The Cobbler's Prophecy

THE COBLERS Prophesie . Enter Iupiter and Iuno , Mars and Venus , Apollo , after him , Bacchus , Vulcan limping , and after all Diana wringing her hands : they passe by , while on the stage Mercurie from one end Ceres from another meete . CERES . FResh Mayas sonne , fine witcrafts greatest God , Herrald of heauen , soule charming Mercurie : Tell , for thou witst , why these celestiall powers Are thus assembled in Boeotia . Mercurie : Plenties rich Queene , cheerer of fainting souls , Whose Altars are adornde with ripend sheaues . Know that securitie chiefe nurse of sinne , Hath bred contempt in all Boeotia . The old are scorned of the wanton yong , Vnhallowed hands , and harts impurer farre , Rend downe the Altars sacred to the Gods . Heauen is long suffring , and eternall Powers Are full of pitie to peruersest men : which made the awful Ruler of the rest , Summon this meeting of the heauenly States : The first was Iupiter , Iuno with him , Next Mars and Venus , him I know you knew not , His Harnesse is conuerted to soft silke , His warres are onely wantonings with her , That scandalizeth heauen and heapes worlds hate , Apollo next , then Bacchus belly-God , And horned Vulcan forger of heauens fire , The last poore Cynthia making woful mone , That she is left sweet virgin post alone . I am but messenger , and must not denounce Til the high senate of the Gods decree it , But sacred Ceres , if I may diuine , In heauen shall Venus vaunt but little time . Ceres : So pleasde it mighty Ioue the doome were iust , Amongst that holy traine what needs there lust . Mercurie : I see a sort of wondring gazing eyes , That doo await the end of this conceit , whom Mercurie with wauing of his rod , And holy spels inioines to sit and see , th' effectuall working of a Prophesie . Ceres : And Ceres sheds her sweetest swetes in plentie , Cast Comfets . That while ye stay their pleasure may content ye . Now doo I leaue thee Mercury , and will into take my place , Doo what thou canst in wanton lusts disgrace . Mercurie : Ceres I will , and now I am alone will I aduise me of a messenger That will not faint : will not said I ? Nay shall not faint sent forth by Mercurie . I am resolud , the next I meete with be it he or she , To doo this message shall be sent by me . Enter Raph Cobler with his stoole , his implements and shooes , and sitting on his stoole , falls to sing ,

Hey downe downe a downe a downe , hey downe downe a downe a , Our beauty is the brauest Lasse in all the towne a : For beauties sweete sake , I sleepe when I should wake , shee is so nut browne a. Her cheekes so red as a cherrie , do make my hart full merry , So that I cannot choose in cobling of my shooes , but sing hey derrie derrie downe derrie .

Zelota his wife within . Zelota : Go too Raph you le still be singing loue songs it s your fashion . Raph : Content your selfe wife , t is my own recantation , No loue song neither , but a carrol in beauties condemnation Ze: well year best leaue singing and fall to work by & by while I to buy meat for our dinner to market doo hie . R : And you were best leaue your scolding to , & get you away . z : And I come to you Raph , I le course ye as I did a saterday R : Course me snowns , I would thou durst come out of dore , And thou dost I le knock thee on the head thou arrant thou . was not this lustily spoken ? I warrant she dare not come out Enter Zelota . Ze: I le see what yee le doo , where are yee goodman Lout ? He creepes vnder the stoole . Ra: O no bodie tell her that I am vnder the stoole . Ze: where s this prating Asse , this dizzardly foole . Mer: why here I am Dame , let s see what thou canst say , Bestirre your Distaffe , doo the worst ye may . Ze: Alas that euer I was borne to see this sight , My Raph is transformed to a wicked spright . Ra: Shee lies yfaith , I am here vnder the stoole . Mer: Let me alone Raph , hold thy peace thou foole . I am a sprite indeede , a fiend which will pursue thee still , Vntill I take a full reuenge of all thy proffered ill . And for thy former dealings to thy husband hath bin bad , I charme thee and inchaunt thee queane , Thou henceforth shalt be mad : And neuer shall thy foolish brain cut off this franticke fit , Till with thy hand vnwillinglie thou murder doe commit . He charmes her with his rod . Rap: Nay she is mad enough alreadie , For she will doe nothing with me but fight , And ye make hir more mad , she le kill me out right . Zel: Make me mad Raph , no faith Raph , Though thou be a diuell and a spright , Nere toll the bell , I le not be gossippe , The childe shall not be christned to night . Goe to the back-house for the boy , Bid the tankerd bring the conduit home . I le buy no plumme porredge , I le not be made such a mome . And because thou hast a fine rod Raph , I le looke in thy purse by and by : And if thou haue any money in it , we le drinke the Diuell dry , Diuell dry , &c. Here she runnes about the stage snatching at euerie thing shee sees . Raph : Out of doubt she is mad indeed , See what a coyle she doth keepe , Mer. Raph she shall trouble none of vs , I le charme her fast a sleepe . Zel: Come Raph , let s goe sleepe , for thou must mend Queene Guiniuers shooes to morrow . I haue a pillowe of my owne , I le neither begge nor borrow . Exit . Mer. So sleepe thy fill , now Raph come forth to mee . Raph : Come forth quoth he marrie God blesse vs . Now you haue made my wife mad what shal become of me ? Mar: Feare not come forth , I meane no hurt to thee . Rap: Well I le trust you for once , what say yee . Mer: Raph hie thee home , & thou shalt finde vpon thy bed Attire that for a prophets sute shal stand thee in good stead A prophet thou must be and leaue thy worke a while . Raph A Prophet speaker ? Ha , ha , ha , here s a coyle . What are you , I pray ? Mer: I am Mercurie the Messenger of the Gods . Raph And I am Raph Cobler , twixt vs there is some odds . But heare ye God Markedy , haue you tetoritie To take a free man of his companie , And hinder him to be your Prophet speaker , And when ye set him a worke giue him nothing for his labor . Mer: I must charme him asleepe , or he will still be prating . I le please thee well , I pre thee Raph sit downe . Raph Now I am set , would I had a pot of ale . Mer: We will haue twaine , but first attend my tale . He charmes him with his rod asleepe . Not farre hence standeth Mars his Court , to whom thus see thou say ,

Mars though thou be a Cocke of the game , that wontst to croe by day , And with thy sharpned spurres the crauen Cockes didst kill and slay : Sith now thou dost but prune thy wings , and make thy fethers gay : A dunghill Cocke that croes by night , shall slilie thee betray , And tread thy Hen , and for a time shall carrie her away . And she by him shall hatch a Chicke , this Countrey to decay . And for this pretie Pullets name thou shalt the better learne : When thou shalt onelie letters fiue within one name discerne , Three vowels and two consonants , which vowels if thou scan , Doth sound that which to euerie pace conducteth euerie man . Then call to minde this Prophecie , for that s the bastards name : Then rouse thy selfe , then reach thy sword , and win thy wonted fame . Now Raph awake , for I haue done the taske for which I came .

Exit . Raph stretches himselfe , and wakes . Raph Heigh ho , wake quoth you , I thinke t is time , for I haue slept soundly : And me thought in my sleep this was God Markedy , that had chaunted my wife mad for good cause why . Aboue me thought I saw God Shebiter , that marlously did frowne , With a dart of fier in his hand readie to throw it downe . Below me thought there were false knaues walking like honest men verie craftely : And few or none could be plainly seene to thriue in the world by honestie . Me thought I saw one that was wondrous fat , Picke two mens purses while they were striuing for a gnat . And some that dwelt in streetes were large and faire , Kept backe shops to vtter their baddest ware . What meddle I with trades ? Men masters and maids , Yea and wiues too and all are too too bad , Be iudgd by my wife , that was neuer well till she ran mad . But O the Baker , how he plaid false with the ballance , And ran away from the takers tallants . The Bruer was as bad , the Butcher as ill , For it s their tricke to blow vp leane meate with a quill . And with the stroke a Butcher gaue an oxe that lowd bellowing did make , I lost sight of all the other trickes , and so sodainly did wake . But now must Raph trudge about his prophetation , Faith ye shall heare me troll it out after my fashion . Exit . Enter Sateros a souldier , and Contempt naming himselfe Content . Sat: Thus haue I serued in my Princes warres , Against the Persian and the Asian Powers : The cole-blacke Moore that reuels in the Straights Haue I repelled with my losse of blood . My scarres are witnes of my hard escapes : My wrinckles in my face ( made old by care , When yet my yeres are in their chiefest prime ) Are glasses of my griefe , lights of my languor , That liue disgracde , and haue deserued honor . Cont: I am the admiredst in Boeotia , By honoring me thou shalt obtaine preferment . Sat: Vnto the Gods and Prince doo souldiers honor , And wert thou one of these , I would adore thee . Cont: I am of power more than all the Gods To sit and rule the harts of all degrees . They haue in me content , as thou shalt see A present instance in these entring men . Enter Emnius a Courtier , with him a Scholler , and a Countrey Gentleman . Contr: Haile to Contents diuinest exelence . Schol: Content our sweetest good , we doo salute thee . Cour: Though last I am not least in duteous kindnes To thee Content although thou be no God , Yet greater in account than all of them . Schol:

But if ye knew his name wer Olygoros , which signifieth Contempt , you would not mistake him , and name him Content .

Cont:

O Mas scholler be patient , for though you like not my name , you loue my nature : and therefore Gentlemen forward with the discourse intended at our last meeting : and in that conference this Gentleman a souldier , I presume will make one .

Cour:

Being a soldier , his companie is fit for anie honest gentleman , and therefore welcome into our companie .

Sat:

I thanke you sir .

may say to you with some surplusage : my wood they bring me home , my hay and corne in haruest : their cattell , seruants , sonnes , and selues , are at my commaund .

Schol: O iure , quaque iniuria . Raph Nay and you speake Latin , reach me my laste . Harke ye mas Scholler , harke ye . The time shall come not long before the doome , That in despite of Roome , Lat in shall lacke , And Greeke shall beg with a wallet at his backe . For all are not sober that goes in blacke . Goe too scholler , there s a learning for your knacke . Contr:

At my list can I rack their rents , set them to fines , bind them to forfets , force them to what I please . If I build , they bee my labourers : if bargaine , on them I build : and for my good looke they are content to endure any trauell .

Raph But for all this ill and wrong , Marke the Coblers song . The hie hill and the deepe ditch , Which ye digd to make your selues rich , The chimnies so manie , and almes not anie , The widowes wofull cries , And babes in streete that lies , The bitter sweate and paine That tenants poore sustaine , Will turne to your bane I tell ye plaine , When burning fire shall raine , And fill with botch and blaine The sinew and each vaine . Then these poore that crie , Being lifted vp on hie , When you are all forlorne , Shall laugh you lowd to scorne . Then where will be the schollers allegories , Where the Lawier with his dilatories , Where the Courtier with his brauerie , And the money monging mate with all his knauerie . Bethinke me can I no where els , But in hell where Diues dwels . But I see ye care not yet , And thinke these words for me vnfit , And gesse I speake for lacke of wit : Stand aside , stand aside , for I am disposed to spit . Cont:

Be quiet Cobler , let s heare the Scholler speake !

Raph

I giue him retoritie : to it .

Schol:

What the Courtier dreamingly possesses , the Countrey Gentleman with cursses , and the Souldiour with cares : I quietly enioy without controll . In my studie I contemplate what can be done in batels , & with my pen hurt more than thousands doo with pikes , I strike him that sees me not .

Raph

I thought you were a proper man of your hands to come behinde one .

Schol:

I see the height of heauen .

Raph

But thou makest no hast thither .

Schol:

I view the depth of hell .

Raph

Is there anie roome in hell for curst wiues and Coblers shops .

Scholler :

Content is my landlorde , peace and quiet are my companions , I am not with the Courtier bound to daunce attendance ; nor with the Countriman binde I others to attende on mee . I possesse pleasure more than mortall , and my contemplation is onely of the life immortall .

Courtier :

But you would bee glad to creepe in credit in the Court Scholler , and not be curious of the meanes , for all your coynesse .

Scholl:

I will not acquaint you sir with my intent , for they are fooles that in secret affaires are too familiar , know this , that I intend to awaite occasion .

Soldier :

Faith Master Scholler yet it stands not with your protestation .

Countrie Gentleman :

Nor with you Soldier to be thus blunt after your rude fashion .

Soul:

Alas sir , you must needes be exelent : for Piers & Plaine your poore tenants pray for ye : their bread and cheese is seldom denied to anie , when your small beere is scarse common to manie . You know what wil be made of a fat oxe as well as the Grasier , of the tallowe as well as the Butcher , of a tod of wooll as well as the Stapler .

Countr:

What hath any man to doe what I doe with mine owne ?

I all s thine owne that comes in thy hands .

Countr:

Sir you would make enough of it in yours to .

Soul:

I master Courtier , that s to deale as you doe .

Schol:

This souldier is as rough as if he were in the field .

Soul:

Where you would be as tame .

Cont:

Has a proud hart though a beggers habit .

Soul:

Where I frequent this habit serues my turne : and as goodly a sight were it to see you there in your silkes , as the scholler skirmishing in his long gown , or the countrey Gentleman riding on a fat Oxe with a mole spade on his necke .

Raph What , riding running , brauing , bralling , I see ye passe not for a Prophets calling : Therefore I will not bee so mad , To cast Pearles to swine so bad . Cont: Prethee Raph stay a little . Raph : Little little seeing God , I shall see you in a spittle . Ex. Con:

Your disputation being done Gentlemen , which hath highly contented mee ? what will ye now doo ?

Emn:

Marry we will all to the eighteene pence Ordinary , how say ye Gentlemen ?

Countr: No sir , not I , t is too deere by my faith . Schol:

Why you shall be my guest for this once . How saye you master souldier ?

Soul: No sir I must turne one of your meales into three . And euerie one a sufficient banquet for me . Cour:

Faith and you had kept your newes vntill now , yee should haue bin my guest , for your talke would haue serud well for the table .

Soul:

That s a practise of thine owne arte : it makes thy companie borne withall , where otherwise thou wert no fit guest , for tales at some tables are as good as testerns .

Cour: Nay then I perceiue yee grow chollericke , come sirs , They proffer to goe in . Cont. Why Gentlemen , no farewell to your little God . All three : Suffice it without vaine Ceremonies we shew our selues dutifull . Con: T is enough , fare yee well . Exeunt Courtier , Scholler , Countrie . Contempt : Now souldier , what wilt thou doe ? Sould: Faith sir as I may . Cont:

Wilt thou serue me , and doe as I will thee , and thou shalt not want .

Sould:

No : for if thy name be Contempt as the Scholler said , I abhorre and defie thee .

Con:

Euen as the child doth wormeseed hid in Raisons , which of it selfe he cannot brooke : so thou canst not abide my name , but louest my nature : for proofe , wanting liuing raylst on the City , greeust at the country , yea grudgest at the King himselfe : thou saist thou art going to thy Patron Mars with a suplication for bettring thy estate , and how , by war : wher how many rapes , wrongs and murders are committed , thy selfe be iudge , all which thou esteemest not off , so thy owne want be supplied .

Sould: Contempt herein thou reasonest like thy selfe , Base minded men I know there are in field , That doe delight in murder , rape and blood , As there are tares in corne and weeds with flowers , And enuious snakes among the fleeting fish : But for the noble souldier , he is iust To punnish wrongs , protect the innocent , Weaken the tyrant , and confirme the right , Want cannot make him basely mutinous , Wealth cannot make him proudly insolent , In honourable thoughts dwell his content , And he is foe to all that loue contempt . Contempt : Then Sateros thou art no mate for mee Exit . Souldier : No , Vpstart scorners are fit slaues for thee . Exit . Enter Clio , Melpomine , and Thalia : Clio with a penknife , Melpomine being idle , Thalia writing . Thalia : Clio a pen . Clio : Both pen and quill I misse . Thalia : One Estridge penne yet in my penner is , Quickly take that and make a pen for me . Melpomine :

The feathers of a gluttonous bird shew what the wearers be .

Thalia : Melpomine lend me a pen . Melpom: Mine pierce too hard for your writing . Enter Raph Cobler . Thalia : Quickly a pen , ha , ha , fond foolish men . Raph : Foole ? no foole neither though none of the wisest Dame , But a Prophet one of Merlins kinde I am . Mil : Art thou a Prophet , what s thy name ? Raph : Raph Cob. Clio : Ier , speake out . Raph : Ye ha it yfaith . Thal: A pen a pen in hast , That I may write this Pageant ere it be past . Raph :

Comes there a Pageant by , I le stand out of the greene mens way for burning my vestment .

Thal: A pen good Clio , fie how ye make me stay . Clio : Make shift awhile you shall haue this straight way . Raph : If I had a pen as I haue none , For I vse no such toole , Thou shouldst haue none an it , For at my first comming thou caldst me foole . Tha: A pen a pen , it will be gone incontinent . Clio : Hold there s thy pen . Raph :

But are you the Gods of the Scriueners , that you make pens so fast trow we .

Enter souldier . Clio : O sisters shift we are betraid , Another man I see . Souldier : A silly man at your commaund , Be not afraid of me . Raph :

No , no , t is the souldier , hee le doo yee no hurt I warrant yee .

Melpom: To see a man come in this place , It is so strange to vs , As we are to be held excusde , That are amazed thus . But art thou a souldier ? Sould: Yea Lady . Mel: The better welcome vnto me . Tha: Not so to me . Raph : And what am I ? Tha: Be whist a while , I le tell thee by and by . Raph : That s some mends yet for calling of me foole . Sould:

Thanks Ladies for your curtesies , but the sight of three such Goddesses on the sodaine , hath driuen mee into certaine muses .

Eccho : certaine muses . Soul: Especially being alone so sollitarie in this wood . Eccho : In this wood . Raph : Harke souldier some body mocks thee . Eccho : Mocs thee . Raph : Mocks me much . Eccho : Much . Soul: Hold thy peace good Raph . Eccho : Good Raph . Raph : Raph , that s my name indeede , But how shall I call thee ? Eccho : I call thee . Raph :

Dost thou : Mas and I le come to thee , and I knew where thou art .

Eccho : Thou art . Raph :

Art : faith and thou be as pretty a wench as any of these three , my mad wife shall neuer know that I play a mad part .

Eccho : Part . Raph : Part : I le come . Eccho : Come . Raph : Faith and I will , haue at thee . Exit . Mel:

Thus are we well rid of one that would haue troubled our talke : and this artificiall eccho , hath told thee what we are : certaine muses dwelling in this wood , in number twice so many more as we be here .

Sould:

Your names good Ladies ?

Melp: Mine Melpomine , hirs Clio , this that writes Thalia . Sould Might I without offence intreate three things , I should be greatly bound . Melp:

We will not denie thee three things , that can participate to thee thousands .

Sould:

First would I request of this Ladie , whether she write with this Estridge quill of purpose , or for want of other .

Tha:

Somewhat for want , but especially of purpose : the men which now doe minister me matter to write , are nere of the nature of the Estridge : who hauing the bodie of a bird , hath the head of a beast : she is greedy , deuouring and disgesting al things , and builds hir neast in sand : so are my worldlings , bodied and feathered as birds to flie to heauen , but headed as beasts to imagine beastly thinges on earth : downe to the which their Cammels necks doe draw their verie noses : greedy are they deuouring the Orphanes right , and disgesting the widdowes wrongs , Foolish , forgetful and froward , building their nest on sand , which the winde of heauens wrath or water of worldly affliction doth scatter and wash away . Thus art thou answered for the first , demaund the rest .

So. Next Ladies why doo you twaine stand idle , and let Thalia take the paine . Mal. On geeres and gests the world is onely set , For me there is no worke no tragicke scene , Battailes are done , the people liue in rest , They shed no teares but are secure past meane . Sould: Why lend you not Thalia then some pens ? Mel: My pens are too too sharpe to fit hir stile , I shall haue time to vse them in a while . Sould: But gentle Clio , me thinks your inke is dry . Cleo : It may be well , I haue done writing I , Sould: What did you register when you did write ? Clio : The works of famous Kings , and sacred Priests , The honourable Acts of leaders braue , The deeds of Codri , and Horatij . The loue Licurgus bore to Spartans state , The liues of auncient Sages and their sawes , Their memorable works , their worthy lawes . Now there is no such thing for to indite But toyes , that fits Thalia for to write . Sould: A heauie tale good Lady you vnfold , Are there no worthie things to write as were of old . Cleo : Yes diuers Princes make good lawes , But most men ouer slip them . And diuers dying giue good gifts , But their executors nip them . Mel:

Tisiphone is stepping to the stage , and she hath sworne to whip them .

Sou. The third and last thing I require is if you can : shew me the mightie Mats his court . Mel: Walke hence a slight shoot vp the hill , And thou shalt see his castle wall . Soul . Ladies the gifts that I can giue , Is humbly thrice to thanke you all . Exit . Mel: Farewell pore souldier . Clio :

Thalia now wee are alone , tel vs what pageant t was you cald for pens euen now so hastely , to end ?

Tha: T was thus : You know the Gods long since sent downe , Pleasure from heauen to comfort men on earth , Pleasure abuzde in country Court and towne , By speeches , gestures , and dishonest mirth , Made humble sute that he to heauen might passe Againe , from world where he so wronged was . His sute obtaind , and ready he to clime , Sorrow comes sneaking and performes his deede , Snatches his Roabe , and euer since that time , T is paine that masks disguisde in pleasures weede . The Pageant 's thus , with cost and cunning trim , That worldlings welcome Paine in steede of him . Loath was I that vnpend one iote of this should goe , Because I smile to see for weale , how sweetly men swill woe . Melpo: Woe is the first word I must write , beginning where you end . I haue incke inough and pens good store . Clio : Perhaps the world will mend . Mel: I would it would . Clio : Why if it should you faile in your account . Thalia : Then you perhaps will haue some worke . Clio : Tush come let s mount the Mount . Exeunt . Enter Raph Cobler whooping . Ra:

Waha how , wa how , holla how whoop : Did no body see the mocking sprite , I am sure I haue followed her vp and downe all this day crying and calling while my throat is hoarse againe . I le coniure her too but t is in vaine , for knowledge hath knockt that in the braine , but be it diuel or be it spright , I le call againe to haue a sight . Ya ha how : Nay I le call againe .

Enter Charon . Charon : Againe , I and againe too , I trow , What night and day no rest but row ? Come if thou wilt goe ouer Styx , For if thou stay a while I thinke , There will come so many my boate will sinke , Ra: Ouer stix I and ouer stones , Here s a question for the nonce , Why what art thou I pray thee tell ? C : Why Charon Ferriman of hell . Ra: Why what a diuel doo I with thee ? Three or foure within : A boate , a boate , a boate . C : Harke what a coile they keepe , come if thou wilt to hell with mee . A small voice : A boate , a boate , a boate . Ra: This should bee the voice of a woman , comes women thither too . C : why men & women euery houre , I know not what to do . A great voice : A Boate , a Boate , a Boate . Ra: This should be the voice of some great man . C : Why Popes and Prelates , Princes and Iudges more than I number can , But the couetous misers they fret me to the gall , I thinke they bring their money to hell , For they way the diuel and all . Ra: Mas and may well be , for there s little money stirring on the earth . A voice hastilie : Charon a boate , a boate , I le pay thee well for thy hire . C : Why what art thou that makst such hast ? voice : The Ghost of a gray Frier . So troubled with Nunnes as neuer Frier was , Therefore good Charon let me be first , That ouer the Foord shall pas . C : Come sirra , thou hearst what a calling they keep wilt thou goe ? Ra: Why Charon this calling makes thee mad I gesse , Why I am no spirite but liuing Raph , And God Markedie sends me of busines . Ch: Tush , if thou be sent of God , we cannot hold thee farewel . Enter Codrus . Codr: Yet gentle Charon carrie mee ? Ch: Thee ? Why what art thou , that liuing suest to go to hell ? Codrus : The wretchedst man of wretches most that in this wretched world doth dwell : Dispisde , disdainde , starude , whipt and scornd , Prest through dispaire my selfe to quell , I therefore couet to behold if greater torment be in hell : All the voices , A bote , a bote , a bote . Cha: I come , I come . Rap: Nay I prethee let them tarrie and harken to the pore . Cha: Codrus I cannot helpe thee now , and yet I wish thee wel , There s scarcely roome enough for rich , So that no pore can come to hell . But when the ditch is digged downe as cleane as is the wall That parted hel and purgatorie , then if thou chaunce to cal : Because I see as thou art pore thou art impatient , To carry thee quickly vnto hell Codrus I le be content . And now the time will not bee long , for ther s commission gone For workemen , that haue power to make Elysium & Limbo one , And there are shipwrights sent for too , to build me vp a bigger bote , A bote said I ? nay a whole hulke : And that the same may safely flote , Cocytus , Lethe , Phlegecon Shal al be digged into Styx : For where one wont to come to hell , I tel thee now comes fiue or sixe . For ignorance that wont to be , Is wilful blindnes now become . So thou must come when roome is made , I tel thee yet there is no roome . Raph : I pre thee tel me one thing . Ch: That I wil Raph what s the matter ? Rap: Charon why doth thy face looke so black , and thou vse somuch the water ? Cha: O , night was my mother , this is hir marke , I cannot wash it off . Codrus farewell . Co: Charon Adieu . Exit . Ra: Botesman ? Ch: Hagh . Exit . Ra: There 's a scoffe , that s a waterman indeed . Well I must to God Mars for all this , I would I could meete my souldier agen . Exit . Enter Emnius Courtier solus . Emn: Euen as the Eagle soares against the sunne , And spite of Phoebus shine , pries in his face : Euen as the swordfish meetes the mighty Whale , And puts the hugie monster to disgrace , So Emnius thoughts intending to aspire Sore gainst the sunne , and fleete in wrathfull yre : The Duke the sunne that dazles Emnius eyes , The Duke the hugie Whale that ouer-beares mee , But I will gaze and blinde him too ere long , And play the swordfish though he little feares mee . The lesse suspected sooner shall I strike him , And this my reason is for I mislike him His Daughter with inticing words is woone mine owne , But I disdaine her were shee fairer farre : Tush t is for rule I cast and Princely throne , The state of Prince , brighter than brightest starre . And who doth hinder Emnius but the Duke ? And therefore who should perish but the Duke ? Shortly a solemne hunting he entends , And who but I is put in chiefest trust ? Well I le be trustie if my Pistol hold , In loue and kingdomes Ioue will prooue vniust . He dead , I wed his Heire and onely Daughter , And so shall winne a Crowne by one mans slaughter . Suppose he haue beene kinde , liberall and free , Why I confesse it , but it s my desire , To be as able to bestow as hee , And till I can my hart consumes in fire . O soueraigne glory , chiefest earthly good , A Crowne ! to which who would not wade through blood . Then ruthles of his life doo I resolue . To wait my time till I haue wrought his end , He dies , the Duke shall die , and Emnius raigne , Were he my father or a dearer friend . Teares shall not hinder , praiers shall not intreate mee , But in his throne by blood I soone will seate mee . Enter Souldier , Raph , Mars his lame Porter in rustie armour , and a broken bill , the Herrald with a pensill and colours . Raph : Art thou one of God Mars his traine ? Alas good father thou art lame , To be a souldier farre vnlustie , Thy beard is gray thy armour rustie , Thy bill I thinke be broken too . Porter : Friend make not thou so much adoo , My lamenes comes by warre , My armours rustines comes by peace , A maimed souldier made Mars his Porter , Lo this am I : now questioning cease . Raph : And what are you ? A Painter with your pensill and your colours braue ? Her: No Painter but a Herrald sirrha to decipher a Gentleman from a knaue . Raph : Pray sir , can yee Gentleman and knaue it both in one man , and yee can sir , I pray you doo it in me . Her: Indeed I cannot in thy selfe , For all is knaue that is in thee . Raph : Sing one two and three , sing after mee , And so shall we right well agree . Soul: Sir take no heed what he doth say , His foolish humor you doo see , But tell me pray are you a Herrald . Her: I am . Soul: I should haue rather tooke you to haue beene , Appelles prentise , you were with colours so prouided . In auntient times haue Heralds beene esteemd , And held companions for the greatest Kings . Augustus Caesar made a law , so did Antonius too , That without Herralds graue aduice Princes shoulde nothing doo . Her: Well then was then , these times are as they be . We now are faine to wait who growes to wealth , And come to beare some office in a towne . And we for money help them vnto Armes , For what cannot the golden tempter doe ? Sould: A lamentable thing it is , but tell vs I intreate , Where might we finde adored Mars . Her: From hence sir you to Venus Court must passe , Adowne the hill , the way is steepe , smooth , sleeke as any glasse . Goe by the dore of Dalliance , and if you there him mis Aske Nicenes for she best can tell where hir faire Lady is ? Both day and night the dores are ope , The strongest closet dore is but of fethers made , Rush boldly in , stand not to aske and neuer be afraide . Soul . At Venus Court sir doe you say that Mars is to be found ? Por: Gentleman we haue told yee truth although vnto our harts it be a wound , For searching as wee bid you sir , No doubt a wondrous hap , But you shall finde God Mars a sleepe , On Lady Venus lap . This one thing more , you cannot come The way you thither passe : T is dangerous , the hills too sleepe and slipperie all as glasse . Take this of me , the fairest way from Venus Court is beggerie . There are more waies , but they are worse and threaten more extreamitie . Her: I that s for such as thither passe , Of pleasure and of will : But these for other purpose goe , Doubt therefore sir no ill . Soul: I thanke you both that haue vs warned by your skill . Ra: I and I le end with a Prophecie for your good will :

You thinke it is a pleasant iest , To tell the times of peace and rest , But hee that liues to ninetie nine , Into the hundreds shall decline , Then shall they speake of a strange time : For it will be a woondrous thing , To see a Carter lodge with a King . Townes shall be vnpeopled seene , And markets made vpon the greene : This will be as true I tell yee all , As Coblers vse the thred and nall . And so because that all men are but morter , I leaue the paltrie Herrald and the Porter .

Soul: I pre thee come away , Gentlemen with thankes I take my leaue . Her: Adiew good sir . Por: Farewell vnto you both . Exeunt omnes . Enter Contempt and Venus . Con: Come Lady Loue , now bore we Mars , thou mine I thine beloude . Venus : Ah my Contempt it will be spide too soone , So shall our pleasures haue a bitter end . Prouide some place for I am big with childe , And cleane vndone if Mars my guilt espie . Cont: Sweet Venus be assurde , I haue that care But you perchaunce will coylie scorne the place . Venus : What its some Abbie or a Nunnerie ? Con: No they abound with much hypocrisie . Ven: Is it a Gentlemans or a Farmers house ? Con: Too much resort would there bewray your being . Ve. Some Husbandmans , some Inne , some cleanly ale-house . Con: Neither of these , a Spittle louely Loue . Ven: What where foule Lazers and loathed Lepors lie , Their stinke will chooke thy Venus and hir babe . Cont: Why gentle Venus I intreat yee be not ouer nice , What thinke ye as the Prouerb goes that beggers haue no lice ? Procters them selues in euerie Spittle house , Haue things as neate , as men of more account . Ven: But I haue seene euen verie meane mens wiues , Against their child-birth so prouide for , As all their husbands wealth was scarce the worth Of the fine linnin vsed in that month . And shall not Venus be as kindelie vsde . Con: It must be as we may , I le goe prouided And spie my time slylie to steale thee hence . Exit . Venus : Awaie for Mars is come , Enter Mars . Welcome God Mars , where hath my loue bin all this while ? Mars : Walking about th garden time for to beguile . Wheras between nisenes your maide & newfangle your man , I heard such sport as for your part , would you had bin there than . Quoth nicenes to new fangle thou art such a Iacke , That thou deuisest fortie fashions for my Ladies backe . And thou quoth he art so possest with euerie fantike toy , That following of my Ladies humor thou dost make hir coy , For once a day for fashion sake my Lady must be sicke , No meat but mutton or at most the pinion of a chicke , To day hir owne haire best becomes which yellow is as gold , A perriwigs better for to morrow , blacker to behold . To day in pumps and cheuerill gloues , to walke she wil be bold . To morrow cuffes and countenance for feare of catching cold . Now is shee barefast to be seene , straight on hir muffler goes , Now is shee hufft vp to the crowne , straight nulled to the nose . These seuen yeares trust me better sport I heard not to my mind , The Dialogue done , then downe came I my Lady Loue to finde . Venus : And thou hast found hir all alone , half sickly by ill hap Sit for a while Mars and lay thy head vpon my lap , I see my folks behinde my backe haue much good talke of mee . Mars : And so they haue . Venus : They are too Idle : soft Mars doe you see , Mars : I see some sawcie mates presse in : Nowe sirs what would you haue ? Sat Be not offended sir , we seeke God Mars . Mars : Why and Mars haue you found sir , what s your will with him ? Raph : Are you he I cry you mercie , I promise you I tooke you for a morris dauncer you are so trim . Mars : What sayes the villaine ? Sa:

If thou be Mars , the cause which makes me doubt , is that I see thy bodie lapt in soft silke which was wont to bee clad in hard steele , and thy head so childishlie laid on a womans lap . Pardon I humbly beseech thee , the plainnes of thy poore seruant , and vouchsafe to read my poore petition .

He deliuers the petition , Mars takes and reads it , meane while Venus speakes . Venus : Rough shaped souldier enemie to loue , Why dost thou thirst so much for bloody warre , wherein the strong man by a stronger queld , Or reacht far off by dastard darters arme , Breathes forth his spirite with a booteles cry , Leauing behinde his earths anatomie : By warre the Infant trampled vnder steeds , Holds to his mother out his feeble hand , And she is rauisht while hir yongling bleeds . Yet to abide deaths stroake doth quaking stand . The twice forst virgin like the wounded lambe , Deiected at the mercie of the woolfe , Holds vp hir throat in vaine to bloody men , That will not kill hir while hir beautie stayeth , But stab her when her teares her faire decayeth : Away thou bloody man , vex not my Lord , By warre true loue is hindred and vndone , And Ladies laps left emptie of their loues , whose heads did beautifie their tender knees . Raph : You need not plaine your laps full inough : Sould: Faire Venus be propitious I will fight To maintaine true loue and defend the right , Venus : On that condition souldier I am won , Receaue this fauour , Mars let it be done . Mars :

Sateros , I haue receiued thy supplication , and sorrow I cannot as I would giue thee immediat comfort . If I should oppose my selfe against the Gods , they would soone set fire on my seat , Sixe double vs there are , three at libertie , three imprisoned , and one their keeper : at libertie , wilines , wrong and wantonnes , in prison , are warre wreake and woe , their keeper is wonder ; who once giuing way to libertie for those he holds ; shall set thee and thy fellowes on worke : in meane time goe thou to the Duke of Booetia , commend vs to him , when he can he will imploy thee I am sure , let that be thy answere for this time , and so good Sateros be contented .

Sat: I humbly take my leaue adored Mars , Proue a good night Rauen Venus I intreat . Venus : Farewell pore souldier weare that for my sake . Sa: Of both your Godheads dutious leaue I take . Venus : And when goe you sir ? Rahh: Who I ? Good Lord there hangs a matter by . Mars : why what are you ? get gone or I will send thee gone . Raph : I pray you beare a while , gentle master mine , And you shall heare my in speech I warrant ? Venus : Goe too sir foole , let s heare what you can say . Raph : And shall I warrant yee to your cost my Lady do-little .

Mars though thou be a Cocke of the game , that wontst to croe by day , And with thy sharpned spurres the crauen Cockes didst kill and slay : Sith now thou dost but prune thy wings , and make thy fethers gay : A dunghill Cocke that croes by night , shall slilie thee betray , And tread thy Hen , and for a time shall carrie her away . And she by him shall hatch a Chicke , this Countrey to decay . And for this pretie Pullets name thou shalt the better learne : When thou shalt onelie letters find within one name discerne , Three vowels and two consonants , which vowels if thou scan , Doth sound that which to euerie place conducteth euerie man . Then call to minde this Prophecie , for that s the bastards name : Then rouse thy selfe , then reach thy sword , and win thy wonted fame .

Now haue I done the taske for which I came , And so farewell fine Master and nice Dame . Exit . Mars rises in a rage , Venus offers to staie him . Mars : A dunghill cocke to tread my hen ? Breake forth yee hangrie powers , And fill the world with bloodshed and with rage . Venus : My Lord , my Loue . Mars : Venus I am abusde . Venus : Why will yee trust a foole when he shall speake , And take his words to be as Oracles ? Mars : But hee hath tucht me neere , and I le reuenge . Venus : Aye mee ! Reuenge true Louers wrongs immortall powers , And nere let Lady trust a souldier . Make as if shee swounds . Mars . Why faintst thou Venus ? why art thou distrest ? Looke vp my loue , speake Venus , speake to me . Venus : Nay let me die , sith Mars hath wronged me . Mars : Thou hast not wrongd me , Mars beleeues it not . Venus : Yes , yes , base Coblers vtter Oracles , And al are sooth fast words against pore Loue , Mars : I will beleeue no words , they are all false : Onely my Venus is as bright as heauen , And firmer than the poles that hold vp heauen . Venus : Now comes your loue too late , first haue you slaine Her whome your honny words cannot recure againe . Mars : I will doe pennance on my knees to thee , And beg a kisse , that haue bin so vnkinde , Venus : And know you not , vnkindnes kills a woman ? Mars : I know it doth ? sweet forgiue my fault : Venus : I will forgiue ye now ye beg so hard , But trust me next time I le not be intreated . Ma: Now hast thou cheard my drooping thoughts sweet loue , Let me lay downe my head vpon thy knee , Sing one sweet song , thy voice will rauish me . Venus : Follie come forth . Enter Follie . Follie : Anone forsooth . Venus : Bid Nicenes , New fangle , Dalliance and the rest bring forth their Musicke Mars intends to sleepe . Follie : I will forsooth . Exit Follie . Mars : I thinke in deede that I shall quickly sleepe , Especially with Musicke and with song . Enter Follie with a Fife , Nicenes , New fangle , Dalliance , and Iealozie with Instruments , they play while Venus sings .

Sweet are the thoughts that harbor full content , Delight full be the ioyes that know no care : The sleeps are sound that are from dreames exempt , Yet in cheefe sweetes lies hid a secret snare , Where loue is wacht by prying iealous eyes , It fits the loued to be warie wise .

Follie : Peepe , peepe , Maddam he is a sleepe . Enter Contempt , and kisse Venus . Sing : Sleepe on secure , let care not tuch thy hart , Leaue to loue hir , that longs to liue in change , So wantons deale , when they their faires impart Rome thou abroad for I intend to range : Yet wantons learne to guide your rouling eies , As no suspect by gazing may arise . Venus : Hold on your Musicke , Follie leaue thy play , Come hither lay his head vpon thy knee . Fie what a loathed load was he to me . Come my Content , let s daunce about the place , And mocke God Mars vnto his sleepie face . Con: Venus agreed , play vs a Galliard . Musicke plaies , they daunce , and leap ouer Mars , and making hornes at euerie turne , at length leaue him . Mars : Why sings not Venus ? hir loue I to heare , Sweet let the Fife be further from mine eare , Follie holds still the Fife , Nay let the Fife play , els the Musicke failes . Follie plaies againe . What still so nere my eare , sweet Venus sing . Sing : where is she ? Out foole , what doos my head vpon thy knee ? Follie : Forsooth my Mistris bid me . Mars : Where s Venus , speake ye ribalds , harlots , fooles , And neuer speake againe except I see hir : Mars is impatient , finde out Venus soone . Exeunt duo . Or perrish slaues , before my angrie wrath . Follie : Nay a ladie , Follie will liue for all you . Mars : Away yee foole , tell Venus of my rage . And bid hir come to Mars that now begins , To doubt the Coblers Prophecie . Exit Follie Enter New fangle , and Dalliance . New: My Lord we cannot finde hir any where . Mars : Hence villaines , seeke the garden , search each place , Mars will not suffer such abhord disgrace . Enter Follie . Where s Venus Follie , prethee tell me foole ? Follie : Forsooth shee s run away wid a man called Contempt . Mars : What hath Contempt robd mightie Mars of loue ? Hence fooles and flatterers , flie you from my sight . Mars with a kindled fire begins to burne , Away yee hel hounds , Ministers of shame , Vanish like smoke , for you are lighter farre , All runne away . Gainst wantonnes proclaime I open warre . Vnconstant women I accuse your sexe , Of Follie , lightnes , trecherie and fraud , You are the scum of ill , the scorne of good , The plague of mankinde , and the wrath of heauen , The cause of enuie , anger , murder , warre , By you the peopled townes are deserts made : The deserts fild with horror and distres . You laugh Hiena like , weepe as the Crocodile , One ruine brings your sorrow and your smile , Hold on in lighnes , lust hath kindled fire , The trumpets clang and roaring noise of Drums , Shall drowne the ecchoes of your weeping cries , And powders smoke dim your enticing eyes . These wanton ornaments for maskers fit , Will Mars leaue off , and sute himselfe in steele , And strumpet Venus with that vile Contempt . I will pursue vnto the depth of hell . Away with pittie , welcome Ire and Rage , Which nought but Venus ruine shall asswage . Exit . Enter the Duke , Sateros , the Scholler , and Raph Cobler , Duke . Well doe I like your reasoning Gentlemen , You for your learning , Sateros for Act , The learned is preferrde , the souldier shall not want , But Sateros , yee must forbeare a while , I cannot yet imploy ye as I would : Meane time attend the Court you shall haue pay To my abillitie and your content . Sat: Thankes to your highnes . Duke : Scholler lead him in . Be kinde to him he is a souldier . Attend vpon vs to our hunting Sateros , We must haue pleasant warre anon with beasts . Withdraw Sateros and Scholler . Raph : When will these fellowes make an end . Duk: Depart my frends , I haue a little busines With this pore man that doth attend to speake with me . Exeunt Scholler and Sateros . Fellow what is it thou wilt now reueale ? Raph : You are the Duke of all this land , And this I wish yee vnderstand ; That Princes giue to many bred Which wish them shorter by the head . You haue a Courtier Emnius namde , whose flattering tongue hath many blamde . He lowteth low doth fawne and kneele , Your worthy meaning for to feele . And quaintly romes your person nie , willing to see it fall and die . You haue a Daughter faire and trim , He loueth her and she loues him . Yet as the Fox doth win the Kid , So are his secret treasons hid : He dares not once his passions moue , For feare your highnes should reproue . Yet is it not your Daughter deare , That he desires so faire and cleare : He coueteth your dignitie , And therefore this intendeth hee . Today you meane to hunt in wood , Aud for he doth pretend no good : He hath with shot intended ill , And meanes your noble Grace to kill : I that desire for to explaine , The manner of your Graces paine . Giue counsell ere the deed be done , That you may al deceiuing shun : I see that Emnius commeth nie , My protestation quickly trie . And if you finde as I haue saide , That you should be by him betraide : Remember Raph the Cobling knaue , You warning of this mischiefe gaue , So leaue I you to search the slaue . Exit Enter Emnius the Courtier . Emnius : My honorable Lord , the traine attends , All things are readie for your highnes sport : And I am sent from other of estate . To pray your Grace to hast your wonted presence . Duke : Emnius they must attend a while , For I haue secrets to impart with thee : Emnius : Say on my Honorable Lord to me . Duke : Thou knowst we must vnto the wood . Emnius . True my most Gratious Lord . Duke . Suppose there were a traitrous foe of mine , What wouldst thou doe to rid me from my feare ? Emnius : Dy on the traitor , and prepare his graue , Before he should one thought of comfort haue . Duke : But tell me Emnius , didst thou see a tree , That bore faire fruite delighting to the eye , And by the straightnes of the trunke they grow too hie . wouldst thou oppose thy selfe against the tree , And worke the downefall ere the fall should be . Emnius . I would regard no hight to claime the fruite That should content me , but attempt to clime The highest top of hight , or fall to death , Alone and naked to obtaine my will . Duke . I am right ioyous you are so resolude , Such Courtiers should become a noble Prince . But tell me Emnius had I any foe , That secretly attempted my distresse , what secret weapon haue yee to preuent ? Emnius . Onely my sword my Lord , that is my rest , My resolution to defend your Grace . Duke : And haue you not a Dag to help me too . Emnius : A Dag my Lord ? Duk: I mand denie it not , I know ye haue a Dag preparde for mee . Emn: I haue a Dag not for your Maiestie . The Duke takes it from him . Du: Yes Emnius poure thy selfe into thy selfe , And let thy owne eies be thy harts true witnes . wearst thou this Dag to iniure any beast ? Bearst thou these bullets for a foemans life ? Or art thou bent against thy loyall Lord , to reaue his life that giues thee life and breath ? Em: Gainst beasts my Lord doth Emnius like to deale , He is not so beastlie and abhominate , As he delights to ioy in trecherie , Du. So smiles Hiena , when she will be guile , And so with teares deceiues the Crocodile . Are not these tooles prepared for my end ? Speake ill intending man , Ah Emnius ? Haue I for this maintained thy estate , Affoorded all the fauours I could yeeld , To be rewarded with ingratitude , with murder , trecherie , and these attempts ? And all in hope to win my realme and childe . I will not shew thy sinne vnto the world , But as thou didst intend , so shalt thou fall . Emnius kneeles downe . Receiue thy death , desertfull man of death , And perrish all thy trecherous thoughts with thee . Em: welcome my death , desertfull I confesse , Heauens Pardon my intent , your highnes blesse . The Duke raises him vp . Du: Heauens pardon thy intent , and so doe I , Be true hereafter , now thou shalt not die . Come follow vs Emnius , learne to know this lore , Murder of meanest men brings shame , of Princes more . Exit . Em: O that same Cobling Rogue that rauing runs , And madding aimes at euerie hid intent , Reueald this practise , but I le stab the slaue , and he once dead the Dukes death will I haue . Exit . Enter Mercurie with a Trumpet sounding , and two of Venus waiting maids , the one named Ru , the other Ina , Ina bearing a Child . Mer:

Be it knowne vnto all people , that whereas Venus alias lust , hath long challenged a preheminence in heauen , and been adored with the name of a Goddesse , the Sinode of the Gods being assembled , in regard of hir adulteries with Mars , discouered by Phoebus , when in the face of heauen , they both were taken in an yron net : wherein hir wrong to Vulcan was apparant ; and since that , many other escapes considered . But lastly and most especially , her publike adulterie she hath committed with that base monster Contempt they haue all consented , and to this decree firmed ; that no more shall Venus possesse the title of a Goddesse , but be vtterly excluded the compasse of heauen : and it shal be taken as great indignitie to the Gods to giue Venus any other title than the detested name of lust , or strumpet Venus : And whosoeuer shall adore Contempt or intertaine him , shal be reputed an enemie to the Gods . More , it is decreed that warre shal be raysed against Booetia , and victorie shall not fall on their side , till the Cabbin of Contempt be consumde with fire . Giuen at Olimpus by Iupiter and the celestiall Synode .

Ru : Ill tidings for my Lady these . Ina : Ill newes pore babe for thee . Mer: What who are these ? I take yee to bee two of Venus virgins , are yee not ? Ru : Faith she is a pure virgin indeed , For the childe she had by Venus chaplin , Is a big boy and followes the Father . Ina : And so are you a maide too , are ye not ? For the girle you had by Mars his Captaine , Shee s dead , and troubles not the Mother . Mer: Then I perceiue ye be both maids for the most part , Ru. well for our maidenheads it skill not much . For in the world I know are many such . Ina : I Mercurie I pray let that goe , wee are faire Venus maides , no more but so . And in our Ladies cause we doe intreate To know , if that be true thou didst proclaime ? Or was it spoken but of pollicie , To fright vs whome thou knewst to be her maides . Mer: As true as neither of you both are maides So true it is , that I haue vttered . The sentence is set downe , Venus exilde , Ina : Ayme poore babe for thee . Mer: Whose child is that you beare so tenderly ? Ru : My Ladies child , begotten by contempt . Mer: O is it so , and whether beare you it ? Ina : To nurse . Mor: To whom ? Ru : Vnto securitie . Mer: Is it a boy or girle , I praie ye tell ? Ina : A girle it is . Mer: Who were the godmothers ? Ru : We two are they . Mer: Your names I craue . Ru : Mine Ru and hers is Ina. Mer: And whether name I praie yee beares the girle ? Ina : Both hers and mine . Mer: And who is godfather ? Ru : Ingratitude that is likewise the grandfather . Mer: Ruina otherwise called Ruine the child , Contempt the father , Venus alias lust the mother , Ru and Ina the godmothers , Ingratitude the Godfather and grandfather , And Securitie the nurse , Heere s a brood that all Booetia shall curse . Well damsels hie you hence , for one is comming nigh Will treade your yong one vnder foot . Ina : T is Mars , O let vs flie . Exeunt . Enter Mars in Armour . Mar: Now Mars thou seemest lyke thy selfe , Thy womens weeds cast off , Which made thee be in heauen a scorne , On earth a common scoffe . Mars . O Mercurie how am I bound to thee , That blazest forth this strumpets iust reproofe ? O could I finde the harlot or her broode , I would reuenge me of indignities : Now Mercurie , I minde a prophesie A simple fellow brought me on a day , When wantonning vpon her knee I lay , How that a crauen cocke should tread my hen , And she should hatch a chicke this countrie to decay , The bastards name he tolde me too , But it was riddle-wise , Helpe me to search it Mercurie , I know thee quicke and wise , When I should onely in a word Fiue letters iust discerne Three vowels and two consonants , The name I soone should learne : But those same vowels hee dyd bid , That I should duly scan , And they would signifie the way That guideth euery man . Hast thou not heard of such a thing ? Mer: Yes , and dyd send that prophesie , And euen as thou camest hether The bastard and the godmothers Were in this place together . Mer: Were they in deed , where are they now ? I le search , I le follow them . Mer: Be patient Mars , they will be quickly found , Ruina is the bastards name . R.N. the consonants , V. I . and A. the vowels be , and Via is the waye . Mer: Now haue I found it Mercury , thou hast resolud me I wyll raise warre , I will aduenged bee , Go with me Mercurie , thou my reuenge shalt see . Mer: I will go and do my best for thee . Exeunt . Enter the Duke , Scholler , Cobler . Raph : T is true ô Duke , that I do say , He still would make thy lyfe away , He is too frolike and too lustie , Thou too simple and too trustie , Warres shall in thy lande begin , For pride , contempt , and other sin , Nothing shall appease heauens ire , Til the cabin of Contempt be set on fire And wantonnes with lewd desire , Be trampled vnder foot as mire , The Cobler has no more to say , But for the peoples sinnes , good princes oft are tane away . Du: Well , God a mercie fellow , go thou in . Ex. Raph. Sch: He raues my Lord , it s ill aduisd of you To suffer him so neere your princely excellence . Du: His presence breeds me no offence . A cry within help , murther , murther , Raph comes running out , Ennius after him with his dagger drawen , after Ennius Zelota the Coblers wife , who snatches the dagger from Ennius , and runs rauing . Ze: What Raph , Raph , so fine you wil not know your wife What a gilden sword and a siluer knife ? There , there Raph put it vp . She stabs Ennius , and he fals dead . She stands againe sodainly amazde . Why so ? What so ? Why where am I ? Raph : Faith where ye ha made a fayre peece of worke . D ; Lay holde on them , what violence is this , To haue one murdred euen before our presence ? Sch:

What cause hadst thou to kill this Gentleman ?

Zel:

None in the world , I neuer knew him I .

Raph :

No faith shee s mad , & has beene euer since I was a prophet , and cause she sawe a dagger without a sheath , she euen put it vp in his belly .

Du: Why what acquaintance hast thou with this woman ? Raph :

O Lord sir , she has bin acquainted with me a great while , with mine eares , with euery part of me , why t is my wife .

Sch: The lykelyer may it like your grace of his consent , T were good they both did suffer punishment . Du: Commit them both , but she has long bin mad , It may be heauen reserud her to this end . Sch: Come sirra , you and your wife must goe to ward , Till you be tride for cleerenes or consent . Raph : O sir , whether you will I am content , God Markedy has serud me pretily , Has made my wife mad , and sayd shee should not be well , Till by her hand a traitor fell , And I must euen be hangd for companie . Exeunt with the Cobler and his wife some beare out Ennius bodie . Du: I doe not gesse the woman guiltie of this crime , But the iust heauens in theyr seueritie , Haue wrought this wreake for Ennius trecherie . Enter Scholler and Messenger . Sch: Here is a messenger my gracious Lord , That brings ill tidings to your quiet state . Du: What are they felow , let vs heare them speak . Spare not Mess: The Argiues and the men of Thessaly , With mightie powers are come vpon your coast , They burne , wast , spoyle , kill , murther , make no spare , Of feeble age , or harmlesse infant youth , They vow to triumph in Booetia , And make your Highnes vassall to their will , They threaten mightily , their power is mightie , The people fall before them as the flowring grasse The mower with his syth cuts in the meade , Helpe your poore people , and defend your state , Else you , they , it , will soone be ruinate . Du: I will prouide as farre as heauenly powers , And our abilities shall giue consents ; I le to the temple and powre forth my prayers , Meane while let Sateros be called for , To muster vp the people with all speed , Exit Duke . Sch: Now see I that this simple witted man , This poore plaine Cobler truly did diuine , The Gods when we refuse the common meanes Sent by their oracles and learned priests , Raise vp some man contemptible and vile , In whom they breath the purenes of theyr spirits , And make him bolde to speake and prophesie . Enter Sateros the souldier . Welcome friend Sateros , you are fitly come , The Duke intends that you shall leade to field The powers of Boaetia gainst his foes , Are you prepard , and willingly resolud ? Sat: Why you sir by your pen can do as well I know t is nothing but Facsimile . Sch: Souldier , stand not on that , discharge your duetie , The countrie needs our seruice and our counsell , I le doo my best , and do you your indeuor , For publike quiet and Booetias honor . Sat ; Well I forget your scornes giuen me in peace , And rate all enuie at an humble price , I le doe my dutie , doe not you neglect , Armes will not Art , Art should not armes reiect . Sch: A blessed concord , I will to the Duke , And leaue thee Sateros to thy glorious warre . Enter hastely the Countrie Gentleman . Count: O sir , I haue bin seeking ye all day , And greatly do I praise my fortune thus to meete yee . Sat:

In good time sir , be briefe I pray .

Count :

You do remember me I hope .

Sat:

Not verie well I promise ye .

Count:

Lord sir , and you bee aduisde , I was one of them that reasoned before contempt , when you defended war , another arte , one the court , and I the countrie .

Sat:

I remember in deede such a reasoning , before that vile monster Contempt , but you I haue forgot .

Count:

O Lord sir yes , by that token we went afterward to the Ordinarie .

Sat:

True , true , now I call ye minde , by this token I was not able to reache commons , and so was cashierd out of your companie .

Count:

T was against my will Ifaith : ye sawe I was another mans guest .

Sat:

It s no great matter . But what s your busines wyth me now , that you seeke for me so hastily ?

Count:

Marie sir there is warres toward , do ye not heare on it ?

Sat:

That s to too sure .

Count:

And I feare by reason of my wealth I shall bee chosen for a Captaine ouer some Companies .

Sat:

And what of that ?

Count:

Why I haue no skill , and therefore woulde hyre you to serue in my place . I le please ye well .

Sat.

The Duke wantes men sir , and therefore must yee serue your selfe , though not as a captaine , yet in a place fitting your person . You offer me moneie , why man I le deale kindly with ye , ye shal haue some of me , bere take it , be not nice . In the Dukes name I charge ye with horse and furniture to be readie to morrow by breake of day , for the busines askes speed .

Count:

But I hope ye will not deale so with me ?

Sat:

But I am sure I will , therefore dispatch on perill of your life .

Count:

Why what alife is this , that such as I must serue ? A shame on warres for me that ere they were .

Exit . Enter Raph and other prisoners with weapons . Sat:

Why now fellowes , what are you ?

Raph :

What souldier , do not you know me ?

Sat:

Yes Raph but what are these ?

Raph :

Faith certaine pu-fellowes of mine , that haue bin mued vp , & now the exclamation goes we shal haue wars , we are all set at libertie , and sent to you to be traild vp .

Sat:

Why wert in prison ?

Raph :

I faith I prophesied so long , that I had like to haue bin hangd . My wife kild the courtier man , that would haue kild me & the Duke to , but I le be a prophet no longer that s flatte , after I haue done beeing a souldier , I le to cobling againe .

Sat.

So doest thou well : But fellowe tell mee why wert thou in .

Pris.

Faith sir for nothing but riding another mans horse .

Sat:

That was but a small matter .

Raph :

A thing of nothing , for when he had stollen him , he were as good ride him as leade him in his hand .

Pri:

Faith that s euen the truth on it .

Sat ; I thinke you all haue bin of such condition , But now betake you to another course , The Duke hath giuen you life and libertie , Where otherwise your deeds deserued death , If now you doo offend vnder my charge , Looke for no fauour but the martiall lawe , Death on the next tree without all remission , And if ye like not this I will returne yee From whence ye came to bide the doome of law , Speake , will ye liue and serue as true men should ? All : I , I , I . Raph : I am sure ye take me for none of they number . Sat: No Raph , thou shalt be still with mee , I haue an hoast of worthie souldiers Readie to march , to them now will I goe , Heauens and good fortune quell our furious foe . Sound drums , Exeunt omnes . Enter Contempt , Venus following him , hee pushing her from him twice or thrice . Cont ; Awaie thou strumpet , scandall of the world , Cause of my sorrow , author of thy shame , Follow me not , but wander where thou wilt , In vncouth places loathed of the light , Fit shroude to hide thy lustfull bodie in , Whose faire 's distaind with foule adulterous sin . Ven: Ah my Content , proue not so much vnkind , To flie and leaue thy loue alone behind , I will go with thee into hollow caues , To desart to the dens of furious beasts , I will descend with thee vnto the graue , Looke on me loue let me some comfort haue . Contempt still turnes from Venus . What not a word to comfort me in wo ? No looke to giue my dying heart some life ? Nothing but frownes , but lowres , but scornes , disdaines ? Woe to my pleasures that haue brought these paines . Haue I for this set light the God of warre , Against whose frownes nor death nor heauen can stande , Haue I for this procurde the angrie Gods To make me exile from all blessednes . Haue I for this lost honor and renowme , Become a scandall to the vulgar world , And thus to be repaide ? ah breake my hart , Had all these euils falne vpon my head , And millions of more harmes than heauen could heap , Yet all were nothing , had not my Content , Rewarded me thus vilie with Contempt . Con. Shape of collusion , mirrour of deceit , Faire forme with foule deformities defilde . Know that I am Contempt in nature scornefull , Foe to thy good , and fatall to thy life : That while I ioyde in glorie and account , Disdainde all vertue , and contemnd all vice . Good , bad , were held with me of equall price . And now the waning of my greatnesse comes , Occasiond by thy loue , whome Mars aspected , And I that all despisde am now reiected . For which I thee reiect , disdaine and hate , Wishing thee die a death disconsolate . Venus : Yet once regard me as a thing regardles , Thou art the abiects wretch aliue esteemed , I worse than vilenes in the world am deemed : I scornd , thou hated , each like other beeing , Liue we together void of other being . Con: Lightnes of lightest things that vaunt of life , Sprung from the froathie bubbles of the sea : Leaue to solicite him that loathes thy lookes , Spitting vpon thy faces painted pride I will forsake thee , and in silence shrowd This loathed trunke despised and abhord , Exit . She offers to follow , he driues her backe . Venus : So flies the murderer from the mangled lims , Left limles on the ground by his fell hand . So runnes the Tyger from the bloodles pray , Which when his fell stomacke is of hunger stancht . Thou murdrer , Tyger , glutted with my faire , Leaust me forsaken , map of griefe and care . O what is beauty humbled to the base , That neuer had a care of ciuill thought ? O what is fauor in an obscure place ? Like vnto Pearles that for the swine are bought : Beauty and fauor where no vertue bides , Proues foule , deformd , and like a shadow glides . Ah that my woe could other women warne , To loue true wedlocke or the virgins life : For me too late , for them fit time to learne , The honour of a maid and constant wife , One is adorde by Gods with holy rites , The last like Lampes both earth and heauen lights . But the foule horror of a harlots name , Euen of the Lecher counted as a scorne : Whose forhead beares the marke of hatefull shame , Of the lust-louer hated and forlorne . O such is Venus , so shall all such bee As vse base lust , and foule adulterie . Exit . Enter the Duke , his Daughter , Priest , and Scholler : thou compasse the stage , from one part let a smoke arise : at which place they all stay . Pri: Immortall mouer of this glorious frame , That circles vs about with wonder great , Receiue the offrings of our humble harts And bodies prostrate on the lowly earth . They all kneele downe , Our sinnes hath drawne the furie of thy wrath , And turnd our peace to miserie and warre : But if repentant soules may purchase grace , We craue it humbly , and intend to liue , Hereafter more reformd than wee haue done . For pride , we entertaine humilitie : For our presumption , due obedience : Loue for Contempt , and chastitie for lust : The Cabbin of Contempt doth burne with fire , In which our sinnes are cast , and there consume . Heare vs yee heauenly powers , helpe we require , And be propitious to the penitent . Enter a Messenger . Messen: Rise from the humble earth my Noble Lord , Rise vp yee Priests , Princes , and people rise , And heare the gladsome tidings I vnfold , Of happy peace and glorious victorie . They all rise and cast incense into the fire . Duke : For that sweete voice offerd to vs by man , Cast sweetest incense into holy fires , And while they burne , tell on thy happy newes , That wee may beare and honour heauenly Powers . Messen: When Sateros my Lord had brought your power , In view of our presuming enemies : And equall place was chosen for the field , He sent a Herrald , willing them restore , The wrongs that in Booetia they had done , And leaue the Countrey , turning to their home , Or els resolue on doubtfull chance of warre . They proud , ambitious , couetous of gaine , Returnd an answere filled with disdaine . Then was the signall giuen , and stremars red , Menacing blood on either side aduancde . Drums , Fifes , and Trumpets drownd the cries of men , That ech where fell before their Foe-mens swords , Mars there showd ruthles rage on either part , And murder ranged thorow euery ranke . Dust dimd the sunnes light , and the powders smoke , Seemd like thicke Clowds in ayre congluminate . Thus was seauen houres consumde , and doubtfull chaunce Sometime with vs , sometime with them abode : Till at the length our Generall gaue charge To found retreate , which made the hopefull Foe , Pursue regardlesse our retyring bands , That being knit together in firme ranke , A fresh pursude their stragling followers . Then fell their glory like the ripened corne , Before the Cickle and the Reapers hand : In briefe , some fled , most slaine , and many taken Haue left the honour to Booetia . Duke : To heauens and Sateros returne we thanks , For thy reward receiue this recompence : The Duke giues him his vpper garment . Our selues will forward to salute our friends , That fought for honour of Booetia . Sound Drum and Trumpet notes triumphantly , Heauens haue the honour for this victorie . Exeunt . Enter with Drum and Trumpet Sateros lead betweene Mars and Mercurie , Raph Cobler and his wife following , and other souldiers . Mars : Thus Sateros haue we assisted thee , Our true sworne souldier , worthy man at Armes , And the Booetian Duke hath heauen appeasde , By firing false Contempt and loathed lust . Mercurie the sonne and messenger of Ioue With me shall passe vnto my warlike house . Goe thou vnto the Duke with all thy traine , That longs to see thee , and requite thy paine . Sat: To mighty Mars and wary Mercurie Poore Sateros giues thanks and vowes his duety . Raph : Are yee here yfaith ? here s two on yee , Raph Cobler may curse the time that heere knew your company . Mer: What mine man ? Raph :

I yours , what reason had you to make my wife mad ? I and so mad to kill one ? and then make me a Prophet ?

Mer:

It was the secret iudgement of the Gods , Sateros speak to the Duke to thinke on him , and to remit hir fault .

Sat: It shall be done . Mars : Is this the Prophet ? Raph : I that it is , that told you your owne when t was . Mars : Sateros vse him well . Raph :

Nere doubt you that : are yee bemembred since ye told him , if ye set your selfe against the Gods they would driue you out of heauen .

Mars : Well what of that ? Raph :

Faith at that time the world might well haue affoorded you a Cart to ride in .

Sat: Go too Raph , cease . Raph : I , I , and great folke doo amisse , Poore folke must hold their peace . Mer: Mars shall we hence ? Mars : I , farewell Sateros . Exeunt Mars and Mercurie . Enter with honour the Duke and his traine . Duke : Welcome braue souldier , welcome to you all , Ioy stops my words , I cannot speake my minde , But in this triumph passe we to the Court , Where you shall all receiue your due deserts . Sat: Thanks Noble Lord . Raph : What shall I doo then , and my wife ? Duke : I will prouide for thee , and pardon her . Raph : Faith then farewell the Court ; For now I le not run and ride , nor no more abide , But since my mad wife , has changde her mad life , I le euen leaue to be a Prophet speaker , Take clouting leather and naule , and fall to my old trade of the gentle craft the Cobler . Zelot: I Raph that will be fittest for vs . Duke : Come Sateros let me yet honour thee , To whom the heauens haue giuen great victorie , And tooke in worth our worthles sacrifice , Wherein Contempt and Lust with old ingratitude , Haue perished like Fume that flies from fire . March forward braue and worthy man at Armes , Thy deedes shall be rewarded worthily : Embrace the Scholler , liue you two as friends , For Armes and Learning may not be at iarre , Counsell preuents , counsell preuailes in warre . Sat: My thoughts are free from hate , let me not liue , When souldiers faile good Letters to defend . Sch: Let euery Scholler be a Souldiers friend , As I am friend to thee and so will rest . Raph : I so liue , and yee are blest . How saist thou Zelote is not that life best . Duke : Then with due praise to heauen let vs depart , Our State supported both by Armes and Art . Exeunt . Fortuna Crudelis . FINIS .