A Pleasant Comedy, called A MAIDENHEAD WELL LOST. As it hath been publicly Acted at the Cockpit in Drury-lane, with much Applause: By her Majesty's Servants.  
Written by THOMAS HEYWOOD.  
Aut predessesolent, aut delectare.  
LONDON, Printed by Nicholas Okes for john jackson and Francis Church, and are to be sold at the King's Arms in Cheapside. 1634.   

To the Reader.  
COurteous Reader, (of what sex soever) let not the Title of this Play any way deter thee from the perusal thereof: For there is nothing herein contained, which doth deviate either from Modesty, or good Manners. For though the Argument be drawn from a Maidenhead lost, yet to be well lost, clears it from all aspersion. Neither can this be drawn within the Critical censure of that most horrible Histriomastix, whose uncharitable doom having damned all such to the flames of Hell, hath itself already suffered a most remarkable fire here upon Earth. This hath been frequently, and publicly Acted without exception, and I presume may be freely read without distaste; and of all in general: excepting such, whose prepared palates, disgusting all Poems of this nature, are poisoned with the bitter juice of that Coloquintida and Hemlock, which can neither relish the peace of the Church nor Commonweal. Nothing remaineth further to be said, but read charitably, and then censure without prejudice.  
By him who hath been ever studious of thy favour,  
Thomas Heywood.   

Dramatis Personae.  

The Duke of Florence.  
The Prince of Florence.  
Mounsieur, the Tutor to the Prince.  
The Widow of the General.  
Sforza.  
Their Daughter Lauretta.  
The Clown their Servant.  
A Huntsman.  
A Lord of Florence.  
The Duke of Milan.  
The Prince of Parma.  
julia Daughter to Milan,  
Stroza Secretary to the Duke.  
A Soldier of Sforza'es.  
Three maimed Soldiers.  
A Lord of Milan.  
Attendants,  
Other Lords, &c.    

The Prologue.  
PRologues to Plays in use, and common are,  
As Ushers to Great Ladies: Both walk bare,  
And comely both; conducting Beauty they  
And we appear, to usher in our Play.  
Yet, be their faces foul, or featured well,  
Be they hard-favoured, or in looks excel;  
Yet being Usher, he owes no less duty  
Unto the most deformed, than the choice Beauty.  
It is our case; we usher Acts and Scenes,  
Some honest, and yet some may prove like Queans.  
(Loose and base stuff) yet that is not our fault,  
We walk before, but not like Panders haut  
Before such crippled ware: Th' Acts we present  
We hope are Virgins, drawn for your content  
Unto this Stage: Maids grateful are to Men,  
Our Scenes being such, (like such) accept them then.   

A MAIDENHEAD WELL LOST.  

Actus primus, Scena prima.  Enter julia and Strazo. julia. 
THat she should do't?  Stroza. 
She?  jul. 
May we build upon't?  Str. 
As on a base of Marble; I have seen  
Strange passages of love, loose interchanges  
Of hands and eyes betwixt her and the Prince,  
Madama look too't.  jul. 
What hope hath he in one  
So meanly bred? or she t'obtain a Prince  
Of such descent and lineage?  Str. 
What but this  
That you must undergo the name of wife,  
And she to intercept the sweets of love  
Due to your bed.  jul. 
To be his strumpet Stroza?  Str. 
Madame a woman may guess unhappily.  jul. 
Thou shouldst be honest Stroza.  Str. 
Yes, many should  
Be what they are not: but I always was,  
And ever will be one, (that's still myself.)  jul. 
The General Sforsaes' daughter? is't not she?  Str. 
Is that yet questioned? as if the chaste Court  
Had save herself one so degenerate,  
So dissolutely wanton, so profuse  
In prostitution too, so impudent  
And blushless in her proud ambitious aim,  
As if no man could her intemperance please,  
Save him whom Heaven hath destined to your bed.  jul. 
I never saw them yet familiar.  Str. 
Ha, ha, as if they'd send for you to see't,  
To witness what they most strive to conceal,  
Be gulled? be branded: ' lasto me, all's nothing,  
I shall ne'er smart for't, what is't to me?  
If being a Bride, you have a widowed fortune;  
If being married, you must throw yourself  
Upon a desolate bed, and in your arms,  
Clasp nought but Air, whilst his arms full of pleasure  
Borrowed from a stolen beauty, shall this grieve  
Or trouble me? break my sleeps? make me start  
At midnight up, and fill the house with clamours?  
Shall this bring strange brats to be bred and brought  
up at my fire, and call me Dad? No: this  
Concerns not me more than my love to you  
To your high Sovereignty.  jul. 
I now repent  
Too late, since I too lavishly have given him  
The utmost he could ask, and stretched my honour  
Beyond all lawful bounds of modesty.  
he's covetous of others, and neglects  
His own; but I will part those their stolen pleasures,  
And cross those lustful sports they have in chase,  
Not be the pillow to my own disgrace.  Exit. Str. 
The game's on foot, and there's an easy path  
To my revenge; this beauteous Milanese  
Unto th'Duke sole heir, still courted, craved,  
And by the Parma Prince solicited,  
Which I still study how to break, and cast  
Aspersions betwixt both of strange dislike;  
But wherein hath the other innocent Maid  
So injured me, that I should scandal her?  
Her Father is the General to the Duke:  
For when I studied to be raised by Arms,  
And purchase me high eminence in Camp,  
He crossed my fortunes, and returned me home  
A Cashiered Captain; for which injury  
I scandal all his means unto the Duke,  
And to the Princess all his daughter's virtues,  
I labour to invert, and bring them both  
Into disgraceful hatred.  Enter Prince Parma. Par. 
Stroza?  Str. 
My Lord?  Par. 
Saw you the Princess?  Str. 
julia?  Par. 
She?  Str. 
I have my Lord of late no ear of hers,  
Nor she a tongue of mine; the, time hath been  
Till soothing Sycophantsand Court Parasites  
Supplanted me.  Par. 
I have the power with her  
To bring thee into grace.  Str. 
Have you the power  
To keep yourself in? do you smile my Lord?  Par. 
I tell thee Stroza, I have that interest  
In julias' bosom, that the proudest Prince  
In Italy cannot supplant me thence.  Str. 
Sir,  
Ino way question it: but have I not known  
A Prince hath been repulsed, and meanest persons  
Bosomed? the Prince would once have looked upon me,  
When small entreaty would have gained an eye,  
An ear, a tongue, to speak yea, and a heart,  
To think I could be secret.  Par. 
What means Stroza?  Str. 
But 'tis the fate of all mortality:  
Man cannot long be happy; but my passion  
Will make me turn blab, I shall out with all.  Par. 
Whence comes this? 'tis suspicious, and I must be  
Inquisitive to know't.  Str. 
A jest my Lord,  
I'll tell you a good jest.  Par. 
Prithee let's hear it.  Str. 
What will you say, if at your meeting next  
With this fair Princess? she begins to rave,  
To rail upon you, to exclaim on your  
Inconstancy, and call the innocent name  
Of some chaste Maid in question, whom perhaps  
You never eyed my Lord.  Par. 
What of all this?  Str. 
What but to excuse her own: (I'll not say what)  
Put off the purposed Contract: and my Lord  
Come, come, I know you have a pregnant wit.  Par. 
We parted last with all the kindest greeting  
Lovers could add farewell with: but should this change  
Suit thy report, I should be forced to think  
That, which cven Oracles themselves could never  
Force me to that she is.  Str. 
All women are not  
Sincerely constant, but observe my Lord.  Enter julia, the General's Wife, and Lauretta her Daughter. jul. 
Minion is't you? there's for you, know your own.  Str. 
Observed you that my Lord?  Inlia meets her and strikes her, then speaks. Lau. 
Why did you strike me Madame?  jul. 
Strumpet, why?  
Dare you contest with us?  Lau. 
Who dare with Princess? subjects' must forbear  
Each step I tread I'll water with a tear.  Exeunt Mother and Lauretta weeping. Str. 
I spy a storm a coming, I'll to shelter.  Exit Stro. Par. 
Your meaning Madame?  jul. 
Did it Sir with yours  
But correspond, it would be bad indeed.  Par. 
Why did you strike that Lady?  jul. 
'cause you should pity her.  Par. 
Small cause for blows.  jul. 
I struck her publicly.  Par. 
You give her blows in private.  Par. 
Stroza still?  jul. 
Go perjured and dispose thy false allurements  
'Mongst them that will believe thee, thou hast lost  
Thy credit here for ever.  Par. 
I shall find  
Faith elsewhere then.  jul. 
Eye spread thy snares  
To catch poor innocent Maids: and having ta'en them  
In the like pitfall, with their shipwrecked honours,  
Make seizure of their lives.  Par. 
Injurious Lady,  
All thou canst touch my Honour with, I cast  
On thee, and henceforth I will fly thee as  
A Basaliske. I have found the change of lust,  
Your loose inconstancy, which is as plain  
To me, as were it writ upon thy brow,  
You shall not cast me off: I hate thy sight,  
And from this hour I will abjure thee quite.  Exit Parma. jul. 
I'll call him back: if Stroza be no villain,  
He is not worth my clamour. What was that startled  
Within me? Oh I am dishonoured  
Perpetually; for he hath left behind  
That pledge of his acquaintance, that will for ever  
Cleave to my blood in scandal, I must now  
Sue, send, and crave, and what before I scorned  
By prayers to grant, submissively implore.  Exit julia. A flourish. Enter the Duke of Millenie, the General's wife, and delivers apetition with Stroza, Lauretta, and attendants. Duke. 
Lady your suit?  Wife. 
So please your Grace peruse it,  
It is included there.  Duk. 
Our general's Wife?  Duk. 
We know you Lady, and your beauteous Daughter,  
Nay you shall spare your knee,  Str. 
More plot for me;  
My brain's in labour, and must be delivered  
Of some new mischief?  Duk. 
You petition here  
For Men and Money I making a free relation  
Of all your Husband's fortunes, how supplies  
Have been delayed, and what extremities  
He hath endured at Naples dreadful Siege;  
We know them all, and withal do acknowledge  
All plenteous blessings by the power of Heaven,  
By him we do obtain, and by his valour  
Lady we greve he hath been so neglected.  Wife. 
O Royal Sir, you still were Gracious,  
But twixt your Virtues and his Merits there  
Hath been some interception, that hath stopped  
The current of your favours.  Duk. 
All which shall be removed, and he appear  
Henceforth a bright star in our courtly sphere.  Str. 
But no such Comet here shall daze my sight,  
Whilst I a Cloud am to Eclipse that light  Exit Stroza. Duk. 
We sent out our Commissions two Months since  
For Men and Money, nor was't our intent  
It should be thus delayed: though we are Prince,  
We only can command, to Execute  
'tis not in us but in our Officers,  
We understand that by their negligence  
He has been put to much extremity  
Of Dearth and Famine; many a stormy night  
Been forced to roof himself i'th' open field,  
Nay more than this, much of his own revenue  
He hath expended, all to pay his Soldiers:  
Yet Reverend Madame, but forget what's past,  
Though late, we'll quit his merit at the last.  Enter julia and Stroza whispering. Wife. 
Your Highness is most Royal?  Stro. 
Her Father shall be in the Camp relieved,  
She graced in Court, how will she brave you then?  
If suffer this take all? why the meanest Lady  
Would never brook an equal? you a Princess?  
And can you brook a base competitor?  julia 
It shall not, we are fixed and stand immoved,  
And will be swayed by no hand.  Duk. 
julia?  julia. 
A Suitor to that Lady Royal Father,  
Before she be a widow that you are  
So private in discourse?  Duk. 
O you mistake,  
For she the suitor is and hath obtained.  julia. 
I'm glad I have found you in the giving vain  
Will you grant me one boon to?  Duk. 
Question not,  
To haste your Marriage with the former Prince,  
Or at the least the contract, is't not that?  julia. 
Say 'twere my Lord?  Duk. 
It could not be denied  
But speak? thy suit?  julia. 
To have this modest Gentlewoman  
Banished the Court,  Wife. 
My Daughter Royal princess,  
Show us some cause I beg it?  julia. 
Lady though  
You be i'th' begging vain, I am not now  
In the giving, will you leave us?  Lauretta. 
Wherein O Heaven  
Have I deserved your wrath, that you should thus  
Pursue me? I have searched, indeed beyond  
My understanding, but yet cannot find?  
Wherein I have offended by my chastity.  julia. 
How chastitiy?  
A thing long sought 'mongst Captain's wives and daughters,  
Yet hardly can be found.  Duk. 
Fair Lady yield  
Unto my daughter's spleen her rage blown o'er,  
Fear not, I'll make your peace, as for your suit  
Touching your husband, that will I secure.  jul. 
Haste Stroza, unto the Prince his chamber,  
Give him this letter, it concerns my honour,  
My state, my life, all that I can call good  
Depends upon the safe delivery  
Of these few broken Letters.  Str. 
Madam, 'tis done—  Exit. jul. 
What stays she to outface me?  Lau. 
Madam, I yield  
Way to your spleen, not knowing whence it grows,  
Bearing your words more heavy than your blows.  Wife. 
Small hope there is to see the Father righted.  
When the child is thus wronged.  Enter a Soldier and Stroza. Soul. 
Must speak with the Duke,  Str. 
Must fellow? stay your hour, and dance attendance  
Until the Duke's at leisure.  Soul. 
I'll do neither,  
I come in haste with news,  Str. 
Why then keep out sir.  Soul. 
Ha Milksop? know portcullised gates  
Though kept with Pikes & Muskets, could ne'er keep me out  
And dost thou think to shut me out with Wainscot?  Duk. 
what's he?  Soul. 
A Soldier,  Duk. 
Whence?  Soul. 
The Camp  Duk. 
The news?  Soul. 
A mighty loss; a glorious victory  Duke 
But which the greater?  Soul. 
'tis uncertain Sir:  
But will you hear the best or bad news first?  Duke. 
Cheer me with conquest first, that being armed  
With thy best news, we better may endure  
What sounds more fatal.  Soul. 
Hear me then my Lord,  
We sacked the City after nine months' siege,  
Furnished with store of all wars furniture,  
Our (never to be praised enough) brave General  
Fought in the Cannon's face, their number still  
Increased, but our diminished; their soldiers pay  
Doubled, and ours kept back: but we (brave spirits)  
The loss we had of Coin, the more we took  
Unto ourselves of Courage, but when all  
Our furniture was spent even to one day,  
And that to morrow we must be enforced  
To raise a shameful siege, than stood our General  
(Our valiant General) up, and breathed upon us  
His own undaunted spirit, which spread through  
The Camp, returned it doubly armed again:  
For he did mean to lay upon one shot  
His state and fortune, and then instantly  
He bade us arm and follow: On than he went,  
We after him; oh! 'twas a glorious sight,  
Fit for a Theatre of Gods to see,  
How we made up and maugre all opposure,  
Made way through raging storms of showering bullets;  
At last we came to hook our ladders, and  
By them to scale. The first that mounted, was  
Our bold courageous General: after him  
Ten thousand, so we instantly were made  
Lords of the City, purchased in two hours  
After a nine months' siege: all by the valour  
Of our approved General.  Duke. 
I never heard a braver victory,  
But what's our loss?  Soul. 
Oh that, which ten such Conquests  
Cannot make good, your worthy General.  Wife. 
My Lord and husband? spare me passion,  
I must withdraw to death.  Exit. Duke. 
How perished he?  
What died he by the sword?  Soul. 
Sword? No alas,  
No sword durst bite upon his noble flesh,  
Nor bullet raze his skin: he whom War feared,  
The Cannon spared, no steel durst venture on.  
No Duke, 'twas thy unkind ingratitude  
Hath slain brave Sforza.  Duke. 
Speak the cause?  Soul. 
I shall:  
This City seized, his purpose was the spoil  
To give his Soldiers; but when his sealed Commission  
He had unripped, and saw express command,  
To deal no farther then to victory,  
And that his great Authority was curbed,  
And given to others, that respect their profit  
More than the worth of soldiers: even for grief,  
That he could neither furnish us with pay  
Which was kept back, nor guerdon us with spoil,  
What was about him he distributed,  
Even to the best deservers, as his garments,  
His Arms, and Tent, than some few words spoke,  
And so oppressed with grief, his great heart broke.  Str. 
There's one gone then.  Duke. 
Attend for thy reward,  
So leave vs.  Soul. 
Pray on whom shall I attend?  
Who is't must pay me?  Str. 
I sir.  Soul. 
You sir? tell me,  
Will it not cost me more the waiting for,  
Then the sum comes to when it is received?  
I do but ask the question.  Str. 
You are a bold  
And saucy soldier.  Soul. 
You are a cunning slave,  
And cowardly Courtier.  Duke. 
See all things be dispatched  
Touching conditions of attoned peace  
'Twixt us and Naples: see that soldier to  
Have his reward.  Soul. 
Come will you pay me sir?  Exit Soul. Str. 
Sir, will you walk: as for your sauciness  
I'll teach you a Court-tricke: you shall be taught  
How to attend.  Duke. 
But that our General's lost:  Str. 
Is't not now peace, what should a General do?  
Had he returned, he would have looked for honours,  
This suit and that for such a follower:  
Now Royal sir, that debt is quite discharged.  Duke. 
But for his wife, we must be mindful of her,  
And see we do so.  Exit Duke. jul. 
Speak, will he come?  Str. 
Madam, I found him ready to depart  
The Court with expedition: but at my urgence  
He promised you a parley.  jul. 
It is well:  
If prayers or tears can move him, I'll make way  
To save my own shame, and enforce his stay.  Exeunt. Enter three soldiers: one without an arm. 1 Soul. 
Come fellow soldiers, do you know the reason  
That we are summoned thus unto the house  
Of our dead General?  2 Soul. 
Sure 'tis about  
Our pay.  3 Soul. 
But stand aside, here comes the Lady.  Enter the Mother, Lauretta, and Clown. Wife. 
Are all these Gentlemen summoned together,  
That were my Husband's followers, and whose fortunes  
Expired in him?  Clo. 
They are if please your Ladyship: though I was never Tawny-coate, I have played the summoners part, and the rest are already paid, only these three attend your Ladyship's remuneration.  Wife. 
Welcome Gentlemen,  
My Husband led you on to many dangers  
Two years, and last to poverty: His revenues  
Before hand he sold to maintain his Army,  
When the Dukes pay still failed, you know you were  
Stored ever from his Coffers.  1 Soul. 
He was a right  
And worthy General.  2 Soul. 
He was no less.  Clo. 
He was no less; and all you know he was no more, well, had he lived, I had been placed in some house of office or other ere this time.  Wife. 
It was his will, which to my utmost power  
I will make good, to satisfy his soldiers  
To the utmost farthing. All his Gold and jewels  
I have already added, yet are we still  
To score to soldiery? what is your sum?  1 Soul. 
Pay for three Months.  Wife. 
There's double that in Gold.  1 Soul. 
I thank your Ladyship.  Wife. 
What yours?  2 Soul. 
Why Madam,  
For four months' pay.  Wife. 
This jewel surmounts that.  2 Soul. 
I am treble satisfied.  Wife. 
You are behind hand too:  Clo. 
Ey but Madam, I think he be no true soldier.  Wife. 
No true Soldier your reason?  Clo. 
Marry because he walks without his Arms.  Wife. 
The Duke's Treasure  
Cannot make good that loss, yet are we rich  
In one thing:  
Nothing we have that were of nothing made,  
Nothing we have, my Husband's debts are paid.  
Morrow Gentlemen.  All. 
Madam, Hearts, Swords and hands, rest still  
At your command.  Wife. 
Gentlemen I'm sorry that I cannot pay you better,  
Unto my wishes and your own desert,  
'Tis plainly seen great Persons oft times fall,  
And the most Rich cannot give more than all.  
Good morrow Gentlemen,  All. 
May you be ever happy.  Exeunt Soldiers. Clo. 
I but Madam, this is a hard case being truly considered, to give away all, why your Shoemaker, though he hath many other Tools to work with, he will not give away his All.  Wife. 
All ours was his alone, it came by him.  
And for his Honour it was paid again.  Clo. 
Why, say I had a piece of Meat, I had a mind to, I might perhaps give away a Modicum, a Morsel, a Fragment or so, but to give away and be a hungry myself, I durst not do't for my Guts, or say I should meet with a friend that had but one Penny in his Purse, that should give me a Pot of Ale, that should drink to me, and drink up all, I'll stand too't there's no Conscience in't.  Lau. 
What hath been done was for my Fathers Honor.  Clo. 
She might have given away a little, and a little, but  
When all is gone, what's left for me?  Wife. 
We will leave Milan and to Florence straight,  
Though we are poor, yet where we live unknown  
'Tis the less grief, sirrah, will you consort  
With us, and bear a part in our misfortunes?  Clo. 
Troth Madam, I could find in my heart to go with you but for one thing.  Wife. 
What's that?  Clow. 
Because you are too liberal a Mistress: and that's a fault seldom found among Ladies: For look, you use o give away all, and I am all that is left; and I am afraid when you come into a strange Country, you'll give away me too, so that I shall never live to be my own man.  Wife. 
Tush, fear it not.  Clow. 
Why then I'll go with you inspite of your teeth.  Wife. 
Leave Milleine then, to Florence be our guide,  
Heaven when man fails, must for our help provide.  Exeunt.  

Actus Secundus, Scena prima.  Enter Parma reading a Letter: after him julia. Par. 
This Letter came from you, 'tis your Character.  jul. 
That hand in Contract you so long have had,  
Should not seem strange to you now.  Par. 
You are with-child,  
So doth your Letter say: what change your face?  Iu. 
My blushes must speak for me.  Par. 
And this Child  
You would bestow on me: you are very liberal Lady,  
You give me more than I did mean to ask.  Iu. 
And yet but what's your own Sir, I am serious,  
And it will ill become your Oaths and Vows  
To jest at my undoeing.  Par. 
You would say  
Rather your doing.  Iu. 
In doing thus, you should undo me quite.  Par. 
What do you weep, that late did rail in clamour?  
Your thunders turned to showers? It is most strange.  Iu. 
You have dishonoured me, and by your flattery  
Have robbed me of my chaste Virginity:  
Yet ere I yielded, we were man and wife,  
Saving the Churches outward Ceremony.  Par. 
But Lady, you that would be won by me  
To such an act of lust, would soon consent  
Unto another.  Iu. 
Can this be found in man?  Par. 
This Strozas language moves me, and I intent  
To try what patience, constancy, and love  
There can be found in woman: why do you weep?  
You are not hungry, for your bellie's full;  
Lady, be ruled by me: take the advice  
A Doctor gave a Gentleman of eaten,  
That sent to him to know, whether Tobacco  
Were good for him or no: My friend quoth he,  
If thou didst never love it, never take it;  
If thou didst ever love it, never leave it:  
So I to thee; if thou wert as thou hast  
Been always honest, I could wish thee still  
So to continue; but being a broken Lady,  
Your only way's to make use of your Talon,  
Farewell, I'll to my Country.  Exit Parma. Iu. 
Oh miserable,  
Let me but reckon up ten thousand ills  
My looseness hath committed, the aspersion  
And scandalous reputation of my Child,  
My Father too, 'tmust come unto his care,  
Oh—  Enter Milleine. Duke. 
julia.  Iu. 
Away.  Duke. 
Come hither, but one word.  Iu. 
That all those black occurrents should conspire,  
And end in my disgrace.  Duke. 
Ha! what's the business?  Iu. 
If all men were such,  
I should be sorry that a man begot me,  
Although he were my father.  Duke. 
julia, how's that?  jul. 
Oh Sir, you come to know whether Tobacco be good for you or no; I'll tell you, if you never took it, never take it then, or it you ever used it, take it still; Nay, I'm an excellent Philistian grown of late I tell you.  Duke. 
What mean these strange Anagrams?  
I am thy Father and I love thee sweet.  jul. 
Love me thou dost not.  Duke. 
Why thou dost know I do.  jul. 
I say thou dost not: lay no wager with me,  
For if thou dost, there will be two to one  
On my side against thee.  Duke. 
Ha! I am thy Father  
Why julia?  Iu. 
How my Father! then do one thing  
For me your Daughter  Duke. 
One thing? any thing,  
Ay all things.  Iu. 
Instantly then draw your sword  
And pierce me to the heart.  Duke. 
I love thee not so ill,  
To be the Author of thy death.  Iu. 
Nor I myself so well, as to desire  
A longer life: if you be then my Father,  
Punish a sin that hath disgraced your Daughter,  
Scandald your blood, and poisoned it with mud.  Duke. 
Be plain with vs.  Iu. 
See, I am strumpeted,  
A bastard issue grows within my womb.  Duke. 
Whose fact?  Iu. 
Prince Parmaes.  Duke. 
Stroza.  Str. 
My Lord.  Duke. 
Search out  
Prince Parma, bring the Traitor back again  
Dead or alive.  Str. 
My Lord, he is a Prince.  Duke. 
No matter; for his head shall be the ransom  
Of this foul Treason. When I say begone.  
But as for thee base and degenerate—  jul. 
Do show yourself a Prince: let her no longer  
Live, that hath thus disgraced your Royal Blood.  Duke. 
Nature prevails 'boue honour: her offence  
Merits my vengeance, but the name of Child  
Abates my Swords keen edge: yet Royalty  
Take th'uppper hand of pity: kill the strumpet,  
And be renowned for justice.  jul. 
Strike, I'll stand.  Duke. 
How easy could I period all my care,  
Could I her kill, and yet her Infant spare:  
A double Murder I must needs commit,  
To ruin that which never offended yet.  
Oh Heaven! in this I your assistance crave,  
Punish the falter, and the innocent save.  jul. 
You are not true to your own honour Father.  
To let me longer live.  Duke. 
Oh julia, julia,  
Thou hast overwhelmed upon my aged head  
Mountains of grief, t'oppress me to my grave.  
Is Parma found?  Str. 
My Lord, he's privately  
Fled from the Court  Duke. 
Then fly thou after villain.  Str. 
Sir, are you mad?  Duke. 
What's to be done? Alack,  
I cannot change a father and a Prince  
Into a eviell Hangman: tell me julia,  
Is thy guilt yet but private to thyself?  jul. 
It is my Lord.  Duke. 
Conceal it then: we'll study  
To salve thy honour, and to keep thy looseness  
From all the world concealed, compress thy grief,  
And I will study how to shadow mine.  
Wipe from thy cheeks these tears: oh cursed Age,  
When Children 'gainst their Parents all things dare,  
Yet Fathers still prove Fathers in their care.  Exeunt. Enter Mother, Lauretta, and Clown. Moth. 
Oh misery beyond comparison!  
When save the Heavens we have no roof at all  
To shelter vs.  Clow. 
That word all  
Sticks more in my stomach then my victuals can: For indeed we can get none to eat now; I told you, you were so prodiga'l we should pinch for't.  Wife 
What place may we call this? what Clime? what Province?  Clow. 
Why this is the Dukedom of Florence, and this is the Forest where the hard-hearted Duke hunts many a Hart: and there's no Deer so dear to him, but he'll kill it: as goodly a large place to starve in, as your Ladyship can desire to see in a Summer's day.  Wife 
Yet here, since no man knows us, no man can  
Deride our misery: better die starved,  
Then basely beg.  Clow. 
How better starve then beg; all the Ladies of Florence shall never make me of that belief. I had rather beg a thousand times, then starve once, do you scorn begging? Your betters do not, no Madam; get me a Snapsack, I'll to Florence: I'll make all the high ways ring of me with for the Lords sake. I have studied a Prayer for him that gives, and a Pox take him that gives nothing: I have one for the Horse-way, another for the Foote-way, and a third for the turning-ftile. No Madam, begging is grown a gentlemanlike Calling here in our Country.  Wife 
I have yet one poor piece of Gold reserved,  
Step to the Village by and fetch some Wine.  Clow. 
You had better keep your Gold, and trust to my begging Oratory, yet this is the worst they can say to me, that I am my Lady's Bottleman.  Exit Clown. Wife 
Here's a strange change: we must be patient,  
Yet can I not but weep thinking on thee.  Lau. 
Madam on me? there is no change of Fortune  
Can puff me or deject me; I am all one  
In rich abundance and penurious want:  
So little do my miseries vex me,  
Or the fair Princess wrong, that I will end  
My passions in a Song.  A Song. Sound Horns within. Wife 
It seems the Duke is Hunting in the Forest,  
Here let us rest ourselves, and listen to  
Their Tones, for nothing but mishap here lies;  
Sing thou fair Child, I'll keep tune with my eyes.  Wind horns. And enter the Prince of Florence & Mounsieur. Prince 
This way the voice was, let us leave the Chase.  Moun. 
Behold my Lord two sad dejected Creatures  
Thrown on the humble verdure.  Prince 
Here's beauty mixed with tears, that poverty  
Was never bred in Cottage: I'll farther question  
Their state and fortune.  Wife 
we're discovered,  
Daughter arise.  Prince 
What are you gentle Creatures?  
Nay answer not in tears.  
If you by casual loss, or by the hand  
Of Fortune have been crushed beneath these sorrows,  
He demands your grief  
That hath as much will as ability  
To succour you, and for your own fair sake;  
Nay beauteous Damsel, you need not question that.  Lau. 
If by the front we may believe the heart,  
Or by the outside judge the inward virtue:  
You fair Sir, have even in yourself alone  
All that this world can promise; for I ne'er  
Beheld one so complete; and were I sure  
Although you would not pity, yet at least  
You would not mock our misery: I would relate  
A Tale should make you weep.  Prince. 
Sweet if the Prologue  
To thy sad passion move thus: what will the Scene  
And tragic act itself do? Is that Gentlewoman  
Your Mother sweet?  Lau. 
My wretched Mother Sir.  Prince. 
Pray of what Province?  Lau. 
Milleine.  Prince. 
What fortune there?  Lau. 
My Father was a Noble Gentleman,  
Ranked with the best in Birth, and which did add  
To all his other virtues, a bold Soldier;  
But when he died—  Prince. 
Nay, proceed beauteous Lady,  
How was your Father styled?  Lau. 
To tell you that,  
Were to exclaim upon my Prince, my Country  
And their Ingratitude: For he being dead,  
With him our fortunes and our hopes both failed;  
My Mother loath to live ignobly base,  
Where once she flourished, having spent her means  
Not loosely nor in riot, but in the honour  
Of her dead Husband: left th'ingrateful Land,  
Rather to spend her years in poverty,  
'mongst those that never knew her height of Fortune,  
Then with her thankless Friends and Countrymen,  
Fled here to perish.  Prince. 
More than her Charming beauty  
Her passion moves me: where inhabit you?  Lau. 
Here, every where.  Prince. 
Beneath these Trees?  Lau. 
We have  
No other roof then what kind Heaven lends.  Prince. 
Gentle Creature,  
Had you not told me that your Birth was Noble,  
I should have found it in your face and gesture.  
Mounsieur.  Mounsieur 
My Lord.  Prince. 
Go wind thy Horn abroad, and call to us  
Some of our train: we pity these two Ladies,  
And we will raise their hope: Cheer you old Madam,  
You shall receive some bounty from a Prince.  Enter a Huntsman. 
Who keeps the Lodge below?  Hunts. 
Your Highness' Huntsman.  Prince. 
Command him to remove, and instantly  
We give it to these Ladies: besides, add  
Unto our Guest three thousand pounds a year:  
We'll see it furnished too with Plate and Hangings.  
'Las pretyt Maid, your father's dead you say,  
We'll take you now to our own Patronage,  
And trust me Lady, whiel we're Prince of Florence,  
You shall not want nor food, nor harbourage.  Wife 
Pardon Great Sir, this our neglect of duty  
Unto a Prince so gracious and complete  
In virtuous endowments.  Lau. 
To excuse  
Our former negligence, behold I cast  
Me at your foot.  Prince 
Arise sweet, pray your name?  Lau. 
Lauretta.  Prince 
Fair Lauretta, you shall be henceforth ours,  
Oh Mounsieur! I ne'er saw where I could love  
Till now.  Moun. 
How now my Lord, remember pray,  
What you are to this poor dejected Maid.  Prince 
Well Mounsieur, well; when e'er I match, pray Heaven,  
We love so well: but love and toil hath made us  
Even somewhat thirsty, would we had some Wine.  Enter Clown. Clow. 
Nay, now I think I have fitted you with a Cup of  
hero.  Moun. 
How now sirrah, what are you?  Clow. 
What am I? Nay what art thou?  
I think you le prove little better than a smell-smock,  
That can find out a pretty wench in such a Corner.  Wife 
Peace sirrah, 'tis the Prince.  Clow. 
What if he be? he may love a Wench as well as another man.  Prince 
What hast thou there?  Clow. 
A bottle of Wine and a Manchet that my Lady sent me for.  Prince 
Thou ne'er couldst come to us in better time,  
Reach it us Mounsieur.  Moun. 
Your bottle quickly sirrah, come I say.  Clow. 
Yes, when? can you tell? do you think I am such an Ass, to part so lightly with my liquour? Know thou my friend, before I could get this bottle filled, I was glad to change a piece of Gold, and call for the rest again. And do you think I'll lose my liquour, and have no Gold nor rest again? Not so my Friend, not so.  Moun. 
There's Gold sir.  Clow. 
Madam, will you give me a Licence to sell Wine?  
I could get no Plate in the Forest but a wooden Dish.  Wife 
Fill to the Prince Lauretia.  Lau. 
Will it please  
Your Highness' drink out of a wooden Mazer?  Prince 
Yes sweet with thee in any thing: you know  
We are a Prince, and you shall be our taster.  Lau. 
Why should I love this Prince? his bounteous gifts  
Exalt me not, but make me much more poor,  
I'm more dejected than I was before.  Wife 
Sir.  Moun. 
Lady, thanks: I fear me he is caught,  
But if he be, my Counsel must divert him.  Clow. 
The bottom of the bottle is at your service Sir,  
Shall you and I part stakes?  Moun. 
There's more Gold for you.  Clow. 
I had rather you had broke my pate then my draught, but hark you Sir, are you as a man should say, a belonger to?  Hunt. 
A belonger to? what's that sir?  Clow. 
Oh ignorant! are you a follower?  Hunt. 
I seldom go before when my betters are in place.  Clow. 
A Servingman I take it.  Hunt. 
Right sir.  Clow. 
I desire you the more compliment: I have the courtesy of the Forest for you.  Hunt. 
And I have the courtesy of the Court for you sir.  Clow. 
That's to bring me to the Buttery hatch, and never make me drink.  Prince 
Sirrah, conduct those Ladies to the Lodge,  
And tell the Keeper we have stored for him,  
A better fortune; you shall hear further from us,  
You usher them.  Hunt. 
Come Ladies will you walk?  Clow. 
How now saucebox, know your manners: was not I Gentleman usher before you came? Am not I he that did the bottle bring? Come Ladies follow me.  Exit Clown with Ladies, with Huntsman. Moun. 
Your purpose Sir, is to love this Lady,  
And hazard all your hopes.  Prince 
Oh gentle Friend,  
Why was I borne high? but to raise their hopes  
That are dejected: so much for my bounty.  Moun. 
But for your love.  Prince 
It is with no intent  
To make the Maid my wife, because I know  
Her fortunes cannot equal mine.  Moun. 
Then 'twere more dishonourable  
To strumpet her.  Prince 
Still thou mistak'st, mine  
Is honourable love, and built on virtue;  
Nor would I for the Emperor's Diadem,  
Corrupt her whom I love.  Moun. 
Brave Prince I'm glad  
That ere I kept thy Company.  Prince 
Come Mounsieur, night steals on, not many years  
Shall pass me, but I purpose to revisit  
This my new Mistress, my auspicious fate  
To thee my happy love I consecrate.  Exeunt. A Dumb show. Enter the Duke of milan, a Midwife with a young Child, and after them Stroza: the Duke shows the Child to Stroza, he takes it: then the Duke swears them both to secrecy upon his Sword, and exit with the Midwife: then Stroza goes to hide it, and Parma dogs him: when he hath laid the Child in a Corner, he departs in haste, and Parma takes up the Child and speaks. Par. 
Thou shouldst be mind: and durst I for my Head  
Even in the open Court I'd challenge thee.  
But I have so incensed th'offended Duke,  
And laid such heavy spots upon her head,  
I cannot do't uviht safety: methinks this Child  
Doth look me in the face, as if 'twould call  
Me Father, and but this suspected Stroza  
Stuffed my too credulous ears with jealousies.  
For thee sweet Babe I'll swear, that if not all,  
Part of my blood runs in thy tender veins,  
For those few drops I will not see the perish;  
Be it for her sake whom once I loved,  
And shall do ever: Oh injurious Stroza!  
I now begin to fear; for this sweet Babe  
Hath in his face no bastardy, but shows  
A Princely semblance: but Stroza and the Duke,  
This will I keep as chary as her honour,  
The which I prize above the Universe.  
Though she were forced to be unnatural,  
I'll take to me this Infant's pupillage;  
Nor yet resolved, till I a way have found  
To make that perfect which is yet unsound.  Exit.  

Explicit Actus Secundus.  Enter Milleine with Lords and julia. Milleine 
Forbear my Lords for a few private words:  
Fair Daughter, we'll not chide you farther now  
Nor add unto your blushes: by our rude  
Reproofs your faults are covered with these your sighs,  
Since all your fire of lust is quenched in ashes.  jul. 
Durst I presume my Lord, to know  
Whither you have send my son?  Mil. 
I'll not have it questioned.  
I strive to salve thy honour, and thou seek'st  
To publish thy disgrace: my study is  
Where I may pick thee out a noble Husband,  
To shadow these dishonours, and keep thee  
From the like scandal.  jul. 
Whom but Parmaes' Prince.  Mil. 
Oh name him not thou strumpet.  jul. 
I have done.  Mil. 
There's a Prince of noble hopes and fortunes,  
The Prince of Florence: what if I sent to him  
About a speedy Marriage? for I fear,  
Delay may breed strange doubts.  jul. 
Since I have lost the name of Child,  
I am a servant now and must obey.  Enter Stroza and Lords. Mil. 
Stroza.  Str. 
Your ear my Lord, 'tis done.  Mil. 
Laid out?  Str. 
To safety as I hope.  Mil. 
What, and suspectless?  Str. 
Unless the silent Grove of Trees should blabe,  
There is no fear of scandal, mantled close,  
I left the sucking Babe where the next passenger  
Must find it needs, and so it happened for  
Some two years after,  
Passing that way to know where 'twas become,  
'Twas gone, and by some courteous hand I hope  
Removed to gentle fosterage.  Mil. 
My excellent friend,  
For this we'll bosom thee: your counsel Stroza,  
Our Daughter's grown to years, and we intent  
To pick her out a Husband, in whose issue  
Her name may flourish, and her honours live:  All Lords 
Most carefully devised.  Mil. 
But where my Lords  
May we provide a match to equal her?  1 Lord 
Ferrara hath a fair and hopeful Heir.  2 Lord 
And so hath Mantua.  3 Lord 
How do you prize the Noble Florentine?  1 Lord 
In fame no whit inferior.  2 Lord 
But in state  
Many degrees excelling: aim no further  
Sir, if that may be accepted.  Duke 
To Florence then we'll straight dispatch Ambassadors,  
Stroza, be't your care to manage this high business.  
Oh to see  
How Parents love descends: and how soe'er  
The Children prove ungrateful and unkind,  
Though they deride, we weep our poor eyes blind.  Excum. Enter Clowne gallant, and the Huntiman. Clow. 
Nay, nay, the case is altered with me since you saw me last: I was never in any hope to purchase any other suit then that I wore yesterday; but now I can say Ecce signum, the case is altered. Now every beggar comes upon me with good Gentleman, good Gentleman: when yesterday Gentlemen would have shunned the way for fear I should have begged of them. Then comes another upon me with good your Worship, good your Worship, then do I double my files, and cast him a single two pence.  Hunt. 
Sirrah, thou mayst thank the Prince for this.  Clow. 
Tnou sayst true; for he hath changed our wooden Dishes to Si for Coblets: goodly large Arras that never yet deserved hanging, he hath caused to be hanged round about the Chamber: My Lady and Mistress, now my Lady and Mistress lies over head and cares in down and Feathers: well, if they be ruied by me, I would have them to keep their beds.  Hunt. 
Why wouldst thou have them lie a bed all day?  Clow. 
Oh dull ignorant! I mean knowing how hard they have been lodged in the Forest; I would not have them sell away their beds, and lie upon the boards.  Hunt. 
Oh now I understand you sir.  Clow, 
Ay, ey; thou may'st get much understanding by keeping my company: But Sir, does not the new Gown the Prince sent my Mistress, become her most incomparably?  Hunt. 
'Tis true: 'tis strange to see how Apparel makes or maries.  Clow. 
Right: for yeasterday thou wouldst have taken me for a very Clown, a very Clown; and now to see, to see.—  Enter Mother and the young Lady gallant. Wife 
Sirrah.  Clow. 
Madam.  Lau. 
To see if the Tailor that made your Gown, hath put ne'er an M●vn●er your Girdle, there belongs more to beaten satin than sirrah.  Lau. 
What think you Mother of the Prince his bounty,  
His venue, and perfection?  Wife 
He's a mirror, and deserves a name  
Amongst the famous Worthies.  Lau. 
heigh-ho.  Wife 
Why sigh you?  Lau. 
Pray tell me one thing Mother: when you were  
Of my years, and first loved, how did you feel  
Yourself?  Wife 
Love's Daughter?  Clow. 
She talks: Now, if she should be enuamored of my comely shape; for I have (as they say) such a foolish young and relenting heart I should never say her nay, I should never wear off this stand further off.  Lau. 
Stand farther off sir.  Clow. 
No, I'll assure your Ladyship 'tis beaten Satin.  Lau. 
Then take your Satin farther.  Clow. 
Your Ladyship hath conjured me, and I will avoid  
Satan.  Lau. 
Had you not sometimes muse, sometimes ecstasies,  
When some delicate above other  
Was present?  Wife 
I advice you curb your sense in time,  
Or you will bring yourself into the way  
Of much dishonour.  Lau. 
And speak you by experience Mother? then  
I do begin to fear lest that his shape  
Should tempt me, or his bounty work above  
My strength and patience; pray Mother leave us never,  
Lest that without your Company, my love  
Contending with my weakness, should in time  
Get of the upper hand.  Wife 
For this I love thee.  Enter Clowne running. Clow. 
So hoe Mistress Madam, yonder is the Prince, and two or three Gentlemen come riding upon the goodliest Horses that ever I set my eyes upon: and the Prince's Horse did no sooner see me, but he weeighed and wagged his tail: now I thinking he had done it to take acquaintance of me, said again to him, Gramery Horse; so I left them, and came to tell your Ladyship.  Lau. 
Go see them stabled, my soul leapt within me  
To hear the Prince but named.  Enter Prince and Mounsieur. Prince 
Now my fair Friend.  Lau. 
Your handmaid mighty Prince.  Prince 
Look Mounsieur,  
Can she be less than Noble? nay deserves she  
Thus habited, to be termed less than Royal,  
What thinkst thou Mounsieur?  Moun. 
Faith my Lord,  
I never love a woman for her habit,  
When sir I love, I'll fee my loan stark naked.  Prince 
Right courteous Lady,  
Our bounty is too sparing for your worth,  
Yet such as 'tis accept it.  Wife 
Royal Sir,  
'Tis beyond hope or merit.  Prince 
I prithee Mounsieur,  
A little complement with that old Lady,  
Whilst I confer with her.  Moun. 
I thank you Sir:  
See, you would make me a sir Panderus,  He talks with the old Lady. 
Yet far as I can see you, I will trust you.  
Sweet Lady, how long is't— nay keep that hand,  
Since those fierce wars 'twixt Florence and great Milan  
Nay that hand still.  Prince 
And have you ne'er a love then?  Lau. 
Yes my Lord:  
I should belie my own thoughts to deny,  
And say I had none.  Prince 
Pray acquaint me with him,  
And for thy sake I'll give him state and Honours,  
And make him great in Florence. Is he of birth?  Lau. 
A mighty Dukedom's Heir.  Prince 
How now my Lauretta?  
I prithee sweet where lives he?  Lau. 
In his Country.  Prince 
Honour me so much  
As let me know him.  Lau. 
In that your Grace must pardon me.  Prince 
Must? then I will. Is he of presence sweet?  Lau. 
As like your Grace as one Prince to another.  Prince 
Honour me so much then, as let me know him.  Lau. 
In that excuse me Sir.  Prince 
Thee, love I will  
In all things: wherefore study you?  Lau. 
Why my Lord?  
I was even wishing you a mighty harm;  
But pardon me 'twas out even unawares.  Prince 
Harme? there's none can come from thee Lauretta,  
Thou art all goodness, nay confess it sweet.  Lau. 
I was wishing with myself that you were poor:  
Oh pardon me my Lord, a poor, a poor man.  Prince. 
Why my Lauretta?  Lau. 
Sir, because that little  
I have, Might do you good: I would you had  
No, money, nay, no means: but I speak idly,  
Pray pardon me my Lord.  Prince. 
By all my hopes  
I have in Florence, would thou wert a Duchess,  
That I might court thee upon equal terms;  
Or that I were of low dejected fortunes,  
To rank with thee in Birth: for to enjoy  
Thy beauty, were a greater Dowry than Florence  
Great Dukedom.  Enter Clown. Clow. 
Oh my Lord, my Lord,  
Are you close at it? and you too crabbed Age, and you the— there's Rods in piss for some of you.  Prince. 
Now sir, the news?  Clow. 
Oh my Lord, there's a Nobleman come from the  
Court to speak with you.  Prince. 
Mounsieur, upon my life 'tis some Ambassador.  Moun. 
Good Sir make haste, lest I be challenged for you.  Prince. 
No worthy Friend, for me thou shalt not suffer,  
At our best leisured hours we mean to visit you;  
Now give me leave to take a short farewell.  Exeunt Prince and Mounsieur. Lau. 
Your pleasure is your own,  
To part from him I am rent quite asunder.  Clow. 
And you can but keep your legs close,  
Let him rend any thing else and spare not.  Exeunt. Enter Florence and Lords with Stroza Ambassador. Flo. 
Speak the true Tenor of your Embassy.  Str. 
If Florence prize the Duke of Milan's love,  
His endeared Amity: If he have mind  
To mix with him in consanguinity,  
To strengthen both your Realms: he make the project  
To your fair Treaty, that your hopeful Heir  
Shall with the princeise julia his fair Daughter,  
Be joined in Marriage; her large Dowry shall be  
A spacious Dukedom after his decease.  
But which my Lord counts most, is a fair League  
'Twixt your divided Dukedoms.  Florence 
We do conceit you:  
But for the Dowry you crave?  Str. 
Ten thousand Crowns  
By th'year.  Flo. 
'Tis granted: only our Son's consent  
Is wanting: but see here, he wished for comes.  Enter Prince and Mounsicur. Prince 
Mounsieur what are those?  Moun. 
Ambassadors my Lord.  Prince 
Whence are these Lords?  Duke 
From Milan.  Prince 
Their business Royal Sir?  Flo. 
About a match,  
Which if you't please, we highly shall applaud.  
They offer you a fair and virtuous Princess  
Unto your bed:  Prince 
Unto my bed my Lord?  
I am not so afraid of spirits Sir,  
But I can lie alone without a bedfellow.  Flo. 
'Tis the fair Princess julia you must Marry.  Prince 
Marry my Lord?  Flo. 
I marry must you Sir,  
Or you divorce yourself from our dear love.  Prince 
But is she fair?  Stro. 
As ever Helen was.  Prince. 
What, and as Charte?  Stroza. 
It were not Princely in you, Royal Sir,  
To question such a Princess Chastity;  
I could have instanced Lucrece.  Prince. 
Would you had,  
For both were ravished.  Moun. 
How's this my Lord?  
They offer love and beauty, which being both  
So freely offered, do deserve acceptance,  Stroza, 
Your answer Sir?  Prince. 
That I am yours:  
The States; and if you please  
So to dispose me, hers: what ere she be,  
Come friend, I must impart my Love this news,  
Or it will rend my heart.  Exit Prince. Stroza. 
I shall return this answer.  florence. 
Faithfully  
As we intent it: But you first shall taste  
The bounty of our Court, with royal Presents  
Both to the Duke your master, and the Princess;  
It done, prepare we for this great solemnity,  
Of Hymeneal jubilies. Fixed is the day,  
Wherein rich florence shall her pomp display.  Exeunt. Enter Parma and a Lord of Milan. Parm. 
Only to you, of all the Milan Peers,  
I dare expose my safety.  Lord. 
In these arms  
My Lord, you are Sanctuared.  Parm. 
I do not doubt it:  
But I pray you tell me, since I left the Court,  
How is my absence taken?  Lord. 
Of the Duke,  
With much distaste.  Parm. 
But of the Princess julia?  Lord 
Full two Months  
She kept her Chamber, grievously distracted,  
They say, mere grief for your departure hence.  Parm. 
Bravely managed,  
The Duke I see was more kind to her fame,  
Then to his pretty grandchild; well I'll salt it all,  
But what think you if after all I should  
Send Letters to her, or Ambassadors?  
I should not win her, for I know  
Th'aue her heart in bondage.  Lord 
Why worthy Prince,  
Have you not heard the news: She hath been offered  
Unto the Florentine, the match accepted,  
And the Nuptial day the tenth of the next Month.  Parm. 
No more: Pray leave me Sir.  Lord. 
I will: Pray Sir  
Regard your safety.  Exit Lord. Parm. 
To be married, Ruimus in vestitum semper,  
I did neglect her, but being denied,  
I dote upon her beauty: Methinks 'tis fit,  
If I begot the Child? I wed the Mother:  
The Prince, I pity he should be so wronged,  
And I the Instrument: Now help me brain,  
That near was wont to fail me: 'Tis decreed  
Something to Plot, although I fail to speed.  Exit Parma. Enter Clown, Mother, and Lauretta. Clown 
I wonder you should be so sad and melancholy,  
I'll lay a years' wages before hand I'll tell your disease,  
As well as any Doctor in Florence, and  
Let me but feel your pulse.  Lauret. 
Away, you are a fool, and trouble vs.  Clown 
That's no matter whether I be a fool or a physician,  
If I lose, I'll pay, that's certaina.  Wife 
Try the fool's counsel daughter, but be sure  
To forfeit, and to pay.  Lauret. 
Now sir, your skill.  Clown 
Nay, I must feel your pulse first, for if a Woman's pulse be near a place, I know there's few here of my years but would be glad to turn Doctors.  Lauret. 
Now sir, you see I do not smile.  Clown 
Nay, if it be nothing else, I'll fetch that will cure you presently.  Exit Clown. Wife 
Child I must chide you, you give too much way unto this humour: It altars much your beauty.  Enter the Clown. Clown 
Oh young Mistress, where are you, the Prince,  
The Prince.  Lauret. 
Oh Mother, do you hear the news, the Prince,  
The Prince is coming. Where is he, oh where?  Clown 
Where is he? Why at the Court; where should he be? I did but do't to make you smile: Nay, I'll tickle you for a Doctor: Madam I have a years' wages before hand.  Lauret. 
Is he not come then?  Clown 
No marry is he not.  Lawret. 
My soul did leap within, to hear the Prince  
But named: It started every joint.  Clown 
Nay Madam, the Prince is come.  Wife 
Away, your foolerie's unseasonable,  
we'll not believe you.  Enter the Prince and Mounsieur. Clown 
If you will not believe me, will you believe these?  Lauret. 
Welcome my Lord: And wherefore do you sigh?  Prince 
I fie Lauretta, cause I cannot choose.  Lauret. 
Nor could I choose, should you but sigh again.  Prince 
I'll tell thee Love, strange news: I must be married.  Lauret. 
Married my Lord!  Prince 
Why do you weep? You blamed me now for sighing: Why do you melt in tears? Sweet what's the cause?  Lauret. 
Nay, nothing.  Prince 
And as I told thee Sweet; I must be married,  
My Father and the State will have it so;  
And I came instantly to tell the news  
To thee Lauretta; As to one, from whom  
I nothing can conceal.  Lauret. 
Why should you grieve  
For that? For I, my Lord, must have a Husband too.  Prince 
Must you? But when's the day?  Lauret. 
When's yours my Lord?  Prince 
The tenth of the next month.  Lauret. 
The self same day,  
And selfsame hour that you enjoy your love,  
My Princely Husband I must then enjoy.  Prince 
But do you love him?  Lauret. 
Not myself more dear.  Prince 
How happy are you above me fair friend,  
That must enjoy where you affect? When I  
Am tie to others fancies: It was your promise  
That I should know him further.  Lauret. 
You shall see him  
That day, as richly habited as the great  
Heir of Florence: But royal Sir, what's she  
That you must bed then?  Prince 
'Tis julia,  
The Duke of Milan's daughter: Why change your Face?  Lauretta speaks to herself. Lauret. 
That she that hates me most should live to enjoy  
Him I affect best: O my ominous fate,  
I thought to have hid me from thee in these deserts,  
But thou dost dog me every where.  She Swoons. Prince 
Look to her safety, not for the Crown  
Of Florence I would have her perish.  Wife 
Help to support her.  Exit with Mother and Clown. Prince 
Oh Friend, that I should change my Royalty  
To weakness now: I do think this lodge  
A Palace, and this Beauteous Maidenhead  
Of greater worth than julia.  Moun. 
Come my Lord,  
Lay by these idle thoughts, and make you ready  
To entertain your Bride.  Enter Parma disguised. Parm. 
The Prince, the Prince,  
I come to seek the Prince, and was directed  
Unto this place.  Prince 
Thy news.  Parm. 
A Letter.  Prince 
Whence?  Parm. 
Read, the Contents will show you; their eyes are from me, and I must hence.  Exit Parma. The Prince reads. Prince 
The Milan Princess is betrothed; deflowered,  
Not worthy of your love, believe this true  
Upon a Prince his word; when you, shall bed her,  
And find her flawd in her Virginity,  
You shall have cause to think upon his love  
From whom you had this caution;  
But do it with that Princely management,  
Her honour be not slandered: He that loves,  
Admires, and honours you:  
Where's he that brought this Letter?  Moun. 
Fled my Lord.  Prince 
Post after; bring him back,  
Could he not set his hand to 't—  
How now, the news?  Moun. 
he's fled upon a milk white Jennet Sir,  
Seeming t'out strip the wind, and I— lost him.  Prince 
Thou hast lost me quite.  Moun. 
What means this passions Sir?  Prince 
Mounsieur read there,  
What will confound thee: Oh if she be unchaste!  
Could they find none but me to work upon.  Moun. 
It confounds me my Lord.  Prince 
If she be chaste,  
How shall I wrong her, to question her fair Virtues?  Moun. 
Right.  Prince 
But if she be not right? I wrong my Honour,  
Which after marriage, how shall I recall?  Moun. 
'Tis certain.  Prince 
Yes: Oh how am I perplexed!  
Come, I'll to Court,  
I'll not be swayed: Were she a Potent Queen,  
Where Counsel fails me, I'll once trust to spleen.  Exeunt. Enter the Clown with his Table-books. Clown. 
Let me see, the Prince is to be married to morrow, and my young Mistress means to keep a Feast in the Forest, in honour of his wedding at the Court: Now am I sent as Caterer into the City to provide them victuals, which they charged me to buy; no ordinary fare, no more it shall, and therefore I have cast it thus; First and foremost, we will have— (yes down it shall) we will have a Gammon of Bacon roasted, and stuffed with Oysters; And six Black-Puddings to be served up in Sorrell-sops; A pickled shoulder of Mutton, and a sirloin of Beef in White-broth, so much for the first course. Now, for the second, we will have a Cherry-Tart cut into Rashers and broiled; A Custard Carbonadoed on the coals; A live Eel swimming in clouted Cream; And six Sheeps-heads baked, with the horns peering out of the pasty-crust. The moral is, because it is a wedding dinner.  Enter Stroza with another Lord. Stro. 
The joyful day's to morrow. Pass this plunge  
And we are made for ever.  Clown. 
What, my old Politician? he that undermined my old Lady and my young Mistress? now that I could find but one stratagem to blow him up; I would toss him, I would blanket him i'th' Air, and make him cut an Italian caper in the Clouds: These Politicians can do more execution with a pen, in their studies, than a good Soldier with his sword in the field, but he hath spied me.  Stro. 
Thee friend I should have known?  Clown. 
And you too, I should have known, but whether for a friend, or no, there's the question?  Stro. 
Thou servest the General Sforza.  Clow. 
I confess it; but whether you have served him well, or no, there hangs a Tale.  Stro. 
How doth thy noble Lady, fair Lauretta?  
They have left Milan long, reside they here  
near to the City Florence?  Clow. 
Some three miles off, here in the Forest, not half an hours riding.  Stro. 
I pray thee recommend me to them both,  
And say, It shall go hard with mine affairs  
But I'll find seasoned hours to visit them.  Clow. 
You shall not want directions to find the place, come when you will, you shall be most heartily— poisoned.  Stro. 
Tell them, The news that they are well  
Is wondrous pleasing to me, and that power  
I have in Milan is reserved for them,  
To work them into grace: I can but smile,  
To see how close I have plotted their exile.  
Now business calls me hence: farewell.  Exit. Clow. 
And behanged, Monsieur Stroza, whose description  
My Muse hath included in these few lines;  
Stroza, Thy Head is of a compely Block,  
And would show well, crowned with the comb of Cock:  
His Face an Inn, his Brow a sluttish Room,  
His Nose the Chamberlain, his Beard the Broom,  
Or like New-market Heath, that makes thieves rich,  
In which his Mouth stands just like Devills-ditch  
And so farewell to your worship, grave Mounsieur Stroza,  
For I must about my market.  Exeunt.  

Actus Quartus.  A Dumb show. Enter at one door, the Duke of Milan, julia, Stroza, and a Bishop: At the other door, the Duke of florence, the Prince and Mounsieur, with attendants: Then the Bishop takes their hands and makes signs to marry them, and then the Prince speaks. Prince. 
Stay till we be resolved.  florence. 
What means our son?  Princ. 
Not to be gulled by the best Prince in Europe;  
Much less by Milan.  Milan. 
Sir, be plain with vs.  Prin. 
I much suspect that Lady's Chastity.  Milan. 
Hers.  Prin. 
I have said.  Stroza. 
there's Wormwood.  Milan. 
I came in terms of Honour,  
Brought with me, all my comforts here on earth,  
My daughter; to bestow her on thy son:  
Poor Lady, innocently coming, forsaking all,  
Father and Country, to betake herself  
Unto his bosom; and is she for all this,  
Branded with shame?  Stro. 
Who can accuse her, speak? what probabilities?  
What ground? the place? the means? the season how  
She did become corrupt?  Prince. 
Sir, so we have heard.  Stro. 
Produce the witness; and behold, I stand  
The Champion for her honour, and will aver  
Her Chaste, above degree; infinitely honest:  
Oh Prince! what, can you ground such injury  
Upon vain hearsay? Speak for yourself, take spirit  julia. Apart to herself. 
Came we thus far, to be thus wronged?  Stro. 
Was the slave never Christened, hath he no name?  julia. 
Have you sent for me, to accuse me here  
In this strange Clime? It is not Princely done.  Prince. 
O Heaven, how am I perplexed!  Floren. 
Son, Son, you wrong  
Yourself and me too, to accuse a Lady  
Of such high birth and fame; unless you confess  
Yourself to have erred, you needs must forfeit vs.  Moun. 
My Lord, yield to your father, lest you draw  
His wrath upon you.  Prince. 
Well, since I must, I will:  
Your pardon, Royal Father: Yours fair Princess:  
And yours great Duke:  
If I shall find myself truly to have erred,  
I shall confess your chastity much injured.  julia 
Submission is to me full recompense.  Milla. 
My daughter's honour?  Stro. 
Do not stand off my Lord,  
If she be wronged, she's not much behindhand.  Milla. 
Oh let me alone Stroza.  Flor. 
Nay, good Brother  
Accept him as your Son.  Milla. 
My hearts no closet for revenge; 'tis done.  Prin. 
Now hear my protestations: I receive  
This Lady's hand on these Conditions;  
If you, my Lord, her father, or herself,  
Know herself faulty, Oh confess it here,  
Before the Ceremonies fasten on me: for if hereafter  
I find you once corrupted? by this right hand,  
My future hopes, my Father's royalty,  
And all the honours due unto our house,  
He have as many lives and heads for it,  
As he hath Manners Castles, Lives and Towers;  
It shall be worthy to be booked in Chronicles  
Of all strange tongues: And therefore beauteous Lady,  
As you esteem a Prince his name or honour,  
That you'd be a Maecenas unto virtue;  
If in the least of these you guilty be,  
Pull back your hand.  Stro. 
What if you find her chaste?  Prin. 
If chaste? she shall be dearer far to me.  
Then my own soul: I will respect her honour,  
Equal with that of my great Ancestors;  
All this I vow, as I am Prince and virtuous.  Stro. 
Then join their hands.  Prin. 
she's mine: Set forwards then.  Exeunt all but Stroza. Stro. 
All goes not well, This juggling will be found,  
Then where am I then? would I were safe in Milan.  
Here Matchivell th'wast hatched: Could not the same  
Planet inspire this pate of mine with some  
Rare stratagem, worthy a lasting Character:  
No, 'twill not be; my brain is at a nonplus,  
For I am dull.  Enter Milan. Milla. 
Stroza.  Stro. 
My Lord.  Milla. 
Oh now, or never Stroza!  Stro. 
I am turned Fool, Ass, Iddeott; Are they married?  Milla. 
Yes, and the Prince after the Ceremony,  
Embraced her lovingly.  Stro. 
But the hell is,  
That they must lie together, there's the Devil.  Milla. 
And then—  Stro. 
And then we are disgraced and shamed.  Milla. 
Canst thou not helped man?  Stro. 
Why you would make  
A man— midwife, wooed you? I have no skill.  Milla. 
Stroza, awake, thouart drowsy.  Stro. 
Peace, interrupt me not,  
I hait: so to revenge me upon her  
Whom most I hate. To Strumpet her 'twere brave.  Milla. 
Counsel advice me.  Stro. 
You'll make me mad my Lord:  
And in this sweet revenge, I am not only  
Pleased (with just satisfaction for all wrongs)  
But the great Prince most palpably deceived.  Milla. 
The time runs on,  
Think on my honour Stroza.  Stro. 
If you'll eat grapes unripe, edge your own teeth,  
I'll stay the mellowed season, do't yourself,  
Unless you give me time for't.  Milla. 
But think with mine, on thine own safety Stroza.  Stro. 
Peace, give me way my Lord, so shall the Prince  
Be palpably deceived, Fair Julia's honour  
Most prosperously deserved, The Duke my master,  
Freed from all blame, Wane hindered, Peace confirmed,  
And I secured; Oh I am fortunate  
Beyond imagination!  Milla. 
O dear Stroza,  
Help now, or never!  Stro. 
He was a a mere Ass  
That raised Troy's Horse: 'twas a pretty structure.  Milla. 
Oh me!  Stro. 
Sinon, a fool, I can do more  
With precious Gold, than he with whining Tears.  Milla. 
Oh my tormented soul!  Stro. 
Pray my Lord, give me  
Five hundred crowns.  Milla. 
What to do with them man?  Stro. 
See how you stand on trifles; when our lives,  
Your honour; all our fortunes lie a bleeding:  
What shall I have the Gold?  Milla. 
Thy purpose prithee?  Stro. 
I know a desolate Lady, whom with Gold  
I can corrupt.  Milla. 
There are five hundred Crowns,  
Snroza bethink thee what thou undertakest,  
Such an Act, would make huge Atlas bend his head  
Unto his heel.  Stro. 
But say I cannot win her,  
They bide the brunt of all, here let them stay,  
With these five hundred Crowns I'll post away.  Exit Stroza, and Duke. Enter Mother, Daughter, and Clown. Clow. 
Madam, yonder's a Gentleman comes to speak with you in all haste.  Lauret. 
Admit him in.  Enter Stroza. Stro. 
Lady be happy, and from this blessed hour  
Ever rejoice fair Virgin, for I bring you  
Gold, and Enlargement; with a recovery  
Of all your former loss, and dignity,  
But for a two hours' labour: Nay, that no labour  
Nor toil, but a mere pleasure.  Lau 
Your words like music, please me with delight,  
Beyond imagination: Offered to us?  
Being exiled our Country, and our friends,  
Therefore good sir, delay not with long compliment,  
But tell these hopes more plain.  Stro. 
Have we not here  
Too many eares?  Lauret. 
We would be private sirrah,  
And therefore leave vs.  Exit. Clown Stro. 
You have seen the Prince of Florence?  Lauret. 
Yes, I have.  Stro. 
Is he not for his Feature, Beauty, Goodness,  
The most Complete? So absolute in all things.  Lauret. 
All this is granted.  Stro. 
How happy do you think that Lady than  
That shall Enjoy him? Nay, that shall be the first  
To prove him,  
And exchange Virginity,  
Were't not bright Lady a great happiness?  Lauret. 
I wish that nappinesse were mine alone,  
Oh my faint heart: Passion over-swayes me quite,  
But hide thy grief Lauretta: Sir, you ' le make  
Me fall in love with him: Were I his equal,  
I then should judge him worthy of no less.  Stro. 
Love him: What's she doth not, if she have eyes?  
Were I myself a Woman: I would lay  
Myself a prostitute unto the Prince:  
She is not wise that would refuse him Lady.  Lauret. 
Good Sir be brief:  
To what prey tends these speeches?  Stro. 
To thee sweet Lady: I offer all these pleasures,  
Oh happy fate that hath selected me  
To be your raiser: Lady take this gold,  
But that's not all: For there are greater honours  
Prepared for you; the Duke of Milan doth  
Commend him to you: julia his daughter  
Hath in her honour late miscarried,  
Now 't lies in you to salve and make all good.  Wife. 
Who? Lies this in my daughter?  Stro. 
Yes, in her,  
She hath the power to make the Duke her friend,  
julia her sister, and all Milan bound  
To offer up for her their Orrisons.  Lauret. 
Good Sir be plain.  Stro. 
This night lie with the Prince  
In Julia's stead: There's way made for you,  
Who would not woo, for what you are wooed too?  Lauret. 
Do you not blush, when you deliver this  
Pray tell the Duke, all Women are not julia,  
And though we be dejected, thus much tell him,  
We hold our honour at too high a price,  
For Gold to buy.  Stro. 
Nay Lady, hear me out;  
You shall preserve her honour, gain the Duke,  
Redeem your fortunes: Strengthen you in friends,  
You shall have many Towns and Turrets standing,  
Which future War may ruin: Think on that.  Wife. 
Lauretta, oh behold thy mother's tears!  
Think on they Father, and his honour won,  
And call to mind our exile: All the wrongs  
We have endured by her, to whom we gave  
No cause, and now are plunge in a deep stream.  
Which not resisted, will for ever blemish  
The name of Sforza thy great Ancestors,  
Thou'lt waken thy dead Father from his grave,  
And cause his honoured wounds which he received  
From that unthankful Duke, to bleed afresh,  
Pouring out new blood from is grisly wounds,  
If thou consentest to this abhorred fact,  
Thy Mother's curse will seize on thee for ever:  
Oh child, behold me on my knees: I'll follow thee,  
Oh do not leave me thus, and pull on thee  
An everlasting stain, to scandal all  
Thy former Virtues, for the momentary  
Short pleasures of one night.  Stro. 
She doth not council well; 'tis foolish rashness,  
Womanish Indiscretion  Lauret. 
Sir be answered,  
If julia be disloyal: Let her be found  
So by the Prince she weds: Let her be branded  
With the vile name of strumpet: She disgraced  
Me, that ne'er thought her harms; publicly struck me,  
Nay in the Court: And after that, procured  
My banishment: These Injuries I reaped  
By her alone, then let it light on her.  Stro. 
Now see your error,  
What better; safer, or more sweet revenge,  
Then with the Husband? what more could woman ask?  Lauret. 
My blood rebels against my reason, and  
I no way can withstand it: 'Tis not the Gold  
Moves me, but that dear love I bear the Prince,  
Makes me neglect the credit and the honour  
Of my dear Father's house: Sir, what the Duke desires  
I am resolved to do his utmost will.  Wife. 
Oh my dear daughter.  Lauret. 
Good Mother speak not, for my word is past.  
And cannot be recalled, Sir will you away?  
I am resolute.  Stro. 
She yields unto her shame; which makes me blessed,  
Let Millions fall, so I be crowned with rest.  Wife. 
Oh me, unhappy, that here knew grief till not.  Exeunt. Music. A Dumb Show. Enter Milan, to him Stroza, and brings in Lauretta masked, the Duke takes her and puts her into the Bed, and Exit. Enter both the Duke and julia, they make signs to her and Exit: Stroza hides julia in a corner, and stands before her. Enter again with the Prince to bring him to bed; They cheer him on, and others snatch his Points, and so Exit. The Duke's Embrace, and Exeunt.  

Actus Quintus.  Enter Milan to Stroza. Milla. 
Thou art our trusty Counsellor; if this pass 〈◊〉  
We're passed all fear: What is she prithee? What?  Stro. 
What's that to you, be she what ere she can,  
All's one to us, so she be found a Virgin;  
I have hired her, and she's pleased.  Milla. 
But gave you charge  
as soon as ere the Prince was fast asleep,  
That she should rise and give place to our daughter?  Stro. 
Doubt you not that; what, jealous already?  Milla. 
How long she stays, I fain would be a bed;  
Pray heaven she do not fail  
By him asleep, and so forget herself.  Stro. 
here's in my heart, a violent Fever still;  
Nor shall I find myself in my true temper,  
Until this brunt be passed.  Milla. 
What, not yet? had she with Parma been a bed so long,  
It would have more perplexed me.  Enter Lauretta. Stro. 
See, here she is;  
The news?  Lauret. 
The Prince is fast, all done.  Milla. 
Step in her place;  
Nay when? and counterfeit sleep presently.  Stro. 
Away to bed my Lord: You to the Forest.  
I'll to my Coach, all's well.  Exeunt Stroza and the Duke. Lauret. 
And for my part, it was not much amiss,  
Because my Lord the Prince had such content  
Which caused him give his Charter to my hand,  
The full assurance of fair Julia's dowry:  
Day 'gins to break, and I must to the Lodge.  
Oh what a grief it was to leave the Prince!  
But leave those thoughts: These Gifts to me assigned,  
Are nothing worth the gem I left behind.  Exit. Enter Prince and Mounsieur with a Torch. Moun. 
What do you not like your bedfellow, my Lord;  
That you are up so soon?  Prin. 
Oh friend, was never man blessed with a Bride  
So chaste! I'm fierce myself, till this be known  
To my fair Forest friend: Let's mount away,  
The nights quite spent; and now begins the day.  Enter Mother and Clown. Wife. 
And what was it you said sirrah?  Clow. 
Marry, I would entreat your Ladyship to turn away  
My fellow jerom, for I think he's  
No true man.  Wife 
No true man, Why?  Clo. 
Marry we were both in the Tavern together other day—  Wife 
And he stole some Plate?  Clo. 
No Madam, but there stood at our elbow a pottle Pot—  Wife 
And he stole the Pot?  Clo. 
No Madam, but he stole the wine in the Pot, and drunk it off,  
And made himself so drunk he bepissed himself:  
Your Ladyship could not be better bepissed in a Summers-day.  Enter Prince and Mounsieur. Prin. 
Good morrow Lady: where's your daughter pray?  Wife 
She took so little rest last night, my Lord  
I think she is scarce well.  Prin. 
Pray may we see her?  Wife. 
My Lord you may.  she's drawn out upon a Bed. 

Song.  
HEnce with Passion, Sighs and Tears,  
Desasters, Sorrows, Cares and Fears.  
See, My Love (my Love) appears,  
That thought himself exiled.  
Whence might all these loud joys grow?  
Whence might Mirth, and Banquet's flow?  
But that he's come (he's come) I know.  
Fair Fortune thou hast smiled.   

2  
Give to these blind windows, Eyes;  
Daze the Stars, and mock the Skies,  
And let us two (us two) devise,  
To lavish our best Treasures  
Crown our Wishes with Content,  
Meet our Souls in sweet consent,  
And let this night (this night) be spent  
In all abundant pleasures.   Prince. 
Oh good morrow Lady,  
I come to tell you news!  Lauret. 
They are welcome to me my Lord.  Prin. 
You know the Princess julia was supposed to be Adulterate—  Lauret. 
So we have heard it rumoured  Prin. 
Oh but fair friend, she was indeed belied!  
And I this morning rose from her chaste bed:  
But wherefore sweet cast you that blushing smile?  
But you have broke promise with me: For you told me  
That the same day and hour I took my Bride,  
You should Enjoy a Princely Husband.  Lauret. 
True  
My Lord, I did.  Prin. 
And are you married then?  Lauret. 
And lay with him last night.  Prin. 
Is he oft fortunes?  Lauret. 
That you may soon conjecture by this gift.  Prin. 
What have you then, some tokens that were his?  Lauret. 
Some few my Lord, amongst the rest, this diamond  
He put upon my finger.  Prin. 
You amaze me!  
Yet Rings may be alike: If then your husband  
Bee of such state and fortunes, What dowry are you allotted.  Lauret. 
Sir, ten thousand crowns by th' year.  Prin. 
I gave no more unto my julia.  
But where is the security you have  
For the performance of it?  Lauret. 
See here, My Lord,  
Sir, Is not that sufficient for a dowry?  Prin. 
This is the Indenture that I gave to julia;  
Prithee Lauretta, but resolve me true,  
How came you by this Charter?  Lauret. 
Pardon great Prince; for all that love you spoke  
To julia, you whispered in my ear:  
She is unchaste; which, lest you should have found,  
Her father sent me here, five hundred crowns  
By Stroza; but neither his gold, nor all  
His sly temptations, could one whit move me;  
Only the love I ever bore your honour,  
Made me not prize my own. No lust full appetite  
Made me attempt such an ambitious practice,  
As to aspire unto your bed my Lord.  Prin. 
Rise, d'ee not weep, Oh I am strangely rapt  
Into deep strange confusion?  Moun. 
Milan should know, were it my case my Lord,  
A better Prince than he should not wrong me.  Prin. 
I have bethought already how to be are me;  
This Charter and this Ring, fair Love, keep you;  
And when I send for you, you shall repair  
Unto the Court: This all I shall enjoin you.  Lauret. 
Great Sir, I shall.  Prin. 
Come Mounsieur, now 'tis cast,  
Revenge near rules, so it be found at last.  Exeunt omnes. Enter the two Dukes with julia, Stroza and attendants. Milla. 
Who saw the Prince last? Is't a custom with him  
To rise thus early?  Floren. 
Sir, he never sleeps  
Longer than th'day, nor keeps his bed by Sun:  
'Tis not the lone of the fairest Lady lives,  
Can make him leave his morning exercise.  julia 
He never exercised with me, I'm sure;  
I might have lain as safe, free, and untouched,  
By any Lady living.  Enter the Prince and Mounsi. Prince 
Pardon Lords,  
I have stayed you long, your blessing royal Father.  
My custom is, ever to rise before  
A woman's hour: Now hear me speak my Lords,  
I'm married to a Lady, whose chaste honour,  
Reports and false Suggestions, did enforce me  
To call in public question; but that we leave  
Unto our last night's rest.  Stro. 
True my good Lord;  
But did you find me faulty?  Prin. 
I do protest, my Lords, I bosomed with  
As true and chaste a Virgin, as ere lodged  
Within a Prince's arms; All this I vow  
As I am Royal.  Str. 
All's well my Lord?  Milla.. 
All's excellent Stroza.  Prin.. 
Now for amends and public satisfaction,  
For the foul wrong I did her, questioning  
Her Virtue, I'll confirm her dowry, and that  
Before I eat: Sweet Lady, reach the Charter  
I gave you last night, 'fore you were full mine?  julia 
I received none Sir.  Prin. 
Sweet, will you tell me that?  
With which you did receive a Ring the Duke  
My father gave me.  julia 
When?  Prince 
Last night.  julia 
Where?  Prince 
In your Bed.  julia 
'Twas in my dream then.  Prince 
Being broad awake.  Stro. 
I like not this: I smell a Rat.  Milla. 
Stroza, I fear too.  Stro. 
Brazen forehead, Wilt  
Thou leave now: 'Tis true my Lord. You did  
Receive them both, Have you forgot sweet Lady,  
This very morning, that you gave them both  
To me? The Princess jested, to see how  
You wooed but take it.  Moun. 
Excellent Villain!  Prince 
'Twas well put off:  
'Tis strange she's so forgetful: I prithee Stroza  
Where are they?  Stro. 
Where are they? they are—  Prince 
Where?  
Why study you?  Stro. 
They are there—  Prince 
Where man?  Stro. 
I posted them  
To Milan, sent them safe, dare you not trust my word  Prince. 
Not till I see my deeds.  Stro. 
By one o'th' Prince's Train.  Prince 
See which o' the Train is wanting.  Moun. 
I shall my Lord.  Stro. 
I would I were in Turkey.  Milla. 
Would I were on horseback.  Prin. 
Nay, look not you dejected beauteous Bride,  
For this is done only to honour you.  Enter a Servingman with a child in a covered Dish. Gent. 
The Prince, my Master, hearing your solemnities,  
Hath sent this dish, to add a present to  
Your royal Feasts, wishing himself therein  
To be a welcome guest.  Prince. 
Your Master's name?  Gent. 
Prince Parma.  Prince 
Give this Gentleman  
A 100 crowns: This will much grace our banquet.  Flo. 
there's in that dish, some Moral.  Milla. 
Coming from him,  
Methinks it should be seasoned with some strange  
And dangerous poison: Touched not, my Lord.  Flo. 
There should be more in't, than a feasting dish;  
What's here, a Child?  julia 
Oh my perplexed heart!  Pri. 
Upon his breast there's something writ, I'll read it.  
'Tis fit, if justice be not quite exiled  
That he that weds the mother, keep the child.  
This Child was sent to me.  Stro. 
From whom? whom, Parma? break the bastard's neck,  
As I would do the Fathers, were he here.  Prin. 
Sure spareed for the Mother's sake; 'twas sent to us:  
Which of the train is wanting?  Enter Mounsieus. Moun. 
None my Lord.  Prin. 
Stroza, where is this Charter and the Ring?  Stro. 
I know of none.  Moun. 
Why, 'twas confessed.  Stro. 
Right, I confessed it; but your grace must know,  
'Twas but to please your humour, which began  
To grow into some violence.  Moun. 
I can forbear no longer; Impudent Stroza,  
Thou art a Villain, perjured, and forsworn:  
That Duke dishonourable; and she unchaste:  
Besides, thou hyredst a Virgin in her room;  
(Slave as thou art) to bosom with the Prince;  
Gav'st her five hundred Crowns. That this is true,  
I will maintain by combat.  Stro. 
That I did this? He lies below his entrayles,  
That dares to brave me with such a proud affront:  
And in the honour of my Prince and Country  
I will approve thee recreant.  Prin. 
A strife, that nought save combat can decide,  
The cause so full of doubts, and intricate.  
See, they are both armed, and evenly, without odds,  
Save what the justice of the cause can yield.  Exit Mounsieur and Stroza, Enter Prince Parma. Par. 
Be't no intrusion held, if a strange Prince  
(Setting behind, all complemental leave)  
Amongst strange Princes enters: Let me know  
Which is the Prince of Florance?  Prince 
We are he.  Parm. 
And Parma?  jult. 
Parma?  Prince 
Excuse me Sir,  
I know him not: But if I much mistake not,  
We are late indebted to you for a present.  Parm. 
It was a gift, I should be loath to part with,  
But upon good conditions. Am I then  
To all a stranger: Do you not know me Lady?  Milla. 
Hear him not speak, I charge thee by thine honour?  Prince. 
Parma speak, and if thy speech was bent to me?  Parm. 
Ere I proceed, let me behold this babe;  
ne'er a Nurse here? Pray hand it you sweet Lady,  
Till I find out a Mother.  Milla. 
Touch it not,  
I charge thee on my blessing.  julia 
Pardon Sir,  
It well becomes my handling.  Prince. 
Parma proceed.  Parm. 
Then Florence know, thou hast wronged me beyond, thought;  
Shipwrecked my Honour, and my Fame; nay strumpeted  
Her, whom I term my Bride.  Prince 
'Tis false, I never embraced save with one,  
And her, I found to be most truly chaste.  Parm. 
Then It maintain: Hast thou a Wife here?  Prince 
Yes.  Parm. 
Then I'll approve her to be none of thine,  
That thou hast fetch't her from another's arms.  
Nay more, that she's unchaste?  Prin. 
Know Parma, thou hast kindled such a Flame,  
That all the Ocean's billows scarce can quench:  
Be that our quarrels ground.  Florence 
Princes, forbear:  
First see the Issue of the former Combat,  
Before more blood you hazard.  Prince 
We are pleased.  Parm. 
And we content.  Enter Stroza and the Mounusieur, they fight, and Stroza is overcome. Moun. 
Yield thyself recreant villain, or thou diest.  Stro. 
Save me, I will confess; Is Parma here?  Parm. 
Yes, here we are.  Stro. 
I falsely stuffed thy head with jealousies,  
And for some private ends of my revenge,  
Disgraced the General, and set odds betwixt  
Lauretta and the Princess: All these mischiefs  
Proceed from my suggestions.  Milla. 
Damn him for it.  Stro. 
Is that your kindness? Give me lean to live,  
Be't but to taint his honour.  Prince 
Tell me Stroza,  
Was julia chaste?  Stro. 
No.  Prince 
Did her Father know it?  Stro. 
Yes, and more too: I had the Gold from him,  
To bribe the General's daughter.  Florence 
Injuries,  
Beyond the thought of man.  Milla. 
Which we ' le no longer strive with, since the heavens have laid that open most plain and palpable, which most we thought to conceal.  Prince. 
Will Parma fight?  Parm. 
Resolve me first? Was julia found chaste?  Prince. 
I here protest, we parted both, as clear,  
As at our first encounter.  Parm. 
Then I accept her, If you my Lord  
Be pleased so to part with her.  Prince. 
Willingly.  julia 
Now have I my desires: Had I withal,  
The Princely babe I boar.  Parm. 
See julia,  
Whom thy hard-hearted Father doomed to death,  
My care hath still Conserved, Embrace it Lady;  
Nay, 'tis thy own near fear it.  Prince. 
Then Prince Parma,  
With your words I'll proceed.  
'Tis fit all justice he not quite exiled,  
That he that weds the Mother keep the child.  Florence 
But Peers, the Virgin that this Stroza hired  
To justify thee wrongs?  Prince 
At hand my Lord:  
Mounsieur conduct them hither?  Moun. 
I shall Sir.  Milla. 
The General's Wife and Daughter.  Enter Lauretta, Wife, and Clown. Clow. 
Yes and their man too; all that's left of him.  Prince 
This the Maid,  
To whom I am so bound?  Laure. 
Oh let me lie  
As prostrate at your foot in Vassalage,  
As I was at your pleasure.  Prince. 
Sweet arise.  Clow. 
Your Lordship hath been up already, when she was down: I hope if the thing you wot of go no worse forward than it hath hegun, and that you take charge of my young Lady, you need not be altogether unmindful of her Gentleman-usher.  Florence 
Of what birth is that Lady?  Milla. 
Even the least  
Envy can speak, She is a Soldier's Daughter,  
Decended from a noble parentage.  Wife. 
Who with her mother,  
Thus kneels to him, as to their Sovereign.  
Entreating, grace and pity.  Milla. 
You have both:  
Sure, sure, the heavens for our Ingratitude,  
To noble Sforza, our brave general,  
Hath saved crossed our proceedings: which to recompense,  
we'll take you unto our best patronage.  Wife. 
Milan is honourable.  Prince 
But by your favour Sir,  
This must be our own charge.  Florence 
With which we are pleased.  julia. 
Stroza was cause of all, but his submission  
Hath saved him from our hate, arise in grace.  
Whilst we thus greet Lauretta.  Lauret. 
Royal Princess,  
I still shall be your handmaid.  Stroza 
Who would strive,  
To be a villain, when the good thus thrive?  Prince 
You crown me with your wishes, Royal father;  
My Mistress first, and next my bedfellow,  
And now my Bride most welcome. Excellent Sir,  
Embrace the Milan Duke, whilst I change hand  
With Princely Parma; julia, once my Wife?  
Back to your husband I return you chaste:  
Mounsieur, be still our friend: You our kind Mother:  
And let succeeding Ages, thus much say:  
Never was Maidenhead better given away.  Exeunt omnes.  
FINIS.   

The Epilogue.  

NEw Plays, are like new Fashions; If they take?  
Followed and worn: And happy's he can make  
First into 'th Garb: But when they once have past  
Censure, and prove not well, they seldom last.  
Our Play is new, but whether shaped well  
In Act or Scene, judge you, you best can tell:  
We hope the best, and 'tis our least of fear,  
That any thing but comely should show here;  
However Gentlemen, 'tis in your powers,  
To make it last; or wear out, in two hours.