THE MAID OF HONOUR. AS IT HATH BEEN OFTEN PRESENTED with good allowance at the Phoenix in Drury-lane, by the queen's majesty's SERVANTS.  
Written by PHILIP MASSINGER.  
LONDON, Printed by I. B. for Robert Allot, and are to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the black Bear in Paul's Churchyard, 1632.   

The Actors names.  
Roberto, 
King of sicily.  Ferdinand, 
Duke of Urbin.  Bertoldo, 
The Kings natural brother, a knight of Malta.  Gonzaga, 
A knight of Malta, General to the Duchess of Sienna.  Astutio, 
A counsellor of state  Fulgentio, 
The minion of Roberto.  Adorni, 
A follower of Camiolas father.  Ambassador, 
From the Duke of Urbin.  Signior Sylli, 
A foolish self-lover.  Anthonio, Gasparo, 
Two rich heirs, city-bred.  Pierio, 
A Colonel to Gonzaga.  Roderigo, jacomo, 
Captains to Gonzaga.  Druso, Livio, 
Captains to Duke Ferdinand.  Paulo, 
A priest, Camiolas confessor.  Scout, 
 Soldiers, 
 Servants, 
 jailor, 
 Dwarf, 
 Mutes, 
 Aurelia, 
duchess of Sienna.  Camiola. 
The Maid of Honour.  Clarinda, 
Her Woman.    

To my most honoured friends, Sir FRANCIS FOLIAMBE, Knight, and Baronet, and to Sir THOMAS BLAND Knight.  
THat you have been, and continued so for many years (since you vouchsafed to own me) Patrons to me and my despised studies, I cannot but with all humble thankfulness acknowledge: And living, as you have done, inseparable in your friendship (notwithstanding all differences, and suits in Law arising between you) I held it as impertinent, as absurd, in the presentment of my service in this kind, to divide you. A free confession of a debt in a meaner man, is the amplest satisfaction to his superiors, and I heartily wish, that the world may take notice, and from myself, that I had not to this time subsisted, but that I was supported by your frequent courtesies, and favours, when your more serious occasions will give you leave, you may please to peruse this trifle, and peradventure find something in it that may appear worthy of your protection. Receive it, I beseech you, as a testimony of his duty, who, while he lives, resolves to be  
Truly, and sincerely devoted to your service, Philip Massinger.   

TO MY WORTHY FRIEND THE AUTHOR UPON HIS tragi-comedy, THE MAID OF HONOUR.  
WAs not thy Emperor enough before  
For thee to give, that thou dost give us more?  
I would be just, but cannot: that I know  
I did not slander, this I fear I do.  
But pardon me, if I offend: Thy fire  
Let equal Poets praise, while I admire.  
If any say that I enough have writ,  
They are thy foes, and envy at thy wit.  
Believe not them, nor me, they know thy lines  
Deserve applause, but speak against their minds.  
ay, out of justice, would commend thy Play,  
But (friend forgive me) 'tis above my way.  
One word, and I have done (and from my heart  
Would I could speak the whole truth, not the part)  
Because 'tis thine; it henceforth will be said,  
Not the Maid of Honour, but the Honoured Maid.  
ASTON COKAYNE.   

THE maid OF HONOUR. A tragicomedy.  

ACT. 1. SCENE. 1.  Astutio. Adorni. ADORNI. 
GOod day to your Lordship:  Astutio. 
Thanks Adorni.  Ador 
May I presume to ask if the Ambassador  
Employed by Ferdinand, the Duke of Urbin  
Hath audience this morning?  Enter Fulgent. Astu. 
'Tis uncertain,  
For though a counsellor of state, I am not  
Of the Cabinet counsel. But there's one if he please  
That may resolve you.  Ador. 
I will move him Sr.  Aulgen. 
If you have a suit, show water, I am blind else.  Ador. 
A suit, yet of a nature, not to prove  
The quarry that you hawk for: If your words  
Are not like Indian wares and every scruple  
To be weighed and rated, one poor syllable  
Vouchsafed in answer of a fair demand,  
Cannot deserve a fee.  Fulgen. 
It seems you are ignorant,  
I neither speak, nor hold my peace for nothing:  
And yet for once, I care not if I answer  
One single question, gratis.  Ador. 
I much thank you.  
Hath the Ambassador audience Sir today?  Fulgen. 
Yes.  Ador. 
At what hour?  Fulgen. 
I promised not so much.  
A syllable you begged, my Charity gave it.  
Move me no further.  Exit Fulgentio Astu. 
This you wonder at?  
With me 'tis usual.  Ador. 
Pray you Sr. what is he?  Astu. 
A gentleman, yet no lord. He hath some drop  
Of the king's blood running in his veins, derived  
Some ten degrees off. His revenue lies  
In a narrow compass, the king's ear, and yields him  
Every hour a fruitful harvest. Men may talk  
Of three crops in a year in the fortunate Islands.  
Or profit made by wool. But while there are suitors  
His sheep shearing, nay shaving to the quick  
Is in every quarter of the Moon, and constant,  
In the time of trussing a point, he can undo  
Or make a man. His play or recreation  
Is to raise this up, or pull down that, and though  
He neve yet took orders, makes more Bishops  
In sicily, than the Pope himself.  Enter Bertoldo. Gasparo. Anthonio. a servant. Ador. 
Most strange!  Astu. 
The presence fills. He in the Malta habit  
Is the natural brother of the King, a by blow.  Ador. 
I understand you.  Gasp. 
Morrow to my Uncle.  Antho. 
And my late Guardian. But at length I have  
The reigns in my own hands.  Astu. 
Pray you use 'em well,  
Or you'll too late repent it.  Ber. 
With this jewel  
Presented to Camiola, prepare  
This night a visit for me. I shall have  Exit servant. 
Your company Gallants I perceive, if that  
The King will hear of war.  Antho. 
Sr. I have horses  
Of the best breed in Naples, fitter far  
To break a rank, then crack a lance, and are  
In their career of such incredible swiftness  
They outstrip swallows.  Ber. 
And such may be useful  
To run away with, should we be defeated.  
You are well provided Signior  Antho. 
Sr. excuse me.  
All of their race by instinct know a Coward.  
And scorn the burden. They come on like lightning,  
Foundered in a retreat.  Ber. 
By no means back 'em.  
Unless you know your courage sympathize  
With the daring of your horse.  Antho. 
My lord, this is bitter.  Gasp. 
I will raise me a company of foot,  
And when at push of pike I am to enter  
A breach, to show my valour, I have bought me  
An armour cannon proof  Ber. 
You will not leap then  
o'er an outwork in your shirt  Gasp. 
I do not like  
Activity that way.  Ber. 
You had rather stand  
A mark to try their muskets on?  Gasp. 
If I do  
No good, I'll do no hurt.  Ber. 
'Tis in you Signior  
A Christian resolution, and becomes you,  
But I will not discourage you.  Antho. 
You are Sr.  
A knight of Malta, and as I have heard  
Have served against the Turk.  Bert. 
'Tis true.  Antho. 
Pray you show us  
The difference between the city valour.  
And service in the field.  Ber. 
'Tis somewhat more  
Than roaring in a tavern, or a brothel,  
Or to steal a Constable from a sleeping watch;  
Then burn their halberds; or safe guarded by  
Your tenants sons, to carry away a Maypole  
From a neighbour village; you will not find there  
Your Masters of Dependencies to take up  
A drunken brawl, or to get you the names  
Of valiant chevaliers, fellows that will be  
For a cloak with thrice died velvet, and a cast suit  
Kicked down the stairs. A knave with half a britch there,  
And no shirt (being a thing superfluous,  
And worn out of his memory) if you bear not  
yourselves both in, and upright with a provant sword  
Will slash your scarlets, and your plush a new way;  
Or with the hilts thunder about your ears  
Such music as will make your worship's dance  
To the doleful tune of Lachryma,  Gasp. 
I must tell you,  
In private, as you are my princely friend,  
I do not like such Fiddlers.  Bertol. 
No? they are useful  
For your imitation; I remember you  
When you came first to the Court, and talked of nothing  
But you rents, and your entradas; ever chiming  
The golden bells in your pockets, you believed  
The taking of the wall, as a tribute due to  
Your gaudy clothes; and could not walk at midnight  
Without a causeless quarrel, as if men  
Of courser outsides were in duty bound  
To suffer your affronts: but when you had been  
cudgeled well, twice or thrice, and from the doctrine  
Made profitable uses, you concluded  
The sovereign means to teach irregular heir's  
Civility, with conformity of manners,  
Were two or three sound beatings.  Antho. 
I confess  
They did much good upon me.  Gasp. 
And on me— the principles that they read were sound.  Bertol. 
You'll find  
The like instructions in the Camp.  Astu. 
The King.  A flourish. Enter Roberto. Fulgentio. Ambassador. Attendants. Rober. 
we sit prepared to hear.  Embas. 
Your Majesty  
Hath been long since familiar, I doubt not,  
With the desperate fortunes of my Lord, and pity  
Of the much that your confederate hath suffered  
(You being his last refuge) may persuade you  
Not alone to compassionate, but to lend  
Your royal aids to stay him in his fall  
To certain ruin. He too late is conscious,  
That his ambition to encroach upon  
His neighbour's territories, with the danger of  
His liberty, nay his life, hath borough in question  
His own inheritance: but youth and heat  
Of blood in your interpretation, may  
Both plead, and mediate for him. I must grant it  
An error in him, being denied the favours though  
Of the fair Princess of Sienna  
He sought her in a noble way) t'andeavour  
To force affection, by surprisal of  
Her principal seat Sienna.  Rober. 
Which now proves  
The seat of his captivity not triumph.  
Heaven is still just.  Embas. 
And yet that justice is  
To be with mercy tempered, which heavens Deputies  
Stand bound to minister. The injured Duchess  
By reason taught, as nature, could not with  
The reparation of her wrongs, but aim at  
A brave revenge, and my Lord feels too late  
That innocence will find friends. The great Gonzaga,  
The honour of his Order, I must praise  
Virtue, though in an enemy. He whose fights  
And conquests hold one number, rallying up  
Her scattered troops, before we could get time  
To victual, or to man the conquered City,  
Sat down before it, and presuming that  
'Tis not to be relieved, admits no parley,  
Our flags of truce hung out in vain, nor will he  
Lend an ear to composition, but exacts  
With the rendering up the own, the goods, and lines  
Of all within the walls, and of all Sexes  
To be at his discretion.  Roberto. 
Since injustice  
In your Duke, meets this correction, can you press us  
With any seeming argument of reason,  
In foolish pity to decline his dangers,  
To draw 'em on ourself? Shall we not be,  
Warned by his harms? The league proclaimed between us.  
Bound neither of us farther than to aid  
Each other, if by foreign force invaded,  
And so far in my honour I was tied.  
But since without our counsel, or allowance,  
He hath took arms, with his good leave, he must  
Excuse us, if we steer not on a rock  
We see, and may avoid. Let other Monarchs  
Contend to be made glorious by proud war,  
And with the blood of their poor subjects purchase  
Increase of Empire, and augment their cares  
In keeping that which was by wrongs extorted;  
Guilding unjust invasions with the trim  
Of glorious conquests; we that would be known  
The father of our people in our study,  
And vigilance for their safety, must not change  
Their ploughshares into swords, or force them from  
The secure shade of their own vines to be  
Scorched with the flames of war, or for our sport  
Expose their lives to ruin.  Embas. 
Will you then  
In his extremity forsake your friend?  Roberto. 
No, but preserve ourself:  Bertol. 
Cannot the beams  
Of honour thaw your icy fears?  Roberto. 
who's that?  Rertol. 
A kind of brother, Sir, howe'er your subject,  
Your father's Son, and one who blushes that  
You are not heir to his brave spirit, and vigour,  
As to his Kingdom.  Roberto. 
How's this?  Bertol. 
Sir, to be  
His living Chronicle, and to speak his praise  
Cannot deserve your anger.  Rober. 
where's your warrant  
For this presumption?  Bertol. 
Here, Sir, in my heart.  
Let Sycophants, that feed upon your favours,  
Style coldness in you caution, and prefer  
Your ease before your honour; and conclude  
To eat and sleep supinely, is the end  
Of humane blessings: I must tell you Sir,  
Virtue, if not in action, is a vice,  
And when we move not forward, we go backward;  
Nor is this peace (the nurse of drones, and cowards)  
Our health, but a disease.  Gasp. 
Well urged my Lord.  Antho. 
Perfect what is so well begun.  Embas. 
And bind,  
My Lord, your servant:  Rober. 
harebrained fool! what reason  
Canst thou infer to make this good?  Bertol. 
A thousand  
Not to be contradicted. But consider  
Where your command lies? 'Tis not, Sir, in France,  
Spain, Germany, Portugal, but in sicily,  
An Island, Sir. Here are no mines of gold,  
Or silver to enrich you, no worm spins  
Silk in her womb to make distinction  
Between you, and a Peasant, in your habits.  
No fish lives near our shores, who's blood can die  
Scarlet, or purple; all that we possess  
With beasts, we have in common: Nature did  
Design us robe warriors, and to break through  
Our ring the sea, by which we are environed;  
And we by force must fetch in what is wanting,  
Or precious to us. Add to this, we are  
A populous nation, and increase so fast,  
That if we by our providence, are not sent  
Abroad in colonies, or fall by the sword,  
Not sicily (though now, it were more fruitful,  
Then when 'twas styled the granary of great Rome)  
Can yield our numerous fry bread, we must starve,  
Or eat up one another.  Adorn. 
The King hears  
With much attention.  Astut. 
And seems moved with what  
Bertoldo hath delivered.  Bertol. 
May you live long, Sir,  
The King of peace, so you deny not us  
The glory of the war; let not our nerves  
Shrink up with sloth, nor for want of employment  
Make younger brothers thieves; 'tis their swords, Sir,  
Must sow and reap their harvest; if examples  
May move you more than arguments, look on England,  
The Empress of the European Isles,  
And unto whom alone ours yields precedence,  
When did she flourish so, as when she was  
The Mistress of the Ocean. Her navies  
Putting a girdle round about the world,  
When the Iberian quaked, her worthies named;  
And the fair flower Deluce grew pale, set by  
The red Rose and the white: let not our armour  
Hung up, or our unrigged Armada make us  
Ridiculous to the late poor snakes our neighbours  
Warmed in our bosoms, and to whom again  
We may be terrible: while we spend our hours  
Without variety, confined to drink,  
Dice, Cards, or whores. Rouse us, Sir, from the sleep  
Of idleness, and redeem our mortgaged honours.  
Your birth, and justly, claims my father's Kingdom;  
But his Heroic mind descends to me,  
I will confirm so much.  Adorn. 
In his looks he seems  
To break ope Janus' Temple.  Astut. 
How these younglings  
Take fire from him!  Ador. 
It works an alteration  
Upon the King.  Antho. 
I can forbear no longer:  
War, war, my Sovereign.  Fulg. 
The King appears  
Resolved, and does prepare to speak.  Robert. 
Think not  
Our counsel's built upon so weak a base,  
As to be overturned, or shaken with  
Tempestuous winds of words. As I, my Lord,  
Before resolved you, I will not engage  
My person in this quarrel; neither press  
My Subjects to maintain it: yet to show  
My rule is gentle, and that I have feeling  
Of your Master's sufferings, since these Gallants weary  
Of the happiness of peace, desire to taste  
The bitter sweets of war, we do consent  
That as Adventures, and volunteers  
(No way compelled by us) they may make trial  
Of their boasted valours.  Bertol. 
we desire no more.  Robert. 
'Tis well, and but my grant in this, expect not  
Assistance from me. Govern as you please  
The Province you make choice of, for I vow.  
By all things sacred, if that thou miscarry  
In this rash undertaking, I will hear it  
No otherwise than as a sad disaster,  
fall'n on a stranger: nor will I esteem  
That man my Subject, who in thy extremes  
In purse or person aids thee. Take your fortune:  
You know me, I have said it. So my Lord  
You have my absolute answer.  Embas. 
My Prince pays  
In me his duty.  Robert. 
Follow me, Fulgentio,  
And you, Astutio. Exeunt Roberto, Fulgentio, Astutio attendants.  Gasp. 
What a frown he threw  
At his departure, on you.  Bertol. 
Let him keep  
His smiles for his state Catamite, I care not.  Antho. 
Shall we aboard tonight?  Embas. 
Your speed, my Lord,  
Doubles the benefit.  Bertol. 
I have a business  
Requires dispatch, some two hours hence I'll meet you. Exeunt.   

ACT. I. SCENE. II.  Signior Sylli. walking fantastically before, followed by Camiola and Clarinda: CAmiola. 
Nay Signior this is too much ceremony in my own house.  Sylli. 
what's gracious abroad, must be in private practised.  Clar. 
For your mirth-sake  
Let him alone, he has been all this morning  
In practice with a peruqued Gentleman usher,  
To teach him his true amble and his postures, Sylli walking by, and practising his postures.  
When he walks before a Lady  Syll. 
You may, madam,  
Perhaps, believe that I in this use art,  
To make you dote upon me by exposing  
My more than most rare features to your view.  
But I as I have ever done, deal simply,  
A mark of sweet simplicity ever noted  
I'the family of the Syllies. Therefore Lady,  
Look not with too much contemplation on me,  
If you do, you are i'the suds.  Camil. 
You are no Barber?  Sylli. 
Fie no, not I, but my good parts have drawn  
More loving hearts out of fair ladies' bellies,  
Than the whole trade have done teeth.  Cami. 
Is't possible?  Sylli. 
Yes, and they live too, marry much condoling  
The scorn of their Narcissus, as they call me,  
Because I love myself.  Cam. 
Without a rival;  
What philtres or love-powders do you use  
To force affection? I see nothing in  
Your person, but I dare look on, yet keep  
My own poor heart still.  Sylli. 
You are warned, be armed,  
And do not lose the hope of such a husband  
In being too soon enamoured.  Clar. 
Hold in your head,  
Or you must have a martingale.  Sylli: 
I have sworn  
Never to take a wife, but such a one  
(O may your Ladyship prove so strong) as can  
Hold out a month against me.  Cam 
Never fear it,  
Though your best taking part, your wealth were trebled  
I would not woo you. But since in your pity  
You please to give me caution, tell me what  
Temptations I must fly from?  Sylli. 
The first is  
That you never hear me sing, for I am a Syri.  
If you observe, when I warble, the dogs howl  
As ravished with my Ditties, and you will  
run mad to hear me.  Cam. 
I will stop my ears,  
And keep me little wits.  Sylli. 
Next when I dance  
And come aloft thus, cast not a sheep's eye  
Upon the quivering of my calf.  Cam. 
Proceed, Sir,  Sylli. 
But on no terms, for 'tis a main point, dream not  
Of the strength of my back, though it will bear a burden  
With any porter.  Cami. 
I mean not to ride you,  Cam. 
Nor I your little Ladyship, till you have  
Performed the Covenants. Be not taken with  
My pretty spider fingers, nor my eyes,  
That twinkle on both sides.  Cami. 
Was there ever such One knocks.  
A piece of motley heard of! who's that? you may spare  
The Catalogue of my dangers. Exit Clarinda.  Syl. 
No good Madam,  
I have not told you half.  Cami. 
Enough good Signior,  
If I eat more of such sweet meats, I shall surfeit.  
Who is't? Enter Clarinda.  Clar. 
The brother of the King.  Syl. 
Nay start not,  
The brother of the King! is he no more?  
Were it the King himself, I'll give him leave  
To speak his mind to you, for I am not jealous,  
And to assure your Ladyship of so much,  
I'll usher him in, and that done, hide myself. Exit Syl.  Cami. 
Camiola if ever, now be constant  
This is indeed a suitor, whose sweet presence,  
Courtship and loving language would have staggered  
The chaste Penelope. And to increase  
The wonder, did not modesty forbid it  
I should ask that from him, he sues to me for;  
And yet my reason like a tyrant, tells me  
I must nor give, nor take it.  Enter Sylli, and Bertoldo. Syl. 
I must tell you  
You lose your labour. 'Tis enough to prove it,  
Signior Sylli came before you, and you know  
First come first served yet you shall have my countenance  
To parley with her and I'll take special care  
That none shall interrupt you  Ber. 
You are courteous.  Syl. 
Come wench wilt thou hear wisdom?  Clar. 
Yes from you Sr. Steps aside kisseth her.  Ber. 
If forcing this sweet favour from your lips  
Fair Madam, argue me of too much boldness  
When you are pleased to understand, I take  
A parting kiss, if not excuse, at least  
'Twill qualify the offence.  Cami. 
A parting kiss Sr.?  
What Nation envious of the happiness  
Which sicily enjoys in your sweet presence,  
Can buy you from her? or what Climate yield  
Pleasures transcending those which you enjoy here,  
Being both beloved and honoured. The North-star  
And guider of all hearts, and to sum up  
Your full account of happiness, in a word,  
The brother of the King.  Ber. 
Do you alone,  
And with an unexampled cruelty,  
Enforce my absence, and deprive me of  
Those blessings, which you with a polished phrase  
Seem to insinuate, that I do possess,  
And yet tax me as being guilty of  
My wilful exile? what are Titles to me?  
Or popular suffrage? or my nearness to  
The King in blood? or fruitful sicily,  
Though it confessed no Sovereign but myself,  
When you that are the essence of my being,  
The anchor of my hopes; the real substance  
Of my felicity, in your disdain  
Turn all to fading and deceiving shadows?  Cami. 
You tax me without cause.  Ber. 
You must confess it.  
But answer love with love, and seal the contract  
In the uniting of our souls, how gladly  
(though now I were in action, and assured,  
Following my fortune; that plumed victory  
Would make her glorious stand upon my tent)  
Would I put off my armour, in my heat  
Of conquest, and like anthony pursue  
My Cleopatra! will you yet look on me  
With an eye of Favour?  Cami. 
Truth bear witness for me,  
That in the judgement of my Soul, you are  
A man so absolute, and circular  
In all those wished-for rarities, that may take  
A Virgin captive, that though at this instant  
All sceptred Monarchs of our Western world  
Were rivals with you, and Camiola worthy  
Of such a competition, you alone  
Should wear the garland.  Ber. 
If so, what diverts  
Your Favour from me?  Cami 
No mulct in yourself,  
Or in your person, mind or fortune.  Ber. 
What then?  Cami. 
The Consciousness of mine own wants. Alas Sr.  
We are not parallels, but like lines divided  
Can ne'er meet in one Centre, your Birth Sir  
(Without addition) were an ample Dowry  
For one of fairer Fortunes, and this shape,  
Were you ignoble, far above all value;  
To this, so clear a mind, so furnished with  
Harmonious faculties, moulded from heaven,  
That though you were Thersites in your features  
Of no descent, and Irus in your fortunes,  
Ulysses like you would force all eyes, and ears  
To love, but seen, and when heard, wonder at  
Your matchless story. But all these bound up  
Together in one Volume, give me leave  
With admiration to look upon 'em,  
But not presume in my own flattering hopes,  
I may or can enjoy 'em.  Ber. 
How you ruin  
What you would seem to build up. I know no  
Disparity between us, you are an heir  
Sprung from a noble family, fair, rich, young.  
And every way my equal.  Cami. 
Sir excuse me,  
One airy with proportion, ne'er discloses  
The eagle and the wren tissue, and freeze  
In the same garment monstrous: But suppose  
That what's in you excessive, were diminished  
And my desert supplied, the strongest bar,  
Religion stops our Entrance, you are Sir  
A Knight of Malta, by your order bound  
To a single life, you cannot marry me,  
And I assure myself you are too noble  
To seek me (though my frailty should consent)  
In a base path.  Ber. 
A dispensation Lady  
Will easily absolve me.  Cami. 
O take heed Sr.  
When, what is vowed to heaven, is dispensed with,  
To serve our ends on earth, a curse must follow,  
And not a blessing.  Ber. 
Is there no hope left me?  Cam. 
Nor to myself, but is a neighbour to  
Impossibility: true love should walk  
On equal feet, in us it does not Sir.  
But rest assured, excepting this, I shall be  
Devoted to your service.  Ber. 
And this is your  
Determinate sentence?  Cami. 
Not to be revoked.  Ber. 
Farewell then fairest cruel. All thoughts in me  
Of Women perish. Let the glorious light  
Of noble war extinguish love's dim taper  
That only lends me light to see my folly;  
Honour, be thou my everliving Mistress,  
And fond affection as thy bondslave serve thee. Exit Ber:  Cam. 
How soon my Sun is set: He being absent,  
Never to rise again! what a fierce battle  
Is fought between my passions! methinks  
We should have kissed at parting.  Syl. 
I perceive  
He has his answer, now must I step in  
To comfort her, you have found, I hope, sweet Lady,  
Some difference between a youth of my pitch,  
And this bugbear Bertoldo, men are men,  
The king's brother is no more: good parts will do it,  
When Titles fail, despair not, I may be  
In time entreated.  Cam. 
Be so now to leave me,  
Lights for my chamber, O my heart! Exeunt Camiola, & Clarinda.  Sylli. 
She now  
I know is going to bed to ruminate  
Which way to glut herself upon my person,  
But for my oath-sake I will keep her hungry,  
And to grow full myself, I'll straight to supper. Exit.  
The end of the first Act.    


ACT. II. SCENE. I.  Roberto, Fulgentio, Astutio. Roberto. 
Embarked tonight do you say?  Fulgentio. 
I saw him aboard, Sir,  Roberto. 
And without taking of his leave?  Astutio. 
'Twas strange!  Roberto. 
Are we grown so contemptible?  Fulgentio. 
'Tis far from me Sir, to add fuel to your anger,  
That in your ill opinion of him, burns  
Too hot already, else I should affirm  
It was a gross neglect.  Roberto. 
A wilful scorn  
Of duty and allegiance, you give it  
Too fair a name. But we shall think on't: can you  
Guess what the numbers were that followed him  
In his desperate action?  Roberto. 
More than you think, Sir.  
All ill affected spirits in Palermo,  
Or to your government, or person, with  
The turbulent swordmen, such whose poverty forced 'em  
To wish a change, are gone along with him;  
Creatures devoted to his undertakings  
In right or wrong, and to express their zeal,  
And readiness to serve him, ere they went  
Profanely took the sacrament on their knees,  
To live and die with him.  Roberto. 
O most impious! their loyalty to us forgot?  Fulgent. 
I fear so.  Astut. 
Unthankful as they are.  Fulgen. 
Yet this deserves not  
One troubled thought in you, Sir, with your pardon  
I hold that their remove from hence makes more  
For your security, than danger.  Robert. 
True; and as I'll fashion it, they shall feel it too  
Astutio, you shall presently be dispatched  
With letters writ, and signed with our own hand,  
To the Duchess of Sienna, in excuse  
Of these forces sent against her. If you spare  
An oath to give it credit, that, we never  
Consented to it, swearing for the King,  
Though false, it is no perjury.  Astut. 
I know it.  
They are not fit to be state agents, Sir,  
That without scruple of their conscience, cannot  
Be prodigal in such trifles.  Fulgentio. 
Right, Astutio.  Roberto. 
You must beside from us take some instructions  
To be imparted, as you judge 'em useful,  
To the General Gonzaga. Instantly  
Prepare you for your journey.  Astut. 
With the wings  
Of loyalty and duty. Exit Astutio.  Fulg. 
I am bold to put your Majesty in mind.  Roberto. 
Of my promise,  
And aids, to further you in your amorous project  
To the fair, and rich Camiola: there's my ring  
Whatever you shall say that I entreat  
Or can command by power, I will make good.  Fulg. 
Ever your Majesty's creature.  Rob. 
Venus prove propitious to you. Exit Robert.  Fulg. 
All sorts to my wishes:  
Bertoldo was my hindrance. He removed,  
I now will court her in the conquerous style,  
Come, see, and overcome. Boy. Enter Page.  Page. 
Sir, your pleasure.  Fulg. 
Haste to Camiola, bid her prepare  
An entertainment suitable to a fortune,  
She could not hope for. Tell her, I vouchsafe  
To honour her with a visit  Page. 
'Tis a favour  
Will make her proud.  Fulg. 
I know it  Page. 
I am gone, Sir. Exit Page.  Fulg. 
Entreaties fit not me, a man in grace,  
May challenge awe, and privilege by his place, Exit Fulgentio.   

ACT. II. SCENE. II.  Sylli, Adorni, Clarinda. Ador. 
SO melancholy say you?  Clar. 
Never given  
To such retirement.  Adorn. 
Can you guess the case?  Clar 
If it hath not its birth, and being from  
The brave Bertoldo's absence, I confess  
It is passed my apprehension.  Sylli. 
You are wide,  
The whole field wide. I in my understanding  
Pity your ignorance: yet if you will  
Swear to conceal it, I will let you know  
Where her shoe rings her.  Clar. 
I vow, Signior,  
By my virginity.  Sylli. 
A perilous oath  
In a waiting-woman of fifteen, and is indeed  
A Kind of nothing.  Adorn. 
I'll take one of something  
If you please to minister it.  Sylli. 
Nay, you shall not swear,  
I had rather take your word, for should you vow:  
Damn me, I'll do this, you are sure to break  Adorn. 
I thank you Signior, but resolve us.  Sylli. 
Know then,  
Here walks the cause. She dares not look upon me,  
My beauties are so terrible, and enchanting,  
She cannot endure my sight.  Adorn. 
There I believe you.  Sylli. 
But the time will come, be comforted, when I will  
Put off this vizor of unkindness to her,  
And show an amorous, and yielding face:  
And until then, though Hercules himself  
Desire to see her, he had better eat  
His club then pass her threshold, for I'll be  
Her Cerberus to guard her.  Adorn. 
A good dog. enter Page.  Clar. 
Worth twenty porters.  Page. 
Keep you open house here?  
No groom to attend a Gentleman? O, I spy one.  Sylli. 
He means not me, I am sure.  Page. 
You sirrah; sheepshead,  
With a face cut on a cat-stick, Do you hear?  
You yeoman pewterer, conduct me to  
The Lady of the mansion, or my poniard  
Shall disembogue thy soul.  Syl. 
O terrible!  
disembogue! I talk of Hercules, and here is one  
Bound up in decimo sexto.  Pag. 
Answer wretch.  Syl. 
Pray you little gentleman, be not so furious,  
The Lady keeps her chamber.  Pag. 
And we present?  
Sent in an Embassy to her? But here is  
Her gentlewoman, Sirrah hold my cloak,  
While I take a leap at her lips, do it and neatly;  
Or having first tripped up thy heels, I'll make  
Thy back my footstool. Page kisses Clar.  Syl. 
Tamberlaine in little!  
Am I turned Turk! what an office am I put to!  Cla. 
My Lady, gentle youth is indisposed.  Pag. 
Though she were dead and buried, only tell her,  
The great man in the Court, the brave Fulgentio  
Descends to visit her, and it will raise her  
Out of the grave for joy. Enter Fulgen.  Syl. 
Here comes another!  
The devil I fear in his holiday clothes.  Pag. 
So soon,  
My part is at an end then, cover my shoulders,  
When I grow great, thou shalt serve me.  Fulgen. 
Are you Sirrah  
An implement of the house?  Syl. 
Sure he will make  
A joint-stool of me!  Fulgen. 
Or if you belong  
To the Lady of the place, command her hither.  Adorn. 
I do not wear her livery, yet acknowledge  
A duty to her. And as little bound  
To serve your peremptory will, as she is  
To obey your summons. 'Twill become you Sir,  
To wait her leisure, than her pleasure known  
You may present your duty.  Fulgen. 
Duty? Slave,  
I'll teach you manners.  Ador. 
I am past learning, make not  
A tumult in the house.  Fulgen. 
Shall I be braved thus  Syl. 
O I am dead! and now I sown. They draw falls on his face.  Clarin. 
Help, murder!  Pag. 
Recover Sirrah, the Ladies here. Enter Cam.  Syl. 
Nay then  
I am alive again, and I'll be valiant.  Cam. 
What insolence is this? Adorni, hold,  
Hold I command you.  Fulgen. 
Saucy groom.  Cami. 
Not so Sir,  
However in his life, he had dependence  
Upon my Father, He is a gentleman  
As well borne as yourself. Put on your hat.  Fulgen. 
In my presence, without leave?  Syl. 
He has mine Madam?  Cam. 
And I must tell you Sir, and in plain language,  
howe'er your glittering outside promise gentry,  
The rudeness of your carriage and behaviour  
Speaks you a couser thing.  Syl. 
She means a clown Sir.  
I am her interpreter for want of a better.  Cam. 
I am a Queen in mine own house, nor must you  
Expect an Empire here.  Syl. 
Sure I must love her  
Before the day, the pretty soul's so valiant.  Cami. 
What are you? and what would you with me?  Fulgen. 
Proud one,  
When you know what I am, and what I came for,  
And may on your submission proceed so,  
You in your reason must repent the coarseness  
Of my entertainment.  Cami. 
Why fine man? what are you?  Fulgen. 
A kinsman of the Kings.  Cam. 
I cry you mercy,  
For his sake, not your own. But grant you are so,  
'Tis not impossible, but a king may have  
A fool to his kinsman, no way meaning you Sir.  Fulgen. 
You have heard of Fulgen.  Cam. 
Long since Sir,  
A suit-broker in Court. He has the worst  
Report among good men I ever heard of,  
For bribery and extortion. In their prayers  
widows and orphan's curse him for a canker,  
And caterpillar in the state. I hope Sir,  
You are not the man, much less employed by him  
As a smock-agent to me.  Fulgen. 
I reply not  
As you deserve, being assured you know me,  
Pretending ignorance of my person, only  
To give me a taste of your wit; 'Tis well and courtly,  
I like a sharp wit well.  Syl. 
I cannot endure it,  
Nor any of the Syllies.  Fulgen. 
More I know too,  
This harsh induction must serve as a foil  
To the well tuned observance and respect,  
You will hereafter pay me, being made  
Familiar with my credit with the King,  
And that, contain your joy, I deign to love you.  Cam. 
Love me? I am not raped with't.  Ful. 
Hear't again.  
I love you honestly, now you admire me.  Cam. 
I do indeed, it being a word so seldom  
Heard from a courtier's mouth. But pray you deal plainly,  
Since you find me simple. what might be the motives  
Inducing you to leave the freedom of  
A bachelor's life, on your soft neck to wear  
The stubborn yoke of marriage? And of all  
The beauties in Palermo, to choose me,  
Poor me? that is the main point you must treat of.  Ful. 
Why I will tell you. Of a little thing  
You are a pretty peat, indifferently fair too;  
And like a new-rigged ship both tight, and y'are  
Well trussed to bear. Virgins of Giant size  
Are sluggards at the sport: but for my pleasure,  
Give me a near well timbered gamester like you,  
Such need no spurs, the quickens of your eye  
Assures an active spirit.  Cam. 
You are pleasant Sir,  
Yet I presume, that there was one thing in me  
Unmentioned yet, that took you more than all  
Those parts you have remembered.  Fulgen. 
What?  Cam. 
My wealth Sir.  Fulgen. 
You are i'the right, without that beauty is  
A flower worn in the morning, at night trod on  
But beauty, youth, and fortune meeting in you,  
I will vouchsafe to marry you.  Cam. 
You speak well,  
And in return excuse me Sir, if I  
Deliver reasons why upon no terms  
I'll marry you, I fable not.  Syl. 
I am glad  
To hear this, I began to have an ague.  Fulgen. 
Come your wise reasons.  Cam. 
Such as they are, pray you take them.  
First I am doubtful whether you are a man,  
Since for your shape trimmed up in a lady's dressing  
You might pass for a woman: now I love  
To deal on certainties. And for the fairness  
Of your complexion, which you think will take me,  
The colour I must tell you in a man  
Is weak and faint, and never will hold out  
If put to labour, give me the lovely brown.  
A thick curled hair of the same die; broad shoulders,  
A brawny arm full of veins, a leg without  
An artificial calf, I suspect yours,  
But let that pass.  Syl. 
She means me all this while,  
For I have every one of those good parts,  
O Sylli, fortunate Sylli!  Cami. 
You are moved Sir.  Fulgen. 
Fie no, go on.  Cami. 
Then as you are a courtier;  
A graced one too, I fear you have been too forward,  
And so much for your person. Rich you are,  
Devilish rich, as 'tis reported, and sure have  
The aids of Satan's little fiends to get it,  
And what is got upon his back, must be  
Spent you know where, the proverb's stale, one word more  
And I have done.  Fulgen. 
I'll ease you of the trouble,  
Coy, and disdainful.  Cam. 
Save me, or else he'll beat me.  Fulg. 
No, your own folly shall, and since you put me  
To my last charm, look upon this, and tremble.  Cam. 
At the sight of a fair ring? the Kings, I take it.  
I have seen him wear the like; if he hath sent it Shows the king's ring.  
as a favour to me.  Fulg. 
Yes, 'tis very likely,  
His dying mother's gift, prized at his crown,  
By this he does command you to be mine,  
By his gift you are so: you may yet redeem all.  Cam. 
You are in a wrong account still. Though the King may  
Dispose of my life and goods, my mind's mine own,  
And shall be never yours. The King (Heaven bless him)  
Is good and gracious, and being in himself  
Abstemious from base and goatish looseness,  
Will not compel against their wills, chaste Maidens,  
To dance in his magnious circles. I believe  
Forgetting it, when he washed his hands, you stole it  
With an intent to awe me. But you are cozened,  
I am still myself, and will be.  Fulg. 
A proud haggard,  
And not to be reclaimed, which of your grooms,  
Your coachman, fool, or footman, ministers  
Night physic to you?  Cam. 
You are foul-mouthed,  Fulg. 
Much fairer  
Than thy black soul, and so I will proclaim thee.  Cam. 
Were I a man, thou durst not speak this.  Fulg. 
Heaven  
So prosper me, as I resolve to do it  
To all men, and in every place, scorned by  
A tit of pen-pence? Exit Fulgentio and his Page.  Sylli. 
Now I begin to be valiant  
Nay, I will draw my sword. O for a butcher!  
do a friend's part, pray you carry him the length of't.  
I give him three years, and a day to match my Toledo,  
And then we'll fight like Dragons.  Adorn. 
Pray have patience.  Cam. 
I may live to have vengeance; My Bertoldo  
Would not have heard this.  Adorn. 
Madam.  Cam. 
Pray you spare  
Your language; Prithee fool, and make me merry:  Sylli. 
That is my Office ever.  Adorn. 
I must do,  
Not talk, this glorious gallant shall hear from me. Exeunt.   

ACT. II. SCENE. III.  The chambers discharged: A flourish, as to an assault. Gonzaga, Pierio, Roderigo, jacomo, soldiers. Gonzaga. 
IS the breach made assaultable?  Pierio. 
Yes, and the moat  
Filled up, the cannonier hath done his parts,  
We may enter six a breast.  Roderig. 
There's not a man  
Dares show himself upon the wall  Facom. 
Defeat not  
The soldiers hoped-for spoil.  Pier. 
If you, Sir,  
Delay the assault, and the City be given up  
To your discretion, you in honour cannot  
Use the extremity of war, but in  
Compassion to 'em, you to us prove cruel.  Iacom. 
And an enemy to yourself.  Roder. 
A hindrance to  
The brave revenge you have vowed  Gonz. 
Temper your heat,  
And lose not by too sudden rashness, than  
Which be but patient, will be offered to you  
Security ushers ruin; proud contempt  
Of an enemy three parts vanquished with desire  
And greediness of spoil, have often wrested  
A certain victory from the conquerors gripe.  
Discretion is the tutor of the war,  
Valour the pupil, and when we command  
With lenity and your directions followed  
With cheerfulness, a prosperous end must crown  
Our works well undertaken.  Roderig. 
Ours are finished  Pier. 
If we make use of fortune.  Gonz. 
Her false smiles  
Deprive you of your judgements. The condition  
Of our affairs exacts a double care,  
And like bifronted janus, we must look  
Backward, as forwards: though a flattering calm  
Bids us urge on, a sudden tempest raised,  
Not feared, much less expected, in our rear  
May foully fall upon us, and distract us  
To our confusion. Our scout! what brings Enter Scout.  
Thy ghastly looks, and sudden speed?  Scout. 
Th'assurance  
Of a new enemy.  Gonz. 
This I foresaw and feared.  
What are they, know it thou?  Scout. 
They are by their colours  
Sicilians, bravely mounted, and the brightness  
Of their rich armours doubly guilded with  
Reflection of the Sun.  Gonz. 
From sicily?  
The King in league! no war proclaimed! 'tis foul  
But this must be prevented, not disputed  
Ha, how is this? your ostrich plumes, that but  
e'en now like quills of Porcupines seemed to threaten  
The stairs, drop at the rumor of a shower?  
And like to captive colours sweep the earth?  
Bear up, but in great dangers, greater minds  
Are never proud. Shall a few loose troops untrained  
But in a customary ostentation,  
Presented as a sacrifice to your valours  
Cause a dejection in you?  Pier. 
No dejection.  Rod. 
However startled, where you lead, we'll follow  Gon. 
'Tis bravely said. We will not stay their charge,  
But meet'em man to man, and horse to horse.  
Pierio in our absence hold our place,  
And with our footmen, and those sickly troops,  
Prevent a sally. I in mine own person,  
With part of the cavalry, will bid,  
These hunter's welcome to a bloody breakfast,  
But I lose time.  Pier. 
I'll to my charge. Exit Pierio.  Gonz. 
And we  
To ours. I'll bring you on.  Iacom. 
If we come off  
It is not amiss, if not, my state is settled Exeunt, alarm.   

ACT. II. SCENE. IIII.  Ferdinand. Druso. Livio. above. Far. 
NO aids from sicily? Hath hope forsook us?  
And that vain comfort to affliction, pity  
By our vowed friend denied us? we can nor live,  
Nor die with honour: like beasts in a toil  
we wait the leisure of the bloody hunter,  
Who is not so far reconciled unto us,  
As in one death to give a period  
To our calamities, but in delaying  
The fate we cannot fly from, starved with wants,  
we die this night to live again tomorrow,  
And suffer greater torments.  Druso. 
There is not  
Three days' provision for every soldier,  
At an ounce of bread a day left in the City.  Liv. 
To die the beggar's death with hunger, made  
Anatomies while we live, cannot but crack  
Our heartstrings with vexation.  Ferd. 
Would they would break,  
Break altogether, how willingly like Cato  
Could I tear out my bowels, rather than  
Look on the conquerors insulting face,  
But that religion, and the horrid dream  
To be suffered in the other world denies it. Enter Soldier.  
What news with thee?  Soul. 
From the turret of the fort  
By the rising clouds of dust, through which, like lightning  
The splendor of bright arms sometimes broke through,  
I did descry some forces making towards us,  
And from the camp, as emulous of their glory,  
The General, (for I know him by his horse)  
And bravely seconded. encountered 'em.  
Their greetings were too rough for friends, their swords  
And not their tongues exchanging courtesies.  
By this the main Battalias are joined,  
And if you please to be spectators of  
The horrid issue, I will bring you where  
As in a Theater you may see their fates  
In purple gore presented.  Ferd. 
Heaven. If yet  
Thou art appeased for my wrong done to Aurelia,  
Take pity of my miseries. Lead the way, friend.   

ACT. II. SCENE. V. A long charge after a Flourish for Victory.  Gonzaga. jacomo. Roderigo wounded. Bertoldo. Gasparo. Anthonio Prisoners. Gonz. 
WE have 'em yet, though they cost us dear. This was  
Charged home, and bravely followed. Be to yourselves  
True mirrors to each other's worth, and looking  
With noble Emulation on his wounds,  
(The glorious Livery of triumphant war) To jacomo and Roderigo.  
Imagine these with equal grace appear  
Upon yourself. The bloody †swsat† you have suffered  
In this laborious, nay toilsome harvest,  
Yields a rich crop of conquest, and the spoil  
Most precious balsum to a soldier's hurts  
Will ease and cure 'em. Let me look upon To Gasparo and Anthon.  
The prisons faces. O how much transformed  
From what they were. O Mars! were these toys fashioned  
To undergo the burden of thy service?  
The weight of their defensive armour bruised  
Their weak, effeminate limbs, and would have forced'em  
In a hot day without a blow to yield.  Antho. 
This insultation shows not manly in you.  Gonz. 
To men I had forborne it, you are women,  
Or at the best loose carpet knights, what fury  
Seduced you to exchange your case in Court  
For labour in the field? Perhaps you thought.  
To charge through dust, and blood, an armed foe,  
Was but like graceful running at the ring  
For a want on mistress glove, and the encounter  
A soft impression on her lips. But you  
Are gaudy butterflies, and I wrong myself  
In parling with you.  Gaspa. 
Vae victis. Now we prove it.  Rod. 
But here's one fashioned in another mould,  
And made of tougher mettle.  Gonz. 
True, I owe him  
For this wound bravely given.  Ber. 
O that mountains  
Were heaped upon me, that I might expire  
A wretch no more remembered.  Gonz. 
Look up Sr.  
To be o'ercome deserves no shame. If you  
Had fall'n ingloriously, or could accuse  
Your want of courage in resistance, 'twere  
To be lamented: But since you performed  
As much as could be hoped for from a man,  
(Fortune his enemy) you wrong yourself  
In this direction. I am honoured in  
My victory o'er you: but to have these  
My prisoners, is in my true judgement rather,  
Captivity than a triumph; you shall find  
Fair quarter from me, and your many wounds  
(Which I hope are not mortal) with such care  
Looked to, and cured, as if your nearest friend  
Attended on you.  Ber. 
When you know me better,  
You will make void this promise: Can you call me  
Into your memory.  Gonz. 
The brave Bertoldo!  
A brother of our order! By Saint john,  
(our holy patron) I am more amazed,  
Nay thunderstruck, with thy Apostasy,  
And precipice from the most solemn vows  
Made unto heaven, when this, the glorious badge  
Of our redeemer was conferred upon thee,  
By the great master, than if I had seen  
A reprobate jew, an Atheist, Turk, or Tartar  
Baptized in our religion.  Ber. 
This I looked for,  
And am resolved to suffer.  Gon. 
Fellow Soldiers  
Behold this man, and taught by his example  
Know that 'tis safer far to play with lightning,  
Then trifle in things sacred. In my rag weeps  
I shed these at the funeral of his virtue,  
Faith and religion; why I will tell you  
He was a gentleman, so trained up, and fashioned  
For noble uses, and his youth did promise  
Such certainties, more than hopes, of great achievements,  
As if the Christian world had stood opposed  
Against the Ottoman race to try the fortune  
Of one encounter, this Bertoldo had been  
For his knowledge to direct, and matchless courage  
To execute, without a rival, by  
The votes of good men chosen general,  
As the prime soldier, and most deserving,  
Of all that wear the cross, which now in justice  
I thus tear from him.  Ber. 
Let me die with it,  
Upon my breast.  Gouz. 
No, by this thou were't sworn  
On all occasions, as a knight to guard  
Weak Ladies from oppression, and never  
To draw thy sword against 'em, where as thou  
In hope of gain or glory, when a Princess  
And such a Princess as Aurelia is,  
Was dispossessed by violence, of what was  
Her true inheritance, against thine oath,  
Hast to thy uttermost laboured to uphold  
Her falling enemy. But thou shalt pay  
A heavy forfeiture, and learn too late,  
Valour, employed in an ill quarrel, turns  
To cowardice, and virtue then puts on  
Foul vices vizard. This is that which cancels  
All friendship's bands between us Bear 'em off  
I will hear no reply. And let the ransom  
Of these, for they are yours, be highly rated.  
In this I do but right, and let it be  
Styled justice, and not wilful cruelty. Exeunt.  
The end of the second Act.    


ACT. III. SCENE. I.  Gonzaga, Astutio, Roderigo, jacomo. Gonzága. 
WHat I have done Sir by the law of arms  
I can, and will make good.  Astutio. 
I have no commission  
To expostulate the act. These letters speak  
The King my Master's love to you, and his  
vowed service to the Duchess, on whose person  
I am to give attendance.  Gonz. 
At this instant.  
she's at Pienza; you may spare the trouble  
Of riding thither: I have advertized her  
Of our success, and on what humble terms  
Sienna stands: though presently I can  
Possess it I defer it, that she may  
Enter her own, and as she please dispose of  
The prisoners and the spoil.  Astut. 
I thank you, Sir.  
I'the mean time, if I may have your licence,  
I have a Nephew, and one once my ward  
For whose liberties and ransoms, I would gladly  
Make composition.  Gonz. 
They are, as I take it,  
Called Gasparo, and Anthonio,  Astut. 
The same, Sir,  Gonz. 
For them you must treat with these, but for Bertoldo,  
He is mine own, if the King will ransom him,  
He pays down fifty thousand crowns, if not  
He lives, and dies my slave,  Astut. 
Pray you a word.  
The King will rather thank you to detain him,  
Then give one crown to free him.  Gonz. 
At his pleasure.  
I'll send the prisoners under guard; my business  
Calls me another way. Exit Gonzaga.  Astut. 
My service waits you,  
Now Gentlemen do not deal like Merchants with me,  
But noble Captains, you know in great minds  
Posse, & nolle nollle.  Rod. 
Pray you speak  
Our language.  Iacom. 
I find not in my commission  
An officers bound to speak or understand  
More than his Mother tongue.  Roder. 
If he speak that  
After midnight 'tis remarkable.  Astu. 
In plain terms then,  
Anthonio is your prisoner. Gasparo yours  Iacom. 
You are i'the right.  Astu. 
At what sum do you rate  
Their several ransoms.  Rod. 
I must make my market  
As the commodity cost me.  Astut. 
As it cost you?  
You did not buy your Captainship? your desert  
I hope advanced you.  Rod. 
How? it well appears  
You are no soldier. Desert in these days?  
Desert may make a Sergeant to a Colonel,  
And it may hinder him from rising higher,  
But if it ever get a company,  
A company, pray you mark me, without money  
Or private service done for the general's Mistress,  
With a commendatory Epistle from her,  
I will turn lanceprizado.  Iacom. 
Pray you observe, Sir:  
I served two prenticeships, just fourteen year,  
Trailing the puissant pike; and half so long  
Had the right hand file, and I fought well, 'twas said too:  
But I might have served, and fought, and served till doomsday  
And never have carried a flag, but for the legacy  
A buxom widow of threescore, bequeathed me,  
And that too, my back knows, I labour hard for,  
But was better paid.  Astut. 
You are merry with yourselves  
But this is from the purpose.  Roder. 
To the point then.  
Prisoners are not ta'en every day, and when  
We have 'em we must make the best use of 'em.  
Our pay is little to the part we should bear,  
And that so long a coming, that 'tis spent  
Before we have it, and hardly wipes off scores  
At the Tavern, and the Ordinary.  Iacom. 
You may add to  
Our sport took up on trust.  Roder. 
Peace, thou smock vermin.  
Discover commanders, secrets! In a word, Sir,  
We have required, and find our prisoners rich:  
Two thousand crowns a piece, our companies cost us,  
And so much each of us will have, and that  
In present pay.  Iacom. 
It is too little; yet  
Since you have said the word, I am content,  
But will not go a gazet less.  Astut. 
Since you are not  
To be brought lower, there is no evading  
I'll be your paymaster.  Roder. 
we desire no better.  Astut. 
But not a word of what's agreed between us,  
Till I have schooled my gallants.  Iacom. 
I am dumb, Sir.  Enter a guard: Bertoldo, Anthonio, Gaspero, in irons. Bert. 
And where removed now? hath the Tyrant found out  
Worse usage for us?  Antho. 
Worse it cannot be.  
My greyhound has fresh straw, and scraps in his kennel,  
But we have neither.  Gasp. 
Did I ever think  
To wear such garters on silk stockings? or  
That my too curious appetite, that turned  
At the sight of godwits, pheasant, partridge, quails  
Larks, woodcocks, calvered salmon, as course diet,  
Would leap at a mouldy crust?  Antho. 
And go without it;  
So oft as I do, O how have I jeered  
The City entertainment. A huge shoulder  
Of glorious fat Ram Mutton, seconded  
With a pair of ta'en cats, or coneys, a crab tart  
With a worthy loin of veal, and valiant Capon,  
Mortified to grow tender. These I scorned  
From their plentiful horn of abundance, though invited:  
But now I could carry my own stool to a tripe,  
And call their chitterlings charity, and bless the founder.  Bertol. 
O that I were no farther sensible  
Of my miseries than you are! you like beasts  
Feel only stings of hunger, and complain not  
But when you are empty: but your narrow souls  
(If you have any) cannot comprehend  
How insupportable the torments are,  
Which a free and noble soul made captive, suffers:  
Most miserable men! and what am I then,  
That envy you? Fetters though made of gold,  
Express base thraldom and all delicates  
Prepared by Median cooks for Epicures,  
When not our own, are bitter quilts filled high  
With gossamer and roses, cannot yield  
The body soft repose, the mind kept waking  
With anguish and affliction.  Astut. 
My good Lord.  Ber. 
This is no time, nor place for flattery Sir,  
Pray you style me as I am, a wretch forsaken  
Of the world, as myself.  Astut. 
I would it were  
In me to help you.  Ber. 
I if that you want power Sir,  
Lip comfort cannot cure me, pray you leave me  
To mine own private thoughts.  Astu. 
My valiant Nephew! walks by.  
And my more than warlike-ward! I am glad to see you  
After your glorious conquests. Are these chains  
Reward for your good service? If they are  
You should wear 'em on your necks (since they are massy)  
Like Aldermen of the war.  Antho. 
You jeer us to!  Gasp. 
Good uncle name not (as you are a man of honour)  
That fatal word of war, the very sound of't  
Is more dreadful than a Cannon.  Antho. 
But redeem us  
From this Captivity, and I'll vow hereafter  
Never to wear a sword, or cut my meat  
With a knife, that has an edge or point. I'll starve first  Gasp. 
I will cry broom or cat's meat in Palermo;  
Turn porter, carry burdens; any thing,  
Rather than live a soldier.  Astut. 
This should have  
Been thought upon before. At what price think you  
Your two wise heads are rated?  Antho. 
A calf's head is  
More worth than mine, I am sure it had more brains in't  
Or I had never come here.  Roder. 
And I will eat it  
With bacon, if I have not speedy ransom.  Ant. 
And a little garlic too, for your own sake Sir  
I will boil in your stomach else.  Gasp. 
Beware of mine  
Or the horns may choke you. I am married Sir.  Antho. 
You shall have my row of houses near the palace  Gasp. 
And my villa all.  Antho. 
All that we have. To Astutio.  Astut 
Well, have more wit hereafter  
For this time you are ransomed.  Iacom. 
Off with their irons.  Rod. 
Do do. If you are ours again, you know your price.  Antho. 
Pray you dispatch us: I shall ne'er believe  
I am a freeman, till I set my foot  
In sicily again, and drink Palermo,  
And in Palermo too.  Astut. 
The wind fits fair,  
You shall aboard tonight with the rising Sun  
You may touch upon the coast. But take your leaves  
Of the late General first.  Gasp. 
I will be brief.  Antho. 
And I, my lord heaven keep you.  Gasp. 
Yours to use  
In the way of peace, but as your soldiers never.  Antho. 
A pox of war no more of war.  Ber. 
Have you Exeunt Roderig. Iaco. Anthonio. Gasparo.  
Authority to lose their bonds, yet leave  
The brother of your King, whose worth disdains  
Comparison with such as these, in irons?  
If ransom may redeem them, I have lands,  
A patrimony of mine own assigned me,  
By my deceased sire to satisfy  
whate'er can be demanded for my freedom.  Astut. 
I wish you had Sir, but the king who yields  
No reason for his will, in his displeasure  
Hath seized on all you had; nor will Gonzaga,  
Whose prisoner now you are, accept of less  
Than fifty thousand crowns.  Ber. 
I find it now  
That misery ne'er comes alone. But grant  
The King is yet inexorable, time  
May work him to a feeling of my sufferings.  
I have friends, that swore their lives and fortunes were  
At my devotion, and among the rest  
yourself my lord, when forfeited to the Law  
For a foul murder, and in cold blood done,  
I made your life my gift, and reconciled you  
To this incensed king, and got your pardon.  
Beware ingratitude. I know you are rich  
And may pay down the Sum.  Astut. 
I might my lord,  
But pardon me.  Ber. 
And will Astutio prove then  
To please a passionate man, the kings no more,  
False to his maker and his reason? which  
Commands more than I ask? o summer friendship,  
Whose flattering leaves that shadowed us in  
Our prosperity, with the least gust drop off  
In th'autumn of adversity! How like  
A prison is to a grave! when dead we are  
With solemn Pomp brought thither, and our heirs,  
(Masking their joy in false dissembled tears)  
Weep o'er the hearse, but earth no sooner covers  
The earth brought thither, but they turn away  
With inward smiles, the dead no more remembered.  
So entered in a prison.  Astut. 
My occasions  
Command me hence my lord.  Ber. 
Pray you leave me, do;  
And tell the cruel king, that I will wear  
These fetters till my flesh, and they are one  
Incorporated substance. In myself,  
As in a glass, I'll look on humane frailty,  
And curse the height of Royal blood: since I  
In being borne near to jove, am near his thunder.  
Cedars once shaken with a storm, their own Exit Astutio.  
Waight grabs their roots out. Lead me where you please;  
I am his, not fortunes martyr, and will die  
The great example of his cruelty.  Exit cum suis.  

ACT. III. SCENE. II.  Adorni. Adorn. 
HE undergoes my challenge, and contemns it,  
And threatens me with the late Edict made  
'Gainst duelists, than altar cowards fly to.  
But I that am engaged, and nourish in me  
A higher aim then fair Camiola dreams of,  
Must not sit down thus. In the court I dare not  
Attempt him; and in public, he's so guarded  
With a herd of Parasites, Clients, fools and suitors,  
That a musket cannot reach him, my designs  
Admit of no delay. This is her birthday,  
Which with a fit and due solemnity  
Camiola celebrates; and on it, all such  
As love or serve her, usually present  
A tributary duty. I'll have something  
To give, if my intelligence prove true,  
Shall find acceptance. I am told, near this grove  
Fulgentio very morning makes his makers  
With his petitioners. I may present him  
With a sharp petition. Ha, 'tis he my fate  
Be ever blessed for't. Exit Fulgen.  Fulgen. 
Command such as wait me  
Not to presume at the least for half an hour  
To press on my retirements.  Page. 
I will say, Sir, you are at your prayers  Fulg. 
That will not find belief,  
Courtiers have something else to do, be gone, Sir,  
Challenged! 'tis well I and by a groom! still better I  
Was this shape made to fight? I have a tongue yet,  
howe'er no sword to kill him, and what way  
This morning, I'll resolve of. Exit Fulgentio.  Adorn. 
I shall cross  
Your resolution, or suffer for you. Exit Adorni.   

ACT. III. SCENE. III.  Camiola: divers servants with presents: Sylli, Clarinda. Sylli. 
WHat are all these?  Clar. 
servants with several presents,  
And rich ones too.  1. Serv. 
With her best wishes, Madam,  
Of many such days to you, the Lady Petula  
Presents you with this fan.  2. Serv. 
This Diamond  
From your Aunt Honoria.  3. Serv. 
This piece of plate  
From your Uncle, old Vincentio, with your arms  
Graven upon it.  Cam. 
Good friends they are too.  
Munificent in their love, and favour to me.  
Out of my cabinet return such jewels  
As this directs you, for your pains; and yours;  
Nor must you be forgotten. Honour me  
With the drinking of a health.  1. Serv. 
Gold on my life!  2. Serv. 
She scorns to give base silver.  3. Serv. 
Would she had been  
Borne every month in the year!  1. Serv. 
Month? every day.  2. Serv. 
Show such another maid.  3. 
All happiness wait you. Exeunt Sylli, Clarinda, Servants.  Sylli. 
I'll fee your will done.  Cam. 
How, Adorny wounded? Enter Adorni wounded  Ador. 
A scratch got in your service, else not worth  
Your observation; I bring not madam  
In honour of your birthday, antique plate,  
Or pearl, for which the savage Indian dives  
Into the bottom of the Sea; nor Diamonds  
hewn from steep rocks with danger: Such as give  
To those that have what they themselves want, aim at  
A glad return with profit: yet despise not  
My offering at the altar of your favour;  
Nor let the lowness of the giver lessen  
The height of what's presented. Since it is  
A precious jewel, almost forfeited,  
And dimmed with clouds of infamy redeemed  
And in in its natural splendour, with addition,  
Restored to the true owner.  Cam. 
How is this?  Ador. 
Not to hold you in suspense, I bring you, madam,  
Your wounded reputation cured, the sting  
Of virulent malice, festering your fair name,  
Plucked out and trod on. That proud man, that was  
Denied the honour of your bed, yet durst  
With his untrue reports, strumpet your fame,  
Compelled by me, hath given himself the lie,  
And in his own blood wrote it, you may read  
Fulgentio subscribed.  Cam. 
I am amazed!  Adorn. 
It does deserve it, Madam. Common service  
Is fit for hinds, and the reward proportioned  
To their conditions. Therefore look not on me  
As a follower of your father's fortunes, or  
One that subsists on yours, you frown I my service  
Merits not this aspect.  Cam. 
Which of my savours,  
I might say bounties, hath begot, and nourished  
This more than rude presumption? since you had  
An itch to try your desperate valour, wherefore  
Went you not to the war? couldst thou suppose  
My innocence could ever fall so low,  
As to have need of thy rash sword to guard it  
Against malicious slander? O how much  
Those Ladies are deceived and cheated, when  
The clearness and integrity of their actions  
Do not defend themselves, and stand secure  
On their own bases? Such as in a colour  
Of seeming service give protection to 'em,  
Betray their own strengths. Malice scorned, puts out  
itself, but argued, gives a kind of credit  
To a false accusation. In this  
This your most memorable service, you believed  
You did me right, but you have wronged me more  
In your defence of my undoubted honour,  
Then false Fulgentio could.  Adorn. 
I am sorry, What  
Was so well intended, is so ill received,  
Yet under your correction you wished enter Clarinda  
Bertoldo had been present.  Cam. 
True I did:  
But he and you, Sir, are not parallels,  
Nor must you think yourself so.  Adorn. 
I am what  
You'll please to have me.  Cam. 
If Bertoldo had  
Punished Fugentio's insolence, it had shown  
His love to her, whom in his judgement he  
Vouchsafe to make his wife. A height I hope  
Which you dare not aspire to. The same actions  
Suit not all men alike: but I perceive  
Repentance in your looks. For this time leave me  
I may forgive, perhaps forget your folly,  
Conceal yourself till this storm be blown over.  
You will be sought for, yet for my estate Gives him her hand to kiss.  
Can hinder it, shall not suffer in my service.  Ador. 
This is something yet, though I missed the mark I shot at.  Cam. 
This Gentleman is of a noble temper. Exit Adorni,  
And I too harsh, perhaps in my reproof,  
Was I not Clarinda?  Clarind. 
I am not to censure  
Your actions madam: but there are a thousand  
Ladies, and of good fame, in such a cause.  
Would be proud of such a servant.  Cam. 
It may be; Enter a Servant.  
Let me offend in this kind. Why uncalled for?  Serv. 
The Signiors, madam, Gasparo and Anthonio,  
(Selected friends of the renowned Bertoldo)  
Put ashore this morning.  Cam. 
Without him?  Serv. 
I think so.  Cam. 
Never think more than.  Serv. 
They have been at Court.  
Kissed the king's hand; and there first duties done  
To him, appear ambitions to tender  
To you their second service.  Cam. 
Wait 'em hither. Eexeunt Servant.  
Fear do not rack me, reason, now if ever,  
Haste with thy aid, and tell me such a wonder,  
As my Bertoldo is, with such care fashioned, Enter Anthonio. Gasparo. Serv.  
Must not, nay cannot, in heavens providence,  
So soon miscarry; pray you forbear, ere you  
Take the privilege, as strangers to salute me,  
(Excuse my manners) make me first understand,  
How it is with Bertoldo?  Ber. 
The relation  
Will not I fear deserve your thanks.  Antho. 
I wish  
Some other should inform you.  Cami, 
She dead?  
You see, though with some fear, I dare inquire it.  Gasp. 
Dead! Would that were the worst, a debt were paid then,  
Kings in their birth owe nature.  Cami. 
Is there ought  
More terrible than death?  Antho. 
Yes to a spirit  
Like his. Cruel imprisonment, and that  
Without the hope of freedom.  Cami. 
You abuse me,  
The royal King cannot in love to virtue,  
(Though all springs of affection were dried up)  
But pay his ransom.  Gasp. 
When you know what 'tis  
You will think otherwise; No less will do it  
Then fifty thousand crowns.  Cam. 
A pretty sum,  
The price weighed, with the purchase, 50. thousand?  
To the King 'tis nothing. He that can spare more  
To his minion for a mask, cannot but ransom  
Such a brother at a million, you wrong  
The king's magnificence.  Antho. 
In your opinion,  
But 'tis most certain. He does not alone  
In himself refuse to pay it, but forbids  
All other men.  Cami. 
Are you sure of this?  Gasp. 
You may read  
The edict to that purpose, published by him,  
That will resolve you.  Cami. 
Possible! pray you stand off,  
If I do not mutter treason to myself  
My heart will break; yet I will not curse him,  
He is my king. The news you have delivered,  
Makes me weary of your company, we'll salute  
When we meet next. I'll bring you to the door.  
Nay pray you no more compliments.  Gasp. 
One thing more  
And that's substantial. Let your Adorni.  
Look to himself.  Antho. 
The king is much incensed  
Against him for Fulgentio.  Camio. 
As I am  
For your slowness to depart  Both. 
Farewell sweet Lady. Exeunt Gaspa. Antho  Cam. 
O more than impious times! when not alone  
Subordinate Ministers of justice are  
Corrupted, and seduced, but kings themselves,  
(The greater wheels by which the lesser move)  
Are broken or disjointed; could it be else  
A king, to soothe his politic ends, should so far  
Forsake his honour, as at once to break  
Th'Adamant chains of nature and religion,  
To bind up Atheism, as a defence  
To his dark counsels? will it ever be  
That to deserve too much is dangerous,  
And virtue, when too eminent a crime?  
Must she serve fortune still? or when stripped of  
Her gay, and glorious favours, lose the beauties  
Of her own natural shape? O my Bertoldo!  
Thou only Sun in honour's Sphere, how soon  
Art thou eclipsed and darkened! not the nearness  
Of blood prevailing on the king; nor all  
The benefits to the general good dispensed  
Gaining a retribution! But that  
To owe a courtesy to a simple Virgin  
Would take from the deserving, I find in me  
Some sparks of fire, which fanned with honour's breath  
Might rise into a flame, and in men darken  
Their usurped splendour. Ha! my aim is high,  
And for the honour of my sex to fall so,  
Can never prove inglorious. 'Tis resolved:  
Call in Adorni.  Clar. 
I am happy in  
Such employment, Madam. Exit Clarin.  Cam. 
he's a man,  
I know that at a reverend distance loves me,  
And such are ever faithful: What a Sea  
Of melting ice I walk on! what strange censures  
Am I to undergo! but good intents  
Deride all future rumours.  Ador. 
I obey Exit Clarin. & Adorn.  
Your summons, Madam.  Cam. 
Leave the place Clarinda,  
One woman, in a secret of such weight,  
Wisemen may think too much, nearer Adorni.  
I warrant it with a smile.  Adorn. 
I cannot ask  
Safer protection, what's your will?  Cami. 
To doubt  
Your ready desire to serve me, or prepare you  
With the repetition of former merits,  
Would in my diffidence wrong you. But I will  
And without circumstance, in the trust that I  
Impose upon you, free you from suspicion.  Adorn. 
I foster none of you.  Cami. 
I know you do not.  
You are Adorni by the love you owe me.  Adorn. 
The surest conjuration.  Cami. 
Take me with you,  
Love borne of duty, but advance no further,  
You are Sir as I laid to do me service,  
To undertake a task, in which your faith,  
judgement, discretion, in a word, your all  
That's good, must be engaged, nor must you study  
In the execution, but what may make  
For the ends I aim at.  Adorn. 
They admit no rivals.  Cam. 
You answer well, you have heard of Bertoldo's  
Captivity? and the king's neglect? the greatness  
Of his ransom, fifty thousand crowns, Adorni,  
Two parts of my estate.  Ador. 
To what tends this?  Cam. 
Yet I so love the gentleman (for to you  
I will confess my weaknesses) that I purpose  
Now, when he is forsaken by the king,  
And his own hopes to ransom him, and receive him  
Into my bosom as my lawful husband, Adorni starts and seems troubled  
Why change you colour  Ador. 
'Tis in wonder of  
Your virtue, Madam.  Cami 
You must therefore to  
Sienna for me, and pay to Gonzaga  
This ransom for his liberty, you shall  
Have bills of exchange along with you. Let him swear  
A solemn contract to me, for you must be  
My principal witness, if he should. But why  
Do I entertain these jealousies? you will do this?  Adorn. 
Faithfully, Madam. But not live long after aside  Cam. 
One thing I had forgot. Besides his freedom  
He may want accommodations, furnish him  
According to his birth. And from Camiola  
Deliver this kiss, printed on your lips kisses him  
Sealed on his hand! you shall not see my blushes,  
I'll instantly dispatch you. Exit Camiola.  Adorni. 
I am half  
Hanged out of the way already, was there ever  
Poor lover so employed against himself  
To make way for his rival? I must do it,  
Nay more, I will. If loyalty can find  
Recompense beyond hope, or imagination  
Let it fall on me in the other world,  
As a reward, for in this I dare not hope it. Exit  
The end of the third Act.    


ACT. IV. SCENE. I.  Gonzaga, Piero Roderigo, jacomo. Gonzaga. 
YOu have seized upon the Citadel, and disarmed  
All that could make resistance  Pierio. 
Hunger had  
Done that before we came; nor was the soldier  
Compelled to seek for prey the famished wretches,  
In hope of mercy, as a sacrifice offered  
All that was worth the taking.  Gonzag. 
You proclaimed,  
On pain of death, no violence should be offered  
To any woman.  Rod. 
But it needed not,  
For famine had so humbled 'em and took off  
The care of their sex's honour, that there was not  
So coy a beauty in the town, but would  
For half a mouldy biscuit sell herself  
To a poor bezonian, and without shrieking  Gonz. 
Where is the Duke of Urbin.  Iacom. 
Under guard,  
As you directed  Gonzag. 
See the Soldiers set.  
In rank, and file, and as the Dutchess passes  
Bid 'em veil their ensigns, and charge 'em on their lives  
Not to cry whores.  Iacom. 
The devil cannot fright 'em  
From their military licence, though they know  
They are her subjects, and will part with being,  
To do her service; yet since she is a woman,  
They will touch at her britch with their tongues, and that is all  
That they can hope for. A shout, and a general cry within, whores, whores.  Gen. 
O the devil! they are at it.  
Hell, stop, their bawling throats; again! make up  
And cudgel them into jelly.  Roder. 
To no purpose,  
Though their mouths were there,  
They would have the same name for 'em. Exeunt.   

ACT. IV. SCENE. II.  Roderigo, jacomo, Pierio, Gonzga, Aurelia (under a Canopy) Astutio presents her with letters, loud, music, she reads the letters. Gonzaga. 
I Do beseech your highness not to ascribe  
To the want of discipline, the barbarous rudeness  
Of the soldier in his profanation of  
Your sacred name, and virtues  Aurelia. 
No, Lord General,  
I have heard my father say oft, 'twas a custom,  
Usual in the camp, nor are they to be punished  
For words, that have in fact deserved so well.  
Let the one excuse the other.  All. 
Excellent Princess!  Aur. 
But for these aids from Sicily sent against us  
To blast our spring of conquest in the bud:  
I cannot find, my Lord Ambassador,  
How we should entertain't but as a wrong.  
With purpose to detain us from our own.  
howe'er the King endeavours in his letters  
To mitigate the affront.  Astut. 
Your grace hereafter  
May hear from me such strong assurances  
Of his unlimited desires to serve you,  
As will, I hope, drown in forgetfulness  
The memory of what's past.  Aurel. 
we shall take time  
To search the depth of't further, and proceed  
As our counsel shall direct us.  Gonza. 
we present you  
With the keys of the City, all lets are removed,  
Your way is smooth and easy, at your feet  
Your proudest enemy falls.  Aurel. 
we thank your valours  
A victory without blood is twice achieved,  
And the disposure of it to us tendered, A Guard made Aurelia. passes thorow 'em. loud music.  
The greatest honour, worthy captains thanks.  
My love extends itself to all  Gonz. 
Make way there. Exeunt.   

ACT. IV. SCENE. III.  Bertoldo with a small book in fetters, Jailor. Bertoldo. 
'tis here determined (great examples armed  
With arguments produced to make it good)  
That neither tyrants, nor the wrested laws;  
The people's frantic rage, sad exile, want,  
Nor that which I endure, captivity,  
Can do a wise man any injury:  
Thus Seneca, when he wrote it, thought. But then  
Felicity courted him; his wealth exceeding  
A private man's happy in the embraces  
Of his chaste wife Paulina,; his house full  
Of children, clients, servants, flattering friends  
Soothing his lip-positions, and created  
Prince of the Senate, by the general voice,  
As his pupil news suffrage: then no doubt  
He held, and did believe this But no sooner  
The princes' frowns, and jealousies had thrown him  
Out of security's lap, and a centurion  
Had offered him what choice of death he pleased,  
But told him die he must: when straight the armour  
Of his so boasted fortitude, fell off Throws away the book.  
Complaining of his frailty. Can it then  
Be censured womanish weakness in me, if  
Thus clogged with irons, and the period  
To close up all calamities, denied me,  
(Which was presented Senica) I wish  
I ne'er had being, at least, never knew  
What happiness was, or argue with heaven's justice?  
Tearing my locks, and in defiance throwing  
Dust in the air? or falling on the ground, thus  
With my nails, and teeth to dig a grave or rend  
The bowels of the earth, my stepmother,  
And not a natural parent? or thus practise  
To die, and as I were insensible,  
Believe I had no motion lies on his face Enter Gonzaga Adorn. jailor.  Gonz. 
There he is:  
I'll not inquire by whom his ransom's paid  
I am satisfied that I have it: nor allege  
One reason to excuse his cruel usage,  
As you may interpret it, let it suffice  
It was my will to have it so, he is yours now,  
Dispose of him as you please Exit Gonzaga.  Adorn. 
howe'er I hate him,  
As one preferred before me, being a man,  
He does deserve my pity. Sir, he sleeps:  
Or is he dead? would he were a Saint in heaven;  
'Tis is all the hurt I wish him. But was not Kneels by him.  
Borne oh such happiness. No he breathes, come near,  
And if 't be possible, without his feeling  
Take off his irons so, now leave us private His irons taken off.  
He does begin to stir, and as transported Exit Jailer.  
With a joyful dream, how he stares! and feels his legs,  
As yet uncertain, whether it can be  
True or fantastical.  Ber. 
Ministers of mercy  
Mock not calamity. Ha! 'tis no vision!  
Or if it be, the happiest that ever  
Appeared to sinful flesh! who's here! His face  
Speaks him Adorni! but some glorious Angel  
Concealing its divinity in his shape,  
Hath done this miracle, it being not an act  
For wolvish man. Resolve me, if thou look'st for  
Bent knees in adoration?  Adorn. 
O forbear Sir,  
I am Adorni, and the instrument  
Of your deliverance; but the benefit  
You owe another.  Ber. 
If he has a name,  
as soon as spoken, 'tis writ on my heart,  
I am his bondsman.  Ador. 
To the shame of men,  
This great act is a woman's.  Ber. 
The whole sex  
For her sake must be deified. How I wander  
In my imagination, yet cannot  
Guess who this Phoenix should be!  Ador. 
'Tis Camiola.  Ber. 
Pray you speak't again, there's music in her name  
Once more I pray you Sir.  Ador. 
Camiola,  
The Maid of honour,  Ber. 
Cursed Atheist that I was,  
Only to doubt it could be any other,  
Since she alone in the abstract of herself,  
That small, but ravishing substance comprehends  
whatever is, or can be wished, in the  
judea of a woman. O what service,  
Or sacrifice of duty can I pay her!  
If not to live, and die her charity's slave,  
Which is resolved already.  Adorn. 
She expects not  
Such a dominion o'er you: yet ere I  
Deliver her demands, give me your hand:  
On this, as she enjoined me, with my lips  
I print her love and service by me sent you,  Bert. 
I am o'erwhelmed with wonder!  Ador. 
You must now  
(Which is the sum of all that she desires)  
By a solemn contract bind yourself, when she  
Requires it as a debt, due for your freedom  
To marry her.  Ber. 
This does engage me further,  
A payment! an increase of obligation!  
To marry her! 'twas my nil ultra ever!  
The end of my ambition! O that now  
The holy man, she present, were prepared  
To join our hands, but with that speed, my heart  
Wishes, mine eyes might see her.  Adorn. 
You must swear this.  Ber. 
Swear it? Collect all oaths, and imprecations  
Whose least breach is damnation, and those  
Ministered to me in a form more dreadful,  
Set heaven, and hell before me, I will take 'em:  
False to Camiola? Never. Shall I now  
Begin my vows to you?  Ador. 
I am no Churchman,  
Such a one must file it on record, you are free,  
And that you may appear like to yourself  
(For so she wished) her's gold with which you may  
Redeem your trunks and servants, and whatever  
Of late you lost. I have found out the Captain  
Whose spoil they were. His name is Roderigo.  Ber. 
I know him.  Ador. 
I have done my parts.  Ber. 
So much Sir  
As I am ever yours for't, now methinks  
I walk in air! divine Camiola,  
But words cannot express thee. I'll build to thee  
An altar in my soul, on which I'll offer  
A still increasing sacrifice of duty. Exit Ber.  Ador. 
What will become of me now is apparent!  
Whether a poniard, or a halter be  
The nearest way to hell (for I must thither,  
After I have killed myself) is somewhat doubtful?  
This Roman resolution of self-murder,  
Will not hold water, at the high Tribunal,  
When it comes to be argued; my good Genius  
Prompts me to this consideration. He  
That kills himself, to avoid misery, fears it,  
And at the best shows but a bastard valour,  
This life's a fort committed to my trust,  
Which I must not yield up, till it be forced,  
Nor will I: he's not valiant that dares die,  
But he that boldly bears calamity.  Exit  

ACT. IV. SCENE. IV. A Flourish.  Pierio. Roderigo. jacomo. Gonzaga. Aurelia. Ferdinand. Astutio. Attendants. Aurelia. 
A Seat here for the Duke. It is our glory  
To overcome with courtesies, not rigor;  
To Lordly Roman, who held it the height  
Of humane happiness, to have kings and Queens  
To wait by his triumphant chariot wheels  
In his insulting pride, deprived himself  
Of drawing near the nature of the gods,  
Best known for such, in being merciful,  
Yet give me leave, but still with gentle language,  
And with the freedom of a friend to tell you,  
To seek by force, what courtship could not win,  
was not harsh, and never taught in love's mild school.  
Wise Poets feign that Venus' coach is drawn  
By doves, and sparrows, not by bears, and tigers.  Ferd. 
I spare the application.  
In my fortune,  
heavens' justice hath confirmed it, yet great Lady,  
Since my offence grew from excess of love,  
And not to be resisted, having paid too,  
With the loss of liberty, the forfeiture  
Of my presumption, in your clemency  
It may find pardon  Aurel. 
You shall have just cause  
To say it hath. The charge of the long siege  
Defrayed, and the loss my subjects have sustained  
Made good, since so far I must deal with caution,  
You have your liberty  Ferd. 
I could not hope for gentler conditions.  Aurel. 
My Lord Gonzaga.  
Since my coming to Sienna, I have heard much  
Of your prisoner; brave Bertoldo.  Gonza. 
Such an one, Madam, I had.  Astut. 
And have still, Sir, I hope.  Gonz. 
Your hopes deceive you. He is ransomed madam,  Astut. 
By whom, I pray you, Sir.  Gonzag. 
You had best inquire  
Of your intelligencer. I am no informer.  Astut. 
I like not this.  Aurel. 
He is, as 'tis reported,  
A goodly gentleman, and of noble parts,  
A brother of your order.  Gonzaga. 
He was, Madam,  
Till he against his oath wronged you, a princess,  
Which his religion bound him from.  Aurel. 
Great minds  
For trial of their valours oft maintain  
Quarrels that are unjust, yet without malice,  
And such a fair construction I make of him.  
I would see that brave enemy;  Gonzaga. 
My duty  
Commands me to seek for him.  Aur. 
Pray you do:  
And bring him to our presence. Exit Gonzaga.  Astut. 
I must blast  
His entertainment; may it please your excellency,  
He is a man debauched, and for his riots  
Cast off by the King my Master, and that, I hope, is  
A crime sufficient  Ferd. 
To you his subjects,  
That like as your king likes Enter Gonzaga, Bertoldo, richly habited: Adorni.  Aurel. 
But not to us;  
We must weigh with our own scale. This is he, sure!  
How soon mine eye had found him! what a port  
He bears! how well his bravery becomes him!  
A prisoner! nay, a princely suitor rather!  
But I am too sudden.  Gon. 
madam, 'twas his suit,  
Unsent for, to present his service to you,  
Ere his departure.  Aurel. 
With what Majesty  
He bears himself!  Astut. 
The devil I think supplies him,  
Ransomed, and thus rich too!  Aurel. 
You ill deserve Ferdinand kneeling, kisses her hand.  
The favour of our hand; we are not well,  
Give us more air. She descends suddenly  Gonz. 
What sudden qualm is this?  Aurel. 
That lifted yours against me.  Bertol. 
Thus once more,  
I sue for pardon  Aur. 
Sure his lips are poisoned,  
And through those veins, force passage to my heart Aside.  
Which is already seized upon.  Bertol. 
I wait, Madam,  
To know what your commands are; my designs  
Exact me in another place.  Aurel. 
Before  
You have our licence to depart; if manners,  
Civility of manners cannot teach you  
T'attend our leisure, I must tell you, Sir,  
That you are still our prisoner, nor had you  
Commission to free him.  Gonz. 
How's this, Madam?  Aurel. 
You were my substitute, and wanted power  
Without my warrant to dispose of him.  
I will pay back his ransom ten times over,  
Rather than quit my interest.  Bertol. 
This is  
Against the law of arms.  Aur. 
But not of love: Aside.  
Why, hath your entertainment, Sir, been such  
In your restraint, that with the wings of fear  
You would fly from it?  Bertol. 
I know no man, madam,  
Enamoured of his fetters, or delighting  
In cold or hunger, or that would in reason  
Prefer straw in a dungeon, before  
A down bed in a Palace.  Aurel. 
How, come nearer;  
Was his usage such?  Gonz. 
Yes, and it had been worse,  
Had I foreseen this.  Aur. 
O thou mis-shaped monster!  
In thee it is confirmed, that such as have  
No share in nature's bounties, know no pity  
To such as have 'em Look on him with my eyes,  
And answer then, whether this were a man,  
Whose cheeks of lovely fullness should be made  
A prey to meager famine? or these eyes  
Whose every glance store Cupid's emptied quiver,  
To be dimmed with tedious watching? or these lips,  
These ruddy lips, of whose fresh colour, cherries  
And roses were but copies, should grow pale  
For want of Nectar? or these legs that bear  
A burden of more worth, then is supported  
By Atlas wearied shoulders, should be cramped  
With the weight of iron? O I could dwell ever  
On this description!  Bertoldo. 
Is this in derision  
Or pity of me?  Aurel. 
In your charity  
Believe me innocent. Now you are my prisoner  
You shall have fairer quarter, you will shame  
The place where you have been, should you now leave it  
Before you are recovered. I'll conduct you  
To more convenient lodgings, and it shall be  
My care to cherish you. Repine who dare;  
It is our will. You'll follow me?  Bertoldo. 
To the centre,  
Such a Sibylla guiding me. Exeunt Aurelia, Bertoldo  Gonz. 
Who speaks first?  Ferd. 
We stand, as we had seen Medusa's head! All amazed.  Pierio. 
I know not what to think, I am so amazed!  Roder. 
Amazed! I am thunderstruck!  Iacom. 
we are enchanted,  
And this is some illusion.  Adorn. 
Heaven forbid!  
In dark despair, it shows a beam of hope.  
Contain thy joy, Adorni.  Astut. 
Such a Princess,  
And of so long experienced reservedness  
Break forth, and on the sudden, into flashes  
Of more than doubted looseness.  Gonz. 
They come again,  
Smiling, as I live: His arm circling her waist:  
I shall run mad: Some fury hath possessed her.  
If I speak, I may be blasted. Ha, I'll mumble  
A prayer or two, and cross myself, and then  
Though the devil fart fire, have at him.  Aurel. 
Let not, Sir,  
The violence of my passions nourish in you  
An ill opinion; or grant my carriage  
Out of the road, and garb of private women,  
'Tis still done with decorum. As I am  
A Princess, what I do, is above censure,  
And to be imitated.  Bertoldo. 
Gracious Madam,  
Vouchsafe a little pause, for I am so rapt  
Beyond myself, that till I have collected  
My scattered faculties, I cannot tender  
My resolution.  Aurel. 
Consider of it,  
I will not be long from you, Bertoldo walking by musing.  Gonzaga. 
Pray I cannot!  
This cursed object strangles my devotion!  
I must speak, or I burst. Pray you fair Lady,  
If you can in courtesy, direct me to  
The chaste Aurelia.  Aurel. 
Are you blind? who are we?  Gonza. 
Another kind of thing. Her blood was governed  
By her discretion, and not ruled her reason  
The reverence and Majesty of Juno  
Shined in her looks, and coming to the camp,  
Appeared a second Pallas. I can see  
No such divinities in you. If I  
Without offence may speak my thoughts, you are,  
As it were, a wanton Helen.  Aurelia. 
Good, ere long  
You shall know me better.  Gonz. 
Why, if you are Aurelia's  
How shall I dispose of the Soldier?  Astut. 
May it please you  
To hasten my dispatch?  Aurel. 
Prefer your suits  
Unto Bertoldo, we will give him hearing,  
And you'll find him your best advocate. Exit Aurelia  Astut. 
This is rare!  Gonz. 
What are we come to?  Roder. 
Grown up in a moment  
A favourite!  Ferdi. 
He does take state already.  Ber. 
No, no, it cannot be, yet but Camiola,  
There is no stop between me and a crown,  
Than my ingratitude! a sin in which  
All sins are comprehended! Aid me virtue,  
Or I am lost.  Gonz. 
May it please your excellence  
Second me, Sir.  Ber. 
Then my so horrid oaths,  
And hell. deep imprecations made against it.  Astu. 
The king your brother will thank you for th'advancement  
Of his affairs  Bertol. 
And yet who can hold out  
Against such batteries, as her power and greatness  
Raise up against my weak defences!  Gonz. 
Sir, Enter Aurelia.  
Do you dream waking, Slight, she's here again.  Ber. 
Walks she on woollen feet!  Aureli. 
You dwell too long  
In your deliberation, and come  
With a cripple's pace to that which you should fly to  Ber. 
It is confessed, yet why should I to win  
From you, that hazard all to my poor nothing,  
By false play send you off a looser from me?  
I'm already too too much engaged  
To the king my brother's anger; and who knows  
But that his doubts, and politic fears, should you  
Make me his equal, may draw war upon  
Your territories, were that breach made up  
I should with joy embrace, what now I fear  
To touch but with due reverence.  Aureli. 
That hindrance  
Is easily removed. I owe the king  
For a royal visit which I straight will pay him,  
And having first reconciled you to his favour,  
A dispensation shall meet with us,  Ber. 
I am wholly yours.  Aure. 
On this book seal it.  Gon. 
What hand and lip too, than the bargain's sure,  
You have no employment for me?  Aureli 
Yes Gonzaga,  
Provide a royal ship.  Gonz. 
A ship? Saint john,  
Whither are we bound now?  Aurel. 
You shall know hereafter,  
My lord your pardon, for my too much trenching upon your patience.  Ador. 
Camiola. Whispers to Bertoldo  Aurel. 
How do you  Ber. 
Indisposed, but I attend you. Exeunt  Adorn. 
The heavy curse that waits on perjury,  
And foul ingratitude, pursue thee ever.  
Yet why from me this? In this breach of faith  
My loyalty finds reward! what poisons him  
Proves Mithridate to me! I have performed  
All she commanded punctually, and now  
In the clear mirror of my truth, she may  
Behold his falsehood. O that I had wings  
To bear me to Palermo! This once known,  
Must change her love into a just disdain,  
And work her to compassion of my pain.  Exit  

ACT. IV. SCENE. V.  Sylli. Camiola. Clarinda. At several doors. Sylli. 
Undone! undone! poor I that whilom was  
The top and ridge of my house, am on the sudden  
Turned to the pitifullest animal  
Of the lineage of the Syllies!  Cami. 
What's the matter?  Syl. 
The king! break girdle, break!  Cami. 
Why? what of him?  Syl. 
Hearing how far you doted on my person,  
Growing envious of my happiness, and knowing  
His brother, nor his favourite Fulgentio,  
Could get a sheep's eye from you, I being present,  
Is come himself a suitor, with the awl  
Of his authority to bore my nose,  
And take you from me, Oh, oh, oh.  Cam. 
Do not roar so;  
The king!  Syl. 
The king! yet loving Sylli is not  
So sorry for his own, as your misfortune,  
If the king should carry you, or you bear him,  
What a looser should you be? He can but make you  
A queen, and what a simple thing is that  
To the being my lawful spouse. The world can never  
Afford you such a husband.  Cami. 
I believe you,  
But how are you sure the king is so inclined?  
Did not you dream this?  Syl. 
With these eyes I saw him  
Dismiss his train, and lightning from his coach,  
Whispering Fulgentio in the ear.  Cam. 
If so  
I guess the business  Syl. 
It can be no other  
But to give me the bob, that being a matter  
Of main importance, yonder they are, I dare not  
Be seen, I am so desperate, if you forsake me, Exit Rob. Ful.  
Send me word that I may provide a willow garland  
To wear when I drown myself. O Sylli, o Sylli! Exit crying  Ful. 
It will be worth your pains Sir to observe  
The constancy and bravery of her spirit,  
Though great men tremble at your frowns, I dare  
Hazard my head, your majesty set off  
With terror, cannot fright her.  Robert. 
May she answer  
My expectation.  Fulgen. 
There she is.  Cam. 
My knees thus  
Bent to the earth (while my vows are sent upward  
For the safety of my Sovereign) pay the duty  
Due for so great an honour, in this favour  
Done to your humblest handmaid.  Robert. 
You mistake me,  
I come not (Lady) that you may report,  
The king to do you honour, made your house  
(He being there) his court, but to correct  
Your stubborn disobedience. A pardon  
For that, could you obtain it, were well purchased  
With this humility.  Cam. 
A pardon Sir?  
Till I am conscious of an offence.  
I will not wrong my innocence to beg one,  
What is my crime Sir?  Rob. 
Look on him I favour,  
By you scorned and neglected.  Cam. 
Is that all Sr.  Rober. 
No minion, though that were too much. How can you  
Answer the setting on your desperate bravo  
To murder him?  Cam. 
With your leave, I must not kneel Sir.  
While I reply to this: But thus rise up  
In my defence, and tell you as a man  
(since when you are unjust, the deity  
Which you may challenge as a King, parts from you  
'Twas never read in holy writ, or moral,  
That subjects on their loyalty were obliged  
To love their sovereign's vices, your grace, Sir,  
To such an undeserver is no virtue.  Fulgen. 
What think you now Sir?  Cam. 
Say you should love wine,  
You being the King, and cause I am your subject,  
Must I beever drunk? Tyrants, not Kings  
By violence, from humble vassals force  
The liberty of their souls. I could not love him  
And to compel affection, as I take it,  
Is not found in your prerogative.  Rob. 
Excellent virgin!  
How I admire her confidence  Cam. 
He complains  
Of wrong done him: but he no more a King,  
Unless you do me right. Burn your decrees,  
And of your laws and statutes make a fire  
To thaw frozen numbness of delinquents,  
If he escape unpunished. Do your edicts  
Call it death in any man that breaks into  
Another's house to rob him, though of trifles  
And shall Fulgentio your Fulgentio live?  
Who hath committed more than sacrilege  
In the pollution of my clear fame  
By his malicious slanders  Rob. 
Have you done this?  
Answer truly on your life.  Fulgen. 
In the heat of blood  
Some such thing I reported.  Rob. 
Out of my sight,  
For I vow, if by true penitence thou win  
This injured Lady to sue out thy pardon,  
Thy grave is digged already.  Fulgen. 
By my own folly  
I have made a fair hand of't, Exit Fulgen.  Rob. 
You shall know Lady  
While I wear a crown, justice shall use her sword  
To cut offenders off, though nearest to us.  Cam. 
ay, now you show whose Deputy you are,  
I now I bathe your feet with tears, it cannot  
Be censured superstition.  Rob. 
You must rise.  
Rise in our favour, and protection ever: Kisses her  Cam. 
Happy are subjects when the prince is still  
Guided by justice, not his passionate will. Exeunt.  
The end of the fourth Act.    


ACT. V. SCENE. I.  Camiola. Sylli. Cam. 
YOu see how tender I am of the quiet  
And peace of your affection, and what great ones  
I put off in your favour.  Sylli. 
You do wisely.  
Exceeding wisely! and when I have said,  
I thank you for't, be happy.  Cam. 
And good reason,  
In having such a blessing.  Syl. 
When you have it,  
Bat the bait is not yet ready. Stay the time,  
While I triumph by myself, King, by your leave,  
I have wiped your royal nose, without a napkin,  
You may cry willow, willow, for your brother,  
I'll only say go by; for my fine favourite,  
He may graze, where he please, his lips may water  
Like a puppy's over a frumenty pot, while Sylli  
Out of his two-leaved cherry-stone dish drinks Nectar  
I cannot hold out any longer; heaven forgive me,  
'Tis not the first oath, I have broke, I must take  
A little for a preparative. Offers to kiss & embrace her.  Cam. 
By no means.  
If you forswear yourself we shall not prosper.  
I'll rather lose my longing.  Sylli. 
Pretty soul!  
How careful it is of me! let me buff yet  
Thy little dainty foot for't: that I am sure  
Is out of my oath.  Cam. 
Why, if thou canst dispense with't  
So fair, I'll not be scrupulous; such a favour  
My amorous shoemaker steals  Syl. 
O most rare leather! Kisses her shoe often  
I do begin at the lowest, but in time  
I may grow higher.  Cam. 
Fie, you dwell too long there!  
Rise, prithee rise Enter Clarinda hastily  Syl. 
O I am up already.  Cam. 
How I abuse my hours! what news with thee now?  Clar. 
Off with that gown, 'tis mine, mine by your promise  
Signior Ador. is returned! now upon entrance;  
Off with it, off with it, Madam.  Cam. 
Be not so hasty,  
When I go to bed 'tis thine.  Syl. 
You have my grant too;  
But do you hear Lady, though I give way to this,  
You must hereafter ask my leave before  
You part with things of moment.  Cam. 
Very good,  
When I am yours, I will be governed.  Syl. 
Sweet obedience! Ent. Ador.  Cam. 
You are well returned.  Ador. 
I wish that the success  
Of my service had deserved it.  Cam. 
Lives Bertoldo?  Ador. 
Yes, and returned with safety.  Cam. 
'Tis not then  
In the power of fate to add to, or take from  
My perfect happiness: and yet he should  
Have made me his first visit. Ador. So I think too  
But he  Syl. 
dar'st not appear, I being present,  
That's his excuse, I warrant you.  Cam. 
Speak, where is he?  
With whom? who hath deserved more from him? or  
Can be of equal merit? I in this  
Do not except the King.  Ador. 
he's at the Palace  
With the Duchess of Sienna. One coach brought 'em hither.  
Without a third. he's very gracious with her,  
You may conceive the rest.  Cam. 
My jealous fears  
Make me to apprehend.  Ador. 
Pray you dismiss  
Signior wisdom, and I'll make relation to you  
Of the particulars.  Cam. 
Servant, I would have you  
To haste unto the Court.  Syl. 
I will outrun  
A footman for your pleasure.  Cam. 
There observe  
The Duchess train and entertainment.  Syl. 
Fear not,  
I will discover all that is of weight  
To the liveries of her Pages, and her footmen.  
This is fit employment for me. Exit Syl.  Cam. 
Gracious with  
The Duchess! sure you said so?  Ador. 
I will use  
All possible brevity to inform you, Madam,  
Of what was trusted to me, and discharged  
With faith and loyal duty.  Cam. 
I believe it  
You ransomed him, and supplied his wants imagine  
That is already spoken; and-what vows  
Of service he made to me is apparent;  
His joy of me, and wonder too perspicuous;  
Does not your story end so?  Ador. 
Would the end  
Had answered the beginning, in a word,  
Ingratitude, and perjury at the height  
Cannot express him.  Cam. 
Take heed.  Ador. 
Truth is armed  
And can defend itself. It must out, Madam.  
I saw, the presence full, the amorous Duchess  
Kiss and embrace him, on his part accepted  
With equal ardour, and their willing hands  
No sooner joined, but a remove was published,  
And put in execution.  Cam. 
The proofs are  
Too pregnant. O Bertoldo!  Ador. 
he's not worth  
Your sorrow, Madam.  Cam. 
Tell me, when you saw this  
Did not you grieve as I do now to hear it?  Ador. 
His precipice from goodness raising mine,  
And serving as a foil to set my faith off,  
I had little reason.  Cam. 
In this you confess  
The devilish malice of your disposition.  
As you were a man, you stood bound to lament it,  
And not in flattery of false your hopes  
To glory in it: when good men pursue  
The path marked out by virtue, the blessed Saints  
With joy look on it, and Seraphic Angels  
Clap their celestial wings in heavenly plaudits,  
To be a scene of grace so well presented,  
The fiends and men made up of envy mourning;  
Where as now on the contrary as far  
As their divinity can partake of passion,  
With me they weep, beholding a fair Temple  
Built in Bertoldo's loyalty turned to ashes  
By the flames of his inconstancy, the damned  
Rejoicing in the object: 'Tis not well  
In you Adorni.  Adorni. 
What a temper dwells  
In this rare Virgin, can you pity him  
That hath shown none to you?  Cam. 
I must not be  
Cruel by his example, you perhaps,  
Except now I should seek recovery  
Of what I have lost by tears, and with bent knees  
Beg his compassion. No; my towering virtue  
From the assurance of my merit scorns  
To stoop so low. I'll take a nobler course,  
And confident in the justice of my cause,  
The King his brother, and new Mistress, judges,  
Ravish him from her arms, you have the contract  
In which he swore to marry her?  Adorn. 
'Tis here Madam.  Cam. 
He shall be then against his will my husband,  
And when I have him, I'll so use him, doubt not,  
But that your honesty being unquestioned,  
This writing with your testimony clears all.  Ador. 
And buries me in the dark mists of error.  Cam. 
I'll presently to Court, pray you give order  
For my caroche.  Adorn. 
A cart for me were fitter  
To hurry me to the gallows Exit Adorni  Cam. 
O false men!  
Inconstant! perjured! my good Angel help me  
In these my extremities! Enter Syll.  Sylli. 
If you ever will see brave sight,  
Lose it not now. Bertoldo, and the Duchess  
Are presently to be married. There's such pomp  
And preparation.  Cam. 
If I marry, 'tis  
This day or never.  Sylli. 
Why with all my heart,  
Though I break this, I'll keep the next oath I make  
And then it is quit.  Cam. 
Follow me to my Cabinet,  
You know my confessor, Father Paulo?  Syll. 
Yes. Shall he  
Do the feat for us?  Cam. 
I will give in writing  
Directions to him, and attire myself  
Like a Virgin-bride, and something I will do  
That shall deserve men's praise, and wonder too.  Syl. 
And I to make all know, I am not shallow  
Will have my points of Cochineal and yellow. Exeunt.   

ACT. V. SCENE. II.  Loud Music. Astutio. Gonzaga. Roderigo. jacomo. Pierio. Roberto. Bertoldo. Aurelia. Bishop. with Attendants. Rober. 
HAd our division been greater, Madam,  
Your clemency, the wrong being done to you  
In pardon of it, like the rod of concord  
Must make a perfect union, once more  
With a brotherly affection we receive you  
Into our favour. Let it be your study  
Hereafter to deserve this blessing, far  
Beyond your merit.  Bertol. 
As the Princess grace  
To me is without limit, my endeavours  
With all obsequiousness to serve her pleasures  
Shall know no bounds, nor will I being made  
Her husband, forget the duty that  
I owe her as a servant.  Aurel. 
I expect not  
But fair equality, since I well know  
If that superiority be due  
'Tis not to me, When you are made my consort  
All the prerogatives of my high birth canceled  
I'll practise the obedience of a wife,  
And freely pay it. queens themselves, if they  
Make choice of their inferiors, only aiming  
To feed their sensual appetites, and to reign  
Over their husbands, in some kind commit  
Authorised whoredom, nor will I be guilty  
In my intent of such a crime.  Gonza. 
This done,  
As it is promised, Madam, may well stand for  
A precedent to great women: but when once  
The griping hunger of desire is cloyed,  
(And the poor fool advanced, brought on his knee  
Most of your Eagle breed, I'll not say all  
(Ever excepting you) challenge again,  
What in hot blood they parted from.  Aurel. 
You are ever.  
An enemy of our sex, but you I hope Sir  
Have better thoughts.  Ber. 
I dare not entertain  
An ill one of your goodness.  Rob. 
To my power  
I will enable him to prevent all danger  
Envy can raise against your choice. One word more  
Touching the Articles. Enter Ful. Cam. Syl. Ador.  Fulgen. 
In you alone  
Lie all my hopes, you can or kill or save me,  
But pity in you, will become you better,  
(Though I confess in justice 'tis denied me)  
Then too much rigor.  Cam. 
I will make your peace  
As far as it lies in me, but must first  
Labour to right myself.  Aurel. 
Or add or alter  
What you think fit. In him I have my all,  
Heaven make me thankful for him.  Rob. 
On to the Temple  Cam. 
Stay royal Sir, and as you are a King  
Erect one here, in doing justice to  
An injured maid.  Aurel. 
How's this?  Ber. 
O I am blasted!  Rob. 
I have given some proof, sweet Lady, of my promptness  
To do you right, you need not therefore doubt me,  
And rest assured, that this great work dispatched,  
You shall have audience and satisfaction  
To all you can demand.  Cam. 
To do me justice  
Exacts your present care, and can admit  
Of no delay. If e'er my cause be heard  
In favour of your brother, you go on Sir,  
Your sceptre cannot right me. he's the man,  
The guilty man, whom I accuse, and you  
Stand bound in duty, as you are Supreme,  
To be impartial. Since you are a judge,  
As a Delinquent, look on him, and not  
As on a brother; justice painted blind  
Infers, her Ministers are obliged to hear  
The cause and truth, the Judge determine of it,  
And not swayed, or by favour, or affection,  
By a false gloss, or wrested comment alter  
The true intent, and letter of the law.  Ro. 
Nor will I Madam,  Aurel. 
You seem troubled, Sir,  Gonz. 
His colour changes too.  Cam. 
The alteration  
Grows from his guilt. The goodness of my cause  
Begets such confidence in me, that I bring  
No hired tongue to plead for me, that with gay  
Rhetorical flourishes may palliate  
That, which stripped naked, will appear deformed.  
I stand here, mine own advocate; and my truth  
Delivered in the plainest language, will  
Make good itself, nor will I, if the King  
Give suffrage to it, but admit of you,  
My greatest enemy, and this stranger Prince,  
To sit assistants with him.  Aurel. 
I ne'er wronged you.  Cam. 
In your knowledge of the injury, I believe it,  
Nor will you in your justice, when you are  
Acquainted with my interest in this man  
Which I lay claim to.  Roberto. 
Let us take our seats,  
What is your title to him?  Cam. 
By this contract  
Sealed solemnly before a reverend man,  
I challenge him for my husband.  Sylli. 
Ha. was I  
Sent for the Friar, for this? O Sylli! Sylli!  
Some cordial, or I faint.  Rober. 
This writing is  
Authentical.  Aurel. 
But done in heat of blood,  
(Charmed by her flatteries, as no doubt he was)  
To be dispensed with.  Ferd. 
Add this, if you please,  
The distance and disparity between  
Their births and fortunes.  Cam. 
What can innocence hope for  
When such as sit her judges, are corrupted!  
Disparity of birth, or fortune urge you?  
Or Siren charms? or at his best in me,  
Wants to deserve him? Call some few days back,  
And as he was, consider him, and you  
Must grant him my inferior. Imagine  
You saw him now in fetters with his honour,  
His liberty lost; with her black wings despair  
Circling his miseries, and his Gonzaga.  
Trampling on his afflictions; the great sum  
Proposed for his redemption; the King  
Forbidding payment of it; this near kinsmen,  
With his protesting followers, and friends,  
Falling off from him; by the whole world forsaken;  
Dead to all hope, and buried in the grave  
Of his calamities, and then weigh duly  
What she deserved (whose merits now are doubted)  
That as his better Angel in her bounties  
Appeared unto him, his great ransom paid,  
His wants, and with a prodigal hand supplied,  
Whether then being my manumised slave,  
He owed not himself to me?  Aurel. 
Is this true?  Roberto. 
In his silence 'tis acknowledged  Gonzag. 
If you want  
A witness to this purpose, I'll depose it:  Cam. 
If I have dwelled too long on my deservings  
To this unthankful man, pray you pardon me,  
The cause required it. And though now I add  
A little in my painting to the life  
His barbarous ingratitude, to deter,  
Others from imitation, let it meet with  
A fair interpretation. This serpent,  
Frozen to numbness, was no sooner warmed  
In the bosom of my pity, and compassion,  
But in return, he ruined his preserver  
The prints the irons had made in his flesh  
Still ulcerous; but all that I had done  
(My benefits in sand, or water written)  
As they had never been, no more remembered.  
And on what ground; but his ambitious hopes  
To gain this Duchess favour,  Aurelia. 
Yes, the object,  
Look on it better (Lady) may excuse  
The charge of his affection.  Camiol. 
The object  
In what? forgive me, modesty, if I say  
You look upon your form in the false glass  
Of flattery, and self love, and that deceives you,  
That you were a Duchess, as I take it, was not  
Charactered on your face, and that not seen,  
For other feature, make all these that are  
Experienced in women, judges of 'em,  
And if they are not Parasites, they must grant  
For beauty without art, though you storm at it,  
I may take the right hand file.  Gonzaga. 
Well said i'faith;  
I see fair women on no terms will yield  
Priority in beauty.  Camiol. 
Down proud heart!  
Why do I rise up in defence of that,  
Which, in my cherishing of it hath undone me.  
No Madam, I recant, you are all beauty,  
Goodness, and virtue, and poor I not worthy  
As a soil to set you off; enjoy your conquest  
But do not tyrannize. Yet as I am  
In my lowness from your height, you may look on me,  
And in your suffrage to me, make him know  
That though to all men else I did appear  
The shame and scorn of women, he stands bound  
To hold me as her masterpiece.  Roberto. 
By my life  
You have shown yourself of such an abject temper,  
So poor, and low conditioned, as I grieve for  
Your nearness to me.  Ferd. 
I am changed in my  
Opinion of you Lady, and profess  
The virtues of your mind, an ample fortune  
For an absolute Monarch.  Gonzaga. 
Since you are resolved  
To damn yourself, in your forsaking of  
Your noble order for a woman, do it  
For this. You may search through the world, and meet not  
With such another Phoenix.  Aurel. 
On the sudden  
I feel all fires of love quenched in the water  
Of compassion, make your peace; you have  
My free consent; for here I do disclaim  
All interest in you: and to further your  
Desires, fair Maid, composed of worth and honour,  
The dispensation procured by me,  
Freeing Bertoldo from his vow, makes way  
To your embraces.  Bertol. 
Oh, how have I strayed,  
And wilfully, out of the noble tract  
Marked me by virtue! Till now, I was never  
Truly a prisoner; to excuse my late  
Captivity, I might allege the malice  
Of fortune; you that conquered me confessing  
Courage in my defence was no way wanting  
But now I have surrendered up my strengths  
Into the power of vice, and on my forehead  
Branded with mine own hand in capital letters  
Disloyal, and Ingrateful, though barred from  
Humane society, and hissed into  
Some desert ne'er yet haunted with the curses  
Of men and women, sitting as a judge  
Upon my guilty self, I must confess  
It justly falls upon me, and one tear  
Shed in compassion of my sufferings more.  
Then I can hope for.  Cam. 
This compunction  
For the wrong that you have done me, though you should  
Fix here, and your true sorrow move no further,  
Will in respect I loved once, make these eyes  
Two springs of sorrow for you.  Ber. 
In your pity  
My cruelty shows more monstrous, yet I am not,  
Though most ingrateful, grown to such a height  
Of impudence, as in my wishes only  
To ask your pardon. If as now I fall  
Prostrate before your feet, you will vouchsafe  
To act your own revenge, treading upon me  
As a viper eating through the bowels of  
Your benefits, to whom with liberty  
I owe my being, 'twill take from the burden  
That now is insupportable.  Cam. 
Pray you rise,  
As I wish peace, and quiet to my soul  
I do forgive you heartily, yet excuse me:  
Though I deny myself a blessing that  
By the favour of the Duchess seconded,  
With your submission is offered to me  
Let not the reason I allege for't grieve you,  
You have been false once. I have done. And if  
When I am married (as this day I will be)  
As a perfect sign of your atonement with me  
You wish me joy, I will receive it for  
Full satisfaction of all obligations  
In which you stand bound to me.  Ber. 
I will do it,  
And what's more, in despite of sorrow, live  
To see myself undone, beyond all hope  
To be made up again.  Syl. 
My blood begins  
To come to my heart again.  Cam. 
Pray you Signior Syl.  
Call in the holy Friar. he's prepared  
For finishing the work.  Syl. 
I knew I was  
The man. Heaven make me thankful  Rob. 
Who is this?  Astu. 
His Father was the banker of Palermo,  
And this the heir of his great wealth, his wisdom  
Was not hereditary.  Syl. 
Though you know me not,  
Your Majesty owes me a round Sum, I have  
A seal, or two to witness, yet if you please  
To wear my colours, and dance at my wedding  
I'll never sue you.  Rob. 
And I'll grant your suit,  Syl. 
Gracious Madonna, Noble, General,  
Brave Captains and my quondam rivals wear 'em  
Since I am confident you dare not harbour  
A thought, but that way currant. Exit  Aurel. 
For my part  
I cannot guess the issue. Enter Syl. with  Syl. 
Do your duty,  
And with all speed you can, you may dispatch us.  Paulo. 
Thus as a principal ornament to the Church  
I seize her.  All. 
How.  Rob. 
So young and so religious.  Pau. 
She has forsook the world.  Syl. 
And silly too,  
I shall run mad. Syl thrust off  Rob. 
Hence with the fool, proceed Sir  Pau. 
Look on this maid of honour now  
Truly honoured in her vow  
She pays to heaven, vain delight  
By day, or pleasure of, the night,  
She no more thinks of this fair hair  
(Favours for great kings to wear)  
mun now be shorn. Her rich array  
Changed into a homely grey.  
The dainties with which she was fed  
And her proud flesh pampered,  
Must not be tasted, from the spring,  
For wine cold water we will bring  
And with fasting mortify  
The feasts of sensuality.  
Her jewels, beads, and she must look  
Not in a glass, but holy book;  
To teach her the ne'er erring way  
To immortality. O may  
She as she purposes to be  
A Child new borne to piety,  
Persever in in it, and good men  
With Saints and Angels say Amen  Cam. 
This is the marriage! this the port! to which  
My vows must steer me, fill my spreading sails  
With the pure wind of your devotions for me,  
That I may touch the secure haven, where  
Eternal happiness keeps her reside me,  
Temptations to frailty never entering.  
I am dead to the world, and thus dispose  
Of what I leave behind me, and dividing  
My state into three parts, I thus bequeath it.  
The first to the fair Nunnery, to which  
I dedicate the last, and better part  
Of my frail life; a second portion  
To pious uses; and the third to thee  
Adorni, for thy true and faithful service.  
And ere I mistake last farewell with hope  
To find a grant, may suit to you is that  
You would for my sake pardon this young man  
And to his merits love him, and no further.  Rob. 
I thus confirm it. Gives his hand to Fulgen. to Bertoldo  Cami. 
And as ere you hope  
Like me to be made happy, I conjure you  
To reassume your order; and in fighting  
Bravely against the enemies of our faith  
Redeem your mortgaged honour.  Rob. 
I restore this The white cross.  
Once more brothers in arms,  Ber. 
I'll live and die so.  Cam. 
To you my pious wishes. And to end  
All differences, great Sir I beseech you  
To be an arbitrator, and compound  
The quarrel, long continuing between  
The Duke and Duchess.  Rober. 
I'll take it into  
My special care.  Cam. 
I am then at rest, now father Exeunt Paulo. & Camiola.  
Conduct me where you please.  Rob. 
She well deserves  
Her name, the Maid of Honour! May she stand  
To all posterity, a fair example,  
For noble Maids to imitate. Since to live  
In wealth and pleasure is common; but to part with  
Such poisoned baits is rare, there being nothing  
Upon this Stage of life to be commended,  
Though well begun, till it be fully ended. Exeunt.   
The END