THE RAPE OF LUCRECE  
A True Roman Tragedy.  
With the several Songs in their apt places, by Valerius, the merry Lord amongst the Roman Peers.  
Acted by her majesties Servants at the Red Bull, near Clarken-well.  
Written by Thomas Heywood.  
 
LONDON Printed for I.B. and are to be sold in Paul's Churchyard at the Sign of the pied Bull. 1608.   

To the Reader.  
I Thath been no custom in me of all other men (courteous Readers) to commit my plays to the press the reason, though some may attribute to my own insufficiency, I had rather subscribe in that to their severe censure, then by seeling to avoid the imputation of weakness, to incur a greater suspicion of honesty: for though some have used a double sale of their labours, first to the Stage, and after to the press, For my own part I here proclaim myself ever faithful in the first, and never guilty of the last: yet since some of my plays have (unknown to me, and without any of my direction) accidentally come into the Printers hands, and therefore so corrupt and mangled, (copied only by the ear) that I have been as unable to know them, as ashamed to challenge them. This therefore I was the willinger to furnish out in his native habit: first being by consent, next because the rest have been so wronged in being published in such savage and ragged ornaments: accept it Courteous Gentlemen, and prove as favourable Readers as we have found you gracious Auditors.  
Yours T. H.   

Dramatis personae.  

1 Servius King of Rome.  
2 Tarquin The proud.  
3 Tullia Wife of Tarquin Superbus  
4 Arnus and the two Sons of Tarquin.  
5 Sextus the two Sons of Tarquin.  
6 Brutus junior  
7 Collatinus  
8 Horatius Cocles.  
9 Mutius scevola.  
10 Lucretius  
11. Porsenna King of the Tuscans  
12. Porsenna's Secretary  
13. Pub: Valerius.  
14. The priest of Apollo.  
16. 2. sentinels.  
17. Lucretia ravished by Sextus  
18. Mirable. Lucretius' Maid  
19. The Clown.    

THE Rape of Lucrece.  SENATE Enter Tarquin Superbus, Sextus, Tarquinus, Tullia, Arnus, Lucretius, Valerius, Poplicola, and Senators before them. Tullia 
WIthdraw, we must have private conference  
With our dear husband.  Tarq. 
What wouldst thou wife?  Tullia 
Be what I am not, make thee greater far  
Than thou canst aim to be.  Tarqu. 
Why I am Tarquin.  Tul. 
And I am Tullia what of that?  
What Diapasons more in Tarquin's name  
Then in a subjects? or what's Tullia  
More in the sound, than to become the name  
Of a poor Maid or waiting Gentlewoman?  
I am a princess both by birth and thoughts,  
Yet als but Tullia, there's no resonance  
In a bare style: my title bears no breadth,  
Nor hath it any state, oh me, i'm sick!  Tarq. 
Sick Lady?  Tul. 
Sick at heart.  Tarq. 
Why my sweet Tullia?  Tul. 
To be a Queen I long, long and am sick  
With ardence, my hot appetite's afire,  
Till my swollen fervour be delivered  
Of that great Title Queen, my heart's all royal,  
Not to be circumscribed in servile bounds,  
While there's a King that rules the Peers of Rome.  
Tarquin makes legs and Tullia courtesies low,  
Bows at each nod, and must not near the state  
Without obey sance, oh! I hate this awe, my proud heart cannot brook it.  Tar. 
He are me wife.  Tul. 
I am no wife of Tarquini if not King:  
Oh had God made me man, I would have mounted  
Above the base tribunals of the earth,  
Up to the clouds, for pompous sovereignty,  
Thou art a man, oh bear my royal mind,  
Mount heaven and see if Tullia lag behind,  
There is no earth in me, I am all fire,  
Were Tarquin so, then should we both aspire.  Tar. 
Oh Tullia, though my body taste of dullness,  
My soul is winged: lo I soar as high as thine,  
But note what flags our wings! forty five years  
The King thy father hath protected Room.  Tul. 
That makes for us: the people covet change,  
Even the best things in time grow tedious.  Tar. 
'twould seem unnatural in thee my Tullia,  
The reverend King, thy Father to depose:  Tul. 
A kingdoms quest, makes Sons and Father's foes.  Tar. 
And but by Servius fall we cannot climb,  
The balm that must anoint us is his blood.  Tul. 
Let's lave our brows then in that crimson flood,  
We must be bold and dreadless, who aspires,  
Mounts by the lives of Fathers, Sons, and Sires.  Tar. 
And so must I, since for a kingdoms love,  
Thou canst despise a Father for a Crown:  
Tarquin shall mount Servius be tumbled down  
For he usurps my state, and first deposed,  
My father in my swathed Infancy,  
For which he shall be countant to his end.  
I have sounded all the peers and Senators,  
and though unknown to thee my Tullia,  
They all embrace my faction, and so they,  
Love change of state, and new King to obey.  Tul. 
Now is my Tarquin, worthy Tullia's grace  
Since in my arms, I thus a King embrace.  Tar. 
The King should meet this day in Parliament,  
With all the Senates and Estates of Rome:  
His place will I assume, and there proclaim,  
All our decrees in Royal Tarquin's name.  Flourish Enter Sextus, Arnus, Lucretius, Valerius, Colatine and Senators. Lucr. 
May it please thee Noble Tarquin to attend  
The King this day within the high Capitol?  Tul. 
Attend?  Tarq. 
We intend this day to see the Capitol,  
You knew our father good Lucretius?  Lucre. 
I did my Lord.  Tar. 
Was not I his Son?  
The Queen my Mother was of royal thoughts  
and heart pure, as unblemished Innocence.  Lucre. 
Why asks my Lord?  Tar. 
sons should succeed their fathers, but anon  
You shall hear more, high time that we were gone.  flourish. Exeunt: manent Colatine and Valerius Col. 
There's moral sure in this, Valerius,  
here's model, yea, and matter too to breed  
Strange meditations in the provident brains  
Of our grave Fathers: some strange project lives  
This day in Cradle that's but newly borne.  Vale. 
No doubt Colatine no doubt here's a giddy world, it Reels, it hath got the staggers, the commonwealth is sick of an ague, of which nothing can cure her but some violent and sudden affrightment.  Cola. 
The wife of Tarquin would be a Queen, nay on my life she is with child till she be so.  Valer. 
and longs to be brought to bed of a Kingdom, I divine we shall see some scuffling today in the Capitol.  Cola. 
If there be any difference among the Princes and Senate, whose faction will Valerius follow?  Valer. 
Oh Collatine! I am a true Citizen and in this I will best show myself to be one, to take part with the stronger. If Servius o'ercome, I am Liegeman to Serutus, & if Tarquin subdue, I am for Vive Tarquinius.  Col. 
Valerius, no more, this talk does but keep us from the sight of this solemnity: by this the Princes are entering the Capitol: come, we must attend.  Exeunt. SENATE Tarquin, Tullia, Sextus, Arnus, Lucretius one way, Brutus meeting them the other way very humourously. Tar. 
This place is not for fools, this parliament  
assembles not the strains of Idiotism:  
Only the grave and wisest of the land:  
Important are th' affairs we have in hand.  
Hence with that mome.  Lucr. 
Brutus forbear the presence.  Brut, 
For bear the presence, why pray?  Sext. 
None are admitted to this grave concourse,  
But wise men: nay good Brutus.  Bru. 
You'll have an empty parliament then.  Arn. 
Here is no room for fools.  Bru. 
Then what mak'st thou here, or he or he? oh jupiter? if this command be kept strictly, we shall have empty benches: get you home you that are here, for here will be nothing to do this day: a general concourse of wisemen 'ttwas never seen since the first Chaos. Tarquin if the general rule have no exceptions, thou wilt have an empty Consistory.  Tul. 
Brutus, you trouble us.  Bru. 
How powerful am I you renowned Deities, that am able to trouble her that troubles a whole Empire? fools exempted, & women admitted! laugh Democritus, but have you nothing to say to Madmen?  Tarq. 
Madmen have here no place.  Bru. 
Then out a doors with Tarquin: what's he that may sit in a calm Valley, and will choose to repose in a tempestuous mountain, but a madman? that may live in tranquilous pleasures, and will seek out a kingdomes-cares, but a madman? who would seek innovation in a commonwealth in public, or be overruled by a cursed wife in private, but a fool or a madman? give me thy hand Tarquin's shall we two be dismissed together from the Capitol?  Tar. 
Restrain his folly.  Tul. 
Drive the frantic hence.  Arun. 
Nay Brutus.  Sex. 
Good Brutus.  Bru. 
Nay soft, soft good blood of the Tarquins, let's have a few cold words first, and I am gone in an instant: I claim the privilege of the nobility of Rome, and by that privilege my seat in the Capitol. I am a Lord by birth, my place is as free in the Capitol as Horatius thine, or thine Lucretius. Thine Sextus, Arnus thine, or any here: I am a Lord and banish all the Lords from the presence, & you'll have few to wait upon the King but Gentlemen: nay I am easily persuaded then, hands off, since you will not have my company you shall have my room:  
My room indeed, for what I seem to be,  
Brutus is not, but borne great Room to free.  
The state is full of Dropsy, and swollen big  
With windy vapours, which my sword must pierce,  
To purge th'infected blood: bred by the pride  
Of these infested bloods, nay now I go.  
Behold I vanish, since 'tis Tarquin's mind,  
One small fool goes, but great fools leaves behind Exit.  Lucre. 
'tis pity one so generously derived  
Should be deprived: his best enduements thus,  
And want the true directions of the soul.  Tar. 
To leave these dilatory trifles, Lords,  
Now to the public business of the Land,  
Lords take your several places.  Luc 
Not great Tarquin, before the King assume his regal throne  
Whose coming we attend.  Tulli. 
he's come already.  Lucr. 
The King?  Tar. 
The King:  Col. 
Servius.  Tar. 
Tarquinius:  Lucr. 
Servius is King.  Tar. 
It was by power divine,  
The Throne that long since he usurped is mine.  
Here we enthrone ourselves Cathedral state,  
Long since detained us, justly we resume,  
Then let our friends, and such as love us, cry  
Live Tarquin and enjoy this sovereignty.  Omues. 
Live Tarquin and enjoy this sovereignty.  flourish. Ent. Valerius. Val. 
The King himself with such considerate Peers  
As stoutly embrace his faction, being informed  
Of Tarquin's usurpation, armed comes,  
Near to the entrance of the Capitol.  Tarq. 
No man give placeth that dares to arise  
And do him reverence, we his love despise.  Enter Servius, Heratius, Sevo, Soldiers. Ser. 
Traitor.  Ta. 
Usurper.  Ser. 
Descend.  Tul. 
Sit still.  Ser. 
In Tarquin's name, Rooms great imperial monarch  
I charge thee Tarquin disenthrone thyself.  
and throw thee at our feet, prostrate for mercy.  Hor. 
Spoke like a King.  Tar. 
In Tarquin's name, now Rome's imperial Monarch,  
We charge thee Servius make free resignation,  
Of that arched wreath, thou hast usurped so long.  Tul. 
Words worth an Empire.  Hor. 
Shall this be brooked my Sovereign?  
Dismount the Traitor.  Sex. 
Touch him he that dares.  Hor. 
Dares:  Tul. 
Dares?  Ser. 
Strumpet, no child of mine.  Tul. 
Dotard, and not my father.  Ser. 
Kneel to thy King?  Tul. 
Submit thou to thy Queen.  Ser. 
Insufferable treason! with bright steel  
Lop down these interponents, that withstand  
The passage to our throne.  Hor. 
That Cocles dares.  Sex. 
We with our steel, guard Tarquin and this chair.  Sceu. 
A Servius.  Arnu. 
A Tarquin.  Tar. 
Now are we King, indeed our awe is builded  
Upon this royal base, and slaughtered body  
Of a dead King? we by his ruin rise  
To a Monarchal Throne.  Tul. 
We have our longing.  
My father's death gives me a second life,  
Match better than the first, my birth was servitude  
But this new breath of reign is large and free,  
Welcome my second life of Sovereignty.  Lucr. 
I have a Daughter, but I hope of mettle,  
Subject to better temperature: should my Lucrece,  
Be of this pride, thief hands should sacrifice  
Her blood unto the Gods that dwell below,  
The abortive brat should not out live my spleen,  
But Lucrece is my Daughter, this my Queen.  Tul. 
Tear off the crown, that yet empales the Temples  
Of our usurping Father: quickly Lords,  
And in the face of his yet bleeding wounds,  
Let's us receive our honours.  Tar. 
The same breath  
Gives our state life, that was the usurpers death.  Tul. 
Here then by heavens hand we invest ourselves:  
Music, whose loftiest tunes grace Princes crowned,  
Unto our Noble coronation sound.  Flourish Enter Valerius with Heratio and scevola. Tarq. 
Whom doth Valerius to our state present?  Val. 
Two valiant Romans, this Horatius Cocles,  
This Gent. called Mutius scevola,  
Who whilst King Servius wore the Diadem,  
Up held his sway and Princedom by their loves:  
But he being fallen, since all the Peers of Rome  
Applaud King Tarquin in his sovereignty,  
They with like suffrage greet your coronation.  Hor. 
This hand allied unto the Roman Crown,  
Whom never fear dejected or cast low,  
Lays his victorious sword at Tarquin's feet,  
And prostrates with his sword, allegiance.  
King servius life we loved, but he expired  
Great Tarquin's life, is in our hearts desired.  Sex. 
Why? whilst he rules with justice and integrity,  
Shall with our dreadless hands, our hearts command,  
Even with the best employment of our lives,  
Since fortune lifts thee, we submit to fate,  
ourselves are vassals to the Roman state.  Taro. 
Your rooms were empty in our train of friends,  
Which we rejoice to see so well supplied:  
Receive our grace, live in our clement favours,  
In whose submission our young glory grows  
To his ripe height: fall in our friendly train,  
And strengthen with your loves our Infant reign.  Hor. 
We live for Tarquin.  Sex. 
And to thee alone, whilst justice keeps thy Sword & thou thy Throne.  Tar. 
Then are you ours, and now conduct us straight,  
In triumph through the populous streets of Rome,  
To the king's Palace our majestic seat:  
Your hearts though freely proffered we entreat.  Sennat, as they march Tullia treads on her father and stays. Tullia. 
What block is that we tread on?  Lucr. 
'tis the body  
Of your deceased Father Madam, Queen  
Your shoe is crimsoned with his vital blood.  Tul. 
No matter, let his mangled body lie,  
and with his base confederates strew the streets,  
That in disgrace, of his usurped pride,  
We o'er his trunk may in our Chariot ride:  
For mounted like a Queen, 'twould do me good  
To wash my Coach-nails in my father's blood.  Lucre. 
here's a good Child.  Tarq. 
Remove it, we command, and bear his carcase to the funeral pile  
Where after this direction, let it have  
His solemn and due obsequies, fair Tullia,  
Thy hate to him grows from thy love to us.  
Thou showst thyself in this unnatural strife,  
an unkind Daughter, but a loving wife.  
But on unto our Palace this blessed day,  
A king's increase, grows by a king's decay.  Exeunt. Brutus alone. Bru. 
Murder the King, a high and capital treason.  
Those Giants that waged war against the Gods,  
For which o'erwhelmed Mountains hurled by jove,  
To scatter them, and give timeless Graves,  
Was not more cruel than this butchery.  
This slaughter made by Tarquin, but the Queen,  
A woman, fie, fie, did not this she parricide.  
add to her father's wounds: and when his body  
Lay all besmeared and stained in the blood royal,  
Did not this Monster, this infernal hag  
Make her unwilling, charioteer drive on,  
and with his shod wheels crush her Father's bones,  
Break his crazed skull, and dash his brains  
Upon the pavements, whilst she hold the rains?  
The affrighted Sun, at this abhorred object,  
Put on a mask of blood, and yet she blushed not,  
jove art thou just, hast thou reward for piety?  
and for offence no vengeance? or canst punish  
Felons, and pardon Traitors, chastise murderers,  
and wink at parricides? If thou be worthy  
as well we know thou art, to fill the Throne  
Of all eternity, then with that hand  
That flings the trisalitie thunder, let the pride  
Of these our Irreligious monarchisers  
Be crowned in blood: this makes poor Brutus mad,  
To see sin frolic, and the virtuous sad.  Enter Sextus and Arnus. Arn. 
Soft, here's Brutus, let us acquaint him with the news.  Sex. 
Content, now x Brutus:  Bru. 
Who I your kinsman? though I be of the blood of the Tarquins, yet no x, gentle princes.  Arn. 
And why so Brutus, scorn you our all yance?  Brut. 
No, I was x to the Tarquins, when they were subjects, but dare claim no kindred, as they are sovereigns: Brutus is not so mad though he be merry, but he hath wit enough to keep his head on his shoulders.  Arn. 
Why do you my Lord thus lose your hours, and neither profess war nor domestic profit? the first might beget you love, the other riches.  Bru. 
Because I would live: have I not answered you because I would live? fools and Madmen are no rubes in the way of usurpers: the firmament can brook but one Sun, and for my part I must not shine: I had rather live an obscure black, then appear a fair white to be shot at, the end of all is, I would live had Servius been a shrub, the wind had not shook him, or a madman he had not perished: I covet no more wit nor employment then as much as will keep life and soul together, I would but live.  Aru. 
You are too satirical x Brutus, but to the purpose: the King dreamed a strange ominous dream last night, and to be resolved of the event, my brother Sextus and I must to the Oracle.  Sext. 
And because we would be well accompanied, we have got leave of the King that you Brutus shall associate us, for our purpose is to make a merry journey on't.  Bru. 
So you'll carry me along with you to be your fool, & make you merry.  Sex. 
Not our fool, but—  Brut. 
To make you merry: I shall, nay, I will make you merry, or tickle you till you laugh, the Oracle; i'll go to be resolved some doubts private to myself: nay Princes, I am so much endeared both to your loves and companies, that you shall not have the power to be rid of me, what limits have we for our journey?  Sext. 
Five days: no more.  Bru. 
I shall fit me to your preparation, but one thing more, goes Collatine along?  Sex. 
Collatine is troubled with the common disease of all new married men, he's sick of the wife, his excuse is forsooth that Lucrece will not let him go, but you having neither wife nor wit to hold you, I hope will not disappoint us.  Bru. 
Had I both, you should prevail with me above a neither.  Arnus 
We shall expect you.  Bru. 
Horatius Cocles, a and Mutius Scevola are not engage in this expedition,  Arnus 
No they attend the King, farewell.  Bru. 
Lucretius stays at home to, and Valerius.  Sext. 
The Palace cannot spare them,  Bru. 
None but we three?  Sex. 
We three.  Bru. 
We three, well five days hence.  Sex. 
You have the time, farewell.  Exeunt Sextus & Arnus Bru. 
The time I hope for, cannot be conscribed,  
Within so short a limit, Rome and I  
Are not so happy, what's the reason then  
Heaven spares his rod so long? Mercury tell me:  
I have''t: the fruit of pride is yet but green,  
Not mellow, though it grows apace, it comes not  
To his full height: jove oft delays his vengeance,  
That when it haps 'tmay prove more terrible.  
Despair not Brutus then but let thy country  
And thee take this last comfort after all,  
Pride when thy fruit is ripe must rot and fall.  
But to the Oracle.  Exit. Enter Horatius Cocles, Mutius Scevola. Hora. 
I would I were no Roman.  Sceuo. 
Cocles why?  Hora 
I am discontented & dare not speak my thoughts,  Sceuo. 
What, shall I speak them for you?  Hora. 
Mutius do.  Scevo. 
Tarquin is proud.  Hora. 
Thou hast them.  Sceuc. 
Tyrannous.  Hora. 
True.  Sceuc. 
Insufferable lofty.  Hora. 
Thou hast hit me.  Sceuc. 
And shall I tell thee what I prophesy  
Or his succeeding rule?  Hora. 
Noah I'll do't for thee, Tarquin's ability will in the weal,  
Beget a weak unable impotence:  
His strength, make Rome and our dominions weak,  
His soaring high make us to flag our wings,  
And fly close by the earth, his golden feathers,  
Are of such Vastness that they spread like sails,  
And so be calm us that we have not air,  
Able to raise our plumes, to taste the pleasures of our own Elements.  Sceuc. 
We are one heart, our thoughts & our desires are suitable.  Hora. 
Since he was King he bears him like a God,  
His wife like Pallas or the wife of Jove,  
Will not be parleyed without sacrifice,  
And homage sole due to the deities.  Enter Lucretius. Sceuc. 
What hast with good Lucretius,  Lucre. 
Hast small speed,  
I had an earnest suit unto the King,  
About some business that concerns the weal  
Of Rome and us, 'twi'l not be listened to,  
He has took upon him such ambitious state,  
That he abandons conference with his peers,  
Or if he chance to hear our tongues so much,  
As but to hear their summons he despises,  
The intent of all our speeches, our advises,  
And counsel: thinking his own judgement only,  
To be approved in matters military,  
And in affairs domestic we are but shouts,  
And fellows of no parts, viols unstrung,  
Our notes too harsh to strike in princes' ears,  
Great jove amend it,  Horat. 
Whither will you my Lord?  Lucr. 
No matter where if from the court, I'll home to Collatine,  
And to my daughter Lucrece; home breeds safety,  
Dangers begot in Court, a life retired  
Must please me now perforce: then noble scevola,  
And you my dear Horatius, farewell both,  
Where industry is scorned let's welcome sloth.  Enter Collatine. Horat. 
Nay good Lucretius do not leave us thus,  
See here comes Collatine, but where's Valerius  
How does he taste these times.  Collat. 
Not giddily like Brutus, passionately  
Like old Lucretius with his tear swollen eyes, Not laughing like  
Nor bluntly like Horatius Cocles here,  Mutius Scevola. 
He has usurped a stranger garb of humour,  
Distinct from these in natures every way.  Lucret. 
How is he relished can his eyes forbear,  
In this strange state to shed a passionate tear,  
Can he forbear to laugh with Scevola,  
At that which passionate weeping cannot mend.  Horat. 
Nay can his thought shape ought but melancholy  
To see these dangerous passages of state,  
How is he tempered noble Collatine?  Collat. 
Strangely, he is all song, he's ditty all,  
Note that, Valerius hath given up the Court  
And weaned himself from the king's consistory  
In which his sweet harmonious tongue grew harsh,  
Whether it be that he is discontent  
Yet would not so appear before the king  
Or whether in applause of these new Edicts.  
Which so distaste the people, or what cause,  
I know not but now he's all musical.  
Unto the counsel chamber he goes singing,  
And whilst the king his wilful edicts makes,  
In which nonce tongue is powerful save the kings.  
he's in a corner, relishing strange airs.  
Conclusively he's from a toward hopeful gentleman  
trans-shaped to a mere balleter, none knowing  
Whence should proceed this transmutation.  Enter Valerius. Horat. 
See where he comes. Morrow Valerius.  Lucret. 
Morrow my Lord,  

Valer. The first Song.  
Valer. When Tarquin first in Court began,  
And was approved King:  
Some men for sodden joy 'gan weep,  
And I for sorrow sing.   Sceuol. 
Ha, ha, how long has my Valerius  
Put on his strain of mirth, or what's the cause?  

Valer. The second Song.  
Valer. Let humour change and spare not,  
Since Tarquin's proud I care not:  
His fair words so bewitch my delight,  
That I dote on his sight.  
Now all is gone new desires embracing,  
And my deserts disgracing.   Horat. 
Upon my life he's either mad or lovesick,  
Oh can Valerius, but so late a statesman,  
Of whom the public weal deserved so well  
Tune out his age in songs and canzonets,  
Whose voice should thunder counsel in the ears  
Of Tarquin, and proud Tullia? think Valerius  
What that proud woman Tullia is, 'twill put thee  
Quite out of tune.  

Valer. The third Song.  

Valer. Now what is love I pray thee tell,  
It is the fountain and the well,  
Where pleasure and repentance dwell,  
It is perhaps the sansing bell,  
That rings all in to heaven or hell:  
And this is love, and this is love, as I hear tell.   

Now what is love I pray you show,  
A thing that creeps and cannot go:  
A prize that passeth to and fro,  
A thing for me, a thing, for more,  
And he that proves shall find it so,  
And this is love, and this is, sweet friends love    Lucre. 
Valerius I shall quickly change thy cheer,  
And make thy passionate eyes lament with mine,  
Think how that worthy Prince our kinsman King  
Was butchered in the marble Capitol.  
Shall Servius Tullius unregarded die  
Alone of thee, whom all the Roman Ladies,  
Even yet with tear-swollen eyes, and sorrowful souls  
Compassionate, as well he merited;  
To these lamenting dames what canst thou sing?  
Whose grief through all the Roman Temples ring.  

Valer. The fourth Song.  
Valer. Lament Ladies lament  
Lament the Roman land,  
The King is fra thee hent,  
Was doughty on his hand,  
we'll gangn ito the Kirk,  
His dead corpses we'll embrace,  
And when we sea ha dean  
We all will cry alas. Fala la lero la  
Tararara room tar etc.   Harat. 
This music mads me, I all mirth despise.  Lucr. 
To hear him sing draws rivers from his eyes.  Scevola. 
It pleaseth me, for since the Court is harsh,  
And looks askance on soldiers, let's be merry,  
Court Ladies, sing, drink, dance, and every man  
Get him a mistress, coach it in the Country,  
And taste the sweets of it, what thinks Valerius,  
Of scevolous' last council?  

Valer. The fift Song.  

Valer. Why since we soldiers cannot prove,  
And grief it is to us therefore,  
Let every man get him a love,  
To trim her up, and fight no more.   

That we may taste of lovers bliss,  
Be merry and blithe, embrace and kiss,  
That Ladies may say, some more of this,  
That Ladies may say, some more of this.   

Since Court and Country both grow proud,  
And safety you delight to hear,  
we in the Country will us shroud,  
Where lives to please both eye and ear:   

The Nightingale sings jug, jug, jug,  
The little Lamb leaps after his dug,  
And the pretty milkmaids they look so smug,  
And the pretty milkmaids, etc.    
Come Scevola, shall we go and be idle?  Lucr. 
I'll in to weep.  Horat. 
But I my gall to grate.  Sceuo. 
I'll laugh at time, till it will change our Fate.  Exeunt they. Manet Collatine. Colat. 
Thou art not what thou seem'st, Lord Scevola,  
Thy heart mourns in thee, though thy visage smile,  
And so does thy soul weep, Valerius,  
Although thy habit sing, for these new humours  
Are but put on for safety, and to arm them  
Against the pride of Tarquin, from whose danger,  
None great in love, in counsel or opinion  
Can be kept safe: this makes me lose my hours  
At home with Lucrece, and abandon court.  Enter Clown. Clown. 
Fortune I embrace thee, that thou hast assisted me in finding my master, the Gods of good Rome keep my Lord and master out of all bad company.  Collat. 
Sirrah the news with you.  Clow. 
Would you ha' Court news, Camp news, City news or Country news, or would you know what's the news at home?  Collat. 
Let me know all the news.  Clown. 
The news at Court is, that a small leg and a silk stocking are in fashion for your Lord: And the water that god Mercury makes is in request with your Lady. The heaviness of the king's wine makes many a light head, and the emptiness of his dishes many full bellies, eating & drinking was never more in use; you shall find the baddest legs in boots, and the worst faces in masks. They keep their old stomachs still, the kings good Cook hath the most wrong: for that which was wont to be private only to him, is now usurped among all the other officers: for now every man in his place to the prejudice of the master Cook, makes bold to lick his own fingers.  Col. 
The news in the Camp.  Clo. 
The greatest news in the camp is, that there is no news at all, for being no camp at all, how can there be any tidings from it?  Col. 
Then for the Camp.  Clo. 
The Senators are rich, their wives fair, credit grows cheap and traffic dear, for you ha' many that are broke, the poorest man that is, may take up what he will, so he will be but bound to a post, till he pay the debt: There was one Courtier, lay with twelve men's wives in the suburbs, and pressing further to make one more cuckold within the walls, and being taken with the manner, had nothing to say for himself, but this, he that made twelve made thirteen.  Col. 
Now Sir for the Country.  Clo. 
There is no news there but at the Alehouse, there's the most receipt, and is it not strange my Lord, that so many men love ale that know not what ale is.  Col. 
Why, what is ale?  Clo. 
Why ale is a kind of juice, made of the precious grain called Malt: & what is Malt? Malt's MALT. and what is MALT M much, A ale, L little, T thrift, all is, much ale's, little thrist.  Col. 
Only the news at home, and I have done.  Clo. 
My lady must needs speak with you about earnest business, that concerns her nearly, and I was sent in all haste to entreat your Lordship to come away,  Col. 
And couldst thou not have told me Lucrece stay,  
And I stand trifling here fellow away.  Clo. 
I Mary sir, the way into her were a way worth following, and that's the reason that so many serving-men that are familiar with their mistresses, have lost the name of Servitors, and are now called their masters followers. Rest you merry.  Sound Music. Apollo's Priests with Tapers, after them, Aruns, Sextus, and Brutus with their oblations, all kneeling before the Oracle. Priest. 
O thou sacred God inspire  
The Priests, and with celestial fire  
Shot from thy beams, crown our desire,  
That we may follow.  
In these thy true and hallowed measures,  
The utmost of thy heavenly treasures  
According to the thoughts and pleasures  
Of great Apollo.  
Our hearts with inflammations burn  
Great Tarquin and his people mourn  
Till from thy Temple we return  
With some glad tidings.  
Then tell us, shall great Rome be blessed  
And royal Tarquin live in rest,  
That gives his high Ennobled breast  
To thy safe guiding?  Oracle. 
Then Rome her ancient honours wins  
When she is purged from Tullius sins.  Brutus. 
Gramercies Phoebus for these spells,  
Phoebus alone alone excels.  Sextus. 
Tullia perhaps sinned in our grandsire's death  
And hath not yet by reconcilement made  
Atone with Phoebus, at whose shrine we kneel.  
Yet gentle Priest let us thus far prevail,  
To know if Tarquin's seed shall govern Rome  
And by succession claim the Royal wrath.  
Behold me younger of the Tarquins Race  
This elder Aruns both the sons of Tullia.  
This junius Brutus though a madman yet,  
Of the high blood of Tarquins.  Priest. 
Sextus peace. Tell us O thou that shinest so bright  
From whom the world receives his light,  
Whose absence is perpetual night,  
whose praises ring.  
Is it with heavens applause decreed,  
When Tarquin's soul from earth is freed  
That noble Sextus shall succeed  
In Rome as king.  Brut. 
I Oracle hast thou lost thy tongue?  Arun. 
Tempt him again fair Priest,  Sext. 
If not as king, let Delphian Phoebus yet  
Thus much resolve me who shall govern Rome,  
Or of us three, bear greatest pre-eminence.  Priest. 
Sextus I will, yet sacred Phoebus we entreat,  
Which of these three shall be great  
Which largest power and state replete  
by the heavens doom.  
Phoebus thy thoughts no longer smother.  Oracle. 
He that first shall kiss his mother  
Shall be powerful and no other  
Of you three in Rome.  Sext. 
Shall kiss his mother.  Brutus falls. Brut. 
Mother earth to thee an humble kiss I tender.  Arun. 
What means Brutus?  Brut. 
The blood of the slaughtered sacrifice made this flore as slippery as the place where Tarquin treads, 'tis glassy and as smooth as ice: I was proud to hear the Oracle so gracious to the blood of the Tarquins and so I fell.  Sext. 
Nothing but so, then to the Oracle.  
I charge thee Aruns, junus Brutus thee,  
To keep the sacred doom of the Oracle  
From all our train, lest when the younger lad  
Our brother now at home sits dandled  
Upon fair Tullia's lap, this understanding  
May kiss our beauteous Mother and succeed.  Arun. 
Let the charge go round,  
It shall go hard but I'll prevent you Sextus.  Sext. 
I fear not the madman Brutus, & for Aruns let me alone to buckle with him, I'll be the first at my mother's lips for a kingdom.  Brut. 
If the madman had not been before you Sextus, if Oracles be Oracles, their phrases are mystical, they speak still in clouds: had he meant a natural mother he would ha' spoke it by circumference.  Sext. 
Tullia, if ever thy lips were pleasing to me, let it be at my return from the Oracle.  Aruns. 
If a kiss will make me a king, Tullia I will spring to thee, though through the blood of Sextus.  Brut. 
Earth I acknowledge no mother but thee, accept me as thy son, and I shall shine as bright in Rome as Apollo himself in his temple at Delphos.  Sextus. 
Our superstitions ended, sacred Priest,  
Since we have had free answer from the Gods,  
To whose fair altars we ha' done due right  
And hallowed them with presents acceptable,  
Let's now return, treading these holy measures,  
With which we entered great Apollo's temple.  
Now Phoebus let thy sweet tuned organs sound,  
Whose spherelike music must direct our feet  
Upon the marble pavement: after this  
we le gain a kingdom by a mother's kiss.  Exeunt. Sennat. A table and Chairs prepared; Tarquin; Tullia, and Collatine, Scevola, Horatius, Lucretius, Valerius, Lords. Tarquin. 
Attend us with your persons, but your ears  
Be deaf unto our counsels.  The Lords fall off on either side and attend. Tullia. 
Further yet.  Tarqu. 
Now Tuilia what must be concluded next?  Tullia. 
The kingdom you have got by policy  
You must maintain by pride.  Tarq. 
Good Tullia.  Tullia. 
Those that were late of the king's faction  
Cut off for fear they prove rebellious.  Tarq. 
Better.  Tullia. 
Since you gain nothing by the popular love,  
Maintain by fear your princedom.  Tarq. 
Excellent, thou art our Oracle, and save from thee  
We will admit no counsel, we obtained  
Our state by cunning, 'tmust be kept by strength.  
And such as cannot love, we'll teach to fear,  
To encourage which upon a better judgement,  
And to strike greater terror to the world.  
I ha forbid thy father's funeral.  Tul. 
No matter.  Tarq. 
All capital causes are by us discussed,  
Traversed and executed without counsel.  
We challenge too by our prerogative,  
The goods of such as strive against our state,  
The freest citizens without attaint,  
Arraign or judgement we to exile doom,  
The poorer are our drudges, rich our prey,  
And such as dare not strive our rule obey.  Tul. 
Kings are as Gods, and divine sceptres bear,  
The God's command for mortal tribute fear.  
But royal Lord, we that despise their love,  
Must seek some means how to maintain this awe  Tarq. 
By foreign leagues, & by our strength abroad,  
Shall we that are degreed above our people,  
Whom heaven hath made our vassals reign with them?  
No kings above the rest tribunaled high  
Should with no meaner, than with king's alley:  
For this we to Mamilius Tusculan  
The Latin King ha' given in marriage  
Our royal daughter: now his people's ours,  
The neighbour princes are subdued by arms:  
And whom we could not conquer by constraint  
Them ha' we sought to win by courtesy,  
Kings that are proud, yet would secure their own,  
By love abroad, shall purchase fear at home.  Tullia. 
We are secure, then yet our greatest strength  
Is in our children: how dare treason look?  
Us in the face, having issue, barren princes  
Breed danger in their singularity  
Having none to succeed, their claim dies with them:  
But when in topping on three Tarquin's more,  
Like Hydra's heads grow to revenge his death,  
It terrifies black treason.  Tarq. 
Tullia's wise, and apprehensive, were our princely sons  
Sextus and Aruns back returned safe,  
With an applausive answer of the Gods,  
From th'oracle, our state were able then,  
Being Gods ourselves, to scorn the hate of men.  Enter Sextus, Aruns and Brutus. Sext. 
where's Tullia?  Arun. 
Where's our mother?  Hor. 
Yonder princes at Counsel with the king.  Tul. 
Our sons returned.  Sext. 
Royal mother.  Arun. 
Renowned Queen.  Sex. 
I love her best, therefore will Sextus do his duty first.  Aruns. 
Being eldest in my birth i'll not be youngest  
In zeal to Tullia.  Brut. 
Too't lads.  Arun. 
Mother a kiss.  Sext. 
Though last in birth, let me be first in love.  
A kiss fair mother.  Arun. 
Shall I lose my right?  Sex. 
Aruns Shall down were Aruns twice my brother  
If he presume fore me to kiss my mother.  Ar. 
I Sextus, think this kiss to be a crown, thus would we tug for't.  Sext. 
Aruns thou must down.  Tarq. 
Restrain them Lords.  Br. 
Nay to't boys, o 'tis brave, they tug for shadows, I the substance have.  Arun. 
Through armed gates, and thousand swords i'll break  
To show my duty let my valour speak.  Breaks from the Lords and kisses her. Sext. 
Oh heavens ye have dissolved me.  Aru. 
Here I stand, what I ha' done to answer with this hand.  Sex. 
Oh all you Delphian Gods look down and see,  
How for these wrongs I will revenged be.  Tar. 
Curb in the proud boy's fury: let us know  
From whence this discord riseth.  Tul. 
From our love, how happy are we in our issue now,  
whenas our sons! even with their bloods contend,  
To exceed in duty we accept your zeal,  
This your superlative degree of kindness  
So much prevails with us, that to the king  
We engage our own dear love twixt his incensement,  
And your presumption, you are pardoned both.  
And Sextus though you failed in your first proffer,  
We do not yet esteem you lest in love, ascend & touch our lips  Sext. 
Thank you, no.  Tul. 
Then to thy knee we will descend thus low,  Sex. 
Nay now it shall not need: how great's my heart!  Ar. 
In Tarquin's crown thou hast now lost thy part.  Sex. 
No kissing now Tarquin, great Queen adieu:  
Aruns On earth we ha' no foe but you.  Exit. Tarq. 
What means this their unnatural enmity?  Tul. 
hate borne from love.  Tarq. 
Resolve us then, how did the Gods accept  
Or sacrifice, how are they pleased with us.  
How long will they applaud our sovereignty?  Brut. 
Shall I tell the king.  Tarq. 
Do cozen, with the process of your journey.  Brut. 
I will. We went from hither, when we went from here arrived thither when we landed there, made an end of our prayers when we had done our Orisons, when thus quoth Phoebus, Tarquin shall be happy whilst he is blessed, govern while he reigns, wake when he sleeps not, sleep when he wakes not, quaff when he drinks, eat when he feeds, gape when his mouth opens, live till he die, and die when he can live no longer. So Phoebus commends him to you.  Tarq. 
Mad Brutus still, Son Aruns What say you.  Arun. 
That the great Gods to whom the potent king  
Of this large Empire, sacrificed by us.  
Applaud your reign, commend your sovereignty:  
And by a general synod grant to Tarquin,  
Long days, fair hopes, Majestic government.  Brut. 
Adding withal, that to depose the late king, which in  
others, had been arch treason, in Tarquin was honour: what in  
Brutus had been usurpation, in Tarquin was lawful succession  
and for Tullia, though it be parricide for a child to kill her father,  
in Tullia it was charity by death.  
To rid him of all his calamities, Phoebus himself, said she, was a good child, and shall not I say as he says, to tread upon her father's skull, sparkle his brains upon her chariot wheel,  
And wear the sacred tincture of his blood  
Upon the servile shoe? but more than this,  
After his death deny him the due claim  
Of all mortality, a funeral,  
An earthen sepulchre: this this, quoth the Oracle,  
Save Tullia none would do.  Tul. 
Brutus no more, lest with our surpassed eyes of wrath & fury  
We look into the humour; were not madness  
And folly to thy words a privilege  
Even in thy last reproof of our proceedings  
Thou hadst pronounced thy death.  Brut. 
If Tullia will send Brutus abroad for news, and after at his return not endure the telling of it; let Tullia either get closer ears, or get for Brutus a stricter tongue. God boy.  Exit. Tarq. 
Alas 'tis madness, pardon him, not spleen,  
Nor is it hate, but frenzy, we are pleased  
To hear the God's propitious at our prayers.  
But whither's Sextus gone? resolve us Cecles,  
We saw thee in his parting follow him.  Hor. 
I heard him say, he would straight take his horse  
Unto the warlike Gabine's enemies.  Tarq. 
To Rome and you save them we have no opposites.  
And dares the boy, confederate with our foes?  
Attend us Lords, we must new battles wage,  
And with bright arms confront the proud boy's rage.  Exeunt. Manet Lucretius, Collatine, Horatius, Valerius, Scevola. Hor. 
Had I as many souls as drops of blood  
In this branched veins, as many lives as stars  
Stuck in yond azure roof, and were to die  
More deaths than I see wasted weary minutes  
To grow to this, I'd hazard all, and more,  
To purchase freedom to this bondaged Rome.  
I'm vexed to see this virgin conqueress wear shackles in my fight.  Luc. 
Oh would my tears would rid great Rome of these prodigious fears.  Enter Brutus. Brut. 
What weeping ripe Lucretius possible now Lords, Ladies, friends, fellows, young madcap, gallants & old courtly ruffians, all subjects under one tyranny, & therefore should be partners of one & the same unanimity. Shall we go single ourselves by two & two, & go talk treason then 'tis but his yea, and my nay, if we be called to question: Or shall's go use some violent bustling to break through this thorny servitude, or shall we every man go sit like a man in desperation, and with Lucretius weep at Rome's misery: now am I for all things, any thing or nothing, I can laugh with Scevola, weep with this good old man, sing oh hone hone with Valerius, fret with Horatius Cocles, be mad like myself, neutrize with Collatine. Say what shall's do?  Hor. 
fret.  Val. 
Sing.  Luc. 
Weep.  Scen. 
Laugh.  Brut. 
Rather let's all be mad that Tarquin still reigneth, Rome's still sad.  Col. 
You are madmen all that yield so much to passion.  
You lay yourselves too open to your enemies,  
That would be glad to pry into your deeds.  
And catch advantage to ensnare our lives.  
The kings fear like a shadow dogs you still,  
Nor can you walk without it: I commend  
Valerius most, and noble Scevola  
That what they cannot mend, seem not to mind,  
By my consent let's all wear out our hours  
In harmless sports, hawk, hunt, game, sing, drink  
So shall we seem offenceless & live safe.  
In dangers bloody jaws where being humorous dance  
Cloudy and curiously inquisitive.  
Into the king's proceedings there armed fear  
May search into us, call our deeds to question,  
And so prevent all future expectation:  
Of wished amendment let us stay the time,  
Till heaven have made them ripe for just revenge,  
When opportunity is offered us.  
And then strike home, till then do what you please:  
No discontented thought my mind shall cease.  Brut. 
I am of Collatine's mind. Now Valerius sing us a bawdy song. and makes merry, nay it shall be so.  Valer. 
Brutus shall pardon me.  Sceu. 
The time that should have been seriously spent in the State house, I ha' learned securely to spend in a wenching house, and now I profess myself any thing but a Statesman.  Hor. 
the more thy vanity.  Luc. 
The less thy honour.  Valer. 
The more his safety, and the less his fear.  Brut. 
We ha' been mad Lords long, now let us be merry Lords, Horatios maugre thy melancholy, and Lucretius in spite of thy sorrow, I'll have a song a subject for the ditty.  Hor. 
Great Tarquin's pride, and Tullia's cruelty.  Brut. 
Dangerous, no.  Lucr. 
The tyrannies of the Court, & the vassalage of the City.  Sceu. 
Neither shall I give the subject.  Br. 
Do, & let it be of all the pretty wenches in the Suburbs of Rome.  Sceu. 
It shall, it shall, shall it Valerius?  Val. 
Any thing, according to my poor acquaintance, & little conversance.  Brut. 
Nay you shall stay Horatius, Lucretius so shall you, he removes himself from the love of Brutus, that shrinks from my side till we have had a song of all the pretty suburbians: sit round, when Valerius?  

The sixth Song.  
Valer. Shall I woe the lovely Molly,  
she's so fair, so fat, so jolly,  
But she has a trick of folly,  
Therefore I'll ha' none of Molly. No no no, no no no.  
I'll have none of Molly no no no.  
Oh the cherry lips of Nelly,  
They are red and soft as jelly,  
But too well she loves her belly,  
therefore i'll have none of Nelly. No no etc.  
What say you to bonny Betty,  
Ha' you seen a lass to pretty?  
But her body is so sweaty,  
Therefore I'll ha' none of Bety. No no no, etc.  
When I dolly with my Dolly,  
She is full of melancholy.  
Oh that wench is pestilent holy,  
Therefore i'll have none of Dolly. No no no, etc.  
I could fancy lovely Nanny,  
But she has the loves of many,  
Yet herself she loves not any,  
Therefore i'll have none of Nanny, No no no, etc.  
In a flax-shop I spied Rachel,  
Where she her flax and tow did hatchel,  
But her cheeks hang like a satchel.  
Therefore i'll ha' none of Rachel. No no no, etc.  
In a corner I met Biddy,  
Her heels were light her head was giddy,  
She fell down and somewhat did I,  
Therefore i'll have none of Biddy. No no no, etc.   Brut. 
The rest we'll hear within: what offence is there in this Lucretius, what hurt's in this Horatius? Is it not better to sing with our heads on then weep with our heads off, I near took Collatine for a politician till now. Come Valerius, we'll run over all the wenches of Rome, even from the community of lascivious Flora to the chastity of divine Lucrece, come good Horat  Exeunt. Enter Lucrece, Maid and Clown. Lucr. 
A Chair.  Clo. 
A chair for my Lady, Mrs. Mirable do you not hear my Mistress call.  Lucr. 
Come near sir, be less officious.  
In duty, and use more attention,  
Nay gentlewoman we exempt not you  
From our discourse, but you must afford an ear  
As well as he, to what we ha' to say.  Maid. 
I still remain your handmaid.  Lucr. 
Sirrah I ha' seen you oft familiar  
With this my Maid and waiting gentlewoman.  
As casting amorous glances, wanton looks,  
And pretty becks, savouring incontinence.  
I let you know you are not for my service  
Unless you grow more civil.  Clo. 
Indeed madam for my own part I wish Mrs Mirable well as one fellow servant aught to wish to another, but to say that ever I flung any sheeps eyes in her face, how say you mistress Mirable did I ever offer it?  
Nay mistress I ha' seen you answer him  
With gracious looks and some uncivil smiles,  
Retorting eyes, and giving his demeanour  
Such welcome as becomes not modesty.  
Know henceforth there shall no lascivious phrase,  
Suspicious look or shadow of incontinence  
Be entertained by any that attend on Roman Lucrece.  Maid. 
Madam I.  Lucr. 
Excuse it not for my premeditable thought  
Speaks nothing out of rashness, nor vain hear say.  
But what my own experience testifies:  
Against you both let then this mild reproof  
Forewarn you of the like, my reputation  
Which is held precious in the eyes of Rome,  
Shall be no shelter to th'least intent  
Of looseness, leave all familiarity:  
And quite renounce acquaintance, or I here discharge you both my service.  Clown. 
For my own part madam, as I am a true Roman by nature, though no Roman by my nose, I never spent the least lip labour on mistress Mirable never so much as glanced, never used any winking or pinking, never nodded at her, no not so much as when I was asleep never asked her the question so much as what's her name, if you can bring any man woman or child, that can say so much behind my back; As for he did but kiss her, for he did but kiss her and so let her go, let my Lord Callatine in stead of plucking my coat, pluck my skin over my ears & turn me away naked, that wheresoever I shall come I may be held a raw servingman hereafter.  Lucr. 
Sirrah you know our mind.  Clow. 
If ever I knew what belongs to these cases, or yet know what they mean, if ever I used any plain dealing, or were ever worth such a jewel, would I might die a beggar, if ever I were so far read in my grammar, as to know what an Interjection is, or a conjunction copulative, would I might never have good of my : why do you think madam, I have no more care of myself being but a stripling then to go to it at these years, flesh and blood cannot endure it, I shall even spoil one of the best faces in Rome with crying at your unkindness.  Lucr. 
I ha' done, see if you can spy your Lord returning from the Court, and give me notice what strangers he brings home with him.  Enter Collatine, Valerius, Horatius, Scevola. Clown. 
Yes I'll go, but see kind man he saves me a labour.  Collatine. 
Fair Lucrece, I ha' brought these Lords from Court  
To feast with thee, sirrah prepare us dinner.  Lucrece. 
My Lord is welcome, so are all his friends, the news at Court Lords?  Hor. 
Madam strange news: Prince Sextus by the enemies of Rome  
Was nobly used and made their General,  
Twice hath he met his father in the field,  
And foiled him by the warlike Gabine's aid:  
But how hath he rewarded that brave Nation,  
That in his great disgrace supported him?  
I'll tell you Madam, he since the last battle  
Sent to his father a close messenger  
To be received to grace, withal demanding  
What he should do with those his enemies:  
Great Tarquin from his son receives this news,  
Being walking in his Garden, when the messenger  
Importuned him for answer, the proud king  
Lops with his wand the heads of poppies off,  
And says no more, with this uncertain answer  
The messenger to Sextus back returns.  
who questions of his father's words, looks, gesture,  
He tells him what the haughty speechless King  
Did to the heads of poppies, which bold Sextus  
Straight apprehends, cuts off the great men's heads,  
And having lest the Gabines without Governors,  
Flies to his father, and this day is welcomed  
For this his traitorous service, by the King  
With all due solemn honours to the Court.  Sceuo. 
Courtesy strangely requited, this none but the son of Tarquin would ever have enterprised.  Vale. 
I like it, I applaud it, this will come to somewhat in the end, when heaven has cast up his account, some of them will be called to a hard reckoning.  Colla. 
Leave all to heaven.  Enter Clown. Clow. 
My Lords, the best plum porridge in all Rome cools for your honours dinner is piping hot upon the table: & if you make not the more haste, you are like to have but cold cheer, the cook hath done his part, & there's not a dish upon the dresser but he has made smoke for you, if you have good stomachs, and come not in while the meat is hot, you'll make hunger and cold meet together.  Col. 
My man's a Rhetorician I can tell you,  
And this conceit is fluent. Enter Lords,  
You must be Lucrece guests, and she is scant  
In nothing: for such princes must not want.  Exeunt Manet Valerius & clown. Clow. 
My Lord Valerius, I have even a suit to your honour, I ha' not the power to part from you, without a relish, a note, a tone, we must get an air betwixt us.  Valer. 
Thy meaning.  Clo. 
Nothing but this, john for the king, has been in many ballads, john for the king down dino, john for the king, has eaten many salads john for the king sings heigh ho.  Valer. 
Thou wouldst have a song, wouldst thou not?  Clow. 
And be everlastingly bound to your honour, I am now forsaking the world and the Devil, and somewhat leaning towards the flesh, if you could but teach me how to choose a wench fit for my stature and complexion, I should rest yours in all good offices.  Valer. 
I'll do that for thee, what's thy name?  Clow. 
My name sir is pompey.  Valer. 
Well then attend,  He sings. 

The seventh song.  
pompey I will show thee the way to know  
A dainty dapper wench  
First see her all bare, let her skin be rare,  
And be touched with no part of the french:  
Let her eye be clear, and her brow severe,  
Her eyebrows thin and fine:  
But if she be a punk, and love to be drunk,  
Then keep her still from the wine.  
Let her stature be mean, & her body clean  
Thou canst not choose but like her.  
But see she ha' good clothes, with a fair Roman nose,  
For that's the sign of a striker.  
Let her legs be small, but not used to sprawl,  
Her tongue not too loud nor cocket,  
Let her arms be strong and her fingers long.  
But not used to dive in a pocket.  
Let her body be long and her back be strong,  
With a soft lip that entangles,  
With an ivory breast, and her hair well dressed  
Without goldlace or spangles.  
Let her foot be small, clean legged withal,  
Her apparel not too gaudy:  
And one that hath not been, in no house of sin,  
Nor place that hath been bawdy.   Clo. 
But gods me I am trifling here with thee, & dinner cools o'th' table, & I am called to my attendance, oh my sweet Lord Valerius.  Exeunt. senate. Enter Tarquin, Porsenna, Tullia, Sextus, Aruns. Tarquin, 
Next king Porsenna, whom we tender dearly,  
Welcome young Sextus, thou hast to our yoke,  
Suppressed the neck of a proud nation  
The warlike Gauines, enemies to Rome.  Sextus. 
It was my duty royal Emperor,  
The duty of a subject and a son.  
We at our mother's intercession likewise,  
Are now atoned with Aruns, whom we here receive into our bosom  Tul. 
This is done like a kind brother and a natural son.  Ar. 
We interchange a royal heart with Sextus & graft us in your love.  Tarq. 
Now king Porsenna, welcome once more, to Tarquin and to Rome.  Por. 
We are proud of your alliance, and Rome is ours,  
And we are Rome's, this our religious league,  
Shall be carved firm in characters of brass,  
And live for ever to succeeding times.  Tar. 
It shall Porsenna, now this leagues established,  
We will proceed in our determined wars  
To bring the neighbour Nations under us.  
Our purpose is to make young Sextus General  
Of all our army, who hath proved his fortunes  
And found them full of favour, we'll begin  
With strong Ardea, ha' you given in charge  
To assemble all our Captains, & take muster of our strong army?  Aruns. 
That business is dispatched.  Sextus. 
we ha' likewise sent for all our best commanders to take charge  
According to their merit, Lord Valerius,  
Lord Brutus, Cocles, Mutius, Scevola,  
And Collatine to make due preparation of such a gallant siege.  Tarq. 
This day you shall set forward, Sextus go,  
And let us see your army march along  
Before this King and us, that we may view  
The puissance of our host prepared already,  
To lay high reared Ardea waste and low.  Sex. 
I shall my liege.  Tul. 
Aruns associate him.  Ar. 
Arrival with my brother in his honours.  Exeunt Aruns & Sextus. Tar. 
Porsenna shall behold strength of Rome,  
And body of the Camp under the charge  
Of two brave Princes to lay hostile siege  
Against the strongest city that withstands  
The all commanding Tarquin.  Porsen. 
'tis an object, to please Porsenna's Eye. Soft March.  Lucret. 
The host is now upon his march,  
You from this place may see,  
The pride of all the Roman chivalry.  Sextus, Aruns, Brutus, Collatine, Valerius, Scevola, Cocles, with soldiers drum and colours, march over the stage, and congee to the King and Queen. Porsen. 
This sight's more pleasing to Porsenna's eye,  
Than all our rich Attalia pompous feasts,  
Or sumptuous Revels, we are borne a soldier:  
And in our manage sucked the milk of war.  
Should any strange fate lower upon this army,  
Or that the merciless gulf of confusion  
Should swallow them, we at our proper charge,  
And from our native confines vow supply  
Of men and Arms to make these numbers full.  Tar. 
You are our Royal brother, and in you  
Tarquin is powerful and maintains his awe.  Tul. 
The like Porsenna may command of Rome.  Porsen. 
But we have in your fresh varieties  
Feasted too much, and kept ourself too long  
From our stone seat, our prosperous return  
Hath been expected by our Lords and Peers.  Tar. 
The business of our wars thus forwarded,  
We ha' best leisure for our entertainment,  
Which now shall want no due solemnity.  Porsen. 
It hath been beyond both expectation  
And merit, but in sight of heaven I swear  
If ever royal Tarquin shall demand  
Use of our love, 'tis ready stored for you,  
Even in our Kingly breast.  Tar. 
The like we vow, to King Porsenna, we will yet a little  
Enlarge your royal welcome with Rarities,  
Such as Rome yields: that done before we part  
Of two remote dominions make one heart.  
Set forwards then, our sons wage war abroad,  
To make us peace at home, we are of ourself  
Without supportance, we all fate defy,  
Aidless, and of ourself we stand thus hy.  Exeunt. Two soldiers meet as in the watch. 1 Sol. 
Stand, who goes there?  2 Sol. 
A friend.  1 
Stir not, for if thou dost I'll broach thee straight upon the pike, The word.  2. Soul. 
Porsenna.  1. Sol. 
Pass, stay, who walks the round tonight,  
The General, or any of his Captains?  2. Sol. 
Horatius hath the charge, the other chieftains  
Rest in the general's tent, there's no commander  
Of any note but revel with the Prince:  
And I among the rest am charged to attend  
Upon their Rouse.  1. Sol. 
Pass freely, I this night must stand,  
Twixt them and danger, the time of night.  2. Sol. 
The clock last told eleven.  1. Sol. 
The powers celestial, that ha' took Rome in charge protect it still.  
Again good night, thus must poor Soldiers do,  
Whilst their commanders are with dainties fed,  
They sleep on Down, the earth must be our bed.  Sennet. A banquet prepared. Enter Sextus, Aruns, Brutus, Valerius, Horatius Scevola, Collatine. Sext. 
Sit round the enemy is pounded fast  
In their own folds, the walls made to oppugn,  
Hostile incursions become a prison  
To keep them fast for execution;  
there's no eruption to be feared.  Brut. 
What shall's do? come a health to the general's health, & Valerius that sits the most civilly shall begin it, I cannot talk till my blood be mingled with this blood of grapes: Fill, for Valerius thou shouldst drink well, for thou hast been in the German wars, if thou lov'st me drink upse freeze.  Sext. 
Nay since Brutus has spoke the word, the first health shall be imposed on you Valerius, and if ever you have been germanised let it be after the Dutch fashion.  Valer. 
The General may command.  Brut. 
He may, why else is he called the Commander?  Sext. 
We will entreat Valerius.  Val. 
Since you will needs enforce a high-german health, look well to your heads, for I come upon you with this dutch Tassaker, if you were of a more noble science than you are, it will go near to break your heads round.  

The eight a Dutch song.  

O Morke gyff men eine man,  
Skerry merry vip,  
O morke gyff men eine man  
Skerry merry vap.  
O morke gyff men eine man,  
that tik die scine long o drievan can;  
Skerry merry vip, and skerry merry vap,  
and skerry merry runke ede bunk.  
Ede hoore was a hay dedle down  
Deal drunk a:  
Skerry merry runk, ede bunk, ede boor was drunk a   

O daughter yeis ein alto kleene  
Skerry merry vip,  
O daughter yeis ein alto kleene,  
Skerry merry vap,  
O daughter yeis ein alto kleene,  
Ye molten slop, ein year a lean  
Skerry merry vip, and skerry merry vap  
And skerry merry runk ede bunk  
Ede hoore was a bay dedle down  
Dedle drunk a:  
Skerry merry, runk ede bunke ede hoor was drunk a.    Sext. 
Gramercies Valerius, came this high-german health as double as his double double ruff, i'd pledge it.  Brut. 
Were it in Lubeckes or double double beer their own natural, liquour i'd pledge it, were it as deep as his ruff, let the health go round about the board as his band goes round about his neck, I am no more afraid of this dutch falchion, than I should be of the heathenish invention.  Col. 
I must entreat you spare me, for my brain brooks not the fumes of wine, their vaporous strength offends me much.  Herat. 
I would have none spare me, for i'll spare none, Collatine will pledge no health unless it be to his Lucrece.  Sext. 
What's Lucrece but a woman, and what are women?  
But tortures and disturbance unto men.  
If they be foul theyare odious, and if fair,  
theyare like rich vessels full of poisonous drugs,  
Or like black serpents armed with golden scales,  
For my own part, they shall not trouble me.  Brut. 
Sextus sit fast, for I proclaim myself a woman's champion, and shall unhorse thee else.  Vale. 
For my own part, I'm a married man, and I'll speak to my wife to thank thee Brutus.  Aru. 
I have a wife too, and I think, the most virtuous Lady in the world.  Sceu. 
I cannot say but that I have a good wife too, & I love her: but if she were in heaven, beshrew me if I would wish her so much hurt as to desire her company upon earth again yet upon my honour, though she be not very fair, she is exceeding honest.  Brut. 
Nay the less beauty the less temptation to despoil her honesty.  Sce. 
I should be angry with him that should make question of her honour.  Brut. 
And I angry with thee if thou shouldst not maintain her honour.  Aru. 
If you compare the virtues of your wives, let me step in for mine.  Colla. 
I should wrong my Lucrece not to stand for her.  Sext. 
Ha, ha, all captains, and stand upon the honesty of your  
wives, be't possible think you, that women of young spirit and full age  
Of fluent wit, that can both sing and dance,  
Read, write, such as feed well and taste choice cates,  
That straight dissolve to purity of blood.  
That keep the veins full, and inflame the appetite,  
Making the spirit able, strong and prone,  
Can such as these their husbands being away  
Employed in foreign sieges or elsewhere,  
Deny such as importune them at home?  
Tell me that flax will not be touched with fire,  
Nor they be won to what they most desire.  Brut. 
Shall I end this controversy in a word?  Sext. 
Do good Brutus.  Brut. 
I hold some holy but some apt to fin,  
Some tractable, but some that none can win,  
Such as are virtuous, Gold nor wealth can move,  
Some vicious of themselves are prone to love.  
Some Grapes are sweet and in the Gardens grow,  
Others unpruned, turn wild neglected so.  
The purest oar contains both Gold and dross,  
The one all gain, the other nought but loss.  
The one disgrace, reproach and scandal taints,  
The other angels and sweet featured saints.  Colla. 
Such is my virtuous Lucrece.  Ar. 
Yet for her virtue not comparable to the wife of Aruns.  Col. 
And why may not mine be ranked with the most virtuous?  Hor. 
I would put in for a lot, but 1000 to one I shall draw but a blank.  Vale. 
I should not show I loved my wife, not to take her part in her absence, I hold her inferior to none.  Aruns. 
Save mine.  Vale. 
No not to her.  Brut. 
Oh this were a brave controversy for a jury of women to arbitrate.  Col. 
I'll hazard all my fortunes on the virtues  
Of divine Lucrece, shall we try them thus?  
It is now dead of night, let's mount our steeds,  
Within this two hours we may reach to Rome,  
And to our houses all come unprepared,  
And unexpected by our hy praised wines,  
She of them all that we find best employed,  
Devoted and most housewife exercised,  
Let her be held most virtuous, and her husband  
Win by the wager a good horse and armour.  Ar. 
A hand on that.  Vale. 
Here's a helping hand to that bargain.  Hor. 
But Shall we to horse without circumstance?  Sce. 
Scevola will be mounted with the first.  Sext. 
Then mount Clevall, Brutus this night take you the charge of the army, I'll see the trial of this wager, 'twould do me good to see some of them find their wives in the arms of their lovers, they are so confident in their virtues, Brutus we'll interchange good night, within be thou, but as provident o'er the army as we (if our horses fail not) expeditious in our journey, horse, horse, horse.  Exeunt. Enter Lucrece and her two maids. Luc. 
But one hour more & you shall all to rest,  
Now that your Lord is absent from this house,  
And that the Master's eye is from his charge,  
We must be careful and with providence  
Guide his domestic business, we ha' now  
Given over all feasting and lewd reveling,  
Which ill becomes the house whose Lo: is absent,  
We banish all excess till his return,  
In fear of whom my soul doth daily mourn.  1. 
Madam so please you to repose yourself  
Within your Chamber leave us to our tasks,  
We will not loiter though you take your rest.  Lu. 
Not so, you shall not overwatch yourselves  
Longer than I wake with you: for it fits  
Good housewives when their husbands are from home,  
To eye their servants labours and in care,  
And the true manage of his household state,  
Earliest to rise, and to be up most late.  
Since all his business he commits to me,  
I'll be his faithful steward till the camp  
Dissolve and he return, thus wives should do,  
In absence of their Lords be husband too.  2. 
Madam the L. Turnus his man was thrice for you here to have entreated you home to supper, he says his L. takes it unkindly he could not have your company.  Lu. 
To please a loving husband, I'll offend  
The love and patience of my dearest friend,  
methinks his purpose was unreasonable  
To draw me in my husband's absence forth  
To feast and banquet, 'twould have ill becomed me,  
To ha' left the charge of such a spacious house, without both L. & Mistress,  
I am opinioned thus, wives should not stray,  
Out of their doors their husbands being away: L. Turnus shall excuse me.  1 Maid. 
Pray Madam set me right into my work,  
Being abroad I may forget the charge.  Lucrece. 
Imposed me by my L. or be compelled  
To stay out late, which were my husband here,  
Might be without distaste, but he from hence,  
Which late a broad, there can no excuse dispense.  
Here take your work again, a while proceed,  
And then to bed, for whilst you sow, I'll read.  Enter Sextus, Aruns, Valerius, Collatine, Horatius, Scevola. Aruns. 
I would have hazarded all my hopes, my wife had not been so late a reveling.  Vale. 
Nor mine at this time of night a gambolling.  Hor. 
They wear so much cork under their heels, they cannot choose but love to caper.  Sce. 
Nothing does me good, but that if my wife were watching all theirs were wantoning, and if I halost, none can brag of their winnings.  Sex. 
Now Collatine to yours, either Lucrece must be better employed then the rest, or you content to have her virtues ranked with the rest.  Colla. 
I am pleased.  Hor. 
Soft, soft, let's steal upon her as upon the rest, lest having some watchword at our arrival, we may give her notice to be better prepared, nay by your leave Collatine, we'll limit you no advantage.  Colla. 
See Lords, thus Lucrece revels with her maids, In stead of Riot quaffing & the practice of high lavalties to the ravishing sound of chambering music, she like a good housewife Is teaching of her husband sundry chares. Lucrece.  Lu. 
My L. & husband welcome, 10 times welcome,  
Is it to see your Lucrece you thus late  
Ha with your persons so hazard left the camp,  
And trusted to the danger of a night so dark, and full of horror?  Aruns. 
Lords all's lost.  Hor. 
By jove I'll buy my wife a wheel and make her spin for this trick.  Sce. 
If I make not mine learn to live by the prick of her needle for this, I'm no Roman.  Col. 
Sweet wife salute these Lords, thy continence  
Hath won thy husband a Barbarian horse, & a rich coat of arms.  Lucrece. 
O pardon me, the joy to see my Lord,  
Took from me all respect of their degrees,  
The richest entertainment lives with us,  
According to the hour and the provision  
Of a poor wife in the absence of her husband:  
We prostrate to you howsoever mean,  
We thus excused Lord Collatine: away.  
We neither feast, dance, quaff, riot nor play.  Sex. 
If one woman among so many bad, may be found good, If a white wench may prove a black swan, it is Lucrece her beauty hath relation to her virtue, and her virtue correspondence to her beauty, and in both she is fellowless.  Colla. 
Lord's will you yield the wager?  Aruns. 
Stay, the wager was as well which of our wives was fairest too, it stretched as well to their beauty as to their continence, who shall judge that?  Hor. 
That can none of us, because we are all parties, let Prince Sextus determine it who hath been with us, and been an eye witness of their beauties.  Vale. 
Agreed.  Sce. 
I am pleased with the censure of P. Sextus.  Aruns. 
So are we all.  Colla. 
I commit my Lucrece wholly to the censure of Sextus.  Sex. 
And Sextus commits him wholly to the dispose of Lucr.  
I love the Lady and her grace desire,  
Nor can my love wrong what my thought admire.  
Aruns, no question but your wife is chaste,  
And thrifty, but this Lady knows no waste.  
Valerius, yours is modest something fair,  
Her Grace and beauty are without compare,  
Thine Mutius well disposed and of good feature,  
But the world yields not so divine a creature.  
Horatius, thine a smug lass and graced well.  
But amongst all bright Lucrece doth excel.  
Then our impartial hearts judging eyes,  
This verdict gives fair Lucrece wins the prize  Col. 
Then Lords you are indebted to me a horse and armour.  Omnes. 
We yield it.  Lu. 
will you taste such welcome Lords, as a poor unprovided house can yield?  Sex. 
Gramercy Lucrece, no we must this night sleep by Ardea walls.  Lu. 
ay but my Lords, I hope my Collatine will not so leave his Lucrece.  Sex. 
He must, we have but idled from the Camp, to try a merry wager about their wives, and 'tis the hazard of the king's displeasure, should any man be missing from his charge: the powers that govern Rome make divine Luc. for ever happy, good-night.  Lucr. 
Will not my husband repose this night with us?  Hor. 
Lucrece shall pardon him, we ha' took our leaves of our wives, nor shall Collatine be before us, though our Ladies in other things come behind you.  Col. 
I must be swayed: the joys and the delights of many thousand nights meet all in one to make my Lucrece happy.  Lu. 
I am bound to your strict will, to each good-night.  Sex. 
To horse, to horse, Lucrece we cannot rest,  
Till our hot lust embosom in thy breast.  Exeunt, manet Lu. Lu. 
With no unkindness we should our Lords upbraid,  
Husbands and Kings must always be obeyed.  
Nothing save the high business of the slate,  
And the charge given him at Ardea's siege,  
Could ha' made Collatine so much digress  
From the affection that he bears his wife.  
But subjects must excuse when kings claim power.  
But leaving this before the charm of sleep,  
Cease with his downy wings: upon my eyes,  
I must go take account among my servants  
Of their days task, we must not cherish sloth,  
No covetous thought makes me thus provident,  
But to shun idleness, which wise men say,  
Begets rank lust, and virtue beats away.  Exit. Enter Sextus, Aruns, Horatius, Brutus, Scevola, Valerius. Hor. 
Return to Rome now we are in the mid way to the Camp?  Sex. 
My Lords 'tis business that concerns my life,  
Tomorrow if we live we'll visit thee.  Val. 
will Sextus enjoin me to accompany him?  Sce. 
Or me?  Sex. 
Nor you, nor any, 'tis important business  
And serious occurrences that call me,  
Perhaps Lords I'll commend you to your wives.  
Collatine shall I do you any service to your Lucrece?  Col. 
Only commend me.  Sex. 
What, no private token to purchase our kind welcome?  Col. 
Would Royal Sextus would but honour me to bear her a slight token.  Sex. 
What?  Col. 
This Ring.  Sex. 
As I am Royal I will see't delivered.  
This Ring to Lucrece shall my love convey,  
And in this gift thou dost thy bed betray.  
Tomorrow we shall meet, this night sweet fate,  
May I prove welcome though a guest ingrate.  Exit. Aruns 
he's for the city, we for the camp, the night makes the way tedious and melancholy, prithee Valerius a merry song to beguile it.  He sings. 

The ninth Song.  
Valer. There was a young man and a maid fell in love,  
Terry dery ding, terry dery ding, tery tery ding.  
To get her good will he often did,  
Terry dery ding, terry dery ding, langtido dillo.  
There's many will say, and most will allow, terry dery, etc.  
there's nothing so good as a terry dery dery dery, etc.  
I would wish all maids before they be sick, terry derie, etc.  
To inquire for a young man that has a good terry dery, etc.   Hor. 
Good Valerius, this has brought us even to the skirts of the camp, enter Lords.  Exit. Enter Sextus and Lucrece. Lucr. 
This ring, my Lord, hath oped our gates to you,  
For though I know you for a royal Prince,  
My sovereign's son, and friend to Collatine:  
Without that key you had not entered here.  
More lights, and see a banquet straight provided,  
My love to my dear husband shall appear,  
In the kind welcome that I give his friend.  Sext. 
Not lovesick, but love lunatic, love-mad,  
I am all fire, impatience, and my blood  
boils on my heart, with loose and sensual thoughts.  Lucr. 
A chair for the Prince, may't please your highness sit.  Sext. 
Madam, with you.  Lucr. 
It will become the wife of Collatine to wait upon your trencher.  Sext. 
You shall sit, behind us at the camp we left our state,  
We are but your guest, indeed you shall not wait,  
Her modesty hath such strong power o'er me,  
And such a reverence hath fate given her brow,  
That it appears a kind of blasphemy,  
To have any wanton word harsh in her ears,  
I cannot woe, and yet I love 'bove measure,  
'tis force, not suit, must purchase this rich treasure.  Luc. 
Your highness cannot taste such homely cates.  Sex. 
Indeed I cannot feed, but on thy face,  
Thou art the banquet that my thoughts embrace.  Lucr. 
Knew you, my Lord, what free and zealous welcome  
We tender you, your highness would presume  
Upon your entertainment, oft, I many times  
I have heard my husband speak of Sextus' worth,  
Extol your worth, praise your perfection,  
I dote upon your valour, and your friendship prize next his Lucrece.  Sext. 
Oh impious lust, in all things base, respectless & unjust,  
Thy virtue, grace and fame I must enjoy,  
Though in the purchase I all Rome destroy.  
madam, if I be welcome, as your virtue bids me presume I am,  
Carouse to me a health unto your husband.  Lucr. 
A woman's draft my Lord to Collatine.  Sext. 
Nay, you must drink off all.  Lucr. 
Your grace must pardon the tender weakness of a woman's brain.  Sext. 
It is to Collatine.  Lucr. 
methinks 'twould ill become the modesty  
Of any Roman Lady to carouse,  
And drown her virtues in the juice of grapes.  
How can I show my love to my husband,  
To do his wife such wrong, by too much wine  
I might neglect the charge of this great house,  
Left solely to my keep, else my example  
Might in my servants breed encouragement  
So to offend, both which were pardonless,  
Else to your grace I might neglect my duty,  
And slack obeisance to so great a guest:  
All which being accidental unto wine,  
Oh let me not so wrong my Collatine.  Sex. 
We excuse you, her imperfections like a torrent  
With violence breaks upon me, and at once  
Invert and swallow all that's good in me.  
Preposterous fates, what mischiefs you involve  
Upon a captive Prince left to the fury  
Of all grand mischief, hath the grandam world  
Yet smothered such a strange abortive wonder,  
That from her virtues should arise my sin:  
I am worse than what's most ill, deprived all reason,  
My heart all fiery lust, my soul all treason.  Lucr. 
My Lord, I fear your health, your changing brow  
Hath shown so much disturbance, noble Sextus,  
Hath not your venturous travel from the camp,  
Nor the moist rawness of these humorous night impaired your health?  Sext. 
Divinest Lucrece no. I cannot eat.  Lucr. 
To rest then, a rank of torches there, attend the Prince.  Sext. 
Madam, I doubt I am a guest this night  
Too troublesome, and I offend your rest.  Lucr. 
This ring speaks for me, that next Collatine you are to me most welcome, yet my Lord, thus much presume, without this from his hand, Sextus this night could not have entered here, no, not the king himself, my doors the day time to my friends are free, But in the night the obdure gates are less kind,  
Without this ring they can no entrance find. Lights for the Prince.  Sex. 
A kiss and so goodnight, nay for your ring's sake deny not that  Lucr. 
jove give your Highness soft and sweet repose.  Sex. 
And thee the like, repose with soft content,  
My vows are fixed, my thoughts on mischief bent.  Ex̄it with torches. Lucr. 
'tis late, so many stars shine in this room,  
By reason of this great and princely guest,  
The world might call our modesty in question,  
To revel thus our husband at the Camp,  
Hast and to rest, save in the PRINCE's chamber,  
Let not a light appear, my heart's all sadness,  
jove unto thy protection I commit  
My chastity and honour to thy keep,  
My waking soul I give whilst my thoughts sleep,  Exit. Enter Clown and a Songman. Clo. 
Soft, soft, not too loud, imagine we were now going on the ropes with eggs at our heels, he that hath but a creeking shoe, I would he had a creek in his neck, tread not too hard for disturbing Prince Sextus.  Ser. 
I wonder the P. would ha' none of us stay in his chamber & help him to bed.  Clo. 
What an ass art thou to wonder, there may be many causes thou knowest the Prince is a soldier, & soldiers many times want shift, who can say whether he have a clean shirt on or no? for any thing that we know he hath used staves acre a late, or hath ta'en a medicine to kill the itch, what's that to us, we did our duty to proffer our service.  Ser. 
And what should we enter farther into his thoughts, come shall's to bed? I'm as drowsy as a dormouse, & my head's as heavy as though I had a nightcap of lead on:  Clow. 
And my eyes begin to glue themselves together, I was till supper was done altogether for your repast, and now after supper I am only for your repose. I think for the two virtues of eating and sleeping, there's never a Roman spirit under the cope, can put me down.  Enter Myrable. Myr. 
For shame what a conjuring and caterwauling keep you here, that my Lady cannot sleep: you shall have her call by and by, and send you all to bed with a witness.  Clow. 
Sweet mistress Mirable, we are going.  Myr. 
You are too loud: come, every man dispose him to his rest and i'll to mine.  Ser. 
Out with your torch's sir.  Clow. 
Come then, and every man sneak into his kennel  Exeunt. Enter Sextus with his sword drawn and a Taper light. Sex. 
Night be as secret as thou art close, as close  
as thou art black and dark, thou ominous. Queen  
Of tenebrous silence, make this fatal hour,  
as true to Rape as thou hast made it kind  
To murder and harsh mischief: Cinthea mask thy cheek,  
And all you sparkling elemental fires,  
Choke up your beauties in prodigious fogs,  
Or be extinct in some thick vaporous cloud,  
lest you behold my practice: I am bound  
Upon a black adventure, on a deed  
That must wound virtue, and make beauty bleed.  
Pause Sextus, and before thou run'st thyself  
Into this violent danger, weigh thy sin,  
Thou art yet free, beloved, graced in the Camp,  
Of great opinion and undoubted hope,  
Rome's darling in the universal grace,  
Both of the field, and senate: were these fortunes  
To make thee great in both, back yet, thy fame  
Is free from hazard, and thy style from shame.  
Of fate, thou hast usurped such power over man,  
That where thou pleadst thy will, no mortal can.  
On then, black mischief hurry me the way.  
myself I must destroy, her life betray,  
The state of King and Subject, the displeasure  
Of Prince and people, the revenge of noble,  
And the contempt of base, the incurred vengeance  
Of my wronged kinsman Collatine, the Treason  
AGainst divinest Lucrece: all these total curses  
Foreseen not feared upon me Sextus meet,  
To make my days harsh so so this might be sweet  
No jar of clock no ominous hateful howl  
Of any starting Hound, no horse rough breathed from the  
Of any drowsy Groom, wakes this charmed silence, entrails discovered in her bed  
and starts this general silence forward still, Lucr.  
To make thy lust live, all thy virtues kill.  
Here, here, behold! beneath these Curtains lies,  
That bright enchantress that hath dazed my eyes.  
Oh who but Sextus could commit such waste?  
On one so fair, so kind, so truly chaste?  
Or like a ravisher thus rudely stand,  
To offend this face, this brow, this lip, this hand?  
Or at such fatal hours, these revels keep,  
With thought once to defile thy innocent sleep,  
Save in this breast, such thoughts could find no place,  
Or pay with treason her kind hospital grace:  
But I am lust-burnt, all bent on what's bad,  
That which should calm good thoughts makes Tarquin  
mad. Madam, Lucrece?  Lucr. 
whose's that? oh me! beshrew you.  Sex. 
Sweet, 'tis I.  Luc. 
What I?  Sex. 
Make room.  Luc. 
My Husband Collatine  Sex. 
Thy husband's at the Camp.  Luc. 
Here is no room for any man save him.  Sex. 
Grant me that grace.  Luc. 
What are you?  Sex. 
Tarquin and thy friend, and must enjoy thee.  Lucr. 
Heaven such sins defend.  Sex. 
Why do you tremble Lady? cease this fear,  
I am alone, there's no suspicious ear,  
That can bewray this deed: nay start not sweet.  Luc. 
Dream I, or am I full awake? oh no!  
I know I dream to see Prince Tarquin so.  
Sweet Lord awake me, rid me from this terror,  
I know you for a Prince, a Gentleman,  
Royal and honest, one that loves my Lord.  
And would not wrack a woman's chastity,  
For Rome's imperial Diadem, oh then  
Pardon this dream, for being awake I know,  
Prince Sextus, Rome's great hope, would not for shame  
Provoke his own wrath, or despoil my fame.  Sex. 
I'm bent on both, my thoughts are all on fire,  
Choose thee, thou must embrace death, and desire,  
Yet do I love thee, wilt thou accept it?  Luc. 
No.  Sex. 
If not thy love, thou must enjoy thy foe,  
where fair means cannot, force shall make my way:  
By jove I must enjoy thee.  Lucr. 
Sweet Lord stay.  Sex. 
I'm all impatience, violence and rage,  
And save thy bed, nought can this fire assuage: wilt thou love me?  Luc. 
No, I cannot.  Sex. 
Tell me why?  Luc. 
Hate me, and in that hate first let me die.  Sex. 
By Jove I'll force thee.  Lucr. 
By a God you swear to do a devils deed: sweet Lord forbear  
By the same jove I swear that made this soul,  
Never to yield unto an act so foul. Help, help.  Sex. 
These cushions first shall stop thy breath,  
If thou but shriekest: hark how i'll frame thy death.  Luc. 
The death: I care not, so I keep unstained,  
The unceased honour I have yet maintained.  Sex. 
Thou canst keep neither, for if thou but squeechest,  
Or lest the least harsh noise jar in my ear,  
I'll broach thee on my steel: that done, strait murder  
One of thy basest Grooms, and lay you both  
Grasped arm in arm, on thy adulterate bed.  
Then call in witness of that mechal sin,  
So shalt thou die: thy death be scandalous,  
Thy name be odious, thy suspected body  
Denied all funeral rites, and loving Colatine  
Shall hate thee even in death: then save all this,  
and to thy fortunes add another friend,  
Give thy fears comfort, and these torments end.  Lucr. 
I'll die first, and yet hear me: oh as you're noble,  
If all your gracious and best generous thoughts  
Be not exiled your heart, pity, oh pity  
The Virtues of a woman: mar not that  
Cannot be made again: this once defiled,  
Not all the Ocean waves can purify,  
Or wash my stain away, you seek to  
That which the radiant splendour of the Sun  
Cannot make bright again: behold my tears!  
Oh think them pearled drops, distilled from the heart  
Of soul chaste Lucrece: think them Orators,  
To plead the cause of absent Collatine, your friend and kinsman.  Sex. 
Tush, I am obdure.  Luc. 
Then make my name pure: keep my body pure:  
Oh Prince of Princes, do but weigh your sin,  
Think how much I shall lose how small you win.  
I lose my honour of my name and blood,  
Lost, Rome's imperial Crown cannot make good.  
You win the world's shame, & all good men's hate,  
Oh who would pleasure, buy at such dear rate?  
Nor can you term it pleasure: for what's sweet,  
Where force & hate, jar and contention meet?  
Weigh but for what 'tis that you urge me still,  
To gain a woman's love against her will?  
You'll but repent such wrong done a chaste wife,  
and think that labour's not worth all your strife.  
Curse your hot lust, & say you have wronged your friends,  
But all the world cannot make me amends.  
I took you for a friend, wrong not my trust,  
But let these chaste terms quench your fiery lust.  So. 
No, those moist tears, contending with my fire,  
Quench not my heat, but make it climb more higher:  
I'll drag thee hence.  Lucr. 
Oh!  Sex. 
If thou raise these cries, lodged in thy slaughtered  
arms some base Groom dies,  
And Rome that hath thy name admired so long,  
Shall blot thy death with scandal from my tongue.  Lucr 
jove guard my innocence.  Sex. 
Lucrece, thou'rt mine  
In spite of jove & all the powers divine.  He bears her out Enter a Servingman Ser. 
What's o'clock trow? my Lord bade me be early ready with his Gelding, for he would ride betimes in the morning: now had I rather be up an hour before my time then a minute after, for my Lord will be so infinitely angry if I but over sleep myself a moment, that I had better be out of my life then in his displeasure: but soft, some of my Lord Collatine's men lie in the next chamber, I care not if I call them up, for it grows towards day: what Pompey, Pompey.  Clo. 
Who is that calls?  Ser. 
'tis I.  Clow. 
whose's that, my Lord Sextus his man? what a pox make you up before day?  Ser. 
I would have the key of the Gate to come at my Lord's horse in the stable.  Clo. 
I would my Lord Sextus & you were both in the hayloft, for Pompey can take none of his natural rest amongst you, here's eine Ostler, rise & give my horse another peck of hay.  Ser. 
Nay good Pompey help me to the Key of the stable.  Clow. 
Well, Pompey was borne to do Rome good, in being so kind to the young PRINCE's Gelding, but if for my kindness in giving him Pease and oats, he should kick me, I should scarce say god a mercy horse: but come, i'll go with thee to the stable.  Exeunt. Enter Sextus & Lucrece unready. Sex. 
Nay, weep not sweet, what's done is past recall,  
Call not thy name in question, by this sorrow  
Which yet is without blemish, what hath passed  
Is hid from the worlds eye, and only private  
Twixt us fair Lucrece, pull not on my head,  
The wrath of Rome if I have done thee wrong,  
Love was the cause, thy fame is without blot,  
And thou in Sextus hast a true friend got,  
Nay sweet look up, thou only hast my heart,  
I must be gone Lucrece a kiss and part.  Lu. 
Oh!  She flings from him and Exit. Sex. 
No? peevish dame farewell, then be the bruiter  
Of thy own shame, which Tarquin would conceals  
I am armed against all can come, let mischief frown,  
With all his terror armed with ominous fates,  
To all their spleens a welcome I'll afford,  
With this bold heart, strong hand, and my good sword.  Exit. Enter Brutus, Valerius Horatius. Arnus, Scevola, Colatine. Bru. 
What so early Valer. and your voice not up yet? thou wast wont to be my Lark and raise me with thy early notes.  Val. 
I was never so hard set yet my Lord, but I had ever a fit of mirth for my friend.  Bru. 
Prithee let's hear it then whilst we may, for I divine thy music and my madness are both short lived, we shall have somewhat else to do ere long, we hope Valerius.  Hora. 
jove send it.  Bru. 
Horatius, methinks our wars go not well forward,  
Horatius we have greater Enemies to bustle with then the  
Ardeans if we durst but front them Horatius.  Hor. 
Would it were come to fronting.  Bru. 
Then we married men should have the advantage of the bachelors Horatius, especially such as have reveling wives, those that can caper in the City, while their husbands are in the Camp, Collat why are you so sad? the thought of this should not trouble you, having a Luc. to your bedfellow.  Colla. 
My Lord I know no cause of discontent, yet can not I be merry.  Aru. 
I should be frolic if my brother were but returned to the Camp, and in good time behold Prince Sextus.  Omnes 
Health to our general.  Sex. 
Thank you.  Br. 
will you survey your forces, & give order for a present assault, your soldiers long to be tugging with the Ardeans.  Sex. 
No.  Col. 
Have you seen Lucretia my Lord, how fares she?  Sex. 
Well, I'll to my Tent.  Arn. 
Why how now what's the matter brother?  Exeunt the brothers. Bru. 
Thank you, No, well, I'll to my Tent, get thee to thy Tent & a coward go with thee, if thou hast no more spirit to a speedy encounter.  Vale. 
Shall I go after him and know the cause of his discontent?  Sce. 
Or I my Lord?  Bru. 
Neither, to pursue a fool in his humour? is the next way to make him more humorous, I'll not be guilty of his folly, Thank you! no, before I wish him health again when he is sick of the sullens, may I die, not like a Roman, but a runagate.  Sce. 
Perhaps he's not well.  Bru. 
Well, then let him be ill.  Enter Clown. Valle. 
The news with this hasty post?  Clow. 
Did nobody see my Lord Collatine? oh, my Lady commends her to you, here's a letter.  Col. 
Give it me.  Clow. 
Fie upon't, never was poor Pompey so overlaboured as I have been, I think I have spurred my horse such a question, that he's scarce able to wehee or wag his tail for an answer, but my Lady bade me spare for no horse flesh, and I think I have made him run his race.  Bru. 
cozen Collatine the news at Rome?  Coll. 
Nothing but what you all may well partake: read here my Lord.  Brutus reads the letter. 
Dear Lord, if ever thou wilt see thy Lucrece,  
Choose of the friends which thou affectest best,  
And all important business set apart,  
Repair to Room: commend me to Lord Brutus,  
Valerius Mutius, & Horatius,  
Say I entreat their presence, where my Father  
Lucretius shall attend them, farewell sweet,  
Th'affairs are great, then do not fail to meet.  Bru. 
I'll thither as I live,  Exit. Coll. 
I though I die,  Exit. Sce.. 
To Room with expeditious wings we'll fly.  Exit. Hora. 
The news, the news, if it have any shape  
Of sadness, if some prodigy have chanced,  
That may beget revenge, I'll cease to chafe,  
Vex, martyr, grieve, torture, torment myself,  
And tune my humour to strange strains of mirth:  
My soul divines some happiness, speak, speak:  
I know thou hast some news that will create me  
Merry and musical, for I would laugh,  
Be new trans-shaped, I prithee sing Valerius that I may air  
with thee.  Vale. 
First tell us what's the project of thy message?  Clow. 
My Lords, the princely Sextus has been at home, but what he hath done, I may partly mistrust, but cannot altogether resolve you: beside, my Lady swore me, that whatsoever I suspected I should say nothing.  Vale. 
If thou wilt not say thy mind, I prithee sing thy mind, and then thou mayst save thine oath.  Clow. 
Indeed I was not sworn to that, I may either laugh out my news or sing am, and so save my oath to my Lady.  Hora. 
how's all at Rome, that with such sad presage,  
Disturbed Collatine, and noble Brutus  
Are hurried from the Camp with Scaevola?  
And we with expedition amongst the rest,  
Are charged to Rome? speak, what did Sextus there with thy fair mistress?  Valerius, Horatius and the Clown their Catch. Vale. 
Did he take fair Lucrece by the toe man?  Clow. 
Toe man.  Vale. 
I man.  Clow. 
Ha, ha, ha, ha man.  Hor. 
And further did he strive to go man?  Clow. 
Toe man.  Hor. 
I man.  Clow. 
Ha, ha, ha man, hafa derry derry derry down a, heigh fa derry dino.  Val. 
Did he take fair Lucrece by the heel man?  Clow. 
he'll man.  Val. 
I man.  Clow. 
Ha ha ha ha man.  Hor. 
And did he further strive to feel man?  Clow. 
Feel man.  Hor. 
I man.  Clow. 
Ha ha ha ha man, heigh fadery, etc.  Hor. 
Did he take the Lady by the shin man?  Clow. 
Shin man.  Val. 
I man.  Clow. 
Ha ha ha ha man.  Hor. 
Further too would he have been man?  Clow. 
been man.  Hor. 
I man.  Clo. 
Ha ha ha ha man. hay fadery. etc.  Val. 
Did he take the Lady by the knee man?  Clo. 
Knee man.  Val. 
I man.  Clow. 
Ha ha ha ha man.  Hor. 
Further than that would he be man.  Clo. 
Be man.  Hor. 
I man.  Clow. 
Ha ha ha ha man. heigh fa derie, etc.  Val. 
Did he take the Lady by the thigh man?  Clo. 
Thigh man.  Val. 
I man.  Clow. 
Ha ha ha ha man.  Hor. 
And now he came it somewhat nigh man.  Clow. 
nigh man  Val. 
I man.  Clow. 
Ha ha ha ha man, heigh fa dery, etc.  Val. 
But did he do the other thing man?  Clown 
Thing man?  Val. 
I man.  Clo. 
Ha ha ha ha man.  Hor. 
And at the same had he a fling man.  Clow. 
Fling man.  Hor. 
I man.  Clow. 
Ha ha ha ha man, heigh fadery, etc.  Exeunt. A Table and Chair Covered with black. 
Lucrece and her maid.  Luc. 
Mirable.  Maid. 
Madam.  Luc. 
Is not my father old Lucrecius come yet?  Maid. 
Not yet.  Luc. 
Nor any from the Camp?  Maid. 
Neither madam.  Luc. 
Go, be gone, and leave me to the truest grief of heart  
That ever entered any matron's breast. Oh!  Maid. 
Why weep you Lady? alas why do you stain  
Your modest cheeks with these offensive tears?  Luc. 
Nothing, nay nothing: oh you powerful Gods,  
That should have Angels guardent on your throne,  
To protect innocence and chastity! oh why  
Suffer you such inhuman massacre  
On harmless virtue? wherefore take you charge,  
On sinless souls to see them wounded thus:  
With Rape or Violence? forgive white innocence,  
Armour of proof 'gainst sin: or by oppression  
Kill Virtue quite, & guerdon base transgression?  
Is it my fate above all other women?  
Or is my sin more heinous than the rest,  
That amongst thousands, millions, infinites,  
I, only I, should to this shame be borne,  
To be a stain to women, nature's scorn? oh!  Maid. 
What ails you Madam, troth you make me weep  
To see you shed salt tears: what hath oppressed you?  
Why is your chamber hung with mourning black?  
Your habit sable, and your eyes thus swollen  
With ominous tears: alas what troubles you?  Luc. 
I am not, thou didst deceive thy self,  
I did not weep, there's nothing troubles me,  
But wherefore dost thou blush?  Maid. 
Madam not I.  Luc. 
Indeed thou didst, and in that blush my guilt thou didst betray  
How cam'st thou by the notice of my sin?  maid. 
What sin?  Luc. 
My blot, my scandal and my shame:  
Oh Tarquin! thou my honour didst betray,  
Disgrace no time, no age can wipe away, oh!  Maid. 
Sweet Lady cheer yourself, i'll fetch my viol  
And see if I can sing you fast asleep,  
A little rest would wear away this passion.  Luc. 
Do what thou wilt, I can command no more,  
Being no more a woman, I am now  
Devote to death, and an inhabitant  
Of th'other world: these eyes must ever weep,  
Till fate hath closed them with eternal sleep.  Enter Brutus, Collatine, Horatius, scevola, Valerius one way, Lucretius another way. Luc. 
Brutus!  Bru. 
Lucretius!  Luc. 
Father!  Col, 
Lucrece!  Luc. 
Collatine!  Bru. 
How cheer you Madam? how be't with you x?  
Why is your eye deject and drowned in sorrow?  
Why is this funeral black, and ornaments  
Of widowhood? resolve me x Lucrece.  Hor. 
How fare you Lady?  Old Luc. 
What's the matter girl?  Col. 
Why how is't with you Lucrece, tell me sweet?  
Why dost thou hide thy face? & with thy hand  
Darken those eyes that were my Suns of joy,  
To make my pleasures flourish in the Spring?  Luc. 
Oh me!  Val. 
Whence are these sighs and tears?  Sceu. 
How grows this passion?  Bru. 
Speak Lady you are hemmed in with your friends,  
girt in a pale of safety, and environed  
and circled in a fortress of your kindred,  
Let not those drops fall fruitless to the ground,  
Nor let your sighs add to the senseless wind.  
Speak, who hath wrong you?  Luc. 
Ere I speak my woe,  
Swear you'll revenge poor Lucrece on her foe.  Bru. 
Be his head arched with gold.  Hor. 
Be his hand armed with an imperial Sceptre.  Old. Luc. 
Be he great as Tarquin throne in an imperial seat  Bru. 
Be he no more than mortal, he shall feel  
The vengeful edge of this victorious steel.  Luc. 
Then seat you Lords, whilst I expose my wrong.  
Father, dear husband, and my kinsmen, Lords  
Hear me, I am dishonoured and disgraced,  
My reputation mangled, my renown  
disparaged, but my body, oh my body  Col. 
What Lucrece?  Luc. 
Stained, polluted and defiled.  
Strange steps are found in my adulterate bed,  
And though my thoughts be white as innocence,  
Yet is my body soiled with lust burnt sin,  
And by a stranger I am strumpeted,  
Ravished, enforced, and am no more to rank among the Roman Matrons.  Bru. 
Yet cheer you Lady, and restrain these tears,  
If you were forced, the sin concerns not you,  
A woman's born but with a woman's strength: who was the Ravisher?  Hor. 
ay, name him Lady, our love to you shall only thus appear  
In the revenge that we will take on him.  Luc. 
I hope so Lords, 'twas Sextus the king's Son.  Omnes. 
How? Sextus Tarquin!  Luc. 
That unprincely Prince, who guestwise entered with my husband's Ring,  
This Ring, oh Collatine! this Ring you sent  
Is cause of all my woe, your discontent.  
I feasted him, then lodged him, and bestowed  
The choicest welcome, but in dead of night,  
My Traitorous guest came armed unto my bed,  
Frighted my silent sleep, threatened, and prayed  
For entertainment: I despised both.  
Which hearing his sharp pointed Scimitar,  
The Tyrant bent against my naked breast,  
Alas, I begged my death, but note his tyranny,  
He brought with him a torment worse than death  
For having murdered me, he swore to kill,  
One of my basest Grooms and lodge him dead  
In my dead arms: then call in testimony  
Of my adultery, to make me hated  
Even in my death, of husband, father, friends,  
Of Rome and all the world: this, this, oh Princes, Ravished and killed me at once,  Col. 
Yet comfort Lady, I quit thy guilt, for what could  
Lucrece do more than a woman? hadst thou died polluted,  
By this base scandal, thou hadst wronged thy fame,  
And hindered us of a most just revenge.  All. 
What shall we do Lords?  Bru. 
Lay your resolute hands upon the sword of Brutus,  
Vow & swear, as you hope meed for merit from the Gods  
Or fear reward for sin, from devils below:  
As you are Romans, and esteem your fame  
More than your lives all humorous toys set off,  
Of madding, singing, smilings, and what else,  
Receive your native valours, be yourselves,  
And join with Brutus in the just revenge  
Of this chaste ravished Lady, swear  All. 
We do.  Luc. 
Then with your humours here my grief ends too,  
My stain I thus wipe off, call in my sighs,  
and in the hope of this revenge, forbear  
Even to my death to fall one passionate tear.  
Yet Lords, that you may crown my innocence,  
With our best thoughts, that you may henceforth know,  
We are the same in heart we seem in show.  
and though I quit my soul of all such sin, The Lords whisper  
I'll not debar my body punishment:  
Let all the world, learn of a Roman dame,  
To prize her life less than her honoured fame.  Kills herself Lucr. 
Lucrece?  Col. 
Wife.  Bru. 
Lady.  Sce. 
She hath slain herself.  Val. 
Oh see yet Lords if there be hope of life  Bru. 
she's dead, then turn your funeral tears to fire and indignation, let us now redeem Our misspent time, and over take our sloth With hostile expedition, this great Lords, This bloody knife, on which her chaste blood flower, Shall not from Brutus till some strange revenge fall on the heads of Tarquins.  Hor. 
now's the time to call their pride to count,  
Brutus lead on, we'll follow thee to their confusion.  Val. 
By Jove we will, the sprightful youth of Rome,  
Tricked up in plumed harness, shall attend  
The march of Brutus, whom we here create our general against the Tarquins.  Sce. 
Be it so.  Bru. 
We embrace it: now to stir the wrath of Rome,  
You, Collatine and good Lucretius,  
With eyes yet drowned in tears, bear that chaste body  
Into the market place: that horrid object,  
Shall kindle them with a most just revenge.  Hor. 
To see the father and the husband mourn  
o'er this chaste dame, that have so well deserved  
Of Rome and them, than to infer the pride,  
The wrongs and the perpetual tyranny  
Of all the Tarquins, Servius, Tullius' death,  
and his unnatural usage by that Monster  
Tullia the Queen all these shall well concur in a combined revenge  Bru, 
Lucrece, thy death we'll mourn in glittering arms  
and plumed casks: some bear that reverend load,  
Unto the forum where our force shall meet  
To set upon the pallas, and expel  
This viperous brood from Rome: I know the people  
Will gladly embrace our fortunes: scevola,  
Go you and muster powers in Brutus' name.  
Valerius, you assist him instantly,  
and to the mazed people freely speak the cause of this concourse  Val. 
We go.  Exeunt Val and Scev Bru. 
And you dear Lord, whose speechless grief is boundless,  
Turn all your tears with ours, to wrath and rage,  
The hearts of all the Tarquins shall weep blood  
Upon the funeral Hearse, with whose chaste body,  
Honour your arms, and to th'assembled people,  
Disclose her innocent wounds: Gramercies Lords,  A great shout and a flourish with drums and Trumpets, 
That universal shout tells me their words  
are gracious with the people, and their troops  
are ready embattled and expect but us,  
To lead their troops, jove give our fortune's speed,  
we'll murder, murder, and base rape shall bleed.  Alarum, Enter in the fight Tarquin and Tullia flying, pursued by Brutus, and the Romans march with drum and Colours, Porsenna, Aruns. Sextus, Tarquin, & Tullia meets and join with them: To them Brutus, and the Romans with drum and soldiers: they make a stand. Bru. 
even thus far Tyrant have we dogged thy steps,  
Frighting thy frighted fear with horrid steel.  Tar. 
Lodge in the safety of Porsenna's arms  
Now Traitor Brutus we dare front thy pride.  Hora. 
Porsenna thou'rt unworthy of a sceptre,  
To shelter pride, lust, rape, and tyranny,  
In that proud Prince and his confederate sons.  Sex. 
traitors to heaven, to Tarquin, Room and us,  
Treason to Kings, doth stretch even to the Gods,  
And those high Gods that take great Rome in charge,  
shall punish your rebellion.  Col. 
Oh Devil! Sextus speak not thou of Gods,  
Not cast those false and feigned eyes to heaven,  
Whose rape the furies must torment in hell, of Lucr: Lucrece:  Sce. 
Her chaste blood sul cries for vengeance to the aetherial deities  Lucr. 
Oh 'twas a foul deed Sextus,  Vale. 
And thy shame shallbe eternal, and outline her fame,  Aru. 
Say Sextus loved her, was she not a woman,  
ay, and perhaps was willing to be forced,  
Must you being private subjects dare to ring  
Wars loud alarum 'gainst your potent King?  Por. 
Brutus therein thou dost forget thyself, And wrong'st the glory of thine Ancestors, staining thy blood with Treason.  Brut. 
Tuscan know the Consul Brutus is their powerful foe.  
Ali Tarquin. Consul?  Hora. 
I consul, and the powerful hand of Rome  
Grasps his imperial sword: the name of King  
The tyrant Tarquin's have made odious  
Unto this nation: and the general knee,  
Of this our warlike people, now low bends  
To royal Brutus where the king's name ends.  Bru. 
Now Sextus where's the Oracle, when I kissed  
My Mother earth it plainly did foretell,  
My noble virtues should thy sin exceed,  
Brutus should sway, & lust-burnt Tarquin bleed  Vale. 
Now shall the blood of Servius fall, as heavy as a huge mountain on your Tyrant heads, o'erwhelming all your glory.  Hor. 
Tullia's guilt shall be by us revenged, that in her pride,  
In blood paternal, her rough coach-wheels died.  Lucre, 
Your Tyrannies,  Ser. 
Pride,  Col 
And my Lucrece fate, shall all be swallowed in this hostile hate.  Sex. 
Oh Romulus, thou that first reared yond walls,  
In sight of which we stand in thy soft bosom,  
Is hanged the nest in which the Tarquins build,  
Which in the branches of thy lofty spires,  
Tarquin shall perch, or where he once hath stood.  
His high built airy shall be drowned in blood,  
alarum then, Brutus by heaven I vow,  
My sword shall prove thou near wast mad till now.  Bru. 
Sextus, my madness with your lives expires,  
Thy sensual eyes are fixed upon that wall,  
Thou near shalt enter, Room confines you all.  Por. 
A charge then.  Tar. 
jove and Tarquin.  Hor. 
but we, cry a Brutus.  Bru. 
Lucrece, force and victory.  Alarum, the Romans are beaten of. Alarum. Enter Brutus, Horatius, Valerius, Scevola, Lucretius, Colatine. Bru. 
Thou jovial hand hold up thy sceptre high  
And let not justice be oppressed with pride,  
Oh you Senators leave not Room and us,  
Grasped in the purple hands of death and ruin, the Tarquins have the best.  Hora. 
Yet stand, my foot is fixed upon this bridge.  
Tiber, thy arched streams shall be changed crimson, with  
Roman blood, before I trudge form hence.  Scevol. 
Brutus retire, for if thou enter Rome,  
We are all lost, stand not on valour now,  
But save thy people, let's survive this day  
To try the fortunes of another field.  Valer. 
Break down the bridge, lest the pursuing enemy  
Enter with us and take the spoil of Rome.  Hor. 
Thenbreakt behind me, for by heaven I'll grow,  
And root my foot as deep as to the centre, before I leave this passage.  Lucr. 
Come you're mad.  Collat. 
The foe comes on and we in trifling here hazard ourself and people.  Hor. 
Save them all, to make Rome stand, Horatius here will fall.  Brut 
We would not lose thee, do not breast thyself  
'mongst thousands if thou front'st them thou art winged,  
With million swords and darts, and we behind  
Must break the bridge of Tiber to save Rome,  
Before thee infinits gaze on thy face,  
And menace death, the raging streams of Tiber are at thy back to swallow thee.  Horat. 
Retire to make Rome live, 'tis death that I desire.  Brut. 
Then farewell dead Horatius, think in us  
The universal arm of potent Rome  
Takes his last leave of thee in this embrace.  All embrace him. Hor. 
Farewell.  All. 
Farewell.  Brut. 
These arches all must down to interdict their passage the town.  Exeunt. Alarum, Enter Tarquin, Persenna, and Aruns, with their pikes and targeteers. All Enter, enter, enter. A noise of knocking down the bridge within. Hor. 
Soft Tarquin, see a bulwark to this bridge.  
You first must pass, the man that enters here  
Must make his passage through Horatius' breast,  
See with this target do I buckle Rome,  
And with this sword defy the puissant army of two great king.  Porsen. 
One man to face an host,  
Charge soldiers, of full forty thousand Romans,  
There's but one daring hand against your host,  
To keep you from the sack or spoil of Rome, charge, charge.  Aruns. Upon them Soldiers, Enter in several places, Sextus and Valerius above. Alarum Alarum. Sex. 
Oh cowards, slaves, and vassals what not enter?  
Was it for this you placed my regiment  
Upon a hill, to be the sad spectator  
Of such a general cowardice? Tarquin, Aruns,  
Porsenna, soldiers, pass, Horatius quickly,  
And they behind him will devolve the bridge  
And raging Tiber that's impassable,  
Your host must swim before you conquer Rome.  Val. 
Yet stand Horatius, bear but one brunt more  
The arched brunt shall sink upon his piles.  
And in his fall lift up thy real me to heaven  Sext. 
Yet enter.  Val. 
Dear Horatius, yet stand, & save a million by one powerful hand  Alarum and the falling of the bridge. Aruns and all. 
Charge charge, charge.  Sex. 
Degenerate slaves, the bridge is fallen, Rome's lost.  
Valer. Horatius thou art stronger than their Hosts,  
Thy strength is virtue, theirs are idle boasts.  
Now save thyself and leap into the waves.  Hor. 
Porsenna, Tarquin, now wade past your depths,  
And enter Rome, I feel my body sink  
Beneath my ponderous weight, Rome is preserved,  
And now farewell: for he that follows me  
Must search the bottom of this raging stream,  
Fame with thy golden wings, renown my crest,  
And Tiber take me on thy silver breast.  Exit. Por. 
he's leapt off from the bridge and drowned himself.  Sext. 
You are deceived his spirits soars too high  
To be choked in with the base element  
Of water, lo he swims armed as he was,  
Whilst all the army have discharged their arrows.  
Of which the shield upon his back stick full.  Shout and flourish. 
And hark the suit of all the multitude.  
Now welcomes him aland, Horatius' fame  
Hath checked our armies with a general shame;  
But come, to morrows fortune must restore,  
This scandal, which I of the Gods implore,  Por. 
Then we must find another time fair prince,  
To scourge these people, and revenge your wrongs.  
For this night i'll betake me to my tent  A table and lights in the tent. Tarq. 
And we to ours, to morrow we will renown  
Our army with the spoil of a Rich-town.  Exit Tarquin cum suis. Enter Secretary. Por. 
Our secretary.  Secret. 
My Lord.  Por. 
Command lights and torches in our tents.  Enter soldiers with torches. 
And let a Guard ingirt our safety round,  
Whilst we debate, of military business: come sit and let's consult.  Enter Scevola disguised. Sceu. 
Horatius, famous for defending Rome.  
But we ha' done nought worthy scevola.  
Nor of a Roman, I in this disguise  
Have passed the army & the puissant guard  
Of king Porsenna; this should be his tent  
And in good time, now fate direct my strength  
Against a king to free great Rome at length.  Secret. 
Oh I am slain, treason, treason.  Por. 
Villain what hast thou done?  Secret. 
Why slain the king.  Por. 
What king?  Sce. 
Porsenna.  Por. 
Porsenna lives to see thee tortured,  
With plagues more devilish than the plague of hell.  Sceu. 
Oh too rash Matius, hast thou missed thy aim?  
And thou base hand that didst direct my poniard  
Against a peasant's breast, behold thy error  
Thus I will punish, I will give thee freely  
Unto the fire, nor will I wear a limb,  
That with such rashness shall offend his Lord.  Por. 
What will the madman do?  Sce. 
Porsenna so punish my hand thus, for not killing thee.  
Three hundred noble lads beside myself  
Have vowed to all the Gods that Patron Rome,  
Thy ruin for supporting tyranny;  
And though I fail, expect yet every hour,  
When some strange fate thy fortunes will devour.  Por. 
Stay Roman, we admire thy constancy,  
And scorn of fortune, go return to Rome,  
We give thee life, and say the King Porsenna,  
Whose life thou seek'st is this honourable,  
Pass freely, guard him to the walls of Rome,  
And were we not so much engaged to Tarquin,  
We would not lift a hand against that nation that breeds such noble spirits.  Exit. Sce. 
Well I go, and for revenge take life even of my foe.  Por. 
Conduct him safely, what 300 Gallants  
Sworn to our death, and all resolved like him!  
We must be provident, to morrows fortune  
we'll prove for Tarquin, if they fail our hopes,  
Peace shallbe made with Rome, but first our secretary,  
Shall have his due rights of funeral, than our shield  
We must address next for to morrows field.  Exit. Enter Brutus, Horatius, Valerius, Collainte, Lucretius marching. Bru. 
By thee we are consul, & still govern Rome,  
Which but for thee, had been despoiled and ta'en,  
Made a confused heap of men and stones,  
Swimming in blood and slaughter, dear Horatius  
Thy noble picture shallbe carved in brass,  
And fixed for thy perpetual memory in our high capitol.  Hor. 
Great consul thanks, but leaving this let's march out of the city.  
And once more bid them battle on the plains.  Vale. 
This day my soul divines we shall live free  
From all the furious Tarquins: but where's Scaevola? we see not him today.  Enter Scenola. 
Here Lords behold me handless as you see,  
The cause I missed Porsenna in his tent,  
And in his stead killed but his secretary.  
The mazed King when he beheld me punish  
My rash mistake, with loss of my right hand  
Unbegged and almost scorned he gave me life,  
Which I had then refused, but in desire to venge fair Lucrece  
Rape.  (Soft alarum. Hor. 
Dear scevola thou hast exceeded us in our resolve,  
But will the Tarquins give us present battle?  Sceu. 
That may ye hear, the skirmish is begun already twixt the horse.  Lucre. 
Then noble consul lead our main battle on.  Bru. 
Oh jove this day balance our cause, and let the innocent blood  
Of Rape stained Lucrece crown with death and horror  
The heads of all the Tarquins, see this day  
In her cause do we consecrate our lives,  
And in defence of justice now march on:  
I hear their martial music, be our shock  
As terrible as are the meeting clouds  
That break in thunder, yet our hopes are fair,  
And this rough charge shall all our hopes repair.  Exeunt, Alarum, battle within. Enter Porsenna and Aruns. Porsenna. 
Yet grow our lofty plumes unflagged with blood,  
And yet sweet pleasure wantons in the air, how goes the battle Aruns?  Aruns. 
'tis even balanced, I interchanged with Brutus' hand to hand, a dangerous encounter both are wounded, & had not the rude press divided us, one had dropped down to earth.  Por. 
'twas bravely fought, I saw the King your father free his person from thousand Romans that begird his state, where flying arrows thick as atoms hung about his ears.  Aruns. 
I hope a glorious day, come tuscan king, let's on them.  Alarum, enter Horatius and Valerius. Hor. 
Aruns stay that sword that late did drink the consul's blood  
Must with his keen fang tire upon my flesh, or this on mine.  Aruns. 
It spared the consul's life to end thy days in a more glorious strife.  Vale. 
I stand against thee Tuscan.  Pors. 
I for thee.  Hora. 
Where ere I find a Tarquin, he's for me.  Alarum, Fight, Aruns slain, Porsenna expulsed. 
Alarum, Enter Tarquin with an arrow in his breast, Tullia with him, pursued by Collatine, Lucretius, Scevola.  Tar. 
Fair Tullia leave me, save thy life by flight,  
Since mine is desperate, behold I am wounded  
Even to the death, there stays within my tent  
A winged jennet, mount his back and fly,  
Live to revenge my death since I must die.  Tul. 
Had I the heart to tread upon the bulk  
Of my dead father, and to see him slaughtered,  
Only for love of Tarquin and a crown,  
And shall I fear death more than loss of both?  
No this is Tullia's fame, rather than fly  
From Tarquin, 'mongst a thousand swords she'll die.  All, 
Hew them to pieces both.  Tar. 
My Tullia save, and o'er my caitiff head those meteors wave.  Colla. 
Let Tullia yield then.  Tul. 
Yield me cuckold no mercy, I scorn let me the danger know.  Sceu. 
Upon them then.  Lucr. 
Let's bring them to their fate,  
And let them perish in the people's hate.  Tul. 
Fear not, I'll back thee husband.  Tar. 
But for thee, sweet were the hand that this charged soul could free.  
Life I despise, let noble Sextus stand  
To avenge our death, even till these vitals end,  
Scorning my own, this life will I defend.  Tul. 
And I'll sweet Tarquin to my power guard thine,  
Come on you slaves and make this earth divine.  Alarum, Tarquin and Tullia slain. Alarum, Brutus all bloody. Brut. 
Aruns this crimson favour for thy sake,  
I'll wear upon my forehead masked with blood  
Till all the moistures in the Tarquins veins  
Be spilled upon the earth and leave thy body  
As dry as the parched summer, burnt and scorched with the canicular stars.  Hora. 
Aruns lies dead by this bright sword that's here about his head.  Colla. 
And see great consul, where the pride of Rome lies sunk and fallen.  Vale. 
Besides him lies the queen mangled and hewed amongst the Roman soldièrs.  Hora. 
Lift up their slaughtered bodies, help to rear them against this hill in view of all the camp, This sight willbe a terror to the so, and make them yield or fly.  Brut. 
But where's the ravisher, injurious Sextus that we see not him?  Short alarum, Enter Sextus. Sext. 
Through broken spears, cracked swords, unbowelled steeds  
flawed armours, mangled limbs, and battered casks,  
Knee deep in blood, I ha' pierced the Roman host to be my father's rescue.  Hora. 
'tis too late, his mounting pride's sunk in the people's hate.  Sex. 
My father, mother, brother, fortune now,  
I do defy thee, I expose myself,  
To horrid danger, safety I despise,  
I dare the worst of peril I am bound.  
On till this pile of flesh be all one wound,  Vale. 
begird him Lord, this is the Ravisher.  
There's no revenge for Lucrece till he fall.  Lu. 
Cease Sextus then.  Sex. 
Sextus defies you all, yet will you give me language ere I die:  Bru. 
Say on.  Sex. 
'tis not for mercy, for I scorn that life  
That's given by any, and the more to add  
To your immense unmeasurable hate,  
I was the spur unto my father's pride,  
'twas I that awed the Princes of the Land,  
That made thee Brutus' mad, these discontents,  
I ravished the chaste Lucrece, Sextus I,  
The daughter and thy wife, Brutus thy cozen.  
Allied indeed to all, 'twas for my Rape,  
Her constant hand ripped up her innocent breast, 'twas Sextus did all this.  Collat.. 
Which i'll revenge.  Hor. 
Leave that to me.  Lucr. 
Old as I am I'll do't.  Scenol. 
I have one hand yet left, of strength enough to kill a ravisher.  Sex. 
Come all at once, I all: yet hear me Brutus, thou art honourable.  
And my words tend to thee: my father died  
By many hands, what's he 'mongst you can challenge  
The lest I smallest honour in his death?  
If I be killed amongst this hostile throng  
The poorest snaky soldier well may claim  
As much renown in royal Sextus' death,  
As Brutus, thou, or thou Horatius.  
I am to die, and more than die I cannot,  
Rob not yourselves of Honour in my death.  
When the two mightiest spirits of Greece and Troy  
tugged for the mastery, Hector and Achilles,  
Had puissant Hector by Achilles' hand,  
Died in a single monomachy Achilles,  
Had been the worthy, but being slain by odds,  
The poorest Myrmidon had as much honour  
As saint Achilles in the Trojans death.  Brut. 
Hadst thou not done a deed so execrable,  
That Gods and men abhor, i'd love thee Sextus,  
And hug thee for this challenge breathed so freely:  
Behold, I stand for Rome as General,  
Thou of the Tarquins dost alone survive,  
The head of all these garboils the chief actor  
Of that black sin which we chastise by arms.  
Brave Romans with your bright swords be our lists  
And ring us in none dare to offend the Prince  
By the least touch lest he incur our wrath:  
This honour do your Consul, that his hand  
may punish this arch mischief, that the times  
Succeeding may of Brutus thus much tell,  
By him pride, lust, and all the Tarquins fell.  Sext. 
To ravish Lucrece cuckold Collatine:  
And spill the chasest blood that ever ran,  
In any matrons veins, repents me not  
So much as to ha' wronged a gentleman  
So noble as the Consul in this strife.  
Brutus be bold, thou fightest with one scorns life.  Brut. 
And thou with one that less than his renown  
prizeth his blood or Rome's imperial crown  Alarum, a fierce fight with sword & target, then after pause and breath. Brut. 
Sextus stand fair, much honour shall I win  
To revenge Lucrece, and chastise thy sin.  : 
I repent nothing, may I live or die,  
Though my blood fall, my spirit shall mount on high.  Alarum, fight with single swords, and being deadly wounded & panting for breath making a stroke at each together with their gauntlets they fall. Hor. 
Both slain: oh noble Brutus this thy fame  
To after ages shall survive, thy body  
Shall have a fair & gorgeous Sepulchre:  
For whom the matrons shall in funeral black  
Mourn twelve sad moons, thou that first governed Rome,  
And swayed the people by a consul's name.  
These bodies of the Tarquins we'll commit  
Unto the funeral pile: you Collatine  
Shall succeed Brutus, in the consul's place.  
Whom with this Laurel wreath we here relate  Crown him with a laurel. 
Such is the people's voice, accept it then.  Col. 
We do, and may our power so just appear  
Rome may have peace, both with our love & fear.  
But soft, what march is this?  Flourish Porsenna, drum, Collatine and soldiers Por. 
The Tuscan king, seeing the Tarquins slain.  
Thus armed and battled offers peace to Rome.  
To confirm which, we'll give you present hostage  
If you deny, we'll stand upon our guard,  
And by the force of arms, maintain our own  Val. 
After so much effusion and large waste  
Of Roman blood the name of peace is welcome,  
Since of the Tarquins none remain in Rome.  
And Lucrece rape is now revenged at full.  
'twere good to entertain Porsenna's league.  Col. 
Col. Porsenna we embrace whose royal presence.  
Shall grace the Consul to the funeral pile.  
March on to Rome, jove be our guard and guide,  
That hath in us venged Rape and punished pride.  Exeunt.