THE TRAGEDY OF SIR JOHN VAN OLDEN BARNAVELT.

Sir John Van Olden Barnavelt.

Actus Primus.

SCAENA PRIMA.

Enter Barnavelt, Modes-bargen, Leidenberck, and Grotius.

Bar. The Prince of Orange now, all names are lost els! That hees alone the Father of his Cuntrie! Said you not so?

Leid. I speake the peoples Language.

Bar. That to his arme and sword the Provinces owe Their flourishing peace? that hees the armyes soule By which it moves to victorie?

Mod. So 'tis said, Sir.

Leid. Nay, more; that without him dispaire and ruyn Had ceazd on all and buried quick our safeties.

Gro. That had not he in act betterd our counsailes And in his execution set them off, All we designd had ben but as a tale Forgot as soone as told.

Leid. And with such zeale This is deliverd that the Prince beleeves it; For Greatnes, in her owne worth confident, Doth never waigh but with a covetous hand His lightest meritts, and who add to the scale Seldom offend.

Gro. 'Tis this that swells his pride Beyond those lymitts his late modestie Ever observd. This makes him count the Soldier As his owne creature, and to arrogate All prosperous proceedings to himself; Detracts from you and all men, you scarce holding The second place.

Bar. When I gave him the first: I robd myself, for it was justly mine. The labourinthes of pollicie I have trod To find the clew of safetie, for my Cuntrie Requird a head more knowing and a courage As bold as his,—though I must say 'tis great. His stile of Excellencie was my guift; Money, the strength and fortune of the war, The help of England and the aide of Fraance, I only can call mine: and shall I then, Now in the sun-set of my daie of honour, When I should passe with glory to my rest And raise my Monument from my Cuntries praises, Sitt downe and with a boorish patience suffer The harvest that I labourd for to be Anothers spoile? the peoples thancks and praises, Which should make faire way for me to my grave, To have another object? the choice fruites Of my deepe projects grace anothers Banquet? No; this ungratefull Cuntry, this base people, Most base to my deserts, shall first with horrour Know he that could defeat the Spanish counsailes And countermyne their dark works, he that made The State what 'tis, will change it once againe Ere fall with such dishonour.

Mod. Be advisd, Sir; I love you as a friend, and as a wise man Have ever honourd you: be as you were then, And I am still the same. Had I not heard Theis last distemperd words, I would have sworne That in the making up of Barnavelt Reason had only wrought, passion no hand in't. But now I find you are lesse then a man, Lesse then a common man, and end that race You have so long run strongly like a child, For such a one old age or honours surfeyts Againe have made you.

Bar. This to me?

Mod. To you, Sir: For is't not boyish folly (youthfull heat I cannot call it) to spume downe what all His life hath labourd for? Shall Barnavelt That now should studie how to die, propound New waies to get a name? or keep a being A month or two to ruyn whatsoever The good succes of forty yeeres employment In the most serious affaires of State Have raisd up to his memory? And for what? Glory, the popular applause,—fine purchase For a gray beard to deale in!

Gro. You offend him.

Mod. 'Tis better then to flatter him as you doe. Be but yourself againe and then consider What alteration in the State can be By which you shall not loose. Should you bring in (As heaven avert the purpose and the thought Of such a mischief) the old Tirrany That Spaine hath practisd, do you thinck you should be Or greater then you are or more secure From danger? Would you change the goverment, Make it a Monarchie? Suppose this don And any man you favourd most set up, Shall your authoritie by him encrease? Be not so foolishly seducd; for what Can hope propose to you in any change Which ev'n now you posses not?

Bar. Doe not measure My ends by yours.

Mod. I know not what you ayme at. For thirtie yeeres (onely the name of king You have not had, and yet your absolute powre Hath ben as ample) who hath ben employd In office, goverment, or embassie, Who raisd to wealth or honour that was not Brought in by your allowaunce? Who hath held His place without your lycence? Your estate is Beyond a privat mans: your Brothers, Sonnes, Frendes, Famylies, made rich in trust and honours: Nay, this grave Maurice, this now Prince of Orange, Whose popularitie you weakely envy, Was still by you commaunded: for when did he Enter the feild but 'twas by your allowaunce? What service undertake which you approv'd not? What victory was won in which you shard not? What action of his renownd in which Your counsaile was forgotten? Yf all this then Suffice not your ambition but you must Extend it further, I am sorry that You give me cause to feare that when you move next You move to your destruction.

Bar. Yf I fall I shall not be alone, for in my ruyns My Enemies shall find their Sepulchers. Modes-bargen, though in place you are my equall, The fire of honour, which is dead in you, Burnes hotly in me, and I will preserve Each glory I have got, with as much care As I acheivd it. Read but ore the Stories Of men most fam'd for courage or for counsaile. And you shall find that the desire of glory (That last infirmity of noble minds) Was the last frailty wise men ere putt of: Be they my presidents.

Gro. 'Tis like yourself, Like Barnavelt, and in that all is spoken.

Leid. I can do something in the State of Utrecht, And you shall find the place of Secretarie, Which you conferd upon me there, shall be, When you employ me, usefull.

Gro. All I am You know you may commaund: Ile nere enquire What 'tis you goe about, but trust your counsailes As the Auncients did their Oracles.

Mod. Though I speak Not as a flatterer, but a friend, propound What may not prejudice the State, and I Will goe as far as any.

Enter 2 Captaines.

Bar. To all my service:[143] Ere long you shall know more.—What are theis?

Leid. Captaines That raild upon the Comissary.

Bar. I remember.

1 Cap. Why, you dare charge a foe i'the head of his troope, And shake you to deliver a petition To a statesman and a frend?

2 Cap. I need not seek him, He has found me; and, as I am a soldier, His walking towards me is more terrible Then any enemies march I ever mett with.

1 Cap. We must stand to it.

Bar. You, Sir, you?

2 Cap. My Lord.

Bar. As I use this I waigh you: you are he That when your Company was viewd and checkd For your dead paies,[144] stood on your termes of honour, Cryde out "I am a Gentleman, a Commaunder, And shall I be curbd by my lords the States," (For thus you said in scorne) "that are but Merchants, Lawyers, Apothecaries, and Physitians, Perhaps of worser ranck"? But you shall know, Sir, They are not such, but Potentates and Princes From whom you take pay.

1 Cap. This indeed is stately: Statesmen, d'you call 'em?

2 Cap. I beseech your Lordship: 'Twas wine and anger.

Bar. No, Sir; want of dutie: But I will make that tongue give him the lye That said soe, drunck or sober; take my word for't. Your Compaine is cast: you had best complaine To your Great Generall, and see if he Can of himself maintaine you,—Come, Modes-bargen.

[Exeunt Barnavelt, Modes-bargen, and Grotius,

Leid. I am sorry for you, Captaine, but take comfort: I love a Soldier, and all I can doe To make you what you were, shall labour for you. And so, good morrow, Gentlemen. [Exit.

1 Cap. Yet theres hope; For you have one friend left.

2 Cap. You are deceivd, Sir, And doe not know his nature that gave promise Of his assistance.

1 Cap. Who is't?

2 Cap. Leidenberck. One of the Lords, the States, and of great powre too; I would he were as honest. This is he That never did man good, and yet no Suitor Ever departed discontented from him. Hee'll promise any thing: I have seene him talke At the Church dore with his hat of to a Begger Almost an houre togeather, yet when he left him He gave him not a doyt. He do's profes To all an outward pitty, but within The devills more tender: the great plague upon him! Why thinck I of him? he's no part of that Must make my peace.

1 Cap. Why, what course will you take then?

2 Cap. A Bribe to Barnavelts wiffe, or a kind wench For my yong lord his Son, when he has drunck hard. There's no way els to doo't.

1 Cap. I have gold good store You shall not want that; and if I had thought on't When I left London, I had fitted you For a convenient Pagan.

2 Cap. Why, is there Such store they can be spard?

1 Cap.[145] … … …

2 Cap. I thanck you, Sir.

[Exeunt.

SCAENA 2.

Enter[146] Barnavelt, Modes-bargen, Leidenberck, Grotius, and Hogebeets.

Bar. The States are sitting: all that I can doe Ile say in little; and in me theis Lords Promise as much. I am of your belief In every point you hold touching religion, And openly I will profes myself Of the Arminian sect.

Gro. You honour it.

Hog.[147] And all our praires and service.

Bar. Reverend man Your loves I am ambitious of. Already 'Tis knowne I favour you, and that hath drawne Libells against me; but the stinglesse hate Of those that wryte them I contempne.

Hog. They are worthie Of nothing but contempt.

Bar. That I confes, too; But yet we must expect much opposition Ere your opinions be confirmd. I know The Prince of Orange a sworne enemie To your affections: he has vowd to crosse you, But I will still stand for you. My advice is That, having won the Burgers to your partie, Perswade them to enroll new Companies For their defence against the Insolence Of the old Soldiers garisond at Utrecht. Yet practise on them, too, and they may urge this: That since they have their pay out of that Province, Justice requires they should be of their partie: All that is don in Utrecht shalbe practisd In Roterdam and other Townes I name not. Farther directions you shall have hereafter, Till when I leave you.

Gro. With all zeale and care We will performe this. [Exit.[148]

Leid. This foundation Is well begun.

Gro. And may the building prosper.

Mod. Yet let me tell you, where Religion Is made a cloke to our bad purposes They seldom have succes.

Bar. You are too holly: We live now not with Saincts but wicked men, And any thriving way we can make use of, What shape so ere it weares, to crosse their arts, We must embrace and cherish; and this course (Carrying a zealous face) will countenaunce Our other actions. Make the Burgers ours, Raise Soldiers for our guard, strengthen our side Against the now unequall opposition Of this Prince that contemns us;[149] at the worst, When he shall know there are some Regiments We may call ours, and that have no dependaunce Upon his favour, 'twill take from his pride And make us more respected.

Mod. May it prove so.

Enter Bredero, Vandort, Officers.

Bre. Good day, my Lord.

Vand. Good Mounseiur Advocate, You are an early stirrer.

Bar. 'Tis my dutie To wayte your Lordships pleasure: please you to walke.

Bre. The Prince is wanting, and this meeting being Touching the oath he is to take, 'twere fitt That we attend him.

Bar. That he may set downe What he will sweare, prescribing lymitts to us! We need not add this wind by our observaunce To sailes too full alredy. Oh, my Lords, What will you doe? Have we with so much blood Maintaind our liberties, left the allegeaunce (How justly now it is no time to argue) To Spaine, to offer up our slavish necks To one that only is what we have made him? For, be but you yourselves, this Prince of Orange Is but as Barnavelt, a Servant to Your Lordships and the State; like me maintaind; The pomp he keepes, at your charge: will you then Wayt his prowd pleasure, and in that confes, By daring to doe nothing, that he knowes not— You have no absolute powre?

Van. I never sawe The Advocate so mov'd.

Bar. Now to be patient Were to be treacherous: trust once his counsaile That never yet hath faild you. Make him know That any limb of this our reverend Senate In powre is not beneath him. As we sitt Ile yeild you further reasons; i'the meane time Commaund him by the Officers of the Court Not to presse in untill your Lordships pleasure Be made knowne to him.

Vand. 'Tis most requisite.

Leid. And for the honour of the Court.

Vand. Goe on; You have my voice.

Bre. And mine;—yet wee'll proceed As judgement shall direct us.

Vand. 'Tis my purpose.

Bar. In this disgrace I have one foote on his neck; Ere long Ile set the other on his head And sinck him to the Center.

Leid. Looke to the dores there.

[Exeunt.

SCAENA 3.

Enter[150] Pr. of Orange, Gra: William, Collonells & Captaines.

Or. I, now methincks I feele the happynes Of being sproong from such a noble father, That sacrifizd his honour, life and fortune For his lov'd Cuntry. Now the blood and kindred Of Horne and Egmont (Memories great Martires), That must outlive all Alva's Tirranies And when their Stories told ev'n shake his ashes, Methincks through theis vaines now, now at this instant, I feele their Cuntries losse; I feele[151] too—

Will. All feele sencibly, And every noble hart laments their miseries, And every eie, that labours not with mallice, Sees your great services and through what dangers You have raisd those noble speritts monuments.

Or. What I have don I look not back to magnifie; My Cuntry calld me to it. What I shall yet doe, With all the industrie and strength I have lent me And grace of heaven to guid, so it but satisfie The expectation of the State commaunds me And in my Cuntries eye appeere but lovely, I shall sitt downe, though old and bruizd yet happie; Nor can the bitter and bold tounge of mallice, That never yet spoke well of faire deservings, With all hir course aspersions floong upon me Make me forsake my dutie, touch or shake me Or gaine so much upon me as an anger, Whilst here I hold me loyall. Yet believe, Gentlemen, Theis wrongs are neither few nor slight, nor followed By liberall tongues provokd by want or wine, For such were to be smild at and so slighted, But by those men, and shot so neer mine honour I feare my person too; but, so the State suffer not, I am as easie to forget.

Will. Too easie; And that feeds up their mallice to a Monster. You are the arme oth' war, the Soldiers sperit; The other but dead stories, you the dooer.

Col. It stands not with the honour you have won, Sir, Still built upon and betterd.

Or. No more, good Collonell.

Col. The love the Soldier beares you to give way thus! To have your actions consturd, scornd and scoffd at By such malignant soules! you are yourself, Sir, And master of more mindes that love and honour ye.[152]

Will. Yf you would see it; but take through the mallice The evill intended now, now bent upon ye.

Or. I pray ye, no more; as you love me, no more. Stupid I never was nor so secure yet To lead my patience to mine owne betraying: I shall find time and riper cause.— [Guard at dore. Now, frends, Are my Lords the States set yet.

1 Gu. An houre agoe, Sir.

Or. Beshrew ye, Gentlemen, you have made me tardy: Open the dore,

1 Gu. I beseech your Grace to pardon me.[153]

Or. Do'st thou know who I am?

1 Gu. Yes, Sir, and honour you.

Or. Why do'st thou keep the dore fast then?

Will. Thou fellow, Thou sawcy fellow, and you that stand by gaping! Is the Prince of no more value, no more respect Then like a Page?

2 Gu. We beseech your Excellencies To pardon us; our duties are not wanting, Nor dare we entertaine a thought to crosse ye: We are placed here on Commaund.

Or. To keepe me out? Have I lost my place in Councell? are my services Growne to so poore regards, my worth so bankrupt? Or am I tainted with dishonest actions, That I am held unfitt my Cuntries busines? Who placd ye here?

1 Gu. The body of the Councell; And we beseech your Grace make it not our syn: They gave us strict commaund to stop your passage.

Or. 'Twas frendly don and like my noble masters.

Will. Deny you place? make good the dore against ye? This is unsufferable, most unsufferable.

Or. Now I begin to feele those doubts; I feare still—

Col. So far to dare provoke ye! 'tis too monstrous; And you forget your self, your birth, your honour, The name of Soldier if you suffer this, Suffer from these, these things, these—pox upon't!— These molds of men made noble by your services, Your daylie sweatts.

1 Cap. It must not be endured thus, The wrong extends to us, we feele it severally.

2 Cap. Your sweet humillitie has made 'em scorne ye And us, and all the world that serve their uses; And stick themselves up teachers, masters, princes, Allmost new gods too, founders of new faithes. —Weell force your way.

Col. Let's see then who dare stop ye.

Gu. Not we, I am sure.

Col. Let's see who dare denie ye Your place and right of councell.

Or. Stay, I commaund ye; He that puts forward first to this wild action Has lost my love and is becom mine Enemy, My mortall enemie. Put up your weapons, You draw 'em against order, duty, faith; And let me die ere render such examples. The men you make so meane, so slight account of, And in your angers prise, not in your honours, Are Princes, powerfull Princes, mightie Princes; That daylie feed more men of your great fashion And noble ranck, pay and maintaine their fortunes, Then any monarch Europe has: and for this bountie, If ye consider truly, Gentlemen, And honestly, with thankfull harts remember, You are to pay them back againe your service: They are your masters, your best masters, noblest, Those that protect your states, hold up your fortunes; And for this good you are to sacrifize Your thancks and duties, not your threats and angers. I and all Soldiers els that strike with their armes, And draw from them the meanes of life and honour, Are doble tyde in faith to observe their pleasures.

Col. A Prince of rare humanitie and temper. Sir, as you teach us armes, you man our minds, too, With civill precepts, making us true Soldiers, Then worthie to receive a trust from others When we stand masters of our owne discretions.

Enter Barnavelt, Modesbargen, Leidenberch, Grotius Bredero, Vandort & Hogerbeets.

Will. Your good and great example tyes us all, Sir.

Cap. The Councell's broken up.

Or. My noble Lords, Let it not seeme displeasing to your wisdomes, I humbly ask in what I have offended, Or how suspected stand, or with what cryme blotted, That this day from your fellowship, your councell, My Cuntries care and where I owe most service, Like a man perishd in his worth I am exilde.

Bar. Your Grace must know we cannot wait attendaunce, Which happely you looke for.

Or. Wayt, my lords!

Bar. Nor what we shall designe for the States comfort Stay your deliberate crosses. We know you are able, And every way a wise Prince fitt for counsell; But I must tell ye, Sir, and tell ye truly, The Soldier has so blowne ye up, so swelld ye And those few services you call your owne, That now our commendations are too light gales, Too slacke and emptie windes, to move your worthes; And trumpets of your owne tongue and the Soldiers Now onely fill your sailes.

Bre. Be not so bitter.

Bar. We mix with quiet speritts, staid and temperate, And those that levell at not great but good ends Dare hold us their Companions, not their Servants, And in that ranck be ready to supply us. Your Grace is growne too haughtie.

Leid. Might it please you But thinck, Sir, of our honest services (I dare not terme them equall) and but waigh well, In which I know your Grace a perfect master, Your judgment excellent, and then but tell us And truly (which I know your goodnes will doe) Why should we seeme so poore, so undertrodden, And though not trusted with the State and Councell, Why so unable vallued. Pardon, great Sir, If those complaine who feele the waight of envy, If such poore trod on wormes make show to turne againe. Nor is it we that feele, I hope, nor you, Sir, That gives the cullour of this difference: Rumour has many tongues but few speak truth: We feele not onely,—if we did 'twere happie— Our Cuntry, Sir, our Cuntrie beares the blow too; But you were ever noble.

Or. Good my Lords, Let it be free your Servant, chargd in mallice, If not fling of his crymes, at least excuse 'em To you my great correcter. Would to heaven, Sir, That syn of pride and insolence you speake of, That pufft up greatnes blowne from others follyes Were not too neere akin to your great Lordship And lay not in your bosom, your most deere one. You taint me, Sir, with syns concerne my manners,— If I have such Ile studdy to correct 'em; But, should I taint you, I should charge ye deeper: The cure of those would make ye shrinck and shake, too, —Shake of your head.

Bar. You are too weak ith' hams, Sir.

Or. Who raisd these new religious forces, Sir, And by what warrant? what assignement had ye From the States generall? who blew new fires? Even fires of fowle rebellion, I must tell ye; The bellowes to it, Religion. You were lov'd yet But for your ends,—through all the Townes, the Garrisons, To fright the union of the State, to shake it. What syns are theis? You may smile with much comfort, And they that see ye and not looke closely to ye May crye too er't be long.

Bar. Your Grace has leave, Sir, And tis right good it be soe.—Follow me home, And there Ile give ye new directions How to proceed, and sodainely.

Leid. | We are yours, Sir. Mod. | [Exeunt Bar., Leid., Mod.

Or. My lords, to what a monster this man's grown You may (if not abusd with dull securitie) See plaine as day.

Bre. We doe not like his carriage.

Van. He do's all, speakes all, all disposes.

Or. Spoiles all. He that dare live to see him work his ends out Uncrossd and unprevented, that wretched man Dare live to see his Cuntry shrinck before him. Consider my best lords, my noblest masters, How most, most fitt, how just and necessary A sodaine and a strong prevention.

Bre. We all conceave your Grace and all look through him And find him what we feare not yet but grieve at. You shall have new Commission from us all To take in all those Townes he has thrust his men in: When you have that, proceed as likes your Excellence.

Or. Your lordships true friend and most obedient Servant.

Van. Come to the present busines then.

Or. We attend you.

[Exeunt.

Actus Secundus.

SCAENA PRIMA.

Enter Barnavelt, Leidenberch, Modesbargen.

Bar. I have with danger venturd thus far to you That you might know by me our plot's discoverd. But let not that discourage you: though Van Dort And Bredero, with others, have assented To force this Towne, stand you still on your Guard, And on my reputation rest assured With violence they never dare attempt you; For that would give the world to understand Th'united Provinces, that by their concord So long have held out 'gainst th'opposition Of all Spaines Governours, their plotts and armyes, Make way to their most certaine ruyn by A Civill warre.

Leid. This cannot be denide.

Bar. And so at any time we may make our peace, Returning to our first obedience Upon what termes we please.

Mod. That is not certaine; For, should we tempt them once to bring their forces Against the Towne and find we give it up For want of strength to keepe it, the Conditions To which we must subscribe are in their will And not our choice or pleasure.

Bar. You are governd More by your feare then reason.

Mod. May it prove soe: That way I would be guiltie.

Bar. How appeere The new raisd Companies?

Leid. They stand full and faithfull; And for the Burgers, they are well affected To our designes. The Arminians play their parts too, And thunder in their meetings hell and dampnation To such as hold against us.

Bar. 'Tis well orderd: But have you tride by any meanes (it skills not How much you promise) to wyn the old Soldiers (The English Companies, in chief, I ayme at) To stand firme for us?

Leid. We have to that purpose Imploid Rock-Giles, with some choice Burgers els That are most popular to the Officers That doe commaund here in the Collonells absence. We expect them every mynitt. Yf your Lordship (For 'tis not fitt, I think, you should be seene) Will please to stand aside (yet you shalbe Within the hearing of our Conference) You shall perceive we will imploy all arts To make them ours.

Mod. They are come.

Bar. Be earnest with them.

Enter Rock-Giles, 2 Burgers, Captaines, Leuitenant.

R: Giles. With much adoe I have brought 'em: the prowde Shellains[154] Are paid too well, and that makes them forget We are their Masters.

1 Burg. But when we tooke them on, Famishd allmost for want of entertainement, Then they cryde out they would do any thing We would commaund them.

1 Cap. And so we say still, Provided it be honest.

Giles. Is it fitt That mercenary Soldiers, that for pay Give up their liberties and are sworne t'expose Their lyves and fortunes to all dangers, should Capitulate with their Lords?

1 Burg. Prescribing when They are pleasd to be commaunded and for what.

Giles. Answeare to this.

Leuit. You know our resolutions, And therefore, Captaine, speak for all.

1 Cap. I will, And doe it boldly: We were entertaind To serve the generall States and not one Province; To fight as often as the Prince of Orange Shall lead us forth, and not to stand against him; To guard this Cuntrie, not to ruyn it; To beat of foreigne Enemies, not to cherish Domestique factions. And where you upbraid us With the poore means we have to feed, not cloath us, Forgetting at how deere a rate we buy The triffles we have from you, thus I answeare:— Noe Cuntrie ere made a defensive war And gaind by it but you. What privat Gentleman That onely trailes a pike, that comes from England Or Fraunce, but brings gold with him which he leaves here And so enriches you? Where such as serve The Polander, Bohemian, Dane, or Turck, Though they come almost naked to their Collours, Besides their pay (which they contempne) the spoiles Of armyes overthrowne, of Citties sackd, Depopulations of wealthie Cuntries, If he survive the uncertaine chaunce of war, Returne him home to end his age in plenty Of wealth and honours.

Bar. This is shrewdly urgd.

1 Cap. Where we, poore wretches, covetous of fame onely, Come hether but as to a Schoole of war To learne to struggle against cold and hunger, And with unwearied steps to overcome A tedious march when the hot Lyons breath Burnes up the feilds; the glory that we ayme at Being our obedience to such as doe Commaund in cheif; to keepe our rancks, to fly More then the death all mutenies and rebellions. And would you then, whose wisdomes should correct Such follies in us, rob us of that litle, That litle honour that rewards our service, To bring our necks to the Hangmans Sword or Halter, Or (should we scape) to brand our foreheads with The name of Rebells?

Giles. I am put to a non plus:— Speake mine Here Secretarie.

Leid. I have heard So much deliverd by you and so well, Your actions, too, at all parts answearing What you have spoken, that I must acknowledge We all stand far indebted to your service: And therefore, as unto the worthiest, The faithfullest and strongest that protect Us and our Cuntries, we now seek to you, And would not but such men should be remembred As principall assistants in the Care Of a disease which now the State lyes sick of. I know you love the valiant Prince, and yet You must graunt him a Servant to the States As you are, Gentlemen, and therefore will not Defend that in him which you would not cherish In cold blood in your selves; for should he be Disloyall—

Leuit. He disloyall! 'tis a language I will not heare.

2 Cap. Such a suspition of him Is one that wore a Sword deserv'd the lye.

1 Cap. We know your oild tongue; and your rethorique Will hardly work on us that are acquainted With what faire language your ill purposes Are ever cloathd, nor ever wilbe won To undervalue him whose least fam'd service Scornes to be put in ballance with the best Of all your Counsailes; and for his faith, O heaven! It do's as far transcend yours in your praires As light do's darkness.

Leid. I perceive 'tis true That such as flatter Servants make them prowd. Wee'll use a rougher way, and here commaund you To leave the Towne, and sodainely, if you wish not To be forced hence.

1 Cap. Your new raisd Companies Of such as never saw the Enemie Can hardly make that good: we were placed here By the allowaunce of the generall States And of the Prince to keep it to their use.

Leuit. And we will doe it.

1 Cap. And while there is Lead Upon a house, or any Soldier master But of a doyt: when that is gon, expect That we will make you sport, or leave our lives To witness we were faithfull.—Come, Lieutenant, Let us draw up the Companies; and then Charge on us when you please. [Exeunt.

Mod. This I foresaw.

Bar. Oh, I am lost with anger! are we falne So lowe from what we were, that we dare heare This from our Servants and not punish it? Where is the terrour of our names, our powre That Spaine with feare hath felt in both his Indies? We are lost for ever, and from freemen growne Slaves so contemptible as no worthie Prince, That would have men, not sluggish Beasts, his Servants, Would ere vouchsafe the owning. Now, my frends, I call not on your furtherance to preserve The lustre of my actions; let me with them Be nere remembred, so this government Your wives, your lives and liberties be safe: And therefore, as you would be what you are, Freemen and masters of what yet is yours, Rise up against this Tirant, and defend With rigour what too gentle lenitie Hath almost lost.

Leid. Ile to the new raisd Soldiers And make them firme.

Giles. Ile muster up the Burgers And make them stand upon their guard.

Mod. For me Ile not be wanting.

Bar. Ile back to the Hage And something there Ile doe that shall divert The torrent that swells towards us, or sinck in it; And let this Prince of Orange seat him sure, Or he shall fall when he is most secure.

[Exeunt.

SCAENA 2.

Enter Holderus, Dutch-woemen and an English Gentlew.

1 D. W. Here come the Sisters: that's an English Gentlewoman, Let's pray for hir Conversion.

2 D. W. You are wellcom, Lady, And your comming over hether is most happy; For here you may behold the generall freedom We live and traffique in, the ioy of woemen. No emperious Spanish eye governes our actions, Nor Italian jealouzie locks up our meetings: We are ourselves our owne disposers, masters; And those that you call husbands are our Servants.

3 D. W. Your owne Cuntry breedes ye hansom, maintaines ye brave, But with a stubborne hand the husbands awe ye: You speake but what they please, looke where they point ye, And though ye have some libertie 'tis lymitted.

4 D. W. Which cursse you must shake of. To live is nothing; To live admird and lookd at,—poore deservings But to live soe, so free you may commaund, Lady, Compell, and there raigne Soveraigne.

1 D. W. Do you thinck there's any thing Our husbands labour for, and not for our ends? Are we shut out of Counsailes, privacies, And onely lymitted our household busines? No, certaine, Lady; we pertake with all, Or our good men pertake no rest. Why this man Works theis or theis waies, with or against the State, We know and give allowaunces.

2 D. W. Why such a Gentleman, Thus hansom and thus yong, commaunds such a quarter; Where theis faire Ladies lye; why the Grave's angry And Mounseiur Barnavelt now discontent,— Do you thinck it's fitt we should be ignorant?

2 D. W. Or why there's sprung up now a new devotion? Good Gentlewoman, no. Do you see this fellow? He is a Scholler and a parlous Scholler, Or whether he be a Scholler or no 'tis not a doy't matter: He's a fine talker and a zealous talker; We can make him thinck what we list, say what we list, Print what we list and whom we list abuse in't.

Eng.-gentw. And a Teacher do you say?

2 D. W. A singuler teacher, For so we hold such here.

Eng.-gentw. Doe they use no modestie Upon my life, some of theis new Arminians, Theis hissing tosts!

Hold. An ignorant strange woman, Whose faith is onely tride by a Coach and foure horses.

3 D. W. Come, you must be as we are and the rest of your Countrywomen; You doe not know the sweet on't.

Eng.-gentw. Indeed, nor will not; Our Cuntry brings us up to faire Obedience To know our husbands for our Governours, So to obey and serve 'em: two heads make monsters; Nor Dare we thinck of what is don above us, Nor talk of Graves.

Hold. The Grave shall smart for 't shortly; Goe you and tell him soe, gooddy English woman: You have long tayles and long tongues, but we shall clip 'em.

Enter Vandermitten.[155]

I D. W. How now? what haste?

Vand. The Prince is drawing up to us And has disarmd all the strong Townes about us Of our new Soldiers; the English now stand only And the old Companies.

Eng.-gentw. Now your wisdomes, Ladies, Your learning also, Sir, your learned prating— You that dare prick your eares up at great Princes And doble charge your tongue with new opinions,— What can you doe? or can theis holly woemen That you have arm'd against obedience And made contempners of the fooles their husbands, Examiners of State,—can they doe any thing? Can they defy the Prince?

Hold. They shall defie him, And to his face: why doe not ye raise the Burgers And draw up the new Companies?

Enter Leidenberge?[156]

Leid. Away, good women! This is no sport for you: goe, cheere your husbands And bid 'em stand now bravely for their liberties. Arnam and Roterdam and all about us Have yeilded him obedience; all the new Companies Purgd and disarmd. Goe you; talke to the Arminians, And raise their harts. Good Ladies, no more Councells: This is no time to puppet in.

1 D. W. We are gon, Sir,

2 D. W. And will so coniure up our lazie husbands.

Eng.-gentw. And coniure wisely, too; the devill will faile else. [Exeunt Women.

Leid. What's she?

Vand. An English woman.

Leid. Would they were all shipt well To th' other part oth' world. Theis stubborne English We onely feare.

Vand. We are strong enough to curb 'em.

Leid. But we have turnop hearts.

Enter a Messenger.

Now what's the next newes?

Mess.[157] The Prince is at the Barriers, and desires his entraunce

Leid. He must not enter:—what Company is with him?

Mess. But few, and those unarmd too: about some twentie.

Leid. And what behind?

Mess. We can discover none.

Leid. Let's goe and view: Brothers, be strong and valiant; We have lost the Towne els and our freedoms with it. [Exeunt.