The Fair Maid of the Inn. (continued 2)

Host. Signior Cesario, you make bold with me, And somewhat I must tell you to a degree Of ill manners: they are my guests, and men I live by, And I would know by what authority You command thus far. Cesar. By my interest in your daughter. Host. Interest do you call't? as I remember I never put her out to Usury on that condition. Cesar. Pray thee be not angry.

I am come to make thee happy, and her happy: She's here; alas my pretty soul, I am come To give assurance that's beyond thy hope, Or thy beleif, I bring repentance 'bout me, And satisfaction, I will marry thee. Bianca. Ha? Cesar. As I live I will, but do not entertain't With too quick an apprehension of joy, For that may hurt thee, I have heard some dye of't. Bian. Do not fear me. Cesar. Then thou think'st I feign This protestation, I will instantly Before these testifie my new alliance, Contract my self unto thee, then I hope We may be more private. Host. But thou shalt not sir, For so has many a maiden-head been lost, and many a bastard gotten. Ces. Then to give you the best of any assurance in the world, Entreat thy father to go fetch a Preist Wee will instantly to bed, and there be married. Bian. Pride hath not yet forsaken you I see, Though prosperity has. Host. Sir you are too confident To fashion to your self a dream of purchase When you are a begger. Ces. You are bold with me. Hostes. Doe we not know your value is cried down Fourscore i'th' hundred. Bian. Oh sir I did love you With such a fixed heart, that in that minute Wherein you slighted, or contemn'd me rather, I took a vow to obey your last decree, And never more look up at any hope Should bring me comfort that way: and though since Your Foster-mother, and the fair Clarissa Have in the way of marriage despis'd you, That hath not any way bred my revenge, But compassion rather. I have found So much sorrow in the way to a chaste wedlock That here I will set down, and never wish To come to'th' journies end. Your suit to mee Henceforth be ever silenc'd. Cesar. My Bianca. Hostes. Henceforward pray forbear her and my house: She's a poor virtuous wench, yet her estate May weigh with yours in a gold balance. Host. Yes, and her birth in any Heralds office in Christendom. Hostes. It may prove so: When you'll say, you have leapt a Whiting. [Exit.

Ces. How far am I grown behind hand with fortune! Bap. Here's Cesario! My son Sir, is to morrow to be married Unto the fair Clarissa. Ces. So. Ment. Wee hope you'll be a guest there. Ces. No I will not grace your triumph so much. Bap. I will not tax your breeding. But it alters not your birth Sir, fare you well. Ment. Oh Sir, doe not greive him, He has too much affliction already. [Exeunt.

Ces. Every way scorn'd and lost, Shame follow you For I am grown most miserable. Sail. Sir do you know a Ladies son in town here They cal Cesario?

Sail. With me Sir; despise not this pitch'd Canvas; the time was we have known them lin'd with Spanish Duckets; I have news for you: Cesar. For me! Sail. Not unless you'll drink; We are like our Sea provision, once out of pickle, We require abundance of drink; I have news to tell you, That were you Prince, Would make you send your mandate To have a thousand bonfires made i'th' City And pist out agen with nothing but Greek wine. Cesar. Come, I will drink with thee howsoever. Sail. And upon these terms I will utter my mind to you. [Exeunt.

Sail. Shall we bring your necessaries ashore my Lord? Alb. Do what you please, I am land-sick, worse by far Than ere I was at sea. Pros. Collect your self. Alber. O my most worthy Prospero, my best friend, The noble favor I receiv'd from thee In freeing me from the Turks I now accompt Worse than my death; for I shall never live To make requitall; what do you attend for? Sail. To understand your pleasure. Alber. They do mock me; I do protest I have no kind of pleasure In any thing i'th' world, but in thy friendship, I must ever except that. Pros. Pray leave him, leave him.—— [Exeunt Sailors. Alber. The news I heard related since my landing Of the division of my Family, How is it possible for any man To bear't with a set patience? Pros. You have suffer'd Since your imprisonment more waighty sorrows. Alber. I, then I was man of flesh and blood, Now I am made up of fire, to the full height Of a deadly Calenture; O these vild women That are so ill preservers of mens honors, They cannot govern their own honesties. That I should thirty and odd winters feed My expectation of a noble heir, And by a womans falshood find him now A fiction, a mere dream of what he was; And yet I love him still. Pros. In my opinion The sentence (on this tryall) from the Duke Was noble, to repair Cesario's loss With the marriage of your wife, had you been dead. Alber. By your favor but it was not, I conceive T'was disparagement to my name, to have my widdow Match with a Faulkeiners son, and yet beli've't I love the youth still, and much pitty him. I do remember at my going to Sea, Upon a quarrel, and a hurt receiv'd From young Mentivole, my rage so far Oretopt my nobler temper, I gave charge To have his hand cut off, which since I heard, And to my comfort, brave Cesario, Worthyly prevented. Pros. And 'twas nobly done. Albert Yet the revenge, for this intent of mine Hath bred much slaughter in our families, And yet my wife (which infinitely moans me) Intends to marry my sole heir Clarissa To the head branch of the other faction. Pros. 'Tis the mean to work reconcilement. Alber. Between whom? Pros. Your self and the worthy Baptista. Alber. Never. Pros. O you have been of a noble and remarkable friendship, And by this match 'tis generally in Florence Hop'd, 'twill fully be reconcil'd; to me 'Twould be absolute content. Julia. And to my self, I have main interest in it. Alb. Noble Sir, you may command my heart to break for you But never to bend that way; poor Cesario, When thou put'st on thy mournfull willow-garland, Thy enemy shall be suted (I do vow) In the same livery, my Cesario Loved as my foster child, though not my Son, Which in some countryes formerly were barbarous, Was a name held most affectionate; thou art lost, Unfortunate young man, not only slighted Where thou received'st thy breeding, but since scorn'd I th' way of marriage, by the poor Bianca The In-keepers daughter. Pros. I have heard of that too; But let not that afflict you: for this Lady May happily deliver at more leasure A circumstance may draw a fair event, Better than you can hope for. For this present we must leave you, And shall visit you again within these two hours.

Albert. Ever to me most welcome,——O my Cesario. Cesar. I am none of yours Sir, so 'tis protested; And I humbly beg, Since 'tis not in your power to preserve me Any longer in a noble course of life, Give me a worthy death. Alber. The youth is mad. Cesar. Nay Sir, I will instruct you in a way To kill me honorably. Alber. That were most strange. Cesar. I am turning Pirate, You may be imployed By the Duke to fetch me in; and in a Sea-fight Give me a noble grave. Alber. Questionless he's mad: I would give any Doctor A thousand crowns to free him from this sorrow. Cesar. Here's the Physitian.——Shewes a Poniard. Alber. Hold Sir, I did say To free you from the sorrow, not from life. Cesar. Why life and sorrow are unseparable. Alber. Be comforted Cesario, Mentivole Shall not marry Clarissa. Cesar. No Sir, ere he shall, I'll kill him. Alb[e]r. But you forfeit your own life then. Cesar. That's worth nothing. Alber. Cesario, be thy self, be mine Cesario: Make not thy self uncapable of that portion I have full purpose to confer upon thee, By falling into madness: bear thy wrongs With noble patience, the afflicted's friend Which ever in all actions crowns the end. Ces. You well awak'd me; nay recover'd me Both to sence and full life, O most noble sir, Though I have lost my fortune, and lost you For a worthy Father: yet I will not lose My former virtue, my integrity Shall not yet forsake me; but as the wild Ivy, Spreads and thrives better in some pittious ruin Of tower, or defac'd Temple, than it does Planted by a new building; so shall I Make my adversity my instrument To winde me up into a full content. Alber. 'Tis worthily resolv'd; our first adventure Is to stop the marriage; for thy other losses, Practis'd by a womans malice, but account them Like conjurers winds rais'd to a fearfull blast, And do some mischeif, but do never last. [Exeunt.

Foro. There is a Captain come lately from Sea, They call Prosper, I saw him this morning Through a chink of wainscote that divides my lodging,

Clow. We shall never reach London, I fear; My mind runs so much of hanging, landing at Wapping. [Exeunt.

This well may be a day of joy long wish'd for To my Clarissa, she is innocent. Nor can her youth but with an open bosome Meet Hymens pleasing bounties, but to me That am inviron'd with black guilt and horror It does appear a funeral though promising much In the conception were hard to mannage But sad in [the] event, it was not hate But fond indulgence in me to preserve Cesario's threatn'd life in open court Then forc'd me to disclaime him, choosing rather To rob him of his birthright, and honor Than suffer him to run the hazard of Inrag'd Baptista's fury, while he lives; I know I have a Son, and the Dukes sentence A while deluded, and this tempest over, When he assures himself despair hath seiz'd him. [Knock within.

I can relieve and raise him—speak, who is it That presses on my privacies? Sir your pardon. You cannot come unwelcome, though it were To read my secret thoughts. Bap. Lady to you Mine shall be ever open; Lady said I, That name keeps too much distance, sister rather I should have stil'd you, and I now may claime it, Since our divided families are made one By this blessed marriage; to whose honor comes The Duke in person, waited on by all The braveries of his Court, to witness it, And then to be our ghests, is the bride ready To meet and entertain him? Maria. She attends the comming of your Son. Bap. Pray you bring her forth. The Duke's at hand—Musick, in her loud voyce, Speaks his arrivall. Maria. She's prepar'd to meet it. [—Exit.

Duke. It were impertinent to wish you joy, Since all joyes dwell about you, Hymens torch Was never lighted with a luckier Omen. Nor burnt with so much splendor, to defer With fruitless compliment, the means to make Your certain pleasures lawful to the world; Since in the union of your hearts they are Confirm'd already: would but argue us A boaster of our favours; to the Temple, And there the sacred knot once ti'd, all triumphs Our Dukedom can afford, shall grace your Nuptials.

Bap. On there. Ment. I hope it is not in the power Of any to cross us now. Alber. But in the breath Of a wrong'd Father I forbid the Banes. Cesar. What, do you stand at gaze? Bap. Risen from the dead! Maria. Although the Sea had vomited up the Figure In which thy better part liv'd long imprison'd, True love despising fear, runs thus to meet it. Claris. In duty I kneel to it. Alber. Hence vile wretches, To you I am a substance incorporeal, And not to be prophan'd, with your vile touch? That could so soon forget me, but such things Are neither worth my Anger, nor reproof. To you great Sir, I turn my self and these Immediate Ministers of your Government, And if in my rude language I transgress; Ascribe it to the cold remembrance of My services, and not my rugged temper. Duke. Speak freely, be thy language ne'er so bitter, To see thee safe Alberto, signes thy pardon. Alber. My pardon? I can need none, if it be not Receiv'd for an offence. I tamely bear Wrongs, which a slave-born Muscovite would check at. Why if for Treason I had been deliver'd Up to the Hangmans Axe, and this dead trunk Unworthy of a Christian Sepulchre; Expos'd a prey to feed the ravenous Vulture, The memory of the much I oft did for you, Had you but any touch of gratitude, Or thought of my deservings, would have stopp'd you From these unjust proceedings. Duke. Hear the motives that did induce us. Alber. I have heard them all, Your Highness sentence, the whole Court abus'd, By the perjuries and practice of this woman. (Wepest thou Crocodile) my hopeful son, Whom I dare swear mine own, degraded of The honors that descend to him from me: And from that, in his love scorn'd by a creature Whose base birth, though made eminent by her beauty, Might well have mark'd her out Cesario's servant, All this I could have pardon'd and forgot; But that my daughter with my whole Estate So hardly purchas'd, is assign'd a Dower; To one whose Father, and whose Family I so detest; that I would lose my essence And be transformed to a Basiliske To look them dead, to me's an injury Admits no satisfaction. Bap. There's none offer'd. Alber. Nor would not be accepted, Though upon thy knees 'twere tender'd. Maria. Now the storm grows high. Bap. But that I thought thee dead, and in thy death The brinie Ocean had entomb'd thy name; I would have sought a Wife in a Bordello For my Mentivole, and gladly hugg'd Her spurious issue as my lawful Nephews, Before his blood should e'er have mix'd with thine; So much I scorn it. Alber. I'll not bandy words, but thus dissolve the contract. Bap. There I meet thee, and seize on what's mine own. Alber. For all my service, Great Sir, grant me the combat with this wretch, That I may scourge his insolence. Bap. I kneel for it. Cesar. And to approve my self Alberto's Son, I'll be his second upon any odds, 'Gainst him that dare most of Baptista's race. Menti. Already upon honourable terms, In me thou hast met thy better, for her sake I'll add no more. Alber. Sir, let our swords decide it. Maria. Oh stay Sir, and as you would hold the Title Of a just Prince, e'r you grant licence to These mad-mens fury, lend your private ear To the most distress'd of Women. Duke. Speak, 'tis granted. [He takes Mariana aside. Clar. In the mean time, let not Clarissa be A patient looker on, though as yet doubtful, To whom to bend her knee first, yet to all I stoop thus low in duty, and would wash The dust of fury with my Virgin tears, From his bless'd feet, and make them beautiful That would move to conditions of peace, Though with a snail-like pace, they all are wing'd To bear you to destruction: reverend Sirs, Think on your antient friendship cemented With so much bloud, but shed in noble action, Divided now in passion for a brawl; The Makers blush to own, much lov'd Cesario. Brother, or friend, (each Title may prevail,) Remember with what tenderness from our childhood We lov'd together, you preferring me Before your self, and I so fond of you That it begot suspition in ill minds That our affection was incestuous. Think of that happy time, in which I know That with your dearest bloud you had prevented This shower of tears from me; Mentivole, My Husband, registred in that bright star-chamber, Though now on earth made strangers, be the example And offer in one hand the peaceful Olive Of concord, or if that can be denied By powerful intercession in the other Carry the Hermian rod, and force attonement, Now we will not be all marble. Death's the worst then And he shall be my Bridegroom. [Offers to kill her self. Ment. Hold Clarissa, his loving violence needs must Offer in spite of honor.— [He snatches away her knife, and sets it to his own breast, she staies his hand. Duke. Was it to that end then on your Religion? Mar. And my hope in Heaven, Sir. Duke. We then will leave intreaties, and make use Of our authority, must I cry ai-me To this unheard of insolence? in my presence To draw your swords, and as all reverence That's due to Majesty were forfeited, Cherish this wildeness! sheath them instantly, And shew an alteration in your looks, or by my power. Alber. Cut off my head. Bap. And mine, rather than hear of peace with this bad man. I'll not alone, give up my throat, but suffer Your rage to reach my family.

Alb. And my name to be no more remembred. Duke. What are these? Ces. Biancha, 'tis Biancha, still Biancha: but strangely alter'd. Bapt. If that thirteen years Of absence could raze from my memory The figure of my friend, I might forget thee; But if thy Image be graven on my heart, Thou art my Prospero. Pros. Thou my Baptista? Duke. A suddain change! Bap. I dare not ask, dear friend If Juliana live! for that's a blessing I am unworthy of, but yet denie not To let me know the place she hath made happy By having there her Sepulchre. Pros. If your Highness please to vouchsafe a patient Ear, we shall make a true relation of a story That shall call on your wonder. Duke. Speak, we hear you. Pros. Baptista's fortune in the Genoua Court, His banishment, with his fair Wife's restraint You are acquainted with; what since hath follow'd I faithfully will deliver. E'r eight Moons After Baptista's absence were compleat, Fair Juliana found the pleasures, that They had injoy'd together, were not barren, And blushing at the burthen of her womb, No father near to own it, it drew on A violent sickness, which call'd down compassion From the angry Duke, then careful of her health. Physitians were enquir'd of, and their judgment Prescrib'd the Baths of Luca as a means For her recovery; to my charge it pleas'd her To be committed; but as on the way We journey'd, those throws only known to Women Came thick upon her, in a private Village. Bap. She died? Pros. Have patience, she brought to the world A hopeful Daughter; for her bodies sickness It soon decay'd, but the grief of her mind Hourly increas'd, and life grew tedious to her, And desperate e'er to see you; she injoyn'd me To place her in a Greekish Monastery, And to my care gave up her pretty Daughter. Bapt. What Monastery? as a Pilgrim bare-foot, I'll search it out. Pros. Pray you interrupt me not, Now to my fortunes; the girl well dispos'd of With a faithful friend of mine, my cruel fate Made me a prisoner to the Turkish Gallies, Where for 12 years, these hands tugg'd at the Oar, But fortune tyr'd at length with my afflictions, Some Ships of Maltha met the Ottoman Fleet, Charg'd them, and boarded them, and gave me freedom. With my deliverers I serv'd, and got Such reputation with the great Master That he gave me command over a tall And lusty ship, where my first happy service Was to redeem Alberto rumour'd dead, But was like me surpriz'd by Cortugogly. Alber. I would I had died there. Pros. And from him learning Baptista liv'd, and their dissolv'd friendship, I hois'd up sails for Greece, found Juliana A votary at her Beads; having made known Both that you liv'd, and where you were: she borrow'd So much from her devotion, as to wish me To bring her to you; if the object please you, With joy receive her. Bapt. Rage and fury leave me. [Throws away his sword. I am so full of happiness, there's no room left To entertain you, oh my long lost Jewel, Light of mine eyes, my souls strength. Julia. My best Lord, having embrac'd you thus, Death cannot fright me. Bapt. Live long to do so, though I should fix here. Pardon me Prospero, though I enquire my daughters fortune. Pros. That your happiness May be at all parts perfect, here she is! Ces. Biancha, daughter to a Princess. Pros. True with my faithful Host I left her, And with him till now she hath resided, Ignorant both of her birth and greatness. Bap. Oh my blest one. Joy upon joy o'erwhelms me. Duke. Above wonder. Alb. I do begin to melt too, this strange story Works much upon me. Duke. Since it hath pleas'd heaven To grace us with this miracle, I that am Heavens instrument here, determine thus; Alberto Be not unthankful for the blessings shown you, Nor you Baptista; discord was yet never A welcome sacrifice; therefore rage laid by, Embrace as friends, and let pass'd difference Be as a dream forgotten. Bap. 'Tis to me. Alber. And me, and thus confirm it. Duke. And to tye it In bonds not to be broken, with the marriage Of young Mentivole, and fair Clarissa, So you consent great Lady, your Biancha Shall call Cæsario Husband. Julia. 'Tis a motion I gladly yield to. Cesar. One in which you make a sad man happy. [Offers to kneel. Bian. Kneel not, all forgiven.

Pros. I can resolve you, slaves freed from the Gallies By the Viceroy of Sicilia.

For blessings ne'er descend from thence, but when A sacrifice in thanks ascends from men. [Exeunt omnes.