The Widow's Tears Chapman, George This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A18426 of text S107724 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 4994). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. Martin Mueller Incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by Nayoon Ahn Keren Yi This text has not been fully proofread EarlyPrint Project Evanston IL, Notre Dame IN, St.Louis, Washington MO 2017 Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License A18426.xml The vviddovves teares a comedie. As it was often presented in the blacke and white Friers. Written by Geor. Chap. Chapman, George, 1559?-1634. 40 600dpi TIFF G4 page images University of Michigan, Digital Library Production Service Ann Arbor, Michigan 2003 January (TCP phase 1) 99843420 STC (2nd ed.) 4994. Greg, I, 301. 8152 A18426 2240852060

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. Searching, reading, printing, or downloading EEBO-TCP texts is reserved for the authorized users of these project partner institutions. Permission must be granted for subsequent distribution, in print or electronically, of this text, in whole or in part. Please contact project staff at eebotcp-info@umich.edu for further information or permissions.

 The vviddovves teares a comedie. As it was often presented in the blacke and white Friers. Written by Geor. Chap. Widdowes teares Widdowes teares. Chapman, George, 1559?-1634. [80] p. Printed [by William Stansby] for Iohn Browne, and are to be sold at his shop in Fleet-street in Saint Dunstanes Church-yard, London : 1612. 1604

Printer's name from STC.

Signatures: [A]2 B-K4 L2.

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

 A18426 shc The Widow's Tears Chapman, George Nayoon Ahn Keren Yi Chris Shanley Emily Andrey 1604 play comedy shc no A18426 S107724 (STC 4994). 82 27668 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 A This text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. Incorporated ~ 10,000 textual changes made to the SHC corpus by Hannah Bredar, Kate Needham, and Lydia Zoells between April and July 2015 during visits, separately or together, to the Bodleian, Folger and Houghton Libraries as well as the Rare Book Libraries at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago Incorporated ~ 10,000 textual changes made to the SHC corpus by Hannah Bredar, Kate Needham, and Lydia Zoells between April and July 2015 during visits, separately or together, to the Bodleian, Folger and Houghton Libraries as well as the Rare Book Libraries at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago The two pages 20-b1 and 20-b2, missing from the EEBO image set, were transcribed from the copy in the Boston Public Library by Emily Andrey and Chris Shanley. Boston Public Library, BRLL

THE Widdowes Teares A Comedie .

As it was often presented in the blacke and white Friers .

Written by GEOR. CHAP.

LONDON , Printed for Iohn Browne , and are to be sold at his shop in Fleet-street in Saint Dunstanes Church-yard . 1612 .

To the right Vertuous and truly noble Gentleman , Mr IO. REED of Mitton , in the Countie of Glocester Esquire .

SIR , if any worke of this nature be worth the presenting to Friends Worthie , and Noble ; I presume this , will not want much of that value . Other Countrie men haue thought the like worthie of Dukes and Princes acceptations ; Iniusti sdegnij ; Il Pentamento Amorose ; Calisthe , Pastorfido , &c. ( all being but plaies ) were all dedicate to Princes of Italie . And therefore only discourse to shew my loue to your right vertuous and noble disposition ; This poor Comedie ( of many desired to see printed ) I thought not vtterly vnworthie that affectionate designe in me : Well knowing that your free iudgement weighs nothing by the Name , or Forme ; or any vaine estimation of the vulgar ; but will accept acceptable matter , as well in Plaies ; as in many lesse materialls , masking in more serious Titles . And so , till some worke more worthie I can select , and perfect , out of my other Studies , that may better expresse me ; and more fit the grauitie of your ripe inclination , I rest .

Yours at all parts most truly affected . GEO. CHAPMAN .
The Actors . Tharsalio the wooer . Lysander his brother . Thir . Gouernour of Cyprus . Lycas ser. to the widdow Countesse . Argus , Gent. Vsher . 3. Lords suiters to Eudora the widdow Countesse . Hyl. Nephew to Tharsalio , and Sonne to Lysander . Captaine of the watch . 2. Souldiers . Eudora the widdow Countesse . Cynthia , wife to Lysander . Sthenio . Ianthe Gent. attending on Eudora . Ero , waiting woman to Cynthia .
The Widdowes Teares . A COMEDIE .
Actus Primi .
Scoena Prima . THARSALIO Solus , with a Glasse in his hand making readie . THow blinde imperfect Goddesse , that delights ( Like a deepe-reaching Statesman ) to conuerse Only with Fooles : Iealous of knowing spirits ; For feare their piersing Iudgements might discouer Thy inward weaknesse , and despise thy power ; Contemne thee for a Goddesse ; Thou that lad'st Th' vnworthy Asse with gold ; while worth and merit Serue thee for nought ; ( weake Fortune ) I renounce Thy vaine dependance , and conuert my dutie And sacrifices of my sweetest thoughts , To a more Noble Deitie . Sole friend to worth , And Patronesse of all good Spirits , Confidence . Shee be my Guide , and hers the praise of these My worthie vndertakings . Enter Lysander with a Glasse in his hand , Cynthia , Hylus , Ero. Lysand.

MOrrow Brother ; Not readie yet ?

Thar.

No ; I haue somewhat of the Brother in me ; I dare say , your Wife is many times readie , and you not vp . Saue you sister ; how , are you enamoured of my presence ? how like you my aspect ?

Cynth.

Faith no worse then I did last weeke , the weather has nothing chang'd the graine of your complexion .

Thar.

A firme proofe , 't is in graine , and so are not all complexions .

A good Souldiers face Sister .

Cynth.

Made to be worne vnder a Beuer .

Thar.

I , and 't would shew well enough vnder a maske too .

Lysand.

So much for the face .

Thar.

But is there no obiect in this suite to whet your tongue vpon ?

Lysand.

None , but Fortune send you well to weare it : for shee best knowes how you got it .

Thar.

Faith , 't is the portion shee bestowes vpon yonger Brothers , valour , and good clothes : Marry , if you aske how we come by this new suite , I must take time to answere it : for as the Ballad saies , in written Bookes I find it . Brother these are the blossomes of spirit : and I will haue it said for my Fathers honour , that some of his children were truly begotten .

Lysand.

Not all ?

Thar.

Shall I tell you brother that I know will reioyce you ? my former suites haue been all spenders , this shall be a speeder .

Lysand.

A thing to bee heartily wisht ; but brother , take heede you be not gull'd , be not too forward .

Thar.

'T had beene well for me , if you had follow'd that counsaile : You were too forward when you stept into the world before me , and gull'd me of the Land , that my spirits and parts were indeede borne too .

Cynth.

May we not haue the blessing to know the aime of your fortunes , what coast , for heauens loue ?

Thar.

Nay , t is a proiect of State : you may see the preparation ; but the designe lies hidden in the brests of the wise .

Lysand.

May we not know 't ?

Thar.

Not vnlesse you 'le promise mee to laugh at it , for without your applause , I le none .

Lysand.

The qualitie of it may bee such as a laugh will not be ill bestow'd vpon 't ; pray heauen I call not Arsace sister .

Cynth.

What ? the Pandresse ?

Thar.

Know you ( as who knowes not ) the exquisite Ladie of the Palace ? The late Gouernours admired Widdow ? The rich and haughtie Countesse Eudora ? Were not shee a Iewell worth the wearing , if a man knew how to win her ?

Lysand.

How 's that ? how 's that ?

Thar.

Brother , there is a certaine Goddesse called Confidence , that carries a maine stroke in honourable preferments . Fortune waits vpon her ; Cupid is at her becke ; shee sends them both of errands . This Deitie doth promise me much assistance in this businesse .

Lysand.

But if this Deitie should draw you vp in a basket to your Countesses window , and there let you hang for all the wits in the Towne to shoot at : how then ?

Thar.

If shee doe , let them shoote their bolts and spare not : I haue a little Bird in a Cage here that sings me better comfort . What should be the barre ? you 'le say , I was Page to the Count her husband . What of that ? I haue there by one foote in her fauour alreadie ; Shee has taken note of my spirit , and suruaid my good parts , and the picture of them liues in her eie : which sleepe , I know , can not close , till shee haue embrac't the substance .

Lysand.

All this sauors of the blind Goddesse you speake of .

Thar.

Why should I despaire , but that Cupid hath one dart in store for her great Ladiship , as well as for any other huge Ladie , whom she hath made stoope Gallant , to kisse their worthie followers . In a word , I am assured of my speede . Such faire attempts led by a braue resolue , are euermore seconded by Fortune .

Cynth.

But brother ? haue I not heard you say , your own eares haue been witnesse to her vowes , made solemnely to your late Lord ; in memorie of him , to preserue till death , the vnstain'd honour of a Widdowes bed . If nothing else , yet that might coole your confidence .

Thar.

Tush sister , suppose you should protest with solemne oath ( as perhaps you haue done , if euer Heauen heares your praiers , that you may liue to see my Brother nobly interred ) to feede only vpon fish , and not endure the touch of flesh , during the wretched Lent of your miserable life ; would you beleeue it Brother ?

Lysand.

I am therein most confident .

Thar.

Indeed , you had better beleeue it then trie it : but pray Sister tell me , you are a woman : doe not you wiues nod your heads , and smile one vpon an other when yee meete abroade ?

Cynth.

Smile ? why so ?

Thar.

As who should say , are not we mad Wenches , that can lead our blind husbands thus by the noses ? do you not brag amongst your selues how grosly you abuse their honest credulities ? how they adore you for Saints : and you beleeue it ? while you adhorne their temples , and they beleeue it not ? how you vow Widdow-hood in their life time , and they beleeue you , when euen in the sight of their breathlesse corse , ere they be fully cold , you ioine embraces with his Groome , or his Phisition , and perhaps his poisoner ; or at least by the next Moone ( if you can expect so long ) solemnely plight new Hymineall bonds , with a wild , confident , vntamed Ruffine ?

Lysand.

As for example .

Thar.

And make him the top of his house , and soueraign Lord of the Palace , as for example . Looke you Brother , this glasse is mine .

Lysand.

What of that ?

Thar.

While I am with it , it takes impression from my face ; but can I make it so mine , that it shall bee of no vse to any other ? will it not doe his office to you or you : and as well to my Groome as to my selfe ? Brother , Monopolies are cryed downe . Is it not madnes for me to beleeue , when I haue conquer'd that Fort of chastitie the great Countesse ; that if another man of my making , and mettall , shall assault her : her eies and eares should lose their function , her other parts their vse , as if Nature had made her all in vaine , vnlesse I only had stumbl'd into her quarters .

Cynth.

Brother : I feare mee in your trauaile , you haue drunck too much of that Italian aire , that hath infected the whole masse of your ingenuous Nature ; dried vp in you all sap of generous disposition , poisond the very Essence of your soule , and so polluted your senses , that whatsoeuer enters there , takes from them contagion , and is to your fancie represented as foule and tainted , which in it selfe perhaps is spotlesse .

Thar.

No sister , it hath refin'd my senses , and made mee see with cleare eies , and to iudge of obiects , as they truly are , not as they seeme , and through their maske to discerne the true face of thinges . It tells me how short liu'd Widdowes teares are , that their weeping is in truth but laughing vnder a Maske , that they mourne in their Gownes , and laugh in their Sleeues , all which I beleeue as a Delphian Oracle : and am resolu'd to burne in that faith . And in that resolution doe I march to the great Ladie .

Lysand.

You lose time Brother in discourse , by this had you bore vp with the Ladie and clapt her aboord , for I knowe your confidence will not dwell long in the seruice .

Thar.

No , I will performe it in the Conquerours stile . Your way is , not to winne Penelope by suite , but by surprise . The Castle 's carried by a sodaine assault , that would perhaps sit out a twelue-moneths siege . It would bee a good breeding to my yong Nephew here , if hee could procure a stand at the Palace , to see with what alacritie I le a-coast her Countesship , in what garbe I will woo her , with what facilitie I will winne her .

Lysand.

It shall goe hard but wee le heare your entertainement for your confidence sake .

Thar. And hauing wonne her Nephew ; This sweet face Which all the Citie saies , is so like me , Like me shall be preferr'd , for I will wed thee To my great widdowes Daughter and sole Heire , The louely sparke , the bright Laodice . Lysand. A good pleasant dreame . Thar. In this eie I see That fire that shall in me inflame the Mother , And that in this shall set on fire the Daughter . It goes Sir in a bloud ; beleeue me brother , These destinies goe euer in a bloud . Lysand. These diseases doe , brother , take heede of them : Fare you well ; Take heede you be not baffeld . Exeunt . Lys. Cynth. Hyl. Ero. manet Thars . Thar. Now thou that art the third blind Deitie That gouernes earth in all her happinesse , The life of all endowments , Confidence ; Direct and prosper my intention . Command thy seruant Deities , Loue and Fortune To second my attempts for this great Ladie , Whose Page I lately was ; That shee , whose bord I might not sit at , I may boord a bed And vnder bring , who bore so high her head . Exit . Lysander , Lycus . Lyc.

'T Is miraculous that you tell me Sir : he come to woo our Ladie Mistris for his wife ?

Lys.

'T is a phrensie he is possest with , and wil not be cur'd but by some violent remedie . And you shall fauour me so much to make me a spectator of the Scene . But is shee ( say you ) alreadie accessible for Suiters ? I thought shee would haue stood so stifly on her Widdow vow , that shee would not endure the sight of a Suiter .

Lyc.

Faith Sir , Penelope could not barre her gates against her woers , but shee will still be Mistris of her selfe . It is as you know , a certaine Itch in femall bloud , they loue to be su'd to : but shee le hearken to no Suiters .

Lys.

But by your leaue Lycus , Penelope is not so wise as her husband Vlysses , for he fearing the iawes of the Syren , stopt his eares with waxe against her voice . They that feare the Adders sting , will not come neare her hissing . Is any Suiter with her now ?

Lyc.

A Spartan Lord , dating himselfe our great Viceroies Kinsman , and two or three other of his Countrie Lords , as spots in his train . He comes armed with his Altitudes letters in grace of his person , with promise to make her a Duchesse if shee embrace the match . This is no meane attraction to her high thoughts ; but yet shee disdaines him .

Lys.

And how then shall my brother presume of acceptance ? yet I hold it much more vnder her contentment , to marrie such a Nastie braggart , then vnder her honour to wed my brother : A Gentleman ( though I sai 't ) more honourably descended than that Lord : who perhaps , for all his Ancestrie would bee much troubled to name you the place where his Father was borne .

Lyc.

Nay , I hold no comparison betwixt your brother & him . And the Venerean disease , to which they say , he has beene long wedded , shall I hope first rot him , ere shee endure the sauour of his Sulphurous breath . Well , her Ladiship is at hand ; y' are best take you to your stand .

Lys.

Thankes good friend Lycus . Exit .

Enter Argus barehead , with whome another Vsher Lycus ioynes , going ouer the Stage . Hiarbas , and Psorabeus next , Robus single before Eudora , Laodice , Sthenio bearing her traine , Ianthe following . Peb.

I Admire Madame , you can not loue whome the Viceroy loues .

Hiar.

And one whose veines swell so with his bloud , Madam , as they doe in his Lordship .

Pso.

A neare and deare Kinsman his Lordship is to his Altitude , the Viceroy ; In care of whose good speede here . I know his Altitude hath not slept a sound sleepe since his departure .

Eud.

I thanke Venus I haue , euer since he came .

Reb.

You sleepe away your Honour , Madam , if you neglect me .

Hiar.

Neglect your Lordship ? that were a negligence no lesse than disloialtie .

Eud.

I much doubt that Sir , It were rather a presumption to take him , being of the bloud Viceroiall .

Reb.

Not at all , being offered Madame .

Eud.

But offered ware is not so sweet you know . They are the graces of the Viceroy that woo me , not your Lordships , and I conceiue it should be neither Honor nor Pleasure to you , to be taken in for an other mans fauours .

Reb.

Taken in Madam ? you speake as I had no house to hide my head in .

Eud.

I haue heard so indeed , my Lord , vnlesse it be another mans .

Reb.

You haue heard vntruth then ; These Lords can well witnesse I can want no houses .

Hiar.

Nor Palaces neither my Lord .

Pso.

Nor Courts neither .

Eud.

Nor Temples I thinke neither ; I beleeue wee shall haue a God of him .

Enter Tharsalio . Arg.

SEe the bold fellow ; whether will you Sir ?

Thar.

Away way , all honour to you Madam ?

Eud.

How now base companion ?

Thar.

Base Madame : hee s not base that fights as high as your lips .

Eud.

And does that beseeme my seruant ?

Thar.

Your Court-seruant Madam .

Eud.

One that waited on my boord ?

Thar.

That was only a preparation to my weight on your bed Madam .

Eud.

How dar'st thou come to me with such a thought ?

Thar.

Come to you Madam ? I dare come to you at midnight , and bid defiance to the proudest spirit that haunts these your loued shadowes ; and would any way make terrible the accesse of my loue to you .

Eud.

Loue me ? loue my dogge .

Thar.

I am bound to that by the prouerb Madam .

Eud.

Kennell without with him , intrude not here . What is it thou presum'st on ?

Thar.

On your iudgement Madam , to choose a Man , and not a By but , as these are that come with Titles , and Authoritie , as they would conquer , or rauish you . But I come to you with the liberall and ingenuous Graces , Loue , Youth , and Gentrie ; which ( in no more deform'd a person then my selfe ) deserue any Princesse .

Eud.

In your sawcie opinion Sir , and sirha too ; get gone ; and let this malipert humour returne thee no more , for afore heauen I le haue thee tost in blanquets .

Thar.

In blanquets Madam , you must adde your sheetes , and you must be the Toffer .

Reb.

Nay then Sir y' are as grosse as you are sawcie .

Thar.

And all one Sir , for I am neither .

Reb.

Thou art both .

Thar.

Thou liest ; keepe vp your smiter Lord Rebus .

Hiar.

Vsest thou thus his Altitudes Cosen ?

Reb.

The place thou know'st protects thee .

Thar.

Tie vp your valour then till an other place turne me loose to you , you are the Lord ( I take it ) that wooed my great Mistris here with letters from his Altitude ; which while she was reading , your Lordship ( to entertaine time ) strodl'd and skal'd your fingers ; as you would shew what an itching desire you had to get betwixt her sheetes .

Hiar.

Slight , why does your Lordship endure him ?

Reb.

The place , the place my Lord .

Thar.

Be you his Attorney Sir .

Hiar.

What would you doe Sir ?

Thar.

Make thee leape out at window , at which thou cam'st in : Whores-sonne bag-pipe Lords .

Eud.

What rudenesse is this ?

Thar.

What tamenesse is it in you Madam , to sticke at the discarding of such a suiter ? A leane Lord , dub'd with the lard of others ? A diseased Lord too , that opening certaine Magick Characters in an vnlawfull booke , vp-start as many aches in 's bones , as there are ouches in 's skinne . Send him ( Mistris ) to the Widdow your Tennant ; the vertuous Pandresse Arsace . I perceiue he has crownes in 's Purse , that make him proud of a string ; let her pluck the Goose therefore , and her maides dresse him .

Pso.

Still my Lord suffer him ?

Reb.

The place Sir , beleeue it the place .

Thar.

O good Lord Rebus ; The place is neuer like to be yours that you neede respect it so much .

Eud.

Thou wrong'st the noble Gentleman .

Thar.

Noble Gentleman ? A tumor , an impostume hee is Madam ; a very hault-boy , a bag-pipe ; in whom there is nothing but winde , and that none of the sweetest neither .

Eud.

Quitt the House of him by 't head and Soulders .

Thar.

Thankes to your Honour Madame , and my Lord Cosen the Viceroy shall thanke you .

Reb.

So shall he indeede sir .

Lye. Arg.

Will you be gone sir ?

Thar.

Away poore Fellowes .

Eud. What is he made of ? or what Deuill sees your childish , and effeminate spirits in him , that thus yee shun him ? Free vs of thy sight ; Be gone , or I protest thy life shall goe . Thar. Yet shall my Ghost stay still ; and haunt those beauties , and glories , that haue renderd it immortall . But since I see your bloud runnes ( for the time ) High , in that contradiction that fore-runs Truest agreements ( like the Elements Fighting before they generate ; ) and that Time Must be attended most , in thinges most worth ; I leaue your Honour freely ; and commend That life you threaten , when you please , to be Aduentur'd in your seruice ; so your Honour Require it likewise . Eud. Doe not come againe . Thar. I le come againe , beleeue it , and againe . Exit . Eud.

If he shall dare to come againe , I charge you shut dores vpon him .

Arg. You must shut them ( Madam ) To all men else then , if it please your Honour , For it that any enter , he le be one . Eud. I hope , wise Sir , a Guard will keepe him out . Arg.

Afore Heauen , not a Guard ( an t please your Honour . )

Eud. Thou liest base Asse ; One man enforce a Guard ? I le turne yee all away ( by our Iles Goddesse ) If he but set a foote within my Gates . Lurd. Your Honour shall doe well to haue him poison'd . Hiar. Or begg'd of your Cosen the Viceroy . Exit . Lysander from his stand . Lysand.

This brauing wooer , hath the successe expected ; The fauour I obtain'd , made me witnesse to the sport ; And let his Confidence bee sure , I le giue it him home . The newes by this , is blowne through the foure quarters of the Cittie . Alas good Confidence : but the happinesse is he has a forehead of proofe ; the staine shall neuer stick there whatsoeuer his reproch be .

Enter Tharsalio . Lysand. WHat ? in discourse ? Thar. Hell and the Furies take this vile encounter . Who would imagine this Saturnian Peacock Could be so barbarous to vse a spirit Of my direction , with such loued respect ? Fore heauen it cuts my gall ; but I le dissemble it . Lysand. What ? my noble Lord ? Thar. Well Sir , that may be yet , and meanes to be . Lysand.

What meanes your Lordship then to hang that head that hath beene so erected ; it knocks Sir at your bosome to come in and hide it selfe .

Thar.

Not a iot .

Lysand.

I hope by this time it needes feare no hornes .

Thar.

Well Sir , but yet that blessing runs not alwaies in a bloud .

Lysand.

What blanqueted ? O the Gods ! spurn'd out by Groomes like a base Bisogno ? thrust out by 'th head and shoulders ?

Thar.

You doe well Sir to take your pleasure of me , ( I may turne tables with you ere long . )

Lysand.

What has thy wits fine engine taken cold ? art stuff't int h head ? canst answere nothing ?

Thar.

Truth is , I tooke my entertainment the better that 't was no better .

Lysand.

Now the Gods forbid that this opinion should run in a bloud .

Thar.

Haue not you heard this principle , All thinges by strife engender .

Lysand.

Dogges and Cats doe .

Thar.

And men and women too .

Lysand.

Well Brother , in earnest , you haue now set your confidence to schoole , from whence I hope 't has brought home such a lesson as will instruct his master neuer after to begin such attempts as end in laughter .

Thar.

What Sir , you lesson my Confidence still ; I pray heauens your confidence haue not more shallow ground ( for that I know ) then mine you reprehend so .

Lysand.

My confidence ? in what ?

Thar.

May be you trust too much .

Lysand.

Wherein ?

Thar.

In humane frailtie .

Lysand.

Why brother know you ought that may impeach my confidence , as this successe may yours ? hath your obseruation discouered any such frailtie in my wife ( for that is your aime I know ) then let me know it .

Thar.

Good , good . Nay Brother , I write no bookes of Obseruations , let your confidence beare out it selfe , as mine shall me .

Lysand.

That 's scarce a Brothers speech . If there be ought wherein your Brothers good might any way be question'd can you conceale it from his bosome ?

Thar.

So , so . Nay my saying was but generall . I glanc't at no particular .

Lysand.

Then must I presse you further . You spake ( as to your selfe , but yet I ouer-heard ) as if you knew some disposition of weaknesse where I most had fixt my trust . I challenge you to let me know what t' was .

Thar.

Brother ? are you wise ?

Lysand.

Why ?

Thar.

Be ignorant . Did you neuer heare of Actaeon ?

Lysand.

What then ?

Thar.

Curiositie was his death . He could not be content to adore Diana in her Temple , but he must needes dogge her to her retir'd pleasures , and see her in her nakednesse . Doe you enioy the sole priuiledge of your wiues bed ? haue you no pretie Paris for your Page ? No mysticall Adonis to front you there ?

Lysand.

I thinke none : I know not .

Thar.

Know not still Brother . Ignorance and credulitie are your sole meanes to obtaine that blessing . You see your greatest Clerkes , your wisest Politicians , are not that way fortunate , your learned Lawyers would lose a dozen poore mens causes to gaine a lease an t , but for a Terme . Your Phisition is ielous of his . Your Sages in generall , by seeing too much ouersee that happinesse . Only your block-headly Tradesman ; your honest meaning Cittizen ; your not-headed Countrie Gentleman ; your vnapprehending Stinckerd is blest with the sole prerogatiue of his Wiues chamber . For which he is yet beholding , not to his starres , but to his ignorance . For if he be wise , Brother , I must tell you the case alters .

How doe you relish these thinges Brother ?

Lysand.

Passing ill .

Thar.

So do sick men solid meates : hearke you brother , are you not ielous ?

Lysand.

No : doe you know cause to make me ?

Thar.

Hold you there ; did your wife neuer spice your broth with a dramme of sublimate ? hath shee not yeelded vp the Fort of her Honour to a staring Soldado ? and ( taking courage from her guilt ) plaid open banckrout of all shame , and runne the Countrie with him ? Then blesse your Starres , bow your knees to Iuno . Looke where shee appeares .

Enter Cynthia , Hylus . Cynth.

We haue sought you long Sir , there 's a Messenger within , hath brought you letters from the Court , and desires your speech .

Lysand.

I can discouer nothing in her lookes . Goe , I le not be long .

Cynth.

Sir , it is of weight the bearer saies : and besides , much hastens his departure . Honourable Brother ! crie mercie ! what , in a Conquerours stile ? but come and ouercome ?

Thar.

A fresh course .

Cynth.

Alas you see of how sleight mettall Widdowes vowes are made .

Thar.

And that shall you proue too ere long .

Cynth.

Yet for the honour of our sexe , boast not abroade this your easie conquest ; another might perhaps haue staid longer below staires , but vpon your confidence , that surpris'd her loue .

Hyl.

My vncle hath instructed me how to accoast an honorable Ladie ; to win her , not by suite , but by surprise .

Thar.

The Whelp and all .

Hyl.

Good Vncle let not your neare Honours change your manners , bee not forgetfull of your promise to mee , touching your Ladies daughter Laodice . My fancie runns so vpon 't , that I dreame euery night of her .

Thar.

A good chicken , goe thy waies , thou hast done well ; eate bread with thy meate .

Cynth.

Come Sir , will you in ?

Lysand.

I le follow you .

Cynth.

I le not stirre a foot without you . I can not satisfie the messengers impatience .

Lys.

He takes Thar. aside . Wil you not resolue me brother ?

Thar.

Of what ? Lysander stamps and goes out vext with Cynth. Hyl. Ero. So , there 's venie for venie , I haue giuen 't him 'i th place speeding for all his confidence . Well out of this perhaps there may bee moulded matter of more mirth , then my baffling . It shall goe hard but I le make my constant sister act as famous a Scene as Virgil did his Mistris ; who caus'd all the Fire in Rome to faile so ; that none could light a torch but at her nose . Now forth : At this house dwells a vertuous Dame , sometimes of worthy Fame , now like a decai'd Merchant turn'd Broker , and retailes refuse commodities for vnthriftie Gallants . Her wit I must imploy vpon this businesse to prepare my next encounter , but in such a fashion as shall make all split . Ho ? Madam Arsace ? pray heauen the Oister-wiues haue not brought the newes of my woing hether amongst their stale Pilcherds .

Enter Arsace , Tomasin . Ars.

WHat ? my Lord of the Palace ?

Thar.

Looke you .

Ars.

Why , this was done like a beaten Souldier .

Thar.

Hearke , I must speake with you . I haue a share for you in this riche aduenture . You must bee the Asse chardg'd with Crownes to make way to the Fort , and I the Conquerour to follow , and seise it . Seest thou this iewell ?

Ars.

Is 't come to that ? why Tomasin .

Tom.

Madam .

Ars.

Did not one of the Countesses Seruing-men tell vs that this Gentleman was sped ?

Tom.

That he did , and how her honour grac't and entertained him in very familiar manner .

Ars.

And brought him downe staires her selfe .

Tom.

I forsooth , and commanded her men to beare him out of dores .

Thar.

Slight , pelted with rotten egges ?

Ars.

Nay more , that he had alreadie possest her sheetes .

Tom.

No indeede Mistris , t was her blanquets .

Thar.

Out you yong hedge-sparrow , learne to tread afore you be fledge . He kicks her out :

Well haue you done now Ladie . Ars. O my sweet kilbuck . Thar.

You now , in your shallow pate , thinke this a disgrace to mee , such a disgrace as is a batterd helmet on a souldiers head , it doubles his resolution . Say , shall I vse thee ?

Ars.

Vse me ?

Thar.

O holy reformation ! how art thou fallen downe from the vpper-bodies of the Church to the skirts of the Citie ! honestie is stript out of his true substance into verball nicetie . Common sinners startle at common termes , and they that by whole mountaines swallow downe the deedes of darknesse ; A poore mote of a familiar word , makes them turne vp the white o' th eie . Thou art the Ladies Tennant .

Ars.

For terme Sir .

Thar.

A good induction , be successefull for me , make me Lord of the Palace , and thou shalt hold thy Tenement to thee and thine eares for euer , in free smockage , as of the manner of Panderage , prouided alwaies .

Arsa.

Nay if you take me vnprouided .

Thar.

Prouided I say , that thou mak'st thy repaire to her presently with a plot I will instruct thee in ; and for thy surer accesse to her greatnesse , thou shalt present her , as from thy selfe with this iewell .

Arsa.

So her old grudge , stand not betwixt her and me .

Thar. Feare not that . Presents are present cures for femall grudges , Make bad , seeme-good ; alter the case with Iudges . Exit . Finis Actus Primi .
Actus Secundi .
Scoena Prima . Lysander , Tharsalio . Lysand.

SO now we are our selues . Brother , that ill relisht speech you let slip from your tongue , hath taken so deepe hold of my thoughts , that they will neuer giue me rest , till I be resolu'd what 't was you said , you know , touching my wife .

Thars.

Tush : I am wearie of this subiect , I said not so .

Lysand.

By truth it selfe you did : I ouer-heard you . Come , it shall nothing moue me , whatsoeuer it be ; pray thee vnfold briefly what you know .

Thars.

Why briefly Brother . I know my sister to be the wonder of the Earth ; and the Enuie of the Heauens . Vertuous , Loiall , and what not . Briefly , I know shee hath vow'd , that till death and after death , shee le hold inuiolate her bonds to you , & that her black shal take no other hew ; all which I firmely beleeue . In briefe Brother , I know her to be a woman . But you know brother , I haue other yrons on th' anuile . Exiturus .

Lysand.

You shall not leaue mee so vnsatisfied ; tell mee what t is you know .

Thar.

Why Brother ; if you be sure of your wiues loialtie for terme of life : why should you be curious to search the Almanacks for after-times : whether some wandring Aeneas should enioy your reuersion ; or whether your true Turtle would sit mourning on a wither'd branch , till Atropos cut her throat : Beware of curiositie , for who can resolue you ? you le say perhaps her vow .

Lysand.

Perhaps I shall .

Thar.

Tush , her selfe knowes not what shee shall doe , when shee is transform'd into a Widdow . You are now a sober and staid Gentleman . But if Diana for your curiositie should translate you into a monckey ; doe you know what gambolds you should play ? your only way to bee resolu'd is to die and make triall of her .

Lysand.

A deare experiment , then I must rise againe to bee resolu'd .

Thar.

You shall not neede . I can send you speedier aduertisement of her constancie , by the next Ripier that rides that way with Mackerell . And so I leaue you .

Exit . Thar. Lysand. All the Furies in hell attend thee ; has giuen me a Bone to tire on with a pestilence ; slight know ? What can he know ? what can his eie obserue More then mine owne , or the most piersing sight That euer viewed her ? by this light I thinke Her priuat'st thought may dare the eie of heauen , And challenge th' enuious world to witnesse it . I know him for a wild corrupted youth , Whom prophane Ruffins , Squires to Bawds , & Strumpets , Drunkards , speud out of Tauerns , into 'th sinkes Of Tap-houses , and Stewes , Reuolts from manhood ; Debaucht perdu's , haue by their companies Turn'd Deuill like themselues , and stuft his soule With damn'd opinions , and vnhallowed thoughts Of womanhood , of all humanitie , Nay Deitie it selfe . Enter Lycus . Lys.

WElcome friend Lycus .

Lyc.

Haue you met with your capricious brother ?

Lys.

He parted hence but now .

Lyc.

And has he yet resolu'd you of that point you brake with me about ?

Lys.

Yes , he bids me die for further triall of her constancie .

Lyc.

That were a strange Phisicke for a iealous patient ; to cure his thirst with a draught of poison . Faith Sir , discharge your thoughts an 't ; thinke 't was but a Buzz deuis'd by him to set your braines a work , and diuert your eie from his disgrace . The world hath written your wife in highest lines of honour'd Fame : her vertues so admir'd in this I le , as the report thereof sounds in forraigne eares ; and strangers oft arriuing here , ( as some rare sight ) desire to view her presence , thereby to compare the Picture with the originall . Nor thinke he can turne so farre rebell to his bloud ,

Or to the Truth it selfe to misconceiue Her spotlesse loue and loialtie ; perhaps Oft hauing heard you hold her faith so sacred As you being dead , no man might stirre a sparke Of vertuous loue , in way of second bonds ; As if you at your death should carrie with you Both branch and roote of all affection . T' may be , in that point hee 's an Infidell , And thinkes your confidence may ouer-weene . Lys. So thinke not I . Lyc. Nor I : if euer any made it good . I am resolu'd of all , shee le proue no changling . Lys. Well , I must yet be further satisfied ; And vent this humour by some straine of wit , Somewhat I le doe ; but what , I know not yet . Exeunt . Enter Sthenio , Ianthe . Sthe.

PAssion of Virginitie , Ianthe , how shall we quit our selues of this Pandresse , that is so importunate to speake with vs ? Is shee knowne to be a Pandresse ?

Ian.

I , as well as we are knowne to be waiting women .

Sthe.

A shrew take your comparison .

Sthe.

Let s cal out Argus that bold Asse that neuer weighs what he does or saies ; but walkes and talkes like one in a sleepe ; to relate her attendance to my Ladie , and present her .

Ian. Who ? an t please your Honour ? None so fit to set on any dangerous exploit . Ho ? Argus ? Enter Argus bare . Arg.

WHat 's the matter Wenches ?

Sthe.

You must tell my Ladie here 's a Gentle-woman call'd Arsace , her Honours Tennant , attends her , to impart important businesse to her .

Arg.

I will presently . Exit . Arg.

Iant.

Well , shee has a welcome present , to beare out her vnwelcome presence : and I neuer knew but a good gift would welcome a bad person to the purest . Arsace ?

Enter Arsace . Ars.

I Mistris .

Sthe.

Giue me your Present ; I le doe all I can , to make way both for it and your selfe .

Ars.

You shall binde me to your seruice Ladie .

Sthe.

Stand vnseene .

Enter Lyc , Eudora , Laodice , Reb , Hiar Psor. comming after , Argus comming to Eudora . Arg. HEre 's a Gentle-woman ( an t Please your Honour ) one of your Tennants Desires accesse to you . Eud. What Tennant ? what 's her name ? Arg. Arsace , shee saies Madam . Eud. Arsace ? what the Bawde ? Arg.

The Bawd Madam ? shee strikes , that 's without my priuitie .

Eud.

Out Asse , know'st not thou the Pandresse Arsace ?

Sth.

Shee present your Honour with this Iewell ?

Eud. This iewell ? how came shee by such a iewell ? Shee has had great Customers . Arg. Shee had neede Madam , shee sits at a great Rent . Eud.

Alas for your great Rent : I le keepe her iewell , and keepe you her out , yee were best : speake to me for a Pandresse ?

Arg.

What shall we doe ?

Sthe.

Goe to ; Let vs alone . Arsace ?

Ars.

I Ladie .

Sthe.

You must pardon vs , we can not obtaine your accesse .

Ars.

Mistris Sthenio , tell her Honour , if I get not accesse to her , and that instantly shee 's vndone .

Sthe.

This is some-thing of importance . Madam , shee sweares your Honour is vndone if she speake not with you instantly .

Eud.

Vndone ?

Ars.

Pray her for her Honours sake to giue mee instant accesse to her .

Sthe.

Shee makes her businesse your Honour Madame , and entreates for the good of that , her instant speech with you .

Eud.

How comes my Honour in question ? Bring her to mee .

Enter Arsace . Ars.

OVr Cypriane Goddesse saue your good Honor .

Eud.

Stand you off I pray : How dare you Mistris importune accesse to me thus , considering the last warning I gaue for your absence ?

Ars.

Because , Madam , I haue been mou'd by your Honours last most chast admonition , to leaue the offensiue life . I led before .

Eud.

I ? haue you left it then ?

Ars.

I , I assure your Honour , vnlesse it be for the pleasure of two or three poore Ladies , that haue prodigall Knights to their husbands .

Eud.

Out on thee Impudent .

Ars.

Alas Madam , wee would all bee glad to liue in our callings .

Eud.

Is this the reform'd life thou talk'st on ?

Ars.

I beseech your good Honour mistake me not , I boast of nothing but my charitie , that 's the worst .

Eud.

You get these iewels with charitie , no doubt . But what s the point in which my Honour stands endanger'd I pray ?

Ars.

In care of that Madam , I haue presum'd to offend your chast eies with my presence . Hearing it reported for truth and generally , that your Honor will take to husband a yong Gentleman of this Citie called Tharsalio .

Eud.

I take him to husband ?

Ars.

If your Honour does , you are vtterly vndone , for hee 's the most incontinent , and insatiate Man of Women that euer VENVS blest with abilitie to please them .

Eud.

Let him be the Deuill ; I abhorre his thought , and could I be inform'd particularly of any of these slanderers of mine Honour , he should as dearely dare it , as any thing wherein his life were endanger'd .

Ars.

Madam , the report of it is so strongly confident , that I feare the strong destinie of marriage is at worke in it . But if it bee Madam : Let your Honours knowne vertue resist and defie it for him : for not a hundred will serue his one turne . I protest to your Honour , When ( VENVS pardon mee ) I winckt at my vnmaidenly exercise . I haue knowne nine in a Night made mad with his loue .

Eud.

What tell'st thou mee of his loue ? I tell thee I abhorre him ; and destinie must haue an other mould for my thoughts , then Nature or mine Honour , and a Witchcraft aboue both , to transforme mee to another shape , as soone as to an other conceipt of him .

Ars.

Then is your good Honour iust as I pray for you , and good Madam , euen for your vertues sake , and comfort of all your Dignities , and Possessions ; fixe your whole Woman-hood against him . Hee will so inchant you , as neuer man did woman : Nay a Goddesse ( say his light huswiues ) is not worthie of his sweetnesse .

Eud.

Goe to , be gone .

Ars.

Deare Madam , your Honours most perfect admonitions haue brought mee to such a hate of these imperfections , that I could not but attend you with my dutie , and vrge his vnreasonable manhood to the fill .

Eud.

Man-hood , quoth you ?

Ars.

Nay Beastly-hood , I might say , indeede Madam , but for sauing your Honour ; Nine in a night said I ?

Eud.

Goe to , no more .

Ars.

No more Madame ? that 's enough one would thinke .

Eud.

Well be gone I bid thee .

Ars.

Alas Madam , your Honour is the chiefe of our Citie , and to whom shall I complaine of these inchastities , ( being your Ladiships reform'd Tennant ) but to you that are chastest ?

Eud.

I pray thee goe thy waies , and let me see this reformation you pretend continued .

Ars.

I humbly thanke your good Honour , that was first cause of it .

Eud.

Here 's a complaint as strange as my Suiter .

Ars.

I beseech your good Honour thinke vpon him , make him an example .

Eud.

Yet againe ?

Ars.

All my dutie to your Excellence . Exit . Ars.

Eud.

These sorts of licentious persons , when they are once reclaim'd , are most vehement against licence . But it is the course of the world to dispraise faults & vse them ; that so we may vse them the safer . What might a wise Widdow resolue vpon this point now ? Contentment is the end of all wordly beings : Beshrow her ; would shee had spared her newes . Exit .

Reb.

See if shee take not a contrarie way to free her selfe of vs .

Hiar.

You must complaine to his Altitude .

Psor. All this for triall is ; you must indure That will haue wiues , nought else , with them is sure . Exit . Tharsalio , Arsace . Thar.

HAst thou beene admitted then ?

Ars.

Admitted ? I , into her heart , I le able it ; neuer was man so prais'd with a dispraise ; nor so spoken for in being rail'd on . I le giue you my word ; I haue set her hart vpon as tickle a pin as the needle of a Diall ; that will neuer let it rest , till it be in the right position .

Thar,

Why dost thou imagine this ?

Ars.

Because I saw Cupid shoot in my wordes , and open his wounds in her lookes . Her bloud went and came of errands betwixt her face and her heart ; and these changes I can tell you are shrewd tell-tales .

Thar.

Thou speak'st like a Doctrisse in thy facultie ; but howsoeuer , for all this foile , I le retriue the game once againe , hee 's a shallow gamster that for one displeasing cast giues vp so faire a game for lost .

Ars.

Well , 't was a villanous inuention of thine , and had a swift operation , it tooke like sulphure . And yet this vertuous Countesse hath to my eare spun out many a tedious lecture of pure sisters thred against concupiscence . But euer with such an affected zeale , as my minde gaue me , shee had a kinde of secret titillation to grace my poore house sometimes ; but that shee fear'd a spice of the Sciatica , which as you know euer runs in the bloud .

Thar.

And as you know , sokes into the bones . But to say truth , these angrie heates that breake out at the lips of these streight lac't Ladies , are but as symptoms of a lustfull feuer that boiles within them . For wherefore rage wiues at their husbands so , when they flie out , for zeale against the sinne ?

Ars.

No , but because they did not purge that sinne .

Thar.

Th' art a notable Syren , and I sweare to thee , if I prosper , not only to giue thee thy mannor-house gratis , but to marrie thee to some one Knight or other , and burie thy trade in thy Ladiship : Goe be gone . Exit . Ars.

Enter Lycus . Thar.

WHat newes Lycus ? where 's the Ladie ?

Lyc.

Retir'd into her Orchard .

Thar.

A pregnant badge of loue , shee 's melancholy .

Lyc.

'T is with the sight of her Spartane wooer . But howsoeuer t is with her , you haue practis'd strangely vpon your Brother .

Thar.

Why so ?

Lyc.

You had almost lifted his wit off the hinges . That sparke ielousie falling into his drie melancholy braines , had well neare set the whole house on fire .

Thar.

No matter , let it worke ; I did but pay him in 's owne coine ; Sfoot hee plied me with such a volley of vnseason'd scoffs , as would haue made Patience it selfe turne Ruffine , attiring it selfe in wounds and bloud : but is his humour better qualified then ?

Lyc.

Yes , but with a medicine ten parts more dangerous then the sicknesse : how know you strange his dotage euer was on his wife ; taking speciall glorie to haue her loue and loialtie to him so renowm'd abrode . To whom shee oftentimes hath vow'd constancie after life , till her owne death had brought forsooth , her widdow-troth to bed . This he ioi'd in strangely , and was therein of infallible beliefe , till your surmise began to shake it ; which hath loos'd it so , as now there 's nought can settle it , but a triall , which hee 's resolu'd vpon .

Thar.

As how man ? as how ?

Lyc.

Hee is resolu'd to follow your aduise , to die , and make triall of her stablenesse , and you must lend your hand to it .

Thar.

What to cut 's throat ?

Lyc.

To forge a rumour of his death , to vphold it by circumstance , maintaine a publike face of mourning , and all thinges appertaining .

Thar.

I , but the meanes man : what time ? what probabilitie .

Lyc.

Nay , I thinke he has not lickt his Whelpe into full shape yet , but you shall shortly heare an t .

Thar.

And when shall this strange conception see light ?

Lyc.

Forthwith : there 's nothing staies him , but some odde businesse of import , which hee must winde vp ; least perhaps his absence by occasion of his intended triall bee prolonged aboue his aimes .

Thar.

Thankes for this newes i' faith . This may perhaps proue happie to my Nephew . Truth is I loue my sister well and must acknowledge her more then ordinarie vertues . But shee hath so possest my brothers heart with vowes , and disauowings , seal'd with oathes of second nuptialls ; as in that confidence , hee hath inuested her in all his state , the ancient inheritance of our Familie : and left my Nephew and the rest to hang vpon her pure deuotion ; so as he dead , and shee matching ( as I am resolu'd shee will ) with some yong Prodigall ; what must ensue , but her post-issue beggerd , and our house alreadie sinking , buried quick in ruin . But this triall may remoue it , and since t is come to this ; marke but the issue Lycus , for all these solemne vowes , if I doe not make her proue in the handling as weake as a wafer ; say I lost my time in trauaile . This resolution then has set his wits in ioynt againe , hee 's quiet .

Lyc.

Yes , and talkes of you againe in the fairest manner , listens after your speede .

Thar.

Nay hee 's passing kinde , but I am glad of this triall for all that .

Lyc.

Which he thinkes to be a flight beyond your wing .

Thar.

But hee will change that thought ere long . My Bird you saw euen now , sings me good newes , and makes hopefull signes to me .

Lyc.

Somewhat can I say too , since your messengers departure , her Ladiship hath beene something alter'd , more pensiue then before , and tooke occasion to question of you , what your addictions were ? of what tast your humor was ? of what cut you wore your wit , and all this in a kind of disdainefull scorne .

Thar.

Good Callenders Lycus . Well I le pawne this iewell with thee , my next encounter shall quite alter my brothers iudgement . Come le ts in , he shall commend it for a discreet and honourable attempt . Mens iudgments sway on that side fortune leanes , Thy wishes shall assist me :

Lyc.

And my meanes . Exeunt .

Argus , Clinias , Sthenio , Ianthe . Arg.

I Must confesse I was ignorant , what 't was to court a Ladie till now .

Sthe.

And I pray you what is it now ?

Arg.

To court her I perceiue , is to woo her with letters from Court , for so this Spartane Lords Court discipline teacheth .

Sth.

His Lordship hath procur'd a new Pacquet from his Altitude .

Clin.

If he bring no better ware then letters in 's pacquet , I shall greatly doubt of his good speede .

Ian.

If his Lordship did but know how gracious his Aspect is to my Ladie in this solitarie humour .

Clin.

Well these retir'd walkes of hers are not vsuall ; and bode some alteration in her thoughts . What may bee the cause Sthenio .

Sthe.

Nay t would trouble Argus with his hundred eies to descrie the cause .

Ian.

Venus keepe her vpright , that shee fall not from the state of her honour ; my feare is that some of these Serpentine suiters will tempt her from her constant vow of widdow-hood . If they doe , good night to our good daies .

Sthe.

'T were a sinne to suspect her ; I haue been witnesse to so many of her fearfull protestations to our late Lord against that course , to her infinite oathes imprinted on his lips , and seal'd in his heart with such imprecations to her bed , if euer it should receiue a second impression , to her open and often detestations of that incestuous life ( as shee term'd it ) of widdowes marriages , as being but a kinde of lawfull adulterie ; like vsurie permitted by the law , not approu'd . That to wed a second , was no better then to cuckold the first : That women should entertaine wedlock as one bodie , as one life , beyond which there were no desire , no thought , no repentance from it , no restitution to it . So as if the conscience of her vowes should not restraine her , yet the worlds shame to breake such a constant resolution , should represse any such motion in her .

Arg.

Well , for her vowes , they are gone to heauen with her husband , they binde not vpon earth : And as for Womens resolutions , I must tell you , The Planets , & ( as Ptolomie saies ) the windes haue a great stroke in them . Trust not my learning if her late strangenesse , and exorbitant solitude , be not hatching some new Monster .

Ian.

Well applied Argus ; Make you husbands Monsters ?

Arg.

I spoke of no husbands , but you Wenches haue the pregnant wits , to turne Monsters into husbands , as you turne husbands into monsters .

Sthe.

Well Ianthe , 't were high time we made in , to part our Ladie and her Spartane wooer .

Ian.

We shall appeare to her like the two fortunate Stars in a tempest , to saue the shipwrack of her patience .

Sthe.

I , and to him to , I beleeue ; For by this time he hath spent the last dramme of his newes .

Arg.

That is , of his wit .

Sth.

Iust good wittals .

Ian.

If not , that my Ladie be not . too deep in her new dumps , we shall heare from his Lordship ; what such a Lord said of his wife the first night hee embrac't her : To what Gentleman such a Count was beholding for his fiue children . What yong Ladie , such an old Count should marrie ; what Reuells : what presentments are towards ; and who penn'd the Pegmas ; and so forth : and yet for all this , I know her harsh Suiter hath tir'd her to the vttermost scruple of her forbearances , and will doe more , vnlesse we two , like a paire of Sheres , cut a-sunder the thred of his discourse .

Sthe.

Well then , le ts in ; But my masters , waite you on your charge at your perils , See that you guard her approch from any more intruders .

Ian.

Excepting yong Tharsalio .

Sthe.

True , excepting him indeede , for a guard of men is not able to keepe him out an t please your Honour .

Arg.

O Wenches , that 's the propertie of true valour , to promise like Pigmey , and performe like a Giant . If hee come , I le bee sworne I le doe my Ladies commandement vpon him .

Ian.

What ? beate him out ?

Sthe.

If hee should , Tharsalio would not take it ill at his handes , for he does but his Ladies commandement .

Enter Tharsalio . Arg.

WEll , by Hercules he comes not here .

Sthe.

By Venus but hee does : or else shee hath heard my Ladies praiers , and sent some gracious spirit in his likenesse to fright away that Spartane wooer , that hants her .

Thar.

There stand her Sentinells .

Arg.

Slight the Ghost appeares againe .

Thar.

Saue yee my quondam fellowes in Armes ; saue yee ; my women .

Sthe.

Your Women Sir ?

Thar.

'T will be so . What no courtesies ? No preparation of grace ? obserue me I aduise you for your owne sakes .

Ian.

For your owne sake , I aduise you to pack hence , lest your impudent valour cost you dearer then you thinke .

Clin.

What senselesse boldnesse is this Tharsalio ?

Arg.

Well said Clinias , talke to him .

Clin.

I wonder that notwithstanding the shame of your last entertainment , and threatnings of worse ; you would yet presume to trouble this place againe .

Thar.

Come y' are a widgine ; Off with your hat Sir , acknowledge : forecast is better then labour . Are you squint ey'd ? can you not see afore you . A little foresight I can tell you might sted you much as the Starres shine now .

Clin.

'T is well sir , t is not for nothing your brother is asham'd on you . But Sir , you must know , wee are chardg'd to barre your entrance .

Thar.

But Wifler , know you , that who so shall dare to execute that charge , I le be his Executioner .

Arg.

By Ioue , Clinias , me thinks , the Gentleman speakes very honourably .

Thar.

Well I see this house needes reformation , here 's a fellow stands behind now , of a forwarder insight then yee all . What place hast thou ?

Arg.

What place you please Sir .

Thar.

Law you Sir . Here 's a fellow to make a Gentleman Vsher Sir , I discharge you of the place , and doe here inuest thee into his roome , Make much of thy haire , thy wit will suit it rarely . And for the full possession of thine office ; Come , Vsher me to thy Ladie : and to keep thy hand supple , take this from me .

Arg.

No bribes Sir , an t please your Worship .

Thar.

Goe to , thou dost well ; but pocket it for all that ; it 's no impaire to thee : the greatest doo 't .

Arg.

Sir , t is your loue only that I respect , but since out of your loue you please to bestow it vpon me , It were want of Courtship in mee to refuse it ; I le acquaint my Ladie with your comming . Exit . Arg.

Thar.

How say by this ? haue not I made a fit choise , that hath so soone attain'd the deepest mysterie of his profession : Good sooth Wenches , a few courtsies had not beene cast away vpon your new Lord .

Sthe.

Wee le beleeue that , when our Ladie has a new Sonne of your getting .

Enter Argus , Eudora , Rebus , Hiar . Psor. Eud.

WHat 's the matter ? whos 's that , you say , is come ?

Arg.

The bold Gentleman , an t please your Honour .

Eud.

Why thou flering Asse thou .

Arg.

An t please your Honour .

Eud.

Did not I forbid his approch by all the charge and dutie of thy seruice ?

Thar.

Madam , this fellow only is intelligent ; for he truly vnderstood your command according to the stile of the Court of Venus ; that is , by contraries : when you forbid you bid .

Eud.

By heauen I le discharge my house of yee all .

Thar.

You shall not neede Madame , for I haue alreadie casheer'd your officious Vsher here , and chos'd this for his Successor .

Eud.

O incredible boldnesse !

Thar.

Madam , I come not to command your loue with enforst letters , nor to woo you with tedious stories of my Pedigree , as hee who drawes the thred of his descent from Ledas Distaffe ; when 't is well knowne his Grandsire cried Coniskins in Sparta .

Reb.

Whom meane you Sir ?

Thar.

Sir , I name none , but him who first shall name himselfe .

Reb.

The place Sir , I tell you still ; and this Goddesses faire presence , or else my reply should take a farre other forme vpon 't .

Thar.

If it should Sir , I would make your Lordship an anser .

Arg.

Anser 's Latine for a Goose , an t please your honor .

Eud.

Well noted Gander ; and what of that ?

Arg.

Nothing , an t please your Honor , but that he said he would make his Lordship an answere .

Eud.

Thus euery foole mocks my poore Suiter . Tell mee thou most frontlesse of all me , did'st thou ( when thou had'st meanes to note me best ) euer obserue so base a temper in mee , as to giue any glance at stooping to my Vassall ?

Thar.

Your drudge Madam , to doe your drudgerie .

Eud.

Or am I now so skant of worthie Suiters , that may aduance mine honour ; aduance my estate ; strengthen my alliance ( if I list to wed ) that I must stoop to make my foot my head .

Thar.

No but your side , to keepe you warme a bed . But Madame vouchsafe me your patience to that points serious answere . Though I confesse to get higher place in your graces , I could wish my fortunes more honourable ; my person more gratious ; my minde more adorn'd with Noble and Heroicall vertues , yet Madame ( that you thinke not your bloud disparadg'd by mixture with mine ) daine to know this : howsoeuer I once , only for your loue , disguis'd my selfe in the seruice of your late Lord and mine , yet my descent is as honourable as the proudest of your Spartane attempters ; who by vnknown quills or conduits vnder ground , drawes his Pedigree from Lycurgus his great Toe , to the Viceroies little finger , and from thence to his owne elbow , where it will neuer leaue itching .

Reb.

T is well Sir , presume still of the place .

Thar.

Sfoot Madame , am I the first great personage that hath stoopt to disguises for loue ? what thinke you of our Countrie-man Hercules ; that for loue put on Omphales Apron , and sate spinning amongst her Wenches , while his Mistris wore his Lyons skin and Lamb-skin'd him , if he did not his businesse .

Eud.

Most fitly thou resembl'st thy selfe to that violent Atlas , that claim'd all other mens possessions as his owne by his meere valour . For what lesse hast thou done ? Come into my house , beate away these Honourable persons ?

Thar.

That I will Madam . Hence yee Sparta Veluet .

Psor.

Hold , shee did not meane so .

Thar.

Away I say , or leaue your liues I protest here .

Hiar.

Well Sir , his Altitude shall know you .

Reb.

I le doe your errand Sir . Exeunt .

Thar.

Doe good Cosen Altitude ; and beg the reuersion of the next Ladie : for Dido has betrotht her loue to me . By this faire hand Madam , a faire riddance of this Calidonian Bore .

Eud.

O most prodigious audaciousnesse !

Thar.

True Madam ; O fie vpon am , they are intollerable . And I can not but admire your singular vertue of patience , not common in your sexe ; and must therefore carrie with it some rare indowment of other Masculine and Heroicall vertues . To heare á rude Spartane court so ingenuous a Ladie , with dull newes from Athens , or the Vicerois court ; how many dogs were spoil'd at the last Bull-baiting ; what Ladies dub'd their husbands Knights , and so forth .

Eud.

But hast thou no shame ? No sense of what disdain I shew'd thee in my last entertainment ? chacing thee from my presence , and charging thy dutie , not to attempt the like intrusion for thy life ; and dar'st thou yet approch mee in this vnmannerly manner ? No question this desperate boldnesse can not choose but goe accompanied with other infinite rudenesses .

Thar.

Good Madam , giue not the Child an vnfit name , terme it not boldnes , which the Sages call true confidence , founded on the most infallible Rocke of a womans constancie .

Eud.

If shame can not restraine thee , tell mee yet if any brainlesse foole would haue tempted the danger attending thy approch .

Thar.

No Madam , that proues I am no Foole : Then had I been here a Foole , and a base low-sprited Spartan , if for a Ladies froune , or a Lords threates , or for a Guard of Groomes , I should haue shrunke in the wetting , and suffer'd such a delicious flower to perish in the stalke , or to be sauadgely pluckt by a prophane finger . No Madam : First let me be made a Subiect for disgrace ; let your remorselesse Guard seaze on my despised bodie , bind me hand and foot , and hurle me into your Ladiships bed .

Eud.

O Gods : I protest thou dost more and more make me admire thee .

Thar.

Madam , ignorance is the mother of admiration : know me better , and you le admire me lesse .

Eud.

What would'st thou haue mee know ? what seekes thy comming ? why dost thou hant me thus ?

Thar.

Only Madam , that the Aetna of my sighes , and Nilus of my teares , pour'd forth in your presence , might witnesse to your Honor the hot and moist affection of my hart , and worke me some measure of fauour , from your sweete tongue , or your sweeter lips , or what else your good Ladiship shall esteeme more conducible , to your diuine contentment .

Eud.

Pen and Inck-horne I thanke thee . This you learn'd when you were a Seruing-man .

Thar.

Madam , I am still the same creature ; and I will so tie my whole fortunes to that stile , as were it my happinesse ( as I know it will be ) to mount into my Lords succession , yet vow I neuer to assume other Title , or State , then your seruants : Not approching your boord , but bidden : Not pressing to your bed , but your pleasure shall be first known if you will command me any seruice .

Eud.

Thy vowes are as vaine as a Ruffins othes ; as common as the aire ; and as cheape as the dust . How many of the light huswiues , thy Muses , hath thy loue promist this seruice besides , I pray thee ?

Thar.

Compare shadowes to bodies , Madam ; Pictures to the life ; and such are they to you , in my valuation .

Eud.

I see wordes will neuer free me of thy boldnesse , and will therefore now vse blowes ; and those of the mortallest enforcement . Let it suffice Sir , that all this time , and to this place , you enioy your safetie ; keepe backe : No one foote follow mee further ; for I protest to thee , the next threshold past , le ts passe a prepar'd Ambush to thy latest breath . Exit . Eud.

Thar.

This for your Ambush , He drawes . Dare my loue with death ?

Clin.

Slight ; follow an t please your Honour .

Arg.

Not I by this light .

Clin.

I hope Gentle-women you will .

Sthe.

Not we Sir , we are no parters of fraies .

Clin.

Faith nor I le be any breaker of customes . Exeunt .

Finis Actus Secundi .
Actus Tertij .
Scoena Prima . Enter Lysander and Lycus booted . Lyc.

WOuld any heart of Adamant , for satisfaction of an vngrounded humour , racke a poore Ladies innocencie as you intend to doe . It was a strange curiositie in that Emperour , that ript his Mothers wombe to see the place he lay in .

Lys.

Come do not lode me with volumes of perswasion ; I am resolu'd , if shee be gold shee may abide the tast , le ts away , I wonder where this wild brother is .

Enter Cynthia , Hylus , and Ero. Cynth.

SIr .

Lysand.

I pray thee wife shew but thy selfe a woman ; and be silent : question no more the reason of my iourney , which our great Viceroies charge vrg'd in this letter doth enforce me to .

Cynth.

Let me but see that letter , there is somthing in this presaging bloud of mine , tells me this sodaine iourney can portend no good , resolue me sweet , haue not I giuen you cause of discontent , by some misprision , or want of fit obseruance , let mee know that I may wreake my selfe vpon my selfe .

Lysand. Come wife , our loue is not growne old and staid , And must not wanton it in tricks of Court , Nor enterchang'd delights of melting louers ; Hanging on sleeues , fighting , loth to depart ; These toies are past with vs ; our true loues substance Hath worne out all the shew , let it suffice , I hold thee deare : and thinke some cause of weight With no excuse to be dispendst with all , Compells me from thy most desir'd embraces ; I stay but for my Brother , came he not in last night . Hyl.

For certaine no sir , which gaue vs cause of wonder , what accident kept him abrode .

Cynth.

Pray heauen it proue not some wild resolution , bred in him by his second repulse from the Countesse .

Lysand.

Trust me I something feare it , this insatiate spirit of aspiring , being so dangerous and fatall ; desire mounted on the wings of it , descends not but headlong .

Enter Thars. Hyl.

Sir , sir , here 's my Vncle .

Lysand.

What wrapt in carelesse cloake , face hid in hat vnbanded , these are the ditches brother , in which outraging colts plunge both themselues and their riders .

Thar.

Well , wee must get out as well as wee may , if not , there 's the making of a graue sau'd .

Cynth.

That 's desperately spoken brother , had it not been happier the colt had beene better broken , and his rider not fallen in .

Thar.

True sister , but wee must ride colts before wee can breake them , you know .

Lysand.

This is your blind Goddesse Confidence .

Thar.

Alas brother , our house is decaid , & my honest ambition to restore it , I hope be pardonable . My comfort is : the Poet that pens the storie wil write ore my head magnis tamen excidit ausis ; which in our natiue Idiome , lets you know , His mind was high , though Fortune was his Foe .

Lysand.

A good resolue brother , to out-iest disgrace : come I had been on my iourney but for some priuate speech with you : le ts in .

Thar.

Good brother stay a little , helpe out this ragged colt out of the ditch .

Lysand.

How now .

Thar.

Now I confesse my ouersight , this haue I purchas'd by my confidence .

Lysand. I like you brother , 't is the true Garb you know , What wants in reall worth supply in show . Thar. In show ? alas 't was euen the thing it selfe , I op't my counting house , and tooke away These simple fragments of my treasurie , Husband my Countesse cri'd take more , more yet , Yet , I in hast , to pay in part my debt , And proue my selfe a husband of her store , Kist and came of ; and this time tooke no more . Cynth.

But good brother .

Thar. Then were our honor'd spousall rites perform'd , Wee made all short , and sweet , and close , and sure . Lysand.

Hee 's wrap't .

Thar. Then did my Vshers , and chiefe Seruants stoope , Then made my women curtsies , and enuied Their Ladies fortune : I was magnified . Lysand.

Let him alone , this spirit will soone vanish .

Thar.

Brother and sister as I loue you , and am true seruant to Venus , all the premises are serious and true , and the conclusion is : the great Countesse is mine , the Palace is at your seruice , to which I inuite you all to solemnize my honour'd nupitalls .

Lysand.

Can this be credited !

Thar.

Good brother doe not you enuie my fortunate atchieuement .

Lysand.

Nay I euer said , the attempt was commendable .

Thar.

Good .

Lysand.

If the issue were successefull .

Thar.

A good state-conclusion , happie euents make good the worst attempts . Here are your widdow-vowes sister ; thus are yee all in your pure naturalls ; certaine morall disguises of coinesse , which the ignorant cal modestie , ye borrow of art to couer your buske points ; which a blunt and resolute encounter , taken vnder a fortunate aspect , easily disarmes you off ; and then alas what are you ? poore naked sinners , God wot : weake paper walls thrust downe with a finger ; this is the way on 't , boile their appetites to a full height of lust ; and then take them downe in the nicke .

Cynth.

Is there probabilitie in this ; that a Ladie so great , so vertuous , standing on so high termes of honour , should so soone stoope ?

Thar.

You would not wonder sister , if you knew the lure shee stoo'pt at : greatnesse ? thinke you that can curb affection ; no , it whets it more ; they haue the full streame of bloud , to beare them : the sweet gale of their sublim'd spirits to driue them : the calme of ease to prepare them : the sun-shine of fortune to allure them : Greatnesse to waft them safe through all Rocks of infamie : when youth , wit , and person come aboord once , tell me sister , can you chuse but hoise saile , and put forward to the maine ?

Lysand.

But let me wonder at this frailtie yet ; would shee in so short time weare out his memorie , so soon wipe from her eies , nay , from her heart , whom I my selfe , and this whole I le besides , still remember with griefe , the impression of his losse taking worthily such roote in vs ; howe thinke you Wife ?

Cynth. I am asham'd ant , and abhorre to thinke , So great and vow'd a patterne of our sexe , Should take into her thoughts , nay to her bed , ( O staine to woman-hood ) a second loue . Lyc.

In so short time .

Cynth.

In any time .

Lysand.

No wife .

Cynth.

By Iuno no ; sooner a lothsom Tode .

Thar.

High words beleeue me , and I thinke shee le keep them ; next turne is yours Nephew ; you shall now marrie my noblest Ladie-Daughter ; the first marriage in Paphos ; next my nuptialls shall be yours ; these are strange occurrents brother , but pretie and patheticall : if you see mee in my chaire of Honour ; and my Countesse in mine armes ; you will then beleeue , I hope , I am Lord of the Palace , then shall you trie my great Ladies entertainement ; see your handes free'd of mee , and mine taking you to aduancement .

Lysand.

Well , all this rids not my businesse ; wife you shall bee there to partake the vnexpected honour of our House . Lycus , and I will make it our recreation by the way , to thinke of your Reuells and Nuptiall sports ; Brother my stay hath beene for you ; Wife pray thee bee gone , and soone prepare for the solemnitie , a Moneth returnes mee .

Cynth.

Heauens guide your iourney .

Lysand.

Fare-will .

Thar.

Fare-well Nephew ; prosper virilitie , but doe you heare ; keepe your hand from your voice , I haue a part for you in our Hymencall shew .

Hyl.

You speake too late for my voice , but I le discharge the part . Exit . Cyn. Hyl.

Lysand.

Occurrents call yee them ; soule shame confound them all ; that impregnable Fort of chastitie and loyaltie , that amazement of the world ; O yee Deities could nothing restraine her ? I tooke her spirit to bee too haughtie for such a depression .

Thar.

But who commonly more short heeld ; then they that are high 'i th in-step .

Lysand.

Mee thinkes yet shame should haue controul'd so sodaine an appetite .

Thar. Tush , shame doth extinguish lust as oile doth fire , The bloud once hot , shame doth enflame the more , What they before , by art dissembled most They act more freely ; shame once found is lost ;

And to say truth Brother ; what shame is due to 't ? or what congruence doth it carrie , that a yong Ladie , Gallant , Vigorous , full of Spirit , and Complexion ; her appetite newe whetted with Nuptiall delights ; to be confind to the speculation of a deaths head , or for the losse of a husband , the world affording flesh enough , make the noone-tide of her yeares , the sunne-set of her pleasures .

Lyc.

And yet there haue been such women .

Thar.

Of the first stamp perhaps , when the mettal was purer then in these degenerate daies ; of later yeares , much of that coine hath beene counterfait , and besides so crackt and worne with vse , that they are growne light , and indeede fit for nothing , but to be turn'd ouer in play .

Lysand.

Not all brother .

Thar.

My matchlesse sister only excepted : for shee , you know is made of an other mettall , then that shee borrow'd of her mother . But doe you brother sadly intend the pursuite of this triall ?

Lysand

Irreuocably .

Thar.

It s a high proiect : if it be once rais'd , the earth is too weake to beate so waightie an accident , it cannot bee coniur'd downe againe , without an earth-quake , therefore beleeue shee will be constant .

Lysand.

No , I will not .

Thar.

Then beleeue shee will not be constant .

Lysand.

Neither , I will beleeue nothing but what triall enforces ; will you hold your promise for the gouerning of this proiect with skill , and secrecie ?

Thar.

If it must needes bee so . But hearke you brother ; haue you no other Capricions in your head to intrap my sister in her frailtie , but to proue the firmenesse of her widdow vowes after your suppos'd death .

Lysand.

None in the world .

Thar.

Then here 's my hand , I le be as close , as my Ladies shoe to her foote that pinches and pleases her , and will beare on with the plot , till the vessell split againe .

Lysand.

Forge any death , so you can force beliefe . Say I was poison'd , drown'd .

Thar.

Hang'd .

Lysand.

Any thing , so you assist it with likely circumstance , I neede not instruct you : that must bee your imploiment Lycus .

Lyc.

Well Sir .

Thar.

But brother you must set in to ; to countenance truth out , a herse there must be too ; It s strange to thinke how much the eie preuailes in such impressions ; I haue marckt a Widdow , that iust before was seene pleasant enough , follow an emptie herse , and weepe deuoutly .

Lyc.

All those thinges leaue to me .

Lysan.

But brother for the bestowing of this herse in the monument of our Familie , and the marshalling of a Funerall .

Thar.

Leaue that to my care , and if I doe not doe the mourner , as liuely as your Heire , and weepe as lustily as your Widdow , say there 's no vertue in Onions ; that being done , I le come to visit the distrest widdow ; apply old ends of comfort to her griefe , but the burden of my song shall be to tell her wordes are but dead comforts ; and therefore counsaile her to take a liuing comfort ; that might Ferrit out the thought of her dead husband , and will come prepar'd with choise of suiters ; either my Spartane Lord for grace at the Viceroies Court , or some great Lawyer that may soder vp her crackt estate , and so forth . But what would you say brother , if you should finde her married at your arriuall .

Lysand.

By this hand split her Wezand .

Thar.

Well , forget not your wager , a stately chariot with foure braue Horses of the Thracian breede , with all appurtenances . I le prepare the like for you , if you proue Victor ; but well remembred , where will you lurke the whiles ?

Lysand.

Mewd vp close , some short daies iourney hence , Lycus shall know the place , write still how all things passe , brother adiew ; all ioy attend you .

Thar.

Will you not stay our nuptiall now so neare .

Lysand.

I should be like a man that heares a tale And heedes it not ; one absent from himselfe , my wife shall attend the Countesse , and my Sonne .

Thar.

Whom you shal here at your returne call me father , adiew : Ioue be your speede .

My Nuptialls done , your Funeralls succeed . Exeunt .

Enter Argus barehead Arg.

A Hall , a hall : who 's without there ? Enter two or three with cushions . Come on , y' are proper Groomes , are yee not ? Slight I thinke y' are all Bridegroomes , yee take your pleasures so . A companie of dormice . Their Honours are vpon comming , and the roome not readie . Rushes and seates instantly .

Thar.

Now , alas fellow Argus , how thou art comberd with an office ?

Arg.

Perfume sirrha , the roome 's dampish .

Thar.

Nay you may leaue that office to the Ladies , they le perfume it sufficiently .

Arg.

Cry mercie Sir , here 's a whole Chorus of Syluans at hand , cornetting , & tripping a th' toe , as the ground they troad on were too hot for their feete . The deuice is rare ; and there 's your yong Nephew too , he hangs in the clouds Deified with Hymens shape .

Thar.

Is he perfect in 's part ? has not his tongue learn'd of the Syluans to trip a th' Toe ?

Arg.

Sir , beleeue it , he does it pretiously for accent and action , as if hee felt the part he plaid : hee rauishes all the yong Wenches in the Palace : Pray Venus my yong Ladie Laodice haue not some little prick of Cupid in her , shee 's so diligent at 's rehearsalls .

Thar.

No force , so my next vowes be heard , that if Cupid haue prickt her , Hymen my cure her .

Arg.

You meane your Nephew Sir that presents Hymen .

Thar.

Why so , I can speake nothing but thou art with in me : fie of this wit of thine , 't will be thy destruction . But howsoeuer you please to vnderstand , Hymen send the boy no worse fortune : And where 's my Ladies honour ?

Arg.

At hand Sir , with your vnparagond sister , please you take your chaire of Honour Sir ?

Thar.

Most seruiceable Argus , the Gods reward they seruice ; for I will not .

Enter Eudora , leading Cynthia , Laodice , Sthenio , Ianthe , Ero , with others following . Eud. COme sister , now we must exchange that name For stranger Titles , let 's dispose our selues To entertaine these Syluane Reuellers . That come to grace our loued Nuptialls , I feare me we must all turne Nymphs to night , To side those sprightly wood-Gods in their dances ; Can you doo 't nimbly sister ? slight what aile you , are you not well ? Cynth. Yes Madam . Eud.

But your lookes , mee thinkes , are cloudie ; suiting all the Sunne-shine of this cleare honour to your husbands house .

Is there ought here that sorts not with your liking ?

Thar. Blame her not Mistris , if her lookes shew care . Excuse the Merchants sadnesse that hath made A doubtfull venture of his whole estate ; His liuelyhood , his hopes , in one poore bottome , To all encounters of the Sea and stormes . Had you a husband that you lou'd as well , Would you not take his absent plight as ill ? Cauill at euery fancie ? Not an obiect That could present it selfe , but it would forge Some vaine obiection , that did doubt his safetie ; True loue is euer full of iealousie . Eud. Iealous ? of what ? of euery little iourney ? Meere fancie then is wanton ; and doth cast At those sleight dangers there , too doting glances ; Misgiuing mindes euer prouoke mischances : Shines not the Sunne in his way bright as here ? Is not the aire as good ? what hazard doubt you ? Arg. His horse may stumble if it please your Honour ; The raine may wet , the winde may blow on him ; Many shrewd hazards watch poore trauailers . Eud. True , and the shrewdest thou hast reckend vs . Good sister , these cares fit yong married wiues . Cynth. Wiues should be stil yong in their husbands loues . Time beares no Sythe should bear down them before him . Our liues he may cut short , but not our loues . Thar. Sister be wise , and ship not in one Barke , All your abilitie : if he miscarrie , Your well tried wisedome should looke on t for new . Cynth. I wish them happie windes that runne that course , From me t is farre ; One Temple seal'd our troth . One Tomb , one houre shall end , and shroud vs both . Thar. Well , y' are a Phoenix , there be that your cheere Loue , with your husband be , your wisedome here . Hearke , our sports challenge it ; Sit dearest Mistris . Eud. Take your place worthiest seruant . Thar. Serue me heauen . Musique . As I my heauenly Mistris , Sit rare sister . Musique : Hymen descends ; and sixe Syluanes enter beneath , with Torches . Arg. A hall , a hall : let no more Citizens in there . Laod. O , Not my Cosen see ; but Hymens selfe . Sthe. He does become it most enflamingly . Hym. Haile honor'd Bridegroom , and his Princely bride With the most fam'd for vertue , Cynthia ; And this yong Ladie , bright Laodice , One rich hope of this noblest Familie . Sthe. Hearke how he courts : he is enamour'd too . Laod. O grant it Venus , and be euer honour'd . Hym. In grace and loue of you , I Hymen searcht The groues and thickets that embrace this Palace With this clear-flam'd , and good aboding Torch For summons of these fresh and flowrie Syluans , To this faire presence ; with their winding Haies , Actiue and Antique dances to delight Your frolick eies , and helpe to celebrate These noblest nuptialls ; which great Destinie , Ordain'd past custome and all vulgar obiect To be the readuancement of a house , Noble and Princely , and restore this Palace To that name , that sixe hunderd Summers since Was in possession of this Bridegroomes Ancetors , The ancient and most vertue-fam'd Lysandri . Syluans ! the Courtships you make to your Dryads , Vse to this great Bride , and these other Dames , And heighten with your sports , my nuptiall flames . Laod. O would himselfe descend , and me command . Sthe. Dance ; and his heart catch in an others hand . Syluans , take out the Bride and the rest : They dance , after which , and all set in their places . Hymen . Hym. Now , what the Power and my Torches influence Hath in the blessings of your Nuptiall ioyes ( Great Bride and Bridegroome ) you shall amply part Betwixt your free loues , and forgoe it neuer . Omn. Thankes to great Hymen , and faire Syluanes euer . Exeunt .
Finis Actus Teriij .
Actus Quarti .
Scoena Prima . Tharsalio , Lycus , with his Arme in a skarfe , a night-cap on 's head . Lyc.

I Hope Sir by this time .

Thar.

Put on man , by our selues .

Lyc.

The edge of your confidence is well taken off ; would you not bee content to with-draw your wager ?

Thar.

Faith fellow Lycus , if my wager were weakely built , this vnexpected accident might stagger it , For the truth is , this strain is extraordinarie , to follow her husbands bodie into the Tombe , and there for his companie to burie her selfe quick : it 's new and stirring , but for all this , I le not despaire of my wager .

Lyc.

Why Sir , can you thinke such a passion dissembl'd ?

Thar.

All 's one for that , What I thinke I thinke ; In the meane time forget not to write to my Brother , how the plot hath succeeded , that the newes of his death hath taken ; a funerall solemnitie perform'd , his suppos'd Corse bestow'd in the monument of our Familie , thou and I horrible mourners : But aboue all that his intollerable vertuous Widow , for his loue ; ( and for her loue ) Ero her hand-maid , are discended with his Corse into the vault ; There wipe their eies time out of minde , drinke nothing but their own teares , and by this time are almost dead with famine . There 's a point will sting it ( for you say t is true ) where left you him ?

Lyc.

At Dipolis Sir , some twentie miles hence .

Thar.

He keepes close .

Lyc.

I sir , by all meanes ; skulks vnknowne vnder the name of a strange Knight .

Thar.

That may carrie him without discrying , for there 's a number of strange Knights abroad . You left him well .

Lyc.

Well Sir , but for this iealous humour that hants him .

Thar.

Well , this newes will absolutely purge that humor . Write all , forget not to describe her passion at thy discouerie of his slaughter : did shee performe it well for her husbands wager ?

Lyc.

Performe it , call you it ? you may iest ; men hunt Hares to death for their sports , but the poore beasts die in earnest : you wager of her passions for your pleasure , but shee takes little pleasure in those earnest passions . I neuer saw such an extasie of sorrow , since I knew the name of sorrow . Her hands flew vp to her head like Furies , hid all her beauties in her discheuel'd haire , & wept as she would turne fountaine . I would you and her husband had beene behind the Arras but to haue heard her . I assure you Sir , I was so transported with the spectacle , that in despight of my discretion , I was forc't to turne woman , and beare a part with her . Humanitie broke loose from my heart , and stream'd through mine eies .

Thar.

In prose , thou weptst . So haue I seen many a moist Auditor doe at a play ; when the storie was but a meere fiction : And didst act the Nuntius well , would I had heard it : could'st thou dresse thy lookes in a mournefull habite ?

Lyc.

Not without preparation Sir ; no more then my speech , t was a plaine acting of an enterlude to me , to pronounce the part .

Thar.

As how for heauens sake ?

Lyc. Phoebus addrest his chariot towards the West To change his wearied Coursers , and so forth . Thar. Nay on , and thou lou'st me . Lyc. Lysander and my selfe beguild the way With enterchang'd discourse , but our chiefe Theame , Was of your dearest selfe , his honour'd wife ; Your loue , your vertue ; wondrous constancie . Thar. Then was her Cu to whimper ; on . Lyc. When sodainly appear'd as far as sight A troope of horse , arm'd as we might descerne , With Iauelines , Speares , and such accoutrements . He doubted nought ( As Innocencie euer Is free from doubting ill . ) Thar. There dropt a teare . Lyc. My minde misgaue me . They might be mountaners . At their approch They vs'd no other language but their weapons , To tell vs what they were ; Lysander drew , And bore himselfe Achilles like in fight , And as a Mower sweepes off t' heads of Bents , So did Lysanders sword shaue off the points Of their assaulting lances . His horse at last , sore hurt , fell vnder him ; I seeing I could not rescue , vs'd my spurres To flie away . Thar. What from thy friend ? Lyc. I in a good quarrell , why not ? Thar. Good ; I am answer'd . Lyc. A lance pursued me , brought me back againe ; And with these wounds left me t' accompanie Dying Lysander : Then they rifl'd vs , And left vs . They gone ; my breath not yet gone , gan to striue And reuiue sense : I with my feeble ioynts Crawl'd to Lysander , stirr'd him , and withall He gaspt ; cried Cynthia ! and breath'd no more . Thar. O then shee howl'd out right . Lyc. Passengers came and in a Chariot brought vs Streight to a Neighbour Towne ; where I forthwith Coffind my friend in leade ; and so conuaid him To this sad place . Thar. 'T was well ; and could not show but strangely . Lyc.

Well Sir , This tale pronounc't with terrour , suited with action clothed with such likely circumstance ; My wounds in shew , her husbands herse in sight , thinke what effect it wrought : And if you doubt , let the sad consequence of her retreat to his Tombe , bee your wofull instructer .

Thar. For all this , I le not despaire of my wager : These Grieues that sound so lowd , proue alwaies light , True sorrow euermore keepes out of sight . This straine of mourning with Sepulcher , like an ouer-doing Actor , affects grosly , and is indeede so farre forc't from the life , that it bewraies it selfe to be altogether artificiall . To set open a shop of mourning ! T is palpable . Truth , the substance , hunts not after the shadow of popular Fame . Her officious ostentation of sorrow condemnes her sinceritie . When did euer woman mourne so vnmeasurably , but shee did dissemble ? Lyc.

O Gods ! a passion thus borne ; thus apparell'd with teares , sighes , swownings , and all the badges of true sorrow , to be dissembl'd ! by Venus I am sorrie I euer set foot in 't . Could shee , if shee dissembl'd , thus dally with hunger , be deafe to the barking of her appetite , not hauing these foure daies relieu'd nature with one dramme of sustenance .

Thar.

For this does shee looke to bee Deified , to haue Hymnes made of her , nay to her : The Tomb where she is to be no more reputed the ancient monument of our Familie the Lysandri ; but the new erected Altar of Cynthia : To which all the Paphian widdowes shall after their husbands Funeralls , offer their wet muckinders , for monuments of the danger they haue past , as Sea-men doe their wet garments at Neptunes Temple after a ship wracke .

Lyc.

Well , I le apprehend you , at your pleasure : I for my part will say ; that if her faith bee as constant as her loue is heartie , and vnaffected , her vertues may iustly challenge a Deitie to enshrine them .

Thar.

I , there 's an other point too . But one of those vertues is enough at once . All natures are not capable of all gifts . If the braine of the West , were in the heads of the learned ; then might Parish-Clerkes be common counsaile men , and Poets Aldermens deputies . My sister may turne Niobe for loue ; but till Niobe bee turn'd to a Marble , I le not despaire but shee may proue a woman . Let the triall runne on , if shee doe not out-runne it , I le say Poets are no Prophets , Prognosticators are but Mountibankes , & none tell true but wood-mongers . Exit .

Lyc.

A sweet Gentleman you are . I meruaile what man ? what woman ? what name ? what action doth his tongue glide ouer , but it leaues a slime vpon 't . Well , I le presently to Dipolis , where Lysander staies ; and will not say but shee may proue fraile : But this I le say , If she should chance to breake , Her teares are true , though womens truths are weake . Exit .

Enter Lysander like a Souldier disguisde at all parts , a halfe Pike , gorget , &c. be discouers the Tombe , lookes in and wonders , &c. O Miracle of nature ! womens glorie ; Mens shame ; and enuie of the Deities ! Yet must these matchlesse creatures be suspected ; Accus'd ; condemn'd ! Now by th' immortall Gods , They rather merit Altars , Sacrifice , Then loue and courtship . Yet see the Queene of these lies here interred ; Tearing her haire ; and drowned in her teares . Which Ioue should turne to Christall ; and a Mirrour Make of them ; wherein men may see and wonder At womens vertues . Shall shee famish then ? Will men ( without disswasions ) suffer thus So bright an Ornament to earth , tomb'd quick . In Earths darke bosome : Ho! Who 's in the Tombe there ? Ero. Who calls ? whence are you ? Lys. I am a Souldier of the watch and must enter . Ero. Amongst the dead ? Lys. Doe the dead speake ? ope or I le force it open . Ero. What violence is this ? what seeke you here Where nought but death and her attendants dwell . Lys. What wretched soules are you that thus by night lurke here amongst the dead ? Ero.

Good Souldier doe not stirre her , Shee 's weake , and quickly seiz'd with swowning and passions , and with much trouble shall we both recall her fainting spirits .

Fiue daies thus hath shee wasted ; and not once season'd her Pallate with the tast of meate ; her powers of life are spent ; and what remaines of her famisht spirit , serues not to breath but sigh .

Shee hath exil'd her eies from steepe , or sight , and giuen them wholly vp to ceaselesse teares ouer that ruthfull herse of her deare Spouse , slaine by Bantditos , Nobly borne Lysander .

Lysand.

And hopes shee with these heauie notes and cries to call him from the dead ? in these fiue daies hath shee but made him stirre a finger or fetch one gasp of that forsaken life shee mournes ?

Come , honour'd Mistris ; I admire your vertues ; But must reproue this vaine excesse of mone ; Rowse your selfe Ladie , and looke vp from death , Well said , t is well ; stay by my hand and rise . This Face hath beene maintain'd with better huswiferie . Cyn. What are you ? Lys. Ladie , I am Sentinell , Set in this hallowed place , to watch and guard On forfait of my life , these monuments From Rape , and spoil'd of sacrilegious handes , And saue the bodies , that without you see Of crucified offenders ; that no friends May beare them hence , to honour'd buriall . Cyn. Thou seem'st an honest Souldier ; pray thee then Be as thou seem'st ; betake thee to thy charge And leaue this place ; adde not affliction To the afflicted . Lys. You misname the children . For what you terme affliction now , in you Is but selfe-humour ; voluntarie Penance Impos'd vpon your selfe : and you lament As did the Satyre once , that ran affrighted From that hornes sound that he himselfe had winded . Which humor to abate , my counsaile tending your term'd affliction , What I for Phisicke giue , you take for poison . I tell you honour'd Mistris , these ingredients Are wholesome , though perhaps they seeme vntoothsome . Ero. This Souldier sure , is some decai'd pothecarie . Lys. Deere Ghost be wise , and pittie your faire selfe Thus , by your selfe vnnaturally afflicted : Chide back , heart-breaking grones , clear vp those lamps , Restore them to their first creation : Windowes for light ; not sluces made for teares . Beate not the senselesse aire with needlesse cries , Banefull to life , and bootlesse to the dead . This is the Inne , where all Deucalions race Sooner or later , must take vp their lodging ; No priuiledge can free vs from this prison ; No teares , no praiers , can redeeme from hence A captiu'd soule ; Make vse of what you see : Let this affrighting spectacle of death Teach you to nourish life . Ero. Good heare him : this is a rare Souldier . Lysan.

Say that with abstinence you should vnlose the knot of life : Suppose that in this Tombe for your deare Spouse , you should entomb your selfe a liuing Corse ; Say that before your houre without due Summons from the Fates , you send your hastie soule to hell : can your deare Spouse take notice of your faith and constancie ? Shall your deare Spouse reuiue to giue you thankes ?

Cynth. Idle discourser . Lysan. No , your moanes are idle . Goe to I say , be counsail'd ; raise your selfe : Enioy the fruits of life , there 's viands for you , Now , liue for a better husband . No ? will you none ? Ero. For loue of courtesie , good Mistris , eate , Doe not reiect so kinde and sweet an offer , Who knowes but this may be some Mercurie Disguis'de , and sent from Iuno to relieue vs ? Did euer any lend vnwilling eares To those that came with messages of life ? Cynth. I pray thee leaue thy Rhetorique . Ero.

By my soule ; to speake plaine truth , I could rather wish t' employ my teeth then my tongue , so your example would be my warrant .

Cynth. Thou hast my warrant . Lysand. Well then , eate my wench , Let obstinacie starue . Fall to . Ero. Perswade my Mistris first . Lysand. Slight tell me Ladie , Are you resolu'd to die ? If that be so , Choose not ( for shame ) a base , and beggars death : Die not for hunger , like a Spartane Ladie ; Fall valiantly vpon a sword , or drinke Noble death , expell your griefe with poison . There 't is , seize it . — Tush you dare not die . Come Wench thou hast not lost a husband ; Thou shalt eate , th' art now within The place where I command . Ero. I protest sir . Lys. Well said ; eate , and protest , or I le protest And doe thou eate ; thou eat'st against thy will , That 's it thou would'st say . Ero. It is . Lys. And vnder such a protestation Thou lost ' thy Maiden-head . For your owne sake good Ladie forget this husband , Come you are now become a happy Widdow , A blessednesse that many would be glad of . That and your husbands Inuentorie together , Will raise you vp husbands enow . What thinke you of me ? Cynth. Trifler , pursue this wanton Theame no further ; Lest ( which I would be loth ) your speech prouoke Vnciuill language from me ; I must tell you , One ioynt of him I lost , was much more worth Then the rackt valew of thy entire bodie . Ero. O know what ioynt shee meanes . Lys. Well , I haue done . And well done frailtie ; proface , how lik'st thou it . Ero. Very toothsome Ingrediens surely sir , Want but some lycor to incorporate them . Lys. There t is , carouse . Ero. I humbly thanke you Sir . Lys. Hold pledge me now . Ero. T is the poison Sir , That preserues life , I take it . bibit Ancill . Lys. Doe so , take it . Ero. Sighing has made me somthing short-winded . I le pledge y' at twice . Lys. T is well done ; doe me right . Ero. I pray sir , haue you beene a Pothecarie ? Lys. Marrie haue I wench ; A womans Pothecarie . Ero. Haue you good Ingredients ? I like your Bottle well . Good Mistris tast it . Trie but the operation , t will fetch vp The Roses in your cheekes againe . Doctor Verolles bottles are not like it ; There 's no Guaicum here , I can assure you . Lys. This will doe well anone . Ero. Now fie vpon 't . O I haue lost my tongue in this same lymbo . The spring ants , spoil'd me thinkes ; it goes not off With the old twange . Lys. Well said wench , oile it well ; t will make it slide well . Ero. Aristotle saies sir , in his Posterionds . Lys. This wench is learned ; And what sales he ? Ero. That when a man dies , the last thing that moues is his heart , in a woman her tongue . Lys. Right ; and addes further , that you women are a kind of spinners ; if their legs be pluckt off , yet still they 'le wag them ; so will you your tongues . With what an easie change does this same weaknesse Of women , slip from one extreame t' another ? All these attractions take no hold of her ; No not to take refection ; 'T must not be thus . Well said wench ; Tickle that Helicon . But shall we quit the field with this disgrace Giuen to our Oratorie ? Both not gaine So much ground of her as to make her eate ? Ero. Faith the truth is sir ; you are no fit Organe For this businesse ; T is quite out of your Element : Let vs alone , shee le eate I haue no feare ; A womans tongue best fits a womans eare . Ioue neuer did employ Mercurie , But Iris for his Messenger to Iuno . Lys. Come , let me kisse thee wench ; wilt vndertake To make thy Mistris eate ? Ero It shall goe hard Sir But I will make her turne flesh and bloud , And learne to liue as other mortalls doe . Lys. Well said : the morning hasts ; next night expect me . Ero.

With more prouision good Sir .

Lys. Very good . Exiturus . Ero. And bring more wine . Shee shuts vp the Tomb . Lys. What else ; shalt haue enough : O Cynthia , heire of her bright puritie , Whose name thou dost inherit ; Thow disdainst ( Seuer'd from all concretion ) to feede Vpon the base foode of grosse Elements . Thou all art soule ; All immortalitie . Thou fasts for Nectar and Ambrosia , Which till thou find'st , and eat'st aboue the starres , To all foode here thou bidd'st celestiall warrs . Exit . Cynthia , Ero , the Tomb opening . Ero.

So ; le ts aire our dampish spirits , almost stifl'd in this grose muddie Element .

Cyn.

How sweet a breath the calmnesse of the night inspires the aire withall ?

Ero.

Well said ; Now y' are your selfe : did not I tell you how sweet an operation the Souldiers bottle had ? And if there be such vertue in the bottle ; what is there in the Souldier ? know , and acknowledge his worth when hee comes in any case Mistris .

Cyn.

So Maide ,

Ero.

Gods my patience ? did you looke forsooth that Iuno should haue sent you meate from her owne Trencher , in reward of your widdowes teares ? you might sit and sigh first till your heart-strings broke , I le able 't .

Cyn.

I feare me thy lips haue gone so oft to the bottle , that thy tongue-strings are come broken home .

Ero.

Faith the truth is , my tongue hath beene so long tied vp , that t is couer'd with rust , & I rub it against my pallat as wee doe suspected coines , to trie whether it bee currant or no . But now Mistris for an vpshot of this bottle ; let 's haue one carouse to the good speede of my old Master , and the good speede of my new .

Cyn.

So Damzell .

Ero.

You must pledge it , here 's to it . Doe me right I pray .

Cyn.

You say I must .

Ero.

Must ? what else ?

Cyn.

How excellent ill this humour suites our habite ?

Ero.

Go to Mistris , do not thinke but you and I shall haue good sport with this iest , when we are in priuate at home . I would to Venus we had some honest shift or other to get off withall ; for I le no more an t ; I le not turne Salt-peeter in this vault for neuer a mans companie liuing ; much lesse for a womans . Sure I am the wonder 's ouer , and 't was only for that , that I endur'd this ; and so a my conscience did you . Neuer denie it .

Cyn.

Nay pray thee take it to thee .

Enter Lysander . Cyn.

HEarke I heare some footing neare vs .

Ero.

Gods me 't is the Souldier Mistris , by Venus if you fall to your late black Santus againe , I le discouer you .

Lys.

What 's here ? The maid hath certainly preuail'd with her ; mee thinkes those cloudes that last night couer'd her lookes are now disperst : I le trie this further . Saue you Lady .

Ero.

Honorable Souldier ? y' are welcome ; please you step in sir ?

Lys.

With all my heart sweet heart ; by your patience Ladie ; why this beares some shape of life yet . Damzell , th' ast performd a seruice of high reckoning , which cannot perish vnrewarded .

Ero.

Faith Sir , you are in the way to doe it once , if you haue the heart to hold on .

Cyn.

Your bottle has poisond this wench sir .

Lys.

A wholsome poison it is Ladie , if I may be iudge ; of which sort here is one better bottle more . Wine is ordaind to raise such hearts as sinke , Whom wofull starres distemper ; let him drinke . I am most glad I haue beene some meane to this part of your recouerie , and will drinke to the rest of it .

Ero.

Goe to Mistris , pray simper no more ; pledge the man of Warre here .

Cyn.

Come y' are too rude .

Ero.

Good .

Lys.

Good sooth Ladie y' are honour'd in her seruice ; I would haue you liue , and shee would haue you liue freely ; without which life is but death . To liue freely is to feast our appetites freely ; without which humanes are stones ; to the satisfaction whereof I drinke Ladie .

Cyn.

I le pledge you Sir .

Ero.

Said like a Mistris ; and the Mistris of your selfe ; pledge him in loue too : I see hee loues you ; Shee 's silent , shee consents sir .

Lys.

O happy starres . And now pardon Ladie ; me thinks these are all of a peece .

Ero.

Nay if you kisse all of a peece wee shall n'ere haue done : Well t was well offer'd , and as well taken .

Cyn.

If the world should see this .

Lys.

The world ! should one so rare as your selfe , respect the vulgar world ?

Cyn.

The praise I haue had , I would continue .

Lys.

What of the vulgar ? Who hates not the vulgar , deserues not loue of the vertuous . And to affect praise of that we despise , how ridiculous it is ?

Ero. Comfortable doctrine Mistris , edifie , edifie . Me thinkes euen thus it was when Dido And Aeneas met in the Caue ; And hearke Me thinks I heare some of the hunters . She shuts the tomb .
Finis Actus Quarti .
Actus Quinti .
Scoena Prima : Enter Tharsalio , Lycus . Lyc. T Is such an obstinacie in you Sir , As neuer was conceipted , to runne on With an opinion against all the world , And what your eies may witnes ; to aduenture The famishment for griefe of such a woman As all mens merits met in any one , Could not deserue . Thar. I must confesse it Lycus , Wee le therefore now preuent it if we may , And that our curious triall hath not dwelt Too long on this vnnecessarie hant : Griefe , and all want of foode ; not hauing wrought : Too mortally on her diuine disposure . Lyc. I feare they haue , and shee is past our cure . Thar. I must confesse with feare and shame as much . Lyc. And that shee will not trust in any thing What you perswade her to . Thar. Then thou shalt hast And call my brother from his secret shroude , Where he appointed thee to come and tell him . How all thinges haue succeeded . Lyc. This is well . If ( as I say ) the ill be not so growne , That-all help is denied her . But I feare The matchlesse Deme is famisht . Thar. looks into the tomb . Thar. Slight , whos 's here ? A Souldier with my sister ? wipe , wipe , see Kissing by Ioue ; shee , as I lay t is shee . Lyc. What ? is shee well Sir ? Thar. O no , shee is famisht ; Shee 's past our comfort , shee lies drawing on . Lyc. The Gods forbid . Thar. Looke thou , shee 's drawing on . How saist thou ? Lyc. Drawing on ? Illustrious witchcrafts . Thar. Lies shee not drawing on ? Lyc. Shee drawes on fairely . Our sister Sir ? This shee ? can this be shee ? Thar. She , she , she , and none but she . He dances & sings . Shee only Queene of loue , and chastitie , O chastitie ; This women be . Lyc. Slight t is prodigious . Thar. Horse , horse , horse , Foure Chariot Horses of the Thracian breede , Come , bring me brother . O the happiest euening , That euer drew her vaile before the Sunne . Who is 't canst tell ? Lyc. The Souldier Sir that watches The bodies crucified in this hallow'd place . Of which to lose one , it is death to him , And yet the lustfull knaue is at his Venerie , While one might steale one . Thar. What a slaue was I That held not out my windes strength constantly , That shee would proue thus ? O incredible ? A poore eight-pennie Souldier ? Shee that lately Was at such height of interiection , Stoope now to such a base coniunction ? By heauen I wonder now I see 't in act , My braine could euer dreame of such a thought . And yet , t is true : Rare , pereles , is 't not Lycus ? Lyc. I know not what it is ; Nor what to say . Thar. O had I held out ( villaine that I was , ) My blessed confidence but one minute longer , I should haue beene eternis'd . Gods my fortune , What an vnspeakable sweet sight it is ? O eies I le sacrifice to your deare sense . And consecrate a Phane to Confidence . Lyc. But this you must at no hand tell your brother . T will make him mad : For he that was before So scurg'd but only with bare iealousie . What would he be , if he should come to know it ? Thar. He would be lesse mad : for your only way To cleare his iealousie , is to let him know it . When knowledge comes suspicion vanishes . The Sunne-beames breaking forth swallow the mists . But as for you Sir Gallant ; howsoeuer Your banquet seemes sweet in your lycorous pallat , It shall be sure to turne gall in your maw . Thy hand a little Lycus here without . Lyc. To what ? Thar. No bootie serue you sir Soldado But my poore sister ? Come , lend me thy shoulder , I le climbe the crosse ; it will be such a cooler To my Venerean Gentlemans hot liuer , When he shall finde one of his crucified bodies Stolne downe , and he to be forthwith made fast In place thereof , for the signe Of the lost Sentinell . Come glorifie Firme Confidence in great Inconstancie . And this beleeue ( for all prou'd knowledge sweares ) He that beleeues in errour , neuer errs . Exeunt . The Tomb opens , Lysander , Cynthia , Ero. Lys. T is late ; I must away . Cyn. Not yet sweet loue . Lys.

Tempt not my stay , t is dangerous . The law is strict , and not to bee dispenst with . If any Sentinell be too late in 's watch , or that by his neglect one of the crucified bodies should be stollen from the crosse , his life buyes it .

Cyn. A little stay will not endanger them . The daies proclaimer has not yet giuen warning . The Cock yet has not beate his third alarme . Lys. What ? shall we euer dwell here amongst th' Antipodes ? Shall I not enioy the honour of my fortune in publique ? sit in Lysanders chaire ? Raigne in his wealth ? Cyn. Thou shalt , thou shalt ; though my loue to thee Hath prou'd thus sodaine and for hast lept ouer The complement of wooing , Yet only for the worlds opinion . Lys. Marke that againe . Cyn. I must maintaine a forme in parting hence . Lys.

Out vpon 't , Opinion the blind Goddesse of Fooles , Foe to the vertuous ; and only friend to vndeseruing persons , contemne it . Thou know'st thou hast done vertuously ; thou hast strangly sorrow'd for thy husband , follow'd him to death ; further thou could'st not , thou hast buried thy selfe quick . ( O that 't were true ) spent more teares ouer his carcase , then would serue a whole Citie of saddest widdowes in a plague time ; besides sighings , and swownings , not to be credited .

Cyn.

True ; but those complements might haue their time for fashion sake .

Lys.

Right , Opinion and Fashion . Sfoot what call you time ? t' hast wept these foure whole daies .

Ero.

Nay berladie almost fiue .

Lys.

Looke you there ; nere vpon fiue whole daies .

Cyn.

Well goe and see ; Returne , wee le goe home .

Lys.

Hell be thy home , Huge Monsters damne yee , and your whole creation , O yee Gods ; in the height of her mourning in a Tomb , within sight of so many deaths ! her husbands beleeu'd bodie in her eie . He dead , a few daies before ; this mirrour of Nuptiall chastitie ; this Votresse of widdow-constancie : to change her faith ; exchange kisses , embraces , with a stranger ; and but my shame with-stood , to giue the vtmost earnest of her loue , to an eight-pennie Sentinell : in effect , to prostitute her selfe vpon her husbands Coffin ! Lust , impietie , hell , womanhood it selfe , adde if you can one step to this .

Enter Captaine with two or three Souldiers . Cap.

ONe of the crucified bodies taken downe !

Lys.

Enough . ( slincks away . )

Cap.

And the Sentinell not to be heard off ?

1.

No sir .

Cap.

Make out ; hast , search about for him ; does none of you know him ? nor his name ?

2.

Hee 's but a stranger here of some foure daies standing ; and we neuer set eie on him , but at setting the watch .

Cap.

For whom serues he ? you looke well to your watch masters .

1.

For Seigneur Stratio , and whence he is , t is ignorant to vs ; we are not correspondent for any , but our owne places .

Cap.

Y' are eloquent . Abroad I say , let me haue him . Exeunt . This negligence will by the Gouernour be wholly cast on me , he hereby will suggest to the Viceroy , that the Citie guards are very carelesly attended . He loues mee not I know ; because of late I knew him but of meane condition ; but now by fortunes injudicious hand , guided by bribing Courtiers , hee is rais'd to this high seate of honour . Nor blushes he , to see him selfe aduanc't ouer the heads of ten times higher worths ; but takes it all forsooth , to his merits ; and lookes ( as all vpstarts doe ) for most huge obseruance . Well , my mind must stoope to his high place , and learne within it selfe to seuer him from that , and to adore Authoritie the Goddesse , how euer borne by an vnworthie beast ; and let the Beasts dull apprehension take the honour done to Isis , done to himselfe . I must sit fast , and bee sure to giue no hold to these fault-hunting enemies . Exit .

Tomb opens , and Lysander within lies along , Cynthia and Ero. Lys.

Pray thee disturbe me not ; put out the lights .

Ero.

Faith I le take a nap againe .

Cyn. Thou shalt not rest before I be resolu'd What happy winde hath driuen thee back to harbour ? Was it my loue ? Lys. No . Cyn.

Yet say so ( sweet ) that with the thought thereof I may enioy all that I wish in earth .

Lys.

I am sought for . A crucified body is stolne while I loiter'd here ; and I must die for 't ,

Cyn.

Die ? All the Gods forbid ; O this affright torments me ten parts more then the sad losse of my deare husband .

Lys.

( Damnation ) I beleeue thee .

Cyn. Yet heare a womans wit . Take counsaile of Necessitie and it . I haue a bodie here which once I lou'd And honour'd aboue all ; but that time 's past . Lys. It is , reuenge it heauen . Cyn. That shall supply at so extrem a need the vacant Gibbet . Lys. Canero . What ? thy husbands bodie ? Cyn. What hurt is 't , being dead it saue the liuing ? Lys. O heart hold in , check thy rebellious motion . Cyn. Vexe not thy selfe deare loue , nor vse delay . Tempt not this danger , set thy handes to worke . Lys. I can not doo 't ; my heart will not permit My handes to execute a second murther . The truth is I am he that slew thy husband . Cyn. The Gods forbid . Lys. It was this hand that bath'd my reeking sword In his life bloud , while he cried out for mercie , But I remorslesse , panch't him , cut his throat , He with his last breath crying , Cynthia . Cyn. O thou hast told me newes that cleaues my heart ; Would I had neuer seene thee , or heard sooner This bloudie storie ; yet see , note my truth Yet I must loue thee . Lys. Out vpon the Monster . Goe , tell the Gouernour ; Let me be brought To die for that most famous villanie ; Not for this miching base transgression Of tenant negligence . Cyn. I can not doo 't . Loue must salue any murther : I le be iudge Of thee deare loue , and these shall be thy paines In steede of yron , to suffer these soft chaines . Lys. O I am infinitely oblig'd . Cyn. Arise I say , thou sauer of my life . Doe not with vaine-affrighting conscience Betray a life , that is not thine but mine : Rise and preserue it . Lys. Ha ? thy husbands bodie ? Hang 't vp you say , in steede of that that 's stolne ; Yet I his murtherer , is that your meaning ? Cyn. It is my Loue . Lys. Thy loue amazes me , The point is yet how we shall get it thither , Ha ? Tie a halter about 's necke , and dragge him to the Gallowes : shall I my loue ? Cyn. So you may doe indeede , Or if your owne strength will not serue , wee 'le aide Our handes to yours , and beare him to the place . For heauens loue come , the night goes off apace . Lys. All the infernall plagues dwell in thy soule ; I le fetch a crow of yron to breake the coffin . Cyn. Doe loue , be speedie . Lys. As I wish thy damnation . Shut the Tomb .

O I could teare my selfe into Atomes ; off with this Antick , the shirt that Hercules wore for his wife , was not more banefull . Is 't possible there should be such a latitude in the Sphere of this sexe , to entertaine such an extention of mischiefe , and not turne Deuill . What is a woman ? what are the worst when the best are so past naming ? As men like this let them trie their wiues againe . Put women to the test ; discouer them ; paint them , paint them ten parts more then they doe themselues , rather then looke on them as they are ; Their wits are but painted that dislike their painting . Thou foolish thirster after idle secrets , And ill 's abrode ; looke home , and store & choke thee ; There sticks an Achelons horne of all , Copie enough .

As much as Alizon of streames receiues , Or loftie Ilea showes of shadie leaues . Enter Tharsalio . Who 's that ? Thar.

I wonder Lycus failes me . Nor can I heare what s become of him . Hee would not certaine ride to Dipolis to call my brother back , without my knowledge .

Lys.

My brothers voice ; what makes he here abouts so vntimely ? I le slip him . Exiturus .

Thar.

Who goes there ?

Lys.

A friend .

Thar.

Deare friend , le ts know you . A friend least look't for but most welcome , and with many a long looke expected here . What sir vnbooted ? haue you beene long arriu'd ?

Lys.

Not long , some two houres before night .

Thar.

Well brother , y' haue the most rare , admirable , vnmatchable wife , that euer suffer'd for the sinne of a husband . I cannot blame your confidence indeede now : 't is built on such infallible ground ; Lycus I thinke be gone to call you to the rescue of her life ; why shee ! O incomprehensible !

Lysan.

I haue heard all related since my arriuall , wee le meet to morrow .

Thar.

What hast brother ? But was it related with what vntollerable paines , I and my Mistris , her other friends , Matrones and Magistrates , labour'd her diuersion from that course ?

Lys.

Yes , yes .

Thar.

What streams of teares she powr'd out ; what tresses of her haire she tore ! and offer'd on your suppos'd herse !

Lys.

I haue heard all .

Thar.

But aboue all ; how since that time , her eies neuer harbour'd winck of slumber , these sixe daies ; no nor tasted the least dramme of any sustenance .

Lys.

How is that assurd ?

Thar.

Not a scruple .

Lys.

Are you sure there came no Souldier to her nor brought her victualls ?

Thar.

Souldier ? what Souldier ?

Lys.

Why some Souldier of the watch , that attends the executed bodies : well brother I am in hast ; to morrow shall supply this nights defect of conference ; Adieu . Exit . Lys.

Thar.

A Souldier ? of the watch ? bring her victualls ? Goe to brother I haue you in the winde ; hee 's vnharnest of all his trauailing accoutrements . I came directly from 's house , no word of him there ; he knowes the whole relation ; hee 's passionate : All collections speake he was the Souldier . What should be the riddle of this ? that he is stolne hether into a Souldiers disguise ? he should haue staid at Dipolis to receiue news from vs . Whether he suspected our relation ; or had not patience to expect it , or whether that furious , frantique capricious Deuill iealousie hath tost him hether on his hornes , I can not coniecture . But the case is cleare , hee 's the Souldier . Sister , looke to your fame , your chastetie 's vncouer'd . Are they here still ? here beleeue it both most wofully weeping ouer the bottle . He knocks .

Ero.

Who 's there .

Thar.

Tharsalio , open .

Ero.

Alas Sir , t is no boote to vexe your sister , and your selfe , she is desperate , & will not heare perswasion , she 's very weak .

Thar.

Here 's a true-bred chamber-maid . Alas , I am sorrie for 't ; I haue brought her meat and Candian wine to strengthen her .

Ero.

O the very naming an 't , will driue her into a swowne ; good Sir forbeare .

Thar.

Yet open sweet , that I may blesse mine eies with sight of her faire shrine ; and of thy sweetest selfe ( her famous Pandresse ) open I say . Sister ? you heare me well , paint not your Tomb without ; wee know too well what rotten carcases are lodg'd within ; open I say . Ero opens , and hee sees her head layd on the coffin , &c. Sister I haue brought you tidings to wake you out of this sleeping mummerie .

Ero.

Alas shee 's faint , and speech is painefull to her .

Thar.

Well said frubber , was there no Souldier here lately ?

Ero.

A Souldier ? when ?

Thar.

This night , last night , tother night ; and I know not how many nights and daies .

Cyn.

Whos 's there ?

Ero.

Your brother Mistris , that asks if there were not a souldier here .

Cyn.

Here was no souldier .

Ero.

Yes Mistris I thinke here was such a one though you tooke no heede of him .

Thar.

Goe to sister ; did not you ioyne kisses , embraces , and plight indeede with him , the vtmost pledge of Nuptiall loue with him . Deni 't , deni 't ; but first heare me a short storie . The Souldier was your disguis'd husband , dispute it not . That you see yonder , is but a shadow , an emptie chest containing nothing but aire . Stand not to gaze at it , t is true . This was a proiect of his owne contriuing to put your loialtie & constant vowes to the test ; y' are warnd , be arm'd . Exit .

Ero.

O fie a these perils .

Cyn.

O Ero ! we are vndone .

Ero.

Nay , you 'd nere be warn'd ; I euer wisht you to withstand the push of that Souldiers pike , and not enter him too deep into your bosom , but to keep sacred your widowes vowes made to Lysander .

Cyn.

Thou did'st , thou did'st .

Ero.

Now you may see th' euent . Well our safetie lies in our speed : hee le doe vs mischiefe , if we preuent not his comming . Let s to your Mothers : and there cal out your mightiest friends to guard you from his furie . Let them begin the quarrell with him for practising this villanie on your sexe to intrappe your frailties .

Cyn.

Nay I resolue to sit out one brunt more ; to trie to what aime hee le enforce his proiect : were he some other man , vnknowne to me , his violence might awe me ; but knowing him as I doe , I feare him not . Do thou but second me , thy strength and mine shall master his best force , if he should proue outragious . Despaire they say makes cowardes turne couragious . Shut vp the Tomb . Shut the Tomb .

Enter one of the Souldiers sent out before to seeke the Sentinell . 1.

All paines are lost in hunting out this Souldier ; his fear ( adding wings to his heeles ) out-goes vs as farre as the fresh Hare the tir'd hounds . Who goes there ? Ent. 2. souldier another way

2.

A friend .

1.

O , your successe and mine touching this Sentinell , tells , I suppose , one tale ; hee 's farre enough I vndertake by this time .

2.

I blame him not : the law 's seuere ( though iust and can not be dispenc'd . )

1.

Why should the lawes of Paphos , with more rigour , then other Citie lawes pursue offenders ? that not appeas'd with their liues forfait , exact a iustice of them after death ? And if a Souldier in his watch forsooth lose one of the dead bodies , he must die for 't : It seems the State needed no souldiers when that was made a law .

2.

So we may chide the fire for burning vs ; or say the Bee 's not good because she stings ; T is not the body the law respects , but the souldiers neglect ; when the watch ( the guard and safetie of the Citie ) is left abandon'd to all hazards . But let him goe ; and tell me if your newes sort with mine , for Lycus ; apprehended they say , about Lysanders murther .

1.

T is true ; hee 's at the Captaines lodge vnder guard , and t is my charge in the morning to vnclose the leaden coffin , and discouer the bodie ; The Captaine will assay an old conclusion often approu'd ; that at the murtherers sight the bloud reuiues againe , and boiles a fresh ; and euery wound has a condemning voice to crie out guiltie gainst the murtherer .

2.

O world , if this be true ; his dearest friend , his bed companion , whom of all his friends he cull'd out for his bosome !

1.

Tush man , in this topsie turuy world , friendship and bosom kindnes , are but made couers for mischief , meanes to compasse il . Near-allied trust , is but a bridge for treson . The presumptions crie loud against him ; his answeres found disiointed ; crosselegd tripping vp one another . He names a Town whether he brought Lysander murther'd by Mountainers , that s false , some of the dwellers haue been here , and all disclaim it . Besides , the wounds he bears in show , are such as shrews closely giue their husbands , that neuer bleede , and finde to be counterfait .

2. O that iade falshood is neuer sound of all ; but halts of one legge still . Truth pace is all vpright ; sound euery where . And like a die , sets euer on a square . And how is Lycus his bearing in this condition ? 1.

Faith ( as the manner of such desperate offenders is till it come to the point ) carelesse , & confident , laughing at all that seeme to pittie him . But leaue it to th' euent . Night fellow Souldier , you le not meet me in the morning at the Tomb , and lend me your hand to the vnrigging of Lysanders herse .

2. I care not if I do , to view heauens power in this vnbottomd seller . Bloud , though it sleep a time , yet neuer dies . The Gods on murtherers fixe reuengefull eies . Exeunt Lysander solus with a crow of yron , and a halter which he laies downe and puts on his disguise againe . COme my borrow'd disguise , let me once more Be reconcild to thee , my trustiest friend ; Thou that in truest shape hast let me see That which my truer selfe hath hid from me , Helpe me to take reuenge on a disguise , Ten times more false and counterfait then thou . Thou , false in show , hast been most true to me ; The seeming true ; hath prou'd more false then her . Assist me to behold this act of lust , Note with a Scene of strange impietie . Her husbands murtherd corse ! O more then horror ! I le not beleeue 't vntri'd ; If shee but lift A hand to act it ; by the fates her braines flie out , Since shee has madded me ; let her beware my hornes . For though by goring her , no hope be showne To cure my selfe , yet I le not bleede alone . He knocks . Ero. Who knocks ? Lys The souldier ; open . she opens & he enters See sweet , here are the engines that must doo 't , Which with much feare of my discouerie I haue at last procur'd . Shall we about this worke ? I feare the morne Will ouer-take 's ; my stay hath been prolong'd With hunting obscure nookes for these emploiments , The night prepares away ; Come , art resolu'd . Cyn. I , you shall finde me constant . Lys. I , so I haue , most prodigiously constant , Here 's a rare halter to hugge him with . Ero. Better you and I ioyne our handes and beare him thether , you take his head . Cyn. I , for that was alwaies heauier then 's whole bodie besides Lys. You can tell best that loded it . Ero. I le be at the feet ; I am able to beare against you I warrant you . Lys. Hast thou prepar'd weake nature to digest A sight so much distastfull ; hast ser'd thy heart I bleede not at the bloudie spectacle ? Hast arm'd thy fearefull eies against th' affront Of such a direfull obiect ? Thy murther'd husband ghastly staring on thee ; His wounds gaping to affright thee ; his bodie soild with Gore ? fore heauen my heart shruggs at it . Cyn. So does not mine , Loue 's resolute ; and stands not to consult With pettie terrour ; but in full carrier Runnes blind-fold through an Armie of misdoubts , And interposing feares ; perhaps I le weepe Or so , make a forc't face and laugh againe . Lys. O most valiant loue ! I was thinking with my selfe as I came ; how if this Brake to light ; his bodie knowne ; ( As many notes might make it ) would it not fixe Vpon thy fame , an vnremoued Brand Of shame , and hate ; they that in former times Ador'd thy vertue ; would they not abhorre Thy lothest memorie ? Cyn. All this I know . But yet my loue to thee Swallowes all this ; or whatsoeuer doubts Can come against it . Shame 's but a feather ballanc't with thy loue . Lys. Neither feare nor shame ? you are steele to th' Proofe ( but I shall yron you ) : Come then le ts to worke . Alas poore Corps how many martyrdomes Must thou endure ? mangl'd by me a villaine , And now expos'd to foule shame of the Gibbet ? Fore , pietie , there is somewhat in me striues Against the deede , my very arme relents To strike a stroke so inhumane , To wound a hallow'd herse ? suppose t were mine , Would not my Ghost start vp and flie vpon thee ? Cyn. No , I 'de mall it down againe with this . She snatches vp the crow . Lys. How now ? He catches at her throat . Cyn. Nay , then I le assay my strength ; a Souldier and a arraid a dead man ? A soft-r'ode milk-sop ? come I le do ot my selfe . Lys. And I looke on ? giue me the yron . Cyn. No , I le not lose the glorie an t . This hand , &c. Lys. Pray thee sweet , let it not bee said the sauage act was thine ; deliuer me the engine . Cyn. Content your selfe , t is in a fitter hand . Lys. Wilt thou first ? art not thou the most . Cyn. Ill-destin'd wife of a transform'd monster ; Who to assure him selfe of what he knew , Hath lost the shape of man . Lys. Ha ? crosse-capers ? Cyn. Poore Souldiers case ; doe not we know you Sir ? But I haue giuen thee what thou cam'st to seeke . Goe Satyre , runne affrighted with the noise Of that harsh sounding horne thy selfe hast blowne , Farewell ; I leaue thee there my Husbands Corps , Make much of that . Exit . cum Er. Lys. What haue I done ? O let me lie and grieue , and speake no more . Captaine , Lycus with a guard of three or foure Souldiers . Cap.

BRing him away ; you must haue patience Sir : If you can say ought to quit you of those presumptions that lie heauie on you , you shall be heard . If not , t is not your braues , nor your affecting lookes can carrie it . We must acquite our duties .

Lyc.

Y' are Captaine a th' watch Sir .

Cap.

You take me right .

Lyc.

So were you best doe mee ; see your presumptions bee strong ; or be assured that shall proue a deare presumption , to brand me with the murther of my friend . But you haue beene suborn'd by some close villaine to defame me .

Cap.

T will not be so put off friend Lycus , I could wish your soule as free from taint of this foule fact ; as mine from any such vnworthy practise .

Lyc.

Conduct mee to the Gouernour him selfe ; to confront before him your shallow accusations .

Cap.

First Sir , I le beare you to Lysanders Tombe , to confront the murther'd body ; and see what euidence the wounds will yeeld against you .

Lyc.

Y' are wise Captaine . But if the bodie should chance not to speake ; If the wounds should bee tongue-tied Captaine ; where 's then your euidence Captaine ? will you not be laught at for an officious Captaine ?

Cap.

Y' are gallant Sir .

Lyc.

Your Captainship commands my seruice no further .

Cap.

Well Sir , perhaps I may , if this conclusion take not ; wee le trie what operation lies in torture , to pull confession from you .

Lyc.

Say you so Captaine ? but hearke you Captaine , Might it not concurre with the qualitie of your office , ere this matter grow to the height of a more threatning danger ; to winck a little at a by slip , or so ?

Cap.

How 's that ?

Lyc.

To send a man abroad vnder guard of one of your silliest shack-rags ; that be may beate the knaue , and run's way . I meane this on good termes Captaine ; I le be thankfull .

Cap.

I le thinke on t hereafter . Meane time I haue other emploiment for you .

Lyc.

Your place is worthily replenisht Captaine . My dutie Sir ; Hearke Captaine , there 's a mutinie in your Armie ; I le go raise the Gouernour . Exiturus .

Cap.

No hast Sir ; hee le soone be here without your summons .

Souldiers thrust vp Lysander from the Tomb . 1.

Bring forth the Knight a th' Tomb ; haue we meet with you Sir ?

Lys.

Pray thee souldier vse thine office with better temper .

2.

Come conuay him to the Lord Gouernour , First afore the Captaine Sir . Haue the heauens nought else to doe , but to stand still , and turne all their malignant Aspects vpon one man ?

2.

Captaine here 's the Sentinell wee sought for ; hee 's some new prest Souldier , for none of vs know him .

Cap.

Where found you him ?

1.

My truant was mich't Sir into a blind corner of the Tomb .

Cap.

Well said , guard him safe , bur for the Corps .

1.

For the Corps Sir ? bare misprision , there 's no bodie , nothing . A meere blandation ; a deceptio visus . Vnlesse this souldier for hunger haue eate vp Lysanders bodie .

Lyc.

Why , I could haue told you this before Captaine ; The body was borne away peece-meale by deuout Ladies of Venus order , for the man died one of Venus Martys . And yet I heard since 't was seene whole a th' other side the downes vppon a Colestafe betwixt two huntsmen , to feede their dogges withall . Which was a miracle Captaine .

Cap.

Mischiefe in this act hath a deepe bottom ; and requires more time to sound it . But you Sir , it seemes , are a Souldier of the newest stamp . Know you what t is to forsake your stand ? There 's one of the bodies in your charge stolne away ; how answere you that ? See here comes the Gouernour .

Enter a Guard bare after the Gouernour : Tharsalio , Argus , Clinias , before Eudora , Cynthia , Laodice , Sthenio , Ianthe , Ero , &c. Guard .

STand aside there .

Cap.

Roome for a strange Gouernour . The perfect draught of a most brainelesse , imperious vpstart . O desert ! where wert thou , when this woodden dagger was guilded ouer with the Title of Gouernour ?

Guard .

Peace Masters ; heare my Lord .

Thar.

All wisedome be silent ; Now speakes Authoritie .

Gouer.

I am come in person to discharge Iustice .

Thar.

Of his office .

Gouer.

The cause you shall know hereafter ; and it is this . A villaine , whose very sight I abhorre ; where is he ? Let mee see him .

Cap.

Is 't Lycus you meane my Lord ?

Gouer.

Goe to sirrha y' are too malipert ; I haue heard of your Sentinells escape ; looke too 't .

Cap.

My Lord , this is the Sentinell you speake of .

Gouer.

How now Sir ? what time a day is t ?

Arg.

I can not shew you precisely , an t please your Honour .

Gouer.

What ? shall we haue replications ? Reioinders ?

Thar.

Such a creature , Foole is , when hee bestrides the back of Authoritie .

Gouer.

Sirrha , stand you forth . It is supposed thou hast committed a most inconuenient murther vpon the body of Lysander .

Lyc.

My good Lord , I haue not .

Gouer.

Peace varlet ; dost chop with me ? I say it is imagined thou hast murther'd Lysander . How it will be prou'd I know not . Thou shalt therefore presently bee had to execution , as iustice in such cases requireth . Souldiers take him away : bring forth the Sentinell .

Lyc.

Your Lordship will first let my defence be heard .

Gouer.

Sirrha ; I le no fending nor prouing . For my part I am satisfied , it is so : that s enough for thee . I had euer a Sympathy in my minde against him .

Let him be had away .

Thar.

A most excellent apprehension . Hee 's able yee see to iudge of a cause at first sight , and heare but two parties . Here 's a second Solon .

Eud. Heare him my Lord ; presumptions oftentimes , ( Though likely grounded ) reach not to the truth . And Truth is oft abus'd by likelyhood . Let him be heard my Lord . Gouer.

Madam , content your selfe . I will doe iustice ; I will not heare him . Your late Lord , was my Honourable Predecessour : But your Ladiship must pardon me . In matters of iustice I am blinde .

Thar.

That s true .

Gouer.

I know no persons . If a Court fauourite write to mee in a case of iustice : I will pocket his letter , and proceede . If a Suiter in a case of iustice thrusts a bribe into my hand , I will pocket his bribe , and proceede . Therefore Madam , set your heart at rest : I am seated in the Throne of iustice ; and I will doe iustice ; I will not heare him .

Eud.

Not heare him my Lord ?

Gouer.

No my Ladie : and moreouer put you in mind , in whose presence you stand ; if you Parrat to me long ; goe to .

Thar.

Nay the Vice must snap his Authoritie at all he meetes , how shalt else be knowne what part he plaies ?

Gouer.

Your husband was a Noble Gentleman , but Alas hee came short , hee was no Statesman . Hee has left a foule Citie behinde him .

Thar.

I , and I can tell you t will trouble his Lordship and all his Honorable assistants of Seauingers to sweepe it cleane .

Gouer.

It 's full of vices , and great ones too .

Thar.

And thou none of the meanest .

Gouer.

But I le turne all topsey turuie ; and set vp a new discipline amongst you . I le cut of all perisht members .

Thar.

That s the Surgeons office .

Gouer.

Cast out these rotten stinking carcases for infecting the whole Citie .

Arg.

Rotten they may be , but their wenches vse to pepper them ; and their Surgeons to perboile them ; and that preserues them from stinking , an t please your Honour .

Gouer.

Peace Sirrha , peace ; and yet t is well said too . A good pregnant fellow yfaith . But to proceede . I will spew drunkennesse out a th' Citie .

Thar.

In to th' Countrie .

Gouer.

Shifters shall cheate and sterue ; And no man shall doe good but where there is no neede . Braggarts shall liue at the head ; and the tumult that hant Tauernes . Asses shall beare good qualities , and wise men shall vse them . I will whip lecherie out a th' Citie , there shall be no more Cuckolds . They that heretofore were errand Cornutos , shall now bee honest shop-keepers , and iustice shall take place . I will hunt ielousie out of my Dominion .

Thar.

Doe heare Brother ?

Gouer.

It shall be the only note of loue to the husband , to loue the wife : And none shall be more kindly welcome to him then he that cuckolds him .

Thar.

Beleeue it a wholsome reformation .

Gouer.

I le haue no more Beggers . Fooles shall haue wealth , and the learned shall liue by their wits . I le haue no more Banckrouts . They that owe money shall pay it at their best leisure : And the rest shall make a vertue of imprisonment ; and their wiues shall helpe to pay their debts . I le haue all yong widdowes spaded for marrying againe . For the old and wither'd , they shall be confiscate to vnthriftie Gallants , and decai'd Knights . If they bee poore they shall bee burnt to make sope ashes , or giuen to Surgeons Hall , to bee stampt to salue for the French mesells . To conclude , I will Cart pride out a th' Towne .

Arg.

An t please your Honour Pride an t be nere so beggarly will looke for a Coch .

Gouer.

Well said a mine Honour . A good significant fellow yfaith : What is he ? he talkes much ; does he follow your Ladiship ?

Arg.

No an t please your Honour , I goe before her .

Gouer,

A good vndertaking presence ; A well-promising forehead , your Gentleman Vsher Madam ?

Eud.

Yours if you please my Lord .

Gouer.

Borne i th' Citie ?

Arg.

I an t please your Honour , but begot i th' Court .

Gouer.

Tressellegg'd ?

Arg.

I , an t please your Honour .

Gouer.

The better , it beares a bredth ; makes roome a both sides . Might I not see his pace ? Argus stalkes .

Arg.

Yes an t please your Honour .

Gouer.

T is well , t is very well . Giue me thy hand : Madame I will accept this propertie at your hand , and wil weare it thred-bare for your sake . Fall in there , sirrha . And for the matter of Lycus Madam , I must tell you , you are shallow : there 's a State point in 't ? hearke you : The Viceroy has giuen him , and wee must vphold correspondence . Hee must walke ; say one man goes wrongfully out a th' world , there are hundreds to one come wrongfully into th' world .

Eud.

Your Lordship will giue me but a word in priuate .

Thar.

Come brother ; we know you well : what meanes this habite ? why staid you not at Dipolis as you resolu'd , to take aduertisement for vs of your wiues bearing ?

Lys.

O brother , this iealous phrensie has borne mee headlong to ruine .

Thar.

Go to , be comforted ; vncase your selfe ; and discharge your friend .

Gouer.

Is that Lysander say you ? And is all his storie true ? Berladie Madam this iealousie will cost him deare : he vndertooke the person of a Souldier ; and as a Souldier must haue iustice . Madam , his Altitude in this case can not dispence . Lycus , this Souldier hath acquited you .

Thar.

And that acquitall I le for him requite ; the body lost , is by this time restor'd to his place .

Soul .

It is my Lord .

Thar.

These are State points , in which your Lordships time has not yet train'd your Lordship ; please your Lordships graces Nuptiall we haue now in hand .

Hylus and Laodice stand together . Twixt this yong Ladie and this Gentleman . Your Lordship there shall care the ample storie . And how the Asse wrapt in a Lyons skin Fearefully rord , but his large eares appeard And made him laught at , that before was feard . Gouer. I le goe with you . For my part , I am at a non plus . Eudora whispers with Cynthia ! Thar. Come brother ; Thanke the Countesse : shee hath suet to make your peace . Sister give me your hand . So ; Brother let your lips compound the strife , And thinke you haue the only constant Wife . Exeunt .
FINIS .
Machine-generated castlist A18426-tharsalio 217 A18426-lysander 154 A18426-cynthia 77 A18426-eudora 69 A18426-lycas 68 A18426-ero 55 A18426-argus 43 A18426-arsace 36 A18426-sthenia 28 A18426-governor 27 A18426-captain 20 A18426-rebus 15 A18426-ianthe 11 A18426-xxxx_1 11 A18426-hiarbus 9 A18426-xxxx_2 9 A18426-clinias 8 A18426-psorabeus 5 A18426-tom 4 A18426-laodice 3 A18426-hylus 3 A18426-hymen 3 A18426-unassigned 2 A18426-guard 2 A18426-omnes 1 A18426-soldier 1 A18426-multiple 1 A18426-music 1
Textual Notes

The textual notes below aim at making textual corrections readable in their immediate context and facilitating access to the source text. A five-digit number preceded by 'A' or 'B' represents an EEBO-TCP filenumber. A notation like "6-b-2890" means "look for EEBO page image 6 of that text, word 289 on the right side of the double-page image." That reference is followed by the corrupt reading. A black dot stands for an unidentified letter, a black square for an unidentified punctuation mark, a diamond for a missing word, and the ellipsis for a short span of undefined length. The corrected reading is displayed as a keyword in context.

Nowforth none could light a torch but at her nose . Now forth : At this house dwells a vertuous Dame , chasteies that Madam , I haue presum'd to offend your chast eies with my presence . Hearing it reported iniudicious of meane condition ; but now by fortunes injudicious hand , guided by bribing Courtiers , hee hastser'd nature to digest A sight so much distastfull ; hast ser'd thy heart I bleede not at the bloudie lechefie and wise men shall vse them . I will whip lecherie out ath' Citie , there shall be no more