Front matter

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The Laws of Candy

A Tragi-Comedy

The works of Beaumont and Fletcher, edited by A.R. Walker

Persons Represented in the Play.

Cassilanes, General of Candy.

Antinous, Son to Cassilanes, and his Competitor.

Fernando, a Venetian Captain, Servant to Annophel.

Philander, Prince of Cyprus, passionately in love with Erota.

Gonzalo, An ambitious Politick Lord of Venice.

Gaspero, Secretary of State.

Melitus, a Gentleman of Candy.

Arcanes, a noble Souldier, Friend to Cassilanes.

Decius, Friend to Antinous.

Porphycio,

Possenne, Senators.

Paolo Michael, Venetian Ambassadour.

Mochingo, an ignorant Servant to Erota.

Gentlemen.

Souldiers.

Servants.

WOMEN

Erota, a Princess, imperious, and of an overweaning Beauty.

Annophel, Daughter to Cassilanes.

Hyparcha, Attendant on the Princess Erota.

The Scene Candy

The principal Actors were,

Joseph Taylor.

William Eglestone.

Nicholas Toolie.

Richard Sharpe.

John Lowin.

John Underwood.

George Birch.

Thomas Pollard.

Actus Primus

Scena Prima

Enter Gaspero, and Melitus

Melitus

Sir, you're the very friend I wish'd to meet with,

I have a large discourse invites your ear

To be an Auditor.

Gaspero

And what concerns it?

Melitus

The sadly thriving progress of the loves

Between my Lord, the Prince, and that great Lady,

Whose insolence, and never-yet-match'd Pride,

Can by no Character be well exprest,

But in her only name, the proud

Erota

.

Gaspero

Alas,

Melitus

, I should guess the best

Success your Prince could find from her, to be

As harsh as the event doth prove: but now

'Tis not a time to pity passionate griefs,

When a whole Kingdom in a manner lyes

Upon its Death-Bed bleeding.

Melitus

Who can tell

Whether or no these plagues at once

Hang over this unhappy Land for her sake

That is a Monster in it?

Gaspero

Here's the misery

Of having a Child our Prince; else I presume

The bold

Venetians

had not dar'd to attempt

So bloody an invasion.

Melitus

Yet I wonder

Why (Master Secretary) still the Senate

So almost superstitiously adores

Gonzalo

, the

Venetian

Lord, considering

The outrage of his Countrymen--

Gaspero

The Senate

Is wise, and therein just, for this

Gonzalo

,

Upon a Massacre performed at Sea

By the Admiral of

Venice

, on a Merchant

Of

Candy

, when the cause was to be heard

Before the Senate there, in open Court

Professed, that the cruelty the Admiral

Had shewed, deserved not only fine, but death;

For

Candy

then, and

Venice

were at peace:

Since when upon a motion in the Senate,

For Conquest of our Land, 'tis known for certain,

That only this

Gonzalo

dar'd to oppose it,

His reason was, because it too much savour'd

Of lawless and unjust ambition.

The Wars were scarce begun, but he (in fear

Of quarrels 'gainst his life) fled from his Country,

And hither came, where (to confirm his truth)

I know, (

Melitus

,) he out of his own store,

Hath monied

Cassilanes

the General.

Melitus

What, without other pledges than

Cassilanes

Bare promise of payment?

Gaspero

No, it may be

He has some [pe]tty Lordship to retire to;

But thus he hath done; now 'tis fit,

Melitus

,

The Senate should be thankful, otherwise

They should annihilate one of those Laws

For which this Kingdome is throughout the World

Unfollowed and admired.

Melitus

What Laws are those, Sir?

Let me so much importune you.

Gaspero

You shall,

And they be worth your knowledge: briefly thus:

Who e'r he be that can detect apparently

Another of ingratitude, for any

Received Benefit, the Plaintiff may

Require the Offenders life; unless he please

Freely and willingly to grant remission.

Melitus

By which strict Law, the Senate is in danger,

Should they neglect

Gonzalo

?

Gaspero

Right, the Law

Permits a like equality to Aliens,

As to a home-bred Patriot.

Melitus

Pray Sir, the other?

Gaspero

Know,

Melitus

,

The elder

Cretans

flourished many years,

In War, in Peace unparallel'd, and they

(To spur heroic Spirits on to Vertue)

Enacted that what man so ere he were,

Did noblest in the field against his enemy,

So by the general voice approv'd, and known,

Might at his home-return, make his demand

For satisfaction, and reward.

Melitus

They are

Both famous Laws indeed.

Enter a Messenger

Messenger

Master Secretary,

The Senate is about to sit, and crave

Your presence.

Gaspero

What, so suddenly?

Messenger

These Letters

Will shew the causes why.

Gaspero

Heaven, thou art great,

And worthy to be thanked!

Melitus

Your countenance, Sir,

Doth promise some good tidings.

Gaspero

O the best

And happiest for this land that e'r was told!

All the

Venetian

Forces are defeated.

Melitus

How, Sir?

Gaspero

And what doth add some delight more,

There is amongst the Souldiers a contention

Who shall be the triumpher, and it stands

Doubtful between a Father and his Son,

Old

Cassilanes

, and young

Antinous

.

Melitus

Why may not both demand it?

Gaspero

The Law denies it,

But where the Souldiers do not all consent,

The Parties in contention, are refer'd

To plead before the Senate; and from them

Upon an open audience to be judg'd

The Chief, and then to make demands.

Melitus

You ravish me

With wonder and delight.

Gaspero

Come; as we walk,

I shall more fully inform you.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II

Enter Cassilanes, Arcanes, Antinous, and Decius.

Cassilanes

Admit no Souldier near us till the Senate

Have took their places.

Arcanes

You are obey'd, my Lord.

Antinous

Decius

, fall off.

Decius

I shall.

Cassilanes

Give leave

Arcanes

:

Young man, come nearer to me: who am I?

Antinous

It were a sin against the piety

Of filial duty, if I should forget

The debt I owe my Father on my knee:

Your pleasure?

Cassilanes

What, so low? canst thou find joints,

Yet be an Elephant?

Antinous

, rise;

Thou wilt belye opinion, and rebate

The ambition of thy gallantry, that they

Whose confidence thou hast bewitch'd, should see

Their little God of War, kneel to his Father,

Though in my hand I did grasp Thunder.

Antinous

Sir,

For proof that I acknowledge you the Author

Of giving me my Birth, I have discharg'd

A part of my Obedience. But if now

You should (as cruel fathers do) proclaim

Your right, and Tyrant-like usurp the glory

Of my peculiar honours, not deriv'd

From successary, but purchas'd with my bloud,

Then I must stand first Champion for my self

Against all interposers.

Cassilanes

Boldly urg'd,

And proudly, I could love thee, did not anger

Consult with just disdain, in open language

To call thee most ungrateful. Say freely,

Wilt thou resign the flatteries whereon

The reeling pillars of a popular breath

Have rais'd thy Giant-like conceit, to add

A suffrage to thy Fathers merit? speak.

Antinous

Sir, hear me: were there not a Chronicle

Well pen'd by all their tongues, who can report

What they have seen you do; or had you not

Best in your own performance writ your self,

And been your own text, I would undertake

Alone, without the help of Art, or Character,

But only to recount your deeds in Arms,

And you should ever then be fam'd a President

Of living victory: But as you are

Great, and well worthy to be stiled Great,

It would betray a poverty of Spirit

In me to obstruct my fortunes, or descent,

If I should coward-like surrender up

The interest which the inheritance of your vertue

And mine own thrifty fate can claim in honour:

My Lord, of all the mass of Fame, which any

That wears a Sword, and hath but seen me fight,

Gives me, I will not share, nor yield one jot,

One tittle.

Cassilanes

Not to me?

Antinous

You are my Father,

Yet not to you.

Cassilanes

Ambitious Boy, how dar'st thou

To tell me, that thou wilt contend?

Antinous

Had I

Been slothful, and not follow'd you in all

The streights of death, you might have justly then

Reputed me a Bastard: 'tis a cruelty

More than to murther Innocents, to take

The life of my yet infant-honour from me.

Cassilanes

Antinous

, look upon this badge of age,

Thy Father's grey-hair'd beard: full fifty years,

(And more than half of this, ere thou wert born)

I have been known a Souldier, in which time

I found no difference 'twixt War and Peace,

For War was Peace to me, and Peace was War.

Antinous

, mark me well; there hath not liv'd

These fifty years a man whom

Crete

prefer'd

Before thy Father; let me boldly boast,

Thy Father, both for Discipline a[n]d Action

Hath so long been the first of all his Nation;

Now, canst thou think it honest, charitable,

Nay humane, being so young, my Son, my Child,

Begot, bred, taught by me, by me thy Father,

For one days service, and that on thy first,

To rob me of a glory which I fought for

A half of hundred years?

Antinous

My case observes

Both equity and presidents; for Sir,

That very day whereon you got your Fame,

You took it from some other, who was then

Chief in repute, as you are now, and has been

Perhaps as many years deserving that

Which you gain'd in a day, as I have mine.

Cassilanes

But he was not my Father then,

Antinous

;

Thou leav'st out that.

Antinous

Sir, had he been your Father,

He had been then immortal; for a Father

Heightens his reputation where his Son

Inherits it, as when you give us life,

Your life is not diminish'd but renew'd

In us when you are dead, and we are still

Your living Images.

Cassilanes

So be thou curs'd

In thy posterity, as I in thee,

Dishonourable Boy; O shall that Sun,

Which not a year yet since beheld me mounted

Upon a fiery Steed, waving my Sword,

And teaching this young Man to manage Arms,

That was a raw, fresh Novice in the feats

Of Chivalrie, shall that same Sun be witness

Against this Brat of his Ingratitude?

Who, to eclipse the light of my renown,

Can no way hope to get a noble Name,

But by the treading on his Father's Greatness;

Thou wilt not yield?

Enter Arcanes

Antinous

My life, but not the prize

My Sword hath purchas'd.

Arcanes

The Senate,

My Lord, are here at hand, and all the Souldiers

Begin to throng about them.

Cassilanes

Now,

Arcanes

, the--

Arcanes

What, Sir?

Cassilanes

Trifles will affront us; that

Fine fighting Stripling.

Arcanes

Let him have the shame on't;

'Please you withdraw on this side.

Cassilanes

My great heart

Was never quail'd before.

Decius

My Lord, be confident,

Let not your Father daunt you.

Arcanes

Decius

, whither

Must I withdraw?

Decius

On this side.--See, the Souldiers

Attend your pleasure--courage, Sir; the Senate.

Cassilanes

Way for the Senate.

Enter Porphycio, Possenne, (three Senators) Gonzalo, Gaspero, Souldiers

My good Lords I know not

What tax of arrogance I may incurr,

Should I presume, though courted by your Favours,

To take a place amongst you; I had rather

Give proof of my unfeign'd humility

By force, though mean, yet more becoming place,

Than run the hazard of a doubtful censure.

Possenne

My Lord, your wisdom is both known and try'd;

We cannot rank you in a nobler Friendship

Than your great service to the State deserves.

Porphycio

Will't please you, Sir?

Enter Fernando with Souldiers.

Gonzalo

What's here, my Lord

Porphycio

?

It must not be.

Porphycio

My Lord, you are too modest.

Gonzalo

It is no season to be troublesome,

Else--but I have done: your Lordships are observ'd.

Gaspero

Is the demandant ready?

Arcanes

He is ready.

Gaspero

Produce him then.

Arcanes

Before this sacred presence,

I, by a general consent, am made

The Souldiers voice, and to your gracious Wisedoms,

Present as chief in Arms, his Countries Champion,

Cassilanes.

Decius

Most reverend Lords, you hear the lesser number

Of those who have been Guardians to this Country,

Approve this Champion; I, in all their names,

Who fought for

Candy

, here present before you

The mightiest man in Arms,

Antinous

.

Speak fellow Souldiers.

Souldiers

Antinous, Antinous

.

Gaspero

Stand by all, save the two Competitors.

Possenne

My Lords, how much your Countrey owes you both,

The due reward of your desertful glories

Must to Posterity remain: but yet

Since, by our Law, one only can make claim

To the proposed honours which you both

(It seems) have truly merited, take leave

Freely to plead your rights; we shall attend ye.

Porphycio

Wherein priority of voice is granted,

Lord

Cassilanes

to you; for that your rare

And long experience in the Course of War,

As well doth challenge it as the best priviledge

Of Order and Civility, for that

You are your brave Opponents worthy Father.

Say, Country-men, are you content?

Souldiers

I, I.

Cassilanes

Right grave, right gracious Fathers; how unfit

It is for me, that all my life time have

Been practis'd in the School of Bloud, and Slaughter

To bandy words now in my lifes last farewel,

Your Wisedomes will consider; were there pitcht

Another, and another field, like that

Which, not yet three days since, this Arm hath scatter'd,

Defeated, and made nothing, then the man

That had a heart to think he could but follow

(For equal me he should not) through the lanes

Of danger and amazement, might in that

That only of but following me, be happy,

Reputed worthy to be made my Rival;

For 'tis not, Lords, unknown to those about me,

(My fellow Souldiers) first, with what a confidence

I led them on to fight, went on still, and

As if I could have been a second Nature,

As well in heartening them by my example,

As by my exhortation, I gave life

To quicken courage, to inflame revenge,

To heighten resolution; in a word,

To out-doe action: It boots not to discover,

How that young man, who was not fledg'd nor skill'd

In Martial play, was even as ignorant

As childish: But I list not to disparage

His non-ability: The signal given

Of Battel, when our enemies came on,

(Directed more by fury, than by warrant

Of Policy and Stratagem) I met them,

I in the fore-front of the Armies met them;

And as if this old weather-beaten body

Had been compos'd of cannon-proof, I stood

The volleys of their shot. I, I my self

Was he that first dis-rankt their woods of Pikes:

But when we came to handy-stroaks, as often

As I lent blows, so often I gave wounds,

And every wound a death. I may be bold

To justifie a truth, this very sword

Of mine slew more than any twain besides:

And, which is not the least of all my glorie,

When he, this young man, hand to hand in fight,

Was by the General of the Venetians,

And such as were his retinue, unhors'd,

I stept between, and rescu'd him my self,

Or horses hoofs had trampled him to dirt;

And whilst he was re-mounting, I maintain'd

The combate with the gallant General,

Till having taken breath, he throng'd before me,

Renew'd the fight, and with a fatal blow,'

Stole both that honour from me, and his life

From him, whom I before my self alone,

Had more than full three quarters kill'd: a man

Well worthy only by this hand to have dy'd,

Not by a Boys weak push: I talk too much,

But 'tis a fault of age: If to bring home

Long peace, long victorie, even to your Capitol;

If to secure your Kingdom, wives, and children,

Your lives and liberties; if to renown

Your honours through the world, to fix your names,

Like Blazing stars admir'd, and fear'd by all

That have but heard of

Candy

, or a

Cretan

,

Be to deserve the approvement of my man-hood,

Then thus much have I done: what more, examine

The annals of my life; and then consider

What I have been, and am. Lords I have said.

Gonzalo

With reverence to the Senate, is it lawfull,

Without your Customes breach, to say a word?

Possenne

Say on my Lord

Gonzalo

.

Gonzalo

I have heard,

And with no little wonder, such high deeds

Of Chivalrie discours'd, that I confess,

I do not think the Worthies while they liv'd

All nine, deserv'd as much applause, or memorie,

As this one: But who can do ought to gain

The crown of honour from him, must be somewhat

More than a man; you tread a dangerous path,

Yet I shall hear you gladly: for believe me,

Thus much let me profess, in honours cause,

I would not to my Father, nor my King,

(My Countries Father) yield: if you transcend

What we have heard, I can but only say,

That Miracles are yet in use. I fear

I have offended.

Porphycio

You have spoken nobly.

Antinous

use your priviledge.

Antinous

Princely Fathers,

E're I begin, one suit I have to make,

'Tis just, and honourable.

Porphycio Possenne

Speak, and have it.

Antinous

That you would please the souldiers might all stand

Together by their General.

Possenne

'Tis granted.

All fall to yonder side: Go on,

Antinous

.

Antinous

I shall be brief and plain: all what my Father

(This Countries Patron) hath discours'd, is true.

Fellows in Arms: speak you, is't true?

Souldiers

True, true.

Antinous

It follows, that the blaze of my performance

Took light from what I saw him do: and thus

A City (though the flame be much more dreadfull)

May from a little spark be set on fire;

Of all what I have done, I shall give instance

Only in three main proofs of my desert.

First I sought out (but through how many dangers

My Lords judge ye) the chief, the great Commander,

The head of that huge body, whose proud weight

Our Land shrunk under, him I found and fought with,

Fought with, and slew. Fellows in Arms, speak you,

Is't true or not?

Souldiers

True, true.

Antinous

When he was faln,

The hearts of all our adversaries

Began to quail, till young

Fernando

, son

To the last Duke of

Venice

gather'd head,

And soon renew'd the field, by whose example

The bold Venetians doubling strength and courage

Had got the better of the day; our men

Supposing that their adversaries grew

Like

Hydra's

head, recoyle, and 'gan to flye:

I follow'd them; and what I said, they know;

The summe on't is; I call'd them back, new rankt them;

Led on, they follow'd, shrunk not t[i]ll the end:

Fellows in Arms is't true, or no?

Souldiers

True, true.

Antinous

Lastly, to finish all, there was but one,

The only great exploit; which was to take

Fernando

prisoner, and that hand to hand

In single fight I did: my self without

The help of any arm, save the arm of Heaven.

Speak Souldiers, is it true, or no?

Souldiers

Antinous, Antinous

.

Antinous

Behold my prisoner, Fathers.

Fernando

This one man

Ruin'd our Army, and hath glorifi'd

Crete

in her robes of mightiness and conquest.

Possenne

We need not use long circumstance of words,

Antinous

thou art conquerer: the Senate,

The souldiers, and thy valour have pronounc'd it.

All

Antinous, Antinous

.

Porphycio

Make thy demand.

Cassilanes

Please ye (my Lords) give leave

That I may part.

Possenne

No

Cassilane

, the Court

Should therein be dishonour'd, do not imagin

We prize your presence at so slight a rate.

Demand,

Antinous

.

Antinous

Thus (my Lords) to witness

How far I am from arrogance, or thinking

I am more valiant, though more favour'd

Than my most matchless father, my demand is,

That for a lasting memorie of his name,

His deeds, his real, nay his royal worth,

You set up in your Capitol in Brass

My Fathers Statue, there to stand for ever

A Monument and Trophy of his victories,

With this Inscription to succeeding ages,

Great

Cassilanes,

Patron of Candy's Peace

,

Perpetual Triumpher

.

Porphycio Possenne

It is granted. What more?

Antinous

No more.

Cassilanes

How Boy?

Gonzalo

Thou art immortal,

Both for thy Son-like pietie, and beauties

Of an unconquer'd minde.

Antinous

My Prisoner, Lords,

To your more sacred wisedoms I surrender:

Fit you his ransom; half whereof I give

For largess to the Souldiers: the other half

To the erection of this monument.

Cassilanes

Ambitious villain.

Gonzalo

Thou art all un-imitable.

My Lords, to work a certain peace for

Candy

With

Venice

, use

Fernando

like a Prince;

His ransom I'le disburse what e're it be:

Yet you may stay him with you, till conditions

Of amitie shall be concluded on:

Are ye content?

Porphycio

We are, and ever rest

Both friends and debters to your nobleness.

Gonzalo

Souldiers attend me in the Market-place,

Fie thither send your largess.

Souldiers

Antinous, Antinous

.

[Exeunt.

Cassilanes

I have a sute too, Lords.

Porphycio Possenne

Propose it, 'tis yours, if fit and just.

Cassilanes

Let not my services,

My being forty years a drudge, a pack-horse

To you, and to the State, be branded now

With Ignominy ne're to be forgotten:

Rear me no Monument, unless you mean

To have me fam'd a Coward, and be stamp'd so.

Possenne

We understand you not.

Cassilanes

Proud boy, thou dost,

And Tyrant-like insult'st upon my shame.

Antinous

Sir, Heaven can tell, and my integrity,

What I did, was but only to inforce

The Senates gratitude. I now acknowledge it.

Cassilanes

Observe it Fathers, how this haughty boy

Grows cunning in his envy of mine honours:

He knows no mention can of me be made,

But that it ever likewise must be told,

How I by him was master'd; and for surety

That all succeeding times may so report it,

He would have my dishonour, and his Triumphs

Ingrav'd in Brass: hence, hence proceeds the falshood

Of his insinuating piety.

Thou art no child of mine: thee and thy bloud,

Here in the Capitol, before the Senate,

I utterly renounce: So thrift and fate

Confirm me; henceforth never see my face,

Be, as thou art, a villain to thy Father.

Lords I must crave your leaves: come, come

Arcanes

.

[Ex.

Gonzalo

Here's a strange high-born spirit.

Possenne

'Tis but heat

Of suddain present rage; I dare assure

Antinous

of his favour.

Antinous

I not doubt it,

He is both a good man, and a good Father.

I shall attend your Lordships.

Possenne

Do

Antinous

.

Gonzalo

Yes: feast thy Triumphs

With applause and pleasures.

Porphycio Possenne

Lead on.

[Exeunt. Flor. Cornets.

Antinous

I utterly renounce--'Twas so?

Was't not, my

Decius

?

Decius

Pish, you know, my Lord,

Old men are cholerick.

Antinous

And lastly parted

With, never henceforth see my face: O me,

How have I lost a Father? Such a Father!

Such a one

Decius

! I am miserable,

Beyond expression.

Decius

Fie, how unbecoming

This shews upon your day of fame!

Antinous

O mischief!

I must no more come near him; that I know,

And am assur'd on't.

Decius

Say you do not?

Antinous

True:

Put case I do not: what is

Candy

then

To lost

Antinous

?

Malta

, I resolve

To end my dayes in thee.

Decius

How's that?

Antinous

I'le trie

All humble means of being reconcil'd,

Which if deny'd, then I may justly say,

This day has prov'd my worst:

Decius

, my worst.

[Exeunt.

Actus Secundus

Scena Prima

Enter Gonzalo, and Gaspero

Gaspero

Now to what you have heard; as no man can

Better than I, give you her Character;

For I have been both nurs'd, and train'd up to

Her petulant humours, and been glad to bear them,

Her Brother, my late Master, did no less:

Strong apprehensions of her beauty hath

Made her believe that she is more than woman:

And as there did not want those flatterers

'Bout the worlds Conquerour, to make him think,

And did perswade him that he was a god;

So there be those base flies, that will not stick

To buzze into her ears she is an Angel,

And that the food she feeds on is

Ambrosia

.

Gonzalo

She should not touch it then, 'tis Poets fare.

Gaspero

I may take leave to say, she may as well

Determine of her self to be a goddess,

With lesser flatterie than he a god:

For she does conquer more, although not farther.

Every one looks on her, dyes in despair,

And would be glad to do it actually,

To have the next age tell how worthily,

And what good cause he had to perish so:

Here beauty is superlative, she knows it,

And knowing it, thinks no man can deserve,

But ought to perish, and to dye for her:

Many great Princes for her love have languish'd,

And given themselves a willing sacrifice,

Proud to have ended so: And now there is

A Prince so madded in his own passions,

That he forgets the Royaltie he was born to,

And deems it happiness to be her slave.

Gonzalo

You talk as if you meant to winde me in,

And make me of the number.

Gaspero

Sir, mistake me not, the service that I owe ye

Shall plead for me: I tell you what she is,

What she expects, and what she will effect,

Unless you be the miracle of men,

That come with a purpose to behold,

And goe away your self.

Gonzalo

I thank you, I will do it: But pray resolve me,

How is she stor'd with wit?

Gaspero

As with beauty,

Infinite, and more to be admired at,

Than medled with.

Gonzalo

And walks her tongue the same gate with her feet?

Gaspero

Much beyond: what e're her heart thinks, she utters:

And so boldly, so readily, as you would judge

It penn'd and studied.

Enter Erota, Philander, Annophil, Hyparcha, Mochingo, Attendants

Gonzalo

She comes.

Gaspero

I must leave you then,

But my best wishes shall remain with you.

[Exit.

Gonzalo

Still I must thank you.

This is the most passionate,

Most pitifull Prince,

Who in the Caldron of affections,

Looks as he had been par-boy'ld.

Philander

If I offend with too much loving you,

It is a fault that I must still commit,

To make your mercy shine the more on me.

Erota

You are the self-same creature you condemn,

Or else you durst not follow me with hope

That I can pity you, who am so far

From granting any comfort in this kind,

That you and all men else shall perish first:

I will live free and single, till I find

Something above a man to equal me;

Put all your brave

Heroes

into one,

Your Kings and Emperours, and let him come

In person of a man, and I should scorn him:

Must, and will scorn him.

The god of love himself hath lost his eyes,

His Bow and Torch extinguish'd, and the Poets

That made him first a god, have lost their fire

Since I appear'd, and from my eyes must steal it.

This I dare speak; and let me see the man,

Now I have spoke it, that doth, dare deny;

Nay, not believe it.

Mochingo

He is mad that does not.

Erota

Have not all the nations of the Earth heard of me?

Most come to see me, and seeing me, return'd

Full of my praises? teaching their Chroniclers

To make their Stories perfect? for where the name,

Merely the word of fair

Erota

stands,

It is a lasting History to time,

Begetting admiration in the men,

And in my own Sex envie: which glorie's lost,

When I shall stick my beautie in a cloud,

And clearly shine through it.

Gonzalo

This woman's in the altitudes, and he must be

A good Astrologer shall know her Zodiack.

Philander

For any man to think

Himself an able purchaser of you,

But in the bargain there must be declar'd

Infinite bounty: otherwise I vow,

By all that's excellent and gracious in you,

I would untenant every hope lodg'd in me,

And yield my self up loves, or your own Martyr.

Erota

So you shall please us.

Philander

O you cannot be

So heavenly, and so absolute in all things,

And yet retain such cruel tyranny.

Erota

I can, I do, I will.

Gonzalo

She is in her

Moods, and her Tenses: I'le Grammer with you,

And make a trial how I can decline you:

By your leave (great Lady.)

Erota

What are you?

Gonzalo

A man, a good man, that's a wealthy;

A Proper man, and a proud man too; one

That understands himself, and knows, unless

It be your self, no woman on the Universe deserves him.

Nay, Lady, I must tell you too withal,

I may make doubt of that, unless you paint

With better judgement next day than on this;

For (plain I must be with you) 'tis a dull Fucus.

Erota

Knows any one here what this fellow is?

Attendants

He is of

Venice

(Madam) a great Magnifico,

And gracious with the Senate.

Erota

Let him keep then among them; what makes he here?

Here's state enough where I am: here's a do--

You, tell him, if he have ought with us, let him

Look lower, and give it in Petition.

Mochingo

Mighty Magnifico, my Mistris bid me tell you,

If you have ought with her, you must look lower,

And yield it in Petition.

Gonzalo

Here is for thee a Ducket.

Mochingo

You say well Sir, take your own course.

Gonzalo

I will not grace you

(Lady) so much as take you by the hand;

But when I shall vouchsafe to touch your lip,

It shall be through your Court a holy-day

Proclaimed for so high favour.

Erota

This is some

Great mans Jester: Sirrah, begon, here is

No place to fool in.

Gonzalo

Where are the fools you talk of?

I do keep two.

Erota

No question of it: for

In your self you do maintain an hundred.

Gonzalo

And besides them I keep a noble train,

Statists, and men of aclion: my purse is large and deep,

Beyond the reach of riot to draw drie:

Fortune did vie with Nature, to bestow

(When I was born) her bountie equally:

'Tis not amiss you turn your eyes from me;

For should you stand and gaze me in the face,

You perish would, like

Semele

by

Jove

:

In

Venice

at this instant there do lye

No less than threescore Ladies in their graves,

And in their Beds five hundred for my love.

Mochingo

You lie more than they; yet it becomes him bravel[y];

Would I could walk and talk so! I'le endeavour it.

Erota

Sir, do you know me?

Gonzalo

Yes, you were sister to the late Prince of

Candy

,

Aunt to this young one: and I in

Venice

,

Am born a Lord; equall to you in fortunes,

In shape; I'le say no more, but view.

Mochingo

There needs no more be said, were I a woman--

O he does rarely: in shape; I'le say no more,

But view: who could say more, who better?

Man is no man, nor woman woman is,

Unless they have a pride like one of these.

How poor the Prince of

Cyprus

shews to him!

How poor another Lady unto her!

Carriage and State makes us seem demi-gods,

Humility, like beasts, worms of the Earth.

Enter Antinous, and Decius.

Antinous

Royal Lady, I kiss your hand.

Erota

Sir, I know you not.

Annophel

O my noble Brother, welcom from the wars.

Antinous

Dear Sister.

Annophel

Where is my Father, that you come without him?

We have news of your success: he has his health I hope?

Antinous

Yes Sister, he has his health, but is not well.

Annophel

How not well? what Riddles do yo[u] utter?

Antinous

I'le tell you more in private.

Gonzalo

Noble Sir,

I cannot be unmindfull of your merit,

Since I last heard it: you are a hopefull youth,

And (indeed) the Soul of

Candy

.

I must speak my thoughts.

Annophel

The Prince of

Cyprus

Brother, good

Decius

.

Antinous

I am his Servant.

Philander

You are the Patron of your Countrie, Sir,

So your unimitable deeds proclaim you,

It is no language of my own, but all mens.

Gonzalo

Your Enemies must needs acknowledge it:

Then do not think it flatterie in your friends,

For if they had a heart, they could not want a tongue.

Erota

Is this your Brother

Annophil

?

Annophel

Yes Madam.

Erota

Your name's

Antinous

?

Antinous

I am (Lady) that most unfortunate man.

Erota

How unfortunate? are you not the Souldier,

The Captain of those Captains, that did bring

Conquest and Victory home along with you?

Antinous

I had some share in't; but was the least

Of the least worthy.

Gonzalo

O Sir, in your modesty you'ld make

A double Conquest: I was an ear-witness

When this young man spoke lesser than he acted,

And had the Souldiers voice to help him out:

But that the Law compell'd him for his honour,

To inforce him make a claim for his reward,

I well perceive he would have stood the man

That he does now, buried his worth in silence.

Erota

Sir, I hearken not to him, but look on you,

And find more in you than he can relate:

You shall attend on me.

Antinous

Madam, your pardon.

Erota

Deny it not Sir, for it is more honour

Than you have gotten i'th' field: for know you shall,

Upon

Erota's

asking, serve

Erota

.

Antinous

I may want answers, Lady,

But never want a will to do you service.

I came here to my Sister, to take leave,

Having enjoyn'd my self to banishment,

For some cause that hereafter you may hear,

And wish with me I had not the occasion.

Annophel

There shall be no occasion to divide us:

Dear Madam for my sake use your power,

Even for the service that he ought to owe,

Must, and does owe to you, his friends, and country.

Erota

Upon your Loyalty to the state and me,

I do command you Sir, not depart Candy:

Am I not your Princess?

Antinous

You are a great Lady.

Erota

Then shew your self a Servant and a Subject.

Antinous

I am your vassal.

Mochingo

You are a Coward; I that dare not fight,

Scorn to be vassail to any Prince in

Europe

:

Great is my heart with pride, which I'le encrease

When they are gone, with practise on my Vassals.

Attendants

The noble

Cassilane

is come to see you Madam.

Decius

There's comfort in those words,

Antinous

:

For here's the place, and persons that have power,

To reconcile you to his love again.

Antinous

That were a fortunate meeting.

Enter Cassilane, and Arcanes.

Cassilanes

Greatness still wait you Lady.

Erota

Good

Cassilane

, we do maintain our greatness,

Through your valour.

Cassilanes

My prayers pull daily blessings on thy head,

My un-offending child, my

Annophel

.

Good Prince, worthy

Gonzalo

! ha? art thou here

Before me? in every action art thou ambitious?

My duty (Lady) first offered here,

And love to thee (my child) though he out-strip me;

Thus in the wars he got the start on me,

By being forward, but performing less;

All the endeavours of my life are lost,

And thrown upon that evil of mine own

Cursed begetting, whom I shame to father.

O that the heat thou rob'dst me of, had burnt

Within my Entrails, and begot a feaver,

Or some worse sickness, for thou art a disease

Sharper than any Physick gives a name to.

Annophel

Why do you say so?

Cassilanes

O

Annophil

; there is good cause my girle:

He has plaid the thief with me, and filch'd away

The richest jewel of my life, my honour,

Wearing it publickly with that applause,

As if he justly did inherit it.

Antinous

Would I had in my Infancy been laid

Within my grave, covered with your blessings rather

Than grown up to a man, to meet your curses.

Cassilanes

O that thou hadst.

Then I had been the Father of a child,

Dearer than thou wert ever unto me,

When hope perswaded me I had begot

Another self in thee: Out of mine eyes,

As far as I have thrown thee from my heart,

That I may live and dye forgetting thee.

Erota

How has he deserv'd this untam'd anger,

That when he might have ask't for his reward

Some honour for himself, or mass of pelf,

He only did request to have erected

Your Statue in the Capitol, with Titles

Ingrav'd upon't, The Patron of his Countrey?

Cassilanes

That, that's the poison in the gilded cup,

The Serpent in the flowers, that stings my honour,

And leaves me dead in fame: Gods do a justice,

And rip his bosom up, that men may see,

Seeing, believe the subtle practises

Written within his heart: But I am heated,

And do forget this presence, and my self.

Your pardon, Lady.

Erota

You should not ask, 'less you knew how to give.

For my sake

Cassilane

, cast out of your thoughts

All ill conceptions of your worthy son,

That (questionless) has ignorantly offended,

Declared in his penitence.

Cassilanes

Bid me dye, Lady, for your sake I'le do it;

But that you'l say is nothing, for a man

That has out-liv'd his honour: But command me

In any thing save that, and

Cassilane

Shall ever be your servant. Come

Annophel

,

(My joy in this world) thou shalt live with me,

(Retired in some solitarie nook,)

The comfort of my age; my dayes are short,

And ought to be well spent: and I desire

No other witness of them but thy self,

And good

Arcanes

.

Annophel

I shall obey you Sir.

Gonzalo

Noble Sir:

If you taste any want of worldly means,

Let not that discontent you: know me your friend,

That hath, and can supply you.

Cassilanes

Sir, I am too much bound to you already,

And 'tis not of my cares the least, to give you

Fair satisfaction.

Gonzalo

You may imagine I do speak to that end,

But trust me, 'tis to make you bolder with me.

Cassilanes

Sir, I thank you, and may make trial of you,

Mean time my service.

Annophel

Brother be comforted; so long as I continue

Within my Fathers love, you cannot long

Stand out an Exile: I must goe live with him,

And I will prove so good an Orator

In your behalf, that you again shall gain him,

Or I will stir in him another anger,

And be lost with you.

Antinous

Better I were neglected: for he is hasty,

And through the Choler that abounds in him,

(Which for the time divides from him his judgement)

He may cast you off, and with you his life;

For grief will straight surprize him, and that way

Must be his death: the sword has try'd too often,

And all the deadly Instruments of war

Have aim'd at his great heart, but ne're could touch it:

Yet not a limb about him wants a scar.

Cassilanes

Madam my duty--

Erota

Will you be gone?

Cassilanes

I must, Lady, but I shall be ready,

When you are pleas'd command me, for your service.

Excellent Prince--To all my heartie love,

And a good Farewel.

Mochingo

Thanks honest

Cassilane

.

Cassilanes

Come

Annophel

.

Gonzalo

Shall I not wait upon you Sir?

Cassilanes

From hence you shall not stir a foot:

Loving

Gonzalo

, it must be all my study

To requite you.

Gonzalo

If I may be so fortunate to deserve

The name of friend from you, I have enough.

Cassilanes

You are so, and you have made your self so.

Gonzalo

I will then preserve it.

Erota

Antinous

you are my servant, are you not?

Antinous

It hath pleased you so to grace me.

Erota

Why are you then dejected? you will say,

You have lost a father; but you have found a Mistris

Doubles that loss: be master of your spirit;

You have a cause for it, which is my favour.

Gonzalo

And mine.

Erota

Will no man ease me of this fool?

Gonzalo

Your fellow.

Erota

Antinous

wait upon us.

Antinous

I shall Madam.

Gonzalo

Nay but Ladie, Ladie.

Erota

Sir, you are rude: and if you be the Master

Of such means as you do talk of, you should

Learn good manners.

Gonzalo

O Lady, you can find a fault in me,

But not perceive it in your self: you must, shall hear me:

I love you for your pride, 'tis the best vertue

In you.

Erota

I could hang this fellow now: by whom

Are you supported, that you dare do this?

Have you not example here in a Prince

Transcending you in all things, yet bears himself

As doth become a man had seen my beautie?

Back to your Country, and your Curtizans,

Where you may be admired for your wealth,

Which being consum'd, may be a means to gain you

The opinion of some wit. Here's nothing

To be got but scorn, and loss of time.

Gonzalo

Which are things I delight in.

Erota

Antinous

follow me.

[Exit.

Gonzalo

She is vext to the soul.

Mochingo

Let her be vext, 'tis fit she should be so:

Give me thy hand

Gonzalo

, thou art in our favour,

For we do love to cherish lofty spirits,

Such as percusse the Earth, and bound

With an erected countenance to the clouds.

Gonzalo

'S-foot, what thing is this?

Mochingo

I do love fire-works, because they mount:

An Exhalation I profess to adore,

Beyond a fixed star, 'tis more illustrious,

As every thing rais'd out of smoak is so:

Their vertue is in action: what do you think of me?

Gonzalo

Troth Sir,

You are beyond my ghess, I know you not.

Mochingo

Do you know your self?

Gonzalo

Yes Sir.

Mochingo

Why you and I are one: I am proud, and

Very proud too, that I must tell you; I saw

It did become you, cousin

Gonzalo

, prethee

Let it be so.

Gonzalo

Let it be so good cousin.

Mochingo

I am no great ones fool.

Gonzalo

I hope so, for alliance sake.

Mochingo

Yet I do serve the Mighty, Monstrous, and Magnanimous

Invincible

Erota

.

Gonzalo

O good cousin, now I have you: I'le meet you in your Coat.

Mochingo

Coat? I have my horse-mans coat I must confess

Lin'd through with Velvet, and a Scarlet out-side;

If you'll meet me in't, I'le send for't;

And cousin you shall see me with much comfort,

For it is both a new one, and a right one,

It did not come collateral.

Gonzalo

Adieu good cousin; at this present I have some business.

Mochingo

Farewel, excellent cousin.

Actus Tertius

Scena Prima

Enter Gonzalo, and Fernando.

Gonzalo

Candy

, I say, is lost already.

Fernando

Yes,

If to be conqueror be to be lost.

Gonzalo

You have it; one days conquest hath undone them.

And sold them to their vassalage; for what

Have I else toyl'd my brains, profusely emptied

My moneys, but to make them slaves to

Venice

,

That so in case the sword did lose his edge,

Then art might sharpen hers?

Fernando

Gonzalo

how?

Gonzalo

Fernando

thus: you see how through this Land,

Both of the best and basest I am honour'd;

I only gave the State of

Venice

notice,

When, where, and how to land, or you had found

A better entertainment: I was he

Encourag'd young

Antinous

to affront

The Devil his Father: for the Devil I think

Dares not do more in battel.

Fernando

But why did ye?

I find no such great policie in that.

Gonzalo

Indeed

Fernando

, thou canst fight, not plot:

Had they continu'd one, they two alone

Were of sufficient courage and performance

To beat an Armie.

Fernando

Now by all my hopes,

I rather shall admire, than envy vertue.

Gonzalo

Why then by all your hopes you'l rather have

Your Brains knockt out, than learn how to be wise;

You States-man? Well Sir, I did more than this,

When

Cassilane

crav'd from the common treasure

Pay for his Souldiers, I strook home, and lent him

An hundred thousand Duckets.

Fernando

Marry Sir,

The policy was little, the love l[e]ss,

And honesty least of all.

Gonzalo

How say ye by that?

Go fight, I say goe fight, I'le talk no more with you,

You are insensible.

Fernando

Well, I shall observe ye.

Gonzalo

Why look you Sir, by this means have I got

The greatest part of

Cassilanes

estate

Into my hands, which he can ne're redeem,

But must of force sink: do you conceive me now?

Fernando

So:

But why have you importuned the Senate,

For me to sojourn with them?

Gonzalo

There's the quintessence,

The soul, and grand elixir of my wit:

For he (according to his noble nature)

Will not be known to want, though he do want,

And will be bankrupted so much the sooner,

And made the subject of our scorn and laughter.

Fernando

Here's a perfect plotted stratagem.

Gonzalo

Why? could you

Imagine, that I did not hate in heart

My Countryes enemies? yes, yes,

Fernando

,

And I will be the man that shall undoe them.

Fernando

Ye are in a ready way.

Gonzalo

I was never out on't.

Enter Gaspero

Gonzalo

Peace,

Here comes a wise Coxcombe, a tame Coward.

Now worthy

Gaspero

, what,

You come (I know) to be my Lord

Fernando

's

Conducter to old

Cassilane

?

Gaspero

To wait upon him.

Gonzalo

And my Lords the Senators sent you?

Gaspero

My noble Lord they did.

Gonzalo

My Lord

Fernando

,

This Gentleman, (as humble as you see him)

Is even this Kingdoms treasure; In a word,

'Tis his chief glory that he is not wiser

Than honest, nor more honest than approv'd

In truth and faith.

Gaspero

My Lord.

Gonzalo

You may be bold

To trust him with your bosom, he'l not deceive

If you relie upon him once.

[Fernando]

Your name is

Gaspero

?

Gaspero

Your servant.

Gonzalo

Go commend me

(Right honest

Gaspero

) commend me heartily

To noble

Cassilane

, tell him my love

Is vow'd to him.

Gaspero

I shall.

Gonzalo

I know you will.

My Lord I cannot long be absent from you.

Fernando

Sir, you are now my guide.

[Exit.

Gonzalo

Thus my designs

Run uncontroul'd; yet

Venice

though I be

Intelligencer to thee, in my brain

Are other large Projects: for if proud

Erota

Bend to my lure, I will be

Candy's

King,

And Duke of

Venice

too. Ha?

Venice

too?

O 'twas prettily shov'd in: why not?

Erota

May in her love seal all sure: if she swallow

The bait, I am Lord of both; if not, yet

Candy

Despight of all her power shall be ruin'd.

Enter Cassilane, Arcanes, and Annophel

Cassilanes

Urge me no farther

Annopbel

.

Annophel

My Lord.

Cassilanes

Thy fathers poverty has made thee happy;

For though 'tis true, this solitary life

Sutes not with youth and beautie, O my child,

Yet 'tis the sweetest Guardian to protect

Chast names from Court aspersions; there a Lady

Tender and delicate in years and graces,

That doats upon the charms of ease and pleasure,

Is ship-wrackt on the shore; for 'tis much safer

To trust the Ocean in a leaking ship,

Than follow greatness in the wanton rites

Of luxurie and sloth.

Annophel

My wishes Sir,

Have never soar'd a higher flight, than truly

To find occasion wherein I might witness

My duty and obedience.

Cassilanes

'Tis well said,

Canst thou forbear to laugh

Arcanes

?

Arcanes

Why Sir?

Cassilanes

To look upon my beggerie, to look upon

My patience in my beggerie: Tell me,

Does it shew handsom? bravely?

Handsom? thou wilt flatter me,

And swear that I am miserable.

Arcanes

Nothing

More glorifies the noble, and the valiant,

Than to despise contempt: if you continue

But to enjoy your self, you in your self

Enjoy all store besides.

Cassilanes

An excellent change:

I that some seven Apprentice-ships commanded

A hundred Ministers, that waited on

My nod, and sometimes twenty thousand souldiers,

Am now retir'd, attended in my age

By one poor maid, follow'd by one old man.

Arcanes

Sir, you are lower in your own repute

Than you have reason for.

Cassilanes

The

Roman

Captains,

I mean the best, such as with their blouds

Purchas'd their Countreys peace, the Empires glorie,

Were glad at last to get them to some Farmes,

Off-from the clamours of the ingratefull great ones,

And the unsteady multitude, to live

As I do now, and 'twas their blessing too,

Let it be ours

Arcanes

.

Arcanes

I cannot but

Applaud your scorn of injuries.

Cassilanes

Of injuries?

Arcanes

,

Annophel

, lend both your hands.

So, what say ye now?

Arcanes

Why now my Lord--

Cassilanes

I swear

By all my past prosperities; thus standing

Between you two, I think my self as great,

As mighty, as if in the Capitol

I stood amidst the Senators, with all

The

Cretan

subjects prostrate at my feet.

Annophel

Sir, you are here more safe.

Cassilanes

And more beloved:

Why look ye Sirs, I can forget the weakness

Of the traduced Souldiers, the negleft

Of the fair-spoken Senate, the impietie

Of him, the villain, whom (to my dishonour)

The World miscalls my son.

But by the--

Arcanes

Sir, remember that you promis'd no occasion

Should move your patience.

Cassilanes

Thou do'st chide me friendly,

He shall not have the honour to be thought upon

Amongst us.

Enter a Servant.

Now? the news?

Servant

The Secretarie,

With the

Venetian

prisoner, desire

Admittance to your Lordship.

Cassilanes

How? to me?

What mysterie is this?

Arcanes

can they,

Thinkst thou, mean any good?

Arcanes

My Lord, they dare not

Intend ought else but good.

Cassilanes

'Tis true, they dare not;

Arcanes

welcom them: Come hither

Annophel

,

Stand close to me, we'l change our affability

Into a form of State: and they shall know

Our heart is still our own.

Enter Arcanes, Fernando, and Gaspero.

Arcanes

My Lord--

Cassilanes

Arcanes

,

I know them both:

Fernando

, as you are

A man of greatness, I should under-value

The right my sword hath fought for, to observe

Low-fawning complements, but as you are

A Captive and a stranger, I can love you,

And must be kind. You are welcom.

Fernando

'Tis the all

Of my ambition.

Gaspero

And for proof how much

He truly honours your heroick vertues,

The Senate on his importunity,

Commend him to your Lordships guard.

Cassilanes

For what?

Gaspero

During the time of his abode in

Candy

,

To be your houshold guest.

Fernando

Wherein my Lord,

You shall more make me debtor to your nobleness,

Than if you had return'd me without ransom.

Cassilanes

Are you in earnest Sir?

Fernando

My sute to the Senate

Shall best resolve you that.

Cassilanes

Come hither Secretarie,

Look that this be no trick now put upon me:

For if it be--Sirrah--

Gaspero

As I have troth

(My Lord) it only is a favour granted

Upon

Fernando's

motion, from himself:

Your Lordship must conceive, I'de not partake

Ought, but what should concern your honour; Who

Has been the prop, our Countries shield, and safety,

But the renowned

Cassilane

?

Cassilanes

Applause?

Is

Gaspero

--puff--nothing--why, young Lord,

Would you so much be sequester'd from those

That are the blazing Comets of the time,

To live a solitary life with me?

A man forsaken? all my hospitality

Is now contracted to a few; these two,

The tempest-wearied Souldier, and this Virgin;

We cannot feast your eyes with Masques and Revels,

Or Courtly Anticks; the sad Sports we riot in,

Are tales of foughten fields, of Martial scars,

And things done long ago, when men of courage

Were held the best, not those well-spoken Youths,

Who only carry Conquest in their tongues:

Now stories of this nature are unseasonable

To entertain a great Duke's Son with.

Fernando

Herein

Shall my Captivity be made my happiness,

Since what I lose in freedom, I regain

(With int'rest) by conversing with a Souldier,

So matchless for experience, as great

Cassilane

:

'Pray Sir, admit me.

Cassilanes

If you, come to mock me,

I shall be angry.

Fernando

By the love I bear

To goodness, my intents are honourable.

Cassilanes

Then in a word, my Lord, your visitations

Shall find all due respect: but I am now

Grown old, and have forgot to be an Host;

Come when you please, you are welcome.

Fernando

Sir, I thank you.

Annophel

Good Sir, be not too urgent; for my Father

Will soon be mov'd: yet, in a noble way

Of courtesie, he is as easily conquer'd.

Fernando

Lady, your words are like your beauty, powerful;

I shall not strive more how to do him service

Than how to be your servant.

Cassilanes

She's my Daughter,

And does command this House.

Fernando

So I conceive her.

Cassilanes

Do you hear?

Gaspero

My honour'd Lord.

Cassilanes

Commend me to them:

Tell 'em I thank them.

Gaspero

Whom, my Lord?

Cassilanes

The Senate;

Why, how come you so dull? O they are gracious,

And infinitely grateful--Thou art eloquent,

Speak modestly in mentioning my services;

And if ought fall out in the By, that must

Of meer necessity touch any act

Of my deserving praises, blush when you talk on't,

Twill make them blush to hear on't.

Gaspero

Why, my Lord--

Cassilanes

Nay, nay, you are too wise now; good, observe me.

I do not rail against the hopeful Springall,

That builds up Monuments in Brass; rears Trophies

With Mottoes and Inscriptions, quaint devices

Of Poetry and Fiction; let's be quiet.

Arcanes

You must not cross him.

Gaspero

Not for

Candy

's Wealth.

Fernando

You shall for ever make me yours.

Annophel

'Twere pity to double your Captivity.

Arcanes

Who's here,

Decius

?

Enter Decius

Cassilanes

Ha!

Decius

? who nam'd

Decius

?

Decius

My duty to your Lordship, I am bold,

Presuming on your noble, and known goodness

To--

Cassilanes

What?

Decius

Present you with this--

Cassilanes

Letter?

Decius

Yes, my honour'd Lord.

Cassilanes

From whom?

Decius

'Please you peruse

The inside, and you shall find a name subscrib'd,

In such humility, in such obedience,

That you your self will judge it tyranny

Not to receive it favourably.

Cassilanes

Hey-day!

Good words my Masters: this is Court-infection,

And none but Cowards ply them: tell me,

Decius

,

Without more circumstance, who is the Sender?

Decius

Your most griev'd Son,

Antinous

.

Cassilanes

On my life

A Challenge; speak, as thou art worthy, speak;

I'll answer't.

Decius

Honour'd Sir.

Cassilanes

No honour'd Sirs--

Fool your young Idol with such pompous Attributes.

Say briefly, what contains it?

Decius

'Tis a lowly

Petition for your favour.

Cassilanes

Rash young man,

But that thou art under my own roof, and know'st

I dare not any way infringe the Laws

Of Hospitality, thou should'st repent

Thy bold and rude intrusion. But presume not

Again to shew thy Letter, for thy life;

Decius

, not for thy life.

Arcanes

Nay then, (my Lord)

I can with-hold no longer; you are too rough,

And wrestle against nature with a violence

More than becomes a Father; wherein would ye

Come nearer to the likeness of God,

Than in your being entreated? Let not thirst

Of Honour, make you quite forget you are

A Man, and what makes perfect manhoods, comforts

A Father.

Annophel

If a memory remain

Of my departed Mother; if the purity

Of her unblemish'd faith deserve to live

In your remembrance, let me yet by these

Awake your love to my uncomforted Brother.

Fernando

I am a Stranger, but so much I tender

Your Sons desertful Vertues, that I vow

His Sword ne'r conquer'd me so absolutely,

As shall your courtesie, if you vouchsafe

At all our instances, to new receive him

Into your wonted favour.

Gaspero

Sir, you cannot

Require more low submission.

Annophel

Am I not

Grown vile yet in your eyes? then by the name

Of Father, let me once more sue for him,

Who is the only now remaining Branch

With me, of that most ancient root, whose Body

You are, dear Sir.

Cassilanes

'Tis well, an host of furies

Could not have baited me more torturingly,

More rudely, or more most unnaturally.

Decius

, I say, let me no more hear from him;

For this time go thou hence, and know from me

Thou art beholding to me that I have not

Kill'd thee already, look to't next, look to't.

Arcanes

fie, fie

Annophel

.

[Exit.

Arcanes

He's gone;

Chaf'd beyond sufferance; we must follow him.

Decius

Lady, this Letter is to you.

Annophel

Come with me,

For we must speak in private; 'please you, Sir,

To see what entertainment our sad house

Can yield?

[Exit.

Fernando

I shall attend you, Lady.

Gaspero

How do you like

To sojourn here, my Lord?

Fernando

More than to feast

With all the Princes of the Earth besides:

Gonzalo

told me that thou wert honest.

Gaspero

Yes Sir,

And you shall find it.

Fernando

Shall I?

Gaspero

All my follies

Be else recorded to my shame.

Fernando

Enough,

My heart is here for ever lodg'd.

Gaspero

The Lady.

Fernando

The place admits no time to utter all,

But

Gaspero

if thou wilt prove my friend,

I'll say thou art--

Gaspero

Your Servant; I conceive ye,

We'll chuse some fitter leisure.

Fernando

Never man

Was (in a moment) or more bless'd or wretched.

[Exeunt.

Enter Hyparcha (placing two Chairs) Antinous, and Erota.

Erota

Leave us.

Hyparcha

I shall.

[Exit.

Erota

Antinous

, sit down.

Antinous

Madam.

Erota

I say sit down, I do command you sit;

For look what honour thou dost gain by me,

I cannot lose it: happy

Antinous

,

The graces and the higher Deities

Smil'd at thy Birth, and still continue it:

Then think that I (who scorn lesser examples)

Must do the like: such as do taste my power,

And talk of it with fear and reverence,

Shall do the same unto the man I favour.

I tell thee Youth, thou hast a conquest won,

Since thou cam'st home, greater than that last,

Which dignified thy Fame, greater than if

Thou should'st go out again, and conquer farther;

For I am not ashamed to acknowledge

My self subdued by thee.

Antinous

Great Lady--

Erota

Sit still, I will not hear thee else; now speak,

And speak like my

Antinous

, like my Souldier,

Whom

Cupid

, and not

Mars

hath sent to Battel.

Antinous

I must (I see) be silent.

Erota

So thou maist;

There's greater action in it than in clamour,

A look (if it be gracious) will begin the War,

A word conclude it; then prove no Coward,

Since thou hast such a friendly enemy,

That teaches thee to conquer.

Antinous

You do amaze me, Madam,

I have no skill, no practice in this War,

And whether you be serious, or please

To make your sport on a dejected man,

I cannot rightly guess; but be it as it will,

It is a like unhappiness to me:

My discontents bear those conditions in them,

And lay me out so wretched, no designs

(However truly promising a good)

Can make me relish ought but a sweet-bitter

Voluntary Exile.

Erota

Why an Exile?

What comfort can there be in those Companions

Which sad thoughts bring along with?

Enter Hyparcha

Hyparcha

Madam.

[Musick.

Erota

Whence comes this well tun'd sound?

Hyparcha

I know not, Madam.

Erota

Listen Wench;

What ever friendly hands they are that send it,

[Song.

Let 'em play on; they are Masters of their faculty:

Doth it please you, Sir?

Antinous

According to the time.

Erota

Go to 'em, Wench,

And tell 'em, we shall thank 'em; for they have kept

As good time to our disposition, as to their instruments;

Unless

Antinous

shall say he loves,

There never can be sweeter accents utter'd.

Enter Philander.

Philander

Let then the heart that did employ those hands,

Receive some small share of your thanks with them,

'Tis happiness enough that you did like it;

A fortune unto me, that I should send it

In such a lucky minute; but to obtain

So gracious welcome did exceed my hopes.

Erota

Good Prince, I thank you for't.

Philander

O Madam, pour not (too fast) joys on me,

But sprinkle 'em so gently I may stand 'em;

It is enough at first, you have laid aside

Those cruel angry looks out of your eyes,

With which (as with your lovely) you did strike

All your Beholders in an Ecstasie.

Erota

Philander

, you have long profest to love me.

Philander

Have I but profest it, Madam?

Erota

Nay, but hear me?

Philander

More attentively than to an Oracle.

Erota

And I will speak more truly, if more can be;

Nor shall my language be wrapt up in Riddles,

But plain as truth it self; I love this Gentleman,

Whose grief has made him so uncapable

Of Love, he will not hear, at least not understand it.

I, that have lookt with scornful eyes on thee,

And other Princes, mighty in their states,

And in their friends as fortunate, have now pray'd,

In a petitionary kind almost,

This man, this well-deserving man, (that I must say)

To look upon this beauty, yet you see

He casts his eyes rather upon the ground,

Than he will turn 'em this way;

Philander

,

You look pale; I'll talk no more.

Philander

Pray go forward; I would be your Martyr,

To dye thus, were immortally to live.

Erota

Will you go to him then, and speak for me?

You have loved longer, but not ferventer,

Know how to speak, for you have done it like

An Orator, even for your self; then how will you for me

Whom you profess to love above your self.

Philander

The Curses of Dissemblers follow me

Unto my Grave, and if I do not so.

Erota

You may (as all men do) speak boldlier, better

In their friends cause still, than in your own;

But speak your utmost, yet you cannot feign,

I will stand by, and blush to witness it.

Tell him, since I beheld him, I have lost

The happiness of this life, food, and rest;

A quiet bosome, and the state I went with.

Tell him how he has humbled the proud,

And made the living but a dead

Erota

.

Tell him withal, that she is better pleas'd

With thinking on him, than enjoying these.

Tell him--

Philander

, Prince; I talk in vain

To you, you do not mark me.

Philander

Indeed I do.

Erota

But thou dost look so pale,

As thou wilt spoil the story in relating.

Philander

Not, if I can but live to tell it.

Erota

It may be you have not the heart.

Philander

I have a will I am sure how e'r my heart

May play the Coward, but if you please, I'll try.

Erota

If a kiss will strengthen thee, I give you leave

To challenge it, nay, I will give it you.

Philander

O that a man should taste such heavenly bliss,

And be enjoyn'd to beg it for another!

Erota

Alas, it is a misery I grieve

To put you to, and I will suffer rather

In his tyranny, than thou in mine.

Philander

Nay Madam, since I cannot have your love,

I will endeavour to deserve your pity;

For I had rather have within the grave

Your love, than you should want it upon earth.

But how can I hope, with a feeble tongue

To instruct him in the rudiments of love,

When your most powerful Beauty cannot work it?

Erota

Do what thou wilt (

Philander

) the request

Is so unreasonable, that I quit thee of it.

I desire now no more but the true patience,

And fortitude of Lovers, with those helps

Of sighs and tears, which I think is all the Physick--

Philander

O if he did but hear you 'twere enough;

And I will 'wake him from his Apoplexie.

Antinous.

Antinous

My Lord?

Philander

Nay, 'pray,

No courtesie to me, you are my Lord,

(Indeed you are) for you command her heart

That commands mine; nor can you want to know it.

For look you, she that told it you in words,

Explains it now more passionately in tears;

Either thou hast no heart, or a marble one,

If those drops cannot melt it; prithee look up

And see how sorrow sits within her eyes,

And love the grief she goes with (if not her)

Of which thou art the Parent; and never yet

Was there (by Nature) that thing made so stony

But it would love what ever it begot.

Antinous

He that begot me did beget these cares

Which are good issues, though happily by him

Esteemed Monsters: Nay, the ill-judging World

Is likely enough to give them those Characters.

Philander

What's this to love, and to the Lady? he's old,

Wrathful, perverse, self-will'd, and full of anger,

Which are his faults; but let them not be thine;

He thrusts you from his love, she pulls thee on;

He doubts your Vertues, she doth double them;

O either use thine own eyes, or take mine,

And with them my heart, then thou wilt love her,

Nay, dote upon her more than on thy duty,

And men will praise thee equally for it,

Neglecting her, condemn thee as a man

Unworthy such a fortune: O

Antinous

,

'Tis not the friendship that I bear to thee,

But her command, that makes me utter this;

And when I have prevail'd, let her but say,

Philander

, you must dye or this is nothing,

It shall be done together with a breath,

With the same willingness I live to serve her.

Erota

No more,

Philander

.

Philander

All I have done, is little yet to purpose,

But ere I leave him I will perceive him blush;

And make him feel the passions that I do,

And every true Lover will assist me in't,

And lend me their sad sighs to blow it home,

For

Cupid

wants a Dart to wound this bosome.

Erota

No more, no more,

Philander

, I can endure no more,

Pray let him go; go good

Antinous

, make peace

With your own mind, no matter though I perish.

[Ex.

Actus Quartus

Scena Prima

Enter Hyparcha, and Mochingo

Hyparcha

I Cannot help it.

Mochingo

Nor do I require it,

The malady needs no Physician,

Help hospital people.

Hyparcha

I am glad to hear

You are so valiant.

Mochingo

Valiant?

Can any man be proud that is not valiant?

Foolish Woman, what would'st thou say? thou--

know not what to call thee.

Hyparcha

I can you,

For I can call you Coxcomb, Ass, and Puppy.

Mochingo

You do doe it, I thank you.

Hyparcha

That you'll lose a Fortune,

Which a Cobler better deserves than thou dost.

Mochingo

Do not provoke my magnanimity,

For when I am incens'd I am insensible,

Go tell thy Lady, that hath sent me word

She will discard me, that I discard her,

And throw a scorn upon her, which I would not,

But that she does me wrong.

Enter Erota, and Antinous.

Erota

Do you not glory in your Conquest more,

To take some great man Prisoner, than to kill him?

And shall a Lady find less mercy from you,

That yields her self your Captive, and for her Ransome,

Will give the Jewel of her life, her heart,

Which she hath lockt from all men but thy self?

For shame (

Antinous

) throw this dulness off;

Art thou a man no where but in the field?

Hyparcha

He must hear Drums, and Trumpets ere he sleeps,

And at this instant dreams he's in his Armour;

These iron-hearted Souldiers are so cold,

Till they be beaten to a Womans Arms,

And then they love 'em better than their own;

No Fort can hold them out.

Antinous

What pity it is (Madam) that your self,

Who are all Excellence, should become so wretched,

To think on such a Wretch as Grief hath made me!

Seldome despairing men look up to Heaven,

Although it still speak to 'em in its Glories;

For when sad thoughts perplex the mind of man,

There is a Plummet in the heart that weighs,

And pulls us (living) to the dust we came from;

Did you but see the miseries you pursue,

(As I the happiness that I avoid

That doubles my afflictions) you would flye

Unto some Wilderness, or to your Grave,

And there find better Comforts than in me,

For Love and Cares can never dwell together.

Erota

They should,

If thou hadst but my Love and I thy Cares.

Antinous

What wild Beast in the Desart but would be

Taught by this Tongue to leave his Cruelty,

Though all the beauties of the face were vail'd!

But I am savager than any Beast,

And shall be so till

Decius

does arrive,

Whom with so much submission I have sent

Under my hand, that if he do not bring

His Benediction back, he must to me

Be much more cruel than I to you.

Erota

Is't but your Fathers pardon you desire?

Antinous

With his love, and then nothing next that, like yours.

Enter Decius

Erota

Decius

is come.

Antinous

O welcome Friend; if I apprehend not

Too much of joy, there's comfort in thy looks.

Erota

There is indeed; I prithee

Decius

speak it.

Decius

How! prithee

Decius

! this Woman's strangely alter'd.

Antinous

Why dost not speak (good friend) and tell me how

The reverend Blessing of my life receiv'd

My humble lines; wept he for joy?

Decius

No, there's a Letter will inform you more;

Yet I can tell you what I think will grieve you,

The Old Man is in want and angry still,

And poverty is the Bellows to the Coal

More than distaste from you as I imagine.

Antinous

What's here? how's this? It cannot be! now sure

My griefs delude my senses.

Erota

In his looks

I read a world of Changes;

Decius

, mark

With what a sad amazement he surveys

The News; canst thou guess what 'tis?

Decius

None good, I fear.

Erota

I fear so too; and then--

Antinous

It is her hand.

Erota

Are you not well?

Antinous

Too well: if I were ought

But Rock, this Letter would conclude my miseries,

Peruse it (Lady) and resolve me then,

In what a case I stand.

Decius

Sir, the worst is,

Your Fathers lowness and distaste.

Antinous

No,

Decius

,

My Sister writes

Fernando

has made suit

For love to her; and to express sincerely

His constant truth, hath like a noble Gentleman,

Discovered plots of treachery; contriv'd

By false

Gonzalo

, not intending more

The utter ruine of our house, than generally

Candies

Confusion.

Decius

'Tis a generous part

Of young

Fernando

.

Antinous

'Tis, and I could wish

All thrift to his affections,

Decius

.

You find the sum on't, Madam.

Erota

Yes, I do.

Antinous

And can you now yet think a heart opprest

With such a throng of cares, can entertain

An amorous thought? Love frees all toils but one,

Calamity and it can ill agree.

Erota

Wil't please you speak my doom?

Antinous

Alas, great Lady,

Why will you flatter thus a desperate Man

That is quite cast away? O had you not

Procur'd the Senates Warrant to enforce

My stay, I had not heard of these sad News.

What would ye have me do?

Erota

Love me, or kill me,

One word shall sentence either; for as Truth

Is just, if you refuse me, I am resolute

Not to out-live my thraldome.

Antinous

Gentle Lady.

Erota

Say, must I live, or dye?

Decius

My Lord, how can you

Be so inexorable? here's Occasion

Of succouring your Father in his wants

Securely profer'd, pray Sir, entertain it.

Erota

What is my sentence?

Antinous

What you please to have it.

Erota

As thou art gentle speak those words again.

Antinous

Madam, you have prevail'd; yet give me leave

Without offence, ere I resign the interest

Your heart hath in my heart, to prove your secresie.

Erota

Antinous

, 'tis the greatest argument

Of thy affections to me.

Antinous

Madam, thus then,

My Father stands for certain sums engag'd

To treacherous

Gonzalo

; and has morgag'd

The greatest part of his estate to him;

If you receive this Morgage, and procure

Acquittance from

Gonzalo

to my Father,

I am what you would have me be.

Erota

You'll love me then?

Antinous

Provided (Madam) that my Father know not

I am an Agent for him.

Erota

If I fail

In this, I am unworthy to be lov'd.

Antinous

Then (with your favour) thus I seal my truth,

To day, and

Decius

witness how unchangingly

I shall still love

Erota

.

Erota

Thou hast quickned

A dying heart,

Antinous

.

Decius

This is well;

Much happiness to both.

Enter Hyparcha

Hyparcha

The Lord

Gonzalo

Attends you, Madam.

Erota

Comes as we could wish,

Withdraw

Antinous

, here's a Closet, where

You may partake his errand; let him enter.

Enter Gonzalo

Antinous

Madam you must be wary.

[Exit

Erota

Fear it not,

I will be ready for him; to entertain him

With smiling Welcome. Noble Sir, you take

Advantage of the time; it had been fit

Some notice of your presence might have fashion'd

A more prepared state.

Gonzalo

Do you mock me, Madam?

Erota

Trust me, you wrong your judgment, to repute

My Gratitude a fault; I have examin'd

Your portly carriage, and will now confess

It hath not slightly won me.

Gonzalo

The Wind's turn'd;

I thought 'twould come to this; it pleas'd us, Madam,

At our last interview, to mention Love;

Have you consider'd on't?

Erota

With more than common

Content: but Sir, if what you spoke you meant,

(As I have cause to doubt) then--

Gonzalo

What, (sweet Lady?)

Erota

Methinks we should lay by this form of stateliness;

Loves Courtship is familiar, and for instance,

See what a change it hath begot in me,

I could talk humbly now, as Lovers use.

Gonzalo

And I, and I, we meet in one self-centre

Of blest Consent.

Erota

I hope my weakness, Sir,

Shall not deserve neglect; but if it prove so

I am not the first Lady has been ruin'd

By being too credulous; you will smart for't one day.

Gonzalo

Angel-like Lady, let me be held a Villain,

If I love not sincerely.

Erota

Would I knew it.

Gonzalo

Make proof by any fit Command.

Erota

What, do you mean to marry me?

Gonzalo

How! mean? nay more, I mean