THE INSATIATE Countess.  
A tragedy: Acted at Whitefriars.  
Written By john Marston.  
LONDON: Printed by T. S. for Thomas Archer, and are to be sold at his Shop in Popes-head-Palace, near the Royal-Exchange. 1613.   

THE INSATIATE Countess.  
The Countess of Swevia discovered sitting at a Table covered with black, on which stands two black Tapers lighted, she in mourning. Enter ROBERTO Count of Cypress, GVIDO Count of Arsena, and signor MIZALDUS. Mizaldus. 
WHat should we do in this Countesses dark hole?  
She's sullenly retired, as the Turtle:  
Every day has been a black day with her since her husband died, and what should we unruly members make here?  Guid. 
As melancholy night masks up heavens face,  
So doth the Evening-star present herself  
Unto the careful shepherds gladsome eyes,  
By which unto the fold he leads his flock.  Mizald. 
Zounds what a sheepish beginning is here? 'tis said true, Love is simple; and it may well hold, and thou art a simple lover.  Rober. 
See how yond Star like beauty in a cloud,  
Illumines darkness, and beguiles the Moon  
Of all her glory in the firmament.  Mizal. 
Well said man i'the Moon. Was ever such Astronomers? Marry I fear none of these will fall into the right Ditch.  Robert. 
madam.  Count. 
Ha Anna, what are my doors unbarred?  Miz. 
I'll assure you the way into your Ladyship is open.  Rob. 
And God defend that any profane hand  
Should offer sacrilege to such a Saint.  
Lovely Isabella, by this duteous kiss,  
That draws part of my Soul along with it,  
Had I but thought my rude intrusion  
Had waked the dove-like spleen harboured within you,  
Life and my first born should not satisfy  
Such a transgression, worthy of a check,  
But that Immortals wink at my offence,  
Makes me presume more boldly: I am come  
To raise you from this so infernal sadness.  Isab. 
My Lord of Cypress, do not mock my grief:  
Tears are as due a Tribute to the dead,  
As fear to God, and duty unto Kings.  
Love to the Just, or hate unto the Wicked.  Rober. 
Surcease.  
Believe it is a wrong unto the Gods:  
They sail against the wind that wail the dead.  
And since his heart hath wrestled with death's pangs,  
From whose stern Cave none tracts a backward path.  
Leave to lament this necessary change,  
And thank the Gods, for they can give as good.  Isab. 
I wail his loss! Sink him ten cubits deeper,  
I may not fear his resurrection:  
I will be sworn upon the holy Writ  
I morn thus fervent cause, he died no sooner:  
He buried me alive,  
And mewed me up like Cretan Dedalus,  
And with wall-eyed jealousy kept me from hope  
Of any waxen wings to fly to pleasure.  
But now his soul her Argos eyes hath closed,  
And I am free as air. You of my sex,  
In the first flow of youth use you the sweets  
Due to your proper beauties, ere the ebb  
And long wain of unwelcome change shall come.  
Fair women play: she's chaste whom none will have.  
Here is a man of a most mild aspect,  
Temperate, effeminate, and worthy love,  
One that with burning ardour hath pursued me:  
A donative he hath of every God;  
Apollo gave him locks, jove his high front,  
The God of Eloquence his flowing speech,  
The feminine Deities strowed all their bounties  
And beauty on his face: that eye was juno's,  
Those lips were his that won the golden Ball,  
That virgin-blush Diana's: here they meet,  
As in a sacred Synod. My Lords, I must entreat  
A while your wished forbearance.  Omnes. 
We obey you Lady. Exit Guido and Mizald. Ma. Rob.  Is. 
My Lord, with you I have some conference.  
I pray my Lord, do you woo every Lady  
In this phrase you do me?  Rob. 
Fairest, till now,  
Love was an Infant in my Oratory.  Isab. 
And kiss thus too?  Rob. 
I ne'er was so kissed, leave thus to please,  
Flames into flames, seas thou pourest into seas.  Isab. 
Pray frown my Lord, let me see how many wives  
You'll have. Heigh-ho, you'll bury me I see.  Rob. 
In the Swans down, and tomb thee in mine arms.  Isab. 
Then folks shall pray in vain to send me rest.  
Away, you're such another meddling Lord.  Rob. 
By heaven my love's as chaste as thou art fair,  
And both exceed comparison: by this kiss,  
That crowns me Monarch of another world  
Superior to the first, fair, thou shalt see  
As unto heaven, my love so unto thee.  Isab. 
Alas poor creatures, when we are once o'the falling hand,  
A man may easily come over us.  
It is as hard for us to hide our love,  
As to shut sin from the creator's eyes.  
i'faith my Lord, I had a month's mind unto you,  
As tedious as a full riped Maidenhead.  
And Count of Cypress, think my love as pure,  
As the first opening of the blooms in May;  
Your virtues man; nay, let me not blush to say so:  
And see for your sake thus I leave to sorrow.  
Begin this subtle conjuration with me,  
And as this Taper, due unto the dead,  
I here extinguish, so my late dead Lord  
I put out ever from my memory,  
That his remembrance may not wrong our love. Puts out the Taper.  
As boldfaced women when they wed another,  
Banquet their husbands with their dead loves heads.  Rob. 
And as I sacrifice this to his Ghost,  
With this expire all corrupt thoughts of youth,  
That fame-insatiate Devil jealousy,  
And all the sparks that may bring unto flame,  
Hate betwixt man and wife or breed defame.  Enter MIZALDUS and MENDOSA. Guid. 
Marry Amen, I say: madam, are you that were in for all day, now come to be in for all night? How now Count Arsena?  Miz. 
Faith signor not unlike the condemned malefactor,  
That hears his judgement openly pronounced;  
But I ascribe to Fate, joy swell your love,  
Cypress, and Willow grace my drooping crest.  Rober. 
We do intend our Hymeneal rights  
With the next rising Sun. Count Cypress,  
Next to our Bride, the welcom'st to our feast.  Count. Ars. 
Saneta Maria, what thinkst thou of this change?  
A player's passion I'll believe hereafter,  
And in a Tragic Scene weep for old Priam,  
When fell revenging Pyrrhus with supposed  
And artificial wounds mangles his breast,  
And think it a more worthy act to me,  
Then trust a female mourning o'er her love:  
nought that is done of woman shall me please,  
Nature's stepchildren rather her desire.  Miz. 
Learn of a well composed Epigram,  
A woman's love, and thus 'twas sung unto us:  
The Tapers that stood on her husband's hearse,  
Isabell' advances to a second bed:  
Is it not wondrous strange for to rehearse  
She should so soon forget her husband dead;  
One hour? for if the husband's life once fade,  
Both love and husband in one grave are laid.  
But we forget ourselves, I am for the marriage  
Of signor Claridiana, and the fine Mris. Abigall.  Count. Ars. 
I for his arch-foes wedding signor Rogero, and the spruce Mris. Thais: but see, the solemn rites are ended, and from their several Temples they are come.  Mizal. 
A quarrel on my life.  Enter at one door signor CLARIDIANA, ABIGAL his wife, the Lady LENTULUS with Rosemary as from Church. At the other door signor ROGERO and THAIS his wife, MENDOSA FOSCARII, Nephew to the Duke, from the Bridal, they see one another, and draw, Count Arsena and others step between them. Clarid. 
Good my Lord detain me not, I will tilt at him.  Rogero. 
Remember, Sir, this is your wedding day,  
And that triumph belongs only to your wife.  Rogero. 
If you be noble let me cut off his head.  Clarid. 
Remember o'the other side, you have a maidenhead of your own to cut off.  Rog. 
I'll make my marriage day like to the bloody bridal Alcides by the fiery Centaurs had.  Thais. 
Husband, dear Husband!  Rog. 
Away with these caterwaulers.  
Come on sir.  Clarid. 
Thou son of a jew.  Guid. 
Alas poor wench, thy husband's circumcised.  Clarid. 
Begot when thy father's face was toward th'East,  
To show that thou wouldst prove a Caterpillar:  
His Messias shall not save thee from me,  
I'll send thee to him in collops.  Arsen. 
O fry not in choler so Sir.  Roger. 
Mountebank with thy Pedantical action,  
Rimatrix, buglers, Rhimocers.  Mend. 
Gentlemen, I conjure you  
By the virtues of men.  Rog. 
Shall any broken quacksalver's Bastard oppose him to me in my Nuptials? No, but I'll show him better metal than ere the gallimaufry his father used. Thou scum of his melting pots, that wert christened in a Crucible, with Mercury's water, to show thou wouldst prove a stinging Aspis; for all thou spit'st is Aqua fortis, and thy breath is a compound of poisons stillatory: if I get within thee, hadst thou the scaly hide of a Crocodile, as thou art partly of his nature, I would leave thee as bare as an Anatomy at the second viewing.  Clarid. 
Thou jew, of the Tribe of Gad, that sure, there were none here but thou and I, wouldst teach me the Art of breathing, thou wouldst run like a dromedary.  Clar. 
Thou that art the tall'st man of Christendom; when thou art alone, if thou dost maintain this to my face, I'll make thee skip like an Ounce.  Mend. 
Nay, good sir, be you still.  Roger. 
Let the quacksalver's son be still:  
His father was still, and still, and still again.  Clarid. 
By the Almighty I'll study Negromancy but I'll be revenged.  Arsen. 
Gentlemen, leave these dissensions,  
signor Rogero, you are a man of worth.  Clarid. 
True, all the City points at him for a Knave.  Arsen. 
You are of like reputation signor Claridiana:  
The hatred twixt your grandsire's first began,  
Impute it to the folly of that age.  
These your dissensions may erect a faction,  
Like to the Capulets and Montagues.  Mend. 
Put it to equal arbitration, choose your friends,  
The Senators will think'em happy in't.  Miz. 
I'll ne'er embrace the smoke of a Furnace, the quintessence of mineral or simples, or as I may say more learnedly, nor the spirit of quicksilver.  Clarid. 
Nor I such a Centaur, half a man, half an Ass, and all a jew.  Arsen. 
Nay, than we will be Constables, and force a quiet: Exeunt all the Men. Manet Lent. Thais. Abig. and Mend. Gentlemen, keep'em asunder, and help to persuade'em.  Mend. 
Well Ladies, your Husbands behave'em as lustily on their wedding days, as ere I heard any. Nay Lady widow, you and I must have a falling: you're of signor Mizaldus' faction, and I am your vowed enemy, from the bodkin to the pincase. Hark in your ear.  Abigall. 
Well Thais, O you're a cunning carver: we two that any time these fourteen years have called sisters, brought and bred up together: that have told one another all our wanton dreams, talked all nightlong of young men, and spent many an idle hour, fasted upon the stones on S. Agnes night together, practised all the petulant amorousnesses that delights young Maids, yet have you concealed not only the marriage, but the man: and well you might deceive me, for I'll be sworn you never dreamed of him, and it stands against all reason you should enjoy him you never dreamed of.  Thais. 
Is not all this the same in you? Did you ever manifest your sweetheart's nose, that I might nose him by't? commended his calf, or his nether-lip? apparent signs that you were not in love or wisely covered it. Have you ever said, such a man goes upright, or has a better gate than any of the rest, as indeed, since he is proved a Magnifico, I thought thou wouldst have put it into my hands whate'er 'thad been.  Abig. 
Well wench, we have cross fates: our Husbands such inveterate foes, and we such entire friends, but the best is we are neighbours, and our back Arbours may afford visitation freely: prithee let us maintain our familiarity still whatsoever thy husband do unto thee, as I am afraid he will cross it i'the nick.  Thais. 
Faith, you little one, If I please him in one thing, he shall please me in all, that's certain. Who shall I have to keep my counsel if I miss thee? who shall teach me to use the bridle, when the reins are in mine own hand? what to long for? when to take Physic? where to be melancholy? why, we two are one another's grounds, without which would be no Music.  Abig. 
Well said wench, and the Pricksong we use shall be our husbands.  Thais. 
I will long for Swines-flesh o'the first child.  Abig. 
Wilt'ou little jew? And I to kiss thy husband  
Upon the least belly-ache. This will mad'em.  Thais. 
I kiss thee wench for that, and with it confirm our friendship.  Mend. 
By these sweet lips Widow.  Lady Lent. 
Good my Lord learn to swear by rote:  
Your birth and fortune makes my brain suppose,  
That like a man heated with wines and lust,  
She that is next your object is your mate,  
Till the foul water have quenched out the fire.  
You the Duke's kinsman, tell me, I am young,  
Fair, rich, and virtuous; I myself will flatter  
myself, till you are gone, that are more fair,  
More rich, more virtuous, and more debonair:  
All which are ladders to an higher reach:  
Who drinks a puddle that may taste a spring?  
Who kiss a Subject that may hug a King?  Mend. 
Yes, the Camel always drinks in puddle water,  
And as for huggings read Antiquities.  
Faith, madam, I'll board thee one of these days.  Lady. 
ay, but ne'er bed me my Lord: my vow is firm  
Since God hath called me to this noble state,  
Much to my grief, of virtuous Widowhood,  
No man shall ever come within my gates.  Mend. 
Wilt thou ram up thy porch-hold? O widow, I perceive  
You're ignorant of the Lovers legerdemain.  
There is a fellow that by Magic will assist  
To murder Princes invisible, I can command his spirit.  
Or what say you to a fine scaling Ladder of ropes?  
I can tell you, I am a mad wag-halter:  
But by the virtue I see seated in you,  
And by the worthy fame is blazoned of you,  
By little Cupid, that is mighty named,  
And can command my looser follies down,  
I love, and must enjoy, yet with such limits,  
As one that knows enforced marriage  
To be the Fury's sister. Think of me.  Amb. 
Ha, ha, ha.  Mend. 
How now Lady, does the toy take you, as they say?  Abig. 
No, my Lord, nor do we take your toy, as they say. This is a child's birth, that must not be delivered before a man, Though your Lordship might be a Midwife for your chin.  Mend. 
Some bawdy riddle is't not? you long till't be night.  Thais. 
No, my Lord, women's longing comes after their marriage night. Sister, see you be constant now.  Abig. 
Why, dost think I'll make my Husband a Cuckold? O here they come.  Enter at several doors Count Ars. with CLARIDIANA: GVIDO, with ROGERO, at another door, MENDOSA meets them. Mend. 
signor Rogero, are you yet qualified?  Rogero. 
Yes: does any man think I'll go like a sheep to the slaughter? Hands off my Lord, your Lordship may chance come under my hands: If you do, I shall show myself a Citizen, and revenge basely.  Clarid. 
I think if I were receiving the holy Sacrament  
His sight would make me gnash my teeth terribly:  
But there's the beauty without parallel, To Abigall.  
In whom the Graces and the virtues meet:  
In her aspect mild Honour sits and smiles:  
And who looks there, were it the savage Bear,  
But would derive new nature from her eyes.  
But to be reconciled simply for him,  
Were mankind to be lost again, I'd let it,  
And a new heap of stones should stock the world.  
In heaven and earth this power beauty hath,  
It inflames Temperance, and temp'rates Wrath:  
whate'er thou art, mine art thou wise or chaste:  
I shall set hard upon thy marriage vow,  
And write revenge high in thy husband's brow,  
In a strange Character. You may begin sir.  Mend. 
signor Claridiana, I hope signor Rogero  
Thus employed me about a good office,  
'Twere worthy Cicero's tongue, a famous Oration now?  
But friendship that is mutually embraced of the Gods,  
And is jove's Usher to each sacred Synod,  
Without the which he could not reign in heaven,  
That overgoes my admiration shall not undergo my censure.  
These hot flames of rage, that else will be  
As fire midst your nuptial jollity,  
Burning the edge off from the present joy,  
And keep you wake to terror.  Clarid. 
I have not yet swallowed the Rhimatrix nor the onocentaur, the rhinoceros was monstrous.  Arsen. 
Sir, be you of the more flexible nature, and confess an error.  Clarid. 
I must, the Gods of love command,  
And that bright Star, her eye, that guides my fate.  
signor Rogero, joy then signor Rogero.  Rog. 
signor, sir, O Devil.  Thais. 
Good Husband show yourself a temperate man,  
Your mother was a woman I dare swear;  
No Tiger got you, nor no Bear was rival  
In your conception: you seem like the issue  
The painter's limb leaping from envies mouth,  
That devours all he meets.  Rog. 
Had the last, or the least Syllable  
Of this more than immortal eloquence,  
Commenced to me when rage had been so high  
Within my blood, that it o'ertopped my soul,  
Like to the Lion when he hears the sound  
Of Dian's Bowstring in some shady wood,  
I should have couched my lowly limb on earth,  
And held my silence a proud sacrifice.  Clarid. 
Slave, I will fight with thee at any odds,  
Or name an instrument fit for destruction,  
That ne'er was made to make away a man,  
I'll meet thee on the ridges of the Alps,  
Or some inhospitable wilderness,  
Stark naked, at push-of-pike, or keen curtle-axe,  
At Turkish Sickle, Babylonian saw,  
The ancient Hooks of great Cadwalleder,  
Or any other heathen invention.  Thais. 
O God bless the man.  Lent. 
Counsel him good my Lord.  Mend. 
Our tongues are weary, and he desperate,  
He does refuse to hear: What shall we do?  Clarid. 
I am not mad, I can hear, I can see, I can feel,  
But a wise rage in man, wrongs past compare,  
Should be well nourished as his virtues are:  
I'd have it known unto each valiant spirit.  
He wrongs no man that to himself does right.  
Catzo I ha'done, signor Rogero, I ha'done.  Arsen. 
By heaven this voluntary reconciliation made  
Freely, and of itself, argues unfeigned  
And virtuous knot of love. So sirs embrace.  Rog. 
Sir, by the conscience of a Catholic man,  
And by our mother Church that binds  
And doth atone in amity with God,  
The souls of men, that they with men be one,  
I tread into the centre all the thoughts  
Of ill in me, toward you, and memory  
Of what from you might ought disparaged me,  
Wishing unfeignedly it may sink low,  
And as untimely births want power to grow.  Mend. 
Christianly said: signor what would you have more?  Clar. 
And so I swear, you're honest onocentaur.  Arsen. 
Nay see now, fie upon your turbulent spirit,  
Did he do't in this form?  Clar. 
If you think not this sufficient, you shall command me to be reconciled in another form, as a Rhimatrix or a rhinoceros.  Mend. 
'Sblood, what will you do?  Clar. 
Well, give me your hands first, I am friends with you i'faith: thereupon I embrace you, kiss your Wife, and God give us joy. To Thais.  Thais. 
You mean me and my husband.  Clar. 
You take the meaning better than the speech, Lady.  Roger. 
The like wish I, but ne'er can be the like,  
And therefore wish I thee.  Clar. 
By this bright light that is derived from thee.  Thais. 
So sir, you make me a very light creature.  Clar. 
But that thou art a blessed Angel, sent  
Down from the Gods t'atone mortal men,  
I would have thought deeds beyond all men's thoughts,  
And executed more upon his corpse:  
Oh let him thank the beauty of this eye,  
And not his resolute sword or destiny.  Arsen. 
What sayst thou Mizaldus, come applaud this jubilee,  
A day these hundred years before not truly known,  
To these divided factions.  Clar. 
No nor this day had it been falsely borne,  
But that I mean to sound it with his horn.  Miz. 
I liked the former jar better: than they show'd like men and Soldiers; now like Cowards and lechers.  Arsen. 
Well said Mizaldus: thou art like the Base Viol in a Consort, let the other Instrument wish and delight in your highest sense, thou art still grumbling.  Clar. 
Nay, sweet receive it, Gives it Abigall.  
And in it my heart:  
And when thou readest a moving syllable  
Think that my soul was Secretary to't.  
It is your love, and not the odious wish  
Of my revenge, in styling him a Cuckold,  
Makes me presume thus far: then read it fair,  
My passion's ample as your beauties are.  Abig. 
Well sir, we will not stick with you.  Arsena. 
And Gentlemen, since it hath happed so fortunately,  
I do entreat we may all meet tomorrow,  
In some Heroic mask, to grace the Nuptials  
Of the most noble Countess of Swevia.  Mend. 
Who does the young Count marry?  Arsen. 
O sir, who but the very heir of all her sex,  
That bears the Palm of beauty from'em all:  
Others compared to her, show like faint Stars  
To the full Moon of wonder in her face:  
The Lady Isabella, the late Widow  
To the deceased and noble Viscount Hermut.  Mend. 
la you there, widow, there's one of the last edition,  
Whose Husband yet retains in his cold trunk  
Some little airing of his noble guest,  
Yet she a fresh Bride as the month of May.  Lent. 
Well my Lord, I am none of these,  
That have my second Husband bespoke,  
My door shall be a testimony of it.  
And but these noble Marriages incite me,  
My much abstracted presence should have show'd it.  
If you come to me, hark in your ear my Lord,  
Look your Ladder of ropes be strong,  
For I shall tie you to your Tackling.  Arsen. 
Gentlemen, your answer to the mask.  Omnes. 
Your Honour leads, we'll follow.  Rogero. 
signor Claridiana.  Clarid. 
I attend you sir. Exeunt omnes. Manet Clarid.  Abigall. 
You'll be constant.  Clar. 
Above the Adamant the goats blood shall not break me,  
Yet shallow fools, and plainer moral men,  
That understand not what they undertake,  
Fall in their own snares, or come short of vengeance,  
No, let the Sun view with an open face,  
And afterward shrink in his blushing cheeks,  
Ashamed, and cursing of the fixed decree,  
That makes his light bawd to the crimes of men,  
When I have ended what I now devise.  
Apollo's Oracle shall swear me wise,  
Strumpet his wife, branch my false-seeming friend,  
And make him foster what my hate begot,  
A bastard, that when age and sickness seize him,  
Shall be a corrosive to his griping heart:  
I'll write to her, for what her modesty  
Will not permit, nor my adulterate forcing,  
That blushless Herald shall not fear to tell:  
Rogero shall know yet that his foe's a man,  
And what is more, a true Italian. Exit.  
Finis Actus primi.   

Actus secundi  
Scaena prima.  Enter ROBERTO, Lord Cardinal, ISABELLA, Lady LENTULUS, ABIGAL and THAIS. Lights. Roberto. 
MY grave Lord Cardinal, we congratulate,  
And zealously do entertain your love:  
That from your high and divine contemplation,  
You have vouchsafed to consummate a day  
Due to our Nuptials: O, may this knot you knit,  
This individual Gordiant grasp of hands,  
In sight of God so fairly intermixed,  
Never be severed, as heaven smiles at it,  
By all the Darts shot by infernal jove,  
Angels of grace Amen, Amen, say to't.  
Fair Lady Widow, and my worthy Mistress,  
Do you keep silence for a wager?  Thais. 
Do you ask a woman that question my Lord,  
When she enforcedly pursues what she's forbidden?  
I think if I had been tied to silence,  
I should have been worthy the Cucking-stool ere this time.  Rob. 
You shall not be my Orator (Lady) that pleads thus for yourself.  Ser. 
My Lord, the maskers are at hand.  Rob. 
Give them kind entertainment. Some worthy friends of mine, my Lord, unknown to me, too lavish of their loves, Bring their own welcome in a solemn mask.  Abigall. 
I am glad there's Noblemen i'the mask  
With our Husbands to overrule them,  
They had shamed us all else.  Thais. 
Why? for why, I pray?  Ab. 
Why? marry they had come in with some City show else, Hired a few Tinsel coats at the Vizard-makers, which would ha' made them look, for all world, like Bakers in their linen bases, and mealy vizards, new come from bolting. I saw a show once at the Marriage of a Magnificero's daughter, presented by Time: which Time was an old bald thing; a servant, 'twas the best man; he was a Dyer, and came in likeness of the Rainbow in all manner of colours, to show his Art, but the Rainbow smelled of urine, so we were all afraid the property was changed, and looked for a shower. Then came in after him, one that (it seemed) feared no colours, a Grocer that had trimmed up himself handsomely: he was justice, and show'd reasons why. And I think this Grocer, I mean this justice, had borrowed a weather-beaten Balance from some justice of a Conduit, both which Scales were replenished with the choice of his Ware, And the more liberally to show his nature, He gave every woman in the room her handful.  Thais. 
O great act of justice! well, and my Husband come cleanly off with this, he shall ne'er betray his weakness more, but confess himself a Citizen hereafter, and acknowledge their wit, for alas they come short.  Enter in the mask, the Count of Arsena, MENDOSA, CLARIDIANA, torchbearers. They deliver the shields to their several Mistresses, that is to say. MENDOSA, to the Lady LENTULUS; CLARIDIANA, to ABIGAL; to ISABELLA, GVIDO Count of Arsena; to THAIS, ROGERO. Isab. 
Good my Lord, be my expositor. To the Cardinal.  Card. 
The Sun setting, a man pointing at it:  
The Motto, Senso 〈…〉 Calarem:  
Fair Bride, some servant of yours, that here imitates  
To have felt the heat of Love bred in your brightness,  
But setting thus from him, by marriage,  
He only here acknowledgeth your power,  
And must expect beams of a morrow Sun.  Lent. 
Lord Bridegroom, will you interpret me?  Rober. 
A sable Shield: the word, Vidua spes.  
What the forlorn hope, in black, despairing?  
Lady Lentulus, is this the badge of all your Suitors?  Lent. 
I by my troth my Lord, if they come to me.  Rob. 
I could give it another interpretation. methinks this Lover has learned, of women, to deal by contraries: if so, then here he says, the Widow is his only hope.  Lent. 
No: good my Lord, let the first stand.  Rober. 
Inquire of him, and he'll resolve the doubt.  Abig. 
What's here? a Ship sailing nigh her haven?  
With good ware belike: 'tis well ballast.  Thais. 
O, your this device smells of the Merchant. What's your ship's name, I pray? The forlorn Hope?  Abigall. 
No: The Merchant Royal.  Thais. 
And why not Adventurer?  Abig. 
You see no likelihood of that: would it not fain be in the haven? The word, Vt tangerem Portum.  

Marry, for aught I know, God grant it. What's there?   Thais. 
Mine's an Azure shield: marry what else; I should tell thee more than I understand; but the word is, 
Aut precio, aut precibus.   Abigall. 
ay, ay, some Common-counsel device. They take the women, and dance the first change.  Mend. 
Fair widow, how like you this change?  Lent. 
I changed too lately to like any.  Mend. 
O your husband! you wear his memory like a Deaths-head.  
For heavens love think of me as of the man  
Whose dancing days you see are not yet done.  Lent. 
Yet you sink apace sir.  Mend. 
The fault's in my Upholsterer, Lady.  Roger. 
Thou shalt as soon find Truth telling a lie,  
Virtue a Bawd, Honesty a Courtier,  
As me turned recreant to thy least design:  
Love makes me speak, and he makes love divine.  Thais. 
Would Love could make you so: but 'tis his guise  
To let us surfeit ere he open our eyes.  Abig. 
You grasp my hand too hard i'faith, fair sir, Holding her by the hand.  Clar. 
Not as you grasp my heart, unwilling wanton.  
Were but my breast bare and Anatomised,  
Thou shouldst behold there how thou torturest it:  
And as Appelles limbed the Queen of Love,  
In her right hand grasping a heart in flames,  
So may I thee, fairer, but crueler.  Abig. 
Well sir, your vizor gives you colour for what you say.  Clar. 
Grace me to wear this favour, 'tis a gem  
That veils to your eyes, though not to th'Eagles,  
And in exchange give me one word of comfort.  Abig. 
I marry: I like this wooer well:  
he'll win's pleasure out o'the stones. The second change. Isabella falls in love with Rogero when the changers speak.  Is. 
Change is no robbery: yet in this change  
Thou robbest me of my heart, sure Cupid's here,  
Disguised like a pretty Torchbearer,  
And makes his brand a Torch, that with more sleight  
He may entrap weak women: here the sparks  
Fly as in Aetna from his Father's anvil.  
O powerful Boy! my heart's on fire, and unto mine eyes  
The raging flames ascend, like to two Beacons,  
Summoning my strongest powers, but all too late,  
The Conqueror already opes the gate.  
I will not ask his name.  Abig. 
You dare put it into my hands.  Mend. 
Zounds, do you think I will not?  Abig. 
Then thus, tomorrow (you'll be secret, servant.)  Mend. 
All that I do, I'll do in secret.  Ab. 
My husband goes to Mawrano to renew the Farm he has.  Men. 
Well, what time goes the jakes-farmer?  Abig. 
He shall not be long out, but you shall put in, I warrant you. Have a care that you stand just i'the nick about six o'clock in the evening; my Maid shall conduct you up, to save mine honour you must come up darkling, and to avoid suspicion.  Mend. 
Zounds, hoodwinked, and if you'll open all sweet Lady.  Abig. 
But if you fail to do't.  Mend. 
The Sun shall fail the day first.  Abig. 
Tie this ring fast, you may be sure to know.  
You'll brag of this, now you have brought me to the bay.  Mend. 
Pox o''is mask: would 'twere done, I might  
To my Apothecaries for some stirring meats.  Tha. 
methinks sir, you should blush e'en through your vizor,  
I have scarce patience to dance out the rest.  Robert. 
The worse my fate that ploughs a marble quarry:  
Primaleon yet thy Image was more kind,  
Although thy love not half so true as mine.  
Dance they that list, I sail against the wind.  Thais. 
Nay sir, betray not your infirmities,  
You'll make my Husband jealous by and by;  
We will think of you, and that presently.  Guid. 
The Spheres ne'er danced unto a better tune.  
Sound Music there.  Isab. 
'Twas Music that he spoke. The third change ended, Ladies fall off.  Rob. 
Gallants I thank you, and Begin a health to your Mistresses.  3. or 4. 
Fair thanks sir Bridegroom.  Isab. 
He speaks not to this pledge, has he no Mistress?  
Would I might chose one for him: but't may be Rogero dances a Laualto, or a Galliard, & in the midst of it, falleth into the Bride's lap, but straight leaps up, and danceth it out.  
He doth adore a brighter Star than we.  Rob. 
Sit Ladies sit, you have had standing long.  Men. 
Bless the man: spritely and nobly done.  Thais. 
What, is your Ladyship hurt?  Isab. 
O no, an easy fall.  
Was I not deep enough, thou God of lust,  
But I must further wade? I am his now,  
As sure as juno's jove's, Hymen take flight,  
And see not me, 'tis not my wedding night. Exit Isabella.  Card. 
The Brides departed, discontent it seems.  Rob. 
we'll after her. Gallants, unmask I pray,  
And taste a homely banquet we entreat. Exit Rob. Card. and Lights.  Clarid. 
Candidi Ernigos I beseech thee.  Men. 
Come Widow, I'll be bold to put you in.  
My Lord will you have a sociate? Exit Thais.  Rog. 
Good gentlemen if I have any interest in you, Lent. Abig.  
Let me depart unknown, 'tis a disgrace  
Of an eternal memory.  Mend. 
What the fall my Lord, as common a thing as can be, the stiffest man in Italy may fall between a woman's legs.  Clar. 
Would I had changed places with you my Lord, would it had been my hap.  Rog. 
What Cuckold laid his horns in my way?  
signor Claridiana, you were by the Lady when I fell,  
Do you think I hurt her?  Clar. 
You could not her, my Lord, between the legs.  Rog. 
What was't I fell withal?  Mend. 
A cross point my Lord.  Rog. 
Cross-point indeed: well if you love me, let me hence unknown,  
The silence yours, the disgrace mine own. Ex. Clar. & Mend.  Enter ISABELLA with a gilt Goblet and meets ROGERO. Isab. 
Sir, if Wine were Nectar I'll begin a health,  
To her that were most gracious in your eye,  
Yet deign, as simply 'tis the gift of Bacchus,  
To give her pledge that drinks: this God of Wine  
Cannot inflame me more to appetite,  
Though he be co-supreme with mighty Love,  
Than thy fair shape.  Rog. 
Zounds she comes to deride me.  Isab. 
That kiss shall serve  
To be a pledge although my lips should starve.  
No trick to get that vizor from his face?  Rog. 
I will steal hence, and so conceal disgrace.  Isab. 
Sir, have you left nought behind?  Rog. 
Yes, Lady but the Fates will not permit  
(As Gems once lost are seldom or never found)  
I should convey it with me. Sweet good-night.  
she bends to me: there's my fall again. Exit.  Isab. 
He's gone, that lightning that a while doth strike  
Our eyes with amazed brightness, and on a sudden  
Leaves us in prisoned darkness. Lust thou art high,  
My smiles may well come from the Sky.  
Anna, Anna. Enter ANNA.  Anna. 
madam, did you call?  Isab. 
Follow yond stranger, prithee learn his name:  
we may hereafter thank him. How I dote? Exit Anna.  
Is he not a God  
That can command what other men would win  
With the hardest advantage? I must have him,  
Or shadowlike follow his fleeting steps.  
Were I as Daphne, and he followed chase,  
Though I rejected young Apollo's love,  
And like a Dream beguile his wandering steps,  
Should he pursue me through the neighbouring grove,  
Each Cowslip stalk should trip a willing fall,  
Till he were mine, who till then am his thrall:  
Nor will I blush, since worthy is my chance.  
'Tis said that Venus with a Satire slept,  
And how much short came she of my fair aim?  
Then Queen of Love a precedent I'll be,  
To teach fair women learn to love of me.  
Speak Music, what's his name. Enter ANNA.  Anna. 
madam, It was the worthy Count Massino.  Isab. 
Blessed be thy tongue: the worthy Count indeed,  
The worthiest of the Worthies. Trusty Anna,  
Hast thou packed up those Moneys, Plate, and jewels  
I gave direction for?  Anna. 
Yes, madam, I have trust up them, that many  
A proper man has been trust up for.  Isab. 
I thank thee, take the wings of night,  
Beloved Secretary, and post with them to Swevia,  
There furnish up some stately Palace  
Worthy to entertain the King of Love:  
Prepare it for my coming and my Loves,  
Ere Phoebus Steeds once more unharnessed be,  
Or ere he sport with his beloved Thetis,  
The silver-footed Goddess of the Sea,  
we will set forward. Fly like the Northern wind,  
Or swifter, Anna, fleet like to my mind.  An. 
I am just of your mind madam, I am gone. Exit An.  Isab. 
So to the house of Death the mourner goes,  
That is bereft of what his soul desired,  
As I to bed, I to my nuptial bed,  
The heaven on earth: so to thought slaughters went  
The pale Andromeda bedewed with tears,  
When every minute she expected gripes of a fell monster,  
And in vain bewailed the act of her creation.  
Sullen Night that look'st with sunk eyes on my nuptial bed,  
With ne'er a Star that smiles upon the end,  
Mend thy slack pace, and lend the malcontent,  
The hoping lover, and the wishing Bride  
Beams that too long thou shadowest: or if not  
In spite of thy fixed front when my loathed Mate  
Shall struggle in due pleasure for his right,  
I'll think't my love, and die in that delight. Exit.  Enter at several doors ABIGAL and THAIS. Abig. 
Thais, you're an early riser.  
I have that to show will make your hair stand on-end.  Thais. 
Well Lady, and I have that to show you will bring your courage down. What would you say, and I would name a party saw your Husband court, kiss, nay almost go through for the hole?  Abig. 
How, how, what would I say? nay, by this light, what would I not do? If ever Amazon fought better, or more at the face then I'll do, let me never be thought a new married wife. Come unmask her: 'tis some admirable creature, whose beauty you need not paint. I warrant you, 'tis done to your hand.  Thais. 
Would any woman but I, be abused to her face?  
Prithee read the contents: Know'st thou the Character?  Abig. 
'Tis my husband's hand, and a Love-Letter: But for the contents I find none in it. Has the lustful monster, All back and belly-starved me thus? What defect does he see in me? I'll be sworn wench, I am of as pliant and yielding body to him, e'en which way he will, he may turn me as he list himself. What? and dedicate to thee: I marry, here's a style so high, as a man cannot help a Dog o'er it. He was wont to write to me in the City phrase, My good Abigall: here's Astonishment of nature, unparalleled excellency, and most unequal rarity of creation: Three such words will turn any honest woman in the world whore: for a woman is never won till she know not what to answer; and beshrew me if I understand any of these: you are the party I perceive, and here's a white sheet, that your husband has promised me to do penance in: you must not think to dance the shaking of the sheets alone though there be not such rare phrases in't, 'tis more to the matter; a legible hand, but for the dash, or the (he) and (as): short bawdy Parenthesis as ever you saw, to the purpose: he has not left out a prick I warrant you, wherein he has promised to do me any good, but the Law's in mine own hand.  Thais. 
I ever thought by his red beard he would prove a judas, here am I bought and sold; he makes much of me indeed. Well wench, we were best wisely in time seek for prevention, I should be loath to take drink and die on't, as I am afraid I shall that he will lie with thee.  Abig. 
To be short sweet heart, I'll be true to thee, though a liar to my Husband: I have signed your husband's bill like a Wood cock as he is held, persuaded him (since nought but my love can assuage his violent passions) he should enjoy, like a private friend, the pleasures of my bed: I told him my Husband was to go to Mawrano today, to renew a Farm he has, and in the mean time he might be tenant at will, to use mine: this false fire has so took with him, that he's ravished afore he come. I have had stones on him all red: dost know this:  Thais. 
ay, too well, it blushes for his Mr.. Points to the ring.  Abigall. 
Now my Husband will be hawking about thee anon,  
And thou canst meet him closely.  Thais. 
By my faith I would be loath in the dark, and he knew me.  Abig. 
I mean thus: the same occasion will serve him too, they are birds of a feather, and will fly together, I warrant thee wench, appoint him to come: say that thy Husband's gone for Mawrano, and tell me anon if thou mad'st not his heart-blood spring, for joy, in his face.  Thais. 
I conceive you not all this while.  Abig. 
Then thouart a barren woman, and no marvel if thy Husband love thee not: the hour for both to come is six, a dark time fit for purblind lovers; and with cleanly conveyance by the nigglers our maids, they shall be translated into our Bedchambers.  
Your Husband into mine, and mine into yours.  Thais. 
But you mean they shall come in at the backdoors.  Abig. 
Who, our Husbands? nay, and they come not in at the fore-doors, there will be no pleasure in't. But we two will climb over our garden-Pales, and come in that way, (the chastest that are in Venice will stray for a good turn) and thus wittily will we be bestowed, you into my house to your husband, and I into your house to my husband, and I warrant thee before a month come to an end, they'll crack louder of this nights-lodging, than the Bedsteads.  Thais. 
All is if our Maids keep secret.  Abig. 
Mine is a Maid I'll be sworn, she has kept her secrets hitherto.  Thais. 
troth, and I never had any Sea-captain boarded in my house.  Abig. 
Go to then: and the better to avoid suspicion,  
Thus we must insist, they must come up darkling, recreate themselves with their delight an hour or two, and after a million of kisses, or so.  Thais. 
But is my husband content to come darkling?  Abig. 
What not to save mine honour? he that will run through fire, as he has professed, will by the heat of his love, grope in the dark. I warrant him he shall save mine honour.  Thais. 
I am afraid my voice will discover me.  Abig. 
Why then, you're best say nothing, and take it thus quietly when your husband comes.  Thais. 
ay, but you know a woman cannot choose but speak in these cases.  Abig. 
Bite in your nether-lip, and I warrant you,  
Or make as if you were whiffing Tobacco;  
Or such like me. Gods-so, I hear thy Husband. Exit.  Thais. 
Farewell wise-woman.  Enter MIZALDUS. Mizal. 
Now 'gins my vengeance mount high in my lust:  
'Tis a rare creature, she'll do't i'faith;  
And I am armed at all points, A rare whiblin,  
To be revenged, and yet gain pleasure in't,  
One height above revenge: yet what a slave am I,  
Are there not younger Brothers enough, but we must  
Branch one another? oh but mine's revenge,  
And who on that does dream  
Must be a Tyrant ever in extreme.  
O my Wife Thais get my Breakfast ready,  
I must into the Country to a Farm I have  
Some two miles off, and, as I think,  
Shall not come home tonight. jaques, jaques,  
Get my Vessel ready to row me down the River.  
Prithee make haste Sweet girl. Exit Mizal.  Thais. 
So, there's one fool shipped away: are your cross-points discovered? Get your Breakfast ready!  

By this light I'll tie you to hard fare:  
I have been too sparing of that you prodigally offer  
Voluntary to another: well you shall be a tame fool hereafter.  
The finest light is when we first defraud;  
Husband tonight 'tis I must lie abroad. Exit.   Enter ISABELLA and a Page with a Letter. Isab. 
Here, take this Letter, bear it to the Count:  
But Boy, first tell me; think'st thou I am in love?  Page. 
madam, I cannot tell.  Isab. 
Canst thou not tell? Dost thou not see my face?  
Is not the face the Index of the mind?  
And canst thou not distinguish Love by that?  Page. 
No madam.  Isab. 
Then take this Letter and deliver it  
Unto the worthy Count. No, fie upon him,  
Come back again: tell me, why shouldst thou think  
That same's a Love-letter?  Page. 
I do not think so madam.  Isab. 
I know thou dost: for thou dost ever use  
To hold the wrong opinion. Tell me true,  
Dost thou not think that Letter is of Love?  Page. 
If you would have me think so madam, yes.  Isab. 
What dost thou think thy Lady is so fond?  
Give me the Letter, thyself shall see it.  
Yet I should tear it in the breaking ope,  
And make him lay a wrongful charge on thee;  
And say thou brok'st it open by the way;  
And saw what heinous things I charge him with:  
But 'tis all one, the Letter is not of love,  
Therefore deliver it unto himself,  
And tell him he's deceived, I do not love him.  
But if he think so bid him come to me,  
And I'll confute him straight; I'll show him reasons,  
I'll show him plainly why I cannot love him.  
And if he hap to read it in thy hearing,  
Or chance to tell thee that the words were sweet,  
Do not thou then disclose my lewd intent,  
Under those Siren words, and how I mean  
To use him when I have him at my will:  
For then thou wilt destroy the plot that's laid,  
And make him fear to yield when I do wish  
Only to have him yield; for when I have him,  
None but myself shall know how I will use him.  
Be gone, why stayest thou? yet return again.  Page. 
I madam.  Isab. 
Why dost thou come again? I bade thee go.  
If I say, Go, never return again. Exit Page.  
My blood, like to a troubled Ocean,  
Cuffed with the Winds, incertain where to rest,  
butts at the utmost share of every limb.  
My Husband's not the man I would have had:  
O my new thoughts to this brave sprightly Lord,  
Was fixed to that hid fire Lovers feel:  
Where was my mind before, that refined judgement,  
That represents rare objects to our passions?  
Or did my lust beguile me of my sense?  
Making me feast upon such dangerous cates,  
For present want, that needs must breed a surfeit:  
How was I shipwrecked? yet Isabella think  
Thy Husband is a noble Gentleman, young, wise,  
And rich: think what Fate follows thee,  
And nought but lust doth blind thy worthy love:  
I will desist. O no, it may not be.  
even as a headstrong Courser bears away  
His Rider, vainly striving him to stay.  
Or as a sudden gale thrusts into Sea  
The Heaven-touching Bark, now near the lee:  
So wavering Cupid brings me back again,  
And purple Love resumes his Darts again:  
Here of themselves, thy shafts come as if shot:  
Better than I thy quiver knows 'em not  Enter Count Arsena, and a Page. Page. 
madam: the Count.  Rog. 
So fell the Trojan wanderer on the Greek,  
And bore away his ravished prize to Troy:  
For such a beauty, brighter than his Dana.  
jove should( methinks) now come himself again:  
Lovely Isabella, I confess me mortal:  
Not worthy to serve thee in thought, I swear,  
Yet shall not this same overflow of favour  
Diminish my vowed duty to your beauty.  Isab. 
Your love, my Lord, I blushingly proclaim it,  
Hath power to draw me through a wilderness,  
Were't armed with Furies, as with furious Beasts.  
Boy, bid our Train be ready, we'll to horse. Ex. Page.  
My Lord, I should say something, but I blush,  
Courting is not befitting to our sex.  Rog. 
I'll teach you how to woo,  
Say you have loved me long,  
And tell me that a woman's feeble tongue  
Was never tuned unto a wooing-string;  
Yet for my sake you will forget your sex,  
And court my Love with strained Immodesty,  
Then bid me make you happy with a kiss.  Is. 
Sir, though women do not woo, yet for your sake,  
I am content to leave that civil custom,  
And pray you kiss me.  Rog. 
Now use some unexpect umbages,  
To draw me further into Vulcan's Net.  Isab. 
You love not me so well as I love you.  Rog. 
Fair Lady, but I do.  Isab. 
Then show your love.  Rog. 
Why in this kiss I show't, and in my vowed service,  
This wooing shall suffice, 'tis easier far  
To make the current of a silver-brook  
Convert his flowing backward to his Spring,  
Then turn a woman wooer. There's no cause  
Can turn the settled course of Nature's Laws.  Isab. 
My Lord, will you pursue the plot?  Rog. 
The Letter gives direction here for Pavie.  
To horse, to horse: thus once Eridace,  
With looks regardant, did the Thracian gaze,  
And lost his gift, while he desired the sight.  
But wiser I, lead by more powerful charm;  
I'd see the world win thee from out mine arm. Exeunt.  Enter at several doors, CLARIDIANA and GVIDO. Gui. 
Zounds, is the Huritano coming? Claridiana what's the A trampling of Horses heard .matter?  Clar. 
The Countess of Swevia has new taken horse.  
Fly Phoebus, fly, the hour is six o'clock.  Guid. 
Whither is she going signor?  Clarid. 
even as jove went to meet his simile.  
To the Devil I think.  Guido. 
You know not wherefore?  Clar. 
To say sooth I do not.  
So in immortal wise shall I arrive.  Guid. 
At the Gallows. What in a passion signor?  Clarid. 
Zounds, do not hold me sir:  
Beauteous Thais, I am all thine wholly.  
The staff is now advancing for the Rest,  
And when I tilt, Mizaldus aware thy Crest. Exit.  Enter ROBERTO, in his Nightgown, and Cap, with Servants, he kneels down. Guid. 
What's here? the capering Codshead tilting in the air?  Rob. 
The Gods send her no Horse, a poor old age.  
Eternal woe, and sickness lasting rage.  Guid. 
My Lord, you may yet o'ertake'em.  Rob. 
Furies supply that place, for I will not: no,  
She that can forsake me when pleasure's in the full,  
Fresh and untired, what would she on the least barren coldness?  
I warrant you she has already got  
Her Bravoes, and her Ruffians: the meanest whore  
Will have one buckler, but your great ones more.  
The shores of sicily retains not such a Monster,  
Though to galleyslaves they daily prostitute.  
To let the Nuptial Tapers give light to her new lust,  
Who would have thought it?  
She that could no more forsake my company,  
Then can the day forsake the glorious presence of the Sun.  
When I was absent, than her galled eyes  
Would have shed April showers, and outwept  
The clouds in that same overpassionate mood:  
When they drowned all the world, yet now forsakes me:  
Women your eyes shed glances like the Sun:  
Now shines your brightness, now your light is done.  
On the sweetest Flowers you shine, 'tis but by chance,  
And on the basest Weed you'll waste a glance.  
Your beams once lost can never more be found:  
Unless we wait until your course run round,  
(And take you at fist hand.) Since I cannot  
Enjoy the noble title of a man,  
But afterages, as our virtues are  
Buried whilst we are living, will sound out  
My infamy, and her degenerate shame;  
Yet in my life I'll smother't if I may,  
And, like a dead man, to the world bequeath  
These houses of vanity, Mils, and Lands.  
Take what you will, I will not keep among you Servants,  
And welcome some religious Monastery,  
A true sworn Beadsman I'll hereafter be,  
And wake the morning cock with holy prayers.  Ser. 
Good my Lord: noble Master.  Rob. 
Dissuade me not, my will shall be my King;  
I thank thee Wife, a fair change thou hast given,  
I leave thy lust to woo the Love of Heaven. Exit cum servis.  Guid. 
This is conversion, is't not? as good as might have been,  
He turns religious upon his Wives turning Courtesan.  
This is just like some of our gallant Prodigals,  
When they have consumed their Patrimonies wrongfully,  
They turn Capuchins for devotion, Exit.  
Finis Actus secundi.   

Actus tertij  
Scaena prima.  CLARIDIANA, and ROGERO being in a readiness, are received in at one another's houses by their Maids. Then Enter MENDOSA, with a Page, to the Lady Lentulus' Window. Mendosa. 
NIght like a solemn Mourner frowns on earth,  
Envying that Day should force her doff her robes,  
Or Phoebus chase away her Melancholy.  
heavens eyes look faintly through her sable mask,  
And silver Cinthia hies her in her Sphere,  
Scorning to grace black night's solemnity.  
Be unpropitious Night to villain thoughts,  
But let thy Diamonds shine on virtuous love:  
This is the lower house of high-built heaven,  
Where my chaste Phoebe sits, enthroned 'mong thoughts  
So purely good, brings her to heaven on earth.  
Such power hath souls in contemplation.  
Sing boy (though night yet) like the morning's Lark: Music plays.  
A soul that's clear is light, though heaven be dark.  The Lady LENTULUS, at her window. Lent. 
Who speaks in Music to us?  Mend. 
Sweet, 'tis I. Boy, leave me, and to bed. Exit Page.  Lent. 
I thank you for your Music: now good-night.  Men. 
Leave not the World yet, Queen of Chastity,  
Keep promise with thy Love Endymion,  
And let me meet thee there on Latmus' top.  
'Tis I whose virtuous hopes are firmly fixed  
On the fruition of thy chaste vowed love.  Lent. 
My Lord, your honour made me promise your ascent into my house, since my vow barred my doors,  
By some wit's engine, made for theft and lust:  
Yet for your Honour, and my humble fame,  
check your bloods passions, and return dear Lord:  
Suspicion is a Dog that still doth bite.  
Without a cause, this act gives food to Envy;  
Swollen big, it bursts, and poisons our clear flames.  Men. 
Envy is stingless when she looks on thee.  Lent. 
Envy is blind, my Lord, and cannot see.  Men. 
If you break promise, fair, you break my heart.  Lent. 
Then come. Yet stay. Ascend. Yet let us part.  
I fear, yet know not what I fear:  
Your love's precious, yet mine honour's dear.  Mend. 
If I do stain thy Honour with foul lust,  
May Thunder strike me, to show jove is just.  Lent. 
Then come my Lord, on earth your vow is given.  
This aid I'll lend you. He throws up a ladder of cords, which she makes fast to some part of the window, he ascends, and at top falls.  M. 
Thus I mount my heaven.  
Receive me sweet.  Lent. 
O me unhappy wretch.  
How fares your Honour? speak Fate-crossed Lord.  
If life retain his seat within you, speak;  
Else like that Sestian Dame, that saw her Love,  
Cast by the frowning billows, on the sands,  
And lean death swollen big with the Hellespont,  
In bleak Leander's body, like his Love,  
Come I to thee, one grave shall serve us both.  Mend. 
Stay miracle of women, yet I breath,  
Though death be entered in this Tower of flesh,  
He is not conqueror, my heart stands out,  
And yields to thee, scorning his tyranny.  Lent. 
My doors are vowed shut, and I cannot help you.  
Your wounds are mortal, wounded is mine Honour,  
If there the Town-guard find you. Unhappy Dame,  
Relief is perjured, my vow kept, shame.  
What hellish Destiny did twist my fate?  Mend. 
Rest cease thine eyelids; be not passionate:  
Sweet sleep secure, I'll remove myself.  
That Viper Envy shall not spot thy fame:  
I'll take that poison with me, my soul's rest,  
For like a Serpent, I'll creep on my breast.  Lent. 
Thou more than man, love-wounded: joy and grief fight in my blood. Thy wounds and constancy Are both so strong none can have victory.  Mend. 
Darken the world, earths-queen, get thee to bed;  
The earth is light while those two Stars are spread:  
Their splendour will betray me to men's eyes.  
vail thy bright face: for if thou longer stay,  
Phoebus will rise to thee, and make night day.  Lent. 
To part and leave you hurt my soul doth fear.  Mend. 
To part from hence I cannot, you being there.  Lent. 
we'll move together, than Fate Love controls,  
And as we part so bodies part from souls.  Mend. 
Mine is the earth, thine the refined fire:  
I am mortal, thou divine, than soul mount higher.  Lent. 
Why then take comfort sweet, I'll see you'ou tomorrow. Exit.  Men. 
My wounds are nothing, thy loss breeds my sorrow.  
See now 'tis dark.  
Support your Master, legs, a little further:  
Faint not bold heart with anguish of my wound:  
Try further yet, can blood weigh down my soul?  
Desire is vain without ability. He staggers on, and then falls down.  
Thus falls a Monarch, if Fate push at him.  Enter a Captain and the Watch. Capt. 
Come on my hearts, we are the City's security, I'll give you your charge, and then like Courtiers every man spy out: let no man in my company be afraid to speak to a Cloak lined with Velvet, nor tremble at the sound of a jingling Spur.  1 Watch. 
May I never be counted a cock of the game, if I fear Spurs: but be gelded like a Capon for the preserving of my voice.  Cap. 
I'll have none of my Band refrain to search a venerial house, though his wife's sister be a lodger there: nor take two shillings of the Bawd to save the gentlemen's credits that are aloft: and so like voluntary Panders leave them, to the shame of all Halberdiers.  2. 
Nay, for the Wenches, we'll tickle them, that's flat.  Cap. 
If you meet a Shevoiliero, that's in the gross phrase, a Knight, that swaggers in the street, and being taken, has no money in his Purse to pay for his fees; it shall be a part of your duty to entreat me to let him go.  1. 
O marvelous his there such Chevaliers?  2. 
Some 200. that's the least, that are revealed. Mend. groves.  Cap. 
What groan is that? bring a light. Who lies there?  
It is the Lord Mendosa, kinsman to our Duke.  
Speak good my Lord, relate your dire mischance:  
Life like a fearful servant flies his Master,  
Art must atone them, or'th' whole man is lost.  
Convey him to a surgeon's, than return:  
No place shall be unsearched until we find  
The truth of this mischance. Make haste again. Exit the Watch. Manet Captain.  
Whose house is this stands open? in, and search.  
What guests that house contains, and bring them forth.  
This Nobleman's misfortune stirs my quiet,  
And fills my soul with fearful fantasies.  
But I'll unwind this Labyrinth of doubt,  
Else industry shall lose part of itself's labour. Enter the Watch, with Claridiana and Rogero taken in one another's houses, in their shirts and night-gowns, they see one another.  
Who have we there? Signiors cannot you tell us  
How our PRINCE's kinsman came wounded to the death  
Nigh to your houses.  Rog. 
Heyday; cross-ruff at midnight. Is't Christmas?  
You go a gaming to your neighbour's house.  Clar. 
Dost make a Mummer of me ox-head?  Cap. 
Make answer Gentlemen, it doth concern you.  Rog. 
ox-head will bear an action; I'll ha'the Law; I'll not be yoked. Bear witness Gentlemen, he calls me ox-head.  Cap. 
Do you hear sir?  Clarid. 
Very well, very well, take Law and hang thyself, I care not. Had she no other but that good face to dote upon? I'd rather she had dealt with a dangerous Frenchman, then with such a Pagan.  Cap. 
Are you mad? answer my demand.  Rog. 
I am as good a Christian as thyself,  
Though my Wife have now new christened me.  Cap. 
Are you deaf, you make no answer?  Clar. 
Would I had had the circumcising of thee jew, I'd ha'  
Cut short your Cuckold-maker, I would i'faith, I would i'faith.  Cap. 
Away with them to prison; they'll answer better there.  Rog. 
Not to fast Gentlemen: what's our crime?  Cap. 
Murder of the Duke's kinsman, signor Mendosa.  Amb. 
Nothing else? we did it, we did it, we did it.  Cap. 
Take heed Gentlemen what you confess.  Cla. 
I'll confess any thing since I am made a fool by a knave.  
I'll be hanged like an innocent, that's flat.  Rog. 
I'll not see my shame. Hemp in stead of a Quacksalver, you shall put out mine eyes, and my head shall be bought to make inkhorns of.  Cap. 
You do confess the murder?  Clar. 
Sir, 'tis true,  
Done by a faithless Christian and a jew.  Cap. 
To prison with them, we will hear no further,  
The tongue betrays the heart of guilty murder.  Exeunt Omnes. Enter Count GVIDO, ISABELLA, ANNA, and Servants. Guid. 
Welcome to Pavy sweet, and may this kiss  
Chase Melancholy from thy company:  
Speak my soul's joy, how fare you after travail.  Isab. 
Like one that scapeth dangers on the Seas,  
Yet trembles with cold fears being safe on land,  
With bare imagination of what's past.  Guid. 
Fear keep with cowards, aire-stars cannot move.  Isab. 
Fear in this kind, my Lord, doth sweeten love.  Guid. 
To think fear joy (dear) I cannot conjecture.  Isab. 
fear's sire to fervency,  
Which makes loves sweet prone Nectar:  
Trembling desire, fear, hope, and doubtful leisure,  
Distill from love the Quintessence of pleasure.  Guid. 
madam, I yield to you; Fear keeps with Love,  
My Oratory is too weak against you:  
You have the ground of knowledge, wise experience,  
Which makes your argument invincible.  Isab. 
You are Times Scholar, and can flatter weakness.  Guid. 
Custom allows it, and we plainly see  
Princes and women maintain flattery.  Isab. 
Anna, go see my jewels and my Trunks  
Be aptly placed in their several rooms. Exit Anna.  Enter GNIACA Count of Gaza, with Attendants. 
My Lord, know you this Gallant? 'tis a complete Gentleman.  Guid. 
I do; 'tis Count Guiaca, my endeared friend.  Gniac. 
Welcome to Pavie, welcome fairest Lady:  
Your sight dear friend, is life's restorative;  
This day's the period of long-wished content,  
More welcome to me then day to the world,  
Night to the wearied, or gold to a miser;  
Such joy feels Friendship in Society.  Isab. 
A rare shaped man: compare them both together,  Guid. 
Our loves are friendly twins, both at a birth;  
The joy you taste, that joy do I conceive,  
This day's the jubilee of my desire.  Isab. 
He's fairer than he was when first I saw him.  
This little time makes him more excellent.  Gniac. 
Relate some news. Hark you, what Lady's that▪  
Be open breasted, so will I to thee. They whisper.  Isab. 
Error did blind him that paints Love blind;  
For my Love plainly judges difference:  
Love is clear sighted, and with Eagles eyes,  
undazzled, looks upon bright Sun-beamed beauty:  
Nature did rob herself, when she made him.  
Blushing to see her work excel herself,  
'tis shape makes mankind semelacie.  
Forgive me Rogero, 'tis my Fate  
To love thy friend, and quit thy love with hate.  
I must enjoy him, let hope thy passions smother:  
Faith cannot cool blood; I'll clip him, were't my brother.  
Such is the heat of my sincere affection,  
Hell nor earth can keep love in subjection.  Gnia. 
I crave your Honours pardon my Ignorance  
Of what you were, may gain a courteous pardon.  Is. 
There needs no pardon, where there's no offence;  
His tongue strikes Music ravishing my sense:  
I must be sudden, else desire confounds me.  Guid. 
What sport affords this Climate for delight?  Gnia. 
We'll hawk and hunt today, as for tomorrow  
Variety shall feed variety.  Is. 
Dissimulation women's armour is,  
Aid love belief, and female constancy.  
Oh, I am sick my Lord, kind Rogero help me.  Guido. 
forfend it heaven, madam sit; how fare you?  
My lives best comfort speak, O speak sweet Saint.  Is. 
Fetch Art to keep life, run my Love, I faint:  
My vital breath runs coldly through my veins,  
I see lean Death with eyes imaginary,  
Stand fearfully before me: here my end  
A wife unconstant, yet thy loving friend.  Guid. 
As swift as thought, fly I to wish thee aid. Exit.  Isab. 
Thus innocence by craft is soon betrayed.  
My Lord Guiaca, 'tis your Art must heal me,  
I am lovesick for your love; love, love, for loving:  
I blush for speaking truth; fair Sir believe me,  
Beneath the Moon nought but your frown can grieve me.  Gniaca. 
Lady, by heaven, methinks, this fit is strange.  Isab. 
Count not my love light for this sudden change:  
By Cupid's Bow I swear, and will avow,  
I never knew true perfect love till now.  Gniac. 
Wrong not yourself, me, and your dearest friend,  
Your love is violent, and soon will end.  
Love is not Love unless Love doth persever,  
That love is perfect love, that loves for ever.  Isab. 
Such love is mine, believe it well-shaped youth,  
Though women use to lie, yet I speak truth.  
Give sentence for my life or speedy death:  
Can you affect me?  Gniac. 
I should belie my thoughts to give denial,  
But then to friendship I must turn disloyal:  
I will not wrong my friend, let that suffice.  Isab. 
I'll be a miracle, for love a woman dies, Offers to stab herself.  Gn. 
Hold madame, these are soul killing passions.  
I'd rather wrong my friend than you yourself.  Isab. 
Love me, or else by jove death's but delayed:  
My vow is fixed in heaven, fear shall not move me,  
My life is death with tortures 'less you love me.  Gnia. 
Give me some respite, and I will resolve you.  Isab. 
My heart denies it.  
My blood is violent, now or else never,  
Love me, and like loves Queen I'll fall before thee,  
Enticing dalliance from thee with my smiles,  
And steal thy heart with my delicious kisses.  
I'll study Art in love, that in a rupture  
Thy soul shall taste pleasures excelling nature.  
Love me, both Art and nature in large recompense,  
Shall be profuse in ravishing thy sense.  Gni. 
You have prevailed, I am yours from all the world,  
Thy wit and beauty have entranced my soul:  
I long for dalliance, my blood burns like fire,  
hell's pain on earth is to delay desire.  Isab. 
I kiss thee for that breath, this day you hunt;  
In midst of all your sports leave you Rogero,  
Return to me whose life rests in thy sight,  
Where pleasure shall make Nectar our delight.  Gniac. 
I condescend to what thy will implores me;  
He that but now neglected thee, adores thee: Enter Rogero, Anna, Doctor.  
But see here comes my friend, fear makes him tremble.  Isab. 
Women are witless that cannot dissemble:  
Now I am sick again: where's my Lord Rogero?  
His love and my health's vanished both together.  Guid. 
Wrong not thy friend, dear friend, in thy extremes,  
Here's a profound Hipocrates, my dear,  
To minister to thee the spirit of health.  Isab. 
Your sight to me, my Lord, excels all Physic;  
I am better far (my Love) then when you left me:  
Your friend was comfortable to me at the last.  
'Twas but a fit, my Lord, and now 'tis past.  
Are all things ready sir?  Anna. 
Yes madam, the house is fit.  Gnia. 
Desire in women is the life of wit. Exeunt Omnes.  Enter ABIGAL and THAIS at several doors. Abig. 
O partner, I am with child of laughter, and none but you can be my Midwife: was there ever such a game at Noddy?  Thais. 
Our Husbands think they are foremen of the jury, they hold the Heretic point of Predestination, and sure they are borne to be hanged.  Abig. 
They are like to prove men of judgement, but not for killing of him that's yet alive, and well recovered.  Thais. 
As soon as my man saw the Watch come up,  
All his spirit was down.  Abig, 
But though they have made us good sport in speech,  
They did hinder us of good sport in action.  
O wench, imagination is strong in pleasure.  Thais. 
That's true: for the opinion my Goodman had of enjoying you, made him do wonders.  A. 
Why should weak man, that is so soon satisfied, desire variety?  Thais. 
Their answer is, to feed on Pheasants continually would breed a loathing.  Abigall. 
Then if we seek for strange flesh that have stomachs at will, 'tis pardonable.  Thais. 
ay, if men had any feeling of it, but they judge us by themselves.  Abig. 
Well, we will bring them to the Gallows, and then, like kind virgins, beg their lives, and after live at our pleasures, and this bridle shall still rain them.  Thais. 
Faith, if we were disposed, we might seem as safe,  
As if we had the broad seal to warrant it:  
But that night's work will stick by me this forty weeks.  
Come, shall we go visit the discontented Lady Lentulus?  
Whom the Lord Mendosa has confessed to his Chirurgeon,  
He would have robbed? I thought great men would but  
Have robbed the poor, yet he the rich.  Abig. 
He thought that the richer purchase, though with the worse conscience: but we'll to comfort her, and then go hear our Husbands lamentations. They say mine has compiled an ungodly volume of satires against women, and calls his book The Snarl.  Thais. 
But he's in hope his book will save him.  Ab. 
God defend that it should, or any that snarl in that fashion.  Tha. 
Well wench, if I could be metamorphosed into thy shape,  
I should have my husband pliant to me in his life,  
And soon rid of him: for being weary with his continual motion,  
He'd die of a consumption.  Abig. 
Make much of him, for all our wanton prize,  
Follow the Proverb, Merry be and wise. Exeunt.  Enter ISABELLA, ANNA, and Servants. Isab. 
Time that devour'st all mortality,  
Run swiftly these few hours,  
And bring Guiaca on thy aged shoulders,  
That I may clip the rarest model of creation.  
Do this gentle Time  
And I will curl thine aged silver lock,  
And dally with thee in delicious pleasure.  
Medea-like I will renew thy youth;  
But if thy frozen steps delay my love,  
I'll poison thee with murder, curse thy paths,  
And make thee know a time of infamy.  
Anna, give watch, and bring me certain notice  
When Count Guiaca doth approach my house.  An. 
madam I go.  
I am kept for pleasure, though I never taste it.  
For 'tis the ushers office still to cover  
His ladies private meetings with her Lover. Exit.  Isab. 
Desire, thou quenchless flame that burnest our souls,  
Cease to torment me;  
The dew of pleasure shall put out thy fire,  
And quite consume thee with satiety.  
Lust shall be cooled with lust, wherein I'll prove,  
The life of love is only saved by love. Enter Anna.  An. 
madam, he's coming.  Isab. 
Thou blessed mercury,  
Prepare a banquet fit to please the Gods;  
Let Sphere-like Music breath delicious tones  
Into our mortal ears; perfume the house  
With odoriferous scents, sweeter than Myrrh,  
Or all the Spices in Panchaia:  
His sight and touching we will recreate,  
That his five Senses shall be fivefold happy.  
His breath like Roses casts out sweet perfume;  
Time now with pleasure shall itself consume. Enter Gniaca in his hunting weeds.  
How like Adonis in his hunting weeds,  
Looks this same Goddess tempter?  
And art thou come? this kiss entrance thy soul.  
Gods I do not envy you; for know this  
Way's here on earth complete, excels you bliss:  
I'll not change this night's pleasure with you all.  Gniac. 
Thou creature made by Love, composed of pleasure,  
That mak'st true use of thy creation,  
In thee both wit and beauty's resident;  
Delightful pleasure, unpeered excellence.  
This is the fate fixed fast unto thy birth,  
That thou alone shouldst be man's heaven on earth:  
If I alone may but enjoy thy love,  
I'll not change earthly joy to be heavens jove:  
For though that women haters now are common,  
They all shall know earth's joy consists in woman.  Isab. 
My love was dotage till I loved thee;  
For thy soul truly tastes our petulance,  
Condition's Lover, Cupid's Intelligencer,  
That makes man understand what pleasure is:  
These are fit attributes unto thy knowledge;  
For women's beauty o'er men bear that rule.  
Our power commands the rich, the wise, the fool.  
Though scorn grows big in man in growth & stature,  
Yet women are the rarest works in nature.  Gnia. 
I do confess the truth, and must admire  
That women can command rare man's desire.  Isab. 
Cease admiration, sit to Cupid's feast,  
The preparation to paphian dalliance,  
Harmonious Music breath thy silver Airs,  
To stir up appetite to Venus' banquet,  
That breath of pleasure that entrances souls,  
Making that instant happiness a heaven,  
In the true taste of loves deliciousness.  Gniac. 
Thy words are able to stir cold desire,  
Into his flesh that lies entombed in Ice,  
Having lost the feeling use of warmth in blood,  
Then how much more in me, whose youthful veins,  
Like a proud River, overflow their bounds?  
pleasure's Ambrosia, or loves nourisher,  
I long for privacy; come, let us in,  
'Tis custom, and not reason makes love sin.  Isab. 
I'll lead the way to Venus' Paradise,  
Where thou shalt taste that fruit that made man wise. Exit Isab.  Gnia. 
Sing notes of pleasure to elate our blood:  
Why should heaven frown on joys that do us good?  
I come Isabella keeper of loves treasure,  
To force thy blood to lust, and ravish pleasure. Exit.  After some short Song enter ISABELLA and GNIACA again, she hanging about his neck laciviously. Gniac. 
Still I am thy captive, yet thy thoughts are free:  
To be loves bondman is true liberty.  
I have swam in seas of pleasure without ground,  
Venturous desire past depth itself hath drowned.  
Such skill has beauty's Art in a true lover,  
That dead desire to life it can recover.  
Thus beauty our desire can soon advance,  
Then straight again kill it with dalliance.  
Divinest women, your enchanting breaths  
Give Lovers many lives and many deaths.  Isab. 
May thy desire to me for ever last,  
Not die by surfeit on my delicates:  
And as I tie this jewel about thy neck,  
So may I tie thy constant love to mine,  
Never to seek weaking variety,  
That greedy curse of man's and woman's hell,  
Where nought but shame and loathed diseases dwell.  Gniac. 
You counsel well, dear, learn it then;  
For change is given more to you then men.  Isab. 
My faith to thee, like rocks, shall never move,  
The Sun shall change his course ere I my love. Enter Anna.  Anna. 
madam, the Count Rogero knocks.  Isab. 
Dear Love into my chamber, till I send  
My hate from sight.  Gniac. 
Lust makes me wrong my friend. Exit Gniaca.  Isab. 
Anna, stand here, and entertain Lord Rogero.  
I from my window straight will give him answer.  
The serpent's wit to woman rest in me,  
By that man fell, then why not he by me?  
Feigned sighs and tears dropped from a woman's eye,  
Blinds man of reason, strikes his knowledge dumb:  
Wit arms a woman, Count Rogero come. Exit Isabella.  Anna. 
My office still is under: yet in time  
Ushers prove Masters, degrees makes us climb. Guido knocks.  
Who knocks? is't you my noble Lord?  Enter GVIDO in his hunting weeds. Guid. 
Came my friend hither, Count Guiaca?  An. 
No, my good Lord.  Guid. 
Where's my Isabella?  An. 
In her Chamber.  Guid. 
Good: I'll visit her.  An. 
The chamber's locked my Lord: she will be private.  Guid. 
Locked against me, my saucy malapert?  An. 
Be patient good my Lord: she'll give you answer.  Guid. 
Isabella life of love, speak, 'tis I that calls. Isab. at her window.  Isab. 
I must desire your Lordship pardon me.  Guid. 
Lordship? what's this? Isabella, art thou blind?  Isab. 
My Lord, my lust was blind, but now my soul's clear sighted,  
And sees the spots that did corrupt my flesh:  
Those tokens sent from hell, brought by desire,  
The messenger of everlasting death.  Anna. 
My Lady's in her Pulpit, now she'll preach.  Guid. 
Is not thy Lady mad? in verity I always  
Took her for a Puritan, and now she shows it.  Isab. 
Mock not Repentance. Profanation  
Brings mortals laughing to damnation.  
Believe it Lord, Isabella's ill past life,  
Like gold refined, shall make a perfect Wife.  
I stand on firm ground now, before on Ice;  
We know not virtue till we taste of vice.  Guid. 
Do you hear dissimulation, woman sinner?  Isab. 
Leave my house good my Lord, and for my part,  
I look for a most wished reconciliation  
Betwixt myself and my most wronged Husband.  
Tempt not contrition then religious Lord.  Guid. 
Indeed I was one of your family once:  
But do not I know these are but brain-tricks:  
And where the Devil has the fee-simple, he will keep possession.  
And will you halt before me that yourself has made a cripple?  Isab. 
Nay, than you wrong me: and disdained Lord,  
I paid thee for thy pleasures vendible.  
Whose mercenary flesh I bought with coin,  
I will divulge thy baseness, 'less with speed  
Thou leave my house and my society.  Guid. 
Already turned apostate, but now all pure,  
Now damned your faith is, and loves endure  
Like dew upon the grass, when pleasures Sun  
Shines on your virtues, all your virtue's done.  
I'll leave thy house and thee, go get thee in,  
Thou gaudy child of pride, and nurse of sin.  Isab. 
Rail not on me my Lord; for if you do,  
My hot desire of vengeance shall strike wonder;  
Revenge in woman falls like dreadful thunder. Exit.  Anna. 
Your Lordship will command me no further service?  Guid. 
I thank thee for thy watchful service passed;  
Thy usher-like attendance on the Stairs,  
Being true signs of thy Humility.  Anna. 
I hope I did discharge my place with care.  Guid. 
ushers should have much wit, but little hair;  
Thou hast of both sufficient: prithee leave me,  
If thou hast an honest Lady, commend me to her,  
But she is none. Exit Anna, manet Guido.  
Farewell thou private strumpet worse than common.  
Man were on earth an Angel but for woman,  
That sevenfold branch of hell from them doth grow,  
Pride, Lust, and Murder, they raise from below,  
With all their fellow sins. Women were made  
Of blood, without souls: when their beauties fade,  
And their lust's past, avarice or bawdry  
Makes them still loved: than they buy venery,  
Bribing damnation, and hire brothel slaves.  
Shame's their executors, Infamy their graves.  
Your painting will wipe off, which Art did hide,  
And show your ugly shape in spite of pride.  
Farewell Isabella poor in soul and fame,  
I leave thee rich in nothing but in shame.  
Then soulless women know, whose faiths are hollow,  
Your lust being quenched, a bloody act must follow. Exit.  
Finis Actus tertij.   

Actus quarti  
Scaena prima.  Enter the Duke of Amago, the Captain, and the rest of the Watch, with the Senators. Duke. 
justice that makes Princes like the Gods, draws us unto the Senate,  
That with unpartial balance we may poised  
The crimes and innocence of all offenders,  
Our presence can chase bribery from Laws:  
He best can judge, that hears himself the cause.  1 Senat. 
True mighty Duke, it best becomes our places,  
To have our light from you the Son of Virtue,  
Subject Authority, for gain, love or fear  
Oft quits the guilty, and condemns the clear.  Duke. 
The Land and people's mine, the crimes being known,  
I must redress my subjects wrong's, mine own.  
Call for the two suspected for the murder  
Of Mendosa, our endered kinsman. These voluntary murderers  
That confess the Murder of him that is yet alive.  
we'll sport with serious justice for a while,  
In show we'll frown on them that make us smile.  2 Sen. 
Bring forth the Prisoners we may hear their answers.  Enter (brought in with Officers) CLARIDIANA, and MIZALDUS. Duke. 
Stand forth you Vipers, that have sucked blood,  
And lopped a branch sprung from a royal tree:  
What can you answer to escape tortures?  Rog. 
We have confessed the fact my Lord, to God and man,  
Our ghostly father, and that worthy Captain:  
We beg not life but favourable death.  Duke. 
On what ground sprung your hate to him we loved?  Clarid. 
Upon that curse laid on Venetians jealousy. we thought he being a Courtier, would have made us Magnificoes of the right stamp, and have played at Primero in the presence, with gold of the City brought from our Indies.  Rog. 
Nay more, my Lord, we feared that your kinsman for a mess of Sonnets, would have given the plot of us and our wives, to some needy Poet, and for sport and profit brought us in some venetian Comedy upon the Stage.  Duke. 
Our justice dwells with mercy; be not desperate.  1 Sen. 
His Highness fain would save your lives if you would see it.  Rog. 
All the Law in Venice shall not save me, I will not be saved.  Clar. 
Fear not, I have a trick to bring us to hanging in spite of the Law.  Rog. 
Why now I see thou lovest me; thou hast confirmed  
Thy friendship for ever to me by these words.  
Why, I should never hear lantern and candle called for,  
But I should think it was for me and my Wife.  
I'll hang for that, forget not thy trick.  
upon'em with thy trick, I long for sentence.  2 Sen. 
Will you appeal for mercy to the Duke?  Clar. 
Kill not thy justice Duke, to save our lives:  
We have deserved death.  Rog. 
Make not us precedents for after wrongs,  
I will receive punishment for my sins,  
It shall be a means to lift me towards heaven.  Clar. 
Let's have our desert; we crave no favour.  Duke. 
Take them asunder, grave justice makes us mirth,  
That man is soulless that ne'er sins on earth.  
signor Mizaldus, relate the weapon you killed him with, and the manner.  Rog. 
My Lord, your lustful kinsman, I can title him no better, came sneaking to my house like a Promoter to spy flesh in the Lent: now I having a venetian spirit, watched my time, and with my Rapier run him through, knowing all pains are but trifles to the horn of a Citizen.  Duke. 
Take him aside. signor Claridiana, what weapon had you for this bloody act? what dart used Death?  Clar. 
My Lord, I brained him with a leaver my neighbour lent me, and he stood by and cried strike home old boy.  Duke. 
With several Instruments. Bring them face to face.  
With what killed you our Nephew?  Rog. 
With a Rapier Liege.  Clar. 
'tis a lie,  
I killed him with a leaver, and thou stoodst by.  Rog. 
Dost think to save me & hang thyself? no I scorn it; is this the trick thou saidst thou hadst: I killed him Duke.  

He only gave consent: 'twas I that did it.   Clar. 
Thou hast always been cross to me and wilt be to my death. Have I taken all this pains to bring thee to hanging, and dost thou slip now?  Rog. 
We shall never agree in a tale till we come to the gallows, than we shall jump.  Clar. 
I'll show you a cross-point, if you cross me thus,  
When thou shalt not see it.  Rog. 
I'll make a wry mouth at that, or it shall cost me a fall: 'Tis thy pride to be hanged alone, because thou scornest my company: but it shall be known I am as good a man as thyself, and in these actions will keep company with thy betters jew.  Clar. 
Monster.  Rog. 
Dog-killer.  Clar. 
Fencer. They bustle.  Duke. 
Part them, part'em.  Rog. 
Hang us, and quarter us, we shall ne'er be parted till then.  Duke. 
You do confess the murder done by both.  Clar. 
But that I would not have the slave laugh at me,  
And count me a coward, I have a very good mind to live, Aside.  
But I am resolute: 'tis but a turn. I do confess.  Rog. 
So do I,  
Pronounce our doom, we are prepared to die.  1 Sen. 
We sentence you to hang till you be dead:  
Since you were men eminent in place and worth,  
We give a Christian burial to you both,  Clar. 
Not in one grave together we beseech you, we shall ne'er agree.  Rog. 
He scorns my company, till the day of judgement,  
I'll not hang with him.  Duke. 
You hang together, that shall make you friends,  
An everlasting hatred death soon ends:  
To prison with them till the day of death;  
Kings words like Fate, must never change their breath.  Rog. 
You malice-monger, I'll be hanged afore thee,  
an't be but to vex thee.  Cla. 
I'll do you as good a turn or the hangman, & shall fall out.  Exeunt ambo guarded. Enter MENDOSA in his night gown and cap guarded, with the Captain. Duke. 
Now to our kinsman, shame to royal blood,  
Bring him before us.  
Theft in a Prince is sacrilege to honour  
'Tis virtues scandal, death of Royalty,  
I blush to see my shame; Nephew sit down  
justice that smiles on those on him must frown,  
Speak freely Captain, where found you him wounded?  Capt. 
Between the widows house & these cross neighbours,  
Besides an Artificial ladder made of ropes  
Was fastened to her window which he confessed  
He brought to rob her of jewels and coin.  
My knowledge yields no further circumstance.  Duke. 
Thou know'st too much, would I were past all knowledge,  
I might forget my grief springs from my shame,  
Thou monster of my blood, answer in brief  
To these Assertions made against thy life.  
Is thy soul guilty of so base a fact?  Mend. 
I do confess I did intend to rob her.  
In the attempt I fell and hurt myself  
laws thunder is but death, I dread it not,  
So my Lentulus' honour be preserved  
From black suspicion of a lustful night.  Duke. 
Thy head's thy forfeit for thy heart's offence,  
Thy blood's prerogative may claim that favour,  
Thy person then to death doomed by just laws,  
Thy death is infamous, but worse the cause.  Enter ISABELLA alone GVIACA following her. Isabella. 
O heavens that I was borne to be hates slave,  
The food of Rumor, that devours my fame;  
I am called Insatiate Countess lusts paramour  
A glorious Devil, and the noble whore,  
I am sick, vexed, and tormented, O revenge.  Guiaca. 
On whom would my Isabella be revenged?  Isab. 
Upon a Viper, that does get mine honour,  
I will not name him till I be revenged,  
See, her's the Libels are divulged against me,  
An everlasting scandal to my name.  
And thus the villain writes in my disgrace.  She reads. 
Who loves Isabella the insatiate,  
Needs Atlas back for to content her lust,  
That wandering Strumpet, and chaste wedlocks hate,  
That renders truth: deceit for loyal trust,  
That sacrilegious thief to Hymen's rights,  
Making her lust her God, heaven her delights.  
Swell not proud heart, I'll quench thy grief in blood,  
Desire in woman cannot be withstood.  Guiaca. 
I'll be thy champion sweet 'gainst all the world,  
Name but the villain that defames thee thus.  Isab. 
Dare thy hand execute, whom my tongue condemns,  
Then art thou truly valiant, mine for ever,  
But if thou feign'st, hate must our true love sever.  Guiaca. 
By my dead father's soul, my mother's virtues,  
And by my knight hood and gentility; I'll be revenged  
On all the Authors of your Obloquy: Name him.  Isab. 
Rogero.  Guiaca. 
Ha.  Isab. 
What does his name affright thee coward Lord?  
Be mad Isabella, curse on thy revenge,  
This Lord was knighted for his father's worth,  
Not for his own.  
Farewell thou perjured man, I'll leave you all,  
You all conspire to work mine honours fall.  Guia. 
Stay my Isabella, were he my father's son,  
Composed of me, he dies,  
Delight still keep with thee: go in.  Isabella. 
Thou art just:  
Revenge to me is sweeter now than lust.  Enter GVIDO: they see one another and draw and make a pass, then enter ANNA. Anna. 
What mean you Nobles, will you kill each other?  Ambo. 
Hold.  Guido. 
Thou shame to friendship, what intends thy hate?  Guiaca. 
love Arms my hand, makes my soul valiant,  
Isabella's wrongs now sits upon my sword,  
To fall more heavy to thy coward's head,  
Than thunderbolts upon jove's rifted Oaks:  
Deny thy scandal, or defend thy life.  Guido. 
What? hath thy faith and and reason left thee both?  
That thou art only flesh without a soul:  
Hast thou no feeling of thyself and me?  
Blind rage that will not let thee see thyself.  Guiaca. 
I come not to dispute but execute:  
And thus comes death. Another pass.  Guido. 
And thus I break thy dart, her's at thy whore's face.  Guiaca. 
'Tis missed: here's at thy heart, stay, let us breathe.  Guido. 
Let reason govern rage, yet let us leave,  
Although most wrong be mine, I can forgive:  
In this attempt, thy shame will ever live.  Guiaca. 
Thou hast wronged the Phoenix of all women rarest,  
She that's most wise, most loving, chaste and fairest.  Guid. 
Thou dotest upon a devil, not a woman,  
That has bewitched thee with her Sorcery,  
And drowned thy soul in Lethy faculties,  
Her useless lust has benumbed thy knowledge,  
Thy intellectual powers, oblivion smothers,  
That thou art nothing but forgetfulness.  Guiaca. 
What's this to my Isabella, my sins mine own,  
Her faults were none, until thou madest 'em known.  Guido. 
Leave her, and leave thy shame where first thou found'st it;  
Else live a bondslave to diseased lust,  
Devoured in her gulf-like appetite  
And infamy shall write thy Epitaph,  
Thy memory leaves nothing but thy crimes,  
A scandal to thy name in future times.  Guia. 
Put up your weapon, I dare hear you further,  
Insatiate lust is Sire still to murder.  Guido. 
Believe it friend, if her heart blood were vexed,  
Though you kill me, new pleasure makes you next:  
She loved me dearer, than she loves you now,  
she'll near be faithful, has twice broke her vow.  
This curse pursues female Adultery,  
They'll swim through blood for sins variety:  
Their pleasure like a sea groundless and wide,  
A woman's lust was never satisfied.  Guia. 
Fear whispers in my breast, I have a soul  
That blushes red, for tending bloody facts,  
Forgive me friend, if I can be forgiven,  
Thy counsel is the path leads me to heaven.  Guid. 
I do embrace thy reconciled love.  Guiaca. 
That death or danger, now shall ne'er remove,  
Go tell thy insatiate Countess Anna,  
We have escaped the snares of her false Love,  
Vowing for ever to abandon her.  Guid. 
You have heard our Resolution, pray be gone.  Anna. 
My office ever rested at your pleasure,  
I was the Indian, yet you had the treasure.  
My faction often sweats, and oft takes cold,  
Then gild true diligence o'er with gold.  Guia. 
Thy speech deserves it there's gold, gives her gold.  
Be honest now, and not loves Noddy,  
Turned up and played on whilst thou keep'st the stock,  
prithee formally let's ha' thy absence.  Anna. 
Lords farewell, Exit Anna.  Guido. 
'tis Whores and Panders, that makes earth like hell.  Guiaca. 
Now I am got out of lust's Labyrinth,  
I will to Venice, for a certain time,  
To recreate my much abused spirits,  
And then revisit Pani and my friend,  Guido. 
I'll bring you on your way but must return;  
Lust is like Aetna, and will ever burn.  
Yet now desire is quenched flamed once in height:  
Till man knows hell, he never has firm faith. Exeunt Ambo.  Enter Isabella raving, and Anna. Isabella. 
Out screech-owl messenger of my revenges death  
Thou dost belie Guiaca 'tis not so.  Anna. 
Upon mine honesty they are united.  Isabella. 
Thy honesty? thou vassal to my pleasure take that Strike her.  
darest thou control me, when I say no?  
Art not my footstool, did not I create thee?  
And made thee gentle, being borne a beggar:  
Thou hast been my woman's Pandar for a crown,  
And dost thou stand upon thy honesty?  Anna. 
I am, what you please madam. Yet 'tis so.  Isab. 
Slave, I will slit thy tongue, less thou say no.  Anna. 
No, no, no madam.  Isabella. 
I have my humour, though they now be false,  
fainthearted coward get thee from my sight,  
When villain? haste, and come not near me.  Anna. 
madam: I run, her sight like death doth fear me. Ex.  Isabella. 
Perfidious cowards, stain of Nobility,  
Venetians, and be reconciled with words:  
O that I had Guiaca once more here,  
Within this prison, made of flesh and bone,  
I'd not trust Thunder with my fell revenge,  
But mine own hands, should do the dire exploit,  
And fame should Chronicle a woman's acts:  
My rage respects the persons not the facts.  
There place and worths hath power to defame me,  
Mean hate is stingless, and does only name me:  
I not regard it, 'tis high blood that swells,  
Give me revenge, and damn me into hells,  Enter Don Sago a colonel, with a band of Soldiers and a Lieutenant. 
A gallant Spaniard, I will hear him speak,  
Grief must be speechless, ere the heart can break.  Sago. 
Lieutenant let good Discipline be used  
In quartering of our Troops within the City,  
Not separated into many streets,  
That shows weak love, but not sound policy.  
Division in small numbers makes all weak,  
Forces united are the nerves of war,  
Mother and nurse of observation.  
Whose rare ingenious sprite, fills all the world  
By looking on itself with piercing eyes,  
Will look through stranger's imbecilities:  
Therefore be careful.  Lieft. 
All shall be ordered fitting your command,  
For these three gifts which makes a Soldier rare,  
Is love and duty with a valiant care. Exiunt. Lieft. & Soldiers.  Sago. 
What rarity of women feeds my sight,  
And leads my senses in a maze of wonder? Sees her  
Bellona, thou wert my mistress till I saw that shape  
But now my sword, I'll consecrate to her,  
Leave Mars and become Cupid's Martialist,  
Beauty can turn the rugged face of war,  
And make him smile upon delightful peace,  
Courting her smoothly like a femalist,  
I grow a slave unto my potent love,  
Whose power change hearts, make our fate remove.  Isabella. 
Revenge not, Pleasure now o'errules my blood,  
Rage shall drown faint love in a crimson flood,  
And were he caught, I'd make him murders hand.  Sago. 
methinks 'twere joy to die at her command,  
I'll speak to hear her speech, whose powerful breath,  
Is able to infuse life into death.  Isabella. 
He comes to speak: he's mine, by love he is mine.  Sago. 
Lady, think bold intrusion courtesy,  
'tis but imagination altars them,  
Then 'tis your thoughts, not I, that do offend.  Isabella. 
Sir, your intrusion yet's but courtesy,  
Unless your future humour alter it.  Sago. 
Why then Divinest woman, know my soul  
Is dedicated to thy shrine of beauty,  
To pray for mercy, and repent the wrongs  
Done against love, and female purity.  
Thou abstract drawn from natures empty storehouse,  
I am thy slave, command my sword, my heart  
The soul is tried best by the Body's smart.  Isabella. 
You are a stranger to this land and me,  
What madness be't for me to trust you then?  
To cozen women is a trade 'mongst men,  
Smooth promises faint passions with a lie,  
Deceives our sex of fame and chastity:  
What danger durst you hazard for my love?  Sago. 
Perils that that never mortal durst approve.  
I'll double all the works of Hercules,  
Expose myself in combat 'gainst an Host,  
Meet danger in a place of certain death,  
Yet never shrink, or give way to my Fate;  
Bare-breasted meet the murderous Tartars dart,  
Or any fatal Engine made for death:  
Such power has love and beauty from your eyes,  
He that dies resolute, does never die:  
'Tis fear gives death his strength, which I resisted,  
Death is but empty Air, the Fates have twisted.  Isab. 
Dare you revenge my quarrel, 'gainst a foe?  Sago. 
Then ask me if I dare embrace you thus,  
Or kiss your hand, or gaze on your bright eye,  
Where Cupid dances, on those globes of love,  
Fear is my vassal, when I frown he flies,  
A hundred times in life, a coward dies.  Isabella. 
I not suspect your valour, but your will.  Sago. 
To gain your love, my father's blood I'll spill.  Isab. 
Many have sworn the like, yet broke their vow.  Sago. 
My whole endeavour to your wish shall bow.  
I am your plague to scourge your enemies.  Isabella. 
Perform your promise, and enjoy your pleasure,  
Spend my loves Dowry, that is women's treasure:  
But if thy resolution dread the trial,  
I'll tell the world, a Spaniard was disloyal.  Sago. 
Relate your grief, I long to hear their names,  
Whose bastard spirits, thy true worth defames:  
I'll wash thy scandal off, when their hearts bleeds,  
Valour makes difference betwixt words and deeds.  
Tell thy fame's poison, blood shall wash thee white,  Isab. 
My spotless honour, is a slave to spite:  
These are the monsters Venice doth bring forth,  
Whose empty souls are bankrupt of true worth.  
False Count Guido, treacherous Guiaca,  
Countess of Gazia, and of rich Massino.  
Then if thou be'st a Knight, help the oppressed,  
Through danger safety comes, through trouble rest.  
And so my love.  Sago. 
Ignoble villains, their best blood shall prove,  
Revenge falls heavy, that is raised by love.  Isab. 
Think what reproach is to a woman's name,  
Honoured by birth, by marriage, and by beauty:  
Be God on earth, and revenge innocence,  
O worthy Spaniard, on my knees I beg,  
Forget the persons, think on their offence.  Sago. 
By the white soul of honour, by heavens jove:  
They die if their death can attain your love.  Isab. 
Thus will I clip thy waste, embrace thee thus:  
Thus dally with thy hair, and kiss thee thus:  
Our pleasure's protean-like in sundry shapes,  
Shall with variety stir dalliance.  Sago. 
I am immortal, O divinest creature:  
Thou dost excel the Gods, in wit and feature.  
False Counts you die, revenge now shakes his rods:  
Beauty condemns you, stronger than the Gods.  Isab. 
Come Mars of lovers, Vulcan is not here,  
Make vengeance like my bed, quite void of fear.  Sago. 
My senses are entranced, and in this slumber,  
I taste heavens joys, but cannot count the number. Ex. Ambo.  Enter LADY LENTULUS, ABIGALL and THAIS. Abigal. 
Well madam: you see the destiny that follows marriage,  
Our husbands are quiet now, and must suffer the law.  Thais. 
If my husband had been worth the begging some Courtier would have had him: he might be begged well enough, for he knows not his own wife from another.  Lady Lent. 
O you're a couple of trusty wenches, to deceive your husbands thus.  Abig. 
If we had not deceived them thus, we had been Trust wenches.  Thais. 
Our husbands will be hanged, because they think themselves Cuckolds.  Abig. 
If all true Cuckolds were of that mind, the hangman would be the richest occupation, and more wealthy widows, than there be younger brothers to marry them.  Thais. 
The Merchant venturers would be a very small company.  Abag. 
'Tis twelve to one of that, however the rest scape, I shall fear a massacre.  Thais. 
If my husband hereafter for his wealth chance to be dubbed:  
I'll have him called the Knight of the supposed home.  Abag. 
Faith, and it sounds well.  Lady. 
Come madcaps leave jesting, and let's deliver them out of their earthly purgation; you are the spirits that torment them: but my love and Lord, kind Mendosa, will lose his life, to preserve mine honour, not for hate to others.  Abig. 
By my troth, if I had been his judge, I should have hanged him for having no more wit, I speak as I think, for I would not be hanged for ne'er a man under the heavens.  Thais. 
Faith, I think I should for my Husband. I do not hold the opinion of the Philosopher, that writes we love them best, that we enjoy first: for I protest I love my husband better than any that did know me before.  Abig. 
So do I, yet life and pleasure are two sweet things to a woman.  Lady. 
He that's willing to die to save mine honour, I'll die to save his.  Abig. 
Tut: believe it who that list, we love a lively man I grant you:  
But to maintain that life, I'll ne'er consent to die.  
This is a rule I still will keep in breast,  
Love well thy husband wench, but thyself best.  Thais. 
I have followed your counsel hitherto, and mean to do still.  Lady. 
Come: we neglect our business, 'tis no jesting,  
Tomorrow they are executed lest we reprieve them,  
we be their destinies to cast their fate.  
Let's all go.  Abig. 
I fear not to come late. Exeunt.  Enter DON SAGO SOLUS with a case of Pistols. Sago. 
Day was my night, and night must be my day:  
The sun shined on my pleasure, with my love,  
And darkness must lend aid to my revenge,  
The stage of heaven, is hung with solemn black,  
A time best fitting, to Act Tragedies,  
The night's great Queen, that maiden governess  
Musters black clouds, to hide her from the world,  
Afraid to look on my bold enterprise.  
Cursed creatures messengers of death, possess the world,  
Night-Ravens, screech-owls, and vote-killing Mandrakes,  
The ghosts of misers, that imprisoned gold,  
Within the harmless bowels of the earth,  
Are nights companions: bawds to lust and murder,  
Be all propitious to my Act of justice:  
Upon the scandalisers of her fame,  
That is the lifeblood of deliciousness,  
Deemed Isabella, Cupid's Treasurer.  
Whose soul contains the richest gifts of love:  
Her beauty from my heart, fear doth expel;  
They relish pleasure best, that dread not hell.  
Who's there? Enter Count Rogero.  Rogero. 
A friend to thee, if thy intents be just & honourable.  Sago. 
Count Rogero, speak, I am the watch.  Rogero. 
My name is Rogero: dost thou know me?  Sago. 
Yes slanderous villain, nurse of Obloquy,  
Whose poisoned breath, has speckled clear fac't virtue,  
And made a Leper of Isabella's fame,  
That is as spotless, as the eye of heaven.  
Thy vital threads a cutting, start not slave,  
he's sure of sudden death, heaven cannot save.  Count Rog. 
Art not Guiaca turned Apostata, has pleasure once again  
Turned thee again a devil, art not Guiaca? hah!  Sago. 
O that I were, then would I stab myself,  
For he is marked for death, as well as thee:  
I am Don Sago thy mortal enemy,  
Whose hand love makes thy executioner.  Rogero. 
I know thee valiant Spaniard, and to thee  
Murders more hateful, then is sacrilege  
Thy actions ever have been honourable.  Sago. 
And this the crown of all my Actions,  
To purge the earth, of such a man turned monster.  Rogero. 
I never wronged thee Spaniard, did I? speak  
I'll make thee satisfaction like a soldier, Tell him all the Plot.  
A true Italian, and a Gentleman:  
Thy rage is treachery without a cause.  Sago. 
My rage is just, and thy heart blood shall know,  
He that wrongs beauty, must be honours foe:  
Isabel's quarrel, arms the Spaniards spirit.  Rogero. 
Murder should keep with baseness, not with merit:  
I'll answer thee tomorrow by my soul,  
And clear thy doubts, or satisfy thy will.  Sago. 
he's wars best scholar, can with safety kill.  
Take this tonight, now meet with me tomorrow, Shoots.  
I come Isabella, half thy hate is dead,  
Valour makes murder light, which fear makes dead.  Capt. 
The pistol was shot here seize him, Enter Capt. with a band of Soldiers.  
Bring lights, what Don Sago Colonel of the horse?  
Ring the Alarum bell, raise the whole City,  
His Troops are in the town, I fear treachery:  
whose's this lies murdered, speak blood-thirsty Spaniard.  Sago. 
I have not spoiled his face, you may know his visnomy.  Capt. 
'Tis Count Rogero, go convey him hence.  
Thy life proud Spaniard, answers this offence,  
A strong guard for the prisoner, less the cities powers  
Rise to rescue him. begird him with soldiers.  Sago. 
What needs this strife?  
Know slaves, I prize revenge above my life.  
Fame's register to future times shall tell  
That by Don Sago, Count Rogero fell. Exeunt omnes.  
Finis Acti Quarti.   

Actus quintus  
Scaena prima.  Enter MEDINA, the dead body of GVIDO Alias Count Arsena, and Soldiers, Don Sago guarded, Executioner, Scaffold. Medina. 
DONE Sago quakest thou not to behold this spectacle,  
This innocent sacrifice murdered nobleness,  
When blood the maker ever promiseth,  
Shall though with slow yet with sure vengeance rest.  
'tis a guerdon earned, and must be paid,  
As sure revenge, as it is sure a deed:  
I ne'er knew murder yet, but it did bleed.  
Canst thou after so many fearful conflicts,  
Between this object, and thy guilty conscience,  
Now thou art freed from out the serpent's jaws,  
That wild adulteress, whose sorceries  
Doth draw chaste men into incontinence:  
Whose tongue flows over with harmful eloquence.  
Canst thou I say repent this heinous Act,  
And learn to loath, that killing Cockatrice?  Sago. 
By this fresh blood, that from thy manly breast,  
I cowardly sluct out, I would in hell,  
From this sad minute, still the day of doom:  
To reinspire vain Aesculapius.  
And fill these crimson conduits, feel the fire  
Due to the damned, and this horrid fact  Medina 
Upon my soul, brave Spaniard, I believe thee.  Sago. 
O cease to weep in blood, or teach me too,  
The bubbling wounds, do murmur for revenge:  
This is the end of lust, where men may see,  
Murders the shadow of Adultery:  
And follows it to death.  Medina. 
But hopeful Lord, we do commiserate,  
Thy bewitched fortunes▪ a free pardon give:  
On this thy true and noble penitence.  
With all we make thee Colonel of our horse;  
Levied against the proud venetian state.  Sago. 
Medina, I thank thee not, give life to him,  
That sits with Risus, and the full cheeked Bacchus,  
The rich and mighty Monarchs of the earth,  
To me life is ten times more terrible,  
Then death can be to me, O break my breast:  
Divines and dying men may talk of hell,  
But in my heart the several torments dwell.  
What Tanais, Nilus? or what Tioris swift?  
What Rhenus ferier then the Cataract?  
Although Neptolis cold, the waves of all the northern sea,  
Should flow for ever, through these guilty hands,  
Yet the sanguinolent stain would extant be.  Medina. 
God pardon thee, we do.  Enter a messenger. A shout. Messenger. 
The Countess comes my Lord, unto the death:  
But so unwillingly, and unprepared,  
That she is rather forced, thinking the sum  
She sent to you of twenty thousand pound,  
Would have assured her of life.  Medina. 
O Heavens!  
Is she not weary yet of lust and life?  
Had it been Croesus' wealth, she should have died;  
Her goods by law, are all confiscate to us,  
And die she shall: her lust  
Would make a slaughter house of Italy.  
Ere she attained to four and twenty years,  
Three Earls, one Viscount, and this valiant Spaniard,  
Are known to abeene the fuel to her lust:  
Besides her secret lovers, which charitably  
I judge to have been but few, but some they were.  
Here is a glass, wherein to view her soul,  
A Noble, but unfortunate Gentleman,  
Cropped by her hand, as some rude passenger  
Doth pluck the tender Roses in the bud,  
Murder and lust, the least of which is death,  
And hath she yet any false hope of breath?  Enter ISABELLA, with her hair hanging down, a chaplet of flowers on her head, a nosegay in her hand, Executioner before her, and with her a Cardinal Isabella. 
What place is this?  Cardin. 
madam, the Castle green.  Isab. 
There should be dancing on a green I think.  Card. 
madam: to you none other than your dance of death.  Isabell. 
Good my Lord Cardinal do not thunder thus,  
I sent today to my Physician,  
And as he says he finds no sign of death,  Card. 
Good madam, do not jest away your soul.  Isab. 
O servant, how hast thou betrayed my life? To Sago.  
Thou art my dearest lover now I see.  
Thou wilt not leave me, till my very death.  
Blessed be thy hand, I sacrifice a kiss  
To it and vengeance: worthily thou didst,  
He died deservedly, not content to enjoy  
My youth and beauty, riches and my fortune:  
But like a Chronicler of his own vice,  
In Epigrams and songs, he ruined my name,  
Renowned me for a Strumpet in the Courts,  
Of the French King, and the great Emperor.  
Didst thou not kill him drunk.  Medina. 
O shameless woman!  Isab. 
Thou shouldest, or in the embraces of his lust,  
It might have been a woman's vengeance.  
Yet I thank thee Sago, and would not wish him living  
Were my life instant ransom.  Card. 
O madam: in your soul have charity.  Isab. 
there's money for the poor. Gives him money.  Card. 
O Lady this is but a branch of charity,  
An ostentation, or a liberal pride:  
Let me instruct your soul, for that, I fear,  
Within the painted sepulchre of flesh,  
Lies in a dead consumption: good madam, read, gives a book.  Isab. 
You put me to my book my Lord, will not that save me.  Card. 
Yes madam, in the everlasting world.  Sago. 
Amen, Amen.  Isab. 
While thou wert my servant, thou hast ever said,  
Amen to all my wishes, witness this spectacle:  
where's my Lord Medina?  Medina. 
Here Isabella. What would you?  Isab. 
May we not be reprieved?  Medina. 
Mine honours past, you may not.  Isab. 
No, 'tis my honour past,  Medina. 
Thine honours past indeed.  Isab. 
Then there's no hope of absolute remission.  Medina. 
For that your holy Confessor will tell you,  
Be dead to this world, for I swear you die,  
Were you my father's daughter.  Isab. 
Can you do nothing my Lord Cardinal?  Card. 
More than the world sweet Lady, help to save  
What hand of man, wants power to destroy.  Isab. 
You're all for this world, then why not I?  
Were you in health and youth, like me my Lord,  
Although you merited the crown of life,  
And stood in state of grace, assured of it:  
Yet in this fearful separation,  
Old as you are, e'en till your latest gasp,  
You'd crave the help of the Physician:  
And wish your days lengthened one summer longer,  
Though all be grief, labour and misery,  
Yet none will part with it, that I can see.  Medina. 
Up to the scaffold with her, 'tis late.  Isab. 
Better late than never my good Lord you think:  
You use square dealing, Medina's mighty Duke:  
Tyrant of France, sent hither by the devil. She ascends the Scaffold.  Medina. 
The fitter to meet you.  Card. 
Peace: Good my Lord in death do not provoke her.  Isab. 
Servant low as my destiny I kneel to thee, To Sago.  
Honouring in death, thy manly loyalty:  
And whatsoe'er become of my poor soul,  
The joys of both worlds evermore be thine.  
Commend me to the Noble Count Guiaca,  
That should have shared thy valour, and my hatred:  
Tell him I pray his pardon, and  
Medina, art yet inspired from heaven,  
Show thy creator's Image: be like him,  
Father of mercy.  Medina. 
Head's man, do thine office.  Isab. 
Now God lay all thy sins upon thy head,  
And sink thee with them, to infernal darkness,  
Thou teacher of the furies cruelty.  Card 
O madam: teach yourself a better prayer,  
This is your latest hour.  Isab. 
He is mine enemy, his sight torments me,  
I shall not die in quiet.  Med. 
I'll be gone: off with her head there. Exit.  Isab. 
Tak'st thou delight, to torture misery?  
Such mercy find thou in the day of doom.  Sould. 
My Lord: here is a holy Friar desires, Enter Roberto Count of Cyprus in friars weeds.  
To have some conference with the prisoners.  Roberto. 
It is in private, what I have to say,  
With favour of your fatherhood.  Card. 
friar: in God's name welcome. Roberto ascends to Isabella.  Rob. 
Lady: it seems your eye is still the same,  
Forgetful of what most it should behold,  
Do not you know me then?  Isab. 
Holy Sir: so far you are gone from my memory,  
I must take truce with time, ere I can know you.  Robert. 
Bear record all, you blessed Saints in heaven,  
I come not to torment thee in thy death:  
For of himself he's terrible enough,  
But call to mind a Lady like yourself.  
And think how ill in such a beauteous soul,  
Upon the instant morrow of her nuptials,  
Apostasy and wild revolt would show:  
With all imagine that she had a Lord,  
jealous, the Air should ravish her chaste looks:  
Doting like the creator in his models,  
Who views them every minute, and with care,  
Mixed in his fear of their obedience to him.  
Suppose he sung through famous Italy,  
More common than the looser songs of Petrarch:  
To every several Zany's instrument,  
And he poor wretch, hoping some better sat,  
Might call her back from her Adulterate purpose:  
Lives in obscure, and almost unknown life,  
Till hearing, that she is condemned to die:  
For he once loved her, lends his pined corpse,  
Motion to bring him to her stage of honour  
Where drowned in woe: at her so dismal chance,  
He clasps her: thus he falls into a trance.  Isab. 
O my offended Lord lift up your eyes:  
But yet avert them from my loathed sight.  
Had I with you enjoyed the lawful pleasure,  
To which belongs, nor fear, nor public shame:  
I might have lived in honour, died in fame.  
Your pardon on my faltering knees I beg:  
Which shall confirm more peace unto my death,  
Than all the grave instructions of the Church.  Roberto. 
Pardon belongs unto my holy weeds,  
Freely thou hast it, farewell my Isabella.  
Let thy death ransom thy soul, O die a rare example,  
The kiss thou gav'st me in the church, here take,  
As I leave thee, so thou the world forsake. Exit Roberto.  Clarid. 
Rare accident, ill welcome noble Lord:  
madam: your executioner desires you to forgive him.  Isab. 
Yes and give him too, what must I do my friend?  Executioner. 
madam: only tie up your hair.  Isabella. 
O these golden nets,  
That have ensnared so many wanton youths,  
Not one but has been held a thread of life,  
And superstitiously depended on,  
Now to the block, we must vail: what else?  Executioner. 
madam: I must entreat you blind your eyes.  Isabella. 
I have lived too long in darkness my friend:  
And yet mine eyes with their majestic light,  
Have got new Muses, in a poet's sprite.  
They have been more gazed at then the God of Day:  
Their brightness never could be flattered,  
Yet thou command'st a fixed cloud of Lawn,  
To Eclipse eternally these minutes of light.  
What else?  Executioner. 
Now madam: als done,  
And when you please, I'll execute my office.  Isabella. 
We will be for thee straight.  
Give me your blessing my Lord Cardinal:  
Lord, I am well prepared:  
Murder and lust, down with my ashes sink.  
But like ingrateful seed perish in earth,  
That you may never spring against my soul,  
Like weeds to choke it in the heavenly harvest,  
I fall to rise, mount to thy maker, spirit,  
Leave here thy body, death has her demerit. Strike.  Cardin. 
An host of Angels be thy convey hence.  Medina. 
To funeral with her body, and this Lords:  
None here I hope can tax us of injustice:  
She died deservedly, and may like fate,  
Attend all women so insatiate. Exeunt omnes.  Enter AMAGO the Duke, the Watch and Senators. Duke 
I am amazed at this maze of wonder,  
Wherein no thread or clue presents itself,  
To wind us from the obscure passages,  
What says my Nephew?  Watch. 
Still resolute my Lord, and doth confess the theft.  Duke 
we'll use him like a felon, cut him off:  
For fear he do pollute our sounder parts.  
Yet why should he steal,  
That is a loaden Vine? riches to him,  
Were adding sands into the Libyan shore,  
Or far less charity: what say the other prisoners?  Watch. 
Like men my Lord, fit for the other world,  
They take't upon their death, they slew your Nephew.  Duke. 
And he is yet alive, keep them asunder  
We may sent out the wile.  Enter CLARIDIANA and ROGERO bound: with a Friar and Officers. Rogero. 
My friend; is it the rigour of the law  
I should be tied thus hard, I'll undergo it:  
If not, prithee then slacken; yet I have deserved it,  
This murder lies heavy on my conscience.  Clarid. 
Wedlock, I here's my wedlock; O whore, whore, whore.  friar. 
O Sir be qualified.  Clarid. 
Sir: I am to die a dogs death, and will snarl a little  
At the old signor, you are only a Parenthesis,  
Which I will leave out of my execrations: but first  
To our quondam wives, that makes us cry our Vowels  
In red Capital letters, Jove are cuckolds, O may  
Bastard bearing with the pangs of childbirth, be  
Doubled to him: may they have ever twins  
And be three weeks in travel between, may they be,  
So Riveled with painting by that time they are thirty, that it  
May be held a work of condign merit  
But to look upon 'em, may they live,  
To ride in triumph in a Dung-cart  
And be crowned with all the odious ceremonies belonging too 't:  
May the cucking stool be their recreation,  
And a dungeon their dying chamber,  
May they have nine lives like a Cat, to endure this and more;  
May they be burnt for witches of a sudden,  
And lastly, may the opinion of Philosophers  
Prove true, that women have no souls.  Enter THAIS and ABIGALL. Thais. 
What husband? at your prayers so seriously?  Clari. 
Yes: a few orisons; Friar, thou that stand'st between  
The souls of men and the devil,  
Keep these female spirits away,  
Or I will renounce my faith else.  Abig. 
Oh husband, I little thought to see you in this taking.  Rogero. 
O whore, I little thought to see you in this taking,  
I am governor of this castle of cornets,  
My grave will be stumbled at, thou adulterate whore,  
I might have lived like a Merchant.  Abig. 
So you may still husband.  Rogero. 
Peace, thou art very quick with me.  Abig. 
I by my faith, and so I am husband,  
Belike you know I am with child.  Rogero. 
A bastard, a bastard, a bastard:  
I might have lived like a gentleman,  
And now I must die like a Hanger on:  
Show tricks upon a wooden horse,  
And run through an Alphabet of scurvy faces:  
Do not expect a good look from me.  Abig. 
O me unfortunate!  Clarid. 
O to think whilst we are singing the last Hymn,  
And ready to be turned off,  
Some new tune is inventing, by some Metermonger,  
To a scurvy Ballad of our death.  
Again at our funeral Sermons,  
To have the Divine, divide his text into fair branches:  
Oh, flesh and blood cannot endure it,  
Yet I will take it patiently like a grave man,  
Hangman, tie not my halter of a true lovers knot,  
I shall burst it if thou dost.  Thais. 
Husband, I do beseech you on my knees,  
I may but speak with you. I'll win your pardon,  
Or with tears like Niobe bedew a.  Clarid. 
Hold thy water Crocodile, and say I am bound  
To do thee no harm: were I free yet I could not  
Be looser than thou: For thou art a whore.  
Agamemnon's daughter that was sacrificed  
For a good wind, felt but a blast of the torments:  
Thou shouldst endure, I'd make thee swoon  
Oftener, than that fellow that by his continual practice  
Hopes to become Drum major.  
What sayst thou to tickling to death with bodkins?  
But thou hast laughed too much at me already, whore.  
justice O Duke, and let me not hang in suspense.  Abig. 
Husband: I'll nail me to the earth, but I'll  
Win your pardon.  
My jewels, jointure, all I have shall fly:  
Apparel, bedding, I'll not leave a Rug;  
So you may come off fairly.  Clarid. 
I'll come off fairly. Then beg my pardon,  
I had rather chirurgeons hall should beg my dead body  
For an Anatomy, than thou beg my life:  
justice O Duke, and let us die.  Duke. 
signor, think, and dally not with heaven,  
But freely tell us, did you do the murder?  Rogero. 
I have confessed it, to my ghostly father,  
And done the Sacrament of penance for it.  
What would your highness more?  Clar. 
The like have I, what would your highness more?  
And here before you all take't o'my death.  Duke. 
In God's name then on to the death with them,  
For the poor widows that you leave behind,  
Though by the law, their goods are all confiscate,  
Yet we'll be their good Lord, and give 'em them.  Clari. 
Oh hell of hells. Why did not we hire some villain to fire our houses?  Rog. 
I thought not of that, my mind was altogether of the gallows.  Clar. 
May the wealth I leave behind me, help to damn her,  
And as the cursed fate of courtesan,  
What she gleans with her traded art,  
May one as a most due plague cheat from,  
In the last dotage of her tired lust,  
And leave her an unpitied age of woe.  Rogero. 
Amen, Amen.  Watchm. 
I never heard men pray more fervently.  Rogero. 
O that a man had the instinct of a Lion,  
He knows when the Lioness place falls to him:  
But these solaces, these women,  
They bring man to grey hairs before he be thirty.  
Yet they cast out such mists of flattery from their breath,  
That a man's lost again: sure I fell into my marriage bed drunk:  
Like the Leopard, well with sober eyes would I had avoided it;  
Come grave and hide me from my blasted fame; Exeunt Ambo with officers.  
O that thou couldst as well conceal my shame.  Thais. 
Your pardon & your favour gracious Duke Women kneel.  
At once we do implore, that have so long.  
Deceived your royal expectation,  
Assured that the Comic knitting up,  
Will move your spleen, unto the proper use,  
Of mirth, your natural inclination:  
And wipe away the watery coloured anger,  
From your enforced cheek.  
Fair Lord, beguile  
Them and your saved, with a pleasing smile.  Duke. 
Now by my life I do, fair Ladies rise,  
I ne'er did purpose any other end,  
To them and these designs.  
I was informed,  
Of some notorious error, as I sat in judgement.  
And do you hear? these night works require a cat's eyes,  
To empierce dejected darkness: call back the prisoners.  Clari. 
Now what other troubled news, Enter Clarid. and Rogero, with officers.  
That we must back thus?  
Has any Senator begged my pardon,  
Upon my wives prostitution to him.  Rog. 
What a spite's this, I had kept in my breath of purpose  
Thinking to go away the quieter, and must we now back?  Duke. 
Since you are to die, we'll give you winding sheets,  
Wherein you shall be shrouded alive,  
By which we wind out all these miseries.  
signor Rogero, bestow a while your eye,  
And read here of your true wives chastity. Gives him a Letter.  Rog. 
Chastity? I will sooner expect a jesuits recantation:  
Or the great Turks conversion, than her chastity.  
Pardon my liege, I will not trust mine eyes:  
Women and Devils, will deceive the wise.  Duke. 
The like Sir is apparent on your side. To tother.  Clar. 
Who? my wife? chaste? has your grace your sense,  
I'll sooner believe  
A conjuror may say his prayers with zeal,  
Than her honesty. Had she been an Hermaphrodite  
I would scarce hath given credit to you,  
Let him that hath drunk love drugs trust a woman,  
By heaven I think, the air is not more common.  Duke. 
Then we impose a strict command upon you:  
On your Allegiance, read what there is writ.  Clar. 
A writ of error, on my life my liege.  Duke. 
You'll find it so I fear.  Cla. 
What have we here the Art of Brachigraphy? Looks on't.  Thais. 
he's stung already, as if his eyes were turned on Percy's shield.  
There motion is fixed, like to the pool of Styx.  Abig. 
Yonder's our flames, and from the hollow Arches,  
Of his quick eyes, comes comet trains of fire:  
Bursting like hidden furies, from their Canes, Reads.  
yours till he sleep, the sleep of all  
The world, Rogero.  Rogero. 
Marry and that Lethargy seize you, read again.  Clar. 
Thy servant so made by his stars, Rogero. Reads again.  
A fire on your wandering stars Rogero.  Rog. 
Sathan, why hast thou tempted my wife? To Clarid.  Cla. 
Peace, seducer, I am branded in the forehead  
With your star-mark. May the stars drop upon thee,  
And with their sulphur vapours choke thee, ere thou  
Come at the gallows.  Rogero. 
Stretch not my patience Mahomet.  Clarid. 
Termagant that will stretch thy patience.  Rogero. 
Had I known this I would have poisoned thee in the Chalice,  
This morning, when we received the Sacrament.  Clari. 
Slave, know'st thou this? 'tis an Appendix to the Letter,  
But the greater temptation is hidden within.  
I will scour thy gorge like a Hawk: thou shalt swallow thine  
own stone in this letter, They bustle.  
Sealed and delivered in the presence of.  Duke. 
Keep them asunder, list to us, we command.  Clari. 
O violent villain, is not thy hand hereto?  
And writ in blood to show thy raging lust?  Thais. 
Spice of a new halter, when you go a ranging thus like  
Devils, would you might burn for't as they do.  Rogero. 
Thus 'tis to lie with another man's wife:  
He shallbe sure to hear on't again.  
But we are friends, sweet duck, kiss her.  
And this shall be my maxim all my life,  
MAN never happy is till in a wife.  Clari. 
Here sunk our hate lower than any whirlpool.  
And this chaste kiss I give thee for thy care. kiss.  
That fame of women full as wise as fair.  Duke. 
You have saved us a labour in your love.  
But Gentlemen, why stood you so preposterously?  
Would you have headlong run to Infamy,  
In so defamed a death?  Rogero. 
O my Liege, I had rather roar to death with Phaleris  
Bull, then Darius-like, to have one of my wings extend to Atlas,  
the other to Europa.  
What is a Cuckold learn of me,  
Few can tell his pedigree,  
Nor his subtle nature construe,  
Borne a man, but dies a monster.  
Yet great Antiquaries say,  
They spring from our Methusala,  
Who after Noah's flood was found,  
To have his Crest with branches crowned.  
God in Eden's happy shade,  
This same creature made.  
Then to cut off all mistaking,  
Cuckolds are of women's making.  
From whose snares, good Lord deliver us.  Clari. 
Amen, Amen.  
Before I would prove a Cuckold, I would endure a winter's Pilgrimage  
in the Frozen Zone,  
Go stark naked through Muscovia, where the Climate is  
degrees colder than Ice.  
And thus much to all married men.  
Now I see great reason why  
Love should marry jealousy:  
Since man's best of life is fame,  
He had need preserve the same.  
When 'tis in a woman's keeping,  
Let not Argos eyes be sleeping.  
The pox is unto Panders given  
By the better powers of heaven.  
That contains pure chastity,  
And each Virgin sovereignty,  
wanton she oped and lost:  
Gift whereof, a God might boast.  
Therefore shouldst thou Diana wed,  
Yet be jealous of her bed.  Duke. 
Night, like a mask, is entered heavens great hall,  
With thousand Torches ushering the way:  
To Risus will we consecrate this Evening,  
Like Missermis cheating of the brack.  
we'll make this night the day. Fair joys befall  
Us and our Actions. Are you pleased all? Exeunt omnes.   
FINIS.