The Tragedy of ROLLO DUKE of Normandy.  
ACTED BY HIS Majesty's Servants.  
Written by JOHN FLETCHER Gent.  
OXFORD, Printed by LEONARD LICHFIELD Printer to the University. ANNO 1640.   

The Names of the Actors.  
Rollo 
Sons to the deceased Duke of Normandy.  Otto 
Sons to the deceased Duke of Normandy.  Aubrey, 
Kinsman to Rollo.  Gisbert 
Two Counsellors of State.  Baldwin, 
Two Counsellors of State.  Latorch, 
Favourite to Rollo.  Hamond, 
Captain of the Guard.  Allan, 
His brother.  Granpree 
Servants to Rollo.  Verdon, 
Servants to Rollo.  Trevite, 
Servants to Otto.  Du Prette, 
Servants to Otto.   

citizens.  
Guard.  
Servants.  
boys.  
Cooke.  
Butler.  
Pantler.  
Yeoman of the Cellar.   
Russee. 
Cheaters.  De Bubie. 
Cheaters.  La-Fiske. 
Cheaters.  Norbret. 
Cheaters.  Pipeane. 
Cheaters.   
Sophia, 
The old Dutchess.  Matilda, 
Her daughter.  Edith, 
Daughter to Baldwin.    

THE tragedy OF ROLLO Duke of NORMANDY.  


ACTUS 1. SCENA 1.  Enter Gisbert and Baldwin. Baldw. 
THe brothers then are met?  Gisb. 
They are.  Baldw. 
'tis thought they may be reconciled.  Gisb. 
'tis rather wished.  
For such whose reason do 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  
To heave them up, and these are too well practised  
In their bad arts to give way to a calm,  
Which yielding rest to good men proves their ruin.  Bald. 
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.  Gisb. 
He is indeed the perfect character of a good man,  
And so his actions speak him.  Bald. 
And did you observe the many doubts & cautions  
the brothers stood upon before they met?  Gisb. 
I did, and yet that ever brothers should  
Stand on more nice terms then 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 surveyed,  
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.  Baldw. 
Yet our best endeavours  
Should not be wanting Gisbert.  Gisb. 
Neither shall they, Enter Granpree and Verdon.  
But what are these?  Baldw. 
They are without my knowledge,  
But by their manners and behaviours  
They should express themselves.   

SCENA 2.  Gisbert, Baldwin, Granpree, Verdon. Gran. 
Since we serve Rollo  
The eldest Brother, we'll be Rollians,  
Who will maintain us as brave as Romans  
You stand for him?  Verd. 
I do.  Gran. 
Why then observe,  
How much the business, the 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 hemp shall rise;  
And bawdry in a French-hood shall plead before her  
Where it shall be concluded, after twelve  
Virginity shall be carted.  Verd. 
Excellent!  Gran. 
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 attorneys lans prizadoes,  
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.  Baldw. 
Here's a statesman!  Gran. 
A Creditor shall not dare but by petition  
To make demand of any debt, and that  
Only once every leap year, in which if  
The debtor may be won for a French Crown  
To pay a sauce, he shall be registered  
His benefactor.  Verd. 
The Chancellor hears you.  Gran. 
Fear not, I now dare speak as loud as he,  
And will be heard and have all that I speak law.  
Have you no eyes? there's a reverence due  
From children of the gown to men of action.  Gisb. 
How's this?  Gran. 
e'en so, the times, the times are changed,  
All business is not now preferred in parchment,  
Nor shall a grant pass which wants this broad seal,  
This seal, do you 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.  Gisb. 
Yes somewhat longer.  Gran. 
To what end?  Gisb. 
To hang you, think on that Ruffian.  Gran. 
For you Schoolmaster, you have a pretty daughter;  
let me see,  
Near three o'clock, by which time I much fear  
I shall be tired with killing some five hundred,  
Provide a bath, and her to entertain me.  
And that shall be your ransom.  Baldw. 
Impudent rascal!   

SCENA 3.  Enter to them Trevile, and Duprete. Gisb. 
More of the crew.  Gran. 
What are you Rollians?  Trevile. 
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 Granpree; you see this sword,  
A pretty foolish toy, my valour's servant,  
And I may boldly say a Gentleman,  
It having made when it was charlemaine's  
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  
The servant of your servant, which shall be proud  
To be scoured in your sweet guts, till when,  
Pray you command me. Exeunt omnes praeter Gisbert & Baldwin.  Gran. 
Your Idolater Sir.  Gish. 
That ever such  
Should hold the names of men!  
Or justice be held cruelty, when it labours  
To pluck such roots up.  Baldw. 
Yet they are protected, and by the great ones.  Gisb. 
Not the good ones Baldwin.   

SCENA. 4.  Aubrey, Gilbert, Baldwin. Aub, 
Is this a time to be spent thus by such  
That 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 arm  
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? O 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 to be a Guardian, nay  
A Father of his Sons, and that great trust  
How ill do you discharge? I must be plain  
That at the best you're a sad looker on  
Of those bad practises you should prevent.  
And where's the use of your Philosophy  
In this so needful 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 be imputed yours.  Bald. 
'Twas not in me my Lord to alter nature.  Gisb. 
Nor can my Counsels 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 the abuse,  
Or Baldwin only weep the desperate madness  
Of his seduced Pupils? See those 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 act, 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.   

SCENA 5.  Rollo, Latorch, Trevile, Granpree, Otto, Verdon, Duprete, Gisbert, Baldwin, Aubrey. Gisb. 
See't confirmed:  
Now do or never speak more,  
We are yours.  Rollo: 
You shall know who I am.  Otto: 
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.  Gisb. 
Dear Lord.  Otto. 
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.  Otto. 
I need it not, and 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 threatning action;  
Our father at his death, then when no accent  
Wer't then a son could fall from him in vain,  
Made us coheirs, our part of land and honours  
Of equal weight, and to see this confirmed  
The oath of these is 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.  Treu. 
Nor will we see the will of the dead Duke infringed.  Lator. 
Nor I  
The elder robbed of what's his right.  Granp. 
Nor you?  
Let me take place I say I will not see it,  
My sword is sharpest.  Aub. 
Peace you tinderboxes,  
That only carry matter to make a flame,  
Which will consume you.  Roll. 
You are troublesome, to Baldwin,  
This is no time for Arguments, my title  
Needs not your school defences, but my sword  
With which the Gordian of your Sophistry  
Being cut, shall show the Imposture for your law. to Gis.  
It is in me to change them as I please,  
I being above them (Gisbert)  
Would you have me protect them?  
Let them then now stretch their extremest rigour,  
And seize upon that Traitor, and your tongue  
Make him appear first dangerous and 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.  Gisb. 
Sir I grant,  
The Laws are useful weapons, but found out  
To assure innocence not to oppress.  Roll. 
Then you conclude him innocent?  Gisb. 
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.  Roll. 
Such 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 my own Guard.  Otto. 
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 throwest out to contempt, in thy repining  
At his so just decree; thou art unworthy  
Of what his last will, not thy merit gave thee,  
That art so swollen within, with all those mischiefs  
That ere 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. 
Thou shalt not live Offers his sword at Otto, the faction joining Aubrey between severs the Brothers.  
To be so happy.  Aub. 
Nor your misery  
Begin in murder; duty, allegiance,  
And all respect of what you are forsake me.  
Do you stare on's? is this a theater?  
Or shall these kill themselves, like to manfencers,  
To make you sport? keep them asunder, or  
By Heaven I'll charge on all.  Gran. 
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,  Otto. 
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.  Otto. 
'tis better guarded.   

SCaeNA. 6.  Sophia, Rollo, Otto and the rest. Soph. 
Make way or I will force it, who are these  
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, and yet  
Stand doubtful to obey hers? from me you had  
Life, nerves and faculties to use those weapons,  
And dare you raise them against her, to whom  
You owe the means of being what you are?  Otto. 
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 wracks, your blood is mine  
Your danger's mine, your goodness I should share in,  
And 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  
Are in your fury choked, throw down your swords.  
Your duty should be swifter than my tongue,  
And join your hands while they are 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.  Gisb. 
Can you hear this unmoved?  Aub. 
No Syllable  
Of this so pious charm, but should have power  
To frustrate all the juggling deceits  
With which the Devil blinds you.  Otto. 
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 yet a little longer, and then break:  
I kneel to both, and will speak so, but this  
Takes the authority of a Mother's power,  
And therefore like myself, Otto to thee,  
And yet observe son, how thy Mother's tears  
Out strip 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.  Otto. 
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 ere despoil thee of why dost thou tremble?  
And with a fearful eye fixed on thy brother,  
Observest his ready sword as bent 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.  Otto. 
'tis not for myself  
But for you Mother; you are now engaged  
In more than 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 turns 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 not my own.  
Know yet my sons when of necessity  
You must deceive or be deceived, 'tis better  
To suffer treason then 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? 'tis 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,  
Whither you can have interest in that Dukedom,  
Whose ruin both contend for.  Otto. 
I desire  
But to enjoy my own which I will keep.  Rollo. 
And rather than posterity shall have cause  
To say I ruined all, divide the Dukedom,  
I will accept the moiety.  Otto. 
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 so to weaken it.  
To hear it mentioned doth already make me  
Envy my dead Lord, and almost blaspheme  
Those powers which heard my prayers for fruitfulness,  
And did not with my first birth close my womb.  
To me alone, my second blessing proves my first,  
My first of misery, for if heaven  
That 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.  Gisb. 
How this works in both!  Baldw. 
Prince Rollo's eyes have lost their fire.  Gisb. 
And anger, that but e'en 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 latter  
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 act of tyrannies,  
The murder of a Mother but begin  
The Scene 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 star in the bright sphere of honour,  
Make me the parent of a 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.  Rollo. 
Such and so good loud fame for ever speak you.  Bald. 
ay, now they meet like brothers. The brothers throw down their swords and embrace.  Gisb. 
My heart's joy  
Flows through my eyes.  Aub. 
May never woman's tongue  
Hereafter be accused, for this one's goodness.  Otto. 
If we contend, from this hour it shall be  
How to o'ercome in brotherly affection.  Rollo. 
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.  Baldw. 
Sure and certain ones.  Soph. 
Supported thus I am secure o sons,  
This is your Mother's triumph. Exeunt omnes praet. Granpre, Verdon, Trevile, Duprete  Rollo. 
You deserve it.  Gran. 
Did ever such a hoped for business end thus?  Verd. 
'tis fatal to us all, and yet you Granpree  
Have the least cause to fear,  Gran. 
Why, what's my hope?  Verd. 
The certainty that you have to be hanged;  
You know the Chancellors promise.  Gran. 
Plague upon you.  Verd. 
What think you of a bath, and a lord's daughter  
To entertain you?  Gran. 
Those desires are of frail thoughts:  
All friends, no Rollions now, nor Ottoes,  
The several courtesies of our swords and servants  
Defer till apter 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, and that's  
No usual business to the men o'th' sword.  
Drink deep with me tonight, we shall tomorrow  
Or whip or hang the merrier.  Trev. 
Lead the way then. Exeunt.  Enter Latorch and Rollo. Lator. 
Why should this trouble you?  Rollo. 
It does and must do,  
Till I find ease.  Lator. 
Consider then and quickly,  
And like a wise man take the current with you  
Which once turned head will sink you.  
Blessed occasion offers itself 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 soiling Forests  
e'en with their swing were wont to shake down hazards.  
What is't your mother's tears?  Rollo. 
Prithee be patient.  Lator. 
Her hands held up, her prayers, or her curses?  
O Power of prayer dropped through by a woman.  
Take heed the Soldiers 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 you 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?  Rollo. 
Are we not friends again, by each oath ratified  
Our tongues the Heralds of our hearts?  Lat. 
Poor hearts then.  Rollo. 
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 hath sunk it.  
Friendship, take heed Sir, is a smiling harlot  
That when she kisses, kisses a soldered friendship  
Pieced out with promises; o painted ruin!  Rollo 
Latorch, he is my brother.  Lat. 
The more doubted,  
For hatred hatched at home is a tame Tiger,  
May fawn and sport, but never leave his nature.  
The jars of brothers, two such mighty ones,  
Are like a small stone thrown into a river,  
The breath 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 in distrusts, distrusts pull down dangers,  
And danger's death, the greatest extreme shadow  
Till nothing bound them but the Showers, their graves.  
There is no manly wisdom nor no safety  
In leaning to this league, this piece patched friendship,  
This reared up reconcilement on a billow  
Which as he 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?  Rollo. 
Ha?  Lat. 
What fool would give a storm leave to disturb him  
When he may shut the casement? can that man  
Has won so much upon you by your pity,  
And drawn so high, that like an ominous Comet  
He darkens all your light, can this couched Lion  
(Though now he licks and locks up his fell paws  
Craftily humming like a Cat to cozen you)  
But ambition whets him and time fits him,  
Leap to his prey, and seized once, suck your heart out?  
Do you make it conscience?  Rollo. 
Conscience Latorch? what's that?  Lat. 
A tear they tie up fools in: nature's coward,  
Tasting the blood and chilling the full spirits  
With apprehension of mere clouds and shadows.  Rollo. 
I know no conscience, nor I fear no shadows.  Lat. 
Or if you did, if there were conscience,  
If the free soul could suffer  
The fiery mind, such puddle 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?  Rollo. 
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 ye. 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 a pieces.  Lat. 
Now you go right Sir, now your eyes are open.  Rollo. 
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 you are a man Sir.  Rollo, 
Otto thou showst my winding sheet before me,  
Which ere I put it on, like heavens blessed fire  
In my descent I'll make it blush in blood.  
A crown, a crown, o sacred rule now fire me,  
Nor shall the pity of thy youth false brother,  
Although a thousand Virgins kneel before me,  
And every dropping 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, o sacred rule now fire me,  
No safety else.  Lat, 
But be not too much stirred Sir,  
Nor too high in your execution; swallowing waters  
Run deep and silent till they are satisfied,  
And smile in thousand curls, to guild their craft,  
Let your sword sleep, and let my two-edged wit work.  
This happy feast, the full joy of your friendship  
shall be his last.  Rollo. 
How my Latorch?  Lan. 
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 'em.  Rollo. 
Canst thou do it neatly?  Lat. 
Let me alone and such a bait it shall be  
Shall take off all suspicion.  Rollo. 
Go and prosper.  Lat. 
Walk in then and your smoothest face put on Sir.  Exeunt.  

SCOENA 2,  Enter the Mr Cook, Butler, Pantler, Yeoman of the Cellar, with a jack of beer and a dish. Cook. 
A hot day, a hot day, vengeance hot boys,  
Give me some drink; this fire's a plaguy fretter.  
Body a me I am dry still, give me the jack boy,  
This wooden skiff holds nothing.  Pant. 
And faith master,  
What brave new meats, for here will be old eating?  Cook. 
Old and young boy, let 'em all eat, I have it,  
I have ballast for their bellies, if they eat, a God's name  
Let 'em have ten tire of teeth a piece, I care not.  Butl. 
But what new rare munition?  Cook. 
Peuh a thousand,  
I'll make ye Pigs speak French at table, and a fat Swan  
Come sculling out of England with a challenge.  
I'll make ye a dish of calf's feet 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 past, which is impregnable,  
And against that for two long hours together,  
Two dozen of maribones shall play continually.  
For Fish I'll make ye a standing lake of White-broth,  
And Pikes come ploughing up the plumbs before 'em  
Arion on a Dolphin playing Lachrimae,  
And brave King Herring with his oil and onion  
Crowned with a lemon pill, his way prepared  
with his strong guard of pilchers.  Pant 
I marry master.  Cook. 
All these are nothing, I'll make ye a stubble goose  
Turn o'th' toe thrice, do a cross point presently  
And then sit down again, and cry, come eat me.  
These are for mirth, now Sir, for matter of mourning  
I'll bring ye in the lady loin of veal  
With the long love she bore the Prince of Orange.  Omn. 
Thou boy, thou!  Cook. 
I have a trick for thee too,  
And a rare trick, and I have done it for thee.  Yeo. Sel. 
What's that good master?  Cook. 
'tis a sacrifice, a full vine bending like an Arch,  
And under the blown god Bacchus sitting on a hogshead  
his altar here, 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 Tables drawn, to draw the wine in.  Cook. 
Thou hast it right,  
And then comes thy Song butler.  Pant. 
This will be admirable.  Yeo. Sel. 
O Sir, most admirable.  Cook. 
If you'll have the paste speak, 'tis in my power  
I have fire enough to work it, come stand close,  
And now rehearse the Song it may be perfect,  
The drinking song, and say I were the Brothers.  

The Song.  
Drink today and drown all sorrow,  
You shall perhaps not do it tomorrow.  
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 tissick,  
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.   
Well have you borne yourselves, a red-deer pie boys,  
And that no lean one, I bequeath your virtues.  
What friends hast thou today, no Citizens?  Pant. 
Yes father the old Crew.  Cook. 
By the Mass true, wench's  
Sirrah, set by a chine of beef and a hot pasty  
And let the jowl of Sturgeon be corrected,  
And do you mark sir, stalk me to a Pheasant  
And see and ye can shoot her into the Seller.  Pant. 
Godamercy dad,  
Send me thy roaring bottles,  
And with such Nectar I will see 'em filled,  
That all thou speak'st shall be pure Helicon.  
monsieur Latorch, what news within? Enter Lator.  Lator. 
Save ye,  
Save ye master, save ye Gentlemen,  
You are casting for this preparation,  
This joyful supper for the royal brothers:  
I'm glad I have met ye fitly, for to your charge  
My bountiful brave Butler, I must deliver  
A bevy of young lasses, that must look on  
This day's solemnity, and see the two Dukes  
Or I shall lose my credit, you have stowage.  Butl. 
For such freight I'll find room, & be your servant.  Cook. 
Bring 'em, they shall not starve here, I'll send 'em victuals  
Shall work you a good turn, though it be ten days hence sir.  Lator. 
Godamercy noble master.  Cook. 
Nay I'll do't.  Yeo. Sel. 
And Wine they shall not want, let 'em drink like ducks.  Lator. 
What misery it is that minds so royal,  
And such most honest bounties as yours are,  
Should be confined thus to uncertainties?  Butl. 
ay, were the State once settled, then we had places.  Yeo. sel. 
Then we could show ourselves and help our friends sir.  Cook. 
I 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.  Lator. 
I would fain speak to you out of pity,  
Out of the love I bear you, out of honesty,  
For your own goods, nay for the general blessing.  Cook 
And we would as fain hear you, pray go forward.  Lator. 
Dare ye but think to make yourselves up certainties,  
Your places and your credits ten times doubled  
The PRINCE's favour Rollo's?  Butl. 
A sweet gentleman.  Yeo. sel. 
ay, and as bounteous if he had his right too.  Cook. 
By th'mass a royal gentleman indeed boys,  
he'll make the chimney's smoke.  Lator. 
He would do friends,  
And you too, if he had his right, true Courtiers,  
What could ye want then? dare ye?—  Cook. 
Pray be short sir.  Lator. 
And this my soul upon't, I dare assure you  
If you but dare your parts.  Cook. 
Dare not me Monsieur,  
For I that fear neither fire nor water sir,  
Dare do enough a man would think.  Yeo. sel. 
believe't sir,  
But make this good upon us you have promised,  
You shall not find us flinchers.  Lator. 
Then I'll be sudden.  Pant. 
What may this mean, and whether would he drive us?  Lator. 
And first for what you must do, because all danger  
Shall be apparently tied up and muffled,  
The matter seeming mighty, there's your pardons.  Pant. 
Pardons? is't come to that? good god defend us.  Lator. 
And here's five hundred crowns in bounteous earnest.  
And now behold the matter. Lator. gives each a paper.  Butl. 
What are these Sir?  Yeo. sell. 
And of what nature? to what use?  Lator. 
Imagine.  Cook. 
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 'em?  Lator. 
Is your will made?  
And have you said your prayers? for they'll pay ye,  
And now to come to you for your knowledge,  
And for the good you never shall repent ye,  
If ye be wisemen now.  Cook. 
Wise as you will sir,  Lator. 
These must be put then into the several meats  
Young Otto loves, by you into his wine sir,  
Into his bread by you, by you into his linen.  
Now if you desire, ye have found the means  
To make ye, and if ye dare not ye have  
Found your ruin, resolve me ere you go.  Butl. 
You'll keep faith with us?  Lator. 
May I no more see light else.  Cook. 
Why 'tis done then.  Butl. 
'tis done.  Pant. 
'tis done which shall be undone.  Lator. 
About it then, farewell, ye are all of one mind?  Cook. 
All.  Omn. 
All, all.  Lator. 
Why then, all happy. Exit.  But. 
What did we promise him?  Yeo. sel. 
Do you ask that now?  Butl. 
I would be glad to know what 'tis.  Pant. 
I'll tell ye,  
It is to be all villain's knaves and traitors.  Cook. 
Fine wholesome titles,  But. 
But if we dare go forward.  Cook. 
We may be hanged draw & quartered.  Pant. 
Very true Sir  Cook. 
What a goodly swinge shall I give the gallows, yet I think too,  
This may be done, and we may be rewarded  
Not with a rope, but with a Royal master,  
And yet we may be hanged too.  Yeo. sel. 
Say 'twere done,  
Who is it done for? is it not for Rollo and for his right?  Cook. 
And yet we may be hanged too.  Butl. 
Or say he take it, say we be discovered.  Yeo. sel. 
Is not the same man bound still to protect us?  
Are we not his?  Butl. 
Sure he will never fail us.  Cook. 
If he do friends, we shall find that will hold us,  
And yet methinks 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 ye gentlemen  
Here stands 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 podrilla:  
Here stands a baked meat, he wants a little seasoning  
A foolish mistake, my spice box gentlemen.  
And put in some of this, the matters ended:  
Dredge ye a dish of Plovers, there's the art on't,  
Or in a galingale a little does it.  Yeo. sel. 
Or as I fill my wine.  Cook. 
'tis very true Sir  
Blessing it with your hand, thus, quick and neatly first,  
'tis past.  Yeo. sel. 
And done once 'tis as easy  
For him to thank us for it, and reward us.  Pant. 
But 'tis a damned sin.  Cook. 
I never fear that,  
The fire's my playfellow, and now I am resolved boys.  But. 
Why then have with ye.  Yeo. sel. 
The same for me.  Pant. 
For me too.  Cook. 
And now no more our worships, but our Lordships.  Pā. 
Not this year o' my knowledge, I'll unlord ye. Exeūt.   

SCENA 3.  Enter Servant and shower. Ser. 
Perfume the room round: and prepare the table:  
Gentlemen officers wait in your places.  shower. 
Make room there,  
Room for the Duke's meat, Gentlemen be bare there,  
Clear all the entrance, Guard put by those papers,  
And Gentlemen Ushers see the Gallery clear  
The Dukes are coming on. Ho boys and banquet.  Enter Sophia between Rollo and Otto, Aubrey, Latorch, Gisbert, Baldwin, attendants Hamon, Matilda. Serv. 
'tis certainly informed.  Otto. 
Reward the fellow,  
And look you mainly to it.  Ser. 
My life for you 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.  
O my blessed boys, the honour of my years,  
Of all my cares the bounteous fair rewarders!  
O 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 twinings,  
As one chaste bed begot you, make one body:  
Blessings from heaven in thousand showers fall on ye.  Aub. 
O woman's goodness never to be equalled,  
May the most sinful creatures of thy Sex,  
But kneeling at thy Monument, rise Saints.  Soph. 
Sit down my worthy sons, my Lords your places.  
ay, now methinks the Table's nobly furnished,  
Now the meat nourishes, the wine gives Spirit,  
And all the room stuck with a general pleasure,  
Shows like the peaceful bower 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,  
And by the virtue of this Ceremony  
Shake off their miseries and sleep in peace,  Roll. 
You are sad my noble brother.  Otto. 
no indeed Sir.  Soph. 
No sadness my sweet son this day.  Roll. 
Pray ye eat,  
Something is here you have loved, taste of this dish,  
It will prepare your Stomach.  Otto. 
Thank you brother,  
I am not now disposed to eat.  Roll. 
Or that,  
You put us out of heart man, come these baked meats  
Were ever your best diet.  Otto. 
None I thank you.  Soph. 
Are you well noble Child?  Otto. 
Yes gracious mother.  Roll. 
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 child.  Otto. 
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.  Roll. 
Excuse yourself sir,  
Come 'tis your fear, & not your fever brother,  
And you have done me a most worthy kindness.  
My Royal mother, and my noble Lords,  
Hear, for it now concerns me to speak boldly,  
What faith can be expected from such vows,  
From his dissembling smiles, what fruit of friendship,  
From all his full embraces, what blessed issue,  
When he shall brand me here with base suspicion?  
He takes me for a poisoner.  Soph. 
Gods defend it son.  Roll. 
For a foul knave, a villain, and so fears me  Otto. 
I could say something too.  Soph. 
You must not so sir,  
Without your great forgetfulness of virtue.  
This is your brother and your honoured brother,  
Indeed your loving brother.  Roll. 
If he please so.  Soph. 
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, whether flies your goodness?  
Because the right hand has the power of cutting,  
Shall the left presently cry out, he's 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 and 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 bent to goodness,  
(So straight a Cedar to himself) uprightness  
Be wrested from his true use, prove not dangerous.  Roll. 
Nay my good brother knows I am too patient.  Lator. 
Why should your grace think him a poisoner?  
Has he 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.  Lator. 
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 wildfire through the Dukedom.  Gisb. 
Latorch, if thou be'st honest or a man,  
Contain thyself.  Aub. 
Go to, no more, by heaven  
You'll find you have played the fool else,  
Not a word more.  Soph. 
Prithee sweet son.  Roll. 
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 future 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 ye.  Aub. 
Shall we wait upon your Grace?  Rol. 
I dare not break ye, La Torch. Exit Roll. & Lator.  Soph. 
Do you now perceive your brother's sweetness?  Otto. 
O 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 pitty,  
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 Ilion.  
My brother has put on, oh I could tell ye  
But for the reverence I bear to nature,  
Things that would make your honest blood move backward  Soph. 
Ye dare tell me.  Otto. 
Yes in your private closet,  
Where I will presently attend you, rise  
I am a little troubled but 'twill off.  Soph. 
Is this the joy I looked for?  Otto. 
All will mend.  
Be not disturbed dear mother: I'll not fail you. Exit Sophia, & Otto.  Baldw. 
I do not like this.  Aub. 
That's still in our powers,  
But how to make it so that we may like it—  Bald. 
Beyond us ever. Latorch methought 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 yourself up this night.  
And so will I, for much I fear a danger.  Bald. 
I will, and in my watches use my prayers. Exeunt.    


ACTUS 3. SCENA 1.  A Stool set out. Enter Sophia, Otto, Matilda, Edith. Otto. 
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 suspicious;  
As if beneath those veils, he did convey  
Intents and practises of hate and treason.  Soph. 
It breeds indeed my wonder.  Otto. 
Which makes mine,  
Since 'tis so safe and broad a beaten way  
Beneath the name of friendship to betray.  Soph. 
Though in remote and further off affection  
These falsehoods are so common, yet in him  
They cannot so force nature.  Otto. 
The more near the bonds of truth bind,  
The more oft they sever,  
Being better cloaks to falsehood ever.  Soph. 
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  
Bred not of him this jealous passion,  
There is not any ill we might not bear  
Were not our good held at a price too dear.  Otto. 
So apt is treachery to be excused  
That innocence is still aloud abused,  
The fate of virtue e'en 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.  Soph. 
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.  Otto. 
I rest as far from wrong of all 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,  
His open violence more than treacherous odds  
In his insatiate thirst of rule  
Is like to execute.  Soph. 
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 unquench in him,  
Poisons and such close treasons ask more time  
Than can suffice his fiery spirits haste,  
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 of breath?  
His swelling blood exhales, and therefore hear  
What gives my temperate brother cause  
To use his circumspection, and consult,  
For remedy 'gainst all his wicked purposes;  
If he arm, arm, if he strew mines of treason  
Meet him with countermines, 'tis justice still  
(For goodness sake) to encounter ill for ill.  Soph. 
Avert from us such justice (equal heaven)  
And all such cause of justice.  Otto. 
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 Latorch. Rollo, 
Perish all the world  
Ere I but lose one foot of possible Empire  
By sleights and colour used by slaves and wretches,  
I am exempt by birth from both those curbs,  
And sit 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.  Otto. 
He comes armed.  
See mother now your confidence.  Soph. 
What rage  
Affects this monster?  Rollo. 
Give me way or perish.  Soph. 
Make thy way Viper if thou thus affect it.  Otto. 
This is a Treason like thee.  Rollo. 
Let her go.  Soph. 
Embrace me, wear me as thy shield my son,  
And through my breast let his rude weapon run  
To thy lives innocence.  Otto. 
Play not two parts,  
Treacher and coward both, but yield a sword,  
And let thy arming thee be odds enough  
Against my naked bosom.  Rollo. 
Lose his hold.  Mat. 
Forbear base murderer.  Rollo. 
Forsake our Mother.  Soph. 
Mother, do it thou name me,  
And put off nature thus?  Rollo. 
Forsake her traitor,  
Or by the spoil of nature through hers  
This leads unto thy heart.  Otto. 
Hold.  Soph. 
Hold me still.  Otto. 
For twenty hearts and lives I will not hazard  
One drop of blood in yours.  Soph. 
O thou art lost then.  Ot. 
Protect my innocence heaven.  Soph. 
Call out murder.  Mat. 
Be murdered all, but save him.  Edith. 
Murder, murder.  Rollo. 
Cannot I reach you yet?  Otto. 
No fiend.  Rollo. 
Latorch  
Rescue, I am down.  Lat. 
Up then, your sword cools Sir,  
Ply it i'th' flame and work your ends out.  Rollo. 
Ha,  
Have at you there Sir. Ent. Aub.  Aub. 
Author of prodigies,  
What sights are these!  Otto. 
O give me a weapon Aubrey.  Soph. 
O part 'em, part'em.  Aub. 
For heaven's sake no more.  Otto. 
No more, resist his fury no rage can  
Add to his mischief done. Dies.  Soph. 
Take spirit my Otto,  
Heaven will not see thee die thus.  Mat. 
He is dead,  
And nothing lives but death of every goodness.  Soph. 
O he hath slain his brother, curse him heaven.  Rollo. 
Curse and be cursed, it is the fruit of cursing.  
Latorch, take off here; bring too of that blood  
To bloody o'er my shirt, then raise the Court,  
And give it out how he attempted us  
In our bed naked; shall the name of brother  
Forbid us to enlarge our state or powers?  
Or place affects of blood above our reason,  
That tells us all things good against another,  
Are good i'th' same line against a brother. Exit.  Gisb. 
What affairs inform these outcries? Enter Gisb. Baldwin,  Aub. 
See and grieve.  Gisb. 
Prince Otto slain!  Bald. 
O execrable slaughter!  
What hand hath authored it?  Aub. 
Your Scholars, Baldwin.  Baldw. 
Unjustly urged Lord Aubrey, as if I  
For being his schoolmaster must teach this doctrine.  
You are his Counsellor did you advise him  
To this foul parricide?  Gisb. 
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 ground,  
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 mischief now resistless,  
Sooth it in show, rather than curse or cross it,  
Wish all amends and vow to it your best,  
But till you may perform it let it rest.  Gisb. 
Those temporisings are both 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. 
Power lives before him till his own be dry  
Of all lives services and humane comforts,  
None left that looks at heaven's left half so base  
To do these black and hellish actions grace.  Enter Rollo, Latorch, Hamond, and Guard. Rollo. 
Hast Latorch,  
And raise the City as the Court is raised,  
Complaining the abhorred conspiracy  
In plot against my life.  Lat. 
I shall my Lord. Exit.  Rollo. 
You there that mourn upon the justly slain  
Rise 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.  Rollo. 
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 in your heart.  Soph. 
Rise daughter serve his will in what we may,  
Lest what we may not he enforce the rather.  
Is this all you command us?  Rollo. 
This addition  
Only admitted, that when I endeavour  
To quit me of this slaughter, you presume not  
To cross me with a syllable, nor 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.  Rollo. 
False Traitoress 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.  Rollo. 
Do, and take that along with you— so nimble: He disarms him.  
Resign my sword, and dare not for thy soul  
To offer what thou insolently threatnest,  
One word proclaiming cross to what Latorch  
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  
Survive 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 tries our mending disposition with,  
Take here your sword, which now use like a Prince,  
And no more like a Tyrant.  Rollo. 
This sounds well.  
Live and be gracious with us.  Gisb. & Bald. 
O Lord Aubrey.  Mat. 
He flatter thus?  Soph. 
He temporises fitly.  Rollo. 
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?  Gisb. 
Your Chancellor is not your flatterer Sir.  Bald. 
Nor is't your tutor's part to shield such doctrine.  Rollo. 
Sir first know you,  
In praise of your pure Oratory that raised me,  
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 Latorch, you (extempore)  
Shall fashion an Oration to acquit  
And justify this forced fact of mine,  
Or for the proud refusal lose your head.  Gisb. 
I fashion an oration to acquit you?  
Sir know you then that 'tis a thing less easy  
T'excuse a parricide then to commit it.  Roll. 
I do not wish you Sir to excuse me,  
But to accuse my brother as the cause  
Of his own slaughter, by attempting mine.  Gisb. 
Not for the world, I should pour blood on blood,  
It were another murder to accuse  
Him that fell innocent.  Roll. 
Away with him,  
Hence, hail him straight to execution.  Aub. 
Far fly such rigor your amendful hand.  Rol. 
He perishes with him that speaks for him.  
Guard do your office on him, on your lives pain.  Gisb. 
Tyrant 'twill haste thine own death.  Roll. 
Let it wing it,  
He threatens me, villains tear him piecemeal hence.  Guard. 
Avaunt Sir.  Roll. 
Dispatch him Captain,  
And bring me instant word he is dispatched,  
And how his Rhetoric takes it.  Ham. 
I'll not fail sir.  Roll. 
Captain besides, remember this in chief,  
That being executed you deny  
To all his friends the Rites of funeral,  
And cast his carcase out to dogs and fowls.  Ham. 
'tis done my Lord. Exit.  Roll. 
Upon your life not fail.  Bald. 
What impious daring is there here of heaven!  Roll. 
Sir now prepare yourself, against the people  
Make here their entry to discharge the Oration  
He hath denied my will.  Bald 
For fear of death,  
Ha, ha, ha.  Roll. 
Is death ridiculous with you?  
Works misery of age this, or thy judgement?  Bald. 
judgement false Tyrant?  Rollo. 
You'll make no Oration then.  Baldw. 
Not to excuse  
But aggravate thy murder if thou wilt,  
Which I will so enforce, I'll make thee wreck it  
(With hate of what thou winnest by't) on thyself  
With such another justly merited murder.  Rollo. 
I'll answer you anon. Enter Latorch.  Lat. 
The Citizens  
Are hasting Sir in heaps, all full resolved  
By my persuasions of your brother's treasons.  Rollo. 
Honest Latorch. Enter Hamond.  Ham. 
See Sir Gisbert's head.  Rollo. 
Good speed, was't with a sword?  Ham. 
An axe my Lord.  Rollo. 
An axe, 'twas vilely done: I would have had  
Mine own fine headsman done it with a sword,  
Go, take this dotard here, and take his head  
Off with a sword.  Ham. 
Your Schoolmaster?  Roll. 
Even he.  Bald. 
For teaching thee no better, 'tis the best  
Of all thy damned justices, away  
Captain, I'll follow.  Edith. 
O stay there Duke,  
And in the midst of all thy blood and fury  
Hear a Poor maids petitions, hear a daughter  
The only daughter of a wretched father,  
O stay your haste, as you shall need this mercy.  Roll. 
Away with this fond woman.  Edith. 
You must hear me:  
If there be any spark 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.  Roll. 
Away with him.  Edith. 
O Captain by thy manhood  
By her soft soul that bore thee:— I do confess sir,  
Your doom of justice on your foes most righteous;  
Good noble Prince look on me.  Roll. 
Take her from me.  Edith. 
A curse upon his life that hinders me,  
May father's blessing never fall upon him,  
May heaven never hear his prayers. I beseech you,  
O Sir, these tears beseech you, these chaste hands woe 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, O mercy sir, for his sake mercy,  
That when your stout heart weeps, shall give you pity.  
Here I must grow.  Roll. 
By heaven I'll strike thee woman.  Edith. 
Most willingly, let all thy anger seize me,  
All the most studied torments, so this good man,  
This old man, and this innocent escape thee.  Roll. 
Carry him away I say.  Edith. 
Now blessing on thee: o sweet pity  
I see it in thy eyes. I charge ye soldiers,  
Even by the PRINCE's power release my Father,  
The Prince is merciful, why do ye hold him?  
The Prince forgets his fury, why do ye tug him?  
He is old, why do ye hurt him? speak O speak sir,  
Speak as you are a man, a man's life hangs sir,  
A friend's life and a foster life upon you.  
'Tis but a word, but mercy, quickly spoke sir,  
O speak Prince speak.  Roll. 
Will no man here obey me?  
Have I no rule yet? as I live he dies  
That does not execute my will and suddenly.  Bald. 
All thou canst do takes but one short hour from me.  Roll. 
Hew off her hands.  Ham. 
Lady hold off.  Edith. 
No, hew 'em, Exit Baldwin with the Guard.  
Hew off my innocent hands as he commands you,  
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 up 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—  Roll. 
Save him I say, run save him, save her Father,  
Fly and redeem his head. Ezit Latorch.  Edith. 
May then that pity,  
That comfort thou expectest from heaven, that mercy  
Be locked up from thee, fly thee, howlings find thee,  
Despair, O my sweet father! storms of terrors,  
Blood, till thou burst again. Enter Latorch Hamond with a head.  Roll. 
O fair sweet anger!  Lator. 
I came too late Sir, 'twas dispatched before,  
His head is here.  Roll. 
And my heart there go bury him,  
Give him fair rites of funeral decent honours.  Edith. 
Wilt thou not take me monster? high heaven,  
Give him a punishment fit for his mischief.  Lator. 
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 the Citizens. Cit. 1. 
Where's this young Traitor?  Lator. 
Noble Citizens here,  
And here the wounds he gave your Sovereign Lord.  Cit. 1. 
This Prince of force must be  
Beloved of Heaven, that heaven hath thus preserved.  Cit. 2. 
And if he be loved of heaven you know,  
He must be just and all his actions so.  Roll. 
Concluded like an Oracle, O how great  
A grace of heaven is a wise Citizen!  
For heaven 'tis makes them wise, as't made me just,  
As it preserved me, as I now survive,  
By his strong hand to keep you all alive,  
Your wives your children's goods and lands kept yours,  
That had been else prey to his Tyrannous power.  
That would have preyed on me, in bed assaulted 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.  
O trust no honest men for their sakes ever  
My politic Citizens, but those that bear,  
The names of Cutthroats, Usurers, and Tyrants.  
O those believe in; for the foul mouthed world  
Can give no better terms to simple goodness,  
Even me it dares blaspheme, and thinks me tyrannous  
For saving mine own life, sought by my brother;  
Yet those that sought his life before by poison,  
(Though mine 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?  Rollo. 
Well now my dearest subjects, or much rather  
My nerves my spirits, or my vital blood,  
Turn to your needful rest, and settled peace,  
Fixed in this root of steel, from whence it sprung  
In heavens great help and blessing, but ere sleep  
Bind in his sweet oblivions your dull senses,  
The name and virtue of heaven's King advance  
For you (in chief) for my deliverance.  Cit. 
Heaven and his King save our most pious Sovereign.  Rollo. 
Thanks my good people, mother, & kind sister, Exeunt Cit.  
And you my noble kinsman, things borne thus,  
Shall make ye all command whatever 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 seat: Exeunt omnes praeter Latorch & Edith.  
What we have yielded to, we could not let.  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 ye 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 methinks should ope them:  
Assay to forget death.  Edith. 
O slaughtered Father!  Lat. 
Cast off 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.  Edith. 
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 judgement,  
Make me your servant to attend with all joys  
Your sad estate, till they both bless and speak it:  
See how they'll bow t'ye, make me wait, command me  
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.  
O how your touches ravish! how the Duke  
is slain already with your flames embraced!  
I will both serve and visit you and often.  Edith. 
I am not fit Sir.  Lat. 
Time will make you Lady. Exeunt.  Enter Guard, 3 or 4 boys, then the Sheriff, Cook, Yeo. Seller, Butler, & Pantler to execution. Guard. 1. 
Come bring these fellows on, away with 'em.  Guard. 2. 
Make room afore there,  
Room there for the prisoners.  Boy. 1. 
Let's run afore boys, we shall get no place else.  Boy. 2. 
Are these the youths?  Cook. 
These are the youths you look for.  
And pray my honest friends be not so hasty.  
Th'e'rle 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't please you.  Cook. 
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 e'en enough to make us sport.  Yeo. sel. 
Pox take you, do you call this sport?  
Are these your recreations?  
Must we be hanged to make you mirth?  Cook. 
Do you hear Sir,  
You Custard-pate, we go too't for high treason,  
An honourable fault, thy foolish father  
Was hanged for stealing sheep.  boys. 
Away, away boys.  Cook. 
Do you see how that sneaking rogue looks now? you sheep Pantler,  
You peaching rogue that provided us these necklaces,  
You poor rogue, you costive rogue you.  Pant. 
Pray, pray fellows.  Cook. 
Pray for thy crusty soul, where's your reward now  
Good goodman manchet, for your fine discovery?  
I do beseech you Sir, where are your dollars?  
Draw with your fellows and be hanged.  Yeo. cellar 
He must now,  
For now he shall be hanged first that's his comfort,  
A place too good for thee, thou mealmouth 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 thou hadst dined, say grace & God be with you.  Guard. 
Come will ye forward?  Cook. 
Good Master Sheriff your leave too.  
This hasty work was never done well, give us so much time  
As but to sing our own Ballad, 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 thieves,  
They hang men ever twice, we have it here Sir,  
And so must every merchant of our voyage,  
he'll make a sweet return else of his credit.  Yeo. sel. 
One fit of our own mirth, and then we are for ye.  Guard. 1. 
Make haste then and dispatch.  Yeo. sel. 
There's day enough Sir.  Cook. 
Come boys sing cheerfully, we shall never sing younger,  
We have chose a loud tune too because it should like well,  

They sing.  
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 this she does when she pleases to palter,  
Instead of his wages she gives him a halter.  
Three merry boys, and three merry boys,  
and three merry boys are we,  
As e'er did sing three parts in a string,  
All under the triple tree.   

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 instead 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, etc.   

O yet but look on the master Cook the glory of the kitchen,  
In sowing whose fate at so lofty a rate no Tailor had a stitch in  
For though he make 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 come myself for to be dressed, a dish for you my masters.  
Three merry boys, etc.   

O Man or Beast or you at least,  
That wears or Brow or Antler,  
Prick up your ears unto the tears,  
Of me poor Paul the Pantler.  
That am thus chipped, because I clipped,  
The cursed crust of Treason  
With loyal knife, O doleful strife,  
To hang thus without Reason.  
Three merry boys, etc.   
There's a few copies for ye now,  
Farewell friends, and good Mr Sheriff let me not  
Be printed with a brass pot on my head.  Butl. 
March fair, march fair,  
Afore good Captain Pantler. Exeunt.    


ACTUS 4. SCENA 1.  Enter Aubrey and Latorch. Aub. 
Latorch I have waited here to speak to you  
And you must harken: set not forth your legs  
Of haste, nor put your 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 Ear 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 it is, he first will prove,  
That toiling still to remove Enemies  
Makes himself more it is not now a Brother,  
A faithful Counsellor of state or two,  
That are his danger, they are fair dispatched,  
It is a multitude that 'gin 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 quelled.  
Princes may pick their suffering nobles on't,  
And one by one employ them to the block:  
But when they once grow formidable to  
Their Clowns and Cobblers, beware then guard themselves;  
If you durst tell him this Latorch, the service  
Would not discredit the good name you hold  
With men: besides the profit to your master,  
And to the public.  Lator. 
I conceive not Sir,  
Their airy fears, and why should I object 'em  
Unto his fancy, wound what is yet sound?  
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.  Lator. 
Do murmur 'gainst their masters  Aub. 
Is this to me?  Lator, 
It is to whosoever,  
Mislikes o'the Duke's courses.  Aub. 
I? is't so?  
At your state ward sir.  Lator. 
I am sworn to hear,  
Nothing may prejudice the Prince.  Aub. 
Why? do you?  
Or have you? ha?  Lator. 
I cannot tell: men's hearts  
Show in their words sometimes.  Aub. 
I ever thought thee  
Knave o'th' chamber: art thou the spy too?  Lator. 
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, dar'st thou mention,  
Affection or a heart that ne'er hadst any?  
Know'st not to love or hate, but by the scale  
As thy Prince does't before thee, that dost never  
Wear thine own face, but putst on his, and gatherest  
Baits for his ears, liv'st wholly at his beck,  
And ere thou durst utter a thought thine own,  
Must expect his, creepest forth and wadest into him,  
As if thou wert to pass a ford, there proving  
Yet, if thy tongue may step on safely or no,  
Then bringst his virtue asleep, and stayest 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 neither he can see thee nor himself.  
Wretch I dare give him honest Counsels, ay,  
And love him whilst 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 unto 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 flatter'st: unto thee I speak it  
Slave, against whom all laws should now conspire,  
And ev'ry creature that hath sense be armed,  
As 'gainst the common enemy of mankind,  
That sleep'st within thy master's ear, and whisperest,  
'Tis better for him to be feared then loved,  
Bid'st 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 a flatterer's arms shall fall unmourned.  
There's matter for you now.  Lator. 
My Lord this makes not,  
For loving of my master.  Aub. 
Loving? no,  
They hate ill Princes most that make 'em so.  Enter Rollo, Hamond, Allan, Guard. Roll. 
I'll hear no more.  Ham. 
Alas 'tis for my brother,  
I beseech your highness.  Roll. 
How? a brother?  
Had not I one myself? did title move me,  
When it was fit that he should die? away.  Allan. 
Brother lose no word more, leave my good cause  
To upbraid the Tyrant. I'm glad I am fall'n  
Now in those times that willed some great example  
T'assure men we can die for honesty.  Roll. 
Sir you are brave, pray that you hold your neck  
As bravely forth anon unto the headsman.  Allan, 
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.  Allan. 
Yes Lord Aubrey,  
My gratitude and humanity are my Crimes.  Roll. 
Why bear you him not hence?  Aub. 
My Lord, (stay soldiers)  
I do beseech your highness do not lose,  
Such men for so slight clauses, this is one  
Hath 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 danger.  Allan. 
Till he kills his Brother, his Chancellor, then his amster,  
To which he can add nought to equal Nero  
But killing of his mother.  Aub. 
Peace, brave fool,  
Thou valiant Ass, here's 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,  
And 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 'em wear their swords,  
You make your Guards your terrors by these Acts,  
And throw more hearts off 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 th' unsavoury unction of their tongues.  Rollo. 
Peace talker.  Aub. 
One that loves you yet my Lord,  
And would not see you pull on your own ruins,  
Mercy becomes a Prince, and guards him best,  
A weaned affrights they are no ties of love,  
And when men 'gin to fear the Prince, they hate him.  Rollo. 
Am I the Prince or you?  Aub. 
My Lord, I hope  
I have not uttered ought should urge that question.  Rollo. 
Then practise your obedience, see him dead.  Aub. 
My Lord.  Rollo. 
I'll hear no word more.  Aub. 
I am sorry then  
There is no small despair Sir of their safety,  
Whose ears are blocked up against the truth,  
Come Captain.  Ham. 
I do thank you Sir.  Aub. 
For what?  
For seeing thy brother die a man and honest,  
Live thou so Captain, I will so, I assure thee,  
Although I die for't too. Come. Exeunt omnes praeter Rollo, & Latorch.  Rollo. 
Now Latorch,  
What do you think?  Lat. 
That Aubrey's speech and manners  
Sound somewhat of the boldest.  Rollo. 
'tis his custom.  Lat. 
It may be so, and yet be worth a fear.  Rollo. 
If we thought so it should be worth his life,  
And quickly too.  Lat. 
I dare not Sir be author  
Of what I would, he is so dangerous,  
But with your highness' favour and your licence.  Rollo. 
He talks 'tis true, and he is licenced: leave him.  
We now are Duke alone, Latorch secured,  
Nothing left standing to obscure our prospect,  
We look right forth, besides and round about us,  
And see it ours with pleasure: only one  
Wished joy there wants to make us so possess it,  
And that is Edith, Edith, she that got me  
In blood and tears in such an opposite minute,  
As had I not at once felt all the flames,  
And shafts 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 Latorch  
Hath not been idle, I have leave already  
To visit her and send to her.  Rollo. 
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, say you have no servant  
Is capable of such a trust about you,  
Or worthy to be— of your delight.  Rollo. 
O my Latorch, what shall I render thee  
For all thy travels, care, and love?  Lat. 
Sir, one suit,  
Which I will ever importune till you grant me.  Rollo. 
About your Mathematicians.  Lat. 
Yes to have  
The scheme of your nativity judged by them.  
I have't already erected, O 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.  Rollo. 
All thy petitions still are care of us.  
Ask for thyself.  Lat. 
What more can concern me  
Then this?  Rollo. 
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 blank figures  
To put in names such as I like.  Rollo. 
You shall.  Lat. 
They dare not else Sir offer at your figure,  
O I shall bring you wonders, there's a friar,  
Russee an admirable man  
Another Gentleman, and then La fiske,  
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'd think't no other, the form oval,  
As I am given to understand by letter,  
Which renders you such shapes, & 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 compacted by due proportions  
Unto their harmony doth move alone  
A true Automicon: Thus Dedalus Statues  
Or Vulcan's stools—  Rollo. 
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 we read there, that Hiarba's banquet  
The great Gymnosophist that had his Butlers  
And Carvers of pure gold wait at the table:  
The images of Mercury too, that spoke,  
The wooden Dove that flew, a Snake of Brass  
That hist: and Birds of silver that did sing.  
All these were done Sir by the Mathematics:  
Without which there's no science nor no truth.  Rollo. 
You are in your own sphere (Latorch) & rather  
Than I'll contend with you for it, I'll believe you.  
Yo' have won upon me that I wish to see  
My fate before me now, whate'er it be.  Lat. 
And I'll endeavour you shall know't 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, as they come more,  
And accurate forth from them.  Rollo. 
Take your way,  
Choose your own means, and be it prosperous to us.  Exeunt.  

SCENA 2.  Enter Russe, De bube, La Fiske, Norbret, Pippeau. Russe. 
Come bear up Sirs, we shall have better days,  
Mine Almanac tells me.  Bube. 
What's that, your rump.  Russ. 
It never itched in vain yet; slid La Fiske,  
Throw off thy sluggish face, I cannot abide  
To see thee look 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.  Russ. 
How?  Fisk. 
I cannot 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.  Bube. 
friar, I fear  
You do not say your office well adays,  
I cannot hear your beads knack.  Nor. 
Pox, he feeds  
With lechery, and lives upon th'exchange  
Of his two eggs and puddings, with the market-women.  Russ. 
And what do you sir with the advocate's wife,  
That you persuade upon your Doctoral bed,  
To take the Mathematical trance so often?  Fisk. 
Come we are stark nought all; bad's the best on's,  
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: than our boy,  
He is a fift spot, sloth, and he undoes us.  Bub. 
'tis true the child was wont to be industrious,  
And now and then send in a Merchant's wife  
Sick o'th' husband, or a swearing Butler  
That missed one of his Boles; a crying maid  
Had lost a silver spoon: the Currycomb  
Sometimes was wanting, there was something gotten  
But now—  Pip. 
What now, did I not yester-morning  
Bring you in a cardecue there from the Peasant,  
Whose Ass I had driven aside and hid that you  
Might conjure for him? and then last night  
Six sauce from the cook's wife, ye shared among ye  
To set a figure for the pestle I stole,  
It is not at home yet. These things my masters,  
In a hard time they would be thought on, you  
Talk o'your Lands, and Castles in the air  
O'your twelve houses there, but it is I  
That bring you in your rents for'em, 'tis Pipeau  
That is your bird called.  Nor. 
Faith he does well,  
And cuts through the Element for us, I must needs say  
In a fine dextrous line.  Fisk. 
But not as he did  
At first, then 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 Gentlemen,  
But now with often and far venturing for you,  
Here be leaks sprung, and whole planks wanting, see you,  
If you'll new sheathe me again, yet I am for you  
To any bog or sleights, where you'll send me,  
For as I am, where can this ragged bark  
Put in for any service, less it be  
I'th' isle of Rogues, and there turn pirate for you.  Norb. 
Faith he says reason, friar you must leave  
Your neat crisped claret, 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; Debube too must content him  
With wholesome two soused pettitoes, no more crown Ordinaries,  
Till we have clothed our Infant.  Bube. 
So you'll keep your own good motions Doctor, your dear self.  Fiske. 
Yes for we all do know the latitude  
O'your concupiscence.  Russ. 
Here, about your belly.  Bube. 
You'll pick a bottle open, or a whimsy  
As soon as the best on us.  Fiske. 
And dip your wristbands,  
(For cuffs you ha' none) as comely in the sauce, Bells Ring within.  
As any Courtier— hark, the Bell, who's there. Exit Pip. and enter again.  Russ. 
Good luck I do conjure thee, boy look out.  Pip. 
They are Gallants, Courtiers, one of 'em is  
Of the Duke's Bedchamber,  Russ. 
Latorch down,  
On with your Gown, there's a new suit arrived  
Did I not tell you Sons of hunger? crown's  
Crowns are coming towards you: wine and wenches  
You shall have once again: and Fiddlers  
Into your studies close, each lay his ear  
This door, and as you hear me to prepare you,  
So come, and put me on that visor only.  Enter Latorch and Hamond. Lato. 
You'll not be far hence Captain, when the business  
Is done, you shall receive present dispatch.  Ham. 
I'll walk sir i'th' cloister.  Russ. 
monsieur Latorch, my son,  
The stars are happy still that guide you hither.  Lator. 
I am glad to hear their Secretary say so,  
My learned Father Russee, where's La Fiske,  
monsieur La Bube, how do they.  Russ. 
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.  Lator. 
For love's sake let's salute 'em.  Russ. 
Boy go see,  
tell'em who's here, say that their friends do challenge  
Some portion of their time, this is our minute,  
Pray them they will spare it, they are the Sun & Moon  
Of knowledge, pity two such noble lights  
Should live obscured, here, here in a University,  
Whose beams were fit t'illuminate any Court  
Of Christendom—  Enter La Fiske, De Bube, and Pipeau. Fisk. 
Well look upon the astrolabe, you'll find it  
For Almucanturies at least.  Bube. 
It is so.  Russ. 
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 may well free'em from the name of shifters.  Fisk. 
monsieur Latorch.  Lator. 
How is it learned Gentlemen,  
With both your virtues.  Bube. 
A most happy hour  
When we see you sir.  Lator. 
When you hear me then,  
It will be happier; The Duke greets you both  
Thus, & though you may touch no money father,  
Yet you may take it.  Russ. 
'Tis his highness' bounty,  
But yet to me and those that have put off  
The world superfluous.  Fisk. 
We have heard of late his highness' good success.  Bube. 
And gratulate it.  Lator. 
Indeed he hath scaped a strange conspiracy,  
Thanks to his stars, which stars he prays by me,  
You would again consult and make a judgement  
On what you lately erected for my love.  Russ. 
O sir, we dare not.  Fisk. 
For our lives.  Bube. 
It is  
The PRINCE's Scheme.  Lator. 
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.  Fisk. 
Ha' you the Scheme here?  Lat. 
Yes.  Russ. 
I would you had Sir  
Another warrant.  Lat. 
What would that do.  Russ. 
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 these studies too Sir, in this field  
He was imitated: but we shall hardly  
Draw him from his chair.  Lat. 
Tell him he shall have gold.  Fisk. 
O such a syllable would make him forswear  
Ever to breathe in your sight.  
Sir, he (if you do please to give any thing)  
Must have't conveyed under a paper.  Rus. 
Or left behind some book in his study.  Bub. 
Or in some old wall.  Fisk. 
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?  Fisk. 
The very top of our profession, mouth of the Fates,  
Pray Heaven his spirits be in 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.  Fisk. 
Sir you must observe him.  Bub. 
Not cross him in a word: for then he's gone.  Fisk. 
If he do come, which is a hazard yet,  
Mass he's there, this is speed. Enter Norbret, Russee, Pipteau.  Norb. 
Where is your scheme?  
Let's see't; dispatch: nay fumbling now, who's this?  Rus. 
Chief Gentleman of the Duke's chamber Doctor.  Norb. 
O 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 twenty one degrees the latitude  
At forty nine and ten minutes, how are the Cardines?  Fisk. 
Libra in twenty four, forty four minutes,  
And Capricorn.  Norb. 
I see't see the Planets  
Where, how they are disposed, the Sun and Mercury,  
Mars with the Dragon's tail, the third house,  
And pars fortuna in the Imo coeli.  
Then jupiter in the twelve, the Cacadaemon.  Bud. 
And Venus in the second, inferna porta.  Norb. 
I see it, peace; then Saturn i'th' fift,  
Luna i'th' seventh, and much of Scorpio,  
That Mars his gaudium rising in the ascendant,  
That joint with Libra too, the house of Venus,  
And Imum Coeli, Mars his exultation  
Ith' 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 genitures,  
Whether you examine it by Ptolemy's way,  
Or Nasahales, Laell, or Alkindus.  Fisk. 
No other Planet hath so many dignities  
Either by himself, or in regard o'th' cusps.  Norb. 
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 Alchocoden.  Bub. 
Yes for you see he hath his termine  
In the degrees where she is found enjoys  
By that six dignities.  Fisk. 
Which are clearly more  
Than any else that view her i'the scheme.  Norb. 
Why I saw this, and could ha' told you too  
That he beholds her with a trine aspect  
Here out of Sagitary, almost partly,  
And how that Mars out of the self same house,  
(But another sign) here by a platique aspect  
Looks at the hilage, with a quartile ruling  
The house where the sun is; all this could I  
Have told you, but that you will outrun me, and more  
That this same quartile aspect to the Lady of life,  
Here 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.  Norb. 
What is the question first?  Rus. 
Of the Duke's life, what dangers threaten him?  Norb, 
Apparent and those sudden: when the Hyley,  
Or Alchocoden 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 o'er ruled by him.  
And clear debillitated, five degrees  
Beneath her ordinary power, so  
That at the most she can but mitigate.  Lat. 
You cannot name the Persons brings this danger?  Nor. 
No, that the stars tells not us, they name no man;  
That's a work Sir of another place.  Rus. 
Tell him whom you suspect, & he'll guess shrewdly.  Lat. 
Sir, we do fear one Aubrey, if't 'twere he  
I should be glad, for we should soon prevent him.  Fisk. 
I know him, the Duke's kinsman, a tall man.  
Lay hold on't Norbret.  Nor. 
Let me pause a little,  
Is he not near of blood unto the Duke?  Lat. 
Yes reverend sir.  Nor. 
Fart for your reverence,  
Keep it till then, and somewhat high of stature?  Lat 
He is so.  Norb. 
How old is he?  Fisk. 
About seven and fifty.  Norb. 
His head and beard inclining to be grey?  Lat. 
Right Sir.  Fisk. 
And fat.  Norb. 
He's somewhat corpulent, is he not?  Lat. 
You speak the man sir?  Norb. 
Well look to him, farewell. Exit Norbret  Lat. 
O 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 you shall all, there's that  
Amongst you first: let me have this to send.  
The Duke in th' mean times and then what sights  
You please to show I'll have you so rewarded  
As never Artists were: you shall to Court  
Along with me; and there not wait your fortunes.  Bube. 
We have a pretty part on't in our pockets:  
Boy we will all be new, you shall along too .  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 or observation.  Soph. 
What would she say? I hear.  Edith. 
My suit is Madam,  
That you would please to think as well 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.  Soph. 
Sorrow is due already, anger never  
Should be conceived but where it may be borne.  
In some fact fit t'employ his active fame,  
That else consumes who bears it, and abides  
Like a false star that quenches as it glides.  Edith. 
I have such means t'employ it as your wish  
Can think no better, easier or securer  
And such, as but for th'honours I intend  
To your partakings 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 impartial 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 thine hand, for all our longed for freedom,  
From so abhorred and impious a Monster.  Soph. 
Tell what she will I'll lend nor hand nor ear,  
To whatsoever heaven puts in her power. Exit.  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.  Edith. 
Madam myself alone I make no doubt,  
Will 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 have been enough as now they are,  
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 were 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?  Edith. 
Been with him? no;  
I set that hour back thouhast more his longing,  
But I have promised to his Instruments,  
Th'admittance of a Visit at our house,  
Where yet I would receive him with all luster  
My sorrow would give leave too, to remove  
Suspicion of my purpose.  Mat. 
Thou shalt have,  
All I can add, sweet wench, in jewels, tires,  
I'll be myself thy dresser; nor may I  
Serve mine own love with an attracted husband,  
More sweetly nor more amply than mayst thou,  
Thy forward will with his bewitched affections:  
Affects thou any personal aid of mine,  
Mine noblest Edith?  Edith. 
Nought but your kind prayers,  
For full effect and speed of my affair.  Mat. 
They're thine (my Edith) as for me mine own,  
For thou well know'st 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 worthless men.  Edith. 
Love of the worthiest ever bless your highness.  Exeunt.   


ACTUS. 5. SCENA. 1.  Enter Rollo with a glass, Aubrey and Servants. Roll. 
I never studied my glass till now,  
'Tis exceeding well, now leave me x,  
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.  Roll. 
You are still  
For that great Art, of which you are the master,  
Yet I must tell you, that to th'encounters  
We oft attempt, armed only thus we bring  
As troubled blood, fears mixed with flattering hopes,  
The danger in the service too 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 ev'ry circumstance, as far as honour  
Is from shame and repentance.  Roll. 
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 runs  
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.  Roll. 
I commend  
This temper in you, and will cherish it.  Enter Hamond with letters. Roll. 
They come from Rhone, Latorch employed you.  
I must not now be troubled with a thought,  
Of any new design, good Aubrey read them,  
And as they shall direct you, use my power  
Or to reply or execute.  Aub. 
I will Sir.  Rollo. 
And Captain bring a squadron of our guard,  
To the house that late was Baldwins, and there wait me.  Ham. 
I shall.  Roll. 
Some two hours hence.  Ham. 
With my best care.  Roll. 
Inspire me love, and be thy deity  
Or scorned or feared, as now thou favourest me. Exit Roll.  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.  
How's this? a plot on me!  Ham. 
What is contained  
In the 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 here Latorch, nor 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 to 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.  
'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 for 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 die, so sir your pardon. Exit. Ham.  Au. 
I am both ways ruined, both ways marked for slaughter,  
On every side about, behind, before me,  
My certain fate is fixed, were I knave now  
I could avoid this: had my actions,  
But mere relations to their own ends, I could scape now:  
O 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 disputing:  
Say he know this before hand, where am I then?  
Or say he do not know it, where's my loyalty?  
I know his nature troubled as the Sea,  
And as the Sea devouring, where he is vexed,  
And I know Princes are their own expounders,  
Am I afraid of death? of dying nobly?  
Of dying in my innocence uprightly?  
Have I met death in all his forms and fears,  
Now on the points of swords, now pitched on lances,  
In fires, in 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; duty shall meet that pain,  
And my most constant heart to do him good, Enter Mess.  
Shall check at neither pale affright nor blood.  Mess. 
The Duchess presently would crave your presence.  Aub. 
I come; and Aubrey now resolve to keep,  
Thy honour living though thy body sleep. Exit.  Enter Edith and a boy. A banquet set out. Edith. 
Now for a Father's murder and the 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 that bloody cloud behold my piety.  
Take from my cold heart fear, from my sex pity,  
And as I wipe these tears off, shed for thee,  
So all remembrance may I lose of mercy,  
Give me a woman's anger, bent to blood,  
The wildness of the winds to drown his prayers,  
stormlike 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 ne'er 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 cloud may seize him, Enter Rollo.  
I hear him come, go boy and entertain him.  

The Song.  
Take o 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 bring again,  
Seals of love though sealed in vain.   

Hide o hide those hills of Snow,  
That thy frozen bosom bears,  
On whose tops the pinks that grow,  
Are yet of those that April wears,  
But first set my poor heart free,  
Bound in those Icy chains by thee.   Roll. 
What bright star taking beauties for me 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.  Roll. 
Can it be flattery to swear those eyes  
Are love's 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,  
O look upon me with thy spring of beauty.  Edith. 
Your Grace is full of game.  Roll. 
By heaven my Edith,  
Thy mother fed on roses when she got thee.  Edith. 
And thine on brambles, that hath pricked her heart out.  Roll. 
The sweetness of th'Arabian wind still blowing,  
Upon the treasures of perfumes and spices,  
In all their pride and pleasures call thee Mistress.  Edith. 
willt please you sit Sir.  Roll. 
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.  Edith. 
Of what sir.  Roll. 
Of any thing, and any thing is excellent,  
Will you take my direction, speak of love then,  
Speak of thy fair self Edith, and whilst thou speakst,  
Let me thus languishing give up myself wench.  Edith. 
Has a strange cunning tongue, why do you sigh sir,  
How masterly he turns himself to catch me.  Rollo. 
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?  Edith. 
Your tears sir,  
You weep extremely: strengthen me now justice,  
Why are these sorrow's Sir?  Rollo. 
Thou'lt never love me  
If I should tell thee, and yet there is no way left  
Ever to purchase this blessed Paradise,  
But swimming thither in these tears.  Edith. 
I stagger.  Rollo. 
Are they not drops of blood?  Edith. 
No.  Rollo. 
They are for blood then,  
For guiltless blood, and they must drop my Edith,  
They must thus drop till I have drowned my mischiefs.  Edith. 
If this be true I have no strength to touch him.  Rollo. 
pray look upon me, turn not from me,  
alas I do confess I'm made of mischief,  
Begot with all men's miseries upon me,  
But see my sorrow's mind, and do not thou learn,  
Whose only sweetest sacrifice is softness,  
Whose true condition tenderness of nature.  Edith. 
My anger melts, o I shall lose my justice.  Rollo. 
Do not thou learn to kill with cruelty,  
(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 hadst laden 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 me as I killed thy father,  
As I was smeared in blood do thou not hate me,  
But thus in whiteness of my washed repentance  
In my heart's tears and truth of love to Edith,  
In my fair life hereafter.  Edith. 
He will fool me.  Rollo. 
O with thine Angel eyes behold and bless 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.  Edith. 
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 door safe, and upon pain of death  
Let no man enter till I give the word.  Guard. 
We shall Sir.  Ham. 
Here he is in all his pleasure.  Rollo. 
I have my wish.  
How now, why dost thou stare so?  Edith. 
A help I hope.  Rollo. 
What dost thou here? who sent thee?  Ham. 
My brother, and the base malicious office  
Thou mad'st me do to Aubrey: pray.  Rollo. 
Pray?  Ham. 
Pray,  
Pray, if thou canst pray, I shall kill thy soul else,  
Pray suddenly.  Rollo. 
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.  Edith. 
'tis my glory.  Ham. 
'tis mine, stay & 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.  Rollo. 
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 ha' thee.  Ham. 
Such fear Sir as you gave your honoured mother,  
When your most virtuous brother shieldlike 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?  Edith. 
Fear not,  
Kill him good Captain anyway dispatch him,  
My body's honoured with that sword that through me  
Sends his black soul to hell, o but for one hand.  Ham 
Shake him off bravely.  Edith. 
He's too strong, strike him.  Ham. 
O I am with you Sir, now keep you from him,  
What has he got a knife?  Edith. 
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.  Edith. 
O bravely thrust, take heed he comes not in Sir,  
To him again, you give him too much respite.  Rollo. 
Yet wilt thou save my life, and I'll forgive thee,  
And give thee all, all honours, all advancements,  
Call thee my friend.  Edith. 
Strike, strike and hear him not,  
His tongue will tempt a Saint.  Rollo. 
O for my soul's sake.  Edith. 
Save nothing of him.  Ham. 
Now for your farewell,  
Are you so wary, take you that.  Rollo. 
Thou that too.  
O thou hast killed me basely, basely, basely. dies.  Edith. 
The just reward of murder falls upon thee,  
How do you Sir, has he not hurt you?  Ham. 
No,  
I feel not any thing, Sophia, Matilda, Aubrey, and Lords at the door.  Aub. 
I charge ye let us pass.  Guard. 
Ye cannot yet sir.  Aub. 
I'll make my way then.  Guard. 
We are sworn to our Captain,  
And till he give the word. Enter Soph. Matil. Aub. Lords and attendants.  Ham. 
Now let'em in there.  Soph. 
O there he lies, sorrow on sorrow seeks me,  
O 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. 
O bravely done wench.  Edith. 
There stands the noble doer.  Mat. 
May honour ever seek thee for thy justice,  
O 'twas a deed of high and brave adventure,  
A justice even for heaven to envy at.  
Farewell my sorrows, and my tears take truce,  
My wishes are come round, o bloody brother,  
Till this hour never beauteous; till thy life  
Like a full sacrifice for all thy mischiefs  
Flowed from thee in these rivers, never righteous,  
O how mine eyes are quarried with their joys now,  
My longing heart e'en leaping out for lightness,  
But, die thy black sins with thee, I forgive thee.  Aub. 
Who did this deed?  Ham 
ay, and I will answer it. dies.  Edith. 
He faints, o that same cursed knife has killed him.  Aub. 
How?  Edith. 
He snatched it from my hand for whom I bore it,  
And as they grappled?  Aub. 
justice is ever equal.  
Had it not been on him thou'dsthad'st died too honest.  
Did you know of his death?  Edith. 
Yes, and rejoice in't.  Aub. 
I am sorry for your youth then, for though the strictness  
Of law shall not fall on you, that of life must presently;  
Go, to a Cloister presently carry her,  
And there for ever lead your life in penitence.  Edith. 
Best father to my soul, I give you thanks Sir  
And now my faint revenges have their ends,  
My vows shall be my kin, my prayers my friends. Exit.  Enter Latorch and jugglers. Lator. 
Stay there, I'll step in and prepare the Duke.  Norb. 
We shall have brave rewards.  Fisk. 
That's without question.  Lator. 
By this time where's my huffing friend Lord Aubrey,  
Where's that good gentleman— O I could laugh now,  
And burst myself with mere imagination,  
A wise man and a valiant man, a just man  
Should suffer himself to be juggled out of the world,  
By a number of poor Gipsies: farewell swashbuckler,  
For I know thy mouth's cold enough by this time,  
A hundred on 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 bent to my worship,  
All suit's 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 tomorrow on, now for my business.  Aub. 
Who's there.  Lator. 
Ha dead? my master dead? Aubrey alive too?  Guard. 
Latorch sir.  Aub. 
seize his body.  Lator. 
O my fortune,  
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 mischiefs,  
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 me sure for all your labours,  
And you shall have it: make his Gallows higher  
By twenty foot at the least, and then advance him.  Lator. 
Mercy, mercy, 'tis too late fool. Exit Lator.  Aub. 
Such as you meant for me, away with him,  
What peeping knaves are those, bring'em in fellows;  
Now, what are you?  Nor. 
Mathematicians,  
And it like your Lordship.  Aub. 
And ye drew a figure.  Fisk. 
We have drawn many.  Aub. 
For the Duke I mean sir.  
Latorche's knaves you are.  Norb. 
We know the gentleman.  Aub. 
What did he promise ye.  Nor. 
We are paid already.  Aub. 
But I will see you better paid, go whip 'em.  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 they're whipped,  
Lead 'em to the gallows to see their Patron hanged;  
Away with 'em.  Nor. 
Ah good my Lord. Exeunt jugglers.  Aub. 
Now to mine own right Gentlemen.  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,  
Than blood or mischief dare infringe again,  
Behold this Lady sir, this noble Lady,  
Full of that blood as you are, of that nearness,  
How blessed would it be?  Aub. 
I apprehend ye,  
And so the fair Matilda dare accept me,  
Her ever constant servant.  Mat. 
In all pureness,  
In all humility of heart and service,  
To the most noble Aubrey I submit me.  Aub. 
Then this our first tie, now to our business.  Lor. 1. 
W''re ready all to put that honour on you.  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.  
Go sadly on, and as we view his blood,  
May his example in our rule raise good. Exeunt.  flourish.   
FINIS.