Albovine, King of the Lombards

THE TRAGEDY OF ALBOVINE , KING OF THE LOMBARDS : By Wm. D'auenant .

LONDON , Printed for R. M. and are to bee sold in Saint Dunstanes Church-yard . 1629 .

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE THE EARLE OF SOMMERSET , &c. My Lord ,

YOu read this Tragedie , and smil'd vpon 't , that it might liue : and therein , your mercy was diuine ; for it exceeded Iustice . My Numbers I not shew vnto the publike Eye , with an ambition to bee quickly knowne ; ( for so I couet noyse , not fame ) but that the world may learne , with what an early haste , I striue to manifest my seruice to your Lordship . I haue imaginations of a greater height then these , which I doe also dedicate to your Lordship . And I shall liue in vaine , vnlesse you still continue to acknowledge

Your humblest Creature , D'auenant .

VPON THE TRAGICK MVSE OF MY HONOVR'D FRIEND , Mr. Wm. D'AVENANT . OVr stately Tragick Scene ( whose high disdaines Slight humble Muses ) courts thy lofty straines : And with ambitious loue doth clime thy Bayes , Whose ample branches her bright glory rayes : Whence ( as from Heauen ) her spacious Eye doth view Of storyed teares , and blood , the heauy crue , How low they crawle , while she ( farre more Diuine ! ) Sides great Seianus , and fierce Cateline : Where , in calme vertue , she more sweet doth shew Then Ioue , when he in Golden drops did flow : But if in Stygian Lake her veines she steepe , Her act infernall runnes so horrid deepe , As saints Medea : makes th' Herculian rage Seeme a tame patience to thy rauisht Stage . Had sterne Achilles brest such fury knowne ; His Story had turn'd Miracle , and growne Too much for his great Poet , vnlesse Fate Had rackt his spirit vp to thy high rate . Rash Imitation at thy heauenly Ayre , Intombes faint Enuy in a iust despaire . Hen: Blount .

To his friend , Mr. Wm. D'auenant . WHy should the fond ambition of a friend , With such Industrious accents striue to lend A Prologue to thy worth ? Can ought of mine Inrich thy Volume ? Th' hast rear'd thy selfe a Shrine Will out-liue Piramids ; Marble Pillars shall , Ere thy great Muse , receiue a funerall : Thy wit hath purchas'd such a Patrons name To deck thy front , as must deriue to Fame These Tragick raptures , and indent with Eyes To spend hot teares , t' inrich the Sacrifice . Ed: Hyde .

To my honor'd Friend , th' Author , on his Tragedy of the warlike Albouine . GReat Albouine , whose Fate in warre had cut His passage through the neighb'ring Earth , and shut Large Prouinces within his grasping palme , Had sunke from honour in the patient calme Of a long silenc't Fame , had not thy pen ( With soaring language ) rays'd him vp agen . He vowes , by coole Elizeum ( from whence He breath'd the valiant oath ) he would dispense With all those ioyes that court his soule , to fling His open'd brest vpon the poys'nous sting Of rougher warres , if the triumphant Bayes Sprung from thy inke , might crowne his second prayse . This is a Poets height ; conquest by thee Describ'd , becomes a double victory . Rich: Clerk .

To my deseruing Friend , the Author . WEre those Tragedians , whom the world so fame , For their ingenious and admired straine , Aliue , to see this Poem , and thy Name ; Asham'd they 'd dye , finding their Lines too vaine . Were that pure Spring the winged hoofe brought forth , Wanting supply , dry'd vp , thy abler Pen Would worke a second wonder by it's worth , In making it a running streame agen . Be then assur'd , this Tragick straine shall liue A patterne for th' next age to imitate , And to the best wits of our times shall giue Iust cause of enuy , for thy learned Fate . Rob: Ellice .

To his noble Friend , th' Author on his Tragedy of Albouine . THe gelid North growes warme , and by thy fire Cold ignorance exil'd . The Virgin Quire O' th' soft-hayr'd Muses leaue the Thespian Spring , To tread a fun'rall Measure , whilst you sing This Tragick Storie . With sad plaints of loue Fam'd Orpheus charm'd rude heapes , did Cedars mooue , Forc'd Mountaines from their station : but thy Pen Hath now amaz'd the firie soules of men . Will : Habington .

To my Friend , Mr. D'auenant . SCarce home return'd , but straight I finde great Fame Ayring her wings to spread abroad thy Name . One of the Nine ( before of me ne'r seene , Sure sent by thee ) assaults my merry spleene With mighty Verse ; and makes me laugh at those That are so dull , to melt their thoughts in Prose . I wish her prosp'rous flight , may she returne With happier wings , if happier may be worne . My flame is spent . I dare not vndertake Thy praise , who am but newly for thy sake A fierce Poet , and doubtlesse had been one Ne'r but for thee , or else had been vnknowne . Rog : Lorte .

To his much-honour'd friend , the Author . LEt not loud Enuy 's sulph'rous blasts cast forth Venom'd aspersions , on thy noble worth : 'Gainst saucy Criticks thou need'st no defence , Whose sacred lines , arm'd with sweet eloquence , Are proofe against their censures , whoo 'd prophane . With their bold breath , the glory of thy straine : Wise came shall sing the prayse of thy deserts , And voyce thee glorious both in Armes and Arts . Whilst thou , releast from the Warres sad mishaps , Rests in soft dalliance on the Muses laps ; Those beautious Ladies loue shall high aduance Thy fame , whose worth exceeds my vtterance . Their Tragicke falles , who in thy Scenes appeare , Shall on these Monuments faire Trophees reare Vnto their Fame . Thus are thy workes become To be to them , as their Elizium . Tho: Ellice .

To his worthy friend , Mr. Wm. D'auenant . HAst thou vnmaskt thy Muse ? And shall the Aire Breathe on her matchlesse Fabrick ? then repaire . To some soft censure , lest the churlish sence Of Ignorance accrues thy recompence ; And hudwinkt Error doe surprize the Fame Due to thy Story , and Verona's name , Whose limits Plinies and Catullus bred , But in thy Muse her ioyes are centupled : For her inuention , truth , rare wit , and state ; Copper-lac'd Christians cannot personate . Her Tragick Scenes , like well-tun'd Chimes i th' Skie , Leaue Time loud Ecchoes of thy memorie . H : Howard .

The Actors in this Tragedy . Albouine , King of the Lombards . Paradine , A captiue Souldier , his Fauourite . Hermegild , A captiue Statesman , the Queenes Fauourite . Grimold , A rough old Captaine . Gondibert , A Captaine , his friend . Vollterri , A Souldier , friend to both . Cunymond , A Courtier . Conrade , His Companion . Frollo , His Companion . The Gouernour Of Verona . Rhodolinda , Captine , and Queene to Albouine . Valdaura , Wife to Paradine . Thesina , A Court-Lady . A Page To Paradine . A Gentleman , A Messenger . The Guard , Seruants , and Attendants , &c.

The Scene , Verona .

THE TRAGEDY OF ALBOVINE , KING OF THE LOMBARDS .

Act the first . Scene first . Enter Paradine , Grimoald , Gondibert ; the Drummes ceasing . Paradine .

Giue the word aloud ?

Grimo.

Stand ?

Within .

1. Stand ! 2. Stand ! 3. Stand !

Parad. Our motion has been swift : wee out-march Time . Verona , ( which with the mornings dim eye We seem'd to view like Landschaip , afarre off ) Is our full obiect now . She must repent ; Our King is Steward vnto Fate ; the world Receiue from him their destinies . Grimo. Sure , the Gouernour sleepes . My Lord , is 't fit We waite vpon such Silkewormes , crepp'd in wooll ? Parad. Since we attaind the Towne not by assault , But composition free , he shall expresse Humilitie enough to meet vs at the Gate . Enter Hermegild . Gondib.

Here comes Hermegild .

Herm. Haile , young souldier ! My noble Paradine ! The King must hold my nature much excus'd , If I do greet his safe approach with loue , Lesse violent then I expresse to thy Rich soule . I am resolu'd thou art in health , And fauour with thy starres . Parad. Ere I returne your kinde salute , I would After your faire charge inquire . Say the Queene Smiles in captiuitie , my Valdaura Hurts not her health with griefe ; then I haue heard Enough to make me cherish life . Hermig. Rhodolinda doth become her title And her birth . Since depriu'd of popular Homage , she hath been Queene ore her great selfe . In this captiuity nere passionate But when she heares me name the King , and then Her passions not of anger taste , but loue : Loue of her Conquerour : he that in fierce Battaile ( when the Cannons sulpherous breath Clouded the day ) her noble Father slew : Our Royall Master once ; now sunke into His soyle ; where like the Lilly wither'd , He neuer shall renew his growth agen . My memory disturbes my Tongue ! Your faire Valdaura makes the Queene her rare and iust Example , and is in patience skilfull . Parad. Know , Hermegild , no hasty minute pass'd ( Since their captiuitie ) wherein I fail'd To be a sutor to the King for both . But he 's in kindnesse prompt , and still doth speake Like Musicke , when he Rhodolinda names : You heare t is his edict we call her Queene ? Herm. Thy vanquish'd Country owes vnto thy fame A tall Pyramid ! The captiu'd virgins Of our Nation shall in their last Dirges Sing thy prayse with mirth . O , I could grow old Within thy sight . Something we now must talke Together , and heauen will listen to 't , As to the breath of Saints — Parad. I knew we should haue vse of conference : Which made me begge the leading of the Vanne , The more t' assist our opportune meeting . Herm.

Afford your eares in priuat .

Grim. Though Paradine looke flourishing , and like A thing new brush'd ; a flame of triumph , ( As if his father surfetted in some O're-growne City when he got him ) yet he Hath in him seeds of warre , bold thoughts , and we I' th Campe , esteeme him honest too . Gond.

He is our Kings Minion , sleepes in his bosome .

Grim. True , & the Royall foole greets him with such Rauenous kisses , that you would thinke , he meant To eate his lips . Gond. The Captiue captiuates the Conquerour . Three Moones haue not expir'd their vsuall change , Since he was prisoner to the King ; though now His Fauorite . Grim. Th' art too loud ! If thou 'lt talke safely , go get A sore throat ; hoarce men speake low . The captiu'd Rhodolinda , ( whose father Albouine depriu'd of life and kingdome ) Hath with such amorous subtiltie behau'd Her gesture , that Albouine is now her Prisoner . This martiall progresse was but made To visit her . She makes him guilty of Idolatry , and knowes the thrifty vse Of time : as she ascends , her Countrimen Must rise . Gond.

You haue call'd that Hermegild her Creature ?

Grimo. He was her fathers Councellor ; a man Created in the darke : he walkes inuisibly ; He dwels in Labyrinths ; he loues silence : But when he talkes , his language carries more Promiscuous sense , then ancient Oracles . So various in his shapes , that oft he is Disguiz'd from his owne knowledge . An error Much incident to humane Politicks , Who striue to know others more then themselues . Gond.

Obserue their complement .

Grimo. Pox o' these French ligges ? Courtiers alwaies dance . This is to Hermegild meere lechery : This wanton gesture doth obscure Thoughts of such consequence and weight , as hang Like Plummets on his heart . Paradine is A soft , easie foole , and must be guld . Herm. O my sweet Lord — Grimo.

Now the Motion speakes .

Herm. Such indeerements would too much impouerish My gratitude : yet , t is meet our actions Carry smooth equalitie : your consent Must further all my Sutes You are the Kings Iewell , and hang richly in his eare . Parad. You are precious vnto her , whom loud noise Already calls our Queene : faire Rhodolinda ! We may ( if they prooue naturall and kinde ) Gouerne the Nation that hath conquered vs ; Gaine our Countrey liberty , and yet Not stray from noble Arts : such hopes our free Imbraces prophecy . The King . Loud musick . Enter Albouine , Frollo , Conrade , Vollterri , &c. Frollo . Your Troopes ( Sir ) are so diuided into Mix'd files , that to the City you doe march Betweene thick walles of men . Albou. Let my Horse-guard bring vp the Rere . We 'le sport With warre . We haue no vse of safety now , But of magnificence . Vollterri . The order is already giuen . It was Your Royall will , we hasten in our March , Therefore each Squadron double their paces . Albou. My Boy , I bring thee home my chiefe Trophy : Thou dost delight me more then victory . Retire . I am in loue too violent . My embraces crush thee , thou art but yet Of tender growth — Parad. My Countriman would kisse your Royal hands , And then expect no greater happinesse Till he arriue in heauen . He hath done your Rhodolinda seruice — Presents Hermeg . on his knee to the King . Herm. Rhodolinda is your humblest captiue . She inserts you often in her prayers , And call'd it my chiefe duty to present Her true seruice to your Maiesty . Albou. Her name doth inrich our Language . My boy Can witnesse that I loue her : she makes me Prattle in my sleepe : I 'ue drunke Mandragora , To become drowzie , in hope that I might Dreame of her . Rise , and expect Honour . Enter Gouernour of Verona . Gouernour . High and sacred Maiesty ! Verona Hath vnhindg'd her wide Gates : proud to admit The fate of Kingdomes . Our crooked Matrones Forget their age : and ( as the ragged Earth At the Springs warme approach ) look fresh , & young , To intertaine you . Our timorous Virgins ( With the bold Youth ) ioyne in one wanton Quire To sing your welcome . Grimo.

How the Spaniell fawnes , 'cause he dares not barke ?

Gouer. Th' amorous Vine clips not the shady Poplar With such regard ( about whose mossie waste She hangs a smiling Louer . ) Our City is By the reflection of your blest approach Like Pelion deck'd , whom Tython's Mistresse ( Leauing the weeping East ) with brightnesse guilds . There 's not a wrinkle left in all Verona , Wherein pale sorrow , or rebellious enuy Can finde their loathed Mansion . Flattering ioy Swells big each loyall bosome . All implore You as their safety ; who hath hush'd the noise Of discord , and loud warre . Grim. The Rascall flatters , as if he had seru'd His prentiship in Court . Albou. Th' ast done me iustice , Gouernor , & know'st The way to make me thankefull , but not proud . I vnderstand thou hast with honor'd safety Preseru'd those Iewels to thy charge committed , ( My Rhodolinda , and my Boys Valdaura . ) And so increas'd new motiues of our thanks . Gouer. Heauen has made your memory too humble , Thus to record your creatures seruice . Albou. Let now the knotty Laborer rust with ease , And aloud proclaime , that the vpland Boore Release his Teeme , and his industrious Plough . Let him sing glad Iös to the rustick Powers that guard his fields , and vnto me . Gouern. It is by you we are : no warlike Ram , Nor battering engine forc'd a bloody entrance Through our thicke walls . It was the powerfull breath Of your victorious fame , that conquer'd vs . To that we yeelded : which as a rough blast That poasts from the cold Artick Pole , hath borne Before it captiu'd Nations . Albo. By heauen a good old man ! if he be learn'd , I le haue him write my Annales . Grim.

Indeed he lookes like a Chronicler .

Albou. Paradine ? Informe him of my deeds . Thou hast beheld my discipline full of Shape and order , when confusion did oppresse The foe , and stifled them in throngs . Hah ! Looke ! Rhodolinda's come to guild our Triumph ! Enter Rhodolinda , Valdaura , Thesina , and Attendants in mourning . Parad. And my Valdaura too ! let Nature shew A third obiect so delightfull , we 'le sweare She is not old , nor her first materials Wasted , but in creation still retaines Her former strength and skill . Albou But why ( my beautious Captiue ) art thou still In Sables wrapp'd ? Rhodo. Your starres bid you be happy . My crosse fate Like the Rauen , croaks a funerall note : This swarthy habit , but paints forth the griefe That chaines my soule in darknesse . And filiall loue Commands me mourne for him , whom you too soone Depriu'd of life , my conquer'd father . Albou. Let his ashes rest At quiet in their Vrne . His ghost long since Hath wash'd away the memory of his fate In slow-pac'd Laethe . Take me , modest faire , Into thy bosome . O hide me there ! My glad soule , how full is thy content ? Now thou fear'd thing , that guid'st the heauenly Empire , Rend all the murmuring clouds , and dart Thy Thunder at me : I am safe . Rhodo. My captiuity must needs seeme easie , Whilst the Conquerour proues so kinde . Albo. I could gaze thus on thee , till my wonder Did conuert me into marble ; and yet My soule would in her selfe retaine a fire , Liuely as that which bold Prometheus stole . Were the Sea coagulate , and the world Returnd to th' antick Chaos , a blinde Lumpe ; Thy looke would force the warring elements Into a sacred order ; and beget A harmony like this they now inioy . Rhodo.

You are too powerfull in you speech .

Albo. Yet when I valew thus thy excellence , Let me not forget my owne high being . I 'ue humbled all the Nations of the earth ; Brought home as spoyles the whole wealth of Nature : Yet , Rhodolinda , nought like thee . Let me Whisper my content , for soft musicke most Delights the female eare . They walke aside . Parad. Why , my deare Valdaura , dost thou suspect My warme embraces ? Let hungry death ceaze On my honour , before it ceaze on me , If in my brest I intertaine a thought Vnlawfull . Vald. I esteeme you ( Sir ) a friend to vertue , And in that hope would cherish all your loue . Parad. In thy faire brow , there 's such a Legend writ Of timorous chastitie , that it doth blinde Th' adulterous Eye . Not the Mountaine Ice , ( Congeal'd to Christall ) is so frosty chaste As thy victorious soule , which conquers Man , And Mans proud Tyrant-passion . But I am Too rough for Courtship , the soft harmony Which wanton Peace instructs the Tongue to make , I haue forgot . Trust me ( bright Maid ! ) I loue thee dearely . Though I 'ue found thy heart Like Pibble , smooth , but stony . Valda. I 'ue heard my mother say : the curled Youth Of Italy , were prompt in wanton stealths , And sinfull Arts . Till Time had giuen me Assurance of your noble thoughts ; 't was safe To doubt your loue . But now I wish I were More worthy , and then would prooue more liberall Of my selfe . Parad. Let me enioy thy hand ! that moyst Adamant That so attracts my soule ! We will ( ere night Her black Curtaine drawes ) make compleat this loue , With marriage Rites . Albo. How now , Boy ! Is my interest so decay'd In your young person , that you giue away your selfe Without my leaue ! Parad. Humbly on my knee , I beg the vulgar Priuiledge due to all hearts . To loue , and not enioy , Is a torture , I cannot suffer long , And still remaine possess'd with breath . Albou. Thou hast shew'd me physick for my passion . Take him , Valdaura , and be proud ! T is I That loue him : nor shall your ioyes be single . I le make the number yet more full . This day We 'le consecrate to Hymens vse . Behold Your Queene ( who though my Captiue ) for her birth And beauty , is the first of Queenes . Gouer.

High Heauen increase your ioyes !

Herm. And may you liue together vntill Time Shall sicken with his age . Frollo .

Conrad . Long liue Albouine , King of the Lombards !

Herm.

Cry vp Rhodolinda too !

Frollo .

Conrad . Liue Rhodolinda , Queene of the Lombards !

Alb. Gouernor ! T is our will that you expect Honour , and true safety . Your Cities loue I shall perceiue by popular noise , and your Behauiour in this great solemnitie . Let the Sunne smile ; the Winde sport with our Plumes ! This day let sick-men too forget to groane . Let all glad Hymnes in one mix'd concord sound , And make the ecchoing heauen your mirth rebound . Exeunt all , but Grimold , Vollterri , Gondibert . Grim.

The King's head must now conuert to rotten wood .

Gond.

Why , Grimold ?

Grim. That Court Earewiggs may liue there , and deuoure His brains . Dost not perceiue how they begin To creepe into his eares ? Gond. Generous soules are still most subiect to Credulitie . Grim. He is a Germane in his drinke : busied With a wanton pride , which his Flatterers Admire for mirth , but his friends doe pitie . Vollt.

He should be told his sinnes .

Grim. By whom ? Vollterri , now the King forsakes The Campe , he must maintaine luxurious mouthes , Such as can vtter perfum'd breath , and these Straite compose a faction , engrosse his eares . They limit still his conuersation . Euen as the slow finger of the Diall Doth in its motion circular remoue To distant figures : so by a subtill Leasure , they doe prefix the houres , When he must change his rotten Parasite , For one more skilfull , how t' admire , and praise . No honest Tongue can euer interpose To tell him he is mortall . Gond. It is the chiefe misery of Princes , Nere to vnderstand their owne crimes , to sinne In ignorance . Grim. True , his Confessor , that in sight externe A Patriarke seemes , will gaine by flattery , And superscribe vnto the King , as to the Pope ( His holinesse . ) But Gondibert , Whom Conclaues here in Court doe canonize For Saints , will scarce be admitted in heauen For Angels . Vollter. Now Rhodolinda is become his Riuall In high Soueraigntie , she will permit No errors but her owne : The King must mend What she mislikes . Grim. She giues vs leasure to expect Her character . Women make themselues more known When they doe rule , then when th' obey . Gond. Valdaura is inrich'd with a sweetnesse So religious , that Paradine must sinne In priuate , or need no mercy . Grim. Th' ast nam'd her ! Though my obdurate sufferance In actiue warre hath quite depriu'd me of All amorous gesture . Though not these forty Winters , I haue seene any of her sex But Suttlers wiues , who , in stead of Fillets , Wrap their sooty haire in Horses girts . Though My marrow is frozen in my bones , Yet I melt before her eyes . When I see her , I grow proud below the Nauell . For she Is none o' th' French Noursery , that practice The sublime friske . None o' your jigging Girles , That pearch Paraqueeto's on their fists , And ride to th' Court like Venus Falconers . Gond. Grimold , hoarce men speake low , thou hast not caught A cold yet . Grim. She 's none of those that on their heads aduance High , swagg'ring Plumes , like a gay Forehorse In a Country Teeme . O , she 's worth the tempting ! Vollter. Dost thou so commend her vertues , and yet Wouldst thou tempt her vnto vice ? Grim. That 's a trick I learnt of the deuill . Those That are vertuous , need his temptation , The wicked haue power enough to damne themselues . Gond. Hark how they showte ! Away Grimold , or we Shall lose the Triumph ! Showting within . Grim. Roome for Cuckolds , whose hornes are so high , They bore the Moone , as she friskes in the skie ! Exeunt omnes .

Act the second . Scene first . Enter Grimold , Gondibert , Vollterri . Grim. This Peace makes me rotten , dusty As a Cobweb . I liue like a Cricket i th' corner of an Ouen . Pox o' these oregrowne Cities . To be valiant here , is to forfeit The Statute : and these furr'd gownes hold , There is no sinne so great as pouerty . Gond.

Thou art as melancholy as a leane Iudge !

Grim. I , or a corrupted Officer , at the noise Of a Parliament . In this diuision Of vnualewed Tropheys , Territories Vast and ample , ( gain'd partly by my sweat ) Not a single Acre falls to my share . Enter Cunymond , Frollo , Conrade , Seruants with a Banquet . Cuny. Beare back there ! They thrust as if they meant To get me with child — Frollo . You sirrah ! d' ye get the Kings officer With child ? Conr. Beare back there ! or we 'le put ye to the charge Of Surgery — Cuni.

Dispatch , fellowes !

Gondib.

Is not that Cunymond ?

Grim. The same . He is a great Astrologer . The meere Anotamy i' th front o' th Kalender . You may know where the Signe is , by some toy In 's habit , which he remoues , as the Signe Remoues . Cuny.

Frollo , did they enter here by your permission ?

Frollo .

Not by mine , Sir .

Cuny.

Nor yours , Conrade ?

Conrad .

They are men of China for ought I know .

Cuny. Then they must out . Gentlemen , pray auoide The Presence . Grim.

'S death Sir ! d' ye make vs your Voyders ?

Vollter. Must we carry away your Cheese-parings ? Thrust your Bodkins forth ! Gond.

Draw i' th Presence ? Art thou mad ?

Grim. How he stands ? he is created of Starch , And dares not vse a boysterous motion , Lest he should fall in Rumples . Cuny. Sir , you may speake like a Cannon ! but you Shall either goe , or — Grim.

Or what , Sir ?

Cuny.

Or stay , Sir .

Conrad . By heauen he shall doe one , Sir — Frollo . Nay , Captaine , doe not look , as if y 'had drunk Vineger . You must , or go , or — stay Sir — Loud knocking . Cuny. Hey ! we are tumbling in a Drum . Within . Fellowes o' the Guard , make way there ! Officers ! Open the doore — Cun. Beare back there ! Gentlemen ! what d' ye meane ? Pray' beare back — Loud Musicke . Enter Albouine , Rhodolinda , Paradine , Valdaura , Hermegild , Thesina , &c. Herm. Phoebus will be thought more rash then Phaeton , If now he hasten to the West . Sir , this Glorious day , merits well a longer age , Then what is limitted to all within Our Kalender . Albo.

Hermegild , thy free heart adds to our triumph !

Grim. Sir , I 'ue some few words , I needs must vtter : Since my last seruices in Hungary , You remaine on my Tally six thousand Duckats : I 'm loth to skore vp still , and pay My selfe with my owne Chalke . Albo.

Wouldst haue thy Soule dismissed a naturall way ?

Gri. I would not starue , looke , like a parch'd Anotamy Sow'd in a Kid-skin . Pay your debts , Sir ! Albo. I neuer met with boldnesse , vntill now ! My courage is quite puzled ! Grim. Do your eares blister to heare this ? My breath is Wholsome . I cannot tipple like a Duck In a greene Poole . Nor feed on Berries in A Hedge , like some lost remnant o' my fathers Scatterd lust . Sir , pay your debts ! Albo.

Sure , thou art some spirit ! I cannot kill thee !

Grim. In this diuision of the Lands , I help'd To conquer ; I am not furnish'd with A Mole-hill for a pillow . Albo. Hermegild sat chiefe in the Committee For diuision of those Lands : bid him reward Your seruice : besides , I mistake the custome , Or t is my Treasurers office to pay My debts , not mine . Grim. No Sir , ( thanks to your Royall thrift ) it is Your office to pay all ; your Treasurers Custome to pay nothing . Thrusts him away . Albo.

Do not interrupt my marriage Rites !

Grim.

I cannot take your reference for paiment .

Albo.

Would thou wert dead !

Grim. Sir , I le make my Ghost , my Executor , And walke after death , ere I le lose my mony . Albo. Sit , my Rhodolinda : This is thy Spheare ! In th' absence of the Sunne , we must receiue Our light from thee . Paradine , thy Bride expects Thy seruice . Parad. Sh 'as an ill bargaine on 't , to rule one night , And euer after to obey . Her . Captaine , though the King be prompt in mercy , Yet hath he so much anger in him , As will expresse him mortall . T is for your Safety , to auoid the Presence . Grim.

I le bribe your Lordship with a Ginny Tooth-pick !

Herm.

You must repent this language .

Parad.

He must not , Hermegild !

Herm.

How , my Lord !

Parad. These whom you number in your faction , Enioy , by your assistance , proud structures ; And fertill Granges , to maintaine their gaudy Riot . Sir , you had a fraile memory , Or a degenerate heart , when you forgot His merit ; might you incorporate those in one , The sordid bulke could nere make vp his shadow . Hermeg.

I am prescrib'd my discipline in Court !

Parad. Grimold , away ! T is my desire you leaue The Presence . Grim.

I am obedient ( Sir ) to your desire .

Gond.

'Slight , thou hast made a braue retreat .

Vollt. I look'd when both of vs should taste Of immortalitie . Exeunt Grimo . Gond. Vollt. Herm. He that inflam'd this fire , will scorch his busie Fingers . My Lord , it was vnkindly done T' affront my anger thus : but I haue hope It is your last fault . Parad. I cannot reckon it among my faults . Sir , you inuolue your meaning in your speech . The world shall finde me honest . Herm.

You are a Bridegroome now .

Albo. Hermegild , make your anger knowne , For else your frownes will cause your loyaltie To be suspected . This night should be as smooth And pleasant , as that to which we owe our bless'd Natiuitie . Herm. Sir , you are great on Earth ! I am meerely Your creation . My passions doe afford Your high delight all sympathy . Old Time hath throwne his feathers from his heeles , And slowly limps in 's motion to prolong This Triumph : but if Paradine affront Hymen , and me with sullen rage , it shall Be call'd my piety to suffer . Rhodo . stands vp . Rho. How ! your Excellence ought t' excuse my speech ! When your victorious sword depriu'd me of My Father ; I enter'd to captiuity , As to th' oblique shade , where death inhabits . Till you allowd me Hermegild ; who with His high Philosophy did make My bondage sweete . My Father lou'd him well : He was his noblest Seruant , and must not For his vertues suffer , vntill your sacred tongue Forbid me share with you in Soueraignty . Albo. Boy , this was a bold crime . You must not giue Me cause to chide my fond heart . Valdaura , Vrge him to proffer friendship Vnto Hermegild ; you are powerfull Ore his nature . I haue deseru'd to lose My chiefe prerogatiue — Vald. I am too timorous to deale with anger : If he prooue sterne of nature , my Marriage Is my funerall . My Lord ! Herm. Paradine , I 'ue an humble loue . I will Present it first to your refusall — Parad. I want your phrase , to make my manners seeme Lesse rugged . All that is loue , I cherish With such religious heate , as my Valdaura Claimes , since our young Nuptiall — Albo. This embracement is a sacrifice To thee my Queene : whose deity Consists of loue . Sit , and with your Persons , straight intrench the Table . Some wine ! Fill in my Germane Plate ; I le drinke as when I 'm hot with victory . This to my Bride — Cuny.

Sound high !

Albo. More wine , and noise ! Now Boy , I celebrate Valdaura's health — Cuny. Bid their Instruments speake lowder . They 're afraid to wake the Neighbours . Albo. This is legitimate blood of the rich Corsick Grape : precious as thy teares ( My Royall Girle ) when thou art penitent To heauen . Whilest the King talkes , they drinke . Herm. Spare me in the next , and I le esteeme you Courteous ; so much wine will put me to the charge Of Physicke . Cuny.

Your Lordship ownes it as a prime vertue —

Albo. Shall the world bleed ? but frowne , and thou renew'st A Chaos . Maligne the pride of some farre Easterne Queene , whom Trauellers bely , And I will forage there , like loud thunder ! Or like the Northerne winde vpon the Maine , Where lazie Hulkes are toss'd like chips . Rhodo.

I merit no such complement .

Albo. I le do 't . T is thought , I am immortall . The chiefe of my great Ancestors , that made A wilde incursion ore this fertill soile , Was but a tipe of me . More wine ! — Thy breath Is as the smoke of spices . I taste thy Melting lippes , and straight ingender kisses . Heart ! Boy , you are too rauenous ! Parad. I euer held your Maiesty my best Example . Kisses nimbly gather'd , The faster grow . Herm.

The Lombards vse to share this sport ! He kisses Thesina .

Albo.

Is not your name Pigwiggin ?

Cuny. Pigwiggin ! your Grace was wont to call me Cunymond : I am no Faery . Albo. Nor I the King of Faeries . 'Slight , sir , d' ye Present me with a Cup , made , o' th bottome Of an Akehorne , or Queene Mabbs Thimble ? Fill me a bowle , where I may swimme , And bathe my head , then rise like Phoebus from The Ocean , shaking my dewy Locks . A health to Cesars memory . Boy , doe me Iustice , or thou afrontst my Triumph ! Parad.

Conrade , the King will drowne vs all !

Conr.

Y' haue now , Sir , but the moiety of his draught .

Rhodo. Though Fame lends you her Trumpet , giues you leaue To speake your owne praise , you cannot vtter more Then my beliefe shall warrant . Albo. Now thou whisper'st like the amorous Lute ! I am the Broome of Heauen , when th' world grows foule , I le sweepe the Nations into 'th Sea , like dust . Thy father was magnanimous , and great King of the Girpides . Yet his title Sat not so nobly on him , as my conquest . Know , his vnkind fate , was his chiefe glory : For it was I that slew him ; and thou his Captiu'd Daughter art my Queene . Rhod. Sir , if you continue this narration , I shall weepe . Albou. Doe , weepe ! then on my heart-strings I will thread Thy teares in stead of Pearle : such a wealthy Bracelet , loue would present vnto his Queene : And she tuck vp her sleeues , to shew her gawdy wrists . More wine ! Bring vs the Bowle of Victory . Exit Cunymond . Paradine kneeles . Parad. Sir , you ingag'd your Royall word , neuer To present that fatall obiect . Albo. Paradine , doe not resist my pleasure . I le crush thee into Ayre . Parad. I am in my ambition vertuous , If I desire t' expire a sacrifice To loyaltie . Sir , ruine what you made , But doe not violate your Vow . Albou. Hence ! I shall delight in fury ! Enter Cunymond with a Skull , made into a drinking-Bowle . Welcome , the horrid Trophey of my chiefe warre ! Rhodolinda , I le try thy fortitude . This was thy Fathers Skull : thou shalt pledge a health Vnto his Ghost . He drinks : all rise vp . Rhod. O fatall ! my eies shrinke within my brow ! I gather Agues like the Spring , and tremble Like the vnlick'd Lambe , newly yeand vpon A sheete of Snow . Vald. Hide me , Paradine ! the obiect doth so Penetrate , that when I winke , I spie it Through my Lids . Albou. Tame , feeble Soule ! Will she not pledge What we doe celebrate ? Returne her person — Cunym. Madam , the King — Strikes him , and exit . Rhod.

The King 's a Tyrant , and thou his slaue .

Frollo .

That 's a fauour , Signior .

Cunym.

I weare it as a Iewell in my eare .

Parad. Fly , deare Valdaura ; sweeten her censure Of this act , and mediate for the King . Vald. Thesina , prethee helpe me in discourse ; My wonder ( Wench ) doth so disturbe my speech , I feare I shall grow dumbe . Thesi.

The work is pious we attempt .

Exeunt Vald. Thes. Her . The harmony of your sweet tongue is his Best physicke : diuorce him from those black thoughts , Whil'st I imploy my vtmost skill , to win The Queene to his imbraces . She 's great of Soule , And may determine what my fond heart laments To prophecy . Parad.

Y' are my best Countriman , kind and loyall .

Exit Herm. Albo. So pale and timorous ! I le sooner couple With a Mandrake , and beget groanes . Parad.

My Royall Lord !

Albo. Hah ! Am I alone ? Haue they all left me ? Where is my Empire ? Doe I gouerne in The vacant Ayre ? Parad. Sir , am I lost vnto your memory ? You were wont to trust my seruice : the way Vnto your Couch lyes here — Albo. None shall be proud but I . My smiles reuiue The dead : but when I frowne , the liuing straight Melt into Ghosts . Cunym.

Lights for the King there !

Parad. Cunymond , you are too officious ! The Kings Departure must be priuat . Exeunt Albo. Parad. Frollo . The King is light enough himselfe : he needs No Torches . Cunym. And heauy enough ! for he seemes to reele With his owne weight . Conrad . No Maskes ! No Epithelamion now ! Call for a Bonesetter , for Time hath sprain'd His feete , and goes awry . Exeunt omnes . Enter Rhodolinda , Hermegild . Rhodo. O Hermegild ! a generall eclips In Nature , would not seeme so horrid ! To cut those cordiall strings which Hymen had But newly ty'd . Her . I , there 's the horror ! whil'st his Vowes sat warm Vpon his Lips ; his breath not mingled yet With cooler Ayre ; thus to perturbe by sterne Practice your sweet rest , was worse then periury . Rhod. To present my Royall Fathers Skull , In drunken Triumph . Herm. Take heede ! you will distract your memory . There 's a Record , Time striues to lose ; and Fame To hide beneath some oblique fold in her Thicke Volume , as loth to discredit all Mankind . Your father valewed you next to His interest in heauen . I 'ue seene the good Old King search for his picture in your eyes ; then — Rhod. No more : Patience is sinfull now . Thou art Deepely read and wise : instruct me to be bold , For Albouine hath taught me to be cruell . Hermeg. Y' are now by holy Church incorporate ; Therefore Diuinitie forbids me vse My naturall motions . How e're I thinke It fit , you giue him direfull cause , soone to Repent : Repentance sure is physick for his soule . Enter Paradine , Valdaura . Paradine and 's young Bride ! Your excellence Shall please that we retire : whil'st I disguize My kind gesture , and seeme to flatter in The Kings behalfe — Parad. To bed soft modesty ! I will my selfe Deliuer to the Queene the King's intent . Vald. Sir , the King is cruell . Should you proue so To me , I 'ld soone distill my soule to teares , And weepe an Ocean deepe enough to drowne My sorrowes , and my selfe . Parad. 'T were sterne guilt to doubt my nature . Faire Saint , To bed , I long to lose my Youth in warme Embraces , and ere the pearly Morne appeare , Make thee a teeming Mother . To bed ! with winged hast Expect my presence . Exit Valdaura . Herm.

How smooth appeares the Brow of Youth !

Parad. Haile Rhodolinda ! the Royall Mistresse Of this night . Thus Albouine ( our great King ) bade Me say , Y' are dearer to his eyes then light . Though euery Bride may claime from Hymen Priuiledge to rule her Lord , till Hesperus Appeare , and cancell her briefe Charter . Yet he doth humbly beg , you 'le not infringe The Lombards custome , whose Virgins neuer vow A continence the Nuptiall night . Rhod.

I yet want your meaning .

Par. T is his chiefe hope that you will straight expect His person in your bed . Rhod. How ! lye with him ? I le sooner choose a Mansion In a sepulcher : There commit incest With the raw remnant of my fathers bones : Sooner imbrace an ayrie Incubus : Mingle Limmes with some vlcerous Cripple , Able to infect an Hospitall . Parad. O take heed ! Take heed , faire Maiesty ! let not His rash sinne prouoke you to intend so dire An abstinence : ere yet the wine hath lost Th' vnruly operation . The King disclaimes His wanton pride , and mortifies himselfe With sullen griefe . Rhod. Canst thou suspect , I will prooue inconstant , To what in cold temperance I determine ? Parad.

Heauen auert you should approue your error .

Rhod. I le kneele , and vow with all solemnitie — Herm. O hold ! 't were blacke impietie in vs To suffer such a horrid crime . You may Informe the King of my religious loyalty , Already I haue vs'd perswasiue speech To reconcile this ods : but she growes wilde , Repugnant to all mercy . Parad. As you esteeme your Royall selfe , or vs , Who ( when kinder Planets rul'd ) were seruants To th' vnhappy King your father ; cherish No more this anger in your brest , lest Time Afford it growth and violence , till it Disturbe the world . Herm.

He councels like a sacred Oracle .

Parad. I will informe the King , your continence You onely celebrate to this blacke night , And giue him hope , that you 'le hereafter smile , His kinde inticements meet with equall heate , And fertill loue . Though I 'm vnhewne , and shap'd In warre , this softens all my faculties — Rhod.

Stay , Paradine ; didst thou not name my Father ?

Parad.

I did with a deuout remembrance !

Rhod.

And thou know'st how thy good Country suffers ?

Parad. I think on it , and my heart hangs heauy On its strings ; galles them with its sullen weight . Rhod. Hermegild oft receiues certificate From some in bondage there , which writ in Prose , doe , I' th reading into Verse dissolue : so sad The businesse is , so fit for elegie . Hermeg. So sad a Requiem yet was neuer sung , Though the hoarce Rauen , and the Whistler shrill , The Howlet , and the euening Dorr made vp The fatall Quire . The young men there are yoak'd In payres , and stretch their sinnews in a Teeme , To draw the wealthy haruest to the Grange , Where th' insulting foe resides . The aged ( Heretofore in purple cloth'd ) that dispos'd Of Law and Iustice ; are now sow'd vp In dunghill clouts ; and dwell on parched hills , To tend the flocks ; whose fleece the Victor weares In gawdy triumph . Parad. O harsh captiuitie ! Our Country groanes ! Till now I thought the Conqueror gan to ease Their bondage , not adde to the weight of their Compell'd burdens . Rhod.

The King 's a sterne Tyrant .

Parad. Yet he hath vs'd me still with gentle power , Ta'ne me from the cold Earth , and warm'd me in His bosome : and Hermegild has full cause To blesse his bounty . But you ( now our Queene ) He valewes next to heauen ; howe're this rash Error striues to disgrace his loue . We are His captiues too ; heretofore not heeded By our Starres ; though we now grow tall with titles And his fauour . Herm. My Lord , the King is kinde ! Our memories Were fraile , should we forget what hath so much Pertain'd vnto our knowledge . I 'm so fond O're my Religion , I dare not taste Ingratitude : yet giue me leaue to say , You may mistake his loue vnto the Queene . The dry Tartar , who yoakes his females neck With rusty Yron , not with Carckanets Of threaded Pearle ; whom he preserues for physick More then increase ; will the first night of their Coniunction , feast her in 's imbroader'd tent ; Call her Soueraigne ; and like some amorous winde , Sport with her haire . Rhod. But my Nuptiall the King did celebrate In Golgotha , where Skulls , and dusty bones Inhabit . Herm. Y' are skilfull in the deeds that appertaine To strength and fury ; but they that aime At victory in Court , must practise smooth And subtill Arts . Wise Fauourites doe walke I' th darke , and vse false lights . Nay , oft disguize Their breadth and stature ; seeme lesser then they are : For know , the slender Worme , or nimble Grig , May wriggle downe into th' oblique , and low Descent o' th narrow hole ; whilst th' oregrowne Snake Peepes at the brimme , but ne're can view the bottome . Rhod. Thinke on thy Country , Paradine ! Is there In Story no mention of some great Soule , That did his Country prize aboue his owne Mortalitie , and dy'd to gaine his Nation Freedome ? Herm. The Noble Brutus for his Countreys health , Made Cesar bleed ; Cassius was heroique too , And had in warre loud Fame , which he increas'd By mingling in this Act . — T is wrought with skill , And apt leasure . His thoughts grow numerous , And ingender horrid shapes ; such as fright His fancy . Rhod.

Paradine , good night !

Herm. Hymen and your Bride , will blame your tardy Seruice . Sweet Lord , a thousand times good night . Exeunt Herm. and Rhodolinda . Parad. False vnto me ! when Thunder wakes the dead : When the Skie looks swarthy : the clouds like inke In water powr'd : when the Earth seemes to stand As in a gloomy shade . When the winde blowes Till it growes hoarce : till it conuert And sprinkle Seas euen to a Dew ; then I Shall try the King , and fathome his wide Soule . If he start , complaine of his mortalitie , Kneele oft ; and pray aloud , as Heauen Were deafe : if thus , I will conclude him false . For horrid stormes that Tyrants waking keepe , Doe rock the noble Conscience safe asleepe . Exit .

Act the third . Scene first . Enter Rhodolinda , Valdaura , Thesina . Vald. I knew your Excellence did visit me For mirth and laughter . Rhod.

So early vp ? Your Lord is temperate .

Thes. I should like their tempers better , if she Were downe , and her Lord vp . Vald.

Fye , Thesina , your tongue 's vnruly .

Rhod. The morning might haue shewne me too for mirth , Had not the false King made the night so sad . Black fancy flye ! Thes. She moues as she were sicke , this skirmish has Much weakened her . Rhod.

Dost thou call 't a skirmish ?

Thes. I , Madam , a French skirmish ; where th' onset Is hot and fiery , but the retreat cold and tame . Enter Hermegild . Herm.

Madam , the King ?

Rhod.

Hah !

Herm. He greets your Excellence in a smooth phrase , And begs , you will permit his early visit . Rhod.

I 'ld rather lose my eyes then see him .

Valdaura kneeles . Vald. When you did triumph in your fathers Court , My entreaty then had power to alter Your commands ; reward my young seruice With kindnesse to your selfe . When the tall Cedar falls , with burly weight it strikes The neighbouring shrubs , low , into the ground : So we that spring like Rushes neere your roote , Must in your death receiue a funerall . Rhod.

What 's this ? D' ye moralize ?

Vald. The King may haue his anger warranted . For heauen forbids such wilde diuision 'Tweene those whom holy Church vnites . Rhod. Harke , Thesina ! She has been gossiping With the holy Sisters : she preaches to me Of Matrimoniall zeale . Troth Valdaura , If thy husband doe infuse such schisme , I le practise a diuorce . Thesina . We Court Ladies grow so squeamish after We haue tasted Man . Your Maiesty may Much profit her behauiour , if you A while deuide her from her Lord . Herm. So soone ? Ere Time permits them second Their imbraces ? Rhod. I Hermegild . If those imbraces doe Include such high delight , such rapsody ; She makes me enuious then ; since all my hopes Are widdowed by the King . To night , Valdaura , You are to sleepe beneath my Roofe . This I Impose as a command . Exeunt Rhodo . Thesin . Herm.

Is not this a harsh compulsion ?

Vald. Sir , I willingly obey it . But as Y' are Noble , vse your ablest skill , t' instruct The Queene how of her anger to dispose A safer way , then 'gainst the King . Herm. Alas ! I 'ld rather cut my Eye-lids off To preuent sleepe then lose one minute that Could aduantage a designe so pious . And be it part of your kinde charity , T' indeere me to your Lord . T is all the pride In my ambition to doe him seruice . Vald. Sir , he already knowes your worth , and thinks Your friendship precious . Exit . Her . I kisse your faire hands . The King already come ? I must seeme pensiue as the night . Enter Albouine , Paradine , Cunymond , Frollo , Conrade . Albo. She 's lost , my Boy : blowne from my fist : her wings Haue gather'd wind : they flye ( like those of Time ) Swiftly forward , but neuer backe returne . Parad. Sir , I haue hope , she will repent this breach Of duty , and court your Royall smiles agen . Albo. Is it a sinne to drinke ? Nature has giuen To fishes a prerogatiue , greater Then we inioy . They can euer tipple And not be drunke . Cuny. Fishes are dumb ( Sir ) they neuer fox themselues With talke . Albo. Slaue ! thy mirth is treacherous ! Paradine ! Thou hast consum'd to night the wealth of loue , Wasted thy lips in moyst kisses , imbrac'd A warmth , that would giue life to marble . Whilst I , ( like the solitary Phoenix ) Expect no heate but in my funerall flame : And striue t' ingender of my selfe . Yet Boy , Thou canst not make me enuious ; thou art more Delightfull ; then my Rodolinda's sinnes . Let me suruay those blue circles : his lids Fall downe , as if weighty Plummets hung on Their sinnes . Thou art not temperate . Preserue Thy deare eyes . Loue was pictur'd blind , because It makes men blinde . I hugge thee as my health — Parad. He bruis'd me in his armes . Can loue expresse Such violence , and yet be false ? Hermegild Still whispers in my eare , the King doth hate Thee , Paradine . But Hermegild is read in all The Arts of Court , and striues perhaps My sence to poyson with leane iealousie . Herm. Sweet Lord ! Y' appeare blushing like the Morne ! Something your Bride and you haue done t' increase The number of the Worthies . Parad. He courts me too ! I want a Perspectiue , To draw these distant figures neere my sight . I ne're shall sleepe agen . Albo. Hermegild , thy aspect shewes ominous ! How thriues our embasie ? Herm. I haue consum'd my breath , till I grew faint , And wept to inuite her mercy ; but teares Were spilt like water in the Forge , onely T' inrage the fire . She doth abiure your visit . Albo.

Harsh , Iron , nature !

Her . The King seemes fetter'd in his lims : he wreathes His armes , as if he meant to bruise his heart . And Paradine doth find my charmes predominant . Albo.

He that drinks , forfeits his mortalitie !

Enter Grimold . Grim.

How Sir , must we not drink ?

Albo. Souldier , to keepe thy bladder moyst , I will Permit thee gape i' th mornings face , and catch Her mizzling teares . Grim. If you 'll extirpate this vice of drinking , Giue order for a priuy search i' th the Ocean ; There dwell the greatest drinkers . The Whale ( Sir ) Drinks deeper let 's hale her on shore , and impownd her In a Cesterne . Albo. Good ! we will imbarke for Sea . I presse thee vp For this imployment . Grim. Stay ( Sir ) ere I ingage my selfe in new Seruices , pay me for my old . You rest Vpon my Ticket , six thousand Duckats ; And I haue not seene your Maiesties face In any other metall , but your owne Flesh and blood these three moneths . Albo.

Thou grumblest like a gray Wolfe .

Grim.

T is then for hunger , Sir .

Herm. Captaine , you mistake the King . He 's Royall As his blood , and liberall as the Sunne That shines on all . This vnruly breath , where The Citie meete in councell , might perhaps Blow their Purse-strings loose , so fill the Exchequer . And then you shall number your pay with your owne Fingers . Grim. I will out-rore thunder , or the Cannon ! Must they still walke in wealthy Furres ; whilst men Of merit here are cloth'd in Cabidge leaues ? Parad.

Grimold , you indanger your friends .

Grim. My Lord , giue losers leaue to speake . I 'ue lost My youth and blood i th' warres , and I want food , A reuerend Asse beares my wife and her young egges In Paniers vp and downe the streets . I trauaile Like a Tartar , with all my family About me . Nay , nay , nay ! you would be gon ! Albo.

Art thou not yet dead ?

Gri. You must not moue , till y' haue paid me . I know , You may be angry with more safety then I . Bid some Colossus of your Guard cleaue me With his Falchon ; yet I shall steale a passage Ore the blacke Riuer , when Charon slumbers , And fright your Grace . Alb. I dare not strike thee ( old man ) lest thou shouldst fall To dust , and choke me . Grim. Good King , pay me . I loue thy Grace : And will fight for thee , whilst I 'ue motion left To stirre a feather . My want constraines me to 't . By this hand , I 'm faine to eate Branne and Parsley Like a tame Rabbit . Herm.

Lend me your eare , Captaine !

Grim.

You 'll intice me now t' enter into bond ?

Herm. You look indeed like a young heire . Well , Sir , Valew me according to my true rate . I am your friend . You make ill choice of howers For helpe of your designe . The King hath now Sad and tumultuous thoughts about his heart . Grim. Great men are alwayes sad , when they should pay Their debts . Herm. Sir , you interpret ill . Grow more sober , Then challenge all my power in your behalfe . Grim. He that receiues a kindnes from the Diuell , Shall bee sure to lose by his gaines . Cuny. Captaine , you should chuse a luckier minute : The King is now in loue . Grim.

With whom ?

Frollo .

With the Queene .

Grim. In loue with his owne wife ! that 's held incest In Court : varietie is more luscious . Albo. Be powerfull in thy speech , my Paradine , Yet gentle too . She is the Starre that rules My faculties . Par. The Queen will blesse your temperance , & repent . Hermegild is too busie : he must be more At leasure , and I more actiue . Exit Parad. Albo.

Hermegild , weare thy sences neere vs —

Grim. Your Maiesty has a fraile memory To forget me so soone — Her .

You 'll forfeit me , and the Kings mercy ! away !

Exeunt Albouine , Hermegild . Grim. T is no piece of vnkindnesse to wish thee In hell , for all thy friends dwell there . Th' ast none Vpon the earth . Gentlemen will you be open to me ? Cuny.

In all parts , Sir , but our purses .

Grim. Draw neere ! let vs communicate our hearts ! Does not that wealth , which you disburse for powders , Perfumes , clothes , and physicke for the face , Returne with gaine ? Frollo .

Expound your Riddle , Sir .

Grim. Haue you not each a Mistresse that maintaines You in expence and riot ? Hah ? Fame giues It out , you smooth Gallants are much oblig'd Vnto the sinnes of Ladies . Cuny. Conrade can prattle somewhat , Sir , to that Purpose . Conr. Good faith you do me wrong . I 'ue worne , Sir , A Ladies slipper in my hat , or so . Frollo is the man that gets their Pendants , Armelets , Rings , and all the Toyes of valew . Frollo . Excuse me , sir , not I . Signior Cunymond Has all the voyce at Court . We know , Sir , when , And where , a certaine Dutchesse , Sir ; You copulate with Titles , you . The Heralds are your Bawds . Cuny.

Hold ! grow particular in such a Theame as this !

Grim.

Well , Gentlemen , I must be furnish'd too .

Cuny.

With a Mistresse ?

Grim. Yes , inquire me out some old Land-Carack . I am content to stretch my loynes for a Pension . Cuny.

At what rate doe you valew your selfe ?

Grim.

I was neuer pawn'd , Sir .

Cuny.

How , Captaine !

Grim. In this leane age , we valew all things According to the rate , they pawne for . Frollo . But we must know , how much you would receiue In price of your actiuitie ? Conrad .

You must neuer stray after fresh pasture .

Grim. Some eight ; I , I , eight hundred Crownes a yeere will doe 't . I am desirous of no more then will Maintaine my Genet , and my Dwarfe . Cuny. Your excuse procur'd , t is fit you now tell , How farre in your defence I may ingage My honour : is not your flesh a little tainted ! Are you not vnwholsome ? Grim. O death , no ; no , no , no! Do not thinke I haue A conscience so ill bred , to put my selfe Vpon a Lady , when vnfit for the affaire . Cuny. Well , Captaine , now with your own eies suruay Your limmes ; what vse can a Lady haue Of you ? To propagate the Cough o' th lungs ? Frollo .

Or beget Cripples , to people an Hospitall ?

Conrad . Or produce another Nation that may Wage fierce battaile 'gainst the Cranes ? Grim. Yet I can follow your bodies with rough Motion , and not shed my limmes by the way — Cuny.

I told ye , he 'ld make a ieast on 't .

Grim. But I will kick ye in earnest , — kick ye For my exercise and warmth — till my toes Grow crooked — Exeunt omnes . Enter Valdaura , reading to her selfe , then Albouine , Hermegild . Herm.

Pursue Valdaura , Sir .

Albo.

I hate these Iiggeries .

Herm. You know , I am materiall in my speech , Full of duty ; you want the silken garbe , That must indeere you to the Ladies eyes . Albo.

Yet I am louing in my drinke .

Herm. Greet her kindly , Sir : t is Paradines Bride . You haue not seene her since she indeuour'd To increase the number of your subiects , With losse of her virginitie . Albo. Rhodolinda doth so ingrosse my loue , That on other Ladies I 'ue but little To bestow . Herm. Sir , practise but your Courtship here . In troth You must affect the amorous Cringe , gestures Smooth and pliant ; it will neuer doe else . I 'ue heard the Queene complaine , you are too rough : And what these Ladies doe obserue , will take A sudden flight vnto her eare . Strike but Their sences gently with your tongue . Often Flatter 'em , and with a vigorous breath ; They 'll then implore the Queene in your behalfe : And , Sir , th' indeuour of their praise will soone Procure your peace . Albo. If they would soften Rhodolinda's heart , And reconcile me to her smiles , I would Grow fond , and dally then with all the Sex . Herm. Begin your triall . If you salute this , ( And other Ladies too ) with some impression on Their lipps ; with managing their fingers thus , — With seysure on her wrist ; as if you had Some businesse with her Pulse : then you inchant . Be flexiue in your smiles , and wanton like , Seeke pictures in their eyes : and when they moue , Then with personall conduct , guide their feet . 'Mongst them you cannot seeme too cheape . They will Admire you for 't , and sing your prayses to The Queene . Albo.

I shall be taught to spin , and starch !

Herm. The engin 's now compact ; each wheele doth moue With silent screwes . The Mole 's the subtle Pioner : For when she vndermines the earth , her slow Motion makes no noise . Exit . Albo. Y' are deuout , Vauldaura . Teach me to pray : We haue no leasure for 't in warre ; and 't has Been long time out of fashion here in Court . Vald. I feare I make some breach of duty with Your Excellence , to hinder thus The passage of your Royall thoughts . Albo. You teach me now , t' excuse my owne abrupt Demeanour ; but I can doe 't . My harsh Queene ( Whom the perspicuous Eye of heauen forgiue ) Doth much mistake the posture of my limmes , And gesture of my tongue among your Sex . I neuer vse , like rugged Polypheame , To dandle Cubs . Thus , I can gently touch A Ladies lips — yet make no battery on Her teeth . Was it not an ayrie pressure ? Tell my proud Queene , I 'ue lost my Iron garbe , And now am growne thus fond and smooth . Vald. O Royall Sir , her cruelty hath put My eyes vnto th' expence of many teares . Albo. I , but in vaine ! Those clouds must weep apace , That meane to penetrate the Marble , or The Flint . I weare no Gauntlet on my hand , Why should you thinke that I would bruise Your fingers with my touch — Sports with her hand . Enter Hermegild , Rhodolinda . Rhod.

Is this Paradines Garden ?

Herm. I Madam , and your Excellence may finde A sudden growth , in all that shadowes vs . Rhod.

Hah I looke there !

Herm.

What is 't your eyes so eagerly discerne ?

Rho. The King ! How sportfull he is growne ? how full Of amarous game and dalliance ? Herm.

I spie Valdaura there : but is that the King ?

Rhod.

Thou dost inquire , t' affront my sight .

Albo. You must informe the Queene of this : Say , I Am smooth , and musicall , and trim , and that I talke no more of warre , nor drinke . Vald. T is my duty to vrge all circumstance , That may credit you in her esteeme . Albo. It is a piece of courtship to salute At parting — Kisses her . exit Valdaura . Rhod.

Is that a safe coniunction in so hot a climate !

Albo. Hell and death ! What raw discipline is this ? I should conduct her in her way — Exit . Rhod. So violent in pursuit of your game ? Let 's follow , Hermegild ? Herm. Not for all the Sunne beholds in 's iourney Through the world — Rhod.

Why ? be nimble in thy speech !

Herm. It shewes but silly art in industry , To seeke what you would not finde . Rhod. I pre thee grow particular ! Dost thinke They purpose ought i th' darke ? or , was this same But ceremonious forme ! such a greeting As courtship will admit in publike interuiew ? Herm. The King was neuer giuen to complement , You know . As for Valdaura — Rhod.

What of her ?

Herm. I thinke that she is chaste , but — Rhod. Doe not inuolue thy language thus In periods of suspence . Herm. I wish the King had not deseru'd to be Depriu'd of your soft imbraces , then He might haue kept his constitution tame . Rhod.

O , is it so ?

Herm. It ill becomes the garbe of Maiesty , To run thus neighing ( like a riotous Horse ) After each female that he spies . Rhod.

Why , does he vse it ?

Herm. Madam , you question me , as if what I Declare , were to your knowledge new and strange . Rhod.

By heauen and so it is .

Herm. O my officious Soule ! must it be my crime To giue the information vp ? would I Had knowne the King was here , you should haue made Another path , your walke . Rhod.

Hermegild , you did mis-spend that breath .

Herm. Alas , you had enough of griefe before . This addition will but shew a tyranny In fate and me . It works with hight , like new Mighty wine ! as if 't would split the Caske . Rhod. O periur'd , black , adulterous King ! affront My Fathers Ghost ? Disturbe his Ashes in His tombe ? When drunk with pride , he mock'd me with The gawdy title of a Queene , and now I am become a stale for all his lust . Valdaura too ! so pure of heart ( forsooth ) That she would blush to see her own hand , if nak'd : They are proscrib'd . Know , Hermegild , Our Country shall be free . Herm. This is a noble rage ! Heauen knowes how I Haue grieu'd at your decay of soule . 'T was my Sad feare , that all the angry sparkes , which were By Iustice kindled in your brest , had been Extinguish'd quite , now they grow vp in flames . You now like Phoebus shew , when he hath wash'd His face with Dew . Your influence doth infuse A noble heate , such as would motion giue Vnto aged Statues ; make them pluck vp Their Mossie feet , and walke . Rhod. Thou giu'st my sences pride ! What in this great Businesse wilt thou doe , t' incourage hope ? Herm. I will mingle poyson in my Inke , write With a Rauens Quill ! 't will be a fatall Scripture : and shall charme like to those wise Iigs The Syrens sing . Some must direction beare T' our Pensioners , that in our Country rule The sterne Edicts of Law : some to Martiall Spirits , who with their able skill doe leade Those Regiments , the King hath garison'd I' th bordering Townes . They shall reuolt , my Queene , And seate thee in thy Fathers Chaire : they must Be drunke with the Elixir of my Gold . Rhod. When first I chose thee out for this great work , I saw thee thorow a Perspectiue reuerss'd ; For thou didst seeme much lesser then thou art . Kneele , and be happy ! — Before The Genius of this place , and what is here Immortall , I vow to assist with my Most actiue skill , all thy designements 'gainst The King ; and when my iust hopes are finish'd , To be thy Wife . Such as doe periur'd prooue , Lightning will surely clothe with subtle flames , And they shall burne like glimmering Tapers In darke hell : pale , and sickly as that fire The Ghost of Nero makes . Herm. This new ambition hath so exalted All my faculties , that I seeme taller Kneeling , then when I stood . But here with strict Solemnitie I vow to teach my Soule New wayes of merit : to reuenge with sterne , And horrid wrath , the Kings proud tyranny . To make your Greatnesse absolute , and high , Or sinke my selfe lower then a Plummet , In the Baltick Sea . Should I not this performe , The Starres would fall like Cinders on my head : And winds imprison'd in the Earth ; breake forth , In a wilde ruine , and shake me into sand : Then blow me in your Eyes ; where if in teares You drowne me , I am intomb'd in Pearle : and then My obsequies requite my death . Rhod. Enough . I proffet to thy lip , the first Taste of my affection — They kisse , then rise . Herm. 'T was moyst and luscious ! I will cherish this Indeerement . Trees that tallest grow , doe take The deepest roote ; so I must first sinke low I th' Earth ; and after climbe to fathome clouds . First , praise her mimick laughter : when she weepes , Then gather vp with couetous regard Her teares for scatter'd Pearle . Licke her spittle From the ground : this disguiz'd humilitie Is both the swift , and safest way to pride — Rhod. Sure , Hermegild , I haue amaz'd thy sence , Thou look'st like some ore-growne Fiend , chain'd vp Within a silent caue . Let vs retire , and I le Discouer how I 'ue practis'd my reuenge . Herm. I proiect to make you mighty ! You shall Ascend my beautious Soueraigne , till you Can reach the Moone , and pick those seeds of light ( The lesser Stars ) from forth their wandring Spheares ; To weare as new imbroadery on your sleeue . I long to heare your fatall Arts . Let 's mix Our sences , and contriue . A womans will , Is not so strong in anger , as her skill . Exeunt . Enter Paradine , a Gentleman and Page . Parad.

You bring no letters from Cracouia , Sir ?

Gent.

None , my Lord .

Parad.

Nor from Sienna ?

Gentlem. Your Lordship in those few , receiues th' intire Purpose of my iourney . Parad. Alas , my Countrymen ! Captiuitie Is hoarce , they haue more griefs then tongue : they speak Not loud enough to wake the eare of heauen . Henceforth to Hermegild bid them direct Their sighs ; for I 'm so dull , so weary , and Neglectfull of ambitious ends , that I Shall lose my strength , and fauour with the King . Gent.

My noble Lord , our prayers will ouer-rule that prophecy .

Par. You may expect , whilst I am able to Performe . Boy , bespeake the Gentleman a free And bounteous welcome . Sir , I will hasten Your dispatch . Exeunt Gent. Page . Enter Thesina . Thes.

My Lord ; I haue tyr'd my selfe in your search .

Parad. The faire Thesina ? You are rarely here A visitant ! Where haue you left my Bride ? Thes. With the Queene , my Lord , who is so fond Of her attendance , she 'le scarce allow her space To winke in her owne seruice , and to night She lyes within her chamber . Par. Hah ! so soone deuided ! Th' approching night Should helpe to second our imbraces . Thes. Y' are now to trust my Art . For Valdaura Sent me t' expresse her ioy , i' th deliuery Of this message . You shall lye with her to night . Parad. How can my faith admit of this , since she Is billited where the Queene sleepes ? Thes. I le perfect my assurance ; so you 'll please T' obey what I inioyne . When you approach The Spheare , where your bright Phoebe rules , doe not Occasion so much noyse , as shall expresse You liuing . You must not speake to her , nor By your gestures , inuite her speech . All this Performe , lest you should wake the Queene . Parad. To be dumbe in copulation ! This is A fine receipt to get a silent Girle . But I shall prooue obedient . Thes. And ( Sir ) as y' are mercifull to Ladies ( Ripe in growth ) doe not breathe too loud , lest we I th' neighbouring roome , ore-heare the harmony , And sinne in wishes . Parad.

Feare not , Thesina : I shall be temperate .

Thes. But you young souldiers are so boysterous , You 'll thinke anon , y' are battering some Towne-wall . Follow , Sir , I le direct ye to the place , Where , when the darke howre arriues , you must Addresse your visit . Exeunt omnes .

Act the fourth . Scene first . Enter Paradine dressing himselfe . Parad. The early Lark climbes higher then his voice ; And whispers into Phoebus eare , a glad Welcome ; who smiles , and seemes to prophecy A gawdy day . Valdaura ? Madame ? speake , Sweet Lady ! or , if for concealement of Our stolne rapture you silence still assume ; Yet rise , and blesse my eye-sight with thy faire Presence . Come , and eclipse the enuious day ! Not talke i th' businesse , nor yet behold The ground we till , as if we both were blinde And dumbe . I le no more by stealth ingender ; Cripples are got thus . Kind Valdaura , speake ! A hand is thrust out betweene the Arras . See , a new day breakes in her hand ! These are The rosie fingers of the Morne ! Pulls in Rhodolinda . Hah ! the Queene ! Valdaura ! Bride , where art thou ? Lookes in . Rhod. In vaine thou call'st . The Cannons Iron throat , Although high mounted on you ' Pinacle , Scarce could reach her eare . She 's in Pauia now , Two Leagues situate from hence . Parad.

Thou art mysterious as an Oracle !

Rhod. I sent her thither , with pretence she should Suruay the modell of a Garden-worke . But 't was done , that Thesina might intice With apter leasure , thy person to my bed . At noone thy wife returnes . Parad. I 'ue mistaken then my warme embraces , And sinn'd with thee th' adulterous Queene ! Rhod. Thou hast inioy'd what Albouine with all His Royall sighs , his teares swolne bigger then His eyes , despair'd to merit . Parad. O horror ! gape , rugged Earth ! Suck me in Like some old Pyramid , whose ponderous limmes Haue been thy burden since the Flood , and now Their owne foundation sinke . Could you make No choice to quench your rauenous lust , but me ? Where were the broad-chin'd Zwitzers of your Guard ? Rhod. This ( Paradine ) denotes a melting braine : Which out of vulgar pity I forgiue . 'T was not the wanton taste of thy smooth limmes , That could prouoke me vse this stratagem . But loue of my reuenge . I 'ue strongly now Ingag'd thy power , to kill the King . Parad.

Hah !

Rhod. Which do : and ere the Sun arriue i th' West ; Or with disheuell'd haire , my vestments torne ( As if I 'd wandred thorow some Hathorne hedge ) I will approach the Tyrant , acquaint him With this deed , and call my owne adultery Thy fowle rape . Parad. Who 's within there , hoa ! My Hogs-head 's empty . I was not borne with so much braines , as would Bedew a clout , that my cold Nosthrill stopt . These Court smocks containe the very Deuill . Good heauen ! how leane should I haue made my heart With studious thoughts , ere I the skill had reach'd Of such a damn'd proiection . Rhod. Collect thy scatter'd thoughts . What thy respect To thy captiu'd Country , could ne're charme thee To reuenge ; be prompted to , by a kinde Affection of thy owne deare life : reuenge Vpon a Tyrant ; One , that loues not me , Nor thee ; vnlesse in speech : he hath a smooth Tongue , but a rugged heart . My Hermegild Perceiues this truth , and can deliuer it With all the pride of knowledge . Parad. Sure Time growes humerous with age : for things Doe differ much from the sincerenesse of Their first creation . I will goe weepe Till I am blind — Rhod. Stay , Paradine . If thou dost mocke my hopes With a slow motion in this iust designe , Expect to finde my anger fatall . I le to The King , and make a forfeiture of both Our liues : but if with hardy sinnewes thou dost march To 's Throat , and slit the swarthy Pipe , I 'le call Thee then my Souldier . Besides thy Countries thanks , Thou shalt enioy me for thy Queene , thy Wife , Paradine . Parad. New Arts , t' inuolue imagination ! How can this be , and my owne wife strongly Possess'd of health and nature ! Rhod. Would'st thou imbrace so eminent a blisse , Without some danger to thy soule ? Parad. My memory betrayes my skill ! I know There are a thousand wayes to discard her , From this foule , durty Orbe . Rhod. Alas , good easie Soule ! She 'le ne're be miss'd Among the liuing . Know , Valdaura's false . Parad.

How ! False !

Rhod. She is a open whore , and hath taught me This Art of lust . Parad. More horrible then Hell ! Now furnish but my hands with an Hower-glasse , And a long Dart , then seat me on some rotten Monument for the picture of leane Death . Make me the common Executioner Of Nature . For ere long I shall become The Sextons Pensioner to fill his Graues . Valdaura false ! Rhod. Wilt thou thus leaue me in a wilde suspence , Whether I shall finde thy courage actiue ? Parad. For credit of your owne humanitie , Doe not infringe the vulgar priuiledge Due to all hearts . Giue me but leaue to thinke ; And ne're doubt your businesse ! Though I 'm a young Sinner ; yet I shall soone inquire the way To hell . T is a continu'd thorow-fare From this Climate thither . Or let me but Delay my iourney , till the triuiall rage Of Christian Princes , meete in horri'd battaile ; And then I shall haue company enough : Whole throngs to choke the throat of hell . Good night , Madame . Rhod. Ere yet the Morne 's faire cheek hath lost her teares , Dost call it night ? Parad. To me it seemes the Eye of heauen doth winke . All things are cloath'd in darkenesse , blacke as your Designe . Rhod. Stay , for else my rage will not permit That we suruiue another meeting . If thou suspectst we are too loud , I will Distill my thoughts into thy eare . She hangs about his necke whispering . Enter Hermegild , Valdaura . Her . Though t' assist my great hopes with opportune Induction , I consented to this act : Yet now I chide my fond spirits . For who Dares trust th' vnruly appetite of youth ? What I decreed she should but taste , she may Delight to surfeit on . It shewes fulsome ! Here 's the precious medicine that must restore Health to my hopes . Follow , gentle Lady . You see 'em now ? Vald. Fall , fall , you thicke and spungy clouds , vntill You choke my sight . Doe not my eyes begin To bleed at this obiect ? Herm. Marke how close they meete : what variety They vse in lust : now she hath melted quite his lips With her hot breath , she hangs vpon his eare . Suruay their gestures still . Now they depart . Exeunt Parad. Rhod. Vald. I le summon all the hierarchy of heauen To censure 'em ! Herm. Who knowes but they are gone to wallow in Their actiue sweats agen ? Alas , pure soule ! You perceiue these figures no Idea , No obiect of the minde , or ayre incorporate To cheate imaginary view . Vald. Was this the cause , that made th' adulterous Queene So strictly vrge my swift iourney vnto Pauia ? Herm. I , and the motiue that prouok'd my soft Conscience to hasten your returne , that you Might tell sad tales to heauen . For I ( That still was nourc'd vpon a Sybils Lap ) Who with prophetick Milke did nourish me , Can deepely guesse at th' ominous portent Of sinne . I hate such loose-rein'd Stallions ; Such lasciuious harmony in guilt . Vald. So soone proue false ? ere the celebration Of our marriage Rites were fully ended ? Ere the Sunne in 's iourney o're this Region Had twice beheld thus incorporate By holy Church , and smil'd vpon the hopes Of our increase ? Herm. I , there 's a contemplation that would crack Euen heart-strings made of wyer . Hymens Taper But newly lighted , and he with rude breath Blowes from the quickning weeke the gawdy flame . Then in the darke , thus wilfully misse-takes Your bed , and riots 'tweene vnlawfull sheets . Horror ! horror ! Vald. O my sinister Starres ! Thus I shall weepe Till I haue emptied all my veines . Herm. What should such white and harmelesse soules as we Do crawling o're this mountainous Earth ? Alas , We cannot drinke , till we intoxicate A Whale , nor surfeit , till our greazie cheekes Doe swell like Th' vdders of a Cow . Nor can We kneele like warme Idolaters , vnto The rusty metall in a bag . We want These helpes to gaine vs honour and esteeme . Vald. I haue a resolute intent to die , And seeke my Mansion in a purer Orbe . Herm. But ere you doe begin your last walke , i th' path Inuisible , some meritorious act ( Ioynd to the Charter of your Creed ) should helpe T' assure your future blisse . Vald. O name it , ere my sorrow shall decay Me strength : for I would mix abilitie With will . Herm. Your Lord ( foule , and sinfull as mortalitie Can make him ) Salamander-like , shall bathe In blue fires , vnlesse by sufferance here On earth , he penetrate the hearth of heauen , And soften their decree . It will be call'd Your merit to reuenge his crime , euen with his death . Vald. Would you haue me kill him ? Herm. Since I am strict to vertue , I must needs Be cruell vnto vice . Let him not liue To increase his owne guilt , and betray more Ladies . Vald. But shall I iustice take from powerfull Heauen , And vse it with such cruelty ? Herm. Beleeue me skill in sacred Oracles , My piety to warrant the designe Nor will I fright the frailty of your Sex , With horrid circumstance ; he shall not bleed , This Violl doth containe a draught ; which if In 's vsuall Beueridge powr'd , will coozen him Of 's leprous soule in his most quiet sleepe . Vald. I doe suspect my courage ! Her . Tak 't , faire Pupill ! think on 't in your prayers . If you but enioy one single motion That informes you it is good : do 't with pride And boldnesse masculine . Distinguish thus Its operation . Foure dayes must fully take Their room i th' Kalendar , ere it effect Our hopes . Before that houre ariue , he must Be wrought to kill the King . Aside . Vald. The Violl liquid Lead containes , or else Some farre more ponderous Metall : for whilst I beare it thus , the wieght seemes to infuse A Palsey in my hand . I tremble like A string touch'd on my Lute . Herm. It is the Fiend , that would dehort you from A pious act : trust not his whispring charmes But with a hardy courage , ( more then is Naturall in thy modest Sex ) proceed To merit heauen . And now requite my forward zeale To vertue , with concealement of my name , And interest in this act . Let not the Queene Nor your false Lord , know me the Perspectiue , Through which you saw their rauenous lusts , but say , The King reueal'd it to your eare . 'T will make Them wilde , and doubt their owne confedrate Bawds . Thinke not I forbid it as a danger To my person ; for I affect not life . So soft and easie-metald is my heart , So well I loue your sinfull Lord , that when I heare the surly Bell proclaime his death , Like some new weand Babe , I shall dye crying . Vald. Would you haue him kill'd , yet loue him thus ? Herm. I , but I loue heauen better . Where , when I come , troth I shall prooue too fond a Saint . Those Votaries that pray to me , shall finde Their businesse soone dispatch'd : here , let this key Obscure ye in my Clozet vntill noone : For then the Queene expects you will return From Pauia . Farewell , the most abus'd , But noblest Lady in the world . Exeunt . Enter Grimold ( in an old rug gowne , muffled with cloutes ) Gondibert , Vollterri . Gond. This is the priuy Gallery : place the Chaire , Vollterri , where it needs must interrupt The Kings passage . Vollt. If thy disguize should faile vs , Gondibert And I must be attach'd for Impostors . Grim. And then be crop-card too , like Irish Nags . You 'le both prooue fleete in a Race , prouided The foe charge ye in the Rere . Seate me with Tender motion — This luxurious Citie Hath made me so rotten , I dare not walke i th' winde , lest I should be blowne in pieces . Enter Hermegild . Gond. Quick now counterfeit ! Here comes Hermegild . Grimold groanes . Groane out like a Bore . Herm.

Who ownes that sicke clamor ?

Gond. One ( Sir ) presented here to tempt compassion From all charitable eyes . Vollt. Want hath betray'd him to hunger , hunger To this disease . Grim.

O , O , O , the Crampe ! the Crampe !

Herm.

Where , Sir ?

Grim.

In my stomacke .

Herm.

That 's indeed a cleere symptome of famine .

Grim. I 'ue eaten nothing this moneth but raw ayre , And that giues but weake nourishment to age . Herm. It is my wonder , in a State so rich As ours , a climate still befriended thus By nature ( flourishing with hopefull Springs , And Summers chok'd with wealth ) a Souldier should Be forc'd to make his hunger a disease . A prodigie vnparaleld , that want Should e're occasion such a dangerous fast . Wast not deuotion made him thus abstaine From meate ? Grim. Pure want , Sir , I know small deuotion , I . For though I fast much , I pray as little As most Christians of my Calling . Groanes agen . Herm. He must be sent vnto some Hospitall , There eate warmth broths , till he recouer health : And then I will procure him from the State Some thrifty pension , to maintaine the short Remainder of his life in sober works . He shall sing Hymnes , and pray to the kind Saints In a blue gowne . Grim. Alas , Sir , I am growne so hoarce , the Saints Can hardly heare my Orizons . Gond. He will prooue ( my Lord ) a chargeable Cure : For the Physicions do prescribe him nought For med'cine , but Aurum-Palpabile . Grim. The Elixir of Gold would surely much Asswage the griefe in my stomacke — Groanes . Herm. He must needs be hungry , that like th' Ostridge Can digest Metall . Vollt. The King for his last seruices remaines His debtor sixe thousand Duckats . My Lord , You shall expresse much charity , if you Procure it in a sudden payment . The same will Defray his sicknesse charge , and maintaine him Well in 's health . Gond. Your Lordship shall ingage vs then to drowne Your chiefe Title in the best Grape . Wee 'le drinke Your health , vntill we raise the price of wine . Herm. Let him continue there his seate . Perhaps They ( whom I shall straight conduct this way ) Will so commiserate his want , that he Will soone relieue 't , though he increase his owne . There is some Arte in this , which I must needs Discouer , or forfeit my paines . Exit . Gond.

The Fiend is gone !

Grimold rises . Grim. Will all the vast accruements I proiect From this disguize , conuert into The slender purchase of an Hospitall ? Vollt.

Thou turne Votary ?

Gond. He 'le pray in no language but the High-Dutch , The angry Tongue , which seemes to threaten more , Then implore . Grim. Six thousand Duckats for a Mansion in An hospitall , no bigger then a coffin : Where like Carthusians , we must feed , not to Preuent hunger , but to hinder lust . Princes May easily pay their debts , when they inforce Their Creditors to buy Titles and Place At their owne rates . Vollt. Harke ! there 's somebody approaching hither . T is no safe game to sport with Kings . I 'le be gon . Gond. Grimold , now trust to your owne performance , I may haue vse for my eares , I would not Yet leaue them in the Pillory . Exeunt Gond. Vollt. Grim. Gondibert , Vollterri ! forsake the storme Ere ye are wet ? Weezels ! Monkeys ! Dogs ! Drops downe in 's Chaire . Enter Albouine , Hermegild , Thesina . Herm. Madame , you are now fully satisfied i th' intention of this visit . I wish You 'ld be as free , and sportiue with him , as Your modesty will giue you leaue . Thes.

Trust my obedience , and my skill , Sir .

Albo.

He lookes like a watchman in that Rugge .

Herm. Your Maiesty receiues new cause to doubt The truth of his disease , from my Seruants Information . Who sweares , this very Morne Hee hath been seene in all the violence Of drinke , and i th' Burdelli too . For , Sir , Though he be old , he 's giuen much to propagation . Albo. Let vs retire 'tweene th' Arras , and we Shall share , i th' whole discouery . He groanes . Thes. Alas , who is 't , that so prouokes the tongue Of pitty ! Grim. An old souldier o' the Kings — Thes. Hah ! Captaine Grimold ! how come you thus Imprison'd in a Chaire ? haue you the Gowte ? Grim.

I am not rich enough t' inioy the Gowte .

Thes.

What name then doe you giue to your disease !

Grim.

The Physicions call it famine .

Thes. How ? Heauen secure the State ! I hope we are Not guilty of a sinne so horrible , To deny a Souldier fit materials For conseruation of his life . Grim. T is fourteene dayes since I haue had a iust Occasion but to picke my teeth . Thes.

Alas the day !

Grim. Each of my thighes are dry'd , and hardned like An old West-Falia Flitch . All m' interals Are shrunke vp . My bladder is no bigger then A Pigs : and were my leane iawes vnmuffled , You should see me mumpe , like a Matrone that Had lost her teeth . Thes.

O cruell starres ! —

Grim.

Hah ! Does she weepe ?

Thes. Could you on this wide Earth , finde no obiect For your fury , but braue Grimold ? Or is 't Because you saw , it was my chiefe vertue To affect a Souldier ? Grim.

If she should be in earnest now ?

Thes.

I hope you doe not vtterly despaire of life ?

Grim. I may linger out a score of yeeres , or so ; But I cannot liue long . Thes. Since you are mark'd for sudden death , cold death That silenceth all tongues : and since this place Is so secure from neighbouring eares , I will Disclose , what vntill now my modesty Inforc'd me to conceale . Grim.

I shall forget to counterfeit !

Thes. Know , Sir , that I haue lou'd you long ; lou'd you With soft and tender passion . Grim. O Rogue ! What doe I like the picture Of Winter , in this wither'd habit ? I must Recouer my health . But alas , Madame , Doe not deride his destiny , that now Is taking flight to reach that place , where your Best Starre inhabits , and shall haue power To tell loud tales : if you prooue thus cruell . How could you e're loue me ? I haue been old , Euen since your first originall growth . Thes. But if you will permit , I may expresse A little vanity in loue , I can Informe you , Sir , how much we Ladies prize Age before Youth in Louers . Old men are Discreet sinners , and offend with silence . But young men , when the game is done , doe crow Like pregnant Cocks : boast to the world their strength In folly . Besides ( Sir ) an authentick Lady sayes in her Problemes thus : The Young and slender Graft is easly broke , But who can shake , or bruise the aged Oke ? Albo.

A rare Adage .

Herm.

The Lady Author sure , is o' th' Moddernes .

Grim. My ioy is turn'd to a disease ; it makes Me speechlesse ! I euer thought these Court-Tits Were much taken with my smooth lookes ; but that Their modesty still kept them from my reach . Foolish modesty ! It has hindred my Preferment much for since I left the Campe , I haue been in loue with some three hundred Of 'em , yet neuer durst lay claime to one . Vh ! vh ! If Heauen should so affect Our mutuall appetites , as to restore My health , would you continue still to doate Vpon an old sinner ? Thes. O , I should grow more fond ; preserue you long Aliue with zealous Orizons ! Grim. Las ! poore Maulkin ! She 's caught ! I shall grow rich . For I haue heard , these Court-Ladies allow Large pensions to their Paramors . Helpe ! helpe ! To mooue me higher in my seate — She takes him by the hand , he rises . Thes. Blesse vs ! me thinks , Sir , you begin to vse Your legges with actiue strength . Herm.

A precious Ape !

Albo.

He will shew fine tricks anon !

Grim. Some strange influence from your touch , hath giuen A second Youth vnto my faculties : Before , I seem'd to crawle like to a Crab : Now my ioynts grow supple , as if I were Prouided for a Race . This hand inspires my strength — Enter Cunymond , Frollo , Conrade . Cuny.

I haue a Key , will giue vs passage here to th' Park !

Thes. Vnhand me , Sir , for I shall forfeit all My fame else . They 'll thinke , I am immodest — He spies them , then drops downe in 's Chaire . Conrad .

Captaine Grimold !

Frollo .

He sits like a Witch , sayling in a siue .

Cuny. Hah ! sicke ! Gentlemen , auoid the windy side , Lest he infect ye with his breath . I know His disease , and whence it came , shortly You 'le see him weare a Curtaine sore his Nose ; That 's now the newest fashion that came from Paris . Frollo . I , t is it : he has them growing on his Temples here — They 'll shortly be as bigge As Turnips . Conrad . He must to Roterdam , to the fat Doctor there , And be stew'd in a Stoue , vntill he spit His venome out . Cuny. And whilst you are in physick ( Captaine ) You fare like Oberon . T is a very Slender diet . The leane thigh of a Waspe To dinner ; and some two or three of your Owne penitent teares for your beueridge . Grim. I 'ue but so much breath left , as would make vp A short prayer to secure my last iaunt : Yet I will spend it in a hearty curse For your deare sakes . Cuny. March on ! If he doe finde himselfe agrieu'd , Let him send me a challenge after his death ; And I will meete him , I th' Elizian Fields . Exeunt Cunimond , Conrade , Frollo . Grim.

I will eate that Cunymond !

Albo.

How prompt the Slaue is , in 's metamorphosis ?

Herm.

To him agen , Madame ?

Thes. Alas , deare Captaine , what bodily hope Can a young Lady haue of your performance , That fall so soone in a relapse ? Grim. When you depriu'd me of your hand , you took Away my strength and heate : touch me agen , And I shall walke stiffe as Cacus . She lifts him vp . Thes.

Take leasure in your motion , Sir .

Grim. Looke , Madame . I creepe as other mortall do , On the surface of the Earth — Thes.

Me thinks you stand vpright too .

Grim. I , a Ladies warme hand will make it stand . A little physicke from your Lip , and then My cure is quite finish'd — Hem ! Sure this was Nestors receipt to recouer his Youth . Hem ! — Thes.

I shall be fainted for this miracle .

Grim. I am as wholesome as a Nut , and haue As proud flesh about me , as the youngest Gamester of 'em all . Thes.

Fye , Sir !

Grim. If this heate continue , I must e'en call For a Iulip , or sow my wilde Oates In the next soyle I meete . Thes.

Your tongue is blister'd .

Grimo.

When shall we solace our bodies ?

Thes.

Your meaning , Sir ?

Grim. I meane i th' darke . Speak , prety Finch with the Greene taile ? Hah ! Must we kisse close , and often ? Wriggle vp and downe like young Eeles — Hermegild comes behind him , and puls him by the arme . Her . Captaine , I haue brought the King here to view , And to commiserate your leane sicknesse , And your feeble wants . Albo.

Thou old rauenous Goate !

Herm. He lookes now like an Alchymist , that is Broyling o' red Herrings . Thes. Or like the brazen head , when 't was about To speake — He takes the King aside . Grim.

You meane to hang me now !

Albo.

Hast thou deseru'd an easier sentence ?

Grim. When I am dead , then all my debts are pay'd . For I leaue small Lands and Chattels behind me . But hearke ye ( my Liege ) you may pay your debts In your life time , so depriue your Executor Of a trouble . Albo. O what a triuiall exit shall I make From my owne world ? for when I die , I die For loue . Grim. And I for lechery . Sir , I would faine Depart in quiet like other young Chrysomes : Faine make all euen betweene the world and me . I beseech your Highnesse discharge my areres For my last seruice in Hungary , Then hang me when you please . Herm. Captaine , I will be a Sutor for your reprieue . You shall onely forfeit what his Grace owes you ; And then your life 's secur'd . Grimold kneeles . Grim. I will rather die twice . O Sir , pay me Six thousand Duckats , and then proclaime Your sentence here aloud . I would faine dye Merrily . I haue not been drunke at my owne charge This foure moneths . Enter Rhodolinda . Albo. Hermegild , iterate now thy sweete raptures . Speake to her ; for , by th' gentle carriage of Her eyes , I doe perceiue she 'gins to penetrate . Thes. Away Captaine ! be gone whilst you are yet Mortall . I haue much power with Hermegild , And will vpon your patient sufferance Redeeme my credit with your thoughts . Quick then , Mooue with silence . Exeunt Grim. Thes. Herm. Madame , the feather'd Arrow sings i th' Ayre , Ere it ariue where it must wound ; so this Sweet harmony , I 'ld haue you counterfeit , But tempts him to security in sleepe , Before his death . Albo.

I 'm much oblig'd to that good soule .

Herm. True , my Royall Lady ! yet now peruse The greatnesse of his being , his fate in battailes , And by your owne remembrance be inform'd Of our captiuitie . Albo.

Honest Hermegild ?

Rhod. He was too cruell to a nature so Remisse , and timorous as mine ? Herm. Alas , this crime he expiats with sighs So hot , that they would sindge his Royall Beard , Did not his numerous teares opportunely drop , To quench the flame . Albo.

That 's complement !

Herm. These angry frownes vpon your browes make you Appeare aged . Rhod. Could I assure my heart ; he would no more Triumph o're my deare Fathers memory ; I then should meet his loue with too much passion . Albo. When I am more my Chronicle , or speake My deeds with pride , may my tongue blister , till 't Infect my breath with Epidemick-heate . Herm. You heare his vowes ? — Seeme fond . If you can shead A teare , or two , the more to credit this Atonement , 't will much aduantage our pretence . Sir , now enioy what your indulgent griefe Merits to keepe , e'en from the hands of death . Good heart , see how shee weepes ? King kisses her . Albo. I 'm soone o'recome in this soft warre . S'death all Can thaw but I . I neuer wept , but when Th' vnruly winde blew in my eyes ; and t is No argument for sterne battaile : else I Would fight . To testifie the ioy my soule Conceiues , I le drinke — Herm. Sir , you neglect to vse her like a Louer ; With amorous gestures . Albo. Fill me a Bowle with Negro's blood , congeal'd Euen into Liuers ! Tell her , Hermegild , I le swallow Tarre , to celebrate her health ! Herm. Sir , this dull Germane phrase , makes her suspect Your temperance . Marke how she trembles . Albo. I must go learne to complement . Dost heare ? Is 't fit I proffer her to mingle limmes — Thou know'st — Herm. Sir , not to night . That was a serious sute She bade me make , when first she purpos'd this Atonement . Albo. I do obey . Though I haue thoughts would faine Perswade me to rebellion . Exeunt Albo. Rhod. Herm. This was a subtill caution ! else my hopes Had twice been Cuckolded . Let 'em reuell With their salt Lippes . Th' other sport is fulsome . But Paradine disturbes my sleepe : he 's young , Enrich'd with all the fertill strength of nature : And needs must prooue more riotous in sinne , Then I . My darke practice , and vse Of silent contemplation ; has made My marrow thinne and black ; like Inke within My bones . I want the prompt alacrity . The Queene Hath tasted him , and may ( perhaps ) still to Possesse his lust ; remooue Valdaura from This foggy Soyle ; then make him Lord of all My hopes . This to preuent , I haue decreed , Valdaura first shall minister his death . I u'e taught her too ; t' insinnuate to his Creede , That the King told her of 's adulterous lust ; Good , for when he thinks the King doth know that guilt , His owne safety then , will soone prouoke him Hasten our prodigious murther . This may Be done , before the Poyson operate In dire effect ; for that delays its power ; Till fourescore houres expire their course : which then No Antidote , nor humane skill resists . Mount , mount my thoughts , that I may tread on Kings , Or if I chance to fall , thus soaring high ; I melt like Icarus , in the Sunnes Eye . Exit . Enter Paradine , and his Page . Par. The Sun doth melt vs with his scorching beames . Goe fill my vsuall Beuiridge : I le drinke Till I am cold . Exit Page . The constitution of my Soule , agrees Not with this Climate . I grow weary Of mortalitie . Euen in my first growth ( Since my Corselet was my loade ) I haue tooke My breeding in the Campe ; where had I still Remain'd a dull practike souldier , and nere seene A Woman , nor the Court , I might haue had Some hope , to gaine by faith , but now I reach At wilde despaire . Enter Page with a Bowle . Page . My Lady , Sir , commends her loue , and this To your acceptance ; she made the mixture With her owne hands . Par. The Queene prescrib'd this houre for her returne . That she growes black with sinne , peruerts my sense , I must seem not to know 't . Say , I greet her health-drinks . Exit Page . Enter Valdaura in close mourning . Parad. Hah ! why , Valdaura , dost thou appeare like A funerall night , in darke , and swarthy weedes ! Valdau. I mourne for you , since you must hasten your Eternall absence now from me , and all That else are mortall . Par. Speak things , that are lesse dangerous to my sense . This wonder will distract me . Vald. Ere winged Time , shall with swift motion adde Another houre , to th' life of this sicke day ; Thou shalt begin thy last sleepe . Parad. A pale Swanne hath sung my Dirge ! O fatall Musick ! but how comes this intelligence To Eares of flesh and blood ? haue you of late Been gossiping with the grim Stygian Dames , And seene their Cisers gall my vitall Thread ? For to my owne sense I need no Physicke . My faculties enioy that pleasant strength Which appertaines to youth and temperance ; Why should I yet die ? Vald. How , Paradine ? Art thou so full of guilt , ( Most vlcerous and deform'd ) yet thinkst to keepe Thy life at Natures charge , t' exist till age Makes thee a Cripple : then in thy bed , ( Like some good old Patriarke ) thy soule dismisse With a diuine rapture ? No , no ; iust Heauen Prouides more rash and horrid deaths for such , As in adultery bathe their silken limmes . Parad.

Hah !

Vald. I know thy guilt ; the King hath told me all . 'T was wondrous strange ! Our vowes but new arriu'd In heauen , that did obliege our mutuall Faiths In loue : and thou with sauage lust to breake them ? Though griefe hath much consum'd my teares , yet I Haue some still left t' expresse my pitty . Parad. My adultery already knowne , both to The King and her ? why , these are prodigies Indeed . How sinne imboldens the aspect ! She doth accuse me for a guilt , which yet Remaines vnpardon'd in her selfe . Mine was A dire mistake : but hers — that must be knowne , And then her veines shall weepe . Vald.

You are poyson'd , Paradine .

Parad.

With that cold draught you sent me now i th' Bowle ?

Vald. The Vipers vomit , nor the blue steame , Which fat Toades doe breathe in tired motion , Beares not such a dangerous enmitie 'Gainst humane Nature , as that you drunke . Parad. Stay ! Me thinks I feele no insurrection In my blood , nor need an Iron Corselet To containe my flesh ; sure it swels not yet . Vald. It takes a subtill leasure to disperse Thorow all your Organs , and your Arteries , That it may straite with abler violence Consume your strength . Parad. And then I shall look goggle-ey'd ! and stretch I th' cheekes , till my face shew like a Pompeon , Round and yellow ? Vald.

Farre , farre more deform'd .

Par. Will 't make my eies start from my skull , or drop Like bullets at my feete ? Speake , shall I fome At mouth like some young Courser , that is hot And angry with his bit ? Vald. Not the first Chaos was so vgly and Confus'd , as you 'll appeare , when this distilment works . Parad. Yet I forgiue you all , e'en from my heart : Whilst my cogitations now are sober , And can distinguish things with pregnant sense . I doe applaude this cruell benefit . These subtill vanities of Court haue tyr'd My obseruation . I was nourc'd within Some Armory , and tooke a proud delight In actiue Warre ; but since our Drummes haue ceas'd Their noble clamour , I finde no businesse Vpon Earth for me ; t is fit I grow immortall . Vald. I did not thinke , his fancy , at this newes , Could proue so temperate . Par. To sleepe in cold earth , whilst my dead neighbour Neuer at my Coffin knocks , to inquire my health , By way of visit : for all are silent In the graue . Harsh destiny ! Such as I Could ne'r expect from thee , Valdaura . Vald. My nature you shall finde much different , From what your knowledge heretofore discern'd . I haue contriu'd another way to punish Thy adulterous heate . Par.

You find my sufferance tame enough . Publish all !

Vald. To meet your sin with apt reuenge , I 'm growne A foule loose whore . Par. Hah ! containe thy speech . Expresse but so much Modesty , as may secure thy life : for My death doth not concerne my rage so much , As this foule murder of thy fame . Vald.

T is truth : and I confirm 't with pride .

Par. Oh , oh ! these are the Mandrakes groanes ( fatall ! ) For whoso heares them , straight incounters death . Now smile ( sweet Heauen ) since thus I but returne Her owne iustice . For my adulterous act , She takes my life , and shall I let that bold Adulteresse liue ? — Stabs her with 's Ponyard . Vald. Oh , oh ! Hold , hold ! Leaue me a little breath To vse in prayer . Parad. I am not fraught with diuels spleene ; I would Not hurt thy soule : here solitary sit , Whilst I send vp an humble sacrifice , That shall bespeake a pardon for thy crime , Ere thou ariue neere heauen . Puts her in a Chaire . Vald.

Dare you trust my last vtterance ?

Par. O speak , ere thou dost catch an euerlasting cold , And shalt be heard no more . Vald. I am not false vnto your bed : I ne'r In act , nor guilty thought , did violate My Marriage vowes . Parad.

Art thou not a Whore ?

Vald. No Vestall that preseru'd with quickning oyle , The sacred flame , was in her chastity More cold , more timorous then I : nor are You poyson'd . Parad. Hah ! was not that a mixture of distill'd Venome , which I drunke ? Vald. 'T was healthfull , as the blood of Grapes to age , And all your faculties doe still preserue Their wonted harmony . Parad. Sweet spirit , doe not riddle thus with Heauen , Nor sport thy soule away . Why didst accuse Thy selfe of sterne murder , and pernicious lust ; Yet art thus cleere from both ? Vald. 'T was to inrage your violence , with hope To make you soone my executioner . For hearing you were false , I found no ioy In life : your hand hath seal'd my wishes . Par. New Arts t' increase my wonder : I 'm orereach'd , Where I thought my nature was most skilfull ! E'en in loue ! O stay : had not distraction Ceaz'd my memory ; I should at first haue told you The mistake , by which the sinfull Queene And Hermegild betray'd my chaste Honour . Vald. Nam'd you Hermegild , guilty of that sinne ? He 's then a horrid hypocrite : he did Entice me by a poysonous practice to Contriue your death , but found my nature loyall . Parad.

New wonders still !

Vald.

I feele the frozen hand of death . Oh! oh ! oh !

Parad.

Valdaura ! Bride ! O noble Girle !

Vald.

Mercy ! mercy !

She dyes . Parad. Already turn'd a Ghost ! There 's rare musicke Now in heauen , since thou art gone t' increase The sacred Quire . I may behold thee in The purple skie , mix'd there with other Starres , But neuer on this soile agen . Be this Thy Tombe awhile . The Curtaines softly drawne — Hermegild treacherous ! with poyson too ? That was her word . T is fit I seeme t' haue drunke The med'cine vp . Good ! The rough young Souldier May spie at last these spirits of the Court , That walke in artificiall clouds : or if Their high conceptions soare aboue my reach , Yet they haue mortall hearts ; such as our owne Country steele , may with feeble motion prick , Pricke till they groane : for I haue now decreed , Whom my dull sense cannot subdue , shall bleed . Exit .

Act the fifth . Scene first . Enter Hermegild , Thesina , Paradine , Rhodolinda . Thes.

Shall I belye my owne silence ?

Her . Be sudden in your speech ! confirme my words : Then dispose e'en of my wealth and person . I will consent to matrimony ; make Any vse of this new interest . Thes.

Sir , you 'll forget my merit in this danger ?

Herm. Neuer . — My Lord , I haue discouer'd all . See , how aguish her guilt hath made her . How she trembles like a frosty Russian On a hill . Nay , Lady , nere scatter thus Your wilde lookes . Confesse the truth , and you 'll gaine Mercy . Valdaura ( whose Soule Heauen keepe From purging fires ) hath told her Lord ; the King Knowes of his wanton stealth with our good Queene . You were the Instrument that betray'd him To th' mistake , and whose secrecy to doubt But yours , our reason cannot yet informe vs . Thes. Thus kneeling , I confesse with penitence , 'T was I reueal'd it to the King . Rhod. Teare forth her eies , and let her then grope out Her way to hell — Herm.

Stay , deare Madame !

Rhod. Paradine is poyson'd , who knowes , but she Doth amply share in that guilt too ? Herm. At my humble sute , containe your fury ! We shall discouer all . My noble Lord , It is a griefe that will depriue my life Of many yeeres , to thinke , I 'm held by your Suspect , an Agent in that practice . Parad. I haue reueal'd the euidence , that doth Perswade my Creede . Her . What , Lady , doe you know of this ? — Speak with Courage , I am your safety . Thes. I saw the King reach to Valdaura's hand A poysonous violl ; and with religious hints , Taught her to mixe it in her husbands draught . Parad.

Hah !

Herm.

Persist in my instructions ! Aside .

Thes. 'T was that night when he enioy'd her person — Parad.

Inioy'd her ! how ?

Thes.

As you inioy'd the Queene .

Parad.

Heauen ! will these miracles ne'r cease ?

Rhod.

I shall conuert to stone !

Herm. Now retire , Thesina , till I haue begg'd Your free restorement to the Queene's mercy . Thes. My Lord , you 'll not forget your kind promise Of matrimony . Herm. I 'ue nought else , to trouble my remembrance . Away , Away ! Exit Thesina . Rhod. What did remaine suspence , is heere confirm'd : My forehead feeles as rugged now as his . Herm. Now Sir , y' haue heard such reall circumstance , As needs must settle your beliefe , and free My heart , from your vnkind dislike . Par. Valdaura's damn'd ! she howles so loude , that she Disturbes all hell ! O periur'd Whore ! Rhod. Now Paradine ! Instruct thy selfe with thoughts . Is 't euident he euer could affect Thy person with sincere dotage , yet thus Betray thy strength in thy Fort ? Where thy Honor still stood sentinell ? Herm. I haue other motiues to teach you doubt His loyaltie in loue . Which my fond heart Cannot conceale , though 't would aduantage much My owne profit . He hath of late , hung thus — Vpon my neck ; vntill his amorous weight Became my burden : and then lay slabbering o're My lips ; like some rhumatick Babe . This sport My serious braine abhor'd . 'T was my wonder ( Since you are cal'd his Minion ) he could ere Affect my looke . I that am like coffing Winter , old , and froward ; you the darling Of the lusty Spring . Rho. Speak , is that Bag , that should containe thy Gall , Shrunke vp ; hast thou nothing bitter in thee ? Thou art farre , farre more opportunely stor'd With time and place for thy reuenge , then wee . I th' middle age of day ; when the bright Sunne Most powerfully doth warme the world ; in thy Secret Clozet he takes his vsuall sleepe . Goe , drill his heart ! and make the Couch whereon He lyes , his easie monument . Herm. And then enioy a Queene , with all that doth Belong to her atchieuement , or her birth . As for my seruices , they merit no Reward . I know my owne creation much Vnfit for Court affaires . If you but wrap Me in a shirt of haire , then seate me in A darke and gloomy Cell , where I may tumble o're Some deepe voluminous Rabbin , you make Me safe , and happy . Rhod. Doe 't , Paradine ! and Fame no Trumpet then Shall neede to speake thy praise . Thy Country will Afford thee power to sanctifie the chiefe O' th' dayes within our Kalender . Herm. And to thy memory high Statues build , 'Bout which our Noblest virgins once a yeere Shall dance in Circles , and sing , vntill they make The Marble mooue , like to those loose Quarries ; Which ore-heard Orpheus and his Harp . Or if These cannot inspire heroique fury , Yet argue thus ; you knew his Bed , but by Mistake ; which was our guilt , not yours ; and for Our Countries benefit contriu'd . But he Defil'd your sheets in the salt pride of lust . Horror ! this would incense the temperate Doue ; Turne all his moysture into gall ; teach him To weare spurres on his heeles , and make him fierce In Duell , as a British Cocke . Parad. Fier ! fier ! and warme blood ! Exit . Herm. Follow , follow him , my deare Soueraigne ! Adde new heate vnto his rage . And d' ye heare ! Since he is poyson'd , 't were most fit , some learn'd Physicion , did indeuour to secure His health . Rhod. I heard him say , he is already furnish'd With a powerfull med'cine . Herm. Should you now forget your Royall promise , I lose all my industrious merit , And remaine a sacrifice to loue . Rhod.

Dost thou grow iealous ?

Herm. Valdaura now is seuer'd from her Soule : And Paradine is abler in delights Of Youth , more moyst and amorous then I . Rhod.

Away foole ! I seale thy safety with my lip . exit .

Herm. Thus Nurces hush their froward babes asleep . Shortly she 'le present me with a Corall-club , A Whistle strung with Bells . These femall Arts Can ne'r my darke authenticke practice cheate . Paradine must die ! So I still secure My hopes . When that sad houre arriues , Wherein the poysonous draught must worke , No charmed med'cine can resist its strength . I hugge my Genius ! 'T was a subtill reach , To tell him , that the King hath horn'd his brow : For that will more incense his wrath , and aggrauate The Queenes reuenge . The weight I beare , doth make My motion slow : slow as the Snaile I tread , Who trauailes with his tenement on 's head . Exit . Enter Grimold in new Clothes , Gondibert , Vollterri . Gond.

The King has pay'd him all 's arreres .

Vollt. 'T was by Thesina's sute to Hermegild : The Snake has cast his skin too now . Grim. I , Sir , 't is a poore Snake that cannot cast , His skin once in a Summer . Enter Cunymond , Conrade , Frollo . Cun.

'Slight , here 's Grimold ! Didst not thou say he was dead ?

Conr.

But I haue heard since , his ghost walks .

Frol. Look ! 't has found the hidden treasure then , which Made it walke ; for the Ghost hath bought it selfe New clothes . Grimo. Nay , nay , stay , Gentlemen ! Let vs forget Old quarrels , then end our new acquaintance . We are for the Countrey now . I le but tell ye A few of your faults , and leaue th' amendment To your owne leasures : but you all thinke Y' are wiser then I . Cuny.

We should abuse our iudgements else .

Grim. Mark ! This is a new Court-thrift : when you are Loth to maintaine flatterers , you publish Your selues with your owne prayse . Lay your fingers Here — Not a word , lest I returne ye a blow . I know ye cannot speake without a complement . Vollt.

They vse it in their prayers , they .

Gond. Cunymond , in one single complement So much wasted his Lungs , that I was faine To call for Aqua vita to recouer His breath . Grim. I 'ue heard you haue transported from Paris The Geometricall cringe , and the Art Of numbring the haires vpon your chins . Vollt.

And of starching your Beards .

Gond.

Yes , and of perfuming your very shadowes .

Grim. And they say , it is your custome to sleepe In Pomatum Masques . Vollt.

And that you paint your prety Vis'gnomies .

Grim. Yes , and colour them so red , that you seeme To blush more , then the Signe of the Kings head Before a Country Inne . Gond. Y' abuse Astrology too ; for you clip Black-Taffeta into Starres ; and for a foile To your beauty ; fix 'em in seuerall Regions Of your face . Gri. Which makes it look , like the picture of Doomes-day ; When all the Planets are darkened . Vollt.

Nay , nay , stay awhile !

Grim. Leaue off your jigging motion , when you mix Your selues in a salute ; your bodyes seeme To dance vpon your knees . You pinion vp Your Elbowes thus : — like Pullets trust vpon A spit . Then wreath your Hammes in thus ; and mooue With a discreet leasure , as if you meant To number all the Pibbles in the street . And then you fleere , as if y' had wash'd your gummes In vineger . This you admire for gesture Of the newest fashion . I say , 't is skiruy ! For he that greets a Lady so , does looke Like a Sope-boyler , vpon a Close-stoole . Vollt. If you will take Physicke for your soules-health , Retire into that part of the Kingdome Which lies farthest from France . Gond. He counsels well : for the French ayre hath made Many of our Gentry drunke . Gri. And now moue hence ; but with your lips sow'd vp , For feare of a complement . You two shall straite Take horse with me , and be billited in My Quarter . Stay , Gentlemen ! One word more ! This is a hot Climate : when you must needs Marry to increase your Tribe , your best way Is to goe a wooing in the Citie : For certaine rich widdowes there , loue Court-fooles ; And vse to play with their bables . Exeunt omnes . A Canopy is drawne , the King is discouer'd sleeping ouer papers : enter Paradine with his sword drawne . Parad. To make him bleed , and leaue his arteries ( Where the delighted spirits walke ) shrunke vp , Vntill they curle with heate . The wither'd frame Straite to conuert to dust . Then th' vmerous winde , To fan it o're the world . Speake , iust Heauen ! Is this fit vsage for a King ? Cassius Was rash : perhaps to gaine noise at 's funerall ; Or in 's Elizian fields ; beneath a pleasant Hedge To tell some prattling ghost what he had done — Hah ! but Brutus , noble Brutus ! the pride Of Arts and Warre : so temperate , his soule Was more harmonious then the Spheares . Instruct ( Heroique Lord ) thy young Pupill ! Why did The mighty Cesar fall , by thy cold wrath ? All silent as the night ! He sleepes : before Him too , those papers that concerne my house Affaires ; and my Officiall rule in State . Here he comments on my Letters ! here with Thrifty documents limits my expence . Can this indulgent care be counterfeit ? And meerely carry a pretence of loue ? he made My wife a blacke adulteresse . O horror ! Yet who knowes , but 't was rather his reuenge , Then lust ; a furious riot , after that He knew I whor'd his Queene — He blinds his owne face with a scarfe , sheathes his sword , and then kneeles . Sir ! My Lord the King ! Sir ! Albo. Hah ! Paradine ! What witty emblem 's this ? The more to certifie thy loue , dost thou Appeare blind . Parad. O Sir , do not mocke my penitence , nor seeme Thus to disguize the knowledge of that crime , Which hath defil'd my modest bloud , and makes Me now asham'd t' incounter with your eyes . Albo.

He is drunke ! Maudlin drunke !

Parad. Sir , I could creepe aliue into my Tombe , And mixe society with Ghosts , whilst I Haue yet warme motion left , could I but hide My guilt from your perspicuous sight . Albo. By heauen drunke with Cider , or with thinne Beere ; That lookes like th' vrine of a Babe : I 'm sure The Corsicke Grape infuseth no Such whining passion . Par. Those immateriall powers , that see the thoughts of men , When growing in their hearts , can witnesse I Abus'd your Royall bed , but by a dire Mistake . Albo.

Hah !

Parad. Your blacke adulterous Queene betray'd Me to her lust by wicked Arts . Albo. This is a sober passion , but implies Something that is horrid . Parad. Had not heroique warre taught me t' affect No rage , but noble ; she and Hermegild Had intic'd me now to lengthen this your sleepe , Vntill the day of generall accounts . Alb. Suspect must now be rash . Make your face known ! Snatches off his Scarfe . He blushes like a Bride ; whom through her thin Curtaines , the peeping Sunne beholds in soft Skirmish with her Lord . I must counterfeit , And seeme to know all . Paradine , 't was farre From my coniecture , that a heart so much Oblig'd vnto my loue as thine , should wrong My Honour in a sense , which but to mould In words would teach my tongue to stammer , and Deafen all that heare it . Parad. Thunder and sulpherous fire snatch my cold limmes From this dull earth . Sir , whilst my soule affords Me reason , and can direct me vnto whom My true alleageance is a debt , kill me ! When I am mad , I shall forget all duty , And refuse t' obey your Royall Charter . Thrust your good Sword home , till my heart shall kisse Your Hilts . Are you so slow in iustice ? Thinke , How by a darke mistake , I whor'd your Queene : Whor'd your Queene ! O prodigious phrase ! Albo. Houle , meager Wolues ! empty Tygers ! let the hoarce Thracian Bull bellow , till he rent his throat ; And the hot mountaine-Lion rore , vntill Their clamour wake the dead . The resurrection Is too long delayd , since we want horror To celebrate this newes . Good ! I haue now Decreed it . Draw thy bright weapon ! — Parad.

For what dire vse ?

Albo. That we may meet in single battaile here , And struggle till we want our Soules . Parad. Though this high inticement charmes my blood , like The musicke of the Drumme . Yet my remembrance Calls you King ; My Royall Master . I would Not ioyne rebellion and ingratitude To the prolixe number of my sinnes . Albo. O fond , indulgent Boy ! I mourne at this Decay of thy humanity and sense . Does it become my great being , and my Glorious name in story , to offend Without resistance ? Draw : and be nimble In thy motion — Parad. I dare not so disgrace my Religion , And my loue . Albo. T is time that I were dead , for I shall else Outliue my chiefe prerogatiue . I haue Forgot how to command . Vnsheath thy Sword ! Or this breach of Duty shall teach me think , I ne'r inioy'd thy reall loue , and 't was Not a mistake , that vsher'd thee to sinne betweene My sheetes , but a considerate lust — Parad. No prouocation like to this , could tempt A danger from my Arme — He drawes . Albo. Why dost thou dally thus with feeble motion ? Beare vp ! and vse more violence ! Parad. Some surgery from heauen ! Are you hurt , Sir ? You willingly oppos'd your brest against My steele , and neuer sought t' indanger me With yours . Albo. ' T hast perform'd , what my wish did prophecy : I 'm prickd heere , about the heart ; and my veines Grow empty . Par. Then glorious war , and all proud circumstance , That giues a souldier noyse , for euermore farewell — Falling on his sword . Albo. Hold , Paradine . T is my last sute , that thou suruiue To minister a iust reuenge on those Whom I proscribe , helpe my quiuering Limmes , And seate me in the Chaire — Parad. Shall posteritie read it in story And beleeue ; a Prince that doth deserue to be The first i th' List of those , that gatherd noyse In warre , can be thus couetous t' expire In silence darke . Fall on my fatall point , And yet command that I suruiue the Tragedy ! Albo. 'T were in me an affectation triuiall To cherish life , now Rhodolinda's false . For should I still preserue my soule in flesh , I know my mercy is so fond to her ; I should forgiue her all : and wert thou dead , My hope were then depriu'd of future iustice . Liue to reuenge her falshood . I know thy heart So sincere and noble , that I suspect not thee A sharer in her guilt . When thou Didst first confesse th' adulterous crime , ioyn'd with Thy owne mistake , through Hermegilds deepe Art , My faith conceiu'd the truth : for thy Nature Is much too blunt , and credulous for Court . Par. Should I but speak each cunning circumstance — Albo. Containe thy breath ! To heare that told , would make My soule wander in my last iourney . 'Till thy relation brought it to my Eare , I neuer knew her false . Parad. Still my amazement doth increase ! Were you Not told of this before ! Albo.

My knowledge only learnt it of thy Tongue .

Par. Stay ! Nor with Valdaura , you did ne'r proiect My death by poyson ? Albo.

Neuer .

Parad. Yet one reply , then make my ioy exceed My wonder . Did you neuer in my bed , Commit a lustfull stealth ? Albo.

Angels in that , are not more free from guilt .

Parad. What Potter made this earthy Skull ! pardon ( Deare Valdaura ) my dull suspect ! Sing out Thy Hymnes in heauen , and neuer listen more To my fond speech ; for they haue made mee mad ! Albo. I cannot gripe the Ayre . Marke how it steales Through all my knotty Fingers — Parad.

Extasie !

Albo. Now my last , and short minute is ariu'd ; I doe , resigne my Crowne — Parad.

To whom sir ?

Albo. To him I hate . But be thou sure , he weare It not 'till neere his death : for it 's a happinesse To liue enthron'd , but t is not safe to dye A King . Parad.

He doth peruert my sense .

Albo. Let the Drum cease ! I le haue no more battailes . He that to waste his triuiall rage , doth fight A battaile , rides a Hawking with the diuell . Parad.

Mad as the Northerne winde !

Albo. He sends a thousand drinking Animals To take their flight i th' ayre , whilst little blacke Diuels ( d' ye not see 'em ? ) They looke like Rauens . Marke how they prey on those immortall Fowle , And plume 'em in their Talents ! I doe not like This Falconry : it is too sad a game For sinners — Oh , oh , oh ! — Dies . Parad. There dy'd the noblest Trophey of our war ! The Lombards now haue lost their victory . So hardy of creation , his heart-strings Were as Cordage , tough ; crack'd like a Cable , When the frighted Barke starts from the Anchor . All that are nours'd in warre , shall mourne for thee . Our Ensignes now we will of Cypresse make . knocking . Hah ! It is the winde that whispers ! he must Be hid . I 'm sure this noyse can neuer wake him — He puts him behind the Arras , opens the doore , enter Rhodolinda . O , are ye come ? Rhod.

Thou hast a wilde aspect ! Is it done ?

Parad. He has paid for his wharfage already , And is now entring Charons Boate . Rhod.

Th' art precious as my Soule ! He opes the Arras .

Parad.

There 's the old Face .

Rhod. He lookes like a pale Country Virgin That long'd to eate Morter . Our chiefe designe Is finish'd : but thou must adde one knot more T' obliege my gratitude , and then we shall Triumph with safety . Hermegild must die ; He knowes too much . Parad. It is as if the Parca spoke . If there Be any other whom your enuy , or Your hate would haue dismist the world , make him But knowne , and he is numbred with the dead . Rhod. Deare Paradine , I sure shall rauish thee , My appetite is growne so fierce . Let me Begin with thy moyst lip — Pulls her to kisse him in the Chaire . Par.

Let 's to 't like Monkeys , or the reeking Goat .

Rhod.

Oh! oh ! oh ! Helpe ! helpe !

Both are bloody about their mouthes . Parad.

Cease your loud clamor , Royall Whore .

Rhod.

Thou didst eate my lips .

Parad. Thy flesh is sowre , musty ; more tainted then A Carion in a phlegmatick ditch for else Like th' Anthropophagus , I had deuour'd thee vp . This made Valdaura bleed , and must let forth Thy swarthy soule — Stabs her with his Poniard . Rhod.

Oh! oh ! oh ! —

Parad. For Albouine my Royall Master , this — And this to pacifie Valdaura's Ghost — Rhod.

Oh , oh , oh !

Parad. So hard and stony is thy heart , that it Reuerts the point of my bright steele . Rhod.

Mercy Heauen ! She dies .

Parad. Since thou hast receiu'd my iustice , I wish Thee mercy too — Knocking . Hermegild within . My Lord . Parad. T is Hermegild , now I shall end my chiefe Discouery . What a full Sepulcher is this — Carries her in . Knocking agen . Now I must practise my disguize . Reuert The Springe twice , and you may enter . Counterfeits a sicke voice , sitting . Enter Hermegild , Thesina . Thes. My Lord , I haue lost my honor in your seruice , You may chuse one that shall affect you worse . Herm. Lady , this is no time to woo : but D' ye thinke I 'm so prophane to violate My vow ? Nimbly depart , I doe coniure Your absence with this kisse — Thes. If you should proue false — Exit Thesina . Herm. 'Slight , these Wenches at Fifteene , are as riotous as Elephants . Marry a Court Kitten ! There he sits ! Hah , sick ! My sweet Lord , how thriues your health ? D' your pulses Still preserue their temp'rate musicke ? haue you Effected yet our great businesse ? Parad. The King is dead , that sanguine instrument Did set his Soule at liberty . Herm. The Lawrell , Mertle , and the Bay shall still Cold and naked stand before the Winters Frosty breath ; still strip their Boughes , to make Your head triumphant wreathes . Where is the Queene ? Me thinks ( my Lord ) your body and your minde Seeme much disturb'd . Parad. Oh , oh ! the poyson works — Her . Alas , my sweet deare Lord ! ( precious med'cine ! ) He cannot possibly suruiue the next Minute . Does it destroy your strength ? Parad. Oh , oh ! It skorches all my entrailes vp : As if like Porcia I had swallowed coales . I spit scumme , such as o're th' hot Caldron boyles — Her .

And are you fastned in the chaire with weaknes ?

Parad. I cannot rise . A stiffe conuulsion in My Sinnewes fetters all my limmes — Herm.

Hah ! hah ! ha !

Parad.

O heauen , will you permit him laugh ?

Her . I know th' Ingredients of thy poysnous draught . 'T was I that gaue it to thy wife . 'T was I Did counsell her to mingle it in thy wine , When thou wert hot , and all thy Pores open As thy mouth . Parad.

Oh , oh , oh !

Herm. Doe , groane , till thou raise an eccho in this Square roofe . Ere long thy Ribs will start from thy Loose Chine , thy lanke Belly swell into a hill . Parad.

O horror ! horror ! Is Heauen asleepe ?

Herm. The King ne'r knew of thy adultrous crime . 'T was I told it to Valdaura , and made Her thinke , thy guilt proceeded not from a Mistake , but from thy wilfull lust . I 'ue strung Thy Nosthrill with a spinners thread , so led Thee through subtill Labyrinths , t' inuolue Thy senses ; and now I triumph o're thy fate . This is Italian Spleene . Parad.

Had I but strength to actuate my reuenge ?

Herm. Good , dull Souldier ! why didst thou leaue the Camp , Thy rusty Morion there ; thy batter'd Corselet ; And thy shiuer'd Lance , t' amble here at Court In slippery silkes ; to walke in cloudy mists Of perfum'd ayre ? T is I haue shak'd thy braines That heretofore were thicke as Curds , into A pale , thin whay . Parad. Draw neere , and let me then but kill thee — Herm. Troth , thou art so feeble now , that were I kill'd By thee , I scarce should thinke that I were dead . Paradine rises , and snatches Hermegilds sword from his side . Parad. No! that shall arriue vnto the test . Dog ! grim As th' angry Fiend , that must deuoure thy soule ! I am not poyson'd . Herm.

Hah ! does he counterfeit ?

Parad. See heere , what abiect ruines thou hast made O' the noblest structures in the world — He drawes the Arras , and discouers Albouine , Rhodolinda , Valdaura , dead in Chaires . Her . The Queene there too ! O triuiall Arts with my Owne Myne I 'ue blowne my selfe e'en into dust ! Parad. I will now see , if thou canst bleed like things mortall — Herm. Depriu'd of my defence ! If th' ast a soule ( Great as thy fame ) restore my Sword . Parad. Thou bark'st against the Moone ! I will requite Thy owne tyrannous scorne . That destinie Was iust , that thus betray'd thee to my mirth . There , Stygian Dogge — Wounds him . Herm. Oh , oh ! whilst I haue warmth , I le moue with violence — Parad. Where now are all the subtill Tropheys of Thy braine ? Plots , darke as hell ! proiections grimme ! Such , as threatned Nature , and seem'd to fright The Genius of the world . Now , now preuent These dire salutes — Herm. Returne my Sword , then manage Steeples like To Pikes ; yet , I le affront thy fury — Par. Hardy as the Scythians race , I greet thy heart — Her .

I stagger , and am drunk with my owne blood ! —

Parad.

Take my last anger , and good night ! Falles .

Herm.

Oh , oh ! thou hast stuck Needles in my heart !

Parad. Now I doe swell with horror and sterne rage : I will distract the whole world . Fire ! fire ! fire ! Murder , Treason , & incestuous rapes ! Fire ! fire ! Exit . Herm. I spie A white Soule houering in the ayre ! one when Corporeall , was sure some humble Hermit Here on earth . He 's acquainted with the way To Heauen : should mine take flight alone , I feare 'T would stray ! Hoa ! you , you that ascend the Spheares ! We sinners still seeme hoarce to Angels eares . What , hoa ! he turnes not yet : who knowes but he Still liu'd in low Valleyes , built his Mansion In some ag'd wall ? but my path euer lay On hills , where the good Patriarkes neuer trod . Vaine Arts ! Ambition in all sacred Schooles , Is held the sinne of Heathens , and of Fooles . He dies . Enter Paradine , Gouernor , Cunymond , Conrade , Frollo , the Guard , &c. Gouer. O dire and tragick sight ! The King , the Queene And faire Valdaura slaine ! Parad. Heere 's another obiect fit for wonder , Though not for pitty . Spurnes Hermegild . Gou. Hah ! he dead too ? Whence should these sorrowes flow ? Lay hold on Paradine . Parad. All stay . I le bore his haggard soule that striues With sawcy strength , to captiuate my Limmes : Harke , the bigge drumme recouers breath , and speakes ! March on ! The scatter'd foe retires , and all The glorious Horse are slaine . I am magnanimous , And high ! O ye vnkind false starres ! ye mocke Poore Paradine ! A few cleane Teares to wash My sinnes away , and I am seene no more . Gouern.

Ceaze on him ; on forfeit of your liues !

Parad. Their liues are forfeited to me — He fights with the Guard , they wound and disarme him . Heere , heere , it gauld my very heart ! — Gouernor . Conuay him gently in , and vse all helpe Of surgery to stop his wounds : for from His mouth , wee must receiue the knowledge of These fatall deeds . Some giue th' Allarum to The Ports ! You Siginors , leade to th' Cittadell ; Where , we 'le proclaime Albouines young Issue By 's former wife , to bee his lawfull heire . Wilde Fancy may proiect things strange and new : But Time records no Tale so sad , and true . FINIS .

Machine-generated castlist A19881-paradine 153 A19881-hermegild 142 A19881-grimold 106 A19881-albovine 103 A19881-rhodolinda 84 A19881-valdaura 49 A19881-thesina 44 A19881-cunymond 34 A19881-gondibert 28 A19881-vollterri 17 A19881-frollo 16 A19881-conrade 11 A19881-governor 9 A19881-gentleman 3 A19881-page 1 A19881-unassigned 1

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