THE COMICAL history OF Alphonsus, King of Aragon. As it hath been sundry times Acted. Made by R. G.  
 
LONDON Printed by Thomas Creed. 1599.   
The Comical History of Alphonsus, King of Arragon.  

Act. I.  After you have sounded thrice, let Venus be let down from the top of the Stage, and when she is down, say. 

POets are scarce when Goddesses themselves  
Are forced to leave their high and stately seats  
Placed on the top of high Olympus Mount,  
To seek them out, to pen their champion's praise.  
The time hath been when Homer's sugared Muse,  
Did make each Echo to repeat his verse,  
That every coward that durst crack a spear,  
And Tilt and tourney for his Lady's sake,  
Was painted out in colours of such price  
As might become the proudest Potentate.  
But nowadays so irksome Idels slights,  
And cursed charms have witched each student's mind,  
That death it is to any of them all,  
If that their hands to penning you do call:  
Oh Virgil, Virgil, wert thou now alive,  
Whose painful pen in stout Augustus' days,  
Did deign to let the base and silly flea  
To scape away without thy praise of her.  
I do not doubt but long or ere this time,  
Alphonsus' fame unto the heaven's should climb:  
Alphonsus' fame that man of jove his seed,  
Sprung from the loins of the immortal Gods,  
Whose sire although he habit on the earth,  
May claim a portion in the fiery Pole,  
As well as any one whate'er he be.  
But setting by Alphonsus' power divine,  
What man alive or now amongst the ghosts  
Could countervail his courage and his strength?  
But thou art dead, yea Virgil thou art gone:  
And all his acts drowned in oblivion.  
And all his acts drowned in oblivion?  
No Venus no, though Poets prove unkind,  
And loath to stand in penning of his deeds,  
Yet rather than they shall be clean forgot,  
I which was wont to follow Cupid's games  
Will put in ure Minerva's sacred Art,  
And this my hand which used for to pen  
The praise of love, and Cupid's peerless power,  
Will now begin to treat of bloody Mars,  
Of doughty deeds and valiant victories.   Enter Melpomine, Clio, Errato, with their sisters, playing all upon sundry Instruments, Calliope only excepted, who coming last, hangeth down the head, and plays not of her Instrument. 

But see whereas the stately Muses come,  
Whose harmony doth very far surpass  
The heavenly music of Apollo's pipe.  
But what means this Melpomene herself  
With all her sisters sound their Instruments,  
Only excepted fair Calliope?  
Who coming last & hanging down her head,  
Doth plainly show by outward actions  
What secret sorrow doth torment her heart.   Stands aside. Mel. 
Calliope thou which so oft didst crake,  
How that such clients clustered to thy Court  
By thick and threefold, as not any any one  
Of all thy sisters might compare with thee:  
Where be thy scholars now become I trow?  
Where are they vanished in such sudden sort,  
That while as we do play upon our strings,  
You stand still lazing, and have nought to do?  Clio. 
Melpomene make you a why of that?  
I know full oft you have Authors red,  
The higher tree the sooner is his fall,  
And they which first do flourish and bear sway,  
Upon the sudden vanish clean away.  Cal. 
Mock on apace, my back is broad enough  
To bear your flouts as many as they be.  
That year is rare, that near feels winter's storms:  
That tree is fertile which near wanteth fruit.  
And that same Muse hath heaped well in store:  
Which never wanteth clients at her door.  
But yet my sisters, when the surgent seas  
Have ebbed their fill, their waves do rise again  
And fill their banks up to the very brims:  
And when my pipe hath eased herself a while,  
Such store of suitors shall my seat frequent,  
That you shall see my scholars be not spent.  Errato. 
Spent (quoth you) sister, than we were too blame  
If we should say your scholars all were spent:  
But pray now tell me when your painful pen will rest enough?  Mel. 
When husbandmen sheer hogs.  Ven. 
Melpomene, Errato and the rest,  
From thickest shrubs dame Venus did espy  
The mortal hatred which you jointly bear  
Unto your sister high Calliope.  
What do you think if that the tree do bend,  
It follows therefore that it needs must breaks  
And since her pipe a little while doth rest,  
It never shall be able for to sound?  
Yes Muses yes, if that she will vouchsafe  
To entertain Dame Venus in her school,  
And further me with her instructions,  
She shall have scholars which will deign to be  
In any other muse's company.  Calliope. 
Most sacred Venus do you doubt of that?  
Calliope would think her three times blessed,  
For to receive a goddess in her school,  
Especially so high an one as you,  
Which rules the earth, and guides the heavens too.  Ven. 
Then sound your pipes, and let us bend our steps  
Unto the top of high Parnassus hill,  
And there together do our best devoir  
For to describe Alphonsus warlike fame:  
And in the manner of a Comedy,  
Set down his noble valour presently.  Calli. 
As Venus wils, so bids Calliope.  Melpo. 
And as you bid your sisters do agree.  Exeunt. Enter Clarinus the Father, and Alphonsus his son. Carinus. 
My noble son, since first I did recount  
The noble acts your predecessors did  
In Aragon, against their warlike foes,  
I never yet could see thee joy at all,  
But hanging down thy head as malcontent:  
Thy youthful days in mourning have been spent.  
Tell me Alphonsus what might be the cause  
That makes thee thus to pine away with care?  
Hath old Carinus done thee any offence  
In reckoning up these stories unto thee?  
What near a word but mum? Alphonsus speak,  
Unless your Father's fatal day you seek.  Alphon. 
Although dear father I have often vowed  
near to unfold the secrets of my heart  
To any man or woman, who some ere  
Dwells underneath the circle of the sky:  
Yet do your words so conjure me dear sire,  
That needs I must fulfil that you require.  
Then so it is, amongst the famous tales  
Which you rehearsed done by our sires in war,  
whenas you came unto your father's days,  
With sobbing notes, with sighs & blubbering tears,  
And much ado, at length you thus began.  
Next to Alphonsus should my father come,  
For to possess the Diadem by right  
Of Aragon, but that the wicked wretch  
His younger brother, with aspiring mind,  
By secret treason robbed him of his life,  
And me his son, of that which was my due.  
These words my sire, did so torment my mind,  
As had I been with Ixion in hell,  
The ravening bird could never plague me worse:  
For ever since my mind hath troubled been  
Which way I might revenge this traitorous fact,  
And that recover which is ours by right.  Cari. 
Ah my Alphònsus never think on that,  
In vain it is to strive against the stream,  
The Crown is lost, and now in huckster's hands,  
And all our hope is cast into the dust:  
Bridle these thoughts, and learn the same of me,  
A quiet life doth pass an Empery.  Alphon. 
Yet noble father, ere Carinus brood  
Shall brook his foe for to usurp his seat,  
he'll die the death with honour in the field,  
And so his life and sorrows briefly end.  
But did I know my froward fate were such,  
As I should fail in this my just attempt:  
This sword dear father should the Author be,  
To make an end of this my Tragedy.  
Therefore sweet sire, remain you here a while,  
And let me walk my Fortune for to try:  
I do not doubt but ere the time be long,  
I'll quite his cost, or else myself will die.  Cari. 
My noble son, since that thy mind is such  
For to revenge thy father's foul abuse,  
As that my words may not a whit prevail  
To stay thy journey, go with happy fate,  
And soon return unto thy father's Cell,  
With such a train as julius Caesar came  
To noble Rome, whenas he had achieved  
The mighty Monarch of the triple world,  
Mean time Carinus in this silly grove,  
Will spend his days with prayer and horizons,  
To mighty jove, to further thine intent:  
Farewell dear son Alphonsus fare you well.  Exit. Alphon. 
And is he gone? then high Alphonsus hie,  
To try thy fortune where thy fates do call:  
A noble mind disdains to hide his head,  
And let his foes triumph in his overthrow.  Enter Albinius. Alphonsus makes as though thou goest out, Albinius Albi. 
What loitering follow have we spied here?  
Presume not villain further her for to go,  
Unless you do at length the same repent.  Alphonsus comes towards Albinius. Alphon. 
Villain sayst thou, nay villain in thy throat:  
What know'st thou skipnick whom thou villain call'st?  Albi. 
A common vassal I do villain call.  Alphon. 
That shalt thou soon approve persuade thyself,  
Or else I'll die, or thou shalt die for me.  Albi. 
What do I dream, or do my dazzling eyes  
Deceive me? be't Alphonsus that I see?  
Doth now Medea use her wonted charms  
For to delude Albinius' fantasy?  
Or doth black Pluto king of dark Avern,  
Seek to flout me with his counterfeit?  
His body like to Alphonsus framed is:  
His face resembles much Alphonsus' hew:  
His noble mind declares him for no les.  
'tis he indeed, woe worth Albinius,  
Whose babbling tongue hath caused his own annoy.  
Why doth not jove send from the glittering skies  
His Thunder bolts to chastise this offence?  
Why doth dame Terra cease with greedy jaws  
To swallow up Albinius presently?  
What shall I fly and hide my traitorous head,  
From stout Alphonsus whom I so misused?  
Or shall I yield Tush yielding is in vain:  
Nor can I fly, but he will follow me.  
Then cast thyself down at his grace's feet,  
Confess thy fault, and ready make thy breast,  
To entertain thy well deserved death.  Albinius kneels down. Alph. 
What news my friend? why are you so blank  
That erst before did vaunt it to the skies?  Albi. 
Pardon dear Lord, Albinius pardon craves  
For this offence, which by the heaven I vow,  
Unwittingly I did unto your grace.  
For had I known Alphonsus had been here,  
Ere that my tongue had spoke so traitorously,  
This hand should make my very soul to die.  Alphon. 
Rise up my friend, thy pardon soon is got  
But prithee tell me what the cause might be;  
That in such sort thou erst upbraidest me?  Albinius rises up. 
Have compassed the circle of the sky,  
I'll clog their tongues, since nothing else will serve  
To keep those wild and threatening speeches in.  
Farewell Belinus, look thou to thyself:  
Alphonsus means to have thy Crown ere night.  Exit Alphonsus. Beli. 
What is he gone, the devil break his neck,  
The fiends of hell torment his traitorous corpses:  
Is this the quittance of Belinus' grace,  
Which he did show unto that thankless wretch?  
That runagate, that rachel, yea that thief,  
For well I wot he hath robbed me of a Crown.  
If ever he had sprung from gentle blood,  
He would not thus misuse his favourer.  Albi. 
That runagate, that rachel, yea that thief?  
Stay their sir King, your mouth runs over much,  
It ill becomes the subject for to use  
Such traitorous terms against his sovereign.  
Know thou Belinus, that Carinus' son,  
Is neither rachel nor runagate,  
But be thou sure, that ere the darksome night  
Do drive God Phoebus to his Thetis lap,  
Both thou and all the rest of this thy train,  
Shall well repent the words which you have sane.  Beli. 
What traitorous villain dost thou threaten me?  
Lay hold on him, and see he do not scape,  
I'll teach the slave to know to whom he speaks.  
To thee I speak, and to thy fellows all:  
And though as now you have me in your power,  
Yet doubt I not but that in little space,  
These eyes shall see thy treason recompensed:  
And then I mean to vaunt of our victory.  Beli. 
Nay proud Albinius, never build on that,  
For though the Gods do chance for to appoint  
Alphonsus victor of Belinus land,  
Yet shalt thou never live to see that day,  
And therefore Fabius stand not lingering,  
But presently slash off his traitorous head.  Albi. 
Slash off his head, as though Albinius' head  
Were then so easy to be slashed off.  
In faith sir no, when you are gone and dead,  
I hope to flourish like the pleasant spring.  Beli. 
Why how now Fabius, what do you stand in doubt,  
To do the deed? what fear you? who dares seek  
For to revenge his death on thee again,  
Since that Belinus did command it so?  
Or are you waxed so dainty, that you dare  
Not use your sword for staining of your hands?  
If it be so, then let me see thy sword,  
And I will be his butcher for this time.  Fabius give Belinus thy sword drawn, Belinus say as followeth. 
Now sir Albinius, are you of the mind  
That erst you were? what do you look to see  
And triumph in Belinus overthrow?  
I hope the very sight of this my blade,  
Hath changed your mind into another tune.  Albi. 
Not so Belinus, I am constant still,  
My mind is like to the Abeston stone,  
Which if it once be heat in flames of fire,  
deigneth to becomen cold again.  
even so am I, and shall be till I die,  
And though I should see Atropos appear,  
With knife in hand, to slit my thread in twain,  
Yet near Albinius should persuaded be,  
But that Belinus he should vanquished see.  Beli. 
Nay then Albinius, since that words are vain  
For to persuade you from this heresy:  
The sword shall sure put you out of doubt.  Belinus offers to strike off Albinius' head strike up alarum, enter Alphonsus and his men, fly Belinus and Fabius, follow Alphonsus, and Albinius. Enter Laelius, Milos, and his servants. Laeli. 
My noble Lords of Aragon, I know  
You wonder much what might the occasion be,  
That Laelius which erst did fly the field,  
Doth egg you forwards now unto the wars,  
But when you hear my reason, out of doubt  
you'll be content with this my rash attempt.  
When first our King, Flaminius I do mean,  
Did set upon the Neapolitans,  
The worst of you did know and plainly see,  
How far they were unable to withstand  
The mighty forces of our royal Camp,  
Until such time as froward fates we thought,  
Although the fates ordained it for our gain,  
Did send a stranger stout, whose sturdy blows  
And force alone, did cause our overthrow.  
But to our purpose, this same martial knight  
Did hap to hit upon Flaminius,  
And lent our King then such a friendly blow,  
As that his gasping ghost to limbo went:  
Which when I saw, and seeking to revenge,  
My noble Lords, did hap on such a prize:  
As never King nor Kaiser got the like.  Mi. 
Laelius, of force we must confess to thee,  
We wondered all, whenas you did persuade  
Us to return unto the wars again,  
But since our marvel is increased much  
By these your words, which sound of happiness,  
Therefore good Laelius make no tarrying,  
But soon unfold thy happy chance to us.  Lae. 
Then friends and fellow soldiers, hark to me.  
When Laelius thought for to revenge his king,  
On that same knight, instead of mortal foe,  
I found him for to be our chiefest friend.  Mi. 
Our chiefest friend, I hardly can believe,  
That he which made such bloody massacres  
Of stout Italians, can in any point  
Bear friendship to the country or the King.  Lae. 
As for your king Miles, I hold with you,  
He bear no friendship to Flaminius,  
But hated him as bloody Atropos,  
But for your country, Laelius doth avow,  
He loves as well as any other land:  
Yea sure he loves it best of all the world:  
And for because, you shall not think that I  
Do say the same without a reason why,  
Know that the knight Alphonsus hath to name,  
Both son and heir to old Carinus, whom  
Flaminius' sire bereaved of his Crown:  
Who did not seek the ruin of our host,  
For any envy he did bear to us,  
But to revenge him on his mortal foe,  
Which by the help of high celestial jove,  
He hath achieved with honour in the field.  Mi. 
Alphonsus' man, I'll near persuaded be,  
That ere Alphonsus may survive again,  
Who with Carinus many years ago,  
Was said to wander in the Stygian fields.  Laeli. 
Truth Noble Miles, these mine ears have heard,  
For certainty reported unto me,  
That old Carinus with his peerless son,  
Had felt the sharpness of the sister's shears,  
And had I not of late Alphonsus seen  
In good estate, though all the world should say  
He is alive, I would not credit them:  
But fellow soldiers wend you back with me,  
And let us lurk within the secret shade,  
Which he himself appointed unto us:  
And if you find my words to be untruth,  
Then let me die to recompense the wrong.  Strike up alarum, Enter Albinius with his sword drawn, and say. Albi. 
Laelius make haste, soldiers of Aragon,  
Set lingering by, and come and help your King.  
I mean Alphonsus, who whilst that he did  
Pursue Belinus at the very heels,  
Was suddenly environed about,  
With all the troops of mighty Milan land.  Mi. 
What news is this, and is it very so?  
Is our Alphonsus yet in human state,  
Whom all the world did judge for to be dead.  
Yet can I scarce give credit to the same.  
Give credit, yes, and since the Milan Duke,  
Hath broke his league of friendship, be he sure,  
Ere Cynthia, the shining lamp of night,  
Doth scale the heavens with her horned head,  
Both he and his shall very plainly see,  
The league is burst, that caused long the glee.  Lae. 
And could the traitor harbour in his breast  
Such mortal treason 'gainst his sovereign,  
As when he should with fire and sword defend  
Him from his foes, he seeks his overthrow?  
March on my friends, I near shall joy at all,  
Until I see that bloody traitors fall.  Exeunt. Strike up alarum, fly Belinus, follow Laelius: fly Fabius, follow Albinius: fly the Duke of Millaine, follow Miles.  

Act. 3.  Strike up alarum, Enter Venus. 

NO sooner did Alphonsus with his troop,  
Set on the soldiers of Belinus band,  
But that the fury of his sturdy blows,  
Did strike such terror to their daunted minds,  
That glad was he which could escape away,  
With life and limb, forth of that bloody fray.  
Belinus flies unto the Turkish soil,  
To crave the aid of Amurack their King:  
Unto the which he willingly did consent,  
And sends Belinus with two other Kings,  
To know god Mahomet's pleasure in the same:  
Mean time the Empress by Medea's help,  
Did use such charms, that Amurack did see  
In soundest sleep, what afterward should hap:  
How Amurack did recompense her pain,  
With mickle more, this Act shall show you plain.   Exit Venus. Enter one, carrying two Crowns upon a Crest, Alphonsus, Albinius, Laelius and Miles, with their soldiers. Alph. 
Welcome brave youths of Aragon to me.  
Yea welcome Miles, Lalius and the rest,  
Whose prowess alone hath been the only cause,  
That we like victor's have subdued our foes.  
Lord what a pleasure was it to my mind,  
To see Belus, which not long before,  
Did with his threatenings terrify the Gods,  
Now scud apace, from warlike Lalius blows:  
The Duke of Milan he increased our sport,  
When doubting that his force was overweak,  
For to withstand Miles, thy sturdy arm  
Did give more credence to his frisking skips  
Then to the sharpness of his cutting blade,  
What Fabius did to pleasure us withal,  
Albinius knows as well as I myself:  
For well I wot, if that thy tired steed  
Had been as fresh and swift in foot as his,  
He should have felt, yea known for certainty,  
To check Alphonsus, did deserve to die.  
Briefly my friends and fellow peers in arms,  
The worst of you do deserve such mickle praise,  
As that my tongue denies for to set forth  
The demi parcel of your valiant deeds,  
So that perforce, I must by duty be  
Bound to you all, for this your courtesy.  Mi. 
Not so my Lord, for if our willing arms  
Have pleasured you so much, as you do say,  
We have done nought but that becometh us:  
For to defend our mighty sovereign.  
As for my part, I count my labour small,  
Yea though it had been twice as much again,  
Since that Alphonsus doth accept thereof.  Alphon. 
Thanks worthy Miles, lest all the world  
Should count Alphonsus thankless for to be,  
Laelius sit down, and Miles sit by him,  
And that receive, the which your swords have won.  Sit down Laelius and Miles. 
First, for because thou Laelius in these broils,  
By martial might, didst proud Belinus chase,  
From troop to troop, from side to side about,  
And never ceased from this thy swift pursuit,  
Until thou hadst obtained his royal Crown,  
Therefore I say, I'll do thee nought but right,  
And give thee that which thou well hast won.  Set the Crown on his head. 
Here doth Alphonsus Crown thee Laelius, King  
Of Naples Town, with all dominions  
That erst belonged to our traitorous foe,  
That proud Belinus in his regiment.  Sound Trumpets and Drums. 
Miles, thy share the Milan Dukedom is,  
For well I wot thy sword deserved no less.  Set the Crown on his head. 
The which Alphonsus frankly giveth thee,  
In presence of his warlike men at arms.  
And if that any stomach this my deed,  
Alphonsus can revenge thy wrong with speed.  Sound Trumpets and Drums. 
Now to Albinius which in all my toils  
I have both faithful, yea and friendly found:  
Since that the Gods and friendly Fates assign  
This present time to me to recompense,  
The sundry pleasures thou hast done to me,  
Sit down by them, and on thy faithful head  Take the Crown from thy own head. 
Receive the Crown of peerless Aragon.  Albi. 
Pardon dear Lord Albinius at this time,  
It ill becomes me for to wear a Crown,  
whenas my Lord is destitute himself:  
Why high Alphonsus, if I should receive  
This Crown of you, the which high jove forbid,  
Where would yourself obtain a Diadem?  
Naples is gone, Milan possessed is,  
And nought is left for you but Aragon.  Alphon. 
And nought is left for me but Aragon?  
Yes surely yes, my Fates have so decreed,  
That Aragon should be too base a thing,  
For to obtain Alphonsus for her King.  
What hear you not how that our scattered foes,  
Belinus, Fabius, and the Milan Duke,  
Are fled for succour to the Turkish Court?  
And think you not that Amurack their King,  
Will with the mightiest power of all his land,  
Seek to revenge Belinus overthrow?  
Then doubt I not but ere these broils do end,  
Alphonsus shall possess the Diadem  
That Amurack now wears upon his head.  
Sit down therefore and that receive of me:  
The which the Fates appointed unto thee.  Albi. 
Thou king of heaven, which by thy power divine,  
Dost see the secrets of each livers heart,  
Bear record now with what unwilling mind,  
I do receive the Crown of Aragon.  Albinius sit down by Laelius & Miles, Alphonsus set the Crown on his head, and say. Alphon. 
A rise Albinius King of Aragon,  
Crowned by me, who till my gasping ghost  
Do part asunder from my breathless corpses,  
Will be thy shield against all men alive:  
That for thy kingdom any way do strive.  Sound Trumpets and Drums. 
Now since we have in such an happy hour  
Confirmed three kings, come let us march with speed  
Into the City, for to celebrate  
With mirth and joy, this blissful festival.  Exeunt omnes. Enter Amurack the great Turk, Belinus, Fabius, Arcastus King of moors. Claramount, King of Barbery. Bajazet a Lord, with their train. Amu. 
Welcome Belinus to thy cousin's Court,  
Whose late arrival in such posting pace,  
Doth bring both joy and sorrow to us all:  
Sorrow because the Fates have been so false,  
To let Alphonsus drive thee from thy land:  
And joy, since that now mighty Mahomet  
Hath given me cause to recompense at full,  
The sundry pleasures I received of thee.  
Therefore Belinus do but ask and have:  
For Amurack doth grant whate'er you crave.  Beli. 
Thou second sun which with thy glimpsing beams  
Dost clarify each corner of the earth,  
Belinus comes not, as erst Midas did,  
To mighty Bacchus, to desire of him,  
That whatsoe'er at any time he touched,  
Might turned be to gold incontinent.  
Nor do I come as Jupiter did erst  
Unto the Palace of Amphitrion,  
For any fond or foul concupiscence,  
Which I do bear to Alcmena's hue.  
But as poor Saturn, forced by mighty jove  
To fly his Country, banished and forlorn,  
Did crave the aid of Troos, King of Troy.  
So comes Belinus to high Amurack.  
And if he can but once your aid obtain,  
He turns with speed to Naples back again.  Amu. 
My aid Belinus, do you doubt of that?  
If all the men at arms of Africa,  
Of Asia likewise, will sufficient be,  
To press the pomp of that usurping mate:  
Assure thyself, thy kingdom shallbe thine,  
If Mahomet say I unto the same:  
For were I sure to vanquish all our foes,  
And find such spoils in ransacking their Tents,  
As never any Kaiser did obtain,  
Yet would I not set foot forth of this land:  
If Mahomet our journey did withstand.  Beli. 
Nor would Belinus for King Croesus' trash,  
Wish Amurack to displease the Gods;  
In pleasuring me in such a trifling toy.  
Then mighty Monarch, if it be thy will,  
Get their consents, and then the act fulfil.  Amu. 
You counsel well, therefore Belinus haste,  
And Claramount go bear him company,  
With King Arcastus, to the City walls.  
Then bend with speed unto the darksome grove,  
Where Mahomet this many a hundred year  
Hath prophesied unto our ancestors,  
Tell to his Priests, that Amurack your King  
Is now selecting all his men at arms,  
To set upon that proud Alphonsus' troop.  
The cause you know, and can inform him well,  
That makes me take these bloody broils in hand:  
And say that I desire their sacred God,  
That Mahomet which ruleth all the skies,  
To send me word and that most speedily,  
Which of us shall obtain the victory.  Exeunt omnes, preter Bajazet and Amurack. 
You Bajazet go post away apace,  
To Siria, Scythia, and Albania,  
To Babylon, with Mesopotamia,  
Asia, Armenia, and all other lands  
Which owe their homage to high Amurack.  
Charge all their Kings with expedition  
To gather up the choicest men at arms  
Which now remain in their dominions,  
And on the twenty day of the same month,  
To come and wait on Amurack their King,  
At his chief City Constantinople.  
Tell them moreover, that who so doth fail,  
Nought else but death, from prison shall him bail.  Exit Baiazet. assoon as he is gone, sound music within. 
What heavenly Music soundeth in my ear?  
Peace Amurack and hearken to the same.  Sound music, hearken Amurack, and fall asleep. Enter Medea, Fausta the Empress, Iphigina her daughter. Medea. 
Now have our charms fulfilled our minds full well,  
High Amurack is lulled fast asleep,  
And doubt I not, but ere he wakes again,  
You shall perceive Medea did not gibe,  
whenas she put this practice in your mind:  
Sit worthy Fausta at thy spouse his feet.  Fausta and Iphigina, sit down at Amurack's feet. 
Iphigina, sit thou on the other side:  
whate'er you see be not aghast thereat,  
But bear in mind what Amurack doth chat.  Medea do ceremonies belonging to conjuring, and say. 
Thou which wert wont in Agamemnon's days  
To utter forth Apollo's Oracles  
At sacred Delphos, Calchas I do mean,  
I charge thee come, all lingering set aside,  
Unless the penance you thereof abide.  
I conjure thee by Pluto's loathsome lake,  
By all the hags which harbour in the same,  
By stinking Styx, and filthy Phlegeton,  
To come with speed, and truly to fulfil  
That which Medea to thee straight shall will.  Rise Calehas up in a white surplice and a cardinal's Mitre, and say. Cal. 
Thou wretched witch, when wilt thou make an end  
Of troubling us with these thy cursed Charms?  
What meanst thou thus to call me from my grave?  
Shall near my ghost obtain his quiet rest?  Me. 
Yes Calchas yes, your rest doth now approach  
Medea means to trouble thee no more,  
whenas thou hast fulfilled her mind this once.  
Go get thee hence to Pluto back again,  
And there inquire of the Destinies,  
How Amurack shall speed in these his wars:  
Peruse their books, and mark what is decreed  
By jove himself, and all his fellow Gods:  
And when thou know'st the certainty thereof,  
By fleshless visions show it presently  
To Amurack, in pain of penalty.  Cal. 
Forced by thy charm though with unwilling mind:  
I haste to hell, the certainty to find.  Calchas sink down where you came up. Me. 
Now peerless Princes I must needs be gone,  
My hasty business calls me from this place.  
There resteth nought, but that you bear in mind,  
What Amurack in this his fit doth say.  
For mark what dreaming madam he doth prate:  
Assure yourself, that that shallbe his fate.  Fau. 
Though very loath to let thee so depart,  
Farewell Medea, easer of my heart.  Exit Medea. Sound Instruments within, Amurack as it were in a dream, say. Amu. 
What Amurack dost thou begin to nod?  
Is this the care that thou hast of thy wars?  
As when thou shouldst be prancing of thy steed,  
To egg thy soldiers forward in thy wars:  
Thou sittest moping by the fire side?  
See where thy Viceroys grovel on the ground.  
Look where Belinus breatheth forth his ghost.  
Behold by millions how thy men do fall  
Before Alphonsus like to silly sheep.  
And canst thou stand still lazing in this sort?  
No proud Alphonsus, Amurack doth fly  
To quail thy courage, and that speedily.  Sound Instruments a while within, and then Amurack say. 
And dost thou think thou proud injurious God,  
Mahound I mean since thy vain prophecies  
Led Amurack into this doleful case,  
To have his Princely feet in irons clapped,  
Which erst the proudest kings were forced to kiss,  
That thou shalt scape unpunished for the same?  
No no, assoon as by the help of jove,  
I scape this bondage, down go all thy groves.  
Thy altars tumble round about the streets.  
And whereas erst we sacrificed to thee:  
Now all the Turks thy mortal foes shall be.  Sound Instruments a while within, Amurack say. 
Behold the gem and jewel of mine age,  
See where she comes, whose heavenly majesty  
Doth far surpass the brave and gorgeous pace  
Which Cytherea daughter unto jove,  
Did put in ure whenas she had obtained  
The golden Apple at the shepherds hands.  
See worthy Fausta where Alphonsus stands,  
Whose valiant courage could not daunted be,  
bridled my thoughts, and pressed down my rage,  
In recompense of which my good intent,  
I have received this woeful banishment.  
Woeful said I? nay happy I did mean,  
If that be happy, which doth set one free:  
For by this means, I do not doubt ere long,  
But Fausta shall with ease, revenge her wrong.  
Come daughter come, my mind foretelleth me:  
That Amurack shall soon requited be.  Make as though you were a going out, Medea meet her and say. Me. 
Fausta, what means this sudden flight of yours?  
Why do you leave your husband's princely Court,  
And all alone pass through these thickest groves,  
More fit to harbour brutish savage beasts,  
Then to receive so high a Queen as you?  
Although your credit would not stay your steps,  
From bending them into these darkish dens,  
Yet should the danger which is imminent,  
To every one which passeth by these paths,  
Keep you at home with fair Iphigina.  
What foolth toy hath tickled you to this?  
I greatly fear some hap hath hit amiss.  Fau. 
No toy Medea, tickled Fausta's head,  
Nor foolish fancy led me to these groups,  
But earnest business eggs my trembling steps,  
To pass all dangers whatsoe'er they be.  
I banished am Medea, I which erst  
Was Empress over all the triple world,  
Am banished now from palace and from pomp,  
But if the gods be favourers to me,  
Ere twenty days, I will revenged be.  Me. 
I thought as much, when first from thickest leaves,  
I saw you trudging in such posting pace.  
But to the purpose, what may be the cause,  
Of this strange and sudden banishment?  Fau. 
The cause ask you, a simple cause god wots:  
'twas neither treason, nor yet felony,  
But for because I blamed his foolishness.  Me. 
I hear you say so, but I greatly fear,  
Ere that your tale be brought unto an end,  
You'll prove yourself the author of the same:  
But pray be brief, what folly did your spouse?  
And how will you revenge your wrong on him?  Fau. 
What folly quoth you? such as never yet  
Was heard or seen, since Phoebus first 'gan shine,  
You know how he was gathering in all haste,  
His men at arms, to set upon the troop  
Of proud Alphonsus, yea you well do know,  
How you and I did do the best we could,  
To make him show us in his drowsy dream,  
What afterward should happen in his wars:  
Much talk he had, which now I have forgot.  
But at the length, this surely was decreed,  
How that Alphonsus and Iphigina  
Should be conjoined in Juno's sacred rites,  
Which when I heard, as one that did despise,  
That such a traitor should be son to me,  
I did rebuke my husband Amurack.  
And since my words could take no better place,  
My sword with help of all Amazones,  
Shall make him soon repent his foolishness.  Me. 
This is the cause then of your banishment,  
And now you go unto amazon,  
To gather all your may dens in array,  
To set upon the mighty Amurack?  
Oh foolish Queen, what meant you by this talk?  
Those prattling speeches have undone you all.  
Do you disdain to have that mighty Prince,  
I mean Alphonsus, counted for your son?  
I tell you Fausta, he is borne to be,  
The ruler of a mighty Monarchy:  
I must confess the powers of Amurack  
Be great, his confines stretch both far and near,  
Yet are they not the third part of the lands,  
Which shall be ruled by Alphonsus hands,  
And yet you deign to call him son in law:  
But when you see his sharp and cutting sword  
Piercing the heart of this your gallant girl,  
You'll curse the hour wherein you did denay,  
To join Alphonsus with Iphigina.  Fau. 
The gods forbid, that ere it happen so.  Me. 
Nay never pray, for it must happen so.  Fau. 
And is there then no remedy for it?  Me. 
No none but one, & that you have forsworn,  Fau. 
As though an oath can bridle so my mind,  
As that I dare not break a thousand oaths,  
For to eschew the danger imminent.  
Speak good Medea, tell that way to me,  
And I will do it, whatsoe'er it be.  Me. 
Then as already you have well decreed,  
Pack to your country, and in readiness,  
Select the army of Amazones,  
When you have done, march with your female troop  
To Naples Town, to succour Amurack,  
And so by marriage of Iphigina,  
You soon shall drive the danger clean away.  Iphigi. 
So shall we soon eschew Charybdis' lake,  
And headlong fall to Sulla's greedy gulf,  
I vowed before, and now do vow again:  
Before I wed Alphonsus, I'll be slain.  Me. 
In vain it is, to strive against the stream,  
Fates must be followed, and the God's decree  
Must needs take place in every kind of cause.  
Therefore fair maid, bridle these brutish thoughts,  
And learn to follow what the fates assign,  
When Saturn heard that Jupiter his son  
Should drive him headlong from his heavenly seat,  
Down to the bottom of the dark Avern,  
He did command his mother presently,  
To do to death, the young and guiltless child:  
But what of that, the mother loathed in heart,  
For to commit so vile a massacre.  
Yea jove did live, and as the fates did say,  
From heavenly seat, drove Saturn clean away.  
What did avail the Castle all of Steel,  
The which Acrisius caused to be made,  
To keep his daughter Danae clogged in?  
She was with child for all her Castles force,  
And by that child, Acrisius her sire,  
Was after slain, so did the fates require.  
A thousand examples, I could bring hereof.  
But Marble stones needs no colouring,  
And that which every one doth know for truth,  
Needs no examples to confirm the same.  
That which the fates appoint must happen so,  
Though heavenly jove, and all the Gods say no.  Fau. 
Iphigina, she sayth nought but truth,  
Fates must be followed in their just decrees:  
And therefore setting all delays aside,  
Come let us wend unto amazon,  
And gather up our forces out of hand.  Iphi. 
Since Fausta wils, and fates do so command,  
Iphigina will never it withstand.  Exeunt omnes.  

Act. 3.  Enter Venus. 

THus have you seen, how Amurack himself,  
Fausta his wife, and every other King,  
Which holds their sceptres at the Turk his hands,  
Are now in arms, intending to destroy  
And bring to nought, the Prince of Aragon.  
Charms have been used by wise Medea's art,  
To know before what afterward shall hap,  
And King Belinus with high Claramount,  
joined to Alphonsus, which with Princely pomp,  
Doth rule and govern all the warlike moors,  
Are sent as Legates to god Mahomet,  
To know his counsel in these high affairs.  
Mahound provoked by Amurack's discourse,  
Which as you heard, he in his dream did use,  
Denies to play the Prophet any more,  
But by the long entreaty of his Priests,  
He prophesies in such a crafty sort,  
As that the hearers needs must laugh for sport.  
Yet poor Belinus with his fellow Kings,  
Did give such credence to that forged tale,  
As that they lost their dearest lives thereby,  
And Amurack became a prisoner  
Unto Alphonsus, as straight shall appear.   Exit Venus. Let there be a brazen Head set in the middle of the place behind the Stage, out of the which, cast flames of fire, drums rumble within, Enter two Priests. 1. Pr. 
My fellow Priests of Mahound's holy house,  
What can you judge of these strange miracles,  
Which daily happen in this sacred seat?  Drums rumble within. 
Hark what a rumbling rattleth in our cares.  Cast flames of fire forth of the brazen Head. 
See flakes of fire proceeding from the mouth  
Of Mahomet that God of peerless power.  
Nor can I tell with all the wit I have,  
What Mahomet by these his signs doth crave.  2. Pr. 
Thrice ten times Phoebus with his golden beams,  
Hath compassed the circle of the sky,  
Thrice ten times Ceres, hath her workmen hired,  
And filled her barns with fruitful crops of corn,  
Since first in Priesthood I did lead my life:  
Yet in this time I never heard before,  
Such fearful sounds, nor saw such wondrous sights,  
Nor can I tell, with all the wit I have,  
What Mahomet by these his signs doth crave.  speak out of the brazen Head. Ma. 
You cannot tell, nor will you seek to know,  
Oh perverse Priest, how careless are you waxed?  
As when my foes approach unto my gates,  
You stand still talking of I cannot tell:  
Go pack you hence, and meet the Turkish kings,  
Which now are drawing to my Temple ward:  
Tell them from me, God Mahomet is disposed  
To prophesy no more to Amurack,  
Since that his tongue is waxen now so free,  
As that it needs must chat and rail at me.  Kneel down both. 1. Pr. 
Oh Mahomet, if all the solemn prayers  
Which from our childhood we have offered thee,  
Can make thee call this sentence back again,  
Bring not thy Priest into this dangerous state:  
For when the Turk doth hear of this repulse,  
We shall be sure to die the death therefore.  Ma. 
Thou sayest truth, go call the Princes in,  
I'll prophesy unto them for this once,  
But in such wise, as they shall neither boast,  
Nor you be hurt in any kind of wise.  Enter Belinus, Claramont, Arcastus, go both the Priests to meet him: the first say. 1. Pr. 
You Kings of Turkey, Mahomet our God,  
By sacred science, having notice that  
You were sent Legates from high Amurack,  
Unto this place, commanded us his Priests,  
That we should cause you make as mickle speed,  
As well you might, to hear for certainty,  
Of that shall happen to your King and ye.  Beli. 
For that intent we came into this place,  
And sithence that, the mighty Mahomet  
Is now at leisure for to tell the same,  
Let us make haste and take time while we may:  
For mickle danger happeneth through delay.  2. Pri. 
Truth worthy king, and therefore you yourself,  
With your companions, kneel before this place,  
And listen well what Mahomet doth say.  Kneel all down before the brazen Head. Beli. 
As you do will, we jointly will obey.  Ma. 
Princes of Turkey, and Ambassadors  
Of Amurack, to mighty Mahomet,  
I needs must muse, that you which erst have been  
The readiest soldiers of the triple world,  
Are now become so slack in your affairs,  
As when you should with bloody blade in hand,  
Be hacking helms in thickest of your foes,  
You stand still loitering in the Turkish soil.  
What know you not, how that it is decreed,  
By all the gods, and chiefly by myself.  
That you with triumph should all Crowned be:  
Make haste Kings, lest when the fates do see,  
How carelessly you do neglect their words,  
They call a Counsel, and force Mahomet  
Against his will some other thing to set.  
Send Fabius back to Amurack again,  
To haste him forwards in his enterprise:  
And march you on with all the troops you have,  
To Naples ward, to conquer Aragon.  
For if you stay, both you and all your men,  
Must needs be sent down straight to limbo den.  2. Pri. 
Muse not brave kings at Mahomet's discourse,  
For mark what he forth of that mouth doth say,  
Assure yourself it needs must happen so.  
Therefore make haste, go mount you on your steeds,  
And set upon Alphonsus presently.  
So shall you reap great honour for your pain:  
And scape the scourge, which else the Fates ordain.  Rise all up. Beli. 
Then proud Alphonsus, look thou to thy Crown,  
Belinus comes in glittering armour clad,  
All ready priest for to revenge the wrong  
Which not long since, you offered unto him.  
And since we have God Mahound on our side:  
The victory must needs to us betide.  Cla. 
Worthy Belinus, set such threats away,  
And let us haste as fast as horse can trot,  
To set upon presumptuous Aragon.  
You Fabius, hast as Mahound did command,  
To Amurack, with all the speed you may.  Fabi. 
With willing mind I hasten on my way.  Exit Fabius. Beli. 
And thinking long till that we be in fight,  
Belinus hastes to quail Alphonsus' might.  Exeunt omnes. Strike up alarum a while. Enter Carinus. Cari. 
No sooner had God Phoebus brightsome beams  
Both Milan land, and all the parts thereof.  Cari. 
Why then I doubt not but you can resolve  
Me of a question that I shall demand.  Duke. 
I that I can, whatever that it be.  Cari. 
Then to be brief, not twenty winters past  
When these my limbs which withered are with age,  
Were in the prime and spring of all their youth,  
I still desirous as young gallants be,  
To see the fashions of Arabia,  
My native soil, and in this pilgrim's weed,  
Began to travel through unkenned lands,  
Much ground I passed, and many soils I saw,  
But when my feet in Milan land I set,  
Such sumptuous triumphs daily there I saw,  
As never in my life I found the like.  
I pray good sir, what might the occasion be:  
That made the Millains make such mirth and glee?  Duk. 
This solemn joy whereof you now do speak,  
Was not solemnized my friend in vain.  
For at that time there came into the land,  
The happiest tidings that they ere did hear.  
For news was brought upon that solemn day,  
Unto our Court, that Ferdinandus proud  
Was slain himself, Carinus and his son  
Were banished both for ever from Aragon:  
And for these happy news that joy was made.  Cari. 
But what I pray did afterward become,  
Of old Carinus with his banished son?  
What hear you nothing of them all this while?  Du. 
Yes too too much, the Milan Duke may say.  
Alphonsus first by secret means did get  
To be a soldier in Belinus wars:  
Wherein he did behave himself so well,  
As that he got the Crown of Aragon.  
Which being got, he dispossessed also,  
The King Belinus which had fostered him:  
As for Carinus he is dead and gone,  
I would his son were his companion.  Cari. 
A blister build upon that traitors tongue,  
But for thy friendship which thou showedst me,  
Take that of me, I frankly give it thee.  Stab him. 
Now will I haste to Naples with all speed,  
To see if Fortune will so favour me,  
To view Alphonsus in his happy state.  Exit Carinus. Enter Amurack, Crocon King of Arabia, Faustus, King of Babylon, Fabius, with the Turks janissaries. Amu. 
Fabius come hither, what is that thou sayest?  
What did god Mahound prophecy to us?  
Why do our Viceroys wend unto the wars,  
Before their king had notice of the same?  
What do they think to play bob fool with me?  
Or are they waxed so frolic now of late,  
Since that they had the leading of our bands,  
As that they think that mighty Amurack  
Dares do no other than to sooth them up?  
Why speakest thou not? what fond or frantic fit  
Did make those careless Kings to venture it?  Fa. 
Pardon dear Lord, no frantic fit at all,  
No frolic vain, nor no presumptuous mind,  
Did make your Viceroys take these wars in hand.  
But forced they were by Mahound's prophecy,  
To do the same, or else resolve to die.  Amu. 
So sir, I hear you, but can scare believe  
That Mahomet would charge them go before  
Against Alphonsus with so small a troop,  
Whose number far exceeds king Xerxes' troop,  Fa. 
Yes Noble Lord, and more than that he said,  
That ere that you with these your warlike men,  
Should come to bring your succour to the field:  
Belinus, Claramount, and Arcastus too,  
Should all be crowned with crowns of beaten gold,  
And borne with triumphs round about their tents.  Amu. 
With triumph man, did Mahound tell them so:  
Provost go carry Fabius presently,  
Unto the marshalsea, there let him rest,  
Clapped sure and safe in fetters all of steel,  
Till Amurack discharge him from the same.  
For be he sure, unless it happen so  
As he did say, Mahound did prophesy,  
By this my hand, forthwith the slave shall die.  Lay hold of Fabius, and make as though you carry him out, Enter a soldier and say. Mess. 
Stay Provost stay, let Fabius alone,  
More fitteth now, that every lusty lad  
Be buckling on his helmet, than to stand  
In carrying soldiers to the marshalsea.  Amu. 
Why what art thou,  
That darest once presume,  
For to gainsay that Amurack did bid?  Messen. 
I am my Lord,  
The wretcheds man alive:  
Borne underneath the Planet of mishap:  
Erewhile, a soldier of Belinus band  
But now.  Amu. 
What now?  Mess. 
The mirror of mishap:  
Whose Captain is slain, and all his army dead:  
Only excepted me unhappy wretch.  Amu. 
What news is this, and is Belinus Slain?  
Is this the Crown which Mahomet did say,  
He should with triumph wear upon his head?  
Is this the honour which that cursed god  
Did prophesy, should happen to them all?  
Oh Daedalus, and wert thou now alive,  
To fasten wings upon high Amurack,  
Mahound should know, and that for certainty,  
That turkish Kings can brook no injury.  Fabi. 
Tush tush my Lord,  
I wonder what you mean,  
Thus to exclaim against high Mahomet:  
I'll lay my life, that ere this day be passed,  
You shall perceive, his tidings all be waste.  Amu. 
We shall perceive, accursed Fabius,  
Suffice it not that thou hast been the man,  
That first didst beat those babbles in my brain,  
But that to help me forward in my grief,  
Thou seekest to confirm so foul a lie.  Stab him. 
Go get thee hence, and tell thy traitorous King  
What gift you had, which did such tidings bring.  
And now my Lords, since nothing else will serve,  
Buckle your helms, clap on your steeled coats,  
Mount on your steeds, take Lances in your hands,  
For Amurack doth mean this very day,  
Proud Mahomet with weapons to assay.  Messen. 
Mercy high Monarch, 'tis no time now  
To spend the day in such vain threatenings,  
Against our god, the mighty Mahomet:  
More fitteth thee to place thy men at arms  
In battle ray, for to withstand your foes,  
Which now are drawing towards you with speed.  Sound drums within. 
Hark how their drums with dub-a-dub do come,  
To arms high Lord, and set these trifles by:  
That you may set upon them valiantly.  Amu. 
And do they come you kings of Turkey?  
Now is the time, in which your warlike arms  
Must raise your names above the starry skies:  
Call to your mind your predecessors acts,  
Whose martial might, this many a hundred year,  
Did keep those fearful dogs in dread and awe,  
And let your weapons show Alphonsus plain,  
That though that they be clapped up in clay,  
Yet there be branches sprung up from those trees,  
In Turkish land, which brook no injuries.  
Besides the same, remember with yourselves,  
What foes we have, not mighty Tamburlaine,  
Nor soldiers trained up amongst the wars,  
But fearful bodies, picked from their rural flock,  
Which till this time were wholly ignorant  
What weapons meant, or bloody Mars doth crave.  
More would I say, but horses that be free,  
Do need no spurs and soldiers which themselves  
Long and desire to buckle with the foe,  
Do need no words to egg them to the same.  Enter Alphonsus, with a canopy carried over him by three Lords, having over each corner a king's head, crowned with him, Albinius, Laelius, Miles, with Crowns on their heads, and their soldiers. 
Besides the same, behold whereas our foes  
Are marching towards us most speedily.  
Courage my Lords, ours is the victory.  Alph. 
Thou Pagan dog how darest thou be so bold  
To set thy foot within Alphonsus land?  
What art thou come to view thy wretched kings,  
Whose traitorous heads bedecked my tents so well?  
Or else thou hearing that on top thereof,  
There is a place left vacant, art thou come  
To have thy head possess the highest seat?  
If it be so, lie down, and this my sword  
Shall presently that honour thee afford.  
If not, pack hence, or by the heavens I vow,  
Both thou and thine shall very soon perceive,  
That he that seeks to move my patience,  
Must yield his life to thee for recompense.  Amu. 
Why proud Alphonsus, thinkst thou Amurack  
Whose mighty force doth terrify the Gods,  
Can ere be found to turn his heels and fly  
Away for fear, from such a boy as thou?  
No no, although that Mars this mickle while  
Hath fortified thy weak and feeble arm,  
And Fortune oft hath viewed with friendly face,  
Thy armies marching victors from the field,  
Yet at the presence of high Amurack,  
Fortune shall change, and Mars that God of might  
Shall succour me, and leave Alphonsus quite.  Alphon. 
Pagan I say, thou greatly art deceived,  
I clap up Fortune in a cage of gold,  
To make her turn her wheel as I think best.  
And as for Mars whom you do say will change,  
He moping sits behind the kitchen door,  
priest at command of every scullion's mouth  
Who dares not stir, nor once to move a whit  
For fear Alphonsus then should stomach it.  Amu. 
Blasphemous dog, I wonder that the earth  
Doth cease from renting underneath thy feet,  
What froward fortune happened on your side:  
I hope your king in safety doth abide?  Cro. 
I noble madam, Amurack doth live:  
And long I hope he shall enjoy his life.  
But yet I fear, unless more succour come,  
We shall both lose our king and sovereign.  Fau. 
How so king Crocon, dost thou speak in jest?  
To prove if Fausta would lament his death?  
Or else hath any thing happed him amiss?  
Speak quickly Crocon what the cause might be,  
That thou dost utter forth these words to me?  Cro. 
Then worthy Fausta know, that Amurack  
Our mighty king, and your approved spouse,  
Pricked with desire of everlasting fame,  
As he was pressing in the thickest ranks  
Of Arragonians, was with much ado  
At length took prisoner, by Alphonsus hands.  
So that unless you succour soon do bring,  
You lose your spouse, and we shall want our king.  Iphi. 
Oh hapless hap, oh dire and cruel fate!  
What injury hath Amurack my sire  
Done to the Gods, which now I know are wrath?  
Although unjustly and without a cause.  
For well I wot, not any other king  
Which now doth live, or since the world begun  
Did sway a sceptre, had a greater care  
To please the Gods, then mighty Amurack.  
And for to quite our father's great good will,  
Seek they thus basely all his fame to spill.  Fau. 
Iphigina, leave off these woeful tunes,  
It is not words can cure and ease this wound:  
But warlike swords, not tears, but sturdy spears:  
High Amurack is prisoner to our foes.  
What then? think you that our Amazones  
joined with the forces of the Turkish troop,  
Are not sufficient for to set him free?  
Yes daughter yes, I mean not for to sleep,  
Until he is free, or we him company keep.  
March on my mates.  Exeunt omnes. Strike up alarum, fly Alphonsus, follow Iphigina and say. Iphi. 
How now Alphonsus, you which never yet  
Could meet your equal in the feats of arms,  
How haps it now that in such sudden sort  
You fly the presence of a silly maid?  
What have you found mine arm of such a force,  
As that you think your body overweak  
For to withstand the fury of my blows?  
Or do you else disdain to fight with me:  
For staining of your high nobility?  Alp. 
No dainty dame, I would not have thee think  
That ever thou or any other wight,  
Shall live to see Alphonsus fly the field  
From any king or Kaiser who some ere,  
First will I die in thickest of my foe,  
Before I will disbase mine honour so.  
Nor do I scorn thou gods for to stain  
My prows with thee, although it be a shame  
For knights to combat with the female sect.  
But love sweet mouse hath so benumbed my wit,  
That though I would, I must refrain from it.  Iphi. 
I thought as much when first I came to wars,  
Your noble acts were fitter to be writ  
Within the Tables of dame Venus' sun,  
Then in God Mars his warlike registers.  
whenas your Lords are hacking helm es abroad,  
And make their spears to shiver in the air,  
Your mind is busied in fond Cupid's toys.  
Come on i'faith, I'll teach you for to know  
We came to fight, and not to love I trow.  Alph. 
Nay virgin stay, and if thou wilt vouchsafe  
To entertain Alphonsus simple suit,  
Thou shalt ere long be Monarch of the world:  
All christened kings, with all your Pagan dogs  
Shall bend their knees unto Iphigina.  
The Indian soil shallbe thine at command,  
Where every step thou settest on the ground,  
Shall be received on the golden mines.  
Rich Pactolus that river of account,  
Which doth descend from top of Tivole mount,  
Shall be thine own, and all the world beside:  
If you will grant to be Alphonsus' bride.  Iphi. 
Alphonsus bride? nay villain do not think  
That fame or riches can so rule my thoughts,  
As for to make me love and fancy him  
Whom I do hate, and in such sort despise,  
As if my death could bring to pass his bane:  
I would not long from Pluto's port remain.  Alph. 
Nay then proud peacock since thou art so stout,  
As that entreaty will not move thy mind  
For to consent to be my wedded spouse,  
Thou shalt in spite of Gods and Fortune too,  
Serve high. Alphonsus as a concubine.  Iphi. 
I'll rather die then ever that shall hap.  Alphon. 
And thou shalt die unless it come to pass.  Alphonsus and Iphigina fight, Iphigina fly, follow Alphonsus. Strike up alarum. Enter Alphonsus with his rapier, Albinius, Laelius, Miles with their soldiers. Amurack, Fausta, Iphigina, Crocon and Faustus all bound with their hands behind them, Amurack look angrily on Fausta. Enter Medea, and say. Med. 
Nay Amurack this is no time to jar,  
Although thy wife did in her frantic mood  
Use speeches which might better have been spared,  
Yet do thou not judge the same time to be  
A season to requite that injury:  
More fitteth thee with all the wit thou hast,  
To call to mind which way thou mayst release  
thyself, thy wife, and fair Iphigina,  
Forth of the power of stout Alphonsus hands.  
For well I wot, since first you breathed breath,  
You never were so nigh the snares of death.  
Now Amurack, your high and kingly seat,  
Your royal sceptre, and your stately Crown,  
Your mighty Country, and your men at arms,  
Be conquered all, and can no succour bring.  
Put then no trust in these same paltry toys:  
But call to mind that thou a prisoner art:  
Clapped up in chains, whose life and deaths depends  
Upon the hands of thy most mortal foe.  
Then take thou heed that what some ere he say,  
Thou dost not once presume for to gainsay.  Amu. 
Away you fool, think you your cursed-charms  
Can bridle so the mind of Amurack,  
As that he will stand croaching to his foe?  
No no, be sure that if that beggars brat  
Do dare but once to contrary my will,  
I'll make him soon in heart for to repent,  
That ere such words 'gainst Amurack he spent.  Med. 
Then since thou dost disdain my good advise,  
Look to thyself, and if you fare amiss  
Remember that Medea counsel gave,  
Which might you safe from all those perils save.  
But Fausta you, as well you have begun,  
Beware you follow still your friends advise.  
If that Alphonsus do desire of thee  
To have your daughter for his wedded spouse,  
Beware you do not once the same gainsay:  
Unless with death he do your rashness pay.  Fau. 
No worthy wight, first Fausta means to die,  
Before Alphonsus she will contrary.  Med. 
Why then farewell, but you Iphigina,  
Beware you do not oversqueamish wax,  
whenas your mother giveth her consent.  Iphi. 
The Gods forbid that ere I should gainsay  
That which Medea bids me to obey.  Exit Medea. Rise up Alphonsus out of his chair, who all this while hath been talking to Albinius, and say. Al. 
Now Amurack the proud blasphemous dogs  
(For so you termed us) which did brawl and rail  
Against God Mars, and fickle Fortune's wheel,  
Have got the goal for all your solemn prayers:  
yourself are prisoner, which as then did think  
That all the forces of the triple world,  
Were insufficient to fulfil the same.  
How like you this? is Fortune of such might,  
Or hath God Mars such force or power divine,  
As that he can with all the power he hath,  
Set thee and thine forth of Alphonsus hands?  
I do not think but that your hopes so small,  
As that you would with very willing mind,  
Yield for my spouse the fair Iphigina,  
On that condition, that without delay,  
Fausta and you may scotfree scape away.  Amu. 
What thinkst thou villain that high Amurack  
Bears such a mind, as for the fear of death,  
he'll yield his daughter, yea his only joy,  
Into the hands of such a dunghill Knight?  
No traitor no, for as now I lie  
Clapped up in Irons, and with bolts of steel:  
Yet do there lurk within the Turkish soil,  
Such troops of soldiers, that with small ado,  
they'll set me scotfree from your men and you.  Alp. 
Villain sayest thou, traitor & dunghill knight,  
Now by the heavens, since that thou dost deny,  
For to fulfil that which in gentle wise  
Alphonsus craves, both thou and all thy train  
Shall with your lives requite that injury.  
Albinius lay hold of Amurack,  
And carry him to prison presently,  
There to remain until I do return  
Into my tent, for by high jove I vow,  
Unless he wax more calmer out of hand,  
His head amongst his fellow Kings shall stand.  Albinius carry Amurack forth, who as he is a going, must say. Amu. 
No villain, think not that the fear of death  
Shall make me calmer while I draw my breath.  Alphon. 
Now Laelius, take you Iphigina,  
Her mother Fausta, with these other Kings,  
And put them into prisons severally:  
For Amurack's stout stomach shall undo,  
Both he himself and all his other crew.  Fausta kneel down. Fau. 
Oh sacred Prince, if that the salt-brine tears,  
Distilling down poor Fausta's withered cheeks,  Alphonsus and Albinius go toward Carinus, Alphonsus stand looking on Carinus, Carinus say. Cari. 
What near a word Alphonsus, art thou dumb?  
Or doth my presence so perturb thy mind,  
That for because I come in Pilgrim's weed,  
You think each word which you do spend to me  
A great disgrace unto your name to be?  
Why speakest thou not? if that my place you crave,  
I will be gone and you my place shall have.  Alph. 
Nay father stay, the Gods of heaven forbid,  
That ere Alphonsus should desire or wish  
To have his absence whom he doth account  
To be the Loadstone of his life.  
What though the fates and fortune both in one,  
Have been content to call your loving son,  
From beggars state, unto this princely seat,  
Should I therefore disdain my aged sire?  
No first both Crown and life I will detest,  
Before such venom breed within my breast.  
What erst I did, the sudden joy I took,  
To see Carinus in such happy state,  
Did make me do, and nothing else at all,  
High jove himself do I to witness call.  Cari. 
These words are vain, I knew as much before:  
But yet Alphonsus I must wonder needs,  
That you whose years are prove to Cupid's snares,  
Can suffer such a goddess as this dame,  
Thus for to shed such store of Crystal tears.  
Believe me son, although my years be spent,  
Her sighs and sobs in twain my heart do rent.  Alph. 
Like power dear father had she over me,  
Until for love, I looking to receive  
Love back again, not only was denied,  
But also taunted in most spiteful sort:  
Which made me loath that which I erst did love,  
As she herself, with all her friends shall prove.  Cari. 
How now Alphonsus, you which have so long  
been trained up in bloody broils of Mars,  
What know you not, that Castles are not won  
At first assault, and women are not wooed  
When first their suitors proffer love to them:  
As for my part, I should account that maid  
A wanton wench, unconstant lewd and light,  
That yields the field, before she venture fight.  
Especially unto her mortal foe,  
As you were then unto Iphigina.  
But for because I see you fitter are  
To enter Lists and combat with your foes,  
Then court fair Ladies in God Cupid's tents,  
Carinus means, your spokesman for to be,  
And if that she consent, you shall agree.  Alphon. 
What you command,  
Alphonsus must not fly:  
Though otherwise perhaps he would deny.  Cari. 
Then dainty damsel stint these trickling tears,  
Cease sighs and sobs, yea make a merry cheer,  
Your pardon is already purchased:  
So that you be not over curious  
In granting to Alphonsus just demand.  Iphi. 
Thanks mighty Prince, no curiouser I'll be,  
Then doth become a maid of my degree.  Cari. 
The Gods forbid that ere Carinus' tongue  
Should go about to make a maid consent  
Unto the thing which modesty denies:  
That which I ask, is neither hurt to thee,  
Danger to parents, nor disgrace to friends,  
But good and honest, and will profit bring,  
To thee and those which lean unto that thing.  
And that is this, since first Alphonsus eyes,  
Did hap to glance upon your heavenly hue,  
And saw the rare perfection of the same,  
He hath desired to become your spouse.  
Now if you will unto the same agree,  
I dare assure you, that you shall be free.  Iph. 
Pardon dear Lord, the world goes very hard,  
When women kind are forced for to woo,  
If that your son had loved me so well,  
Why did he not inform me of the same?  Ca. 
Why did he not? what have you clean forgot  
What ample proffers he did make to you,  
When hand to hand he did encounter you?  Iphi. 
No worthy sir, I have not it forgot,  
But Cupid cannot enter in the breast,  
Where Mars before had took possession:  
That was no time to talk of Venus' games,  
When all our fellows were pressed in the wars.  Cari. 
Well, let that pass, now canst thou be content  
To love Alphonsus, and become his spouse?  Iphi. 
I if the high Alphonsus could vouchsafe  
To entertain me as his wedded spouse.  Alphon. 
If that he could? what dost thou doubt of that  
jason did jet whenas he had obtained,  
The golden fleece by wise Medea's art,  
The Greeks rejoiced when they had subdued  
The famous bulwarks of most stately Troy,  
But all their mirth was nothing in respect  
Of this my joy, since that I now have got,  
That which I long desired in my heart.  Ca. 
But what says Fausta to her daughter's choice?  Fau. 
Fausta doth say, the Gods have been her friends  
To let her live to see Iphigina  
Bestowed so unto her heart's content.  Alphon. 
Thanks mighty Empress for your gentleness,  
And if Alphonsus can at any time  
With all his power requite this courtesy,  
You shall perceive how kindly he doth take  
Your forwardness in this his happy chance.  Cari. 
Albinius go call forth Amurack,  
we'll see what he doth say unto this match.  Exit Albinius, bring forth Amurack. 
Most mighty Turk, I with my warlike son  
Alphonsus, loathing that so great a Prince  
As you should live in such unseemly sort,  
Have sent for you to proffer life or death:  
Life, if you do consent to our demand,  
And death if that you dare gainsay the same,  
Your wife, high Fausta, with Iphigina,  
Have given consent that this my warlike son  
Should have your daughter for his bedfellow,  
Now resteth nought but that you do agree,  
And so to purchase sure tranquillity.  Amu. 
Now Amurack advise thee what thou sayest,  
Bethink thee well what answer thou wilt make:  
Thy life and death dependeth on thy words,  
If thou deny to be Alphonsus' sire,  
Death is thy share: but if that thou consent,  
Thy life is saved, consent? nay rather die.  
Should I consent to give Iphigina  
Into the hands of such a beggars brat?  
What Amurack thou dost deceive thyself,  
Alphonsus is the son unto a King:  
What then? the worthy of thy daughter's love  
She is agreed, and Fausta is content:  
Then Amurack will not be discontent.  Take Iphigina by the hand, give her to Alphonsus. 
Here brave Alphonsus, take thou at my hand,  
Iphigina, I give her unto thee:  
And for her dowry, when her father die,  
Thou shalt possess the Turkish Empery.  
Take her I say, and live King Nestor's years,  
So would the Turk and all his Noble Peers.  Alphon. 
Immortal thanks I give unto your grace.  Cari. 
Now worthy Princes, since by help of jove  
On either side the wedding is decreed,  
Come let us wend to Naples speedily,  
For to solemnize it with mirth and glee.  Amu. 
As you do will, we jointly do agree.  Exeunt omnes. Enter Venus with the Muses, and say. Ve. 
Now worthy Muses with unwilling mind,  
Venus is forced to trudge to heavens again:  
For Jupiter that God of peerless power,  
Proclaimed hath a solemn festival,  
In honour of dame Danae's luckless death:  
Unto the which, in pain of his displeasure  
He hath invited all the immortal Gods  
And Goddesses, so that I must be there,  
Unless I will his high displeasure bear:  
You see Alphonsus hath with much ado,  
At length obtained fair Iphigina  
Of Amurack her father, for his wife.  
Who now are going to the Temple wards,  
For to perform dame Juno's sacred rites,  
Where we will leave them till the feast be done:  
Which in the heavens by this time is begun,  
Mean time dear Muses, wander you not far  
Forth of the path of high Parnassus hill:  
That when I come to finish up his life,  
You may be ready for to succour me.  
Adieu dear dames, farewell Calltope.  Exit Venus. Or if you can conveniently, let a chair come down from the top of the stage, and draw her up. Calli. 
A dieu you sacred Gods of the sky.  
Well loving sisters, since that she is gone,  
Come let us haste unto Parnassus hill,  
As Cytherea did lately will.  Melpom. 
Then make you haste her mind for to fulfil.  Exeunt omnes, playing on their Instruments.  
FINIS.