Volume 6 — THE Queen of Corinth, (continued 2)

Co. How's this? unarm'd left, now found doubly arm'd? A[n]d those that would have slain him at his feet? Oh Truth, thou art a mighty Conqueress: The Queen (my Lord) perplex'd in care of you, That, cross to her command, hazard your self In person, here is come into the Field, And like a Leader, marches in the head Of all her Troops, vows that she will demolish Each stone of this proud Tower be you not safe: She chafes like storms in Groves, now sighs, now weeps, And both sometimes, like Rain and Wind commixt, Abjures her Son for ever, less himself Do fetch you off in person, that did give Your self to save him of your own free will, And swears he must not, nor is [f]it to live. Euph. Oh she's a Mistriss for the gods. Ag. And thou a godlike servant fit for her. Leo. Wide Greece May boast, because she cannot boast thy like. Euph. Thus Conon tell her Highness. Co. My joy flies. Eup. Let's toward her march: stern Drum speak gentle peace. Leo. We are prisoners, lead us, ne'r was known A president like this: one unarm'd man (Suspected) to captive with golden words (Truth being his shield) so many arm'd with swords. [Ex.

The. We are not lucky Crates, this great torrent Bears all before him. Cra. Such an age as this Shall ne'r be seen again: virtue grows fat, And villany pines; the Furies are asleep, Mischief 'gainst goodness aim'd, is like a stone, Unnaturally forc'd up an eminent hill Whose weight falls on our heads and buries us, We springe our selves, we sink in our own bogs. The. What's to be done? Cra. Repent and grow good. The. Pish, 'Tis not the fashion (fool) till we grow old: The peoples love to him now scares me more Than my fond Mothers: both which, like two floods Bearing Euphanes up; will o'rflow me, And he is worthy, would he were in Heaven, But that hereafter: Crates help me now, And henceforth be at ease. Cra. Your Will my Lord? The. Beliza is to marry him forthwith, I long to have the first touch of her too, That will a little quiet me. Cra. Fie Sir, You'll be the Tyrant to Virginity; To fall but once is manly, to persevere Beastly, and desperate. The. Cross me not, but do't: Are not the means, the place, the instruments The very same? I must expect you suddenly. [Exit. Cra. I must obey you. Who is in evil once a companion Can hardly shake him off, but must run on. Here I appointed Conon to attend Him, and his sword: he promis'd to come single.

To avoid prevention: he is a man on's word. Co. You are well met Crates. Cra. If we part so Conon. Co. Come, we must do these mutual offices, We must be our own Seconds, our own Surgeons, And fairly fight, like men, not on advantage. Cra. You have an honest bosom. Co. Yours seems so. Cra. Let's pair our swords: you are a just Gentleman. Co. You might be so: now shake hands if you please, Though't be the cudgel fashion, 'tis a friendly one. Cra. So, stand off. Page. That's my cue to beckon 'em. [Exit. Co. Crates, to expostulate your wrongs to me Were to doubt of 'em, or wish your excuse In words, and so return like maiden Knights: Yet freely thus much I profess, your spleen And rugged carriage toward your honour'd Brother Hath much more stirred me up, than min[e] own cause, For I did ne'r affect these bloody men, But hold 'em fitter be made publick Hangmen: Or Butchers call'd, than valiant Gentlemen: 'Tis true stamp'd valour does upon just grounds, Yet for whom justlier should I expose my life Than him, unto whose virtue I owe all. Cra. Conon, you think by this great deed of yours To insinuate your self a lodging nearer Unto my Brothers heart: such men as you Live on their undertakings for their Lords, And more disable them by answering for 'em Than if they sate still, make 'em but their whores, For which end Gallants now adays do fight: But here we come not to upbraid; what men Seem, the rash world will judge; but what they are Heaven knows: and this—Horses, we are descry'd, One stroke for fear of laughter.

Co. Half a score. Euph. Hold, hold: on your allegiance hold. Ag. He that strikes next— Leo. Falls like a Traitor on our swords. Euph. Oh Heaven, my Brother bleeds: Conon, thou art A villain, an unthankful man, and shalt Pay me thy bloud for his, for his is mine: Thou wert my friend, but he is still my Brother; And though a friend sometimes be nearer said In some gradation it can never be Where that same Brother can be made a friend, Which dearest Crates thus low I implore; What in my poverty I would not seek, Because I would not burthen you, now here In all my height of bliss I beg of you, Your friendship; my advancement, Sir, is yours; I never held it strange, pray use it so: We are but two, which Number Nature fram'd In the most useful faculties of man, To strengthen mutually and relieve each other: Two eyes, two ears, two arms, two legs and feet, That where one faild, the other might supply; And I, your other eye, ear, your arm and leg, Tender my service, help and succor to ye. Ag. Leo. A most divine example. Euph. For dear Brother, You have been blind, and lame, and deaf to me, Now be no more so: in humility I give ye the duty of a younger Brother, Which take you as a Brother, not a Father, And then you'll pay a duty back to me. Cra. Till now I have not wept these thirty years. Euph. Discording Brothers, are like mutual legs Supplanting one another: he that seeks Aid from a stranger and forsakes his Brother, Does but like him that madly lops his arm, And to his body joyns a wooden one: Cuts off his natural leg, and trusts a Crutch, Plucks out his eye to see with Spectacles. Cra. Most dear Euphanes, in this crimson floud Wash my unkindness out: you have o'rcome me, Taught me humanity and brotherhood; Full well knew Nature thou wert fitter far To be a Ruler o'r me than a Brother, Which henceforth be: Jove surely did descend When thou wert gotten in some heavenly shape And greet my Mother, as the poets tell Of other Women. Ag. Be this Holy-day. Leo. And noted ever with the whitest stone. Co. And pardon me my Lord, look you, I bleed Faster than Crates; what I have done I did To reconcile your loves, to both a friend, Which my blood ciment, never to part or end. Ag. Most worthy Conon. Leo. Happy rise, this day Contracts more good than a whole age hath done. Euph. Royal Agenor, brave Leonidas, You are main causes, and must share the fame. Cra. Which in some part this hour shall requite For I have aim'd my black shafts at white marks, And now I'll put the clew into your hands Shall guide ye most perspicuously to the depth Of this dark Labyrinth, where so long ye were lost Touching this old Rape, and a new intent. Wherein your counsel, and your active wit My dearest Brother will be necessary. Euph. My Prophesie is come, prove my hopes true Agenor shall have right, and you no wrong, Time now will pluck her daughter from her Cave: Let's hence to prevent rumour; my dear Brother, Nature's divided streams the highest shelf Will over-run at last, and flow to it self. [Exeunt.

Euph. I Have won the Lady to it, and that good Which is intended to her, your faith only And secresie must make perfect; Think not Sir, I speak as doubting it, for I dare hazard My soul upon the tryal. Cra. You may safely, But are Agenor, and Leonidas ready To rush upon him in the Act, and seize him In the height of his security? Euph. At all parts as you could wish them. Cra. Where's the Lady? Euph. There Where you appointed her to stay. Cra. 'Tis wisely order'd. Euph. Last, when you have him sure, compel him this way, For as by accident here I'll bring the Queen To meet you, 'twill strike greater terror to him, To be tane unprovided of excuse, And make more for our purposes. [Exit. Cra. Come Neanthes, our Fames and all are at the stake. Nea. 'Tis fit that since relying on your skill, we venture So much upon one game, you play with cunning.

Or we shall rise such losers as— Sos. The Prince. Cra. The plot is laid Sir, howsoe'r I seem'd A little scrupulous, upon better judgement I have effected it. The. 'Tis the last service Of this foul kind I will employ you in. Cra. We hope so Sir. The. And I will so reward it— Nea. You are bound to that; in every Family That does write lustful, your fine Bawd gains more (For like your Broker, he takes fees on both sides) Than all the Officers of the house. Sos. For us then To be a great mans Panders, and live poor, That were a double fault. Cra. Come, you lose time Sir, We will be with you instantly: the deed done, We have a Mask that you expect not. The. Thou art ever careful: for Joves Mercury I would not change thee. [Exit. Era. There's an honour for you. Nea. To be compar'd with the celestial Pimp, Joves smock-sworn Squire, Don Hermes. Cra. I'll deserve it, And Gentlemen be assur'd, though what we do now Will to the Prince Theanor look like Treason And base disloyalty, yet the end shall prove, When he's first taught to know himself, then you, In what he judg'd us false, we were most true. [Exeunt.

Euph. Only make haste (my Lords) in all things else You are instructed: you may draw your swords For shew if you think good, but on my life You will find no resistance in his servants, And he's himself unarm'd. Ag. I would he were not, My just rage should not then be lost. Euph. Good Sir, Have you a care no injury be done Unto the person of the Prince: but Conon, Have you an eye on both, it is your trust that I relye on. Co. Which I will discharge, assure your self most faithfully. Euph. For the Lady, I know your best respect will not be wanting: Then to avoid suspition and discovery, I hold it requisite, that as soon as ever The Queen hath seen her, she forsake the place, And fit her self for that which is projected For her good, and your honour. Leo. If this prosper, Believe it you have made a purchase of My service and my life. Euph. Your love I aim at. Leo. Here I shall find you? Euph. With the Queen. Co. Enough Sir.

Page. The Queen enquires for you my Lord, I have met A dozen Messengers in search of you.

Euph. I knew I should be sought for, as I wish'd She's come her self in person. Qu. Are you found Sir? I wonder where you spend your hours, methinks Since I so love your company, and profess 'Tis the best comfort this life yields me; mine Should not be tedious to you. Euph. Gracious Madam, To have the happiness to see and hear you, Which by your bounty is conferr'd upon me, I hold so great a blessing, that my honours And wealth compar'd to that, are but as Cyphers To make that number greater: yet your pardon For borrowing from my duty so much time As the provision for my sudden Marriage Exacted from me. Qu. I perceive this Marriage Will keep you often from me: but I'll bear it. She's a good Lady, and a fair, Euphanes, Yet by her leave I will share with her in you: I am pleas'd that in the night she shall enjoy you And that's sufficient for a Wife: the day-time I will divorce you from her. Leo. within. We will force you if you resist. Qu. What noise is that? The. within. Base Traytors. Euph. It moves this way.

Qu. What e'r it be I'll meet it, I was not born to fear: Who's that Beliza? Euph. My worthiest, noblest Mistriss. [Exit. Qu. Stay her, ha? All of you look as you were rooted here, And wanted motion: what new Gorgons head Have you beheld, that you are all turn'd Statues? This is prodigious: has none a tongue To speak the cause? Leo. Could every hair, great Queen Upon my head yield an articulate sound, And altogether speak, they could not yet Express the villany we have discoverd, And yet, when with a few unwilling words I have deliver'd what must needs be known, You'll say I am too eloquent, and wish I had been born without a tongue. Qu. Speak boldly, For I, unmov'd with any loss, will hear. Leo. Then know, we have found out the Ravisher Of my poor Sister, and the place, and means By which th' unfortunate, though fair Beliza Hath met a second violence. Euph. This confirms what but before I doubted to my ruine. My Lady ravish'd. Qu. Point me out the villain; That guilty wretched monster that hath done this, [T]hat I may look on him, and in mine eye He [read] his Sentence. Leo. That I truly could Name any other but the Prince, that heard, You have it all. Qu. Wonder not that I shake, The miracle is greater that I live, Having endur'd the thunder that thy words Have thrown upon me: dar'st thou kneel, with hope Of any favor, but a speedy death, And that too in the dreadful'st shape that can Appear to a dispair[i]ng leprous soul, If thou hast any? no, libidinous beast, Thy lust hath alter'd so thy former Being, By Heaven I know thee not. The. Although unworthy Yet still I am your Son. Qu. Thou lyest, lyest falsly, My whole life never knew but one chaste bed, Nor e'r desir'd warmth but from lawful fires, Can I be then the Mother to a Goat, Whose lust is more insatiate than the grave, And like infectious air ingenders plagues, To murder all that's chaste, or good in Woman? The gods I from my youth have serv'd and fear'd, Whose holy Temples thou hast made thy Brothels; Could a Religious Mother then bring forth So damn'd an Atheist? read but o'r my life, My actions, manners, and made perfect in them But look into the story of thy self As thou art now, not as thou wert Theanor, And reason will compel thee to confess, Thou art a stranger to me. Ag. Note but how heavy The weight of guilt is: it so low hath sunk him That he wants power to rise up in defence Of [his] bad cause. Qu. Perswade me not Euphanes, This is no Prince, nor can claim part in me: My Son was born a Free-man, this a Slave To beastly passions, a Fugitive, And run away from virtue: bring bonds for him. By all the honour that I owe to Justice He loses me for ever that seeks to save him: Bind him I say, and 'ts like a wretch that knows He stands condemn'd before he hears the Sentence, With his base Agents, from my sight remove him, And lodge them in the Dungeon: As a Queen And Patroness to Justice I command it: Thy tears are like unseasonable showrs, And in my heart now steel'd can make no entrance: Thou art cruel to thy self (Fool) 'tis not want In me of soft compassion; when thou left'st To be a Son, I ceas'd to be a Mother; Away with them: The children I will leave To keep my name, to all posterities, Shall be the great examples of my Justice, The government of my Countrey which shall witness How well I rul'd my self: bid the wrong'd Ladies Appear in Court to morrow, we will hear them; And by one Act of our severity For fear of punishment, or love to virtue, Teach others to be honest: all will shun To tempt her Laws, that would not spare her Son. [Ex.

Unc. Nay Nephew. Tut. Pupill, hear but reason. On. No, I have none, and will hear none; oh my honor My honor blasted in the bud, my youth, My hopeful youth, and all my expectation Ever to be a man, are lost for ever. Unc. Why Nephew, we as well as you are dub'd Knights of the Pantofle. Tut. And are shouted at, Kick'd, scorn'd, and laugh'd at by each Page and Groom, Yet with erected heads we bear it. Onos. Alas, You have years, and strength to do it; but were you (As I) a tender gristle, apt to bow, You would like me, with Cloaks envelloped, Walk thus, then stamp, then stare. Unc. He will run mad I hope, and then all's mine. Tut. Why look you Pupil, There are for the recovery of your honor Degrees of Medicines; for a tweak by the Nose A man's to travel but six months, then blow it And all is well again: the Bastinado Requires a longer time, a year or two, And then 'tis buried: I grant you have been baffl'd, 'Tis but a journey of some thirty years And it will be forgotten. Onos. Think you so? Tut. Assuredly. Unc. He may make a shorter cut, But hang or drown himself, and on my life 'Twill no more trouble him. Onos. I could ne'r endure Or Hemp or Water, they are dangerous tools For youth to deal with: I will rather follow My Tutors counsel. Tut. Do so. Onos. And put in For my security, that I'll not return In thirty years, my whole 'state to my Uncle. Unc. That I like well of. On. Still provided Uncle, That at my coming home you will allow me To be of age, that I may call to account This Page that hath abus'd me. U[n]c. 'Tis a match. On. Then Corinth, thus the bashful Lamprias Takes leave of thee: and for this little time Of thirty years, will labour all he can, Though he goes young forth, to come home a man. [Ex.

Euph. Are your Prisoners ready? Mar. When it shall please the Queen To call them forth my Lord. Euph. Pray you do me the favour To tell me how they have born themselves this night Of their imprisonment? Mar. Gladly Sir; your Brother With the other Courtiers willingly receiv'd All courtesies I could offer; eat, and drank, And were exceeding merry, so dissembling Their guilt, or confident in their innocence, That I much wondred at it. But the Prince, That (as born highest) should have grac'd his fall With greatest courage, is so sunk with sorrow, That to a common judgement he would seem To suffer like a Woman: but to me, That from the experience I have had of many Look further in him, I do find the deep Consideration of what's past, more frights him Than any other punishment. Euph. That is indeed True magnanimity: the other but A desperate bastard valour. Mar. I pressed to him, And notwithstanding the Queens strict command, (Having your Lordships promise to secure me) Offer'd to free him from his bonds, which he Refus'd, with such a sorrow, mixt with scorn That it amaz'd me; yet I urg'd his Highness To give one Reason for't: he briefly answer'd, That he had sate in judgement on himself, And found that he deserv'd them: that he was A Ravisher, and so to suffer like one, Which is the reason of my tears: he addeth, For wer't not I again should break the Laws, By scorning all their rigor can inflict, I should dye smiling. Euph. I forbear to wonder That you were mov'd that saw this: I am struck With the relation so. 'Tis very well; See all things ready. I do wish I could Send comfort to the Prince; be ready with him; 'Tis in the Queens breast only which for us [Bar brought in. To search into were sauciness, to determine What she thinks fit.

Lord. Make way there for the Queen. Quee. Read first the Law, and what our Ancestors Have in this case provided to deter Such like offenders: To you gentle Ladies This only, Would I could as well give comfort, As bid [you] be secure from fear or doubt Of our displeasure: be as confident As if your plea were 'gainst a common man, To have all right from us; I will not grieve For what's not worth my pitty: Read the Law.

Qu. You hear this: what do you demand? Mer. The benefit The Law allows me. Bel. For the injury Done to mine Honor, I require his head. Mer. I likewise have an eye upon mine Honor, But knowing that his death cannot restore it I ask him for my Husband. Bel. I was ravish'd, And will have justice. Mer. I was ravish'd too, I kneel for mercy. Bel. I demand but what The Law allows me. Mer. That which I desire Is by the same Law warranted. Bel. The Rape On me hath made a forfeit of his life, Which in revenge of my disgrace I plead for. Mer. The Rape on me gives me the priviledge To be his Wife, and that is all I sue for. Age. A doubtful case. Leo. Such pretty Lawyers, yet I never saw nor read of. Euph. May the Queen Favour your sweet plea, Madam. Bel. Is that justice? Shall one that is to suffer for a Rape Be by a Rape defended? Look upon The publick enemy of chastity, This lustful Satyr, whose enrag'd desires The ruine of one wretched Virgins honor Would not suffice; and shall the wrack of two Be his protection? May be I was ravish'd For his lust only, thou for his defence; O fine evasion! shall with such a slight Your Justice be deluded? your Laws cheated? And he that for one fact deserv'd to die, For sinning often, find impunity? But that I know thee I would swear thou wert A false Impostor, and suborn'd to this; And it may be thou art Merione: For hadst thou suffer'd truly what I have done, Thou wouldst like me complain, and call for vengeance, And our wrongs being equal, I alone Should not desire revenge: But be it so, If thou prevail, even he will punish it, And foolish mercy shew'd to him undo thee, Consider, fool, before it be too late, What joys thou canst expect from such a Husband, To whom thy first, and what's more, forc'd embraces, Which men say heighten pleasure, were distastful. Mer. 'Twas in respect, that then they were unlawful, Unbless'd by Hymen, and left stings behind them, Which from the marriage-bed are ever banish'd. Let this Court be then the image of Joves throne, Upon which grace and mercy still attend, To intercede between him and his Justice; And since the Law allows as much to me As she can challenge, let the milder sentence, Which best becomes a Mother, and a Queen Now overcome; nor let your wisdom suffer In doing right to her, I in my wrong Indure a second Ravishment. Bel. You can free him Only from that which does concern your self, Not from the punishment that's due to me: Your injuries you may forgive, not mine; I plead mine own just wreak, which will right both, Where that which you desire robs me of justice; 'Tis that which I appeal to. Mer. Bloody Woman, Dost thou desire his punishment? Let him live then; For any man to marry where he likes not Is still a lingring torment. Bel. For one Rape One death's sufficient, that way cannot catch me. Mer. To you I fly then, to your mercy Madam, Exempting not your Justice, be but equal; And since in no regard I come behind her, Let me not so be undervalu'd in Your Highness favor, that the world take notice You so preferr'd her, that in her behalf You kill'd that Son, you would not save for me; Mercy, O mercy Madam. Bel. Great Queen, justice.

Leo. Yet how unmov'd she sits In that which most concerns her! Con. Now she rises; And having well weigh'd both their arguments, Resolves to speak. Euph. And yet again she pauses; O Conon, such a resolution once A Roman told me he had seen in Cato Before he kill'd himself. Qu. 'Tis now determin'd. Merione, I could wish I were no Queen, To give you satisfaction; no Mother Beliza, to content you; and would part, Even with my being, both might have their wishes; But since that is impossible, in few words I will deliver what I am resolved on: The end for which all profitable Laws Were made, looks two ways only, the reward Of innocent good men, and the punishment Of bad Delinquents: Ours, concerning Rapes, Provided that same latter [clause] of Marriage For him that had fall'n once, not then foreseeing Mankind could prove so monstrous, to tread twice A path so horrid. The great Law-giver Draco, That for his strange severity Was said to write his stern Decrees in blood, Made none for Parricides, presuming that No man could be so wicked; Such might be Lycurgus answer (did he live) for this. But since I find that in my [Sonne], which was not Doubted in any else, I will add to it; He cannot marry both, but for both dying, Both have their full revenge: You see Beliza You have your wish; with you Merione I'll spend a tear or two, so Heaven forgive thee. The. Upon my knees I do approve your judgement, And beg that you would put it into act With all speed possible; only that I may, Having already made peace with my self, Part so with all the world: Princely Agenor I ask your pardon; yours my Lord Euphanes; And Crates with the rest too, I forgive you; Do you the like for me: Yours, gracio[u]s Mother, I dare not ask, and yet if that my death Be like a Son of yours, though my life was not, Perhaps you may vouchsafe it: Lastly, that Both these whom I have wrong'd, may wish my ashes No heavy burden, e'r I suffer death, For the restoring of Meriones honor, Let me be married to her, and then dye For you Beliza. Qu. Thou hast made in this Part of amends to me, and to the world, Thy suit is granted, call a Flamyn forth To do this holy work; with him a Headsman.

Raise up thy weeping eyes Merione, With this hand I confirm thy Marriage, Wishing that now the gods would shew some miracle, That this might not divorce it. Cra. To that purpose I am their Minister, stand not amaz'd, To all your comforts I will do this wonder, Your Majesty (with your pardon I must speak it) Allow'd once heretofore of such a Contract, Which you repenting afterwards, revok'd it, Being fully bent to match her with Agenor, The griev'd Prince knowing this, and yet not daring To cross what you determin'd, by an oath Bound me and these his followers to do something That he might once enjoy her, we swore to it, And easily perswaded, being assur'd She was his Wife before the face of Heaven, Although some ceremonious forms were wanting, Committed the first Rape, and brought her to him, Which broke the Marriage; but when we perceiv'd He purpos'd to abuse our ready service In the same kind: upon the chaste Beliza, Holding our selves less ty'd to him than goodness; I made discovery of it to my Brother, Who can relate the rest. Euph. It is most true. Qu. I would it were: Euph. In every circumstance It is upon my soul: For this known to me, I wan Merione in my Ladies habit, To be again (but willingly) surpriz'd, But with Agenor, and her noble Brother, With my approv'd friend Conon, with such speed She was pursu'd, that the lewd act scarce ended, The Prince (assur'd he had enjoy'd Beliza, For all the time Meriones face was cover'd) Was apprehended and brought to your presence, But not till now discover'd, in respect I hop'd the imminent danger of the Prince, To which his loose unquenched heats had brought him, Being pursu'd unto the latest tryal Would work in him compunction, which it has done; And these two Ladies in their feign'd contentions, To your delight I hope have serv'd as Maskers To their own Nuptials. Qu. My choice was worthy When first I look'd on thee, as thou hast order'd All shall be done, and not the meanest that Plaid in this unexpected Comedy, But shall pertake our bounty: And my Lord, That with the rest you may seem satisfi'd, If you dare venture on a Queen, not yet So far in debt to years, but that she may Bring you a lusty Boy, I offer up My self and Kingdom, during my life to you. Ag. It is a blessing which I durst not hope for, But with all joy receive. All. We all applaud it. Qu. Then on unto the Temple, where the rights Of Marriage ended, we'll find new delights. [Exeunt.