Act 4 — BUSSY D’AMBOIS
Reading edition
BY GEORGE CHAPMAN
[DRAMATIS PERSONAE
Henry III., King of France.
Monsieur, his brother.
The Duke of Guise.
Montsurry, a Count.
Bussy D’Ambois.
Barrisor, } Courtiers; enemies of D’Ambois.
L’Anou,
Pyrrhot,
Brisac, } Courtiers; friends of D’Ambois.
Melynell,
Friar Comolet.
Maffe, steward to Monsieur.
Nuntius.
Murderers.
Behemoth, } Spirits.
Cartophylax,
Umbra of Friar.
Elenor, Duchess of Guise.
Tamyra, Countess of Montsurry.
Beaupre, niece to Elenor.
Pero, maid to Tamyra.
Charlotte, maid to Beaupre.
Pyra, a court lady.
Annabelle, maid to Elenor.
Lords, Ladies, Pages, &c.
Scene.—Paris.]
PROLOGUE
Not out of confidence that none but we[892] Are able to present this tragedy, Not out of envy at the grace of late It did receive, nor yet to derogate From their deserts who[893] give out boldly that5 They move with equal feet on the same flat; Neither for all nor any of such ends We offer it, gracious and noble friends, To your review; we, far from emulation And (charitably judge) from imitation,10 With this work entertain you, a piece known And still believ’d in Court to be our own. To quit our claim, doubting our right or merit, Would argue in us poverty of spirit Which we must not subscribe to. Field[894] is gone,15 Whose action first did give it name, and one[895] Who came the nearest to him, is denied By his gray beard to show the height and pride Of D’Ambois’ youth and bravery; yet to hold Our title still a-foot, and not grow cold20 By giving it o’er, a third man[896] with his best Of care and pains defends our interest; As Richard[897] he was lik’d, nor do we fear In personating D’Ambois he’ll appear To faint, or go less, so[898] your free consent,25 As heretofore, give him encouragement.