thoughts . Val. We wo'not thinke of that , or if we do , Wee 'le venture upon Fortunes curtesie . Leo. Thou art resolute Valerio , if ere sorrow Lay seige to me , i 'le wish thee my companion . Val. I am your humble creature , and shall be honord In your commands . Enter Ascanio . As. My Lord , the Duke Ask'd for you . Ascanio whispers with Valerio , and Silvio . Ardelia . Leo. I 'le attend . Whither in hast ? Val. We are commanded to attend Sil. It is his pleasure , we should waite upon her To his presence . Leo. Ardelia , It will become you , and but that his highnes Exacts my person , I should be a part Exeunt . Of her attendance , but not serve her with Halfe the devotion , I would pay Euphemia The too much injur'd Dutchesse , now a stranger To the Dukes bosome , while another sits , And rules his heart , but this prepares my happines , My hopes grow from her misery , which may Encline Euphemia to pity me . I must use art . Enter Euphemia , and Macrina . La. Good Madam have more comfort . Leo. Is not that she ? her habite like her Fortune Most blacke , and ominous , heer 's a change of State , Noe noyse of waiters , and officious troopes , Of Courtiers futter here , where are the traine Of Ladies , with more blossome then the Spring , Ambitious to present their duties to her , Where be those Jewells , whose proud blaze did use To vye with Sun-beames , and strike gazers blind ? All gone behind a Cloud ? how she observes The Structures , which more soft then Dionisio seeme to incline their marble heads , and sweate In the compassion of her iniury , My heart is labouring for breath , and yet I dare not speake to her , the Duke has spies Upon her ; and his anger carries ruine . Enter Courtiers , who passe by neglectfully . Eup. Sure I should know this place . La. T is the Court Madam . Eup. And those were Courtiers that past by ? La. They were . Eup. Some of them serv'd me once , but now the Duke Has discharg'd all , why dost not thou forsake me . La. I serv'd you Madam , for your selfe , and cannot Thinke on you with lesse reverence , for your change : Of Fortune . Eup. Is not that Leontio ? La. It is Madam . Eup. Does he decline me too ? though I am miserable , My griefe wo'd not infect him , but he must Compose himselfe to please , the Duke , whose creature He has beene alwayes . Leo. I will speake to her , Though death in the Dukes eye threatens to kill me , Great Mistresse . Eup. You doe not well Leontio to insult Upon my misery , Dionisios frowne May make your feild as barren . Leo. By all vertue , And by your selfe the Mistris , I have not One thought so irreligious in my soule I weepe for your misfortune , and shall Study All humble wayes to serve you . Eup. You have beene noble . Leo. Your titles are all sacred still with me , The Dukes neglect cannot unprince you here ; Oh let not hasty sorrow boast a triumph Over so great a mind , let not that beauty Whither with apprehension of your wrong That may be soone repented , and the Storme That cowardly would shake that comliest building Make for your happines , some lament your fate . Enter Strozzi . Whose lookes speake mirth , be confident , the Duke Will chide the unlawfull flame , that like rude And wandring meteor , led him from your vertues With so much danger to embrace Ardelia . Str. The Duke shall know your complements . Exit . Eup. Noe more , least for your charity to me , For I must call it so , you ruine not Your favour with the Duke , farewell Leontio Yet I would pray one favour from you . Leo. Me ? My life 's your servant . Eup. If you heare the Duke Speake of me , as I feare he never will But in displeasure , tell him I will thinke it Noe cruelty to take this poore life from me , Rather then let me draw a wretched breath With generall scorne , let him command me dead , And I forgive him , otherwise farewell . Eexeunt . Leo. That close shewed something , like a will to be , Reveng'd her brest heav'd up , and fell againe , While both her eyes shot a contention upward , As they would seeme to put just Heaven in mind How much she suffers . Enter Pallante . If griefe thus become her , What magicke will not love put on ? I must Stifle my passion . Pallante , welcome , You are well met in Court ; Where dost thou live Pallante ? Pall. Every where , Yet no where to any purpose , we are out Of use , and like our Engines are laid by To gather dust , the Court I ha'not skill in , I want the tricke of flatterie , my Lord , I cannot bow to Scarlet , and Gold-lace , Embroiderie is not an Idoll for my worship , Give me the warres agen . Leo. But yet remember we fight for peace , The end of warre . Pall. I never did , my Lord . Leo. What ? Pall. Fight for peace , I fought for pay , and honour , Peace will undoe us . Leo. T is the corruption of our peace , that men Glorious in Spirit , and desert , are not Encourag'd . Pall. The faults somewhere . Leo. I presume Thou art not of so tyrannous a nature , But thou couldst be content to weare rich cloathes , Feed high , and want no fortune without venturing To buy them at the price of blood . Pall. I could . Leo. And i le engage thou sha't , be this the Prologue . Pall. Not I , keepe , keepe your money . Leo. You doe not scorne my bounty . Pall. You may guesse That fortune has not doted much upon mee , And yet I must refuse it . Leo. Your reason pray ? Pall. Why ten to one I shall spend it . Leo. So t is meant . Pall. 'T will make me gay a while , but I shall pawne My Robes , and put on these agen , Leo. Thou sha't not While I have Fortune to preserve thee otherwise , Pall. I say out of my love to you I must not , I never yet tooke money upon charity , I earn'd it in the Warre , and I 'le deserue 't In peace , of you I cannot , t is my misery To be unserviceable . Leo. Is that your Scruple ? But that I know thy humor , I should thinke This cunning , but you shall not , Sr , despaire , I shall find wayes to have mention'd In your accounts for merrits , doubt not , I Will give you occasion to deserve more . Pall. On those conditions i 'le take more , and thinke the better Of my owne life , honour'd by your imployments . Leo. The Duke . Enter Duke , Strozzi , Ascanio . Du. Ha ? Leontio . Str. If I have any braynes , he shew'd a passion Did not become him to your Dutches Sr. Du. Presumes he on his blood , above our favour ? Dares he but in a thought controule our pleasure , No more , wee 'le take noe knowledge , oh my Lord You absent your selfe too much , though we confesse Our State must owe much to your care , we would not Your offices should wast you with imployments Preserve your health I pray — Leo. I never did Enioy it more then when I studied service , And duties to your grace . Du. Musicke , the minuits Are sad i' th absence of Ardelia , And moove too slow , quicken their pace with Luts , And voices . A Song . Du. No more ; we will be Musicke of our selves , And spare your Arts , thought of Ardelia , Should strike a harmony through every heart , What brow lookes sad , when we command delight ? We shall account that man a Traytor to us , That weares one sullen Cloud upon his face , I 'le read his soule in 't , and by our bright Mistresse , Then which the World containes noe richer beauty , Punish his daring sinne . Leo. He will deserve it Great Sir , that shall offend with the least sadnes , Or were it so possest , yet your command That stretches to the soule , would make it smile , And force a bravery , severe old age Shall lay aside his sullen gravity , And revell like a youth , the froward Matrons For this day , shall repent their yeares , and coldnes Of blood , and wish agen their tempting beauties To dance like wanton Lovers . Du. My Leontio , In this then thou dost present our bosome to thee , What 's he ? Leo. A Gentleman that has deserv'd For service in your late warres , Sir , a Captaine . Du. He may turne Courtier now , we have no use Of noyse , we can march here without a Drumme , I hope we are not in arreares to him , He haunts us for noe pay ? Leo. Your bounty beside that , hath wonne their hearts . Du. Why has he noe better cloathes ? this is a day Of Triumph . Pall. I beseech your highnes pardon , I ha' drunke your health in better cloathes , dispise My Christian Buffe ; this is the fruits of peace , I 'le waite on you agen . Exit . Du. Wher 's my Ardelia ? How at the name my spirits leape within me , And the amorous winds doe catch it from my lips To sweeten the Ayre — heaven at the sound Lookes cleare , and lovely , and the earth put 's on A spring to welcome it , speake Leontio Strozzi , Gentlemen , but she appeares . Enter Ardelia , Valerio , Silvio . For whom the World shall weare eternall shiue , Brightest Ardelia , Queene of love , and me , Ar. The onely honor , my ambition climes too , Is to be held your highnes humblest hand-maid . Du. Call me thy servant , what New charmes her lookes does throw upon my soule . Sil. How the Duke gazes ? Du. There is some strange divinity within her , Is there not Valerio ? Val. I am not read so farre yet as divinity , Mine is but humane learning . Du. Speake agen , And at thy lipps the quires shall hang to learne New tunes , and the dull spheres but coldly imitate , I am transform'd with my excesse of rapture , Frowne , frowne Ardelia I shall forget I am mortall else , and when thou hast throwne downe Thy servant , with one smile exalt agen His heart to heaven , and with a kisse breath in me Another soule fit for thy love , but all My language is too could , and we wast time , Lead on , ther 's something of more ceremony Expects our presence , Italy is barren Of what we wish to entertaine Ardelia . Leo. May all the pleasures thought can reach attend you . Exeunt . Finis Actus primi .

Actus Secundus . Enter Bentivolio , Horatio . Hor. BE counsell'd yet without being too ambitious To buy a deere repentance . Ben. Now we are . Arriv'd at Court , shame to our resolution , I prethee do'nt tempt me to such cowardise , Horatio I must see her , shee le not blast us , She was lovely when our eyes saluted last , And at my fare-well many innocent teares Wittness'd her sorrow , cleere as Aprill weepes Into the bosome of the Spring , not see Ardelia ? Hor. You have travel'd since , and she Wanting noe beauty , was not over willing To languish in your absence , how I pity thee , But that I wod not too much vexe your folly , Do'st thinke ther 's faith in any womans eyes , She wept at parting , a strong obligation When they can thread their teares , and make a chaine Of water , let me weare one o' their bracelets ; I will convince thy madnes in six words , Admit she said she lov'd you , and to your thinking Vow'd it , for you say you were contracted All this is nothing . Ben. No . Hor. Not this ; although You had beene married , and i' th Sheets together , And chaffer'd earnest for a boy , 't is nothing It binds not . Ben. How ? Hor. Not with a thousand witnesses . Ben. How not bind her ? Hor. Nor any woman living , that 's possest With a wandring spirit , clap her in a dungeon , Pile three Castles on her , yet she shall Breake prison when she has but the least minde too 't ; She le worke through a Steele-mine , to meete a friend That she likes better , with more ease throw up A quarrie of Marble , than a Mole shall dust , They worke with spirits , man , and can doe wonders , Especially a hansome woman , from whose false And sly temptations , all my wits defend me . There were some dealing with an Elvish female , That had but a course face , or say but halfe a one , Emnaticke eyes , with no more sight than could Distinguish well , man from a horse , or beare , To keepe her from mistake in procreation , A nose of many fashions , and as many Water-workes in 'em , lips of honest hide , And made to last , teeth of a Moores complexion , A chinne , without all controversie , good To goe a fishing with , a witches beard on 't , With twentie other commendations , such a thing Were no mischiefe , and a man might trust Her with no scruple in his Conscience . Ben. This is plaine madnesse . Hor. You may call it so , But I le be bound to travell further with This Night-mare , than the finest flesh and blood You court , and call your mistresse , why the Devill With all his art , and malice will nere cuckold me , And I should leave her in hell , and goe a journey , I should be sure at my returne to find her Safe , and untouch'd , sound of her winde , and limbs ; A faire , and hansome woman would not scape so : You have my opinion now , and 't were lesse evill To practise it , you mind not my instructions . Ben. Not I . Hor. These Lectures have L read to th' City With the same successe , that Gentlemen might live honest , And men have lucke to father their owne children , But 't will not be , you are resolv'd to try it ? Ben. Am I engag'd thus farre to fall backe now ? Hor. Remember where you are yet . Ben. I am i' th Court . Hor. Where you expect to complement with the Dukes — Ben. What ? Hor. What doe you thinke ? the Dukes married , They say although he love Ardelia , And without question , in these parts may want No intelligence of your purpose , and your person , And there s no doubt , but if he find you quaile-catching , He has power enough to coole your blood , and hers , Should she remember what has past betweene you , In that respect be caution'd , doe not worke A double ruine , to sooth one vaine humour ; Eyes will beget an appetite of more neerenesse , And how that may succed , 't is better feare , than prove . Ben. I prethee fright me not with shadowes . Hor. You are then for her substance — I le not leave you . Ben. I le see her did the Duke proclaime it death . Hor. I Had rather see the Cow , with her five legges , And all the Monsters in the market , then Be troubled with the spectacle , but on , Stay , yet will you but see her ? will her face content you , A farre off , without multiplying twinckles , Ridiculous sighes , or crost armes pinion'd thus , As the Kinght-Templers leggs are , whollie buried , Like Taylors , no djected lookes , as y 'ad Your father alive agen to send you out To sea , with pention to maintaine you in bisket , Poore John , and halfe a livery , which should be Part of your governor , to read morrall vertue And lenton Lectures to you , or if she frowne As much as say my friend , I am not for you , The Dukes the better Gentleman , and shall pay for 't Will you returne then with a handsome patience , And wisely love where no man els will rivall you , A Witch or some old woman , Ben. I prethee leave Thy phrenzy , thou shal't witnes i le be temperate . Enter Valerio . Who 's this ? Signior Valerio . Val. Bentivolio , welcome to Pavie , and the Court . Ben. My friend , Sir . Val. You both divide me . Ben. Then I am no stranger , In confidence of that friendship we both seal'd In Travell . Val. What affaires brought you to Pavie ? Ben. Being at large , I had curiositie To observe what might improve my knowledge here With some taste of your Court . Val. And I am happie I have some power to serve your wish , nor could you Arrive to see it shine with more delight , It is compos'd of revells , now all ayre , Let me present you to the Duke . Ben. I shall be honour'd to kisse his hand . Val. Sha't see his Mistresse , The faire Ardelia , the Dukes no saint , I may tell thee . Hor. Pray Sir , with your favour , Cannot the Court furnish a Gentleman , And need be , with an uglie face or two , Such as would turne your stomacke , would content My fancie best . Val. What meanes your friend ? Ben. A humour he playes withall . Ual. He would not play with such a woman , wo'd he ? Hor. Yes , and if the place be not Too barren to afford me one ill-favoured Enough . Val. Nere feare it , they are common here As Crowes , and something of a hue by moone-shine Promise to keepe your wits , and i le present you . Hor. I have a lease Sir , of my braines , and dare Enconnter with an armie out of Lapland . Exeunt . Musicke , and Song in Dialogue . Enter the Duke , Ardelia , Fiametta , Leontio , Strozzi , Ascanio , Silvio , Ladies . Duk. How likes Ardelia this ? Ard. If it affect Your highnesse eare , dutie hath so compos'd My will to obedience , I must praise the musicke , And wish no other object to that sence , Unlesse you please to expresse more harmonie By some commands from your owne voice , that will Challenge my more religious attention . Du. What charme is in her language ? cease all other ( But discord to her accents ) what a sweet , And winning soule she has , is it not pity She should be lesse than Dutchesse , farre above Euphemia in beautie , and rare softnesse Of nature , I could wonder , gaze for ever ; But I expose my passion too much To censure , yet who dares dispute our will ? Leontio looke upon Ardelia , And tell me . Leo. What Sir ? Duk. Canst see nothing there ? Leo. I see a spacious field of beautie Sir . Duk. T is poore , and short of her perfection , Beare her this other Jewell , I will have her Shine like a volumne of bright constellations , Till all the world turne her Idolater : When did Euphemia looke thus ? Leo. Never sir . Duk. Be Judge thy selfe Leontio , if my Dutches Lov'd me , could she denie her Dionisio This happinesse , but she has a stubborne soule . She has , and shall repent it . Leo. Sir , remember Shee is a princesse . Du. You were best remember her , Perhaps shee le take it kindlie . Leo. Sir , I hope You have more assurance of my faith to you Then to interpret — Du. Nothing , come , all 's well , Name her noe more , how ere she has displeas'd Us , you can violate noe duty still To love her . Leo. I sir ? Du. This infects delight , Let 's dance my sweete Ardelia . Leo. The Dukes jealous Or i 'me batraid . Du. Leontio , Silvio , Strozzi , The Ladies blush for you , they have breath'd too much . While the Dance is Enter Valerio , Bentivolio , Horatio . Val. Sir , here are gentlemen desire the grace To kisse your highnesse hand . Du. Ardelia supply our Dutchesse absence , Val. It is the Dukes desire by his example , you extend your Faire hand to a payre of strangers , ambitions of the Honour . Ard. Bentivolio ? T is he , how my heart trembles as my frame Would fall to peeces , doe you know that gentleman ? Va. Yes , Madam . Ar. Let him attend me in my lodgings It will be worth your friend-ship to conduct him . Val. I shall . Du. Your countenance changes , I observ'd Your eyes upon that Stranger . Ar. He revewes The memory of a brother , I lov'd dearely , That died at Sea : I ne're saw two so like . Du. For representing one so neare Ardelia , Receive another welcome , and what favours Your thoughts can study from our Court , possesse 'em . Ben. You oblige my humblest services — how now , how dost like this ? Ho. Why scuruily , you flatter Your selfe into distruction , I see The Arrow will peirce thy heart , decline it yet . Ben. Still frantickely opposing . Ho. I ha' done Be mad , i 'le give my braine to somewhat els , Sir , I 'wod see a phisnomy , though it looke As big as the fower winds , I ha' court-ship for it , And wo not he blowne off with an Hericano , Yet trust me i 'le be honest . Va. I beleeve you . Ho. Onely to please my eye . Va. What thinke you of That Divells lans-schape , you observ'd not her , Notwithstanding her complexion , she is a Lady Usefull at Court , to set of other faces , Especially the Dukes Mistres , whom for that , And some thing else his grace has recommended To be her companion , will she serve turne ? Did you ever see a more excellent wall-eye Ho. I marry , Sir . Va. Nay let me prepare you , Madam d ee observe that Gentleman , The hearing Stranger , he has busines to you , And you will bid it welcome . Fi. Does he know me ? Va. He inquir'd for you By all discriptions — and I guesse he may Be worth your favour . Fia. Mine ? Val If ever man Were an Jdolater , he is yours , i 'le bring him To your lodgings Madam , if you please . Fia. You 'le honour me . Du. Agen to our revells , ther 's noe life without being active , Val. Not now ? you shall have opportunity , And I have commission to informe you something , Away here 's like to be a Storme . Enter Euphemia . Ben. What 's shee ? Va. Euphemia . Str. Your Dutches , Sir . Du. How dares shee interrupt us ? Leo. A guard about my heart , I am undone e'ls . Each looke , and motion in her greife present Such a commanding sweetnes , if I observe With the same eyes I shall betray my selfe . Eup. I come not Sir , with rudenes of my language , Or person to offend your mirth , although the nature of my sorrow is so wild It may infect weake minds , and such as have not Some proofe in their owne bosomes , but to make One , and my last suite , which when you have heard It may appeare so reasonable , and proportion'd To what your thoughts allow me , that you will Find easily a consent to make it fortunate , And me in the prevailing . Ardelia offers to depart . Du. Doe not moove . Ardelia , I am full protection here . Eup. Ther 's something sir in my request to make her happy too , Ard. I dare not heare the Dutchesse , Her lookes wound me . Du. Speake your promising wishes . Eup. Although I know not for what guilt in me Of more then my obedience , and some lesse Beauty then dwells upon Ardelias cheeke , You have exild me from your love , and bosome , And worse then one condemn'd by force of lawes , For sinne against your bed have sentenc'd me To wander with disgrace , carv'd in my brow The Fable of a Dutchesse , and your anger ; My desires are you would have so much charity Though you have made me an out-law by your doome , Not to compell me after all my shames To be a murderer . Du. Treason , our Guard . Eup. You shall not trouble Sir your feares I bring the least blacke thought against your person , heaven Avert so foule à sinne , the danger all Doth threaten me , and my life , which I thus Most humbly beg may not be forc'd through blood By my owne hands urgd by your heavy wrongs To such a desperate mutiny , which you may Prevent by your revenge of Law upon me . To which , and your displeasure I would yeild My life your welcome sacrifice , i 'le praise Your mercy for my death , and blesse the stroake Devids my sad soule from me . Du. This your project ? Leo. Did you heare the Dutches suite ? Ard. Noe , but i 'le beg It may be granted , doe not sir deny Your Dutches her desires so just , and reasonable ; Leo. How 's this ? shee 'le pray to be rid on her , Audacious woman Eup. Let me rise with horror . Du. Ardelia knowes not what Euphemia ask'd . Leo. She 'le appeare cunning . Ard. I am confident She hath propounded nothing ill becoming . Leo. Nothing , a very trifle , wearied with Her injuries she onely begs the Duke Would be so kind to order with as much Conveniency as he please , her head to be Chop'd of , that all , and you were charitable To joyne so modestly in the advancement Of her desires . Ard. Defend it heaven , Madam your pardon , I imagin'd not You aym'd such cruelty upon your selfe . Eup. Proud , and dissembling woman , at such impudence I take my spirit to me , and no more Will put my breath to the expence of prayer To be short-liv'd , I will desire to live To see heaven drop downe justice , with such loud , And publicke noyse of my revenge on thee , And thy adulterate arts , as the world naming But once Ardelia , shall be palsey-strucke . I feele a new , and fiery soule within me , Apt to disperse my rage , which feare and my Religion would ha' stifled . Oh my fate ! Du. She raves , to prison with her , we are not safe While she enjoyes the freedome of our ayre : Stay ( my good Genius ) she carries yet The title of our Dutches ; t is our pleasure Leontio , she be your prisoner , But see her narrowlie confind , till we Determine what shall follow , in what we Limit , you not make your owne reason guide , But on your life secure her . Leo. Your commands In all things I obey , most blest occasion ! Du. Foole , thou dost entertain what must undo thee , And make you both ripe for eternall absence ; Hug Juno in the clouds , and court her smiles , Though she consent not , t is enough you l stand Suspected , and expos'd to equall danger . You sha'not lose your ayre to plead for death , Thus we le secure Ardelia . Eup. I heare , And with all chearefullnesse resigne my will To imprisonment , or death ; forgive the wildnesse , And furie of my language , I repent My wish upon Ardelia , may she live To doe so too , and you to be possest Of all joyes , Earth and Heaven can blesse your heart with May danger never in a dreame affright you , And if you thinke I live too long , t is possible , Before you send death to conclude my sufferings , Some thoughts of you may wither my poore heart , And make your path smooth , to what most you joy in Be not a tyrant when i 'me dead , upon My fame , although you wish me not alive , Yet say I was Euphemia , let that sticke Upon my Tombe , if you will grace my shade With so much cost , in that name is supplied Enough to tell the world for whom I died . Du. We heare too much , away with her . Exeunt . Finis Actus Secundi .