THE BLOODY BROTHER. A Tragedy.  
By B. I. F.  
LONDON, Printed by R. Bishop, for Thomas Allot, and john Crook, and are to be sold in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the Greyhound 1639.   


The drinking Song, to the second Act.  

Drink to day and drown all sorrow,  
You shall perhaps not do it to morrow.  
Best while you have it use your breath,  
There is no drinking after death.   

Wine works the heart up, wakes the wit,  
There is no cure 'gainst age but it.  
It helps the headache, cough and phthisic,  
And is for all diseases Physic.   

Then let us swill boys for our health,  
Who drinks well, loves the common wealth.  
And he that will to bed go sober,  
Falls with the leaf still in October.   
Finis.   


THE BLOODY BROTHER.  
Act I. Scene I  Enter Gisbert and Baldwin. THe brothers than are met? Gis. 
They are, sir.  Bald. 
'Tis thought, they may be reconciled.  Gis. 
'tis rather wished, for such, whose reason doth direct their thoughts without self flattery, dare not hope it, Baldwin.  
The fires of Love, which the dead Duke believed  
His equal care of both would have united,  
Ambition hath divided: and there are  
Too many on both parts, that know they cannot  
Or rise to wealth or honour, their main ends,  
Unless the tempest of the Prince's fury  
Make troubled seas, and those seas yield fit billows  
In their bad arts to give way to a calm,  
Which yielding rest and good, prove their ruin,  
And in the shipwreck of their hopes and fortunes,  
The Dukedom might be saved, had it but ten  
That stood affected to the general good,  
With that confirmed zeal which brave Aubrey does.  Gis. 
He is indeed the perfect character  
Of a good man, and so his actions speak him.  Bald. 
But did you observe the many doubts, and cautions  
The brothers stood upon before they met?  Gis. 
I did; and yet, that ever brother should  
Stand on more nice terms, than sworn enemies  
After a war proclaimed, would with a stranger  
Wrong the reporters credit; they saluted  
At distance; and so strong was the suspicion  
Each had of other, that before they durst  
Embrace, they were by several servants searched,  
As doubting concealed weapons, antidotes  
Ta'en openly by both, fearing the room  
Appointed for the interview was poisoned,  
The chairs, and cushions, with like care survayed;  
And in a word in every circumstance  
So jealous on both parts, that it is more  
Than to be feared, Concord can never join  
Minds so divided.  Bald. 
Yet our best endeavours  
Should not be wanting, Gisbert.  Gis. 
Neither shall they. Ent. Grandpree and Verdon  
But what are these?  Bald. 
They are without my knowledge;  
But by their Manners, and Behaviours,  
They should express themselves.  Grand. 
Since we serve Rollo  
The Elder brother, we'll be Rollians,  
Who will maintain us, lads, as brave as Romans;  
You stand for him?  Ver. 
I do.  Grand. 
Why, then observe  
How much the business, your so longed for business,  
By men that are named from their swords concerns you.  
Lechery, our common friend, so long kept under,  
With whips, and beating fatal hemps, shall rise,  
And bawdry, in a French-hood plead, before her  
Virginity shall be catted.  Ver. 
Excellent!  Grand. 
And Hell but grant, the quarrel that's between  
The Princes may continue, and the business  
That's of the sword, t'outlast three suits in Law,  
And we will make Attorney's lansprisadoes,  
And our brave gownsmen practisers of backsword;  
The pewter of all Sergeants maces shall  
Be melted, and turned into common flagons,  
In which it shall be lawful to carouse  
To their most lousy fortunes.  Bald. 
Here's a Statesman.  Grand. 
A creditor shall not dare, but by petition,  
To make demand of any dept; and that  
Only once every leap-yeere, in which, if  
The debtor may be won for a French crown  
To pay a Saulz, he shall be registered  
His benefactor.  Ver. 
The Chancellor hears you.  Grand. 
Fear not, I now dare speak as loud as he,  
And will be heard, and have all I speak, Law;  
Have you no eyes? there is a reverence due,  
From children of the Gown, to men of Action:  
How's this?  Grand. 
Even so; the times, the times are changed  
All business is not now preferred in parchment,  
Nor shall a grant pass that wants this broad seal;  
This seal d'ye see? your gravity once laid  
My head and heels together in the dungeon,  
For cracking a scald officers crown, for which  
A time is come for vengeance, and expect it;  
For know, you have not full three hours to live.  Gis. 
Yes, somewhat longer.  Gran. 
To what end?  Gis. 
To hang you; think on that Ruffian.  Gran. 
For you, schoolmaster,  
You have a pretty daughter; let me see,  
Near three a clock, (by which time I much fear,  
I shall be●yrd with killing some five hundred)  
Provide a bath, and her to entertain me,  
And that shall be your ransom.  Bald. 
Impudent Rascal. Enter to them Trevile and Duprete.  Gis. 
More of the crew.  Gran. 
What are you? Rollians?  Tre. 
No; this for Rollo, and all such as serve him;  
We stand for Otto.  Gran. 
You seem men of fashion,  
And therefore I'll deal fairly, you shall have  
The honour this day to be chronicled  
The first men killed by Grandpree; you see this swords;  
A pretty foolish toy, my valour's servant,  
And I may boldly say a gentleman,  
It having made when it was charlemagne,  
Three thousand knights; this sir, shall cut your throat,  
And do you all fair service else.  Tre. 
I kiss your hands for the good offer; here's another too, the servant of your servants shall be proud to be scoured in your sweet guts; till when pray you command me.  Gran. 
Your Idolater, Sir. Exeunt: manent Gisb. & Bald.  Gis. 
That e'er such should hold the names of men,  
Or Justice be held cruelty, when it labours  
To pluck such weeds up!  Bald. 
Yet they are protected, and by the great ones.  Gis. 
Not the good ones, Baldwin.  Enter to them Aubrey. Aub. 
Is this a time to be spent thus by such  
As are the principal ministers of the State?  
When they that are the heads, have filled the Court  
With factions, a weak woman only left  
To stay their bloody hands? can her weak arms  
Alone divert the dangers ready now  
to fall upon the Commonwealth, and bury  
The honours of it, leaving not the name  
Of what it was. Oh Gisbert, the fair trials  
And frequent proofs which our late master made,  
Both of your love and faith, gave him assurance,  
To choose you at his death a Guardian; nay,  
A father to his sons; and that great trust  
How ill do you discharge? I must be plain,  
That, at the best, ye are a sad looker on  
Of those bad practices you should prevent;  
And where's the use of your Philosophy  
In this so needful a time? be not secure;  
For, Baldwin, be assured, since that the Princes  
When they were young, and apt for any form,  
Were given to your instruction, and grave ordering;  
'Twill be expected that they should be good,  
Or their bad manners will b' imputed yours.  Bald. 
'Twas not in one, my Lord, to alter nature,  Gis. 
Nor can my counsel's work on them that will not.  
Vouchsafe me hearing.  Aub. 
Do these answers sort,  
Or with your place, or persons, or your years;  
Can Gisbert being the pillar of the Laws,  
See them trod under foot, or forced to serve  
The Prince's unjust ends; and with a frown  
Be silenced from exclaiming on th'abuse;  
Or Baldwin only weep the desperate madness  
Of his seduced pupils? see their minds,  
Which with good arts he laboured to build up  
Examples of succeeding Times, o'erturned  
By undermining parasites; no one precept  
Leading to any Art, or great, or good,  
But is forced from their memory, in whose room  
Black counsels are received, and their retirements,  
And secret conference producing only  
devilish designs, a man would shame to father;  
But I talk when I should do, and chide others  
For that I now offend in: See't confirmed,  
Now do, or never speak more.  Gis. 
We are yours.  Enter Rollo, Latorche, Trevile, Grandpree, Otto, Verdon, and Duprete. Rol. 
You shall know whom I am.  Ot. 
I do, my equal.  Rol. 
Thy Prince: give way,— were we alone, I'd force thee,  
In thy best blood, to write thyself my subject,  
And glad I would receive it.  Aub. 
Sir.  Gis. 
Dear Lord.  Ot. 
Thy subject?  Rol. 
Yes, nor shall tame patience hold me  
A minute longer, only half myself;  
My birth gave me this Dukedom, and my sword  
Shall change it to the common grave of all  
That tread upon her bosom, ere I part with  
A piece of earth, or title that is mine.  Ot. 
It needs not, and I would scorn to receive,  
Though offered, what I want not: therefore know  
From me, though not delivered in great words,  
Eyes red with rage, poor pride, and threatened action:  
Our father at his death, then, when no accent,  
Were't thou a son, could fall from him in vain,  
Made us Coheiress our part of Land and Honours  
Of equal weight; and to see this confirmed,  
The oaths of these are yet upon record,  
Who though they should forsake me, and call down  
The plagues of perjury on their sinful heads,  
I would not leave myself.  Tre. 
Nor will we see the Will of the dead Duke infringed.  Lat. 
Nor I the elder robbed of what's his right.  Grand. 
Nor you?  
Let me take place, I say, I will not see't;  
My sword is sharpest.  Aub. 
Peace you tinderboxes,  
That only carry matter to make a flame  
Which will consume you.  Rol. 
You are troublesome, To Baldwin a  
This is no time for arguments, my Title  
Needs not your schoole-defences, but my sword,  
With which the Gordian of your Sophistry  
Being cut, shall show th' Imposture. For your laws, To Gisbert.  
It is in me to change them when I please,  
I being above them; Gisbert would you have me protect them;  
Let them now stretch their extremest rigour,  
And seize upon that traitor; and your tongue  
Make him appear first dangerous, then odious;  
And after, under the pretence of safety,  
For the sick State, the Lands and People's quiet,  
Cut off his head: and I'll give up my sword,  
And fight with them at a more certain weapon  
To kill, and with authority.  Gis. 
Sir, I grant the Laws are useful weapons, but found out  
T'assure the Innocent, not to oppress.  Rol. 
Then you conclude him Innocent?  Gis. 
The Power your father gave him, must not prove a Crime,  Aub. 
Nor should you so receive it.  Bald. 
To which purpose,  
All that dare challenge any part in goodness,  
Will become suppliants to you.  Rol. 
They have none  
That dare move me in this; hence, I defy you,  
Be of his party, bring it to your laws,  
And thou thy double heart, thou popular fool,  
Your moral rules of Justice and her balance;  
I stand on mine own guard.  Ot. 
Which thy injustice  
Will make thy enemies; by the memory  
Of him, whose better part now suffers for thee,  
Whose reverend ashes with an impious hand  
Thou throw'st out to contempt, in thy repining  
At his so Just decree; thou art unworthy  
Of what his last Will, not thy merits, gave thee,  
That art so swollen within, with all those mischiefs  
That e'er made up a Tyrant, that thy breast,  
The prison of thy purposes, cannot hold them,  
But that they break forth, and in thy own words  
Discover, what a monster they must serve  
That shall acknowledge thee.  Rol. 

He offers his sword at Otto. the fashion joining, Aubrey between severs the brothers.  Thou shalt not live to be so happy.  Aub. 
Nor your miseries begin in murder,  
Duty, allegiance, and all respects of what you are, forsake me:  
Do you stare on? is this a Theatre?  
Or shall these kill themselves, like to mad fencers,  
To make you sport? keep them asunder, or  
By heaven I'll charge on all.  Grand. 
Keep the peace.  
I am for you, my lord, and if you'll have me,  
I'll act the Constable's part.  Aub. 
Live I to see this?  
Will you do that your enemies dare not wish,  
And cherish in yourselves those furies, which  
Hell would cast out? Do, I am ready; kill me,  
And these, that would fall willing sacrifices  
To any power that would restore your reason,  
And make you men again, which now you are not.  Rol. 
These are your bucklers boy.  Ot. 
My hindrances;  
And were I not confirmed, my Justice in  
The taking of thy life, could not weigh down  
The wrong, in shedding the least drop of blood  
Of these whose goodness only now protects thee,  
Thou shouldst feel I in act would prove myself  
What thou in words dost labour to appear.  Rol. 
Hear this, and talk again? I'll break through all,  
But I will reach thy heart.  Ot. 
'Tis bets guarded.  Enter Sophia. Soph. 
Make way, or I will force it, who are those?  
My sons? my shames; turn all your swords on me,  
And make this wretched body but one wound,  
So this unnatural quarrel find a grave  
In the unhappy womb that brought you forth:  
Dare you remember that you had a mother,  
Or look on these grey hairs, made so with tears,  
For both your goods, and not with age; yet yet  
Stand doubtful to obey her? from me you had  
Life, nerves, and faculties, to use these weapons;  
And dare you raise them against her, to whom  
You owe the means of being what you are?  Ot. 
All peace is meant to you.  Soph. 
Why is this war, then?  
As if your arms could be advanced, and I  
Not set upon the rack? your blood is mine,  
Your dangers mine, your goodness I should share in;  
I must be branded with those impious marks  
You stamp on your own foreheads and on mine,  
If you go on thus: for my good name therefore,  
Though all respects of honour in yourselves,  
Be in your fury choked, throw down your swords;  
Your duty should beswifter than my tongue;  
And join your hands while they be innocent;  
You have heat of blood, and youth apt to Ambition,  
To plead an easy pardon for what's past:  
But all the ills beyond this hour committed,  
From gods or men must hope for no excuse,  Gis. 
Can you hear this unmoved,  
No syllable of this so pious charm, but should have power  
To frustrate all the juggling deceits,  
With which the devil blinds you.  Ot. 
I begin to melt, I know not how.  Rol. 
Mother, I'll leave you;  
And sir, be thankful for the time you live,  
Till we meet next (which shall be soon and sudden)  
To her persuasion for you.  Soph. 
O yet, stay,  
And rather than part thus, vouchsafe me hearing  
As enemies; how is my soul divided?  
My love to both, is equal, as my wishes;  
But are returned by neither; my grieved heart,  
Hold yer a little longer, and then break.  
I kneel to both, and will speak so, but this  
Takes from me th' authority of a mother's power;  
And therefore, like myself, Otto, to thee,  
(And yet observe, son, how thy mother's tears  
Outstrip her forward words, to make way for'em.)  
Thou art the younger, Otto, yet be now  
The first example of obedience to me,  
And grow the elder in my love.  Ot. 
The means to be so happy?  Soph. 
This; yield up thy sword,  
And let thy piety give thy mother strength  
To take that from thee which no enemy's force  
Could e'er despoil thee of: why dost thou tremble,  
And with a fearful eye fixed on thy brother,  
Observest his ready sword, as bend against thee?  
I am thy armour, and will be pierced through,  
Ten thousand times, before I will give way  
To any peril may arrive at thee;  
And therefore fear not.  Ot. 
'Tis not for myself,  
But for you, mother; you are now engaged  
In more that lies in your unquestioned virtue;  
For, since you have disarmed me of defence,  
Should I fall now, though by his hand, the world  
May say it was your practice.  Soph. 
All worlds perish,  
Before my piety turn treasons parent,  
Take it again, and stand upon your guard,  
And while your brother is, continue armed;  
And yet, this fear is needless, for I know,  
My Rollo, though he dares as much as man,  
So tender of his yet untainted valour,  
So noble, that he dares do nothing basely.  
You doubt him; he fears you; I doubt and fear  
Both; for others safety, and not mine own.  
Know yet, my sons, when of necessity  
You must deceive, or be deceived; 'tis better  
To suffer treason, than to act the traitor;  
And in a war like this, in which the glory  
Is his that's overcome: consider then  
What 'tis for which you strive: is it the dukedom?  
Or the command of these so ready subjects?  
Desire of wealth? or whatsoever else  
Fires your ambition? This still desperate madness,  
To kill the people which you would be lords of;  
With fire, and sword, to lay that country waste  
Whose rule you seek for: to consume the treasures,  
Which are the sinews of your government,  
In cherishing the factions that destroy it:  
Far, far be this from you: make it not questioned  
Whether you have interest in that dukedom,  
Whose ruin both contend for.  Ot. 
I desire but to enjoy my own, which I will keep.  Rol. 
And rather than posterity shall have cause  
To say I ruined all, divide the dukedom,  
I will accept the moiety.  Ot. 
I embrace it.  Soph. 
Divide me first, or tear me limb by limb,  
And let them find as many several graves  
As there are villages in Normandy:  
And 'tis less sin than thus to weaken it.  
To hear it mentioned doth already make me  
Envy my dead lord, and almost blaspheme  
Those powers that heard my prayer for fruitfulness,  
And did not with my first birth close my womb:  
To me alone my second blessing proves  
My first of misery, for if that heaven  
Which gave me Rollo, there had stayed his bounty,  
And Otto, my dear Otto, ne'er had been,  
Or being, had not been so worth my love,  
The stream of my affection had run constant  
In one fair current, all my hopes had been  
Laid up in one; and fruitful Normandy  
In this division had not lost her glories:  
For as 'tis now, 'tis a fair diamond,  
Which being preserved entire, exceeds all value,  
But cut in pieces (though these pieces are  
Set in fine gold by the best workman's cunning)  
Parts with all estimation: So this Dukedom,  
As 'tis yet whole, the neighbouring Kings may covet,  
But cannot compass; which divided, will  
Become the spoil of every barbarous foe  
That will invade it.  Gis. 
How this works in both!  Bal. 
Prince Rollos' eyes have lost their fire.  Gis. 
And anger, that but now wholly possessed  
Good Otto, hath given place to pity.  Aub. 
End not thus Madam, but perfect what's so well begun.  Soph. 
I see in both, fair signs of reconcilement,  
Make them sure proofs they are so: the Fates offer  
To your free choice, either to live Examples  
Of piety, or wickedness: if the later  
Blinds so your understanding, that you cannot  
Pierce through her painted outside, and discover  
That she is all deformity within,  
Boldly transcend all precedents of mischief,  
And let the last, and the worst end of tyrannies,  
The murder of a mother, but begin  
The stain of blood you after are to heighten:  
But if that virtue, and her sure rewards,  
Can win you to accept her for your guide,  
To lead you up to heaven, and there fix you  
The fairest Stars in the bright Sphere of Honour;  
Make me the parent of an hundred sons,  
All brought into the world with joy, not sorrow,  
And every one a father to his country,  
In being now made mother of your concord.  Rol. 
Such, and so good, loud fame for ever speak you.  Bal. 
ay, now they meet like Brothers. The Brothers cast away their swords and embrace.  Gis. 
My heart's joy flows through my eyes.  Aub. 
May never woman's tongue  
Hereafter be accused, for this ones Goodness.  Ot. 
If we contend, from this hour, it shall be  
How to o'ercome in brotherly affection.  Rol. 
Otto is Rollo now, and Rollo, Otto,  
Or as they have one mind, rather one name:  
From this atonement let our lives begin,  
Be all the rest forgotten.  Aub. 
Spoke like Rollo.  Soph. 
And to the honour of this reconcilement,  
We all this night will at a public Feast  
With choice wines drown our late fears, and with music  
Welcome our comforts.  Bald. 
Sure and certain ones. Exeunt.  Manent Grandpree, Verdon, Trevile, and Duprete. Gran. 
Did ever such a hopeful business end thus?  Ver. 
'tis fatal to us all, and yet you Grandpree,  
Have the least cause to fear.  Gran. 
Why; what's my hope?  Ver. 
The certainty that you have to be hang'd●  
You know the Chancellors promise.  Gran. 
Plague upon you.  Ver. 
What think you of a Bath and a Lords daughter  
To entertain you?  Gran. 
Those desires are off.  
Frail thoughts, all friends, no Rollians now, nor Ottoes●  
The several courtesies of our swords and servants  
Defer to after consequence; let's make use  
Of this night's freedom, a short Parliament to us,  
In which it will be lawful to walk freely.  
Nay, to our drink we shall have meat too, that's  
No usual business to the men o'th'sword.  
Drink deep with me to night, we shall to morrow  
Or whip, or hang the merrier.  Tre. 
Led the way then. Exeunt.    


Act II. Scene I.  Enter Latorch and Rollo. 
Why should this trouble you?  Rol. 
It does, and must do till I find ease.  Lat. 
Consider then, and quickly;  
And like a wise man, take the current with you,  
Which once turned head, will sink you; blessed occasion  
Offers herself in thousand safeties to you;  
Time standing still to point you out your purpose,  
And resolution (the true child of Virtue)  
Ready to execute: what dull cold weakness  
Has crept into your bosom, whose mere thoughts  
Like tempests, ploughing up the sailing Forests,  
Even with their swing were wont to shake down hazards.  
What is't, your mother's tears?  Rol. 
Pry thee be patient.  Lat. 
Her hands held up? her prayers, or her curses?  
Oh power of paper dropped through by a woman!  
Take heed the Souldiers see it not; 'tis miserable,  
In Rollo below miserable; take heed your friends,  
The sinews of your cause, the strength you stir by,  
Take heed, I say, they find it not: take heed  
Your own repentance (like a passing-bell)  
Too late, and too loud, tell the world y'are perished:  
What noble spirit, eager of advancement,  
Whose employment is his plough; what sword whose sharpness  
Waits but the arm to wield it; or what hope,  
After the world has blown abroad this weakness,  
Will move again, or make a wish for Rollo?  Rol. 
Are we not friends again by each oath ratified,  
Our tongues the Heralds to our hearts?  Lat. 
Poor hearts then.  Rol. 
Our worthier friends.  Lat. 
No friends sir, to your honour;  
Friends to your fall: where is your understanding,  
The noble vessel that your full soul sailed in,  
Ribbed round with honours; where is that? 'tis ruined,  
The tempest of a woman's sighs has sunk it.  
Friendship, take heed sir, is a smiling harlot  
That when she kisses, kills, a soldered friendship  
Pieced out with promises; O painted ruin!  Rol. 
Latorche, he is my brother.  Lat. 
The more doubted;  
For hatred hatched at home is a tame Tiger,  
May fawn and sport but never leaves his nature;  
The jars of brothers, two such mighty ones,  
Is like a small stone thrown into a river,  
The breach scarce heard, but view the beaten current,  
And you shall see a thousand angry rings  
Rise in his face, still swelling and still growing;  
So jars circling distrusts, distrusts breed dangers,  
And dangers death, the greatest extreme shadow,  
Till nothing bound 'em but the shore their graves;  
There is no manly wisdom, nor no safety  
In leaning to this league, this pieced patch friendship;  
This reared up reconcilement on a billow,  
Which as it tumbles, totters down your fortune;  
Is't not your own you reach at? Law and Nature  
Ushering the way before you; is not he  
Borne and bequeathed your subject?  Rol. 
Ha.  Lat. 
What fool would give a storm leave to disturb his peace,  
When he may shut the casement? can that man  
Has won so much upon your pity,  
And drawn so high, that like an ominous Comet,  
He darkens all your light; can this touched Lion  
(Though now he licks and locks up his fell paws,  
Craftily humming, like a cat to cozen you)  
But when ambition whetts him, and time fits him,  
Leap to his prey, and seized once, suck your heart out?  
Do you make it conscience?  Rol. 
Conscience Latorche, what's that?  Lat. 
A fear they tie up fools in, Nature's coward,  
Pauling the blood, and chilling the full spirit  
With apprehension of mere clouds and shadows.  Rol. 
I know no conscience, nor I fear no shadows.  Lat. 
Or if you did; if there were conscience,  
If the free soul could suffer such a curb  
To the fiery mind, such puddles to put it out;  
Must it needs like a rank Vine, run up rudely,  
And twine about the top of all our happiness  
Honour and rule, and there sit shaking of us?  Rol. 
It shall not, nor it must not; I am satisfied,  
And once more am myself again:  
My mother's tears and womanish cold prayers,  
Farewell, I have forgot you; if there be conscience,  
Let it not come betwixt a crown and me,  
Which is my hope of bliss, and I believe it:  
Otto, our friendship thus I blow to air,  
A bubble for a boy to play withal;  
And all the vows my weakness made, like this,  
Like this poor heartless rush, I rend in pieces:  Lat. 
Now you go right, sir, now your eyes are open.  Rol. 
My father's last petition's dead as he is,  
And all the promises I closed his eyes with,  
In the same grave I bury.  Lat. 
Now ye are a man, sir.  Rol. 
Otto, thou showst my winding sheet before me,  
Which ere I put it on, like heaven's blessed fire  
In my descent I'll make it blush in blood;  
A Crown, A Crown, Oh sacred Rule, now fire me;  
Nor shall the pity of thy youth, false brother,  
Although a thousand Virgins kneel before me,  
And every drooping eye a court of mercy,  
The same blood with me, nor the reverence  
Due to my mother's blessed womb that bred us,  
Redeem thee from my doubts: thou art a wolf here,  
Fed with my fears, and I must cut thee from me:  
A Crown, A Crown; Oh sacred Rule, now fire me:  
No safety else.  Lat. 
But be not too much stirred, Sir, nor to high  
In your execution: swallowing waters  
Run deep and silent, till they are satisfied,  
And smile in thousand Curls, to gild their craft;  
Let your sword sleep, and let my two edged wit work  
This happy feast, the full joy of your friendships  
Shall be his last.  Rol. 
How my Latorche?  Lat. 
Why thus, sir;  
I'll presently go dive into the Officers  
That minister at Table: gold and goodness,  
With promise upon promise, and time necessary,  
I'll pour into them.  Rol. 
Canst thou do it neatly?  Lat. 
Let me alone, and such a bait it shall be,  
Shall take off all suspicion.  Rol. 
Go, and prosper.  Lat. 
Walk in then, and your smoothest face put on sir. Exeunt.   

Act II. Scene II.  Enter the Master Cook, Butler, Pantler, Yeoman of the Cellar, with a jack of Beer and a Dish. Coo. 
A Hot day, a hot day, vengeance hot day boyes●  
Give me some drink, this fire's a plaguy fretter:  
Body of me, I'm dry still; give me the jack boy;  
This wooden Skiffe holds nothing.  Pant. 
And faith master, what brave new meats? for here will be old eating.  Coo. 
Old and young, boy, let 'em all eat, I have it;  
I have ballast for their bellies, if they eat a gods name,  
Let them have ten tire of teeth a piece, I care not;  But. 
But what new rare munition?  Coo. 
Pish, a thousand;  
I'll make you pigs speak French at table, and a fat swan  
Come sailing out of England with a challenge;  
I'll make you a dish of calves-feets dance the Canaries,  
And a consort of crammed capons fiddle to 'em;  
A calf's head speak an Oracle, and a dozen of Larks  
Rise from the dish, and sing all supper time;  
'tis nothing boys: I have framed a fortification  
Out of Rye paste, which is impregnable,  
And against that, for two long hours together,  
Two dozen of marrowbones shall play continually:  
For fish, I'll make you a standing lake of white broth,  
And pikes come ploughing up the plums before them;  
Arion, like a Dolphin, playing Lachrymae,  
And brave king Herring with his oil and onion  
Crowned with a Limon pill, his way prepared  
With his strong Guard of Pilchers.  Pant. 
I marry master.  Coo. 
All these are nothing: I'll make you a stubble Goose  
Turn o'th' toe thrice, do a cross point presently,  
And sit down again, and cry come eat me:  
These are for mirth. Now sir, for matter of mourning,  
I'll bring you in the Lady Loin of Veal,  
With the long love she bore the Prince of Orange.  All. 
Thou boy, thou.  Coo. 
I have a trick for thee too,  
And a rare trick, and I have done it for thee.  Yeo. 
What's that good master?  Coo. 
'Tis a sacrifice.  
A full Vine bending, like an Arch, and under  
The blown god Bacchus, sitting on a Hogshead,  
His Altar Beer: before that, a plump Vintner  
Kneeling, and offering incense to his deity,  
Which shall be only this, red Sprats and Pilchers.  But. 
This when the Table's drawn, to draw the Wine on.  Coo. 
Thou hast it right, and then comes thy Song, Butler.  Pant. 
This will be admirable.  Yeo. 
Oh sir, most admirable.  Coo. 
If you'll have the pasty speak, 'tis in my power,  
I have fire enough to work it; come, stand close,  
And now rehearse the Song, We may be perfect,  
The drinking Song, and say I were the Brothers.  They sing. 
Well have you borne yourselves; a red Dear Pie, Boys,  
And that no lean one, I bequeath your virtues;  
What friends hast thou to day? no citizens?  Pant. 
Yes father, the old Crew.  Coo. 
By the mass true wenches:  
Sirrah, set by a chine of Beef, and a hot Pastry,  
And let the Jowl of Sturgeon be corrected:  
And do you mark sir, stalk me to a Pheasant,  
And see if you can shoot her in the Cellar.  Pant. 
God a mercy Lad, send me thy roaring bottles,  
And with such Nectar I will see 'em filled  
That all thou speakest shall be pure Helicon.  Enter Latorche. 
Monsieur Latorche? what news with him? Save you.  Lat. 
Save you Master, save you gentlemen,  
You are casting for this preparation;  
This joyful supper for the royal Brothers:  
I'm glad I have met you fitly, for to your charge  
My bountiful brave Butler, I must deliver  
A Bevie of young Lasses, that must look on  
This night's solemnity, and see the two Dukes,  
Or I shall lose my credit; you have Stowage?  But. 
For such freight I'll find room, and be your servant.  Coo. 
Bring them, they shall not starve here I'll send'em victuals  
Shall work you a good turn, though't be tend a yes hence, sir.  Lat. 
God-a-mercy noble Master.  Coo. 
Nay, I'll do't.  Yeo. 
And wine they shall not want, let'em drink like Ducks.  Lat. 
What misery it is that minds so royal,  
And such most honest bounties, as yours are,  
Should be confined thus to uncertainties.  But. 
ay, were the State once settled, than we had places.  Yeo. 
Then we could show ourselves, and help our friends, sir.  Coo. 
ay, then there were some savour in't, where now  
We live between two stools, every hour ready  
To tumble on our noses; and for aught we know yet,  
For all this Supper, ready to fast the next day.  Lat. 
I would fain speak unto you out of pity,  
Out of the love I bear you, out of honesty,  
For your own goods; nay, for the general blessing.  Coo. 
And we would as fain hear you, pray go forward.  Lat 
Dare you but think to make yourselves up certainties  
Your places, and your credits ten times doubled,  
The Prince's favour, Rollos.  But. 
A sweet Gentleman.  Yeo. 
ay, and as bounteous, if he had his right too.  Coo. 
By the mass, a Royal gentleman, indeed Boys,  
He`de make the chinmeyes smoke.  Lat. 
He would do`t friends,  
And you too, if he had his right, true Courtiers;  
What could you want then? dare you?  Coo. 
Pray you be short sir.  Lat. 
And this my soul upon't, I dare assure you,  
If you but dare your parts.  Coo. 
Dare not me Monsieur:  
For I that fear nor fire, nor water, sir,  
Dare do enough, a man would think.  Yeo. 
Believe't, sir,  
But make this good upon us you have promised,  
You shall not find us flinchers.  Lat. 
Then I'll be sudden.  Pant. 
What may this mean? and whither would he drive us?  Lat. 
And first, for what you must do, because all danger  
Shall be apparently tied up and musselled,  
The matter seeming mighty: there's your pardons.  Pant. 
Pardons? ist come to that, gods defend us.  Lat. 
And here's five hundred Crowns in bounteous earnest,  
And now behold the matter.  But. 
What are these, sir?  Yeo. 
And of what nature? to what use?  Lat. 
I imagine.  Coo. 
Will they kill Rats? they eat my pies abominably●  
Or work upon a woman cold as Christmas:  
I have an old Jade sticks upon my fingers,  
May I taste them?  Lat. 
Is your will made?  
And have you said your prayers? for they'll pay you:  
And now to come up to you, for your knowledge,  
And for the good you never shall repent you  
If you be wisemen now.  Coo. 
Wise as you will, sir.  Lat. 
These must be put then into the several meats  
Young Otto loves, by you into his wine, sir,  
Into his bread by you, Into his linen.  
Now if you desire, you have found the means  
To make you, and if you dare not, you have  
Found your ruin; resolve me ere you go.  But. 
You'll keep your faith with us.  Lat. 
May I no more see light else  Coo. 
Why 'tis done then?  But. 
'tis done.  Pant. 
'tis done which shall be undone.  Lat. 
About it then, farewell, y'are all of one mind.  Coo. 
All?  
All: All: All.  Lat, 
Why then all happy. Exit.  But. 
What did we promise him?  Yeo. 
Do you ask that now?  But. 
I would be glad to know what ' 'tis.  Pan. 
I'll tell you.  
It is to be all villains, knaves, and traitors.  Coo. 
Fine wholesome titles.  Pan. 
But if you dare, go forward.  Coo. 
We may be hanged, drawn, and quartered.  Pan. 
Very true, sir.  Coo. 
What a goodly swing I shall give the gallows? yet I think too, this may be done, and yet we may be rewarded, not with a rope, but with a royal master: and yet we may be hanged too.  Yeo. 
Say it were done; who is it done for? is it not for Rollo?  
And for his right?  Coo. 
And yet we may be hanged too.  But. 
Or say he take it, say we be discovered?  
Is not the fame man bound to still protect us?  
Are we not his?  But. 
Sure, he will never fail us.  Coo. 
If he do, friends, we shall find that will hold us;  
And yet me thinks, this prologue to our purpose,  
These crowns should promise more: 'tis easily done,  
As easy as a man would roast an egg,  
If that be all; for look you, gentlemen,  
Here stand my broths, my finger slips a little,  
Down drops a dose, I stir him with my ladle,  
And there's a dish for a Duke: Olla Podrida.  
Here stands a baked meat, he wants a little seasoning,  
A foolish mistake; my Spice-box, gentlemen,  
And put in some of this, the matter matter's ended;  
Dredge you a dish of plovers, there's the Art on't.  Yeo. 
Or as I fill my wine.  Coo. 
'tis very true, sir.  
Blessing it with your hand, thus quick and neatly first, 'tis past  
And done once, 'tis as easy  
For him to thank us for it, and reward us.  Pan. 
But 'tis a damned sin.  Coo. 
O, never fear that.  
The fire's my playfellow, and now I am resolved, boys.  But. 
Why then, have with you.  Yeo. 
The same for me.  Pan. 
For me too.  Coo. 
And now no more our worships, but our lordships.  Pan. 
Not this year, on my knowledge, I'll unlord you.  Exeunt.  

Act II. Scene III.  Enter Servant, and Sewer. 
PErfume the room round, and prepare the table,  
gentlemans officers, wait in your places.  Sew. 
Make room there,  
Room for the Duke's meat. Gentlemen, be bare there,  
Clear all the entrance: Guard, put by those gapers,  
And gentlemen-ushers, see the gallery clear,  
The Dukes are coming on.  Oboe a banquet. Enter Sophia, between Rollo and Otto, Aubrey, Latorche, Gisbert, Baldwin, Attendants, Hamond, Matilda, Edith. Ser. 
'tis certainly informed.  Ot. 
Reward the fellow, and look you mainly to it.  Ser. 
My life for yours, sir.  Soph. 
Now am I straight, my lords, and young again,  
My long since blasted hopes shoot out in blossoms,  
The fruits of everlasting love appearing;  
Oh! my blessed boys, the honour of my years,  
Of all my cares, the bounteous fair rewarders.  
Oh! let me thus embrace you, thus for ever  
Within a mother's love lock up your friendships:  
And my sweet sons, once more with mutual twine,  
As one chaste bed begot you, make one body:  
Blessings from heaven in thousand showers fall on you:  Aub. 
Oh! woman's goodness never to be equalled,  
May the most sinful creatures of thy sex  
But kneeling at thy monument, rise saints.  Soph. 
Sat down my worthy sons; my lords. your places.  
ay, now me thinks (the table's nobly furnish;  
Now the meat nourishes; the wine gives spirit;  
And all the room stuck with a general pleasure,  
Shows like the peaceful bows of happiness.  Aub. 
Long may it last, and from a heart filled with it,  
Full as my cup: I give it round, my lords.  Bald. 
And may that stubborn heart be drunk with sorrow  
Refuses it; men dying now, should take it;  
Shake off their miseries, and sleep in peace.  Rol. 
You are sad, my noble brother.  Ot. 
No, indeed, sir.  Roph. 
No sadness my son this day.  Rol. 
Pray you eat.  
Something is here you have loved; taste of this dish  
It will prepare your stomach.  Ot. 
Thank you brother: I am not now disposed to eat.  Rol. 
Or that.  
You put us out of heart man, come, these baked meats  
Were ever your best diet.  Ot. 
None, I thank you.  Soph. 
Are you well, noble child?  Ot. 
Yes, gracious mother.  Rol. 
Give him a cup of wine, then, pledge the health,  
drink it to me, I'll give it to my mother.  Soph. 
Do, my best ehilde.  Ot. 
I must not, my best mother,  
Indeed I dare not: for of late, my body  
Has been much weakened by excess of diet;  
The promise of a fever hanging on me.  
And even now ready, if not by abstinence  Rol. 
And will you keep it in this general freedom;  
A little health preferred before our friendship.  Ot. 
I pray you excuse me, sir.  Rol. 
Excuse yourself sir,  
Come 'tis your fear, and not your favour brother,  
And you have done me a most worthy kindness  
My Royal mother, and you noble Lords;  
Here, for it now concerns me to speak boldly;  
What faith can be expected from his vows,  
From his dissembling smiles, what fruit of friendship  
From all his dull embraces, what blessed issue,  
When he shall brand me here for base suspicion,  
He takes me for a poisoner.  Sop. 
Gods defend it son.  Rol. 
For a foul knave, a villain, and so fears me.  Ot. 
I could say something too.  Sop. 
You must not so sir,  
Without your great forgetfulness of virtue;  
This is your brother, and your honoured brother.  Rol. 
If he please so.  Sop. 
One noble father, with as noble thoughts,  
begot your minds and bodies: one care rocked you,  
and one truth to you both was ever sacred;  
Now fie my Otto, whither flies your goodness,  
Because the right hand has the power of cutting,  
Shall the left presently cry out 'tis maimed?  
They are one my child, one power, and one performance,  
And joined together thus, one love, one body.  Aub. 
I do beseech your grace, take to your thoughts  
More certain counsellors than doubts or fears,  
They strangle nature, and disperse themselves  
(If once believed) into such fogs and errors  
That the bright truth herself can never sever:  
Your brother is a royal gentleman  
Full of himself, honour, and honesty,  
And take heed sir, how nature bend to goodness,  
(So straight a Cedar to himself) uprightness  
Be wrested from his true use, prove not dangerous  Rol. 
Nay my good brother knows I am too patient.  Lat. 
Why should your Grace think him a poisoner  
Has hem no more respect to piety!  
And but he has by oath tied up his fury  
Who durst but think that thought.  Aub. 
Away thou firebrand.  Lat. 
If men of his sort, of his power, and place  
The eldest son in honour to this Dukedom.  Bald. 
For shame contain thy tongue, thy poisonous tongue  
That with her burning venom will infect all,  
And once more blow a wild fire through the dukedom.  Gis. 
Latorche, if thou beest honest, or a man,  
Contain thyself.  Aub. 
Go too, no more, by heaven  
You'll find y'have played the fool else, not a word more.  Sop. 
Prithee sweet son.  Rol. 
Let him alone sweet mother, and my Lords  
To make you understand how much I honour  
This sacred peace, and next my innocence  
And to avoid all further difference  
Discourse may draw on to a way of danger  
I quit my place, and take my leave for this night,  
Wishing a general joy may dwell among you.  Aub. 
Shall we wait on your grace?  Rol. 
I dare not break you, Latorche.  Exit. Rollo and Latorch. Ot. 
Oh mother that your tenderness had eyes,  
Discerning eyes, what would this man appear then,  
The tale of Sinon when he took upon him  
To ruin Troy; with what a cloud of cunning  
He hid his heart, nothing appearing outwards,  
But came like innocence, and dropping pity,  
Sighs that would sink a Navy, and had tales  
Able to take the ears of Saints, belief too,  
And what did all these? blew the fire to Ilium,  
His crafty art (but more refined by study)  
My brother has put on: oh I could tell you  
But for the reverence I bear to nature,  
Things that would make your honest blood run backward.  Sop. 
You dare tell me?  Ot. 
Yes, in your private closet  
Where I will presently attend you; rise  
I am a little troubled, but 'twill off.  Sop. 
Is this the joy I looked for?  Ot. 
All will mend,  
Be not disturbed dear mother, I'll not fail you.  Exit. Sop. and Otto. Bald. 
I do not like this.  Aub. 
That is still in our powers,  
But how to make it so that we may like it.  Bald. 
Beyond us ever; Latorche me thought was busy,  
That fellow, if not looked to narrowly will do a sudden mischief.  Aub. 
Hell look to him,  
For if there may be a devil above all, yet  
that rogue will make him; keep you up this night,  
And so will I, for much I fear a danger.  Bald. 
I will, and in my watches use my prayers. Exeunt.    


Act. 3. Scene. I.  Enter Sophia, Otto, Matillda, Edith. Ot. 
You wonder Madam, that for all the shows  
My brother Rollo makes of hearty love  
And free possession of the Dukedom 'twixt us;  
I notwithstanding should stand still suspiscious,  
As if beneath those veils, he did convey  
Intents and practices of hate, and treason?  Sop. 
It breeds indeed my wonder.  Ot. 
Which makes mine,  
Since it is so safe and broad a beaten way,  
Beneath the name of friendship to betray.  Sop. 
Though in remote and further of affections,  
These falsehoods are so common, yet in him  
They cannot so force nature;  Ot. 
The more near  
The bands of truth bind, the more oft they sever,  
Being better cloaks to cover falsehood over.  Sop. 
It cannot be, that fruits the tree so blasting  
Can grow in nature; take heed gentle son  
Lest some suborned suggester of these treasons,  
Believed in him by you, provoked the rather  
His tender envies, to such foul attempts;  
Or that your too much love to rule alone  
Breed not in him this jealous passion;  
There is not any ill we might not bear  
Were not our good held at a price too dear?  Ot. 
So apt is treachery to be excused,  
That innocence is still aloud abused,  
The fate of virtue even her friends perverts,  
To plead for vice oft times against their hearts,  
Heaven's blessing is her curse, which she must bear  
That she may never love.  Sop. 
Alas, my son, nor fate, nor heaven itself,  
Can or would wrest my whole care of your good  
To any least secureness in your ill:  
What I urge issues from my curious fear;  
Lest you should make your means to scape your snare,  
Doubt of sincereness is the only mean  
Not to incense it, but corrupt it clean.  Ot. 
I rest as far from wrong of sincereness,  
As he flies from the practice, trust me Madam,  
I know by their confessions, he suborned,  
What I should eat, drink, touch, or only have scented,  
This evening feast was poisoned, but I fear  
This open violence more, that treacherous odds  
Which he in his insatiate thirst of rule  
Is like to excute.  Sop. 
Believe it Son,  
If still his stomach be so foul to feed  
On such gross objects, and that thirst to rule  
The state alone be yet unquenched in him,  
Poisons and such close treasons ask more time  
Than can suffice his fiery spirits hast:  
And were there in him such desire to hide  
So false a practice, there would likewise rest  
Conscience and fear in him'of open force,  
And therefore close nor open you need fear.  Mat. 
Good Madam, stand not so inclined to trust  
What proves his tenderest thoughts to doubt it just,  
Who knows not the unbounded flood and sea,  
In which my brother Rollo's appetites  
Alter and rage with every puff and breath,  
His swelling blood exhales, and therefore hear,  
What gives my temperate brother cause to use  
His readiest circumspection, and consult  
For remedy against all his wicked purposes;  
If he arm, arm, if he strew mines of treason,  
Meet him with countermines, it is justice still  
(For goodness sake) t'encounter ill with ill.  Sop. 
Avert from us such jnstice, equal heaven,  
And all such cause of justice.  Ot. 
Past all doubt  
(For all the sacred privilege of night)  
This is no time for us to sleep or rest in;  
Who knows not all things holy are prevented  
With ends of all impiety, all but  
Lust, gain, ambition.  Enter Rollo armed, and Latorche. Rol. 
Perish all the world  
Ere I but lose one foot of possible Empire,  
Be slights and colour used by slaves and wretches  
I am exempt by birth from both these curbs,  
And since above them in all justice, since  
I sit above in power, where power is given,  
Is all the right supposed of earth and heaven.  Lat. 
Prove both sir, see the traitor.  Ot. 
He comes armed, see Mother, now your confidence.  Sop. 
What rage affects this monster?  Roll. 
Give me way or perish.  Sop. 
Make thy way viper, if thou thus affect it.  Ot. 
This is a treason like thee.  Roll. 
Let her go.  Sop. 
Embrace me, wear me as thy shield, my son;  
And through my breast let his rude weapon run,  
To thy lives innoscence.  Ot. 
Play not two parts,  
Treacher and coward both; but yield a sword,  
And let thy arming thee be odds enough  
Against my naked bosom.  Roll. 
Lose his hold.  Mat. 
Forbear base murderer.  Roll. 
Forsake our mother.  Sop. 
Mother, dost thou name me, and puttest off nature thus?  Roll. 
Forsake her traitor.  
Or by the spouse of nature through hers,  
This leads unto thy heart.  Ot. 
Hold.  Sop. 
Hold me still.  Ot. 
For twenty hearts and lives I will not hazard  
One drop of blood in yours.  Sop. 
Oh thou art lost then.  Ot. 
Protect my innocence, heaven.  Sop. 
Call out murder.  Mat. 
Be murdered all, but save him.  Ed. 
Murder, murther.  Roll. 
Cannot I reach you yet.  Ot. 
No fiend.  Roll. 
Latorche, rescue, I'm down.  Lat. 
Up then, your sword cools sir,  
Ply it i'th' flame, and work your ends out.  Roll. 
Ha, have at you there sir.  Enter Aubrey. Aub. 
Author of prodigies, what sights are these?  Ot. 
Oh give me a weapon, Aubrey.  Sop. 
Oh part'em, part'em.  Aub. 
For heaven's sake no more.  Ot. 
No more resist his fury, no rage can  
Add to his mischief done. Dies.  Sop. 
Take spirit my Otto,  
Heaven will not see thee dye thus.  Mat. 
He is dead, and nothing lives but death of every goodness.  Sop. 
Oh he hath slain his brother, curse him heaven.  Roll. 
Curse and be cursed, it is the fruit of cursing,  
Latorche, take off here, bring too, of that blood  
To colour o'er my shirt, then raise the Court  
And give it out how he atempted us  
In our bed naked, shall the name of brother  
Forbid us to enlarge our state and powers?  
Or place affects of blood above our reason?  
That tells us all things good against another,  
Are good in the same line against a brother. Exit.  Enter Gisbert, Balldwin. Gis. 
What affairs inform these out-cries?  Aub. 
See and grieve.  Gis. 
Prince Otto slain I  Ball. 
Oh execrable slaughter I  
What hand hath authored it?  Aub. 
Your Scholars, Baldwin.  Bald. 
Unjustly urged, Lord Aubrey, as if I,  
For being his Schoolmaster, must own this doctrine,  
You are his Counselors, did you advise him  
To this foul parricide?  Gis. 
If rule affect this licence, who would live  
To worse, than die in force of his obedience?  Bald. 
Heaven's cold and lingering spirit to punish sin,  
And humane blood so fiery to commit it,  
One so outgoes the other, it will never  
Be turned to fit obedience.  Aub. 
Burst it then  
With his full swing given, where it brooks no bound,  
Complaints of it are vain; and all that rests  
To be our refuge (since our powers are strengthless)  
Is to conform our wills to suffer freely,  
What with our murmurs we can never master;  
Ladies, be pleased with what heavens pleasure suffers,  
Erect your princely countenances and spirits,  
And to redress the mischiefs now resistless,  
Sooth it in show, rather than curse or cross it;  
Which all amends, and vow to it your best,  
But till you may perform it, let it rest.  Gis. 
Those temporize are too dull and servile,  
To breathe the free air of a manly soul,  
Which shall in me expire in execrations,  
Before, for any life I soothe a murderer.  Bald. 
Pour lives before him, till his own be dry  
Of all lives services and humane comforts:  
None left that looks at heaven is half so base  
To do those black and hellish actions grace.  Enter Rollo, Lat. Ham, and guard. Rol. 
Haste Latorche  
And raise the City as the Court is raised  
Proclaiming the abhorred conspiracy  
In plot against my life.  Lat. 
I haste my lord Exit.  Roll. 
You there that mourn upon the justly slain,  
Arise and leave it if you love your lives,  
And hear from me what (kept by you) may save you.  Mat. 
What will the Butcher do? I will not stir.  Roll. 
Stir, and unforced stir, or stir never more:  
Command her, you grave Beldame, that know better  
My deadly resolutions, since I drew them  
From the infective fountain of your own,  
Or if you have forgot, this fiery prompter  
Shall fix the fresh impression on your heart.  Sop. 
Rise daughter, serve his will in what we may  
Lest what we may not he enforce the rather,  
Is this all you command us?  Rol. 
This addition only admitted, that when I endeavour  
To quit me of this slaughter you presume not  
To cross me with a syllable for your souls;  
Murmur, nor think against it, but weigh well,  
It will not help your ill, but help to more,  
And that my hand wrought thus far to my will,  
Will check at nothing till his circle fill.  Mat. 
Fill it, so I consent not, but who soothes it  
Consents, and who consents to tyranny, does it.  Rol. 
False traitress die then with him.  Aub. 
Are you mad, to offer at more blood, and make yourself  
More horrid to your people? I'll proclaim,  
It is not as your instrument will publish.  Rol. 
Do, and take that along with you— so nimble,  
Resign my sword, and dare not for thy soul  
To offer what thou insolently threatnest;  
One word, proclaiming cross to what Latorche  
Hath in Commission, and intends to publish.  Aub. 
Well sir, not for your threats, but for your good,  
Since more hurt to you would more hurt your country,  
And that you must make virtue of the need  
That now compels you, I'll consent as far  
As silence argues to your will proclaimed:  
And since no more sons of your Princely father  
Survives to rule but you, and that I wish  
You should rule like your father, with the love  
And zeal of all your subjects; this foul slaughter  
That now you have committed made ashamed  
With that fair blessing, that in place of plagues,  
Heaven●ies our mending disposition, which  
Take here your sword, which now use like a Prince,  
And no more like a Tyrant.  Rol. 
This sounds well, live and be gracious with us.  Gis. and Bal. 
Oh Lord Aubrey.  Mat. 
He flatters thus?  Sop. 
He temporises fitly.  Rol. 
Wonder invades me; do you two think much,  
That he thus wisely, and with need consents  
To what I author for your Country's good?  
You being my Tutor, you my Chancellor.  Gis. 
Your Chancellor, is not not your Flatterer Sir.  Bal. 
Nor, Is it your Tutor's part to shield such doctrine?  Rol. 
Sir, first know you,  
In praise of your pure Oratory that raise you.  
That when the people, who I know by this  
Are raised out of their rests, and hastening hither  
To witness what is done here, are arrived  
with our Latorche, that you extempore  
Shall fashion an Oration to acquit  
And justify this forced fact of mine;  
Or for the proud refusal lose your head.  Gis. 
I fashion an Oration to acquit you?  
Sir, know you then, that 'tis a thing less easy  
To excuse a parricide than to commit it.  Rol. 
I do not wish you sir, to excuse me,  
But to accuse my brother, as the cause  
Of his own slaughter by attempting mine.  Gis. 
Not for the world, I should pour blood on blood;  
It were another murder to accuse  
Him that fell innocent.  Rol. 
Away with him, hence, hail him straight to execution  Aub. 
far fly such rigour your amendful hand.  Rol. 
He perishes with him that speaks for him;  
Guard do thy office on him, on your lives-paine.  Gis. 
Tyrant, 'twill haste thy own death.  Rol. 
Let it wing it,  
Ne threatens me; Villains tear him piece, meal 〈◊〉.  Guard. 
Avaunt sir.  Ham. 
Force him hence.  Rol. 
Dispatch him Captain,  
And bring me instant word he is dispatched.  
And how his rhetoric takes it.  Ham. 
I'll not fail sir.  Rol. 
Captain, beside remember this in chief;  
That being executed you deny  
To all his friends the rits of funeral,  
And cast his carcase out to dogs and fowls.  Ham. 
'tis done my Lord.  Rol. 
Upon your life not fail.  Bal. 
What impious daring is there here of heaven?  Rol. 
Sir now prepare yourself against the people,  
Make here their entry to discharge the Oration,  
He hath denied my will.  Bal. 
For fear of death? ha, ha, ha,  Rol. 
Is death ridiculous with you?  
Works misery of age this, or thy judgements  Bal. 
judgement false tyrant.  Rol. 
You'll make no Oration then?  Bal. 
Not to excuse, but aggravate thy murder if thou wilt;  
which I will so enforce, I'll make thee wreak it  
(With hate of what thou winnest by't) on thyself,  
With such another justly merited murder.  Rol. 
I'll answer you anon.  Enter Latorch. Lat. 
The citizens are hasting sir in heapens, all full resolved  
By my persuasions of your brother's Treasons:  Rol. 
Honest Latorche.  Enter Hamond. Ha. 
See sir, here's Gisbert's head.  Rol. 
Good speed; waste with a sword?  Ha. 
An axe fir.  Rol. 
An axe, 'twas vildly done, I would have had  
My own fine Headsman done it with a sword:  
Go, take this dotard here, and take his head  
Off with a sword.  Ha. 
Your schoolmaster?  Rol. 
Even he.  Bal. 
For teaching thee no better; 'tis the best  
Of all thy damned justices; away  
Captain, I'll follow.  Ed. 
Oh stay there Duke, and in the midst of all thy blood and fury,  
Hear a poor maid's petitions, here a daughter,  
The only daughter of a wretched father;  
Oh stay your haste as you shall need this mercy.  Rol. 
Away with this fond woman.  Ed. 
You most hear me,  
If there be any spoke of pity in you,  
If sweet humanity and mercy rule you;  
I do confess you are a Prince, your anger  
As great as you, your execution greater.  Rol. 
Away with him.  Ed. 
Oh Captain, by thy manhood  
By her soft soul that bear thee, I do confess sir,  
Your doom of justice on your foes most righteous;  
Good noble Prince look on me  Rol. 
Take her from me.  Ed. 
A curse upon his life that hinders me;  
May fathers blessing never fall upon him,  
May heaven never hear his prayers: I beseech you,  
Oh sir, these few tears beseech you; these chaste hands woo you  
That never yet were heaved but to things holy,  
Things like yourself, you are a God above us;  
Be as a God then, full of saving mercy;  
Mercy, oh mercy, for his sake mercy;  
That when your stout heart weapes shall give you pity;  
Here I must grow.  Ral. 
By heaven I'll strike thee woman.  Ed. 
Most willingly, let all thy anger seek me,  
All the most studied torments, so this good man,  
This old man, and this innocent escape thee.  Rol. 
Carry him away, I say.  Ed. 
Now blessing on thee, oh sweet pity,  
I see it in thy eyes. I charge you soldiers  
Even by the Prince's power, release my father;  
The Prince is merciful, why do you hold him?  
He is old, why do you hurt him? speak, oh speak sir;  
Speak, as you are a man; a man's life hangs sir,  
A friends life, and a foster life upon you:  
'tis but a word, but mercy, quickly spoke sir;  
Oh speak Prince, speak.  Rol. 
Will no man here obey me?  
Have I no rule yet? as I live he dies  
That does not execute my will, and suddenly.  Bal. 
All that thou canst do, takes but one short hour from me.  Rol. 
Hue off her hands.  Ham. 
Lady hold off.  Ed. 
No hew'm,  
Hue off my innocent hands as he commands you,  Exit Guard, Count Bald. 
They'll hang the faster on for death's convulsion;  
Thou seed of rocks, will nothing move thee then:  
Are all my tears lost? all my righteous prayers  
Drowned in thy drunken wrath? I stand thus then  
Thus boldly, bloody Tyrant,  
And to thy face in heavens high name defy thee;  
And may sweet mercy when thy soul sighs for it,  
When under thy black mischiefs thy flesh trembles,  
When neither strength, nor youth, nor friends, nor gold  
Can stay one hour, when thy most wretched conscience  
Waked from her dream of death like fire shall melt thee,  
When all thy mother's tears, thy brother's wounds,  
Thy people's fears and curses, and my loss,  
My aged father's loss shall stand before thee.  Rol. 
Save him I say, run, save him, save her father  
Fly and redeem his head.  Exit Latorche. Ed. 
May then that pity,  
That comfort thou expectest from heaven, that mercy  
Be locked up from thee, fly thee, howling find thee,  
Despair, oh my sweet father, storms of terrors,  
Blood till thou burst again.  Rol. 
Oh fair sweet anger.  Enter Latorche and Hamond with a 〈◊〉. Lat. 
I am two late sir, 'twas dispatched before,  
And his head is hear.  Rol. 
And my heart there; go bury him.  
Give him fair rites of funeral, decent honours.  Ed. 
Wilt thou not take me monster? highest heaven  
Give him a punishment fit for his mischief.  Lat. 
I fear thy prayer is heard, and he rewarded:  
Lady have patience, 'twas unhappy speed;  
Blame not the Duke, 'twas not his fault, but fates,  
He sent, you know to stay it, and commanded  
In care of you, the heavy object hence  
Soon as it came? have better thoughts of him.  Enter Citizens'. Cit 1. 
Where's this young Traitor?  Lat. 
Noble citizens' here;  
Any here the wounds he gave your sovereign Lord.  Cit 1. 
This Prince of force must be  
Beloved of heaven, whom heaven hath thus preserved.  Cit 2. 
And if he be beloved of heaven, you know,  
He must be just, and all his actions so.  Rol. 
Concluded like an Oracle, oh how great  
A grace of heaven is a wise Citizen?  
For heaven 'tis makes them wise, as 't makes me just,  
As it preserves me, as I now survive  
By his strong hand to keep you all alive;  
Your wives, your children, goods and lands kept yours,  
That had been else preys to his tyrannous power,  
That would have preyed on me, in bed me me  
In sacred time of peace; my mother here,  
My sister, this just Lord, and all had felt  
The curtain gulf of this conspiracy,  
Of which my Tutor and my Chancellor,  
Two of the gravest and most counted honest  
In all my Dukedom) were the monstrous heads;  
Oh trust no honest men for their sakes ever  
My politic Citizens, but those that breathe  
The names of Cutthroats, usurers an Tyrants;  
Oh those believe 〈◊〉, for the foul mouthed world  
Can give no better terms to simple goodness:  
Even me it dares blaspheme, and thinks me tyrannous  
For saving my own life, sought by my brother:  
Yet those that sought his life before by poison  
(Though my own servants, hoping to please me)  
I'll lead to death for't, which your eyes shall see.  Cit 1. 
Why, what a Prince is here?  Cit 2. 
How just?  Cit 3. 
How gentle?  Rol. 
Well, now my dearest subjects; or much rather  
My nerves, my spirits, or my vital blood;  
Turn to your needful rest, and settled peace,  
Fix in this root of steel, from whence it sprung  
In heavens great help and blessing: but ere sleep  
Bind in his sweet oblivion your dull senses,  
The name and verme of heaven's King; advance  
For yours, in chief for my deliverance.  Cit 
Heaven and his King save our most pious sovereign.  Exit Citizens. Rol. 
Thanks my good people: mother and kind sister,  
And you my noble kinsmen, things borne thus,  
Shall make you all command what ever I  
Enjoy in this my absolute Empery,  
Take in the body of my princely brother;  
For whose death, since his fate no other way,  
Would give my eldest birth his supreme right;  
We'll mourn the cruel influence it bears,  
And wash his sepulchre with kindly tears.  Aub. 
If this game end thus, heavens will rule the set.  
What we have yielded to, we could not let.  Exit omnes, Praeter, Latorche, and Edith Lat. 
Good Lady rise, and raise your spirits withal,  
More high than they are humbled; you have cause,  
As much as ever honoured happiest Lady;  
And when your ears are freer to take in  
Your most amendful and unmatched fortunes,  
I'll make you drown a hundred helpless deaths  
In sea of one life poured into your bosom;  
With which shall flow into your arms, the riches,  
The pleasures, honours, and the rules of Princes;  
Which though death stop your ears, me thinks should ope'm  
Assay to forget death.  Ed. 
Oh slaughtered father.  Lat. 
Taste of what cannot be redressed, and bless  
The fate that yet you curse so; since for that  
You spoke so movingly, and your sweet eyes  
With so much grace filled, that you set on fire  
The Duke's affection, whom you now may rule  
As he rules all his Dukedom, is't not sweet?  
Does it not shine away your sorrow's clouds?  
Sweet Lady, take wise heart, and hear, and tell me  Ed. 
I hear no word you speak.  Lat. 
Prepare to hear then,  
And be not barred up from yourself, nor add  
To your ill fortune with your far worse judgements  
Make me your servant to attend with all joys  
Your sad estate, till they both bless and speak it:  
See how they'll bow to you, make me wait, command m●  
To watch out every minute, for the stay  
Your modest sorrow fancies, raise your graces,  
And do my hopes the honour of your motion,  
To all the offered heights that now attend you:  
Oh how your touches ravish? how the Duke  
Is slain already with your flames embraced?  
I will both serve and visit you, and often.  Ed. 
I am not fit sir.  Lat. 
Time will make you Lady.  Exeunt.  

Act III. Scene II.  Enter the Guard, 3 or 4 boys, than the Shreriffe, Cook, Yeoman of the Cellar, Butler, Pantler to execution. Guard 1. 
COme bring in these fellows, on, away with them.  Guard 2. 
Make room before there, room for the prisoners●  Boy 1. 
Let's run before boys, we shall have no places else.  Boy 2. 
Are these the youths?  Cook 
These are the youths you look for,  
And, pray my honest friends, be not so hasty,  
There will be nothing done till we come, I assure you.  Boy 3. 
Here's a wise hanging, are there no more?  But. 
Do you hear sir? you may come in for your share if you please.  Coo. 
My friend, if you be unprovided of a hanging,  
You look like a good fellow, I can afford you  
A reasonable pennyworth.  Boy 2. 
Afore, afore boys, here's enough to make us sport.  Yeo. 
Pox take you,  
Do you call this sport? are these your recreations?  
Must we be hanged to make you mirth?  Coo. 
Do you hear sir?  
You custard pate, we go to't for high treason,  
An honourable fault: thy foolish father  
Was hanged for stealing sheep.  Boys 
Away, away boys.  Coo. 
Do you see how that sneaking rogue looks now?  
You, chip, Pantler, you peaching rogue, that provided us these  
necklaces: you poor rogue, you costive rogue you.  Pant. 
Pray, pray, fellows.  Coo. 
Pray for thy crusty soul? where's your reward now,  
Goodman Manchet, for your fine discovery?  
I do beseech you sir, where are your dollars?  
Draw with your fellows, and be hanged.  Yeo. 
He must now.  
For now he shall be hanged first, that's his comfort,  
A place too good for thee, thou meal mouthed rascal.  Coo. 
Hang handsomely for shame, come leave your praying  
You peaking knave, and die like a good courtier;  
Die honestly, and like a man; no preaching,  
With I beseech you take example by me,  
I lived a lewd man, good people; pox on't:  
Die me as if thou hadst dined, say grace, and God be with you,  Guard. 
Come, will you forward?  Cook. 
Good Mr Sheriff, your leave to, this hasty work  
Was ne'er done well: give us so much time as but to sing  
Our own Ballads, for we'll trust no man,  
Nor no tune but our own; 'twas done in Ale too,  
And therefore cannot be refused in justice.  
Your penny pot Poets are such pelting thiefs,  
They ever hang men twice; we have it here sir,  
And so much every merchant of our voyage,  
He'll make a sweet return else of his credit.  Yeo. 
One fit of our own mirth and then we are for you.  Guar. 
Make haste then, dispatch.  Yeo. 
There's day enough, sir.  Coo. 
Come boys, sing cheerfully, we shall ne'er sing younger,  
We have chosen a loud tune too, because it should like well.  

The Song  
Come, Fortune's a whore, I care not who tell her,  
Would offer to strangle a page of the Cellar,  
That should by his oath, to any man's thinking,  
And place, have had a defence for his drinking;  
But thus she does still, when she pleases to palter,  
In stead of his wages, she gives him a halter.   
Three merry boys, and three merry boys, and three merry boys are we,  
As ever did sing in a hempen string, under the gallow-tree.  

2  
But I that was so lusty,  
And ever kept my bottles,  
That neither they were musty,  
And seldom less than pottles,  
For me to be thus stopped now,  
With hemp in stead of cork sir,  
And from the gallows lopped now,  
Shows that there is a fork sir,  
In death, and this the token,  
Man may be two ways killed,  
Or like the bottle, broken,  
Or like the wine, be spilt.   
Three merry boys, &c  

3  
Oh yet but look on the master Cook, the glory of the kitchen,  
In sowing whose fate at so lofty a rate, no Tailor ere had stitching●  
For though he makes the man, the Cook yet makes the dishes;  
The which no Tailor can, wherein I have my wishes,  
That I who at so many a feast have pleased so many tasters,  
Should now myself come to be dressed, a dish for you my masters'   
Three merry boys, etc.  Coo. 
There's a few copies for you; now farewell friends:  
And good Mr Sheriff, let me not be printed  
With a brass pot on my head.  But. 
March fair, march fair, afore good Captain Pantler.  

4  
Pant. Oh man or beast, or you at least,  
That wear or brow or antler,  
Prick up your ears, unto the tears  
Of me poor Paul the Pantler,  
That thus am clipped because I chipped  
The cursed crust of Treason  
With loyal knife: Oh doleful strife,  
To hang thus without reason.     


Act IV. Scene I.  Enter Aubrey and Latorche. 
LAtorch, I have waited here to speak with you,  
And you must hearken: Set not forth your legs  
Of haste, nor put yonr face of business on;  
An honester affair than this I urge too,  
You will not easily think on; and 'twill be  
Reward to entertain it: 'tis your fortune  
To have our Master's care above the rest  
Of us that follow him, but that no man envies:  
For I have well considered, truth sometimes  
May be conveyed in by the same conduits  
That falsehood is: These courses that he takes,  
Cannot but end in ruin; Empire got  
By blood and violence, must so be held;  
And how unsafe that is, he first will prove,  
That toiling still to remove enemies,  
Makes himself more; it is not now a Brother  
A faithful Counsellor of estate or two,  
That are his danger, they are far dispatched  
It is a multitude that begin to fear,  
And think what began there, must end in them,  
For all the fine Oration that was made 'em;  
And they are not an easy monster quelld.  
Prince's may pick their suffering Nobles out;  
And one by one employ 'em to the block; but when they once grow formidable to their clowns, and cobblers, ware then, guard themselves; if thou durst tell him this, Lotorche, the service would not discredit the good name you hold with men, besides the profit to your master, and the public.  Lat. 
I conceive not so, sir.  
They are airy fears; and why should I object them unto his fancy?  
Wound what is yet found? your counsels colour not,  
With reason of state, where all that's necessary still is just?  
The actions of the prince, while they succeed,  
Should be made good, and glorified; not questioned,  
Men do but show their ill affections, that—  Aub. 
What? speak out.  Lat. 
Do murmur against their masters.  Aub. 
Is this to me?  Lat. 
It is to whosoever mislikes of the Duke's courses  Aub. 
ay, ist so? at your stateward, sir?  Lat. 
I'm sworn to hear nothing may prejudice the prince.  Aub. 
Why do you? or have you, ha?  Lat, 
I cannot tell, men's hearts show in their words sometims.  Aub. 
I everthought thee  
Knave of the chamber, art thou the spy too?  Lat. 
A watchman for the state, and one that's known  
Sir, to be rightly affected.  Aub. 
Bawd of the state;  
No less than of thy master's lusts. I now  
See nothing can redeem thee; dost thou mention  
Affection, or a heart that ne'er hadst any?  
knowst not to love or hate, but by the state,  
As thy prince does`t before thee? that dost never  
Wear thy own face, but puttest on his, and gather'st●  
Baits for his ears: liv'st wholly at his beck,  
And e'er thou dar'st utter a thought's thine own,  
Must expect his; crep'st forth and wadest into him  
As if thou wert to pass a ford, there proving  
Yet if thy tongue may stop on safely, or no:  
Then bring'st his virtue asleep, and stay'st the wheel  
Both of his reason, and judgement, that they move not.  
Whitest over all his vices; and at last  
Dost draw a cloud of words before his eyes,  
Till he can neither see thee, nor himself?  
Wretch; I dare give him honest counsels, I;  
And love him while I tell him truth: old Aubrey  
Dares go the straightest way, which still`s the shortest,  
Walk on the thorns thou scatter'st, Parasite,  
And tread 'em into nothing: and if thou  
Then lettest a look fall, of the least dislike,  
I'll rip thy crown up with my sword at height,  
And pluck thy skin over thy face: in sight  
Of him thou flatterest; unto thee I speak it,  
Slave, against whom all laws, should now conspire,  
And every creature that hath sense, be armed,  
As against the common enemy of mankind;  
That sleepest within thy master's ear, and whisp'erst  
'tis better for him to be feared, than loud:  
Bidst him trust no man's friendship, spare no blood,  
That may secure him; 'tis no cruelty  
That hath a spacious end; for sovereignty  
Break all the laws of kind; if it succeed  
An honest, noble, and praiseworthy deed;  
While he that takes thy poisons in, shall feel  
Their virulent workings in a point of time,  
When no repentance can bring aid, but all  
His spirits shall melt, with what his conscience burned  
And dying in flatterers arms, shall fall unmournd.  
There's matter for you now.  Lat. 
My lord, this makes not, for loving of my master.  Aub. 
Loving? no.  
They hate ill Princes most that make them so.  Enter Rollo, Hamand, Allan, Guard. Rol. 
I'll hear no more.  Ham. 
Alas, 'tis for my brorher. I beseech your highness.  Rol, 
How, a brother? had not I one myself? did title  
Move me when it was fit that he should dye? away.  All. 
Brother, lose no word more, leave my good cause  
T`upbraid the tyrant, I'm glad, I'm fall'n,  
Now in those times that willed some great example  
T' assure men we can die for honesty.  Rol. 
Sir, you are brave; pray that you hold your neck  
As bravely forth anon unto your headsman.  All. 
Would he would strike as bravely, and thou by.  
Rollo, 'twould make thee quake to see me die.  Aub. 
What's his offence?  Ham. 
For giving Gisbert burial; who was sometimes his master,  All. 
Yes: lord Aubery.  
My gratitude, and humanity, are my crimes.  Rol. 
Why bear you him not hence?  Aub. 
My lord (stay soldiers)  
I do beseech your highness, do not lose  
Such men for so slight causes. This is one  
Has still been faithful to you, a tried soul  
In all your father's battles; I have seen him  
Bestride a friend, against a score of foes,  
And look, he looks as he would kill his hundred  
For you, sir, were you in some danger.  All. 
Till he killed his brother, his chancellor, than his  
Master, to which he can add nought to equal Nero,  
But killing of his mother.  Aub. 
Peace, brave fool;  
Thou valiant ass, here is his brother too, sir,  
A captain of your guard, hath served you long,  
With the most noble witness of his truth  
Marked in his face, and every part about him,  
That turns not from an enemy. But view him,  
Oh do not grieve him sir, if you do mean  
That he shall hold his place: it is not safe  
To tempt such spirits, and let them wear their swords,  
You'll make your guards your terrors by these Acts  
And throw more hearts of from you than you hold:  
And I must tell you sir, (with my old freedom  
And my old faith to boot) you have not lived so  
But that your state will need such men, such hands  
Of which here's one, shall in an hour of trial  
Do you more certain service with a stroke,  
Than the whole bundle of your flatterers  
With all the unsavoury unction of their tongues.  Rol. 
Peace, talker.  Aub, 
One that loves you yet, my lord.  
And would not see you pull on your own ruines●  
Mercy becomes a Prince, and guards him best,  
Awe and affrights are never ties of Love;  
And when men begin to fear the Prince, they hate him.  Rol. 
Am I the Prince, or you?  Aub. 
My Lord I hope I have not uttered ought should urge that question.  Rol. 
Then practise your obedience, see him dead.  Aub. 
My Lord,  Rol. 
I'll hear no more.  Aub. 
I'm sorry then; there's no small despair, sir, of their safety, whose ears are blocked up against truth; come Captain.  Ham. 
I thank you, sir.  Aub. 
For what? for seeing thy brother dye a man, and honest?  
Live thou so Captain, I will I assure thee,  
Although I die for't too: come— Exeunt all but Rollo & Lator  Rol. 
Now Latorche, what do you think?  Lat. 
That Aubreys' speech and manners sound somewhat of the boldest  Rol. 
'tis his custom.  Lat. 
It may be so, and yet be worth a fear.  Rol. 
If we thought so, it should be worth his life, and quickly too.  Lat. 
I dare not, sir, be author  
Of what I would be, 'tis so dangerous;  
But with your highness' favour and your licence.  Rol. 
He talks, 'tis true; he is licenced: leave him,  
We now are Duke alone, Latorche, secured;  
Nothing left standing to obscure our prospect,  
We look right forth, beside, and round about us,  
And see it ours with pleasure: only one  
Wished joy there wants, to make us to possess it,  
And that is Edith, Edith, she that got me  
In blood and tears, in such an opposite minute,  
As had I not once set all the flames  
And shaft of Love shot in me (his whole armoury)  
I should have thought him as far off as death.  Lat. 
My Lord, expect a while, your happiness  
Is nearer than you think it, yet her griefs  
Are green and fresh; your vigilant Latorche  
Hath not been idle: I have leave already  
To visit her, and send to her.  Rol. 
My life.  Lat. 
And if I find not out as speedy ways  
And proper instruments to work and bring her  
To your fruition; that she be not watched  
Tame to your Highness' wish, say you have no servant  
Is capable of such a trust about you,  
Or worthy to be secretary of your pleasure.  Rol. 
Oh my Latorche, what shall I render thee  
For all thy travails, care and love?  Lat. 
Sir, one suit, which I will ever importune, till you grant me.  Rol. 
About your Mathematicians?  Lat. 
Yes to have  
The Scheme of your nativity judged by them,  
I have't already erected; Oh my Lord,  
You do not know the labour of my fears,  
My doubts for you are such as cannot hope  
Any security, but from the Stars;  
Who, being rightly asked, can tell man more  
Than all power else, there being no power beyond them.  Rol. 
All thy petitions still are care of us,  
Ask for thyself.  Lat. 
What more can concern me, than this?  Rol. 
Well, rise true honest man, and go then,  
we'll study ourselves a means how to reward thee.  Lat. 
Your grace is now inspired; now, now your Highness  
Begins to live, from this hour count your joys:  
But, Sir, I must have warrants, with blanks figured,  
To put in names, such as I like.  Rol. 
You shall.  Lat. 
They dare not else offer, Sir, at your figure●  
Oh I shall bring you wonders; there's a Friar  
Rusee, an admirable man, another  
A gentleman, and then Lafiske,  
The mirror of his time; 'twas he that set it.  
But there's one Norbret, (him I never saw)  
Has made a mirror, a mere Looking-glass,  
In show you`ld think't no other; the form oval,  
As I am given to understand by letter,  
Which renders you such shapes, and those so differing,  
And some that will be questioned and give answers;  
Then has he set it in a frame, that wrought  
Unto the revolutions of the Stars,  
And so compact by due proportions  
Unto their harmony, doth move alone  
A true automaton; thus Dedalus Statues,  
Or Vulcan's Tools—  Rol. 
Dost thou believe this?  Lat. 
Sir? why, what should stay my faith, or turn my sense?  
He has been about it above twenty years,  
Three sevens, the powerful, and the perfect numbers;  
And Art and Time, Sir, can produce such things.  
What do I read there of Hiarbas banquet?  
The great Gymnosophist, that had his Butlers  
And carvers of pure gold waiting at table?  
The images of Mercury, too, that spoke?  
The wooden door that flew? a snake of brass  
That hist? and birds of silver that did sing?  
All those new done by the Mathematics,  
Without which there`s no science, nor no truth.  Rol. 
You are in your sphere, Latorche: and rather  
Than I'll contend wi'ye for it, I'll believe it.  
Y'have won upon me that I wish to see  
My fate before me now, what ere it be.  Lat. 
And I'll endeavour, you shall know with speed,  
For which I should have one of trust go with me,  
If you please, Hamond, that I may by him  
Send you my first dispatches; after I  
Shall bring you more, and as they come still more,  Rol. 
Take your way,  
Choose your own means, and be it prosperous to us.  Exeunt.  

ACT. IU. SCAE. II.  Enter Rusee, de Bube, la Fiske, Norbert, Pippeau. Rus. 
Come, bear up Sirs, we shall have better days,  
My Almanac tells me.  Bub. 
What is that? your rump?  Rus. 
It never itched in vain yet, slide la Fiske  
Throw off thy sluggish face, I cannot abide  
To see thee took like a poor Jade i'th' pound,  
That saw no meat these three days.  Fiske. 
'Slight, to me  
It seems thirteen days since I saw any.  Rus. 
How?  Fis. 
I can't remember that I ever saw  
Or meat or money, you may talk of both  
To open a man's stomach or his purse,  
But feed'em still with air.  Bub. 
Friar, I fear  
You do not say your Office well a days.  Nor. 
Pox, he feeds  
With lechery, and lives upon th'exchange  
Of his two Eggs and Puddings with the market women.  Rus. 
And what do you Sir, with the Advocats wife,  
Whom you persuade, upon your Doctoral bed,  
To take the Mathematical trance so often?  Fis. 
Come, we are stark naught all, bad's the boast of us,  
Four of the seven deadly spots we are;  
Besides our Lechery, we are envious,  
And most, most gluttonous when we have it thus,  
Most covetous now we want it; then our Boy  
He is a fifth spot, sloth and he undoes us.  Bub. 
'Tis true, the child was wont to be industrious,  
And now and then sent to a Merchant's wife  
Sick of the husband, or a swearing Butler  
That missed of his Bowls, a crying Maid  
Had lost a silver spoon; the Curry come  
Somtims was wanting; there was something gotten●  
But now—  Pip. 
What now? Did not I yester-morning  
Bring you in a Cardecu there from the Peasant,  
Whosse 〈◊〉 I had driven aside, and hid, that you  
Might conjure for him? and then last night,  
Six Souz from the Cook's wife, you shared among you  
To set a figure for the 〈◊〉 I stole,  
It is not at home yet; these things, my Masters,  
In a hard time, they would be thought on, you  
Talk of your lands and Castles in the air,  
Of your twelve houses there: but it is I  
That bring you in your rents for'em, 'tis Pippeau  
That is your bird-call.  Nor. 
Faith he does well,  
And cuts through the Elements for us, I must needs say  
In a fine dextrous line.  Fis. 
But not as he did  
At first, than he would sail with any wind  
Int' every Creek and Corner.  Pip. 
I was light then,  
New built and rigged when I came to you, gentlemans,  
But now with often and far venturing for you  
Here be leaks Sprung and whole Planks wanting see you;  
If you'll new sheath me●●●●ine, yet I am for you  
To any bog or sleights, where ere you'll send me,  
For as, 〈◊〉 where can this ragged Bark  
Put in for any service; less it be  
O'th' Isle of Rogues, and there turn Pirate for you.  Nor. 
Faith he says reason, Friar, you must leave  
Your neat crisp Clarret and fall to your Cider  
A while; and you la Fiske, your larded Capons,  
And Turkeys for a time, and take a good  
Clean Tripe in your way; de Bube too must content him with  
wholesome two Souzed petitoes, no more Crown ordinaries, till  
we have clothed our Infant.  Bub. 
So you'll keep  
Your own good motions, Doctor, your dear self.  Fis. 
Yes, for we all do know the Latitude  
Of your Concupiscence.  Rus. 
Here about your belly.  Bub. 
You'll pick a bottle open or a whimsy,  
As soon as the best of us.  Fis. 
And dip your wrists bands,  
(For Cuffs y'have none) as comely in the sauce the Bell rings.  
As any Courtier— hark, the Bell, who is there  Rus. 
Good luck I do conjure thee; Boy look out.  Pip. 
They are Gallants, Courtiers, one of'em is Exit and enter again. To Norbret.  
Of the Duke's bedchamber.  Rus. 
Latorche, down,  
On with your gown, there's a new suit arrived,  
Did I not tell you, Sons of hunger? Crowns,  
Crowns are coming toward you, wine & wenches  
You shall have once again, and Fiddlers:  
Into your studies close; each lay his ear  
To his door, and as you hear me to prepare you  
So come, and put me on that vizard only.  Enter Latorche, Hamond. Lat. 
You'll not be far hence Captain, when the  
Business is done you shall receive present dispatch.  Ham. 
I'll walk Sir, in the Cloister. Exit.  Rus. 
Monsieur Latorche; my son  
The Stars are happy still that guide you hither.  Lat. 
I'm glad to hear their Secretary say so,  
My learned Father Russe, where's la Fiske,  
Monsieur de Bube, how do they?  Rus. 
At their studies,  
They are the Secretaries of the Stars, Sir,  
Still at their books, they will not be pulled off,  
They stick like cupping glasses; if ever men  
Spoke with the tongue of destiny, 'tis they.  Lat. 
For love's sake let's salute 'em.  Rus. 
Boy, go see,  
Tell them who's here, say, that their friends do challenge  
Some portion of their time, this is our minutes;  
Pray'em they'll spare it: they are the Sun and Moon  
Of knowledge; pity two such noble lights  
Should live obscured here in an University,  
Whose beams were fit, to illumine any Court  
Of Christendom  Enter la Fiske, de Bube and Pippeau. Lat. 
The Duke will shortly know 'em.  Fis. 
Well, look upon the Astrolabe; you'll find it  
Four Almucanturies at least.  Bub. 
It is so.  Rus. 
Still, of their learned stuff, they care for nothing,  
But how to know, as negligent of their bodies  
In diet, or else, especially in their clothes,  
As if they had no change.  Pip. 
They have so little  
As well may free them from the name of shifters.  Fis. 
Monsieur Latorche?  Lat. 
How is it, learned Gentlemen, with both your virtues?  Bub. 
A most happy hour, when we see you, sir.  Lat. 
When you hear me then  
It will be happier; the Duke greets you both  
Thus, and though you may touch no money, Father,  
Yet you may take it.  Rus. 
'Tis his highness' bounty,  
But yet to me, and these that have put off  
The world, superfluous.  Fis. 
We have heard of late of his highness' good success.  Bub. 
And gratulate it.  Lat. 
Indeed he hath scaped a strange Conspiracy,  
Thanks to his Stars; which Stars be preys by me,  
You would again consult, and make a Judgement  
On what you lately erected for my love.  Rus. 
Oh, Sir, we dare not.  Fis. 
For our lives.  Bub. 
It is the Prince's Scheame.  Lat. 
T'encounter with that fear,  
Here's to assure you, his Signet, write your names,  
And be secured all three.  Bub. 
We must entreat some time, sir,  Lat. 
I must then entreat it, be as present as you can.  Fis. 
Have you the Scheame here?  Lat. 
Yes.  Rus. 
I would you had sir another Warrant.  Dat. 
What would that do?  Rus. 
Marry we have a Doctor sir, that in this business  
Would not perform the second part.  Lat, 
Not him that you writ to me of?  Rus. 
The very same.  Lat. 
I should have made it, sir, my suit to see him,  
Here is a Warrant Father, I conceived  
That he had solely applied himself to Magic.  Rus. 
And to their studies too sir, in this field,  
He was initiated, but we shall hardly  
Draw him from his chair.  Lat. 
Tell him he shall have gold.  Fis. 
Oh, such a syllable would make him to forswear  
Ever to breath in your sight.  Lat. 
How then?  Fis. 
Sir, he if you do please to give him any thing,  
Must have't conveyed under a paper.  Rus. 
Or left behind some book in his study.  Bub. 
Or in some old wall.  Fis. 
Where his Familiars may tell him of it, and that pleases him, Sir.  Bub. 
Or else I'll go and assay him.  Lat. 
Take gold with you.  Rus. 
That will not be amiss; give it the Boy, Sir,  
He knows his holes, and how to bait his Spirits.  Pip. 
We must lay in several places, Sir.  Rus. 
That's true, that if one come not the other may hit.  Lat. 
Well, go then, is he so learned, Gentlemen.  Fis. 
The very top of our profession; mouth of the fates,  
Pray Heaven his Spirits be in a good humour to take.  
They'll fling the gold about the house else.  Bub. 
ay, and beat the Friar if he go not well  
Furnished with holy-water.  Fis. 
Sir, you must observe him.  Bub. 
Not cross him in a word, for then he's gone.  Fis. 
If he do come, which is hazard, yet  
Mass he's here, this is speed.  Enter Norbert, Russee, Pippeau. Nor. 
Where is our Scheme,  
Let's see, dispatch, nay fumbling now, who's this?  Rus. 
Chief Gentleman of the Duke's Chamber, Doctor.  Nor. 
Oh, let him be, good even to him, he's a Courtier,  
I'll spare his Compliment, tell him, what's here?  
The geniture Nocturnal, Longitude  
At forty nine and ten minutes? How are the Cardines?  Fis. 
Libra in twenty four forty four minutes,  
And Capricorn.  Nor. 
I see in, see the Planets,  
Where, how are they disposed? the Sun and Mercury,  
Mars with the Dragon's tail in the third house,  
And pars Fortune in the Imo Coeli,  
Then Jupiter in the twelve, the Cacodaemon.  Bub. 
And Venus in the second Inferna Porta.  Nor. 
I see it, peace, than Saturn in the Fifth,  
Luna i'th' Seventh, and much of Scorpio,  
Then Mars his Gaudium, rising in th`ascendent,  
And joined with Libra too, the house of Venus,  
And juniu Coeli, Mars his exaltation  
In the seventh house, Aries being his natural house  
And where he is now seated, and all these show him  
To be the Almuter.  Rus. 
Yes, he's Lord of the Geniture,  
Whether you examine in by Ptolemy's way,  
Or Messethales, Lael, or Alkindus.  Fis. 
No other Planet hath so many dignities  
Either by himself, or in regard of the Cusps.  Nor. 
Why hold your tongue then if you know it; Venus  
The Lady of the Horoscope, being Libra  
The other part, Mars rules: So that the geniture,  
Being Nocturnal, Luna is the highest,  
None else being in sufficient dignity,  
She being in Aries in the Seventh house,  
Where Sol exalted, ' is the Alchoroden.  Bub. 
Yes, for you see he hath his Termine  
In the degrees where she is, and enjoys  
By that, six dignities.  Fis. 
Which are clearly more  
Than any else that view her in the Scheame.  Nor. 
Why I saw this, and could have told you too.  
That he beholds her with a Trine aspect  
Here out of Sagitary, almost partly,  
And how that Mars out of the selfsame house,  
(But another Sign) here by a Platique aspect  
Looks at the Hilege, with a Quartile ruling  
The house where the Sun is; all this could I  
Have told you, but that you'll outrun me, & more,  
That this same Quartile aspect to the Lady of life,  
Here in the seventh, promises some danger,  
Cauda Draconis being so near Mars,  
And Caput Algell in the house of Death.  Lat. 
How Sir? I pray you clear that.  Nor. 
What is the question first?  Rus. 
Of the Duke's life, what dangers threaten him?  Nor. 
Apparent, & those sudden, when the Hyley  
Or Alchorodon by direction come  
To a Quartile opposition of the place  
Where Mars is in the Geniture (which is now  
At hand) or else oppose to Mars himself; expect it.  Lat. 
But they may be prevented.  Nor. 
Wisdom only  
That rules the Stars, may do it; for Mars being  
Lord of the Geniture in Capricorn,  
Is, if you mark it, now a Sextile here,  
With Venus' Lady of the Horoscope.  
So she being in her Exilium, which is Scorpio,  
And Mars his Gaudium, is over ruled by him,  
And clear debilitated five degrees  
Beneath her ordinary power, so  
That, at the most she can but mitigate.  Lat. 
You cannot name the persons bring this danger?  Nor. 
No, that the Stars tell us not, they name no man,  
That is a work, sir, of another place.  Rus. 
Tell him whom you suspect, and he'll guess shrewdly.  Lat. 
Sir, we do fear one Aubrey; if 'twere he  
I should be glad; for we should soon prevent him.  Fis. 
I know him, the Duke's kinsman, a tall man?  
Lay hold of't Norbret.  Nor. 
Let me pause a little,  
Is he not near of kin unto the Duke?  Lat. 
Yes reverend Sir.  Lat. 
Fart for your reverence, keep it till then; and somewhat high of statutre?  Lat. 
He is so.  Nor. 
How old is he?  Fis. 
About seven and fifty.  Nor. 
His head and beard inclining to be grey.  Lat. 
Right, Sir.  Fis. 
And fat?  Nor. 
He is somewhat corpulent, is he not?  Lat. 
You speak the man, sir.  Nor. 
Well, look to him, farewell. Exit Norb.  Lat. 
Oh, it is Aubrey; gentlemen, I pray you,  
Let me receive this under all your hands.  Rus. 
Why, he will show you him in his Magic glass  
If you entreat him, and but gratify  
A Spirit or two more.  Lat. 
He shall eat gold  
If he will have it, so shall you all; there's that  
Amongst you first, let me have this to send  
The Duke in the mean time; and than what sights  
You please to show; I'll have you so rewarded  
As never Artists weet, you shall to Court  
Along with me, and there wait your fortunes.  Bub. 
We have a pretty part of't in our pockets;  
Boy we will all be new, you shall along to. Exeunt.   

ACT. FOUR SCAE. III.  Enter Sophia, Matilda, Edith. Mat. 
Good Madam hear the suit that Edith urges,  
With such submiss beseeches; nor remain  
So strictly bound to sorrow for your son,  
That nothing else, though never so befitting,  
Obtains your ears, o●●●servation.  Sop. 
What would she say? I hear.  Edith. 
My suit is, Madam,  
That you would please to think aswell of Justice  
Due to your son's revenge, as of more wrong added  
To both yourselves for it, in only grieving.  
Th'undaunted power of Princes, should not be  
Confined in deedless cold calamity;  
Anger, the Twin of sorrow, in your wrongs  
Should not be smothered, when his right of birth  
Claims th'air as well, and force of coming forth.  Sop. 
Sorrow is due already, Anger never  
Should be conceived but where it may be borne  
In some fact fit t'employ his active flame,  
That else consumes who bears it, and abides  
Like a false star that quenches as it glides.  Ed. 
I have such means t'employ it as your wish  
Can think no better, easier, or securer;  
And such as but th'honours I intent  
To your partake; I alone could end:  
But your parts in all dues to crying blood  
For vengeance in the shedder, are much greater:  
And therefore should work your hands to his slaughter,  
For your consent to which, 'twere infinite wrong  
To your severe and most partial Justice,  
To move you to forget so false a son,  
As with a mother's duty made you curse him.  Mat. 
Edith, he is forgot, for any son  
Borne of my mother, or to me a brother.  
For should we still perform our rights to him  
We should partake his wrongs, and as foul be  
In blood and damned parricide as he.  
And therefore tell the happy means that heaven  
Puts in thy hand, for all our longed for freedom  
From so abhorred and impious a monster.  Sop. 
Tell what she will, I'll lend nor hand nor ear  
To whatsoever heaven puts in her power.  Exit Sophia. Mat. 
How strange she is to what she chiefly wishes?  
Sweet Edith be not any thought the more  
Discouraged in thy purpose, but assured  
Her heart and prayers are thine; and that we two  
Shall be enough to all we wish to do.  Ed. 
Madam, myself alone, I make no doubt  
Shall be afforded power enough from heaven  
To end the murderer: all I wish of you,  
Is but some richer ornaments and Jewels  
Than I am able to provide myself,  
To help out the defects of my poor beauty;  
That yet hath been enough, as now it is,  
To make his fancy mad with my desire?  
But you know, Madam, women never can,  
Be too fair to torment an amorous man;  
And this man's torments I would heighten still,  
Till at their highest he be fit to kill.  Mat. 
Thou shalt have all my Jewels and my mothers,  
And thou shalt paint too, that his blood's desire  
May make him perish in a painted fire;  
Hast thou been with him yet?  Ed. 
Been with him? no;  
I set that hour back to haste more his longing  
But I have promised to his instruments,  
The admittance of a visit at our house,  
Where yet I would receive him with all lustre  
My sorrow would give leave to, to remove  
Suspicion of my purpose.  Mat. 
Thou shalt have  
All I can add, sweet wench, in Jewels, tyres●  
I'll be myself thy dresser, nor may I  
Serve my own love with a contracted husband  
More sweetly, nor more amply than mayst thou  
Thy forward will with his bewitched affections:  
Affects thou any personal aid of mine  
My noblest Edith?  Ed. 
Naught but your kind prayers  
For full effect and speed of my affair.  Mat. 
They are thine, my Edith, as for me, my own;  
For thou well knowst, if blood shed of the best  
Should cool and be forgotten, who would fear  
To shed blood still? or where (alas) were then  
The endless love we owe to worthy men?  Ed. 
Love of the worthiest ever bless your highness. Exeunt.    


ACT. V. SCAE. I.  Enter Rollo with a glass, Aubrey, and servants. Rol. 
I never studied my glass till now,  
It is exceeding well; now leave me; cousin,  
How takes your eye the object?  Aub. 
I have learned  
So much sir of the Courtier, as to say  
Your person does become your habit;  
But being called unto it by a noble war,  
Would grace an armour better.  Rol. 
You are still  
For that great Art of which you are the master;  
Yet, I must tell you, that to the encounters  
We oft attempt, armed only thus, we bring  
As troubled blood, fears mixed with flattering hopes,  
The danger in the service to as great  
As when we are to charge quite through and through  
The body of an Army.  Aub. 
I'll not argue  
How you may rank the dangers, but will die in't,  
The ends which they arrive at, are as distant  
In every circumstance, as far as honour  
Is from shame and repentance.  Rol. 
You are sour?  Aub 
I would speak my free thoughts, yet not appear so;  
Nor am I so ambitious of the title  
Of one that dares talk any thing that was  
Against the torrent of his own opinion,  
That I affect to speak aught may offend you:  
And therefore gracious Sir, be pleased to think  
My manners or discretion have informed me  
That I was borne, in all good ends, to serve you;  
And not to check at what concerns me not:  
I look not with sore eyes on your rich outside,  
Nor wrack my thoughts to find out to what purpose  
'Tis now employed; I wish it may be good,  
And that, I hope, offends not for a subject  
Towards his Prince in things indifferent;  
To use the austereness of a Censuring Cato  
Is arrogance, not freedom.  Rol. 
I commend  
This temper in you, and will cherish it,  Ent. Hamond with leters. 
They come from Rome, Latorche employed you?  Ham. 
True Sir.  Rol. 
I must not now be troubled with a thought  
Of any new design; good Aubrey read 'em,  
And as they shall direct you, use my power,  
Or to reply or execute,  Aub. 
I will sir.  Rol. 
And Captain, bring a squadron of our guard  
To th'house that late was Baldwins, and there wait me.  Ham. 
I shall.  Rol. 
Some two hours hence.  Ham. 
With my best care.  Rol. 
Inspire me Love, and be thy deity  
Or scorned or feared, as now thou favourst me. Exit Rollo.  Ham. 
My stay to do my duty, may be wrongs  
Your Lordship's privacy.  Aub. 
Captain, your love  
Is ever welcome; I entreat your patience  
While I peruse these.  Ham. 
I attend your pleasure.  Aub. 
How's this, a plot on me?  Ham. 
What is contained  
In th'letters that I brought, that thus transports him?  Aub. 
To be wrought on by Rogues, and have my head  
Brought to the axe by knaves that cheat for bread?  
The Creatures of a parasite, a slave;  
I find you hear Latorche, not wonder at it;  
But that this honest Captain should be made  
His instrument, afflicts me; I'll make trial  
Whether his will or weakness made him do it.  
Captain you saw the Duke when he commanded  
I should do what these letters did direct me,  
And I presume you think I'll not neglect  
For fear or favour, to remove all dangers  
How near soever that man can be to me  
From whom they should have birth.  Ham. 
It is confirmed.  Aub. 
Nor would you Captain, I believe, refuse,  
Or for respect of thankfulness, or hopes,  
To use your sword with fullest confidence  
Where he shall bid you strike.  Ham. 
I never have done.  Aub. 
Nor will I think.  Ham. 
I hope it is not questioned.  Aub. 
The means to have it so, is now proposed you  
Draw, so, 'tis well, and next cut off my head.  Ham. 
What means your Lordship?  Aub. 
'Tis sir the Duke's pleasure:  
My innocence hath made me dangerous,  
And I must be removed, and you the man  
Must act his will.  Ham. 
I'll be a traitor first, before I serve it thus.  Aub. 
It must be done,  
And that you may not doubt it, there's your warrant  
But as you read, remember Hamond, that  
I never wronged one of your brave profession;  
And, though it be not manly, I must grieve  
That man of whose love I was most ambitious  
Could find no object of his hate but me?  Ham. 
It is no time to talk now, honoured Sir,  
Be pleased to hear thy servant, I am wronged,  
And cannot, being now to serve the Duke,  
Stay to express the manner how; but if  
I do not suddenly give you strong proofs,  
Your life is dearer to me than my own,  
May I live base, and dye so: Sir your pardon. Exit Hamond.  Aub. 
I am both ways ruined, both ways marked for slaughter  
On every side, about, behind, before me,  
My certain fate is fixed: were I a knave now,  
I could avoid this: had my actions  
But mere relations to their own ends, I could scape now:  
Oh honesty! thou elder child of virtue,  
Thou seed of heaven, why to acquire thy goodness  
Should malice and distrust stick thorns before us,  
And make us swim unto thee, hung with hazards?  
But heaven is got by suffering, not disputed;  
Say he knew this before hand, where am I then?  
Or say he does not know it, where's my Loyalty?  
I know his nature, troubled as the Sea,  
And as the Sea devouring when he's vexed,  
And I know Princes are their own expounders.  
Am I afraid of death? of dying nobly?  
Of dying in mine innocence uprightly?  
Have I met death in all his forms, and fears,  
Now on the points of swords, now pitched on lances?  
In fires, and storms of arrows, battles, breaches,  
And shall I now shrink from him, when he courts me  
Smiling and full of Sanctity? I'll meet him;  
My loyal hand and heart shall give this to him,  
And though it bear beyond what Poets feign  
A punishment, duery shall meet that pain;  
And my most constant heart to do him good,  
Shall check at neither pale affright, nor blood.  Enter Messenger. Messen. 
The Duchess presently would crave your presence,  Aubrey. 
I come; and Aubrey now resolve to keep  
Thy honour living, though thy body sleep. Exit.   

ACT. V. SCAE. II.  Enter Edith, a Boy, and a Banquet set out. Edith. 
Now for a Father's murder, and thy ruin,  
All chastity shall suffer if he reign;  
Thou blessed soul, look down, and steel thy daughter,  
Look on the sacrifice she comes to send thee,  
And through the bloody cloud behold my piety,  
Take from my cold heart fear, from my sex pity,  
And as I wipe theses tears off, shed for thee,  
So all remembrance may I lose of mercy;  
Give me a woman's anger bend to blood,  
The wildness of the winds to drown his prayers,  
Storm like may my destruction fall upon him,  
My rage like roving billows as they rise,  
Poured on his soul to sink it, give me flattery,  
(For yet my constant soul near knew dissembling.  
Flattery the food of fools, that I may, rock him  
And lull him in the Down of his desires;  
That in the height of all his hopes and wishes,  
His heaven forgot, and all his lusts upon him,  
My hand, like thunder from a could, may seize him.  
I hear him come, go boy, and entertain him.  Enter Rollo. 

Song.  
Take, Oh take those lips away  
that so sweetly were forsworn,  
And those eyes, like break of day,  
lights that do mislead the Morn,  
But my kisses being again,  
Seals of love, though sealed in vain.   

Hide, Oh hide those hills of Snow,  
which thy frozen blossom bears,  
On whose tops the Pinks that grow  
are of those that April wears.  
But first set my poor heart free,  
bound in those joy chains by thee.   Rol. 
What bright star, taking beauty's form upon her,  
In all the happy lustre of heaven's glory,  
Has dropped down from the Sky to comfort me?  
Wonder of Nature, let it not profane thee  
My rude hand touch thy beauty, nor this kiss;  
The gentle sacrifice of love and service  
Be offered to the honour of thy sweetness  Edith. 
My gracious Lord, no deity dwells here,  
Nor nothing of that virtue, but obedience,  
The servant to your will affects no flattery.  Rollo. 
Can it be flattery to swear those eyes  
Are loves eternal lamps he fires all hearts with?  
That tongue the smart string to his bow? those sighs  
The deadly shafts he sends into our souls?  
Oh, look upon me with thy spring of beauty.  Ed. 
Your grace is full of game.  Rollo. 
By heaven, my Edith,  
Thy mother fed on Roses when she bred thee.  Ed. 
And thine on brambles that have pricked her heart out.  Rollo. 
The sweetness of the Arabian wind still blowing  
Upon the treasures of perfumes and spices,  
In all their pride and pleasures call thee Mistress.  Ed. 
wil't please you sit sir?  Rol. 
So you please sit by me.  
Fair gentle maid, there is no speaking to thee,  
The excellency that appears upon thee  
Ties up my tongue: pray speak to me.  Ed. 
Of what sir?  Rol. 
Of any thing, any thing is excellent;  
Will you take my directions? speak of love then;  
Speak of thy fair self Edith; and while thou speakest,  
Let me, thus languishing, give up myself wench.  Ed. 
H'as a strange cunning tongue, why do you sigh sir?  
How masterly he turns himself to catch me?  Rol. 
The way to Paradise, my gentle maid,  
Is hard and crooked, scarce Repentance finding,  
With all her holy helps, the door to enter.  
Give me thy hand, what dost thou feel?  Ed. 
Your tears sir.  
You weep extremely; strengthen me now justice,  
Why are these sorrow's sir?  Rol. 
thou't never love me  
If I should tell thee, yet there's no way left  
Ever to purchase this blessed Paradise,  
But swimming thither in these tears.  Ed. 
I stagger.  Rol. 
Are they not drops of blood?  Ed. 
No.  Rol. 
theyare for blood then  
For guiltless blood, and they must drop, my Edith,  
They must thus drop, till I have drowned my mischiefs.  Ed. 
If this be true, I have no strength to touch him.  Rol. 
I prithee look upon me, turn not from me;  
Alas I do confess I'm made of mischief,  
Begot with all man's miseries upon me;  
But see my sorrows, made, and do not thou,  
Whose only sweetest sacrifice is softness,  
Whose true condition, tenderness of nature.  Ed. 
My anger melts, Oh, I shall lose my justice.  Rol. 
Do not thou learn to kill with cruelty,  
As I have done to murder with thy eyes,  
(Those blessed eyes) as I have done with malice,  
When thou hast wounded me to death with scorn,  
(As I deserve it Lady) for my true love,  
When thou hast loaden me with earth for ever,  
Take heed my sorrows, and the stings I suffer;  
Take heed my nightly dreams of death and horror  
Pursue thee not: no time shall tell thy griefs then,  
Nor shall an hour of joy add to thy beauties.  
Look not upon one as I killed thy father,  
As I was smeared in blood, do not thou hate me,  
But thus in whiteness of my washed repentance,  
In my hearts tears and truth of love to Edith,  
In my fair life hereafter.  Ed. 
He will fool me.  Rol. 
Oh with thine angel eyes behold and close me,  
Of heaven we call for mercy and obtain it;  
To Justice for our right on earth and have it;  
Of thee I beg for love, save me, and give it.  Ed. 
Now heaven thy help, or I am gone for ever,  
His tongue has turned me into melting pity.  Enter Hamond and Guard. Ham. 
Keep the doors safe, and upon pain of death  
Let no man enter till I give the word.  Guard. 
We shall sir. Exeunt.  Ham. 
Here he is in all his pleasure; I have my wish  Rol. 
How now? why dost thou stare so?  Ed. 
A help, I hope.  Rol. 
What dost thou here? who sent thee?  Ham. 
My brother, and the base malicious Office  
Thou mad'st me do to Aubrey, pray.  Rol. 
Pray?  Ham. 
Pray; pray if thou canst pray, I shall kill thy soul else,  
Pray suddenly.  Rol. 
Thou canst not be so traitorous.  Ham. 
It is a Justice; stay Lady;  
For I perceive your end; a woman's hand  
Must not rob me of vengeance.  Ed. 
'Tis my glory.  Ham. 
'Tis mine, stay, and share with me; by the gods, Rollo,  
There is no way to save thy life.  Rol. 
No?  Ham. 
No, it is so monstrous, no repentance cures it.  Rol. 
Why then thou shalt kill her first, and what this blood  
Will cast upon thy cursed head.  Ham. 
Poor Guard sir.  Ed. 
Spare not brave Captain.  Rol. 
Fear, or the devil has thee.  Ham. 
Such fear sir as you gave your honoured mother,  
When your most virtuous brother, shield like, held her;  
Such I'll give you, put her away.  Rol. 
I will not, I will not die so tamely.  Ham. 
Murderous villain, wilt thou draw seas of blood upon thee.  Ed. 
Fear not, kill him good Captain, any way dispatch  
Him, my body's honoured with that sword that through me,  
Sends his black soul to hell: Oh, but for one hand.  Ham. 
Shake him off bravely.  Ed. 
He's too strong, strike him.  Ham. 
Oh, am I with you Sir? now keep you from him,  
What has he got a knife.  Ed. 
Look to him Captain, for now he will be mischievous.  Ham. 
Do you smile Sir?  
Does it so tickle you? have at you once more.  Ed. 
Oh bravely thrust; take heed he come not in Sir;  
To him again, you give him too much respite.  Rol. 
Yet will you save my life, and I'll forgive thee.  
And give the all, all honours, all advancements,  
Call thee my friend.  Ed. 
Strike, strike, and hear him not,  
His tongue will tempt a Saint.  Rol. 
Oh, for my soul's sake.  Ed. 
Save nothing of him.  Ham. 
Now for your farewell,  
Are you so marry? take you that.  Rol. 
Thou, that too;  
Oh thou hast killed me basely, basely, basely. Dies.  Ed. 
The just reward of murder falls upon thee.  
How do you Sir? has he not hurt you?  Ham. 
No, I feel not any thing.  Aub. 
I charge you let us pass. within.  Guard. 
You cannot yet sir.  Aub. 
I'll make way then.  Guar. 
We are sworn to our Captain, and till he give the word.  Enter Sophia, Matilda, Aubrey, Lords and attendants. Ham. 
Now let them in there.  Sop. 
Oh, here he lies,  
Sorrow on sorrow seeks me, Oh, in his blood he lies,  Aub. 
Had you spoke sooner  
This might have been prevented;  
Take the Duchess,  
And lead her off, this is no sight for her eyes  Mat. 
Oh, bravely done wench.  Ed. 
There stands the noble doer.  Mat. 
My honour ever seek thee for thy justice,  
Oh 'twas a deed of high and brave adventure,  
A justice even for heaven to envy at,  
Farewell my sorrows, and my tears take truee,  
My 〈…〉 Oh bloody Brother,  
Till this hour never beauteous; till thy life,  
Like a full sacrifice for all thy mischiefs,  
Flowed fro 〈…〉 rivers, never righteous:  
Oh how my eyes 〈…〉 wish than joys how?  
My longing heart even leaping out for lightness,  
But die thy black sins with thee. I forgive thee.  Aub. 
Who did this deed?  Ham. 
ay, and I'll answer it. Dies.  Edi. 
He faints, oh that same cursed knife has killed him.  Aub. 
How?  Ed. 
He snatched it from my hand, for whom I bore it,  
And as they grapelled.  Aub. 
Justice is ever equal,  
Had it not been on him, thou'dst died too honest.  
Did you know of his death?  Ed. 
Yes, and rejoice in't.  Aub. 
I'm sorry for your youth then; though the strictness  
Of Law shall not fall on you, that of life  
Must presently, go to a Cloister, carry her,  
And there for ever lead your life in penitence.  Ed. 
Best Father to my soul, I give you thanks, sir,  
And now my fair revenges have their ends,  
My vows shall be my kin, my prayers my friends. Exit.  Enter Latorche, and jugglers. Lat. 
Stay there, I'll step in and prepare the Duke,  Nor. 
We shall have brave rewards?  Fis. 
That is without question.  Lat. 
By this time where's my huffing friend Lord Aubrey?  
Where's that good Gentleman? oh, I could laugh now,  
And burst myself with mere imagination;  
A wise man, and a valiant man, a just man;  
To suffer himself be juggled out of the world,  
By a number of poor Gipsies? farewell Swashbuckler,  
For I know thy mouth is cold enough by this time;  
A hundred of ye I can shave as neatly,  
And ne'er draw blood in show: now shall my honour,  
My power and virtue walk alone: my pleasure  
Observed by all, all knees bend to my worship,  
All suits to me as Saint of all their fortunes,  
Preferred and crowded too, what full place of credit,  
And what place now? your Lordship? no, 'tis common,  
But that I'll think to morrow on, now for my business.  Aub. 
Whose there?  Lat. 
Dead, my Master dead? Aubrey alive too?  Guard. 
Litorche, Sir.  Aub. 
Seize his body.  Lat. 
My Master dead?  Aub. 
And you within this half hour;  
Prepare yourself good devil, you must to it,  
Millions of gold shall not redeem thy mischief,  
Behold the Justice of thy practice, villain;  
The mass of murders thou hast drawn upon us:  
Behold thy doctrine; you look now for reward, sir,  
To be advanced, I'm sure, for all your labours?  
And you shall have it, make his gallows higher  
By ten foot at the least, and then advance him.  Lat. 
Mercy, mercy.  Aub. 
'Tis too late fool,  
Such as you meant for me, away with him. He is led out.  
What gaping knaves are these, bring'em in fellows,  
Now, what are you?  Nor. 
Mathematicians if it please your Lordship.  Aub. 
And you drew a figure?  Fis. 
We have drawn many.  Aub. 
For the Duke, I mean; sir Latorche's knaves you are.  Nor. 
We know the Gentleman.  Aub. 
What did he promise you?  Nor. 
We are paid already.  Aub. 
But I will see you better paid, go whip them.  Nor. 
We do beseech your Lordship, we were hired.  Aub. 
I know you were, and you shall have your hire;  
Whip'em extremely, whip that Doctor there,  
Till he record himself a Rogue.  Nor. 
I am one, Sir.  Aub. 
Whip him for being one, and when theyare whipped,  
Lead'em to the gallows to see their patron hanged;  
Away with them. They are lead out.  Nor. 
Ah, good my Lord.  Aub. 
Now to mine own right, gentlemans.  Lord 1. 
You have the next indeed, we all confess it,  
And here stand ready to invest you with it.  Lord 2. 
Which to make stronger to you, and the surer,  
Then blood or mischiefs dare infringe again,  
Behold this Lady, Sir, this noble Lady,  
Full of the blood as you are, of that nearness,  
How blessed would it be?  Aub. 
I apprehend you, and so the fair Matilda dare accept  
Me her ever constant servant.  Mat. 
In all pureness,  
In all humility of heart and services,  
To the most noble Aubrey, I submit me.  Aub. 
Then this is our first tie, now to our business.  Lord 1. 
We are ready all to put the honour on you, Sir.  Aub. 
These sad rights must be done first, take up the bodies,  
This, as he was a Prince, so Princely funeral  
Shall wait upon him: on this honest Captain,  
The decency of arms; a tear for him too.  
So, sadly on, and as we view his blood,  
May his Example in our Rule raise good.    
FINIS.