THE NOBLE Stranger. As it was Acted at the Private House in Salisbury Court, by her majesties Servants.  
The Author, L. S.  Hor. 
Lenius irritant animos demissa per aures,  
Quàm quae sunt oculis commissa fidelibus—  
Imprinted at London by I. O. for james Becket, and are to be sold at his shop at the Inner Temple gate, in Fleet-streete. 1640.   

The Actors Names.  

KIng of Naples.  
Honorio the Stranger.  
Fabianus his Friend.  
Philomusus a Noble Lord.  
Callidus an envious Lord.  
Moronzo an ancient Lord, Father to Clara and Marania.  
Lord.  
Mercutio, A Poet.  
Two Students of the Law. 

Plod.  
Fledwit.    
Pupillus, A foolish Gentleman.   

Women.  
princess.  
Marania.  
Clara.  
Lady.  
Flavia, a Wench.    

To the Worthy Knight Sir edmond Williams, &c.  
SIR,  
THough Poems of this Nature have sustained such cruel fate, as if the( seeming) Catoes of the stage had judged the world, grown to a pleurisy in Wit, and no means left to Cure, save onely wounding; This Play,( I dare not say how worthy) was received generally well upon the Stage, which begets a hope, that having partend with my interest in it to the world, it will not fall under your Opinion, whom I presume to Elect as judge, not Patron: The latter being grown, by servile imitation to a word of form descends beneath your worth: But by the first, your Candid censure has power to curb that faction, which swelling to be critical, extends( like bubbles) to such airy thinness, that seeming all, they lose themselves to nothing. As for the name of Poet, it is a style I never aimed at,( though afar off I have admired their sacred Raptures) and therefore will not be injurious to your Expectation, to bribe your Acceptance with promising works of a higher strain hereafter, this being only the Issue of some vacant houres, which if you vouchsafe at like times to smile on, there ends the ambition of him, who at becoming distance, desires to be known  
Your Honourer, Lewis sharp.   

To his Friend the Author on his Comedy, called the Noble Stranger.  
FRiend, from me thou canst not expect a praise,  
My Muse can give no cypress nor no bay:  
She cannot though she would be vile, express  
One syllable to make thy merits less:  
Nor can she, had she robbed the fluent store  
Of Donns wise Genius, make thy merits more:  
No, 'tis thy own smooth numbers must prefer  
Thy Stranger to the Globe-like Theatre.  
But yet perhaps some squint-eyed set will look  
Worse then Magicians when they spell the book  
Of exorcism, yet do not fear the danger  
Of critic Readers, since thy Noble Stranger,  
With pleasing strains has smoothed the rugged Fate  
Of oft crammed theaters, and proved fortunate:  
Smile at their frowns, for I dare boldly say,  
Who ere dislikes it cannot mend thy Play.  
Richard Woolfall.   

Prologue.  
blessed Fate protect me! what a lustre's here?  
How many stars deck this our little sphere?  
And all predominate, have the influence  
To blast, or cherish, punish, or dispense:  
Your aspects yet are clear, then join in one,  
And prove a happy constellation.  
Our Author does believe there will not want  
Some to subscribe the Factious Covenant  
Of your prescitian wits, if such there are,  
proclaim 'hem Rebells, and bid open war.  
alas poesy's become so shallow now,  
All knows to judge, what like, what disallow.  
The brisk Shops fore-man undertakes with's Ell  
To sound the depth of Aganippas Well:  
Weigh out each syllable, measure each line,  
And then with as much confidence define  
Whether false or currant, as those who know  
Distinction 'twixt Phaebean strains and low.  
Our Country audience too will cry down plays;  
And why, there is not fool enough he says.  
Gentlemen, y' are grown queasy too of late,  
'Tis mere variety does satiate.  
Faith use our Author well, breath gentle air:  
Force not his blooming hopes to a despair.  
'Tis the first accent of his tender Muse,  
He hopes 'twill please you; if not, do not use  
A severe Censure, for by me he prays  
crown not with cypress, though you give no bays.   

The Noble Stranger.  

actus PRIMVS.  Senate flourish. Enter King of Naples, on his head a wreathe of bays, as from Conquest, Honorio, Fabianus, Philomusus, Callidus, Souldiers and attendants at one side of the Stage: Moronzo, princess, Clara, Marania, &c. at the other. King. 
HOw fares our Princely daughter? how hast thou  
brooked the long absence of our tedious war,  
Wherewith we have in blood drowned those Rebells  
That sought the downfall of our Peace and State,  
And now return'd, crowned with victorious laurel?  Prin. 
Most royal Father, I have with sighs and tears,  
numbered the jarring minutes since your sad  
Departure, and had ere this been wrapped ithe could  
Embraces of the grave, had not the great Antidote  
Of a Fathers blessing, given me at  
Your departure, been my Protector from  
Death and Fortunes frown, a renewing of  
Which, thus on my knees I crave. kneels.  King. 
Rise, thou hast it:  
And may all those joys that tender mothers  
Wish their young infants, playing in their arms,  
Be multiplied upon thee.  call. 
The King's transported.  Hon. 
Has he not cause, possessed of such a treasure;  
That did Kings know it, they would pay their Crownes  
As tribute to her virtue.  call. 
You speak not as a stranger of the Court;  
But like one had spent his time in study  
Of the Courtly rhetoric.  Hon. 
No more: see the King addresses him  
This way.  King. 
And now the rugged brow of war is  
( By that power which protects Kings sacred persons,  
And their rights) made faire and smooth again,  
look with a gracious eye on these whose true  
Worth deserves the style of Noble: these  
Are they whose arms and swords have been  
Supporters of our lives and State, so as  
In honour we must needs show such grace  
Their valour has deserved.  Prin. 
All that a maid may do, tied by duty  
To a Fathers will, freely I perform: They kiss her hand.  
As for the Common Souldiers, let your  
Bounty flow in Gold as largies for their  
Well spent labours.  Hon. 
Excellent Lady.  King. 
Moronzo 'tis your charge to give each one A free reward.  Mor. 
I shall my Liege.  
Souldiers meet me at the public Treasury.  Sol. 
We shall; Heavens crown our King with peace. Ex. Sold.  King. 
But for these, my kingdom's all too little,  
Especially this Gentleman, being To Honorie.  
A stranger: and as he says a  
Sycilian born, but for some causes  
Recorded within himself, which Ile not urge,  
Came to inhabit in our confines, and  
When our quarrel, almost desperate with  
The enemy had like to be overthrown  
For want of present aid, this most noble  
Deserver of the style of valour, not  
Onely in person, but with a flowing  
Measure of coin and Servants came unto  
Our aid, by which we won the day.  call. 
The King does largely praise him.  Fab. 
And nobly he deserves it.  call. 
We're but foils to set his lustre off.  Fab. 
Envy no honour the King pleases to confer  
Upon him: for in his noble breast both  
Our deservings meet.  call. 
Not I Sir.  Hon. 
Great King, how ere you please to shower thus  
Your favours on my poor deserts, being  
A stranger, and one that came not to your  
Aid alone for honour; but incited by heaven,  
And justice of the cause, which I was bound  
In duty to perform, being a subject,  
Though no native, and in that you might  
Challenge what was done as duty, not thus  
Descend to give me thankes for that which was  
Your own before: For had my stars allotted  
Me heir to a kingdom, this bare  
Acknowledgement had been more than my  
Merit could deserve, or state ere recompense.  Prin. 
A Noble gentleman, and seems the throne  
Of virtue: something within me is not  
Well; I feel a flamme about my heart, which  
For the present I must suppress.  King. 
Your modesty ( Honorio) striving  
To cloud that voluntary aid you gave us,  
With an impulsive duty, does but  
( In me) increase your value and lay a  
Stronger ground for a more firm affection.  Hon. 
Look this ways Sir; 'tis these whose true valour,  
And brave achievements, merits this flowing  
Language: for what poor service my ability  
could perform( though 'twas by Heavens all-guiding  
Power) directed to a good event,  
Yet came it late: but these, when your enemies  
Plumes waved with triumphant glory on their  
Helmets top, these flew like lightning, shot  
From the hand of Jove, and blasted those  
Rebells in their height of glory: but when  
I came, their bravest forces were decayed,  
( Though their number exceeded yours) their  
Battalias broken, their ensigns lost, their  
Leaders slain, and onely a vast confusion  
Was their head: there 'twas easy to resist  
Where order was not guide.  King. 
I should express an ingratitude that  
would for ever blast the name of King,  
If not render these that honour their  
Valour has deserved: tis true, they fought  
Bravely, and every stroke, like deaths fatal  
Sithe, hewed down their enemies before 'hem:  
Yet nere the less, we had o'most lost the day,  
When you like a second Mars broke forth, and  
And gave us victory: their helps most sweet, prevents  
The greatest danger.  Hon. 
There's no contending 'gainst your gracious bounty:  
Shield me Divinity, what feel I here!  King. 
Well Fabianus and Callidus, be near  
In person as affection to us.  
And for you Honorio, choose your place:  
You have such freedom as becomes your worth.  
Philomusus, though we have hitherto  
been silent in your praise; we do confess  
How much we owe to your free noble spirit:  
And though traduc't by such whose contagious  
Breath will prove their own bane: tis enough we  
Know thy worth, that thou canst as well  
Court Bellona in a shade of horror,  
As tread a peaceful measure in a palace.  Phil. 
This Character my Liege so far scapes me,  
As makes me doubt to whom your intents are Directed.  King. 
To thee alone Philomusus:  
Say Lords, enjoys not that man a noble Genius,  
Who can, and will when war assaults, lend aid  
Unto his sovereign, and when faire peace  
Triumphs in height of glory, fill all his  
Court with pleasure: we have, with no less  
Admiration, beholded the worthy  
Labours of thy Pen, where every Line  
Has captivated fancy, then those thy  
Brave achievements in the field.  Phil. 
Were I not man, this language were enough  
To stain my cheeks with blushes.  Hon 
Whats he the King pleases so much to honour?  Fab. 
One whose praise is no Hyperbole to his worth.  King. 
Well Philomusus, you must spur on your  
Pegasus for some new invention  
To crown our peaceful triumph: to morrow  
We shall expect a mask.  Phil. 
The time is sudden, you'll  
Not expect it rare.  King. 
No, no: led on before  Flourish. Ex. omnes, manet Philomusus. Phil 
Tomorrow, 'tis somewhat sudden,  
And startles my invention. Enter Mercutio.  
Mercutio?  Mer. 
My honoured Lord.  Phil. 
Thou art hap'ly met:  
The King has imposed somewhat a sudden  
task on my weak Muse, to prepare a mask:  
Thou art a pretty Poet, and mayst give me  
A hint for the device; I have esteemed it  
One of the defects in Nature to scorn  
advice from those whose worth could yield it.  Mer. 
Faith my Lord, I have such obligation  
To your merit, that I should count my best  
Of labours, crowned in that act should serve you:  
Yet withall, so much I prise your honour,  
I would not have you( might I presume to  
counsel) draw the same air with him who is  
But thought a Poet.  Phil. 
The reason.  Mer. 
O my Lord, experience produces many:  
'Twill take off from the glory of your worth,  
should you in your works express a soul  
Active as celestial fire, a sense  
Profound as Oracle; such as would dart  
Amazement at the world; yet would the  
Canker Envy feed upon your honour,  
And charge you with such imputations  
As would transport your soul but to imagine,  
Much less be guilty.  Phil. 
How prithee; with what?  Mer. 
I have, with an enraged spirit, heard  
The Monster-multitude traduce you, and such  
Men, whose very hearts would scorn whats not  
heroic, imputing noble actions as vainglorious:  
And when their eyes and ears were witness  
Of your seraphic Contemplations:  
Glutted with envy would charge you with  
Keeping stipendiary Muses: the like  
To others, 'cause they inherit more by  
Nature than learning does bestow, and whose  
chased Virgin Muse, would scorn  
An adulterate strain.  Phil. 
This all ( Mercutio?) nay then Ile not do  
Them that courtesy to fear, I should  
esteem that glory darker than Chaos  
could from their slight breath admit  
Privation: no, no, the curse of dulness  
Pursue 'hem all, I am above their spite.  Mer. 
But pray my Lord, where is that exquisite  
Sprightly wit, you formerly were wont  
To converse withall, I need not name him,  
You know him by th' Character.  Phil. 
Very well Mercutio; he has  
thrown away the laurel, gained ith'  
Court and City, for a fresher, and one  
More free from envy in the field.  Mer. 
His worth deserves it.  Phil. 
No more of this; to the ground of our device;  
What think you of— Whispers.  Enter Pupillus. Pup. 
This Court is a brave place to live in: oh if I could come to speak, or be acquainted with the Lord Philomusus, whom the whole towns long tongue talks on for the brave wit; and by miracle prove a wit too; I would paint the great Posts at ●ny Fathers door, turn Praetor of the City, and keep open house for all the wits ith' town; and some of 'hem poor souls have need on't: for I have heard they are glad oft-times to feed upon ston in a Cathedrall Church— Those were acute wits by my faith law— I am within smell of some Gallants— and sight of 'hem too— Impudence! O impudence! possess me— I will speak to hem— worshipful Lords— I have an eternal ambition, to salute you in the lower part—  Phil. 
In the name of innocence—  Pup. 
No sir, in my own name.  Mer. 
'Tis all one, I do applaud your sweet humility, Honourable Sir.  Pup. 
Y' are mistaken: I was never so much honoured before: indeed I meet with some that worships me sometimes, but you may perhaps prophesy,( as the vulgar term it) in calling me honourable at first sight.  Mar. 
Now by Pernassus, he resembles bright Apollo.  Pup. 
Who I Sir, that were fine i'faith— But hark you a word in your ear, I would bee loathe to bewray myself before every one— but that Apollo was my own Uncle.  Mer. 
Now Phoebus he was.  Pup. 
I have said it Sir— He sold Sun-dialls at the sign of the Bay-tree: oh he was as fine a man by report, as ever  told what's a clock.  Mer. 
A youth of Apollo's race! before jove you must needs be fortunate.  Pup. 
I hope so: to tell you the troth, my Father was a Citizen, and a Mercer, and having a larger fortune upon his head than the rest of his neighbours, met with good pay-masters, and after his Decease my mother would be sure, if any man took up her commodity, he should put in security, which raised her too: but growing old, and finding comings in to be but short, last fall kicked up her heels, and left me all the wealth she had: Now in good faith Sir, having this estate, I have a great desire to ride in the high way of preferment.  Mer. 
How mean you sir?  Pup. 
To be made a Courtier, and a wit— I have money enough, and would be loathe to have either wit or honour but what be paid for.  Phil. 
He says well in that few has.  Pup. 
But I would fain speak with the Lord Philomusus, they say he's able to teach wit, and procure Honour too.  Mer. 
Why this is the Lord Philomusus.  Phil. 
Thou didst ill to discover me.  Pup. 
O I beseech your Lordship to pitty my honourable intentions, and the desire I have to be made a Wit.  Phil. 
He might writ nile ultra, that performed it.  Pup. 
Here's Gold sir: a sovereign metal for a wit.  Phil. 
I have no need on't, pray keep it sir: how shal's be rid of him?— I have it; Mercutio dost hear, thou mayst want( the general disease of Poets) 'twere justice thou didst pursue this humour both for profit and delight: Ile refer him to you.  Mer. 
If you think fit, I care not to bestow some idle houres on him.  Phil. 
do so.— do you hear Sir, this Gentleman can perform what you desire better, and with more speed than I.  Pup. 
Say you so sir: with all my heart.  Phil. 
do: my affairs call me away. Farewell Mercutio. Exit.  Mer. 
Good day to your Lordship.  Pup. 
I want onely friends and impudence— Now if I might be so happy to find both in you.  Mer. 
You shall Sir.  Pup. 
You shall find me simply honest.  Mer. 
Of that I make no question: but if you have e're a spare purse of money about you, ' twoud not be cast away, I shall use some in making friends at Court.  Pup. 
do they buy friendship here then you shall have money to pay for't— There Sir. Gives him money.  Mer. 
You must have instructions too before you come, how to deport yourself both in Discourse and manners: my employments are now somewhat weighty in affairs of State; may I but know your lodging, I shall attend you there at some time more opportune both for yourself and me.  Pup. 
With all my heart: I have committed myself to the Inns of Chancery, for the better grace; but feeding ith' Commons agrees not with my stomach; so as I have my diet in a little Alley hard by at a Cooks house, where you may find me above the eating houres. You may know the shop by a Calves head commonly in't.  Mer. 
I make no question but to find you there sir.  Pup. 
Very likely Sir; pray keep your promise. Exit.  Mer. 
I shall not fail. Enter Flavia. Who's that walks there so demurely? oh 'tis Flavia, the Court Jennet, one that has tried all constitutions, complexion, and degrees, from the Lord under the Canopy to th' page. ith' Lobby, was once an easy doing waiting woman, that would fall in love with this Lords beg, and that jewellers back, till at last sued, prayed, and won with oaths, would scarce hold breathing, she grew rotten ripe, and fell with every touch( pox on't, I remember she'd needs try a Poets strain too) now ith' name of Venery what's she musing on? how to preserve her beauty till the next fall: Ile interrupt her; Flavia how is & wench?  Fla. 
Is what sir.  Mer. 
Is any thing, every thing— What a pox ail'st? this humour becomes thee scurvily; thou wilt spoil that little handsomeness thou hast left. What wouldst thou say wench, if I could help thee to a husband, a young husband, a rich husband, one thou mightst cuckolded at his beds feet, and he not a grain the wiser.  Fla. 
You talk.  Mer. 
talk? by this hand I ne're came short of doing with thee yet, though I paid for't— Come, out of pitty I owe thee a good turn, and if I can, will do't.  Fla. 
Alas Sir, He not mary.  Mer. 
Not mary; why what a devil dost thou mean to do? live to be abominable ugly, and scorned by th' Foote-boyes, go to Law with Laundresses, for scratching out thy eyes, trust that little stock of money thou hast gathered to set up a house of Garnality ith' Suburbs, with a public Notary, he breaks and runs away to Amsterdam; live too friend less, eye-lesse, toothless, and thy Nose notable to endure a jest.  Fla. 
I must confess you allege strong reasons— But pish, thou dost but jest Marc●t●●.  Mer. 
Why then farewell, and a pox take thee at first, for 'twill have thee it ●●end.  Fla. 
I th' once; which end?  Mer. 
Why ith' worst 〈◇〉 about thee: prithee let a●● go.  Fla. 
Stay, this is but Poeticke rage, a Rapture— Tell me who is't?  Mer. 
If thou't be mak'd and tell thee: 'Tis a Citizens son, one born by inheritance to be a cuckolded; and thy marrying of him will not cross his Fate.  Fla. 
do you think to effect it?  Mer. 
Oh you may work him like wax. Tom Fled-wit, and will Plod at his fellow Students in the inns of Chancery, they'l do you any courtesy you knows, If they bee not acquainted with him, they shall; like meet 'hem there tomorrow, and propound it.  Fla. 
If it proceed, and take effect, I am all yours. The Court is risen from supper, I must away.  Mer. 
The Lord Philomusus expects. Me too: Farewell. Exeunt.  Enter princess and Clara. Prin. 
But did my looks betray so strange a Conflict in my heart?  Clar. 
Madam they did; and one but of a dull discerning eye. Might well perceive those sparkling flames, shot like Comets from your eyes, to speak a stranger fire Had surprised your heart.  Prin. 
Yet striven I to suppress 'hem with all the rational powers of my soul, but it availed not.  Cla. 
Not to be taxed of flattery, I dare  
With confidence affirm, if one that's mortal  
And composed of earth,( as he that's greatest  
Is no more, although compacted of  
A purer mould) can but deserve a bliss so  
Great as is your love: Honorio is the man.  Prin. 
But prithee lock up ith' privatst concave Of thy breast, the passion I have discovered.  Cla. 
Ile not name it to myself, least the air Convey it to some others ear.  Prin. 
This shall bind  
Me to thy bosom. Enter Honorie and Fabianus.  
See Honorio and his friend.  Hon. 
The princess in private conference, Lets withdraw.  Fab. 
prithee come forward enjoy thy wonted freedom.  
What magic spell has charmed thee into  
dulness; come, I guess the cause: fly not that fire,  
For want of which thou thus becom'st a  
Frozen Statue.  Prin. 
What starting back Fabianus? do you  
Make our presence fearful to your stranger  
Friend, one to whom our Country in part does  
It freedom.  Fab. 
Madam not I.  Prin. 
Tis well and you con'd possess me with an  
Opinion, that he who has out-fac'd  
An Army, should shrink at a ladies  
Presence.  Hon. 
Madam, impute it not to fear, but a  
Religious awe, that dares not approach  
So much Divinity, but with a sacred  
Preparation, such as when the holy  
Priest, bows at the Altar of incensed  
Deities.  Prin. 
So late a soldier, and so soon a Courtier.  Hon. 
Your softness Madam, would convert what were Most Barbarous to Civill.  Prin. 
You would make a fine ●amorato.  Hon. 
I should be proud to be what you create me—  Fab. 
Lady 'thas pleased the Princes to entertain  
Discourse with my best friend: will you not  
tax me of too great presumption, if I  
Lay hold on this occasion to present my service.  Cla. 
Wherefore?  Fab. 
To love and honour you.  Cla. 
For what?  Fab. 
For your beauty, for those faire eyes that have transfixed my heart.  Cla. 
Nay, rather hate 'hem, be revenged, and wish 'Hem blind as Cupid.  Fab. 
Wish to eclipse those heavenly lamps that lend The world their light.  Cla. 
Your Courtship is too light and airy to  
obtain belief; this language would do well  
To such who love to hear men run division  
On their praise: I can hear you as a Courtier,  
But your speeches will as soon find death in  
My forgetfulness, as they received a  
Superfluous life from your fluent brain—  Enter Moronzo, Callidus, and Marania. 
mischief of this prevention; I fear  
I have too much slighted him.  Mor. 
Sir this nobleness becomes you, not to  
seek to surprise a Virgins tender heart,  
Apt for any impression, before  
You had gained her parents liking and  
Consent; to which I shall the sooner yield,  
Having so sure a symptom of your  
real worth; if all men bore your mind,  
We should not daily view the frequent ruin  
Of preposterous matches.  Mar. 
And sir rest confident in me, I nere will Yield my heart, but where you give my hand.  Mor. 
May thy duty prove to all a faire example.  call. 
Sir, I will not urge your hasty answer, though I desire a swift arrival to my joy.  Mor. 
You say well; things of this nature require  
Some respite to resolve; we'll choose some other  
Time to furnish this discourse— There's the  
princess and your sister; give your attendance,  
Urgent employments calls me away.  call. 
Your humble servant.  Prin. 
Enough, here's Company.  call. 
Who are these, Honorio and Fabianus?  
My heart swells to behold 'hem; 'twere as  
Possible a Common-wealth should stand,  
When there are two Competitors for th'Crowne,  
As I to brook their glory that eclipses  
Mine: Paid not these veins as large  
A tribute to that Crimson flood as theirs?  
Honour's as blind as fate, and knows to  
Distribute justly: but Ile obscure this passion,  
Till a just revenge does meet me.  
Worthy Honorio. Noble Fabianus.  Hon. 
Both yours to serve you.  Prin. 
It grows late, lets to our Chamber.  call. 
Lights there for the princess. Ex. omnes, man. Hon. & Fab.  Fab. 
Stay friend a word, what success?  
I perceived the princess viewed you  
With an attractive eye.  Hon. 
Didst mark it, and retain thy former Temper; were't not Planet-strook with those Starre-like eyes?  Fab. 
There was another, though not in so high A sphere, by whose influence my heart received a flamme.  Hon. 
I did observe your compliment with Clara: Say, dost thou affect her?  Fab. 
dear, as the expectation of my future bliss.  Hon. 
O friend thou art happy, there is equality  
In fortune betwixt you two: but what alas  
Remaines for me that am a stranger, and  
A Subject, one she knows not whence  
derived; his being onely to pass by her with  
A silent admiration, till my own flames  
Consume me.  Fab. 
Come, lets recollect the ornaments of  
Man, our reason, and enjoy the treasure  
Of our friendship in a timely council,  
— What fittest course to steer:  
Lets to our Chamber, and discourse it there.  Exeunt.  

ACTUS SECUNDUS.  Enter Honorio, and a Boy. Hon. 
SEE Aurora puts on her Crimson blushy,  
And with resplendent rays guilds o'er the top  
Of you aspiring hill: the pearly due  
Hangs on the Rose buds top, and knowing it  
Must be anon exhaled, for sorrow shrinks  
itself into a tear: the early lark,  
With other winged Choristers of the morn,  
Chanting their Anthems in harmonious airs:  
Let those whose sleeps are sound, and quiet as  
The dead of night, rise and partake those sweets  
This place affords, they are not for me to joy in.  
These are the princess lodgings,  
That her window! Come boy, breath  
Out my sorrows in a mournful air.  Boy. Song. 

TEll me Jove, should she disdain,  
Whether were it greater pain,  
Silent in thy flames to die,  
Or say I love, and she deny.   

Flames suppressed, do higher grow,  
should she scorn when she does know  
Thy affection; thou shalt prove  
A glorious martyrdom for love.   

Better to Loves mercy bow,  
She may burn as well as thou:  
On then timorous heart proceed:  
For wounds are death that inward bleed.   Exit. Enter princess above. Prin. 
What harmony is that? say who's below?  Hon. 
The admirer of your virtues Madam.  Prin. 
Who, Honorio?  Hon. 
The same.  Prin. 
Was it you that sent those pleasant accents to me?  Hon. 
My duty made me strive to be the first  
This morning might salute your care.  Prin. 
I shall find a time for recompense:  
'Tis a pleasant walk you tread,  
Keep on your path.  Hon. 
Your humble Honourer; oh love be now  
Propitious, and flatter not my poor  
Credulous heart, with a gentle gale of  
Comfort, and suffer't to split against  
The Rocks of ruin; no, thy heart I know  
Is tender as thy youth, and does relent  
To know my sufferings.  Enter Fabianus. 
My friend, I am too narrow to contain  
My joy, thou'rt happily arrived to bear  
A part; I have seen the princess.  Fab. 
Is her highnesse so early stirring?  Hon. 
Yes Fabianus, and my heart that now  
Felt heavier to me than an Atlas load  
Shee has rarifi'd to air.  Enter princess and Clara. Fab. 
See she's descended, with her the Mistris Of my heart.  Hon. 
Thus have I seen the dawning day break from The eastern hills.  Prin. 
Morrow Fabianus.  Fab. 
Your creature Madam: Lady vouchsafe your lip, To Clara  
With the Exchange of some few words in private.  Prin. 
You keep still your constant walk Honorio:  
'Twas a pleasing air you last presented;  
Me thought it bare a sound of Love.  Hon. 
Madam, be pleased to give it some other  
style; for me to sound unto your care that name  
Were a presumption far above his, that  
stolen the fire from Heaven.  Prin. 
You seem modest, to increase your value:  
Come I know you are in love, who is't  
You serve?  Fab. 
Madam, believe my tongue was never  
Stranger to my heart; at every look you  
do create new flames; and like the vestal  
Hearth, which once extinguished, nought  
could replenish, except like Holy fire  
Your eyes does wound my heart, and with a smile  
You cure again.  Cla. 
Courtiers are so prove, on each slight fancy  
Of a ladies humour, to believe themselves  
The onely object of their loves, that we,  
Nor know how to give look or smile, but strait  
With flattering Oratory they lay trains  
To blow up our unspotted honours.  Fab. 
O harbour not a thought so wicked of  
My love, lest the entertainment( being  
Wrongfully supposed) stain the immaculate  
Purity of your soul.  Cla. 
Sir you hear not me accuse you, but in  
An affair so important as is the cause  
Of love, she that doubts not, shall nere attain  
To surety.  Hon. 
Pardon, Madam, if with unhallowed breath  
I sound what may prove offensive to your ear,  
Blame not my forward zeal, you being  
The Motive.  Prin. 
On then.  Hon. 
I love you Madam.  Prin. 
Ha!  Hon. 
Again I breath my soul— I love you Madam.  Prin. 
Twas boldly uttered, what prompts you to this Insolence?  Hon. 
Oh love, I'm blasted.  Fab. 
The princess seems moved.  Cla. 
But a storm, 'twill soon be over.  Prin. 
Are you, because a stranger, ignorant  
Of our laws, which makes it death for any man  
To move affection to her, who is  
heir to th'Crowne? if so, you may pled excuse:  
Else know you are guilty of a Crime, will pluck  
The laws severity on your head.  Hon. 
Can Law or torture fright his soul, who is  
Every hour extended on the wrack;  
No, since you despise me, 'twill add unto  
My future happiness, when Love shall know  
I'm one that died your Martyr, and for my  
Body, when entombed in earth, a cypress three  
Shall spring up from my grave, under whose shade  
Such mournful lovers, as are punished  
With disdain, shall come and pay sad tribute  
Of their tears, which by that charitable  
air converts; the falling due into a frost,  
Shall be congealed, and raise to my sad  
Memory a lasting Monument of  
Transparent crystal.  Prin. 
Nay clear your brow, I' me none of those that take  
Pleasure in tormenting Lovers: 'twere a  
sin the gods themselves would punish, should my  
disdain raze so faire a building; retain  
Your manly freedom, although I know it  
suits not with my birth to give encouragement  
To a Subjects love, yet we're bound to  
Cherish true worth, though in persons  
Of a meaner rank.  Hon. 
Oh let me adore the miracle of Nature;  
You speak a soul more perfect than an Angels.  Prin. 
Cease these hyperboles, and rest assured,  
As time shall increase my opinion of  
Your worth, I shall dispose my heart—  
But secrecy as you expect my love,  
Or your own safety— so— farewell: Come Clara,  
My Father expects us at the Temple—  Cla. 
I cannot stay sir; but in that ring receive  
Your answer.  Fab. 
I accept it as a sentence of despair or bliss:  
— See friend  
What happiness is here contained.  Hon. 
Hast prevailed?  Fab. 
Yes, and if thy love prospers as mine has done,  
We'l both sing hymns to Cythereas Son. Exeunt.  Enter Callidus and Marania. call. 
Now Lady, your Fathers goodness has left you  
To your own dispose; and I, the admirer  
Of your virtues, have free leave to present  
My best affection; then save that creature,  
Whose life depends on you, whose every  
Power owns not himself, but you:  
You are that Deity, to whom my heart  
Presents its first devotion, and in  
A holy flamme remains a sacrifice, till  
You please accept it.  Mar. 
I should prove unto myself unjust,  
In the neglect of one that nobly loves:  
Therefore what affection I may bestow,  
And yet retain my freedom, I mean  
That freedom, by which I may on just occasion  
Withdraw my heart; I were ingratefull  
should I not present.  call. 
May I become the scorn of time, and all  
Mens hate pursue me, when I prove so foul  
To give occasion you call back your love.  Mar. 
Cease these hasty protestations, and  
I assure myself the pureness of your soul  
Is without spot or blemish; and while you  
So continue, I shall boast me happy ith'  
Glory of such a choice.  call. 
O let me fly into your bosom, and  
On your lip confirm my happiness, there  
Study some new way of number to multiply  
My bliss— the treasuries of grace and nature,  
Were quiter exhausted to accomplish your  
Perfections.  Mar. 
Fie, fie, leave for shane.  call. 
What?  Mar. 
This superfluous language; I am none  
Of those Ladies that are taken with  
poetic Raptures, verses of their hair,  
Flattering acrostics, and their names  
So disjointed with an Anagram, 'twould  
Puzzle ten Magicians to put 'hem together  
again: I esteem not golden language;  
'Twas seldom bestowed on man, but to  
Guild a Copper soul within him.  call. 
Can you be so cruel to deem my  
Language feigned?  Mar. 
Nor am I:  
I grant you love and poesy are divine,  
Commonly infused together, yet  
Ordinarily 'tis tied to rules of flattery.  call. 
far be it from me to speak a language  
should displease your ear.  Mar. 
Well, more Oratory would but bring  
The rest into suspicion, whether it  
Be real, let it suffice, I love you,  
And if all occurrents suit my expectation,  
'T shall not be long before Hymen scale  
The Contract  call. 
heres the Courts Quotidian,  
Shakes all about him.  Enter princess, and Clara; Hon. and Fab. Prin. 
Marania, why had we not your attendance  
To th' Temple? I guess the cause.  call. 
'Twas my happiness, with her Fathers leave  
To hold a short discourse: I hope it does  
Not offend you Madam.  Prin. 
By no means: and if it were of love you  
Treated, may you prosper as I wish my own desires.  call. 
You're bounteous Madam.  Prin. 
Noble Philomusus, Enter Philomusus.  
My Fathers Court is happy in one so  
Much deserving  Phil. 
You too much honour me.  Prin. 
I would have you Fabianus and this  
Noble Stranger mutually friends,  
Your deserts are so much equal.  call. 
I'm left out then:  
There may be a time for a revenge.  Phil. 
Lets embrace, and prove the Trium-viri of  
True friendship, happy in this union:  
More happy in that you have  
pleased to join us.  call. 
Me thinks Honorio and the princess are  
In deep discourse—  
Shee smiles in his face—  
Darts amorous glances— if she should affect  
Him now; I'd wish no deeper Precipice  
To his ruin.  Phil. 
Madam, the maskers within are ready.  Prin. 
Then lets away. Exeunt omnes.  Enter Mercutio, Plod, and Fled-wit. Fled. 
My sublime Mercurian I by all the Codexes of the Law, thou art the Primum mobile of Fancy: If this guile continue but his state of innocence, we shall have Dinners, Sack, and wenches in the Seraglios gratis.  Plod. 
Nay, and we can mary him to Flavia, weele drink, dance, and revel with his wife till midnight, and make him carry the lantern.  Mer. 
D'ee hear then, be advised by me, you two shall 〈◇〉 with slight arguments to dissuade him from the 〈◇〉 work him more into the opinion of your friendship: the 〈◇〉 present the match, be you sure to give fire, and wee shall 〈…〉 up I warrant you Lads.  Fled. 
Oracle! as I live Oracle: O I could hug thee for this, my jovial Juvinell.  Mer. 
Then be you sure, when J name the party, to seem to extol her virtue, beauty, riches, and so forth. And swear you know her all over to a hair— which you may both with a safe Conscience do.  Plod. 
Nay, for matter of Knowledge, one oath would serve us, and forty more. Enter Pupillus.  Mer. 
See he comes, before jove, feeling for money already— walk off a little—  Pup. 
Right worthy Sir, may these ten Angells guard you: Oh celestial pocket.  Mer. 
Noble and right generous sir, I do receive 'hem with as much zeal as a Puritan would cheat his father.  Pup. 
And when, and when shall I be indoctrinated, as they say, in these rules of wit and Courtship?  Mer. 
Why when you will.  Plod. 
Master Pupillus?  Pup. 
Whoop sir, are you here? who! and you too? and acquainted with this Gentleman?  Fled. 
All of a mess.  Plod. 
But hark you sir, one word with you: will you leave the laudable, credible, profitable practise of the Law, to study wit and Courtship?  Pup. 
Yes indeed will I: do you think I will bee troubled with your Burgage, Sockage, and Feodum simplex; your French and latin, more barbarous than beggars Canting: and for a Littleton, 'tis more hateful to me than a Prayer book.  Plod. 
Troth Master Fled-wit I know not what to say, but bona fide, he is one non compos mentis.  Fled. 
In-law I am of your opinion.  Mer. 
So am not I, I commend him for't. would you have him sit wearing out his Buttons, 'gainst his Inke-besquirted Desk, reading of circumcised latin in Characters, more antic than egyptian hieroglyphics, transcribing presidents out of old sheep-skins recorded in Anno Sexcentesimo quarto, till his head and brains be as dry and hollow as his pumice-stone.  Pup. 
No, no, they shall ne're bring me to it: what though my Father was a Citizen, and a Mercer, yet my mother was a gentlewoman born, and who knows but shee might have a friend at Court like other Citizens wives, to bring their husbands custom, and them trading: if so, there may be good reason, why I have this Courtly itch upon me: Besides, I'm not the first whose ' Father has measured Ladies commodities by th' yard; and yet becomes a Coach and six horses as well as the best o'm.  Plod. 
So far concordat cum recordo,( as a man may say) and perhaps his Father being a landed man, some Courtier was Tenant in tail with his Mother.  Fled. 
Very likely: but faith Master Pupillus, I could wish you would not leave us.  Pup. 
I tell you I would not be troubled with your Conjuring terms of Law, for the profit you get in ten Michaelmas terms, when your gowns and Consciences are soyld and dabbled alike.  Plod. 
Believe it sir, were you not our friend, we would not brook this Scandalum Magnatum.  Pup. 
Nay be not angry.  Fled. 
Not we sir; because we know every man was not born with wit enough to be a Lawyer, but for a gallant of these times, the less he has the more in fashion. But what will you do at Court? 'tis not your five hundred a year will maintain your Masques, plays, revels, razes, Tennis, Cards, and In, and In with the Ladies, besides your leash of wenches at livery, and when all's brought to a devastation, what then?  Pup. 
Tis but trading with some Merchants wife when her husband's gone to Sea, to traffic for unicorns horn, and I shall never want money to bear me standing: 'tis common amongst your broken Cavalleers.  Mer. 
He says right, there was one Master Had-land, a decayed Gallant, that had spent all his means in those ways you have named, and having nothing left, but the remembrance of his former glory, strook in with one Mistris Sweet-lips a Com-fit makers wife, and she maintains him now as bravely as any gallant that wears his sword ith' defence of his back-side.  Plod. 
This was strange.  Pup. 
Phew— talk of want and be a wit— I'm ashamed on you.  Mer. 
Nay, do but view this gentlemans physiognomy, does not he look like one that would be fortunate, or cross the proverb? does not this beard grow in form of a Senators? Perhaps you'l say he has not that accomplished wit, learning, or other deserving parts. Why tis ten to one he is the sooner preferred; no matter for desert, that rises leisurely and by degrees, honour prefers head-long those that have not too much wit to hinder it: Why I have known a gentleman turn away his man, because he had more wit than himself. Then to see what ways there are by marriage: a Lady of my acquaintance cast away four or five thousand pound upon a pair of Capering legs, and a Head of hair.  Pup. 
Why I have a head of hair, and my own too could caper for a need: Oh that I could thrust myself into a Lady of such a Fortune.  Mer. 
I can assure you sir, there are stranger fortunes fall upon some mens heads.  Pup. 
Pray don't you think, I have a head able to bear as large a Fortune as another man?  Mer. 
A brow for the purpose: I can tell you sir, there is a Lady I could name, a handsome Lady, has somewhat more than every one knows on—  
You know her Gentlemen— in some part.  Fled. 
O shee has an estate of twenty Aldermen, besides Frank-tenement Copy-hold, and tenor in tail in abundance.  Mer. 
She's of so gentle a nature too, and so drawing.  Pup. 
O delicate.  Plod. 
I protest Sir, if you can but get to bee acquainted with her, you may writ yourself the happiest man alive.  Pup. 
When may I see her? I long to be at her.  Mer. 
Even when you will.  Pup. 
But what shall I do; I want hard words to Court her.  Me. 
How let me see— 'tis no matter, Ile tell you, You have red Littleton, and the terms of Law.  Pup. 
I ne're red any thing else.  Mer. 
Then you shall Court this Lady ith' Lawyers Dialect, tis new; and cannot but be grateful.  Pup. 
I do not care for this Littleton, and the terms of Law; but if I come to't once, have at her.  Mer. 
First lets to the tavern and drink Sack, To whet our wits.  Pup. 
Content, a match.  Mer. 
Come Noble Academians, lusty Wine Shall make's immortal, there's our Magazine. Exeunt omn.   

ACTUS TERTIUS.  Enter Callidus. call. 
MAn, in perfection of his primitive pureness,  
Was by the gods created just and free:  
But forfeiting the Charter of those brave  
Immunities heavens bounty had conferred  
Upon him, in just revenge of his too  
wilful error, several passions strait  
Sprung up to force him hold a conflict  
In his soul; th'effects of which innated  
Frailty make me prove, Honorio, there;  
I there's the kingdoms general Earth-quake:  
No honours, titles, favours, but are conferred  
On him, when every act of mine might claim  
A pyramid; and in honour to brook arrival  
would force antipathy in what were perfect  
Union: what would not Justice in such a  
Cause permit? 'twould make man conscious of,  
And act that otherwise might blemish his  
Creation to perform: I have perceived some  
signs of love betwixt Honorio and the  
princess; if I can prove it true, it will  
Be no base revenge to tell the King, since  
custom and the Kingdoms Law stiles such  
Presumption treason; I am resolved, I over.  
Heard them in the presence appoint to walk  
Here in the garden: now in yond thicket  
Ile stay, to hear what language passes  
Betwixt 'hem: if't be of love, as I do  
Presuppose, my just revenge proves duty Exit behind the Arras.  
To my King: I hear 'hem coming, I must obscure  Enter Honorio and the princess. Hon. 
You're a Lady in whom consist all that  
Heaven has raised to a perfection:  
I am too poor to enjoy so great a treasure,  
And shall be ever, till I grow immortal:  
Which alone rests in your power to make me:  
Tis not your birth or fortune that I court,  
Heaven's witness with me: for had you been an  
Humble shepherdess, and I a Monarch,  
This love had been, 'cause 'twas decreed by Fate:  
When I first saw you, me thought my soul was  
forced to obey a trance, and as a vision  
My amazed sight beholded you, the  
Revolution of those Starre-like eyes deserves  
A new Astronomy to contemplate.  call. 
It suits my wish, do do, bite on, and  
Swallow thine own Confusion.  Prin. 
Honorio, I have heard you, and as  
A lover allow of this discourse: but do  
Not too soon betray yourself to misery:  
Alas ther's danger in affecting me.  Hon. 
Tis not that thing called danger can affright  
My soul, were you round enclosed with  
Rocks of Marble, whose lofty tops should know  
No distance 'twixt the skies and them;  
I would with winged speed scale those  
Aspiring walls, and in despite of all that  
Durst detain you, bear you in my arms  
Beyond the reach of danger.  call. 
So insolent! there may be ways to kerb you.  Prin. 
This does express your will, not power, to  
attain our safety, if you proceed: faith  
Therefore leave to love me, 'twill prove  
But the ruin of a worthy man, if e're  
It come to light— my poor heart is forced  
To pled against itself—  Hon. 
Who should reveal it?  call. 
He does not think an echo is so near.  Hon. 
Ther's none besides ourselves that know it, and Fabianus in whom I durst repose my life.  Prin. 
Stay, who's this?  Enter Fabianus. Hon. 
None but my friend.  Fab. 
Madam, pardon my sudden rudeness; 'tis  
My love to him, and duty towards you,  
That prompts me to it: the King, with  
Rest oth' Lords, are making this way, which  
hastened me hither, where I supposed you were.  
To give you notice to break off discourse,  
And hast away.  Prin. 
Thy true friendship deserves a Noble  
recompense: our next meeting shall be  
This evening in the private Garden:  Hon. 
I shall not fail: lets hast away. Exeunt.  Enter King, Philomusus, Callidus, Moronzo, &c. King. 
By the faith I owe to Honour, Philomusus,  
The mask was well performed upon so short  
A warning— where's Honorio, our but  
Divided self, partner in heart and  
kingdom.  Enter Honorio and Fabianus. call. 
He's here my Liege.  King. 
Honorio, Fabianus, Philomusus, three gems  
Make up the point vertical in my laurel.  call. 
I serve for nothing: then oh my heart.  Hon. 
You so much honour us, you make our plenty  
poor; rich onely in the amazement of  
Your bounty.  Phil. 
My Liege, not presuming on my own  
Deserts, but your free Justice to revenge  
The wronged, I'm bold to prefer a suit.  King. 
Thou canst ask but what will prove  
Our honour to bestow.  Phil. 
Nay, my Liege, I have no Monopoly  
On foot, to draw on my head the curse  
Of crying misery.  King. 
I'm confident.  Phil. 
Then thus my Liege, the late grudge betwixt  
The ancient King of Portingall, and yourself,  
Sprung from the disappoyntment of the  
Match, between your sister( now duchess  
Of Pavia) and him, by reason of her youth  
And beauty, not fit for could embraces:  
And having made you his proclaimed  
Enemy( though in your goodness you have  
Never sought to disturb the quiet of  
His peace) yet by this means many of your  
painful loyal Subjects have sustained  
Great losses on the Seas, by divers ships  
Belonging to the King of Portingall;  
Amongst which, certain Merchants, almost  
ruined in their estate and fortunes, this  
Morning desired me to move your Majesty  
To grant 'hem Letters of Mart, for taking,  
In recompense of their losses, such ships  
Of the adverse party, as their labours and  
Good success, may make them owners of.  King. 
The Motion's just and noble, and for thy love  
To th' right of innocence, we here create  
Thee Secretary of State, draw what thou thinkest  
Is fit, our royal Hand and Signet shall  
confirm it: and because Honorio, and Fabianus  
Shall grow in honour, as in friendship with you,  
Honorio we make our Lord high Martiall;  
Fabianus public Treasurer.  call. 
And me not spoken of: I laugh to think  
How soon their glory will be eclipsed.  Hon. 
Onely the contemplation of your bounty  
Must prove our gratitude.  King. 
Enough— led on. Exeunt omnes.  Enter Mercutio and Flavia. Fla. 
Was he so taken, and eager at the report?  Mer. 
As an Usurer of a prodigal at one and twenty; All fire; if thy practised iniquity will but suffer thee to dissemble modesty, thou art as sure of him as the devil of a Catchpole.  Fla. 
You a wit, and question a womans dissimulation; there's ne're a head ith' City so hard but knows it by experience.  Mer. 
Got to then; do not you seem too suddenly won, but hold off with an attractive distance: 'twill make his blood run hot and higher.  Fla. 
go teach a common gamester to cheat, a puritan to lie, or a Scrivener to keep his ears, J need not your learned maxims.  Mer. 
But hark you, hark you, a word by th' way: if after all my pains, care, and counsel, you should, like an old hospital, forget your founder; play the gipsy and turn honest forsooth, or thrifty, it should be the last charitable act J'de do for the whole sex on you.  Fla. 
condemn me never to know man more if J do.  Mer. 
go thy ways, 'tis a strong oath, and J believe thee— J have left Pupillus, with his two legal associates, following in a young practisers place to th' Hall ju●ling the Country, clients Block-heads together, till their brains bee as light as the cause some of hem goes to Law for— Body o'ne wench J hear 'hem coming— On with your vizard of virtue now, and dissemble me like a holy sister of the loving Family.  Enter Pupillus, Plod, and Fled-wit. Plod. 
See sir, there is the Lady.  Pup. 
O admirable black beauty.  Fled. 
And your noble friend pleading for you.  Mer. 
Madam here is the gentleman J so much Commended; and though J say it before his face, He is one of a noble disposition, birth, and fortune.  Pup. 
He says very true Lady.  Fled. 
Beauteous Madam, pray honour me to kiss your hand.  Plod. 
Though last in Ceremony, J should be proud To be the first might serve you.  Pup. 
pox on't, what a block-head was I, I could not say so myself— O 'tis a melting Creature.  Fled. 
So sir, we have made the way for you, enter now.  Pup. 
I, I, I could enter, and run through her too: But what to say when I come at her, I know not—  
But I will speak to her, and because she shall  
Not say I speak without book, this learned  
Littleton shall be my prompter— Takes out a book and holds it in his hand, and looks on it at the breaches.  
Bright, bright Moon-shine of beauty.  Fled. 
And why not as well Sun-shine?  Pup. 
Oh I should come too hot upon her.  
— Moderata Misericordia, Lady.  
Love like a little thief has committed Burglary  
On my heart, raised the town of my Sences.  
And forces me with hue and cry to your ladyship.  Fla. 
Alas I have compassion on your flames.  Pup. 
Oh madam, madam, the best part about me's burnt.  Fla. 
How!  Pup. 
My heart I mean, and since my ears were  
Long enough to reach the report of your beauty,  
I have still desired— Licentiam interloquendi  
With your Ladyship.  Mer. 
J mary sir, this is somewhat.  Pup. 
Oh, when J am once in I can tickle her i'faith.  
You shall hear me rhyme too,  
This year in which love did my heart into his—  
Balliwicke bring: Is just by computation  
Tricesimo of the King.  Fled. 
Excellent!  Fla 
believe it sir, youle put me down.  Pup. 
Tis my desire Lady.  Fla. 
You speak in so quaint a Dialect, J understand you not.  Pup. 
Hist friend, what does she mean by Dialect?  Mer. 
A delicate way of speaking.  Pup. 
Oh, oh, J beseech you Madam let me be a remitter in  
Your Grace.— J have choose an action to content you  
Besides land of all the tenors in Littleton: as  
Burgage, Sockage, Escuage, Vilienage and Capite,  
Cum multis aliis quae nunc praescribere longum est.  Mer. 
Why Mr. Pupillus, I never knew you were a scholar before.  Pup. 
Faith no great scholar neither, 'twas all the fruit of ten yeares going to school.  Mer. 
mary enough to make a Divine in some Countries,  
Where degrees of school are vendable.  Pup. 
Why sir, my father was  told by a cunning woman, that I should never learn beyond, As in praesenti, and so J never striven to go further.  Mer. 
Then the ass: 'twas well.  Pup. 
Madam, my heart does make continual claim to your love, and hopes we shall be joyntenants in affection.  Fla. 
Sir, you might call my modesty in question,  
To yield my heart at first to one I never saw before.  Pup. 
would you choose a man by th'fore part Lady?  Fla. 
You wound my intention, sir.  Pup. 
And you wound my heart:  
There's thrust for thrust.  
But if your coyness should make me prove fellow de se, and kill myself, you would be sorry.  Fla. 
I should— but pray sir excuse me, at this time  
To hold longer discourse with you, some serious  
affairs urges my departure— farewell noble Sir.  Pup. 
But one kiss first, and all this gold to buy you Taffata for black patches.  Fla. 
Ile not refuse, least you might think I scorn.— good day to all.  Mer. 
Your servants Lady— we'll come and share.  Fla. 
Do so. Exit Favia.  Mer. 
jack, Tom, a word—  Pup. 
Oh love! love! that makes a man a skeleton:  
Let her in part feel the prick, as well as I,  
Of thy inflaming Dart.  Mer. 
What think you on't?  Plod. 
Beyond thought!  
Most excellent!  Mer. 
How ist Sir? bear up.  Pup. 
I, I, but oh this Lady, this Lady—  Mer. 
Troth Gentlemen this Lady is not so taken with him as we thought, and expected; what think you if— but I would bee loathe to speak except I thought he would do't.  Pup. 
Oh any thing gentlemen, any thing—  Mer. 
Why then what think you if he were inspired?  Pup. 
How! inspired? that's very fine.  Mer. 
But you know the ways, and Ceremonies, are Very chargeable.  Fled. 
O infinite!  Pup. 
I care not what it cost, let it be done.  Mer. 
Then it shall sir; come, as we go we will  
Discourse of it at large, and to morrow  
It shall be performed.  Pup. 
Shall I be inspired? oh fortunate acquaintance. Ex. omn.  Enter King and Callidus. King. 
Thy life the forfeit if it prove untrue.  call. 
I wish my loss of breath might prove it false:  
But 'tis a truth as real, as is the  
Justice of the gods severe: and I may  
Safely say, I live preserver of my  
Countries famed.  King. 
O ye gods, why were Kings made the emblems  
Of your power, when like poor slaves, we're  
Subject to the change of various and  
Inconstant Fortune; have you snatched up  
goodness from the earth, and left nought to  
Inhabit in the breasts of men, but vile  
Dissimulation, poison to friendship,  
And the stain to honour; in whom  
Shall meaner men dare ever to confided,  
When Kings themselves rest ignorant  
Where to trust.  call. 
Nay, that treachery should inhabit there  
Where all men thought virtue had raised her  
Mansion.  King. 
True; I did believe Honorio to be  
A man that sooner would have yielded up  
His heart a prey to Vultures, than to a  
Thought disloyal.  call. 
My Liege, I can inform  
You more: Fabianus is their agent,  
In this loves affair: and at that time  
When your Majesty missed Honorio,  
He came and gave him private notice to  
Prevent discovery: this I both saw and heard.  King. 
He false too? Hells furies take  
And confounded 'hem all. Will not the whole  
World, when they shall hear my daughter  
Stoops to a base affection, laugh, and scorn  
My vile degenerate issue?  call. 
This rage seems Kingly in you: cherish it my Liege.  King. 
They all shall perish if thou prove this true:  
But if false, and that of spite thou hast  
raised this vile aspersion, expect a death  
So horrid, hell shall startle but to hear it named.  call. 
And 'twere my just desert, if J should live the  
stain of innocence: No my gracious  
Liege, if on your royal word you'll promise  
Not discover 'twas J that gave you notice,  
Cause 'tmay be a bar betwixt my love  
Marania, and me, whose sister J have  
Heard affects Fabianus, J shall discover  
The time and place when and where they meet,  
Then shall your eye and ear be witness of my truth.  King. 
Upon the honour of a King, Jle not disclose  
A syllable to wrong thee.  call. 
Then my Liege, this present evening  
They have appoynted meeting in the garden:  
I believe they are near there already:  
I shall attend your person to the place;  
But then I hope youle graciously excuse  
My absence; Ile wait within your call.  King. 
Come lets away. Exit.  Enter Honorio and Fabianus at one door, princess and Clara at the other. Prin. 
'Twas here I did appoint him come: to which  
He promised.  Cla. 
Madam see, he has already made a strict  
Performance.  Prin. 
Honorio you're punctual in your word.  Hon. 
Madam, I esteem a promise made to you  
As a Religious vow taken before the Altar  
Of the gods.  Fab. 
'Twas no appointment 'twixt us two, but I  
supposed you were in person, as in love and duty,  
near the princess.  Clar. 
You were not certain then.  Fab. 
No, but as the needle of a dial  
touched by the Adamant, though with trembling  
It move to and fro, yet fixes not,  
Till it attain the North: so though I move,  
And walk, yet by a sympathy in love,  
Can never rest till I arrive your presence.  Hon. 
Pardon Lady my still labouring heart,  
That like a Pinnace, tossed on the curled waves  
Of Neptunes watery Empire, at such time,  
When with his frown he threatens destruction  
To despairing Sea-men, would gladly arrive  
Some happy Haven where to rest secure,  Prin. 
As how?  Hon. 
To finish up the sum of all my earthly  
happiness i'th promise of your love.  Prin. 
Were that the height of your conceived bliss?  Hon. 
Yes, and no heaven,  Prin. 
I have heard that affection which can know  
A fullness to its height, is never permanent:  
" For loves noon is instant night.  Hon. 
Yet a still growing desire to attain that  
Height argues a more firm affection.  King and Callidus behind the Arras. call. 
There they are my Liege;  
Obscure your person, and grant me your royal  
Licence to depart.  King. 
You have it: away.  Prin. 
Suppose I should give promise of my love,  
By your own argument you then were at  
Your height, so must decline: Come I will not  
Promise.  King. 
I like that well.  Prin. 
Because I'd keep your love still growing.  King. 
'Tis too true: oh impudence unheard of.  Hon. 
Love's a child, and fond desires first one  
Thing, then another; and thinks no happiness  
Beyond what he craves; so I desire first  
A promise of your love, which if you please  
To grant, my fondling heart will still aspire.  King. 
My life and kingdom next: oh villainous Traitor,  Prin. 
Excuse my modesty if I then bestow  
This slight favour first to play withall, a kiss.  King. 
I am no longer able to contain—  
Out Traytors.  Prin. 
Alas 'tis we that are betrayed.  King. 
No; but by the gods delivered up to my just rage.  Cla. 
We're all undone for ever!  Fab. 
Though he be the King, whose sacred name  
I bow to, he shall not dare to wrong you.  Hon. 
should the gods themselves come wrapped  
In terror, I would thus oppose 'hem both draws.  King. 
You were best commit an out-rage,  
Where's our guard? Treason.  Enter Callidus, draws. call. 
My gracious Liege, what  
villainous hand is that which is not blasted,  
If lift a weapon 'gainst the sacred  
Majesty of a King— oh misery! is it you  
Attempt this traitorous act?  Fab. 
We spit that name like poison in their face,  
That dare accuse us: no, let him but gauge  
His royal word, not to execute his rage  
On these; we'll lay our lives and weapons  
At his feet.  Hon. 
If not, we vow to die their Champions.  King. 
Insolent Rebells.  call. 
Ile move the King for you— Sir I beseech You not to discharge your wrath against those harmless Ladies.  Prin. 
Move not for us alone, for heaven sake  
Let him sacrifice us all together.  call. 
Good Sir smooth your brow, they'l not yield,  
Except you promise not to wrong the ladies.  Kin. 
Think not treacherous villains, we promise  
Not to hurt, 'cause we stand in fear of you:  
We could have come with armed men, that soon  
should have chastised your bold usurping spirits,  
But that I shamed the air should know the  
foulness of the dead, my blood bears such an  
Interest in it— upon mine honour Ile not touch ' hem.  Fab. 
Then to show how much we scorn the name  
Of Traitor: here on our bended knees we  
Yield our weapons. Delivers their Swords.  King. 
What 'twixt the tender Motions of a father,  
And their approved valour which we ought  
To cherish, even in our enemies, I feel  
My pliant heart yield to a calm discourse.  
Stand up—  
Tell me Honorio, sham'st thou not, that  
Goodly wreathe of bays, thy deserts  
Did challenge to adorn thy brow, which seemed.  
More fresh and faire, then were the twining  
limbs of the Pienean Daphne should now  
Decay and whither: didst thou, a stranger,  
aid me 'gainst the Rebels of my State,  
And placed in my bosom prove thyself  
A traitor?  Hon. 
Great sir, but hear me speak;  
If it be treason for a halfe-pin'd wretch,  
When he attempteth food: if it be  
Treason for that man who spends his life in  
A vale of tears, after some sad disaster,  
When he sees a heaven placed before him  
And aspires to be seated there, then you  
May style my love and zeal to virtue  
Treason: But if not, then pardon me, if  
The whiteness of my soul does animate  
To tell you, 'tis not justice to oppose what  
Fate and heaven decrees.  King. 
Let not your pride so far transport you, that  
You tax our justice: 'tis not your withered  
bays can protect you from our thunder, if  
We please to strike— Though justice could not blame  
Him whose thoughts aspire to heaven; yet that  
Presumptuous man, should strive to pluck  
jove from his throne, to be enstal'd  
A Deity himself, deserves in a flamme of  
Lightning to be cast to Hell, there to amaze  
The damned.  Hon. 
Since no arguments can prevail, take our  
Lives, as sacrifice to your wrath.  Prin. 
And I beseech you, as you are my father,  
To grant me this preferment, to be sent  
Before 'hem: when we are immortal we shall  
Enjoy more freely; and because I have  
Not yet made promise of my love, J now  
do vow—  King. 
Hold—  Prin. 
No; by that dreadful Styx, by which the gods  
Ne're swore, and broken their vow, I love him:  
Nor shall my heart ever admit a change.  Cla. 
I vow the like to thee  Fab. 
Then 'twill be mercy if you take our lives.  Hon. 
And sand us to enjoy each other in elysium.  King. 
No, you shall not obtain that favour at  
My hands— stand forth and hear your sentence.  
For thee, thou stain to Princely blood, I do  
Confine to your lodging, on forfeit of your life—  
Callidus she's your charge; let no private  
Messages or meetings pass betwixt 'hem,  
As you respect our favour: and for you  
Honorio and Fabianus, we sentence both  
To banishment: and if after two dayes  
You be seen within our Confines, we le  
Have you mu'd up, and starved to death.  
go, say we are merciful you scaped  
So well.  Clar. 
What remaines for me?  King. 
Your Fathers faithful service to us excuses you.  Prin. 
For Heavens sake sir.  King. 
Away, we'll hear no more.  Prin. 
Lets but speak before we part.  King. 
I say we'l hear no more.  Hon. 
Oh Callidus!  call. 
This is no time to talk, ith' morning  
Ile procure a private meeting for you.  Hon. 
Oh thou ty'st us ever thine: farewell.  King. 
Away with 'hem Callidus— you know your  
Sentence, and your time. Exit.  Fab. 
Come Honorio, let us two go find  
A way to death; no salue to cure the mind. Exeunt omnes.   

ACTUS QUARTUS.  Enter Callidus. call. 
I Have promised this morning to give  
Honorio and Fabianus access toth'  
princess, which favour they esteem as flowing  
From my friend ship: which I but do the more,  
To keep myself still unsuspected by  
The princess, who being immediate heir  
To th' crown, might when the King's deceasd  
Severely be revenged; 'twas about this time  
I did appoint 'hem come.  Enter Honorio and Fabianus. 
They are here already: my Noble friends,  
I attended for you.  Hon. 
How fares the princess?  Fab. 
And my love?  call. 
Alas poor ladies almost spent with sorrow.  Hon. 
dear friend, admit us to their sight.  Fab. 
That we may pay their tears with treble  
Interest; which if our eyes,( their spring being  
Dry) cannot afford, our hearts shall weep  
Blood, to recompense their sorrow.  call. 
O friends, you know I hazard both my life  
And Fortunes in this act: however, Ile not  
fail in what I promised: do but with  
Patience here expect a while, Ile bring  
Them to you. Exit.  Fab. 
Our best friend.  Hon. 
O ye gods, why d'ye mock mans frailty  
With a seeming joy; then snatch it from him,  
So to prove his ruin; first make believe  
myself fixed in a heaven of bliss, between  
A true love and a faithful friend, then to  
Be banished from my love, and cause my friend  
performs, but that to which the name doth bind,  
( Being trust and secrecy) to be a partner in  
My sad Exile.  Fab. 
Let not a thought of that raise trouble in  
Thy breast: I know it is too narrow to contain  
The grief thy heart already is surcharg'd  
Withall; and thou wilt wrong the more  
Important cause, if  shed a tear for me;  
When all thou canst bestow will not suffice  
To equal that pearly treasure which every  
hour the princess love causes her  shed  
For thee: See the princess and my love.  Enter princess, and Clara, with Callidus. Prin. 
Oh my dearest!  
Let me fly into thy arms.  Clar. 
Fabianus! welcome to my bosom,  Hon 
Upon this lip I will breath out my soul,  
There leave it a surviving Trophy of  
My true affection.  Prin. 
Thou shalt not leave thy soul without the  
Substance of thy body: stay, in this kiss  
Ile return it thee again.  Hon. 
Every conjunction of our lips, does  
Propagate a soul, which we no sooner part,  
But it is strait destroyed; O let me bathe  
Eternally in your bosom, and in a trance  
Convey ourselves into elysium: then we'll  
Implore the Deities inhabit, there to stay  
Our spirits from returning back to these  
Sad prisons of our hapless bodies.  Fab. 
Alas my Clara, we must part; the breath  
Of Kings is like the sentence of the gods,  
Not to be avoided.  Cla. 
Thou shalt not go: I will turn wood-Nymph,  
And shrowded my dearest under a grove of  
Myrtle, free from the eye of vigilant  
suspicion; and for thy guard, a thousand  
satires, with their upright horns  
Shall stand about us, ready to assist thee  
There, being free as our own thoughts, we'll live  
And love, and rest securely happy.  Fab. 
This thou mayst fancy, but we nere attain to.  Cla. 
Then Ile accompany my love—  
Madam, shall we not?  Prin. 
Yes; the graecian Argia could for her husband  
Polynices body, being dead, travail alone  
To Thebes to give him burial, and shall we  
Leave our loves living: no, we'll altogether sure.  Hon. 
Alas your love arrives at impossibilities.  call. 
True, for all passages are laid to prevent  
Your flight: Madam, persuade your heart to let  
Him go; it may prove fortunate for all:  
The King in time, and by my persuasions,  
May be drawn to call 'hem from Exile: you  
May be sure what I can do shall ne're  
Be wanting— To keep 'hem far enough Aside.  
For e're returning.  Hon. 
Oh thou true friend.  call. 
A very true friend, and you knew all.  Prin. 
Away, he is no friend to you, or me,  
To bid me let you go: Honorio thou shalt  
Not; I will enchaine thee in my arms,  
And to thy wrists fasten manacles of tears  
To hold thee.  Hon. 
Alas, this makes each minute but a sad Departure.  call. 
Besides, the King will anon be stirring, and  
Then you'll pluck new vengeance on  
Your heads; alas I speak out of sincere  
Affection I.  Prin. 
Peace Screech-Owle, no mans voice seems  
Other, that speaks with an intent to part us.  Fab. 
Madam, strive to suppress this passion, and  
Let patience, the good mans remedy in  
Affliction crown the end of all your sorrows.  Prin. 
Oh misery past human sufferance.  Hon. 
think not so my dearest; 'tis harder  
To conceive, than undergo. Come Fabianus  
Let us take our leaves— thus—  Prin. 
Stand off, and come not near me at this  
Distance: Ile strengthen my imagination  
With thy form; then when thou art gone  
I may retain thy perfect Idea in my sight;  
Thus—  Hon. 
Alas your passion forces you to an ecstasy;  
These are but fancies urged by your height of  
Sorrow; collect your scattered sences: thus  
On your lips I seal my hearts contract.  Prin. 
With these tears it shall be writ—  
So bid me not farewell, nor will I you,  
Least so we sand a dart to kill each other:  
But turn thou silent that way—  
My griefs shall led me this,  
And may my love a happy harbour find  
These tears the Ocean and my sighs the wind, Exit.  Fab. 
Clara we must part too the princess  
Has already taught us how: farewell.  Cla. 
Let all such lovers, as are crost by Fate,  
learn here to mourn at our unhappy state. Exit.  call. 
Friends 'twere not manly to let my tears  
express my sorrow; no my heart bleeds inward  
At this sad departure: farewell, farewell.  Hon, & Fab. 
Farewell our dearest friend.  call. 
Ha, ha ha. Exit.  Hon. 
Oh my sad heart, whither will the current  
Of my griefs transport thee? my soul  
Being fled and left my body, like a  
Sepulchrall Statue, fixed here bereft of sense,  
Onely knowing how to mourn; me thinks  
The fabric of the earth should tremble,  
The heavens be clouded in a vail of sables,  
And weep itself in showers upon the earth;  
The sun go shrowded itself beneath the lower  
World, never to rise again; but cause an  
universal darkness o'er the earth, where  
Men shall sit mourning our sad departure:  
What can be left for two, so much distressed,  
But death, the period of each mans affliction;  
That most unkindly flies those whose griefs  
would entertain him; and surely strikes there  
( Where but named) they startle?— Friend, why  
do we stand, as if we grew fixed here,  
And could not move.  Fab. 
Can he which bears a burden, would erac●e  
The Poles of heaven, to sustain the weight, move  
To, and fro, bearing that load about him?  Hon. 
I must aclowledge you a cause of sorrow  
would force the Genius of the world into  
A frenzy; yet mine's as great, 'cause 'tis  
For me you suffer; but we, that like well-  
Fenced Bulwarks, have together stood the  
Shock of war, when loud-mouth'd Canons  
breathed destruction to an army should  
scorn to fall as combatants in the camp  
Of love: no, lets with courage go  
Bravely on to meet our Fate: hope has  
Not quiter forsook us; as we pass I will  
Relate somewhat may concern us both—  Enter Philomusus. Phil. 
My Noble friends! whither now? no object  
But the earth, what Cloud is this spread o'er your  
Face, that dimmes the wonted lustre of your  
Eyes? by all that's Noble let me know, or  
Ile repent I ere was named your friend.  Fab. 
do not conjure us by so strict a charm,  
We shall but make you miserable.  Phil. 
There's not that act, except it decline from  
Honour, has power to make me poorer in  
A thought.  Fab. 
Then know we two are banished.  Phil. 
Banished! why Ile be banished too then.  Hon. 
O no; stay you, and be happy in your Prince his love.  Phil. 
I will not stay— say, what's the cause?  Hon. 
If you will with us as I go I shall relate  
The story; but you must in disguise, or  
Youl'le be stayed; and you shall find ere long,  
I had little cause to fear being banished:  
But since we must from our best retreat,  
Let Passive valour be as th' Active, great. Exeunt omnes.  Enter Pupillus, Mercutio, Plod, and Fled-wit. Pup. 
Pray Gentlemen, were you inspired, as you say I must bee, before you came to be a Courtier, and a Wit?  Mer. 
No question.  Pup. 
And d'ee think 'tis possible for me to be made one too?  Mer. 
I tell you sir, before these gentlemen your friends, and mine, Ile undertake to furnish you with as much wit as shall serve for a Country Justice, or an Aldermans heir.  Pup. 
Why that's enough.  Mer. 
But then you must be confident of its operation, part freely with any thing that shall be requested of you in the act; not as an Usurer pays Subsidies, grudgingly.  Pap. 
No, no, I scorn it.  Mer. 
Had it not been pitty, one of your estate and Fortune should have known no recreation, but going a mile out of town, with a company of Codsheads, to be drunk with cream and Stewd-Pruines.  Pup. 
O they are delicate with Rose-water and Sugar.  Mer. 
pox on't, Bawdy-house fare: No, after your inspiration you may revel with this Lady, discourse with that Lady, and what you will with the third Lady.  Pup. 
Oh I am almost inspired at the conceit on it: pray let be done, while I am in the aspiring fit.  Mer. 
It shall sir— do you hear Tom, go and prepare Flavia for the project, and bring those properties we agreed on.  Plod. 
Say no more. Exit.  Pup. 
Whither do you sand him?  Mer. 
To an Antiquaries study; for strange properties to perform the Ceremonies requisite at inspiration: for we must use Invocations, Incantations, Conjurations, Imprecations, and all for the rare effect of Inspiration.  Pup. 
bless me, do you begin to conjure already?  Fled. 
No, he tells you but what he must do.  Pup. 
But hark you; pray d'ee deal with honest, faire conditioned Devills?  Mer. 
O blemish to our sacred magic— Devills!  Pup. 
O no, pray Sir.  Mer. 
That thought's enough to ruin all the fabric of our hopes.  Pup. 
Good sir, Ile never think while I live again.  Mer. 
I tell you sir, we must invoake the celestial Deities— We may begin the Act, none but the bright Minerva can confirm it  Pup. 
And will she come at your call.  Mer. 
Yes, yes, if you perform quietly what we desire.  Pup. 
Oh most obedient Goddesse.  Enter Plod with a box, in which are little pieces of paper rold up: A Table set forth. Mer. 
Are you come? 'tis well: Is Flavia ready?  Plod. 
Onely waits her Cue  Mer. 
Look you sir, you see these papers.  Pup. 
I, whence came they; from the Lottery?  Mer. 
No sir, they are certain Collections out of learned and witty Authors, for all humours in an accomplished wit. Now sir, you must eat every one of hem one by one.  Pup. 
How, eat ' hem?  Mer. 
I ease 'hem, and you shall find they will produce effects as various, as the qualities or conditions out of whom they were collected: now therefore off with your Hat and cloak, kneel down with a strong belief, imagination, and attention— you two stand to keep him in that equal posture I shall set him; so, now first with a scholastic Inspiration: somewhat of a hard digestion, as—  " Dulcia non meruit qui non gustavit amara. Pup. 
O 'twill never down, I shall be choked with it.  Mer. 
My life Sir we'll help it down— here— so— fear not, I warrant you— is it down?  Pup. 
Almost— so,  Mer. 
How is it sir?  Pup. 
O 'twas so sweet at first, and so abominable bitter at the last—  Mer 
Why there you relish the conceit sir: for the interpretation of it is; he deserves not sweet, that has not tasted bitter.  Pup. 
I have tasted a bitter one; now pray let the next be a sweet one.  Mer. 
According as we see this work: 'thas a present operation— How do you feel yourself inclined?  Pup. 
Oh I could quarrel about the etymology of words, fight about Syllables, and Orthography, chop logic with my Father, writ Tragedies and Comedies by the gross: and my fingers itch at an Hen-roost.  Mer. 
'thas wrought bravely, the direct symptoms of an University wit: now for the inspiration of a confident poetical wit.  Pup. 
Pray pick out the hard words, if there be any.  Mer. 
There's none in this— you shall hear it.  
" This from our Author I was bid to say,  
" By jove 'tis good; and if you liked you may.  Pup. 
Ile tell you how I like it presently.  Mer. 
Come sir, down with it—  Fled. 
So, this past with ease—  Mer. 
How do you find yourself affencted now?  Pup. 
Oh that I were in a Play-house— I would tell the whole Audience of their pitiful, heretical, critical humours— Let a man, striving to enrich his labours, make himself as poor as a broken Citizen, that dares not so much as show the tips on's horns: yet will these people cry it down, they know not why: One loves high language, though he understands it not; another whats obscene, to move the blood, not spleen: a third, whose wit lies all in his gull, must have a satire: a fourth man all ridiculous: and the fift man not knowing what to have, grounds his opinion on the next man ith' formal ruff; and so many heads, so many several humours; and yet the poor Poet must find ways to please 'hem all.  Mer. 
It works strangely.  Pup. 
But when they shal come to feed on the Offalls of wit, have nothing for their money but a drum, a fools Coat, and Gunpowder; see Comedies, more ridiculous than a morris dance; and for their Tragedies, about at Cudgells were a brave Battalia to 'hem: Oh Phoebus, Phoebus, what will this world come to?  Mer. 
before jove, it has wrought most strangely— Tis well here we're none but friends— how do you sir?  Pup. 
Ah! pretty, pretty, sure I have talked extravagantly, Gentlemen have I not?  Mer. 
I indeed have you; 'tis of a delicate operation: Now sir, you shall have a valiant inspiration to confront your enemy, or rival in your Mistresses favour— In this paper is the expiring breath of a great warrior, the last words he uttered.  
"— Farewell light,  
" Tis fit the world should wear eternal night.  Pup. 
Why this will kill me sure.  Mer. 
No, hold him fast— tis of a strong operation— So, chew it well, fear nothing— Now it is down: how is't?  He breaks violently from them. Pup. 
Let me go, let me go, the world's too narrow to confine me: Ile mount the skies, snatch fellows three-fold lightning from his hand, dart it at the World, and reduced again to its first desolate Chaos, dry up the Sea with fire of my rage, and puff mens souls away.  Mer. 
We must change this humour: Ile now believe a strong imagination's witch-craft: force down another; red it first: What is't? hold him fast.  Fled. 
" Enter these arms, and since thou thoughtst it best,  
" Not to dream all my dream, lets act the rest.  Mer. 
A fit one, a wanton lovers rapture: give it him, thrust it down: So, he begins to yield; how is't.  Pup. 
O what have you gi'n me now?  Mer, 
Onely to inspire you with a wanton art to win your Mistris.  Pup. 
Tis wonderful provocative, believe me: sure it came out of Ovids-Ars-Amandi: oh for the book of Venus and Adonis, to Court my Mistris by: I could die, I could die in the Eli-zi-um of her arms: no sweets to those of Love: O Love, love, thy flames will burn me up to dust and ashes.  Mer. 
We must quench your flames— Pinch him hard.  Pup. 
Oh—  Mer. 
Harder yet.  Pup. 
Oh—  
What do you do? what do you? Alas all's down again;  
I am as could as a Cucumber.  Mer 
So, I believe you are sufficiently prepared:  
Now we will invoke the goddesse Minerva— kneel,  
down with your face to the west: hearken with  
Attention to what she shall say or request, and be sure to perform it— So, 'tis well.  Pup. 
Does she come yet?  Fled. 
No, no, he must invoak first.  Mer. 
Thou sacred goddesse of Joves brave begot, walk round about him.  
Descend to earth, and here make fast the knot  
We humble mortals have begun to tie,  
And we'll adore thy glorious Deity.  Pup. 
O me, O.  Soft music. Enter Flavia dressed like Minerva with a viol of Water. Fla. 
Who calls Minerva from the Starry Court?  Pup. 
Oh 'twas he Lady.  Fla. 
We know the full effects of your desire,  
It is this noble youth with wit t'inspire:  
Then down his throat this sacred drink compel,  
Tis salt, and water from the Muses well.  Pup. 
Paugh.  Fla. 
Now let him offer gold to our dispose,  
And all's confirmed with this one pluck by th'nose.  Pup. 
O me—  Mer. 
What gold have you about you— quickly, quickly.  Pup. 
Onely twenty pieces in my fob.  Mer. 
Dis-fob 'em quickly, and present ' hem.  Pup. 
Please you Madam, here's forty Angels to wait on your Lady-ship to heaven again.  Fla. 
We do accept 'hem— so live ever blessed:  
I must ascend to my Aetheriall rest. Exit.  Mer. 
So, rise up, all's done: now be confident, and you shall prove a Wit— all.  Pup. 
But hark you gentlemen: pray what does she do with money?  Mer. 
Releeves poor Poets, that eats Oads, And madrigals: Come lets to the next tavern, and drink her health.  Pup. 
Come then— Nay now I am inspired,  
I will do things shall make me be admired.  Mer. 
There's a touch of his poetical inspiration. Exeunt.  Enter King, princess, Clara, Marania, Moronzo, and Callidus. King. 
Is Honorio and Fabianus shipped and gone?  call. 
They are my Liege.  King 
Tis well: methinks the air seems purer since  
They both departed: sure if they had stayed  
Their trechrous breath would have infected  
My whole kingdom— But thou, degenerate from  
All Princely blood, still mournest their absence,  
And with effeminate tears wouldst move  
My pitty to call 'hem from Exile: no,  
Sooner shalt thou call back Time, than move  
A thought in me shall yield to't.  Clar. 
dear Father move the King.  King. 
Ile blast him dumb that names ' hem.  call. 
No hope, you see the King's resolved— My Liege  
The Lord Philomusus is secretly stolen away  
With them in disguise.  King. 
Torture to my soul, it cannot be.  call. 
I can assure your Majesty 'tis so.  King. 
Oh where's that Subject that a King dares love?  
Philomusus gone—  Prin. 
Oh my Honorio.  King. 
Leave this sullen humour Dulcimenta,  
Or by just heavens I will disclaim you mine;  
Though youth and error led you to a fault,  
( Which I may study to forget, upon conformance  
Of your will with mine) will you pursue  
The cause, and peevishly consume yourself  
In tears, for him whom the gods themselves  
do hate, for spotted treason 'gainst your Fathers  
Person; it could be no less when he attempted  
To match the kingdoms heir— go to, raise  
Not my fury to that height, which if it fall,  
Shall crush you to your ruin.  Prin 
Sir, think not a disobedient passion guides  
My will to love or hate, contrary to your  
Mind; but since 'tis so, heaven has itself decreed.  Kin. 
Away, tax not the heavens with what's unjust  
They ne're decreed the blood of Kings should  
mix with Traytors.  Prin. 
Sir, they were no Traytors.  King. 
Tis well, defend 'hem still.  Prin. 
No, their innocence will do't.  King. 
Very good; I perceive from whence this  
Springs; your company with Clara feeds this  
Rebellious spirit, does it? I have an easy cure for that:  
M●●onzo keep your daughters to you; there's  
Neither of 'hem we'll admit to attend her, since  
Favour is abused, we can restrain it.  Mor. 
Their lives and mine are prostrate to your will.  
Come daughters—  Cla. 
Stay: Sir has tyranny usurped the seat of  
Mercy in your royal breast: if so, let death  
Part us, and so end our woe.  Prin. 
I do beseech you, as you are my Father,  
By your wonted love to me, or wear  
You hold more dear, bereave me not both of  
My love and friend together; this cruelty  
Exceeds the former; lover is a name may  
Be in time dispensed with; but a friend, oh,  
A true friend, heaven knows not a happiness  
Beyond it: dear sit, by my dead mothers ashes,  
Which were you near, would( in imitation of  
Those amorous twines which did inchaine  
Your hearts) fly up, and hang about you,  
Gently to chide this most unnatural act:  
Which, because distance of place denies it,  
sand but to know, and you shall hear  
The Marble tomb weeps at this disaster.  King. 
The remembrance of her dead mother  
would stir my pitty, should I not resist it:  
I must suddenly Callidus, convey our  
Daughter to her lodging; we'll appoint  
Some other Ladies to attend her.  call. 
No more, we are resolved: Moronzo  
perform what we command.  Mor. 
I shall my Liege: come daughters.  King. 
led on. Ex. severally.   

ACTUS QUINTUS.  Enter Mercutio, Pupillus, Fled-wit, Plod, and Flavia. Pup. 
HOw? and how stands the business?  Fla. 
Nay, you know best.  Pup. 
Perceive you not an alteration, or transmutation in my outward person?  Fla. 
Me thinks your words fall off your tongue with a more becoming grace.  Pup. 
think so: be wise and catch 'hem as they fall: they may inspire you.  Fla. 
You are strangely metamorphosed since I saw you.  Pup. 
Mutor pro temporum ratione, as the learned say.  Mer. 
That's the fruit of his scholastic inspiration.  Pup. 
O Lady, if your heart bestone, I would 'twere broken.  Fled. 
I have heard men wish their Mistris heart wounded, never broken.  Pup. 
Pshew, my love is not like other mens, that will whine and cry, look pale, and wear night caps: no, my love is a bounce love, and makes no more of cracking a ladies heart, than a Squirrell of a Nut.  Mer. 
A notable crack.  Pup. 
For hark you a word in your care( I would not have these Gentlemen know it) I am inspired.  Fla. 
Now by Diana is it true?  Pup. 
I have said it, be wise and have me.  Fla. 
O you men have such strange ways to play upon poor women.  Pup. 
Nay, there's but one way I'd play upon you.  Fla. 
And will dissemble most egregiously.  Pup. 
Who I dissemble? why these Gentlemen will swear all my acts are simplo.  Fled. 
Nay Lady, I know he has not a thought but what is merely innocent.  Pup. 
If you'll but mary me, there is not that desire, or inclination, which you shall have; but I will strive with my best part to satisfy: what would you more?  Fla. 
I must confess you promise faire.  Pup. 
And will perform as well.  Fla. 
Alas my Virgin fears bid me I should not yield.  Mer. 
A pox of your Virginity.  Fla. 
I know not what to do.  Pup. 
Come, I know what to do, and you'll say but I once.  Mer. 
Madam, it can be no blemish to your modest virtue, to yield your love at first to one, whose Worth and fortunes equal yours.  Fla. 
Why then I wholly yield me yours.  Pup. 
That's well said, this kiss in earnest; come, we'll not stand long upon the business, but bee married presently: I must provide Ribbond for all the Courtiers.  Mer. 
You may save that cost; their hats are so stuffed with Ribbons already, they'll find no room to wear ' hem.  Pup. 
pox 'tis a French fashion: I warrant there are some would change their very faces with a French man to be a la mode, but come, you two shal led the Bride, and you shall give her.  Mer. 
You shall command us.  Pup, 
so, so. Hymen! O Hymen snuff thy torch and see A pair of Lovers, leads their way to me. Exeunt.  Enter princess and Lady. Prin. 
Whither is compassion fled, that should  
Inhabit in the breasts of men, and make  
Distinction 'twixt their knowing souls, and  
senseless cruelty of savage beasts, guided  
By their wills to ruin, not reason, how, or whom;  
When he that bears the title of a King,  
And Father, can nor find mercy in the one,  
Nor love ith' other: oh you sad lovers that are  
Crost by Fortune, and your Parents hate, come  
Pay your floods of tears, as tribute  
To my sorrow.  Lad. 
Madam be pleased to retire and repose your  
self; sorrow and want of rest must needs impair  
Your health: think not because she, whom  
You please to honour with the name of friend,  
Is taken from you, that none is left true  
And faithful to attend you; yes, I am one,  
Though young in service to you, would( if made  
Happy ith' trial) embrace a danger, to  
Assure your quiet.  Prin. 
Can this be real?  Lad. 
Yes, as your griefs are true.  Prin. 
Is there one left faithful to attend me  
Now my Clara's gone? If so, prithee  
Conduct me to some gloomy vale,  
wrapped with unpleasant shades of Yew  
And cypress, sprung up from lovers graves:  
On which the croaking Raven, with other Birds  
Of night may sit and hollow sad accents;  
Such as may fitly sympathize with mourning:  
A murmuring brook of wronged Virgins tears,  
That may glide softly by, and receive mine,  
To augment their streams: a bed of moss,  
gathered from Vaults and Charnells, where  
The dead inhabit, to repose us on, there  
Thou and I will sit and feed on sorrow,  
That shall feed on us, and when we  
Both are dead, some distracted Muse fled  
To those groves, shall in an uncouth  
Tone sing our sad Requiems.  Lad. 
I was placed by your father, in hope I might  
Have removed this passion; but your discourse  
Makes me an object rather to incite you mourn,  
Then otherwise: let me entreat your highnesse sit  
And repose yourself: Ile try my voice to charm  
Your eyes and heart with pleasing slumbers.  Prin. 
Most willingly, some rest in sorrow will do  
Well— Begin.  
Song. 

charm, oh charm, thou god of sleep,  
Her faire eyes, that waking mourn;  
frightful visions from her keep,  
Such as are by sorrows born:  
But let all the sweets that may  
Wait on rest, her thoughts obey.   

fly: oh fly, thou god of love,  
To that breast thy dart did wound,  
Draw thy shaft, the smart remove,  
Let her wonted joys be found:  
Raise up pleasure to a flood,  
Never ebbing; new joys bud.    
So my charms have took, poor Lady  
She has not enjoyed so much quiet rest,  
Since Honorio and Fabianus left  
The Court. Enter Callidus.  
Who's that?  call. 
'Tis I Lady: How fares the princess?  Lad. 
Speak lower, she's asleep.  call. 
Good heaven be praised, she may in time  
Forget her griefs.  Lad. 
Not till the King forget his cruelty:  
I dare not say the name of King gives  
It a more modest title.  call. 
I must confess, 'tis little less— but Subjects  
Must not see, much less say, what mis-becomes  
Their Prince; 'tis enough we perform what they  
Command, not question why.  Prin. 
Oh my Clara: oh my Honorio.  Lad. 
Shee wakes.  Prin. 
Who's that Callidus?  call. 
Yes Madam, the King commanded me to give  
Your Highnesse notice, last night ambassadors  
Came from Portingall to Naples, and the King  
Hath already given them both audience and  
Their answer, and they are making a speedy  
return back from whence they came, the  
Reason of their coming or business I understand  
Not: but 'tis his Majesties pleasure you instantly  
repair to him.  Prin. 
More corrosive: well, my duty binds me  
To await his pleasure.  call. 
I shall attend your highnesse.  Prin. 
My sad soul presages some new affliction.  Lad. 
Take comfort gracious Madam.  Prin. 
There is no rest I ever hope to have,  
Till heaven decrees I rest within my grave. Ex. omn.  Enter King, Moronzo, and others. King. 
My Lords, what think you of the match  
Betwixt the Prince of Portingall, and our daughter?  Mor. 
Without question my Liege, 'twill prove  
Fortunate for both, if the princess  
Can be drawn to affect him.  King. 
I make no question but to win her to't:  
Are the ambassadors return'd for Portingall?  Mor. 
They are my Liege.  King. 
Tis well, we expect his arrival suddenly:  
Moronzo, let it be your charge to see all things  
Correspond so great an entertainment—  
Where's Callidus? we sent him to attend  
Our daughter hither.  Enter princess, Callidus, and Lady. Mor. 
They are here my Liege.  King. 
What mourning!  
This habit ill becomes you, knowing it contradicts  
Our will.  Prin. 
Pardon me sir, it best suits my thoughts,  King. 
It best suits the blackness of your disobedience.  Prin. 
Sir, name but that thing, rests in my power to  
Divert your anger, my duty shall lend me wings,  
On which Ile fly to act.  King. 
Your speeches are but air, there's no performance:  
You insult too much upon the softness of my temper:  
But hear me now with that attention thou  
wouldst an Oracle, pronouncing of thy fate,  
What my will decrees.  Prin. 
If death, I shall embrace it.  King. 
Then briefly thus, Portingalls great King  
Our late enemy, famed reporting what  
Thou least deserv'st, virtue and obedience,  
Has by ambassadors, 'twixt you, our kingdoms  
heir, and his son, treated of a match;  
Whereof( because 'twill be a means to unite  
Our kingdoms, which have been long at variance)  
We have accepted, and return'd this answer,  
That if he please in person to come for you,  
He should enjoy you.  Prin. 
O my prophetic soul!  call. 
This will make sure for ever against Honorio  
And Fabianus.  King. 
think but the danger will ensue, if you refuse:  
First, to mock the expectation of a King  
Can bring no less than war upon our  
Now peaceful kingdom: next, the shane  
Of foreign nations: and lastly, my curse  
Pursues thee to thy grave, if thou refuse:  
think on't, theres no delay, the Prince will with  
Speed be here, and claim our promise:  
Therefore let your face bear smiles, to express  
His welcome; if your obedience will prompt you  
To do this, you shall, besides the height of  
happiness in so blessed an union, enjoy again  
The company of Clara, the freedom of  
A queen, and all the pleasures earth can bestow.  Prin. 
And all will prove but torment without Honorio.  call. 
She's ith' same note still.  Kin. 
Dulcimenta, you know our will,  
Which if not performed, Exit King, cum aliis, man. Prin. and Lady.  
By all my hopes, I swear thy Fates decreed,  
My curse pursues thy soul, thy heart shall bleed.  Prin. 
Every hour creates but a new torment.  
Was ever cruelty like this? is't not enough  
To banish him I love, but force my affection  
On another? rob me of my bliss, and not  
Afford me quietly to mourn: in what  
A strange Dilemma is my soul perplexed?  
Death I meet, whether I refuse or yield:  
Which of those two instruct me Love;  
If J yield, 'twill be a death Mortality,  
knows not to sustain; because to live  
With one J cannot love: if deny, 'twill  
Be an easier death; but then a curse  
Will make my pains eternal: say J  
avoid the curse, and match this foreign Prince,  
The curse of Lovers will pursue me  
For the breach of faith:  
On then, J am resolved, Jle rather die,  
cursed for my faith, than for inconstancy. Exeunt.  Enter Mercutio, Plod, Fled-wit, and Flavia. Mer. 
Ha, ha, ha, he's as foxed within, as a Constable by mid-night:  
Thou hast him sure wench now.  Fled. 
As fast as the Parsons tongue, and Their consents could bind ' hem.  Mer. 
Now thou must remember thy Benefactors in the dayes of thy prosperity.  Plod. 
We shall share I hope in your good fortunes.  Fled. 
Even all alike.  Mer. 
That's well said.  Fla. 
De'e hear gentlemen, you have draind him pretty well already, been paid for your labours— believe it, you have all you are like to have of him, or me.  Mer. 
Come, thou dost but jest wench.  Fla. 
You shall find I speak in very good earnest: If a supper, and a sack posset can content you, you shal be welcome; for any other matter, you see the interest you are like to have of him or me.  Mer. 
Canst thou so wickedly forget thy friends?  Fla. 
No sir, 'twill prove virtue.  Mer. 
Canst thou name that thing called virtue?  Fla. 
Yes sir, and will learn to practise it.  Mer. 
The devil thou canst.  Fla. 
Patience sir, in this case, will prove your best  
Remedy: You have my resolution Gentlemen,  
And so farewell. Exit.  Mer. 
pox go wi' you, and all the dissembling generation of you— Now Gentlemen where's our dinners, sack, and wenches; our mid-night revels, and what not?  Fled. 
gulled by a woman: now the curse of an insatiate desire pursue 'hem all.  Plod. 
Lets home, and study mischief.  Mer. 
No faith, lets learn to live better,  
And go sober to bed.  Fled. 
That we shall never do. Exeunt.  Enter King, Moronzo, Callidus, with Attendants, at one side of the Stage, a Lord disguised, as Prince of Portingall, Honorio, Fabianus, Philomusus disguised as Attendants at the other. King. 
Cease music.  
Welcome great Prince to Naples, and so  
Are all about you. A shout.  call. 
The people second it with acclamations of their joy.  Lord. 
The bounty of your Kingly love transcends our Expectation or desert.  King. 
Our power attains not the performance of our will.  Lord. 
If you strive to outvie friendly expressions,  
My stock of language will not extend to see't.  King. 
I have.  Lord. 
Great sir, how fares your Princely daughter,  
Whom famed reports fitter to consort with  
Angels, than to match Mortality.  King. 
You'll find famed has been too lavish sir—  
Call forth our daughter.  Enter princess, Clara, Marania, and Lady. Lord. 
Thus Aurora blushing proclaims the day.  Prin. 
Ah me!  Lord. 
Why sigh you Lady?  Prin. 
To think a Prince should come to sue  
For what I cannot grant.  Lord. 
How's this? is her affection placed else where?  King. 
Were it so, no doubt you have Oratory sufficient  
To divert it.  Lord. 
I did believe you had before we came prepared  
Her heart to give us entertainment.  King. 
I did; and thought your presence would have  
removed all obstacles to hinder your enjoying—  
Away thou scorn of time.  Lord. 
This strange and unexpected— Your patience Sir,  
Ile try my fate— Lady it should seem you  
Have already disposed your love: Ile not dispute the  
Worth of him you have pleased to make so happy:  
But behold I bring a heart, fraught with as true  
Affection, as ever man could boast; a title too  
That may deserve you: refuse me not, 'twas famed  
First took my ear, your beauty now my heart.  Prin. 
would I had less of both, since both prove so unhappy.  Lord. 
'Tis you make 'hem so; demolish not with sorrow  
Such a beauty, as were enough for all your sex▪  
And make 'hem proud to know 'twas part of yours.  Prin. 
retain this language for those whose height  
Of love can meet your flamme; tis vainly  
bestowed on me; my heart's already fixed.  King. 
Let me ripp out that heart, the Cabinet  
Of rebellious thoughts.  Lord. 
Good sir, give not so much scope to fury.  Prin. 
To take all cause of further suit away,  
Receive my story and resolves in one:  
Then let him sacrifice my heart to love,  
And I shall live triumphant after death,  
Dying that causes Martyr, however,  
Great Prince, deem not a ladies worth impaired,  
When I declare I loved beneath my birth.  
My father, at his return from war,  
And bright Conquest shining on his sword,  
Brought with him one, whom he himself  
esteemed the mirror of valour, and heroic acts;  
His name Honorio, whose descent unnam'd,  
None knew from whence, except the child of famed:  
That Noble Stranger's merit won my heart,  
And so we two grew of one faith, one mind,  
Till adverse fortune envying our bliss,  
We were betrayed; he banished from me,  
And I alone left to deplore my fate:  
Now let all know, by heaven's I'm fixed, nere  
To enjoy another.  Hon. 
Excellent Lady! I take you at your word; discovers.  
And thus receive your onely true Honorio.  Prin. 
Ha! where?  Lord. 
So, I must resign.  Hon. 
Here in me.  King. 
How's this!  Hon. 
For firmer proof, see Fabianus here. Fab. discovers,  King. 
Amazement seazes me.  Fab. 
Thus I bring home a true love to my Clara,  
A loyal Subject to my Prince.  Cla. 
My dearest love.  Prin. 
Oh are these joys essential?  King. 
Our Guard there, off with their heads: do you mock  
Our fury with impostures?  call. 
They deserve your utmost rage.  Hon. 
How— Stay your fury till you have a cause.  Prin. 
May I believe this happiness?  Hon. 
Tis a truth as real as we thus embrace.  Cla. 
Oh Fabianus live I to enjoy thy love!  Fab. 
Thou dost; on thy lip I do confirm my bliss.  King. 
Are not you that same Honorio, whom  
I exiled with Fabianus there?  Hon. 
Yes.  King. 
And dare you set foot upon our Confines  
After such a Censure?  Hon. 
Yes, but not as Honorio onely; but as Prince  
Of Portingall.  King. 
How, you Prince of Portingall?  Hon. 
As sure as you are King of Naples.  King. 
It cannot be.  Hon. 
By Circumstance Ile make't appear:  
The famed of this blessed Lady, spread through  
My Fathers Court, winged my desires to view  
So much perfection; which made me take  
Occasion of your present war, to insinuate  
myself in favour of you and of the Court,  
But durst not presume discovery, by reason of  
The unhappy difference 'twixt our kingdoms,  
( The cause whereof has been related) then at the height  
Of happiness, some envious fate possessed you  
With the knowledge of our loves, so banish us:  
In whose supposed Exile, this noble Lord became a Philomusus discovers.  
Willing partner, and I bare him with me  
To my Fathers Court; which that 'tis truth  
He's able to inform you.  Phil. 
Sir, upon the safety of my life he speaks all truth.  King. 
Dost thou confirm it Philomusus?  
Then 'twere sin to bear the least suspicion;  
Be near us, thou deserv'st more honour than  
We can bestow— Pardon great Prince the  
Severity of our anger 'gainst your person  
When you were unknown: but in requital,  
Here receive our daughter, with free consent,  
And prayers to prosper both.  Mor. 
Fabianus and Clara, I thus join your hands.  
Heavens sand you joy.  King. 
Oh Callidus, thou wert the instigator of my Anger.  call. 
So, all will out I see.  Mar. 
How?  Hon. 
Who Callidus?  Fab. 
What our friend?  King. 
Plainly I now perceive he clothed his spite  
Under pretence of duty.  call. 
Pardon I crave, J do confess J gave too great  
A scope to envy and ambition, that a stranger  
Should so much deserve your royal— And then  
A hope to obtain those honours should be took  
From him.  Mar. 
Gracious sovereign, I beg his punishment  
May be referred to me.  King. 
Be it so.  call. 
Then I expect mercy; for you love—  Mar. 
I did, before you proved false to the name  
Of friend; but now resolve never to wed you:  
And 'cause Ile not torment you to see another  
possess my love, and for ever to keep myself  
From solicitation, call forth a Priest of Vesta.  call. 
What will my dearest do? Enter Priest.  Mar. 
Thus vow myself a Recluse.  Mor. 
I am happy in so blessed a Child.  Omnes. 
The mirror of her sex.  King. 
Then Callidus away, and learn to amend hereafter.  call. 
O Marania thou art cruel— Your Majesty hath  
shown me mercy; I obey. Exit.  King. 
Now set forward toward Hymens Temple,  
To confirm these nuptials; and  
Let all style it, that shall hear this story,  
The Noble Stranger, or eclipsed glory. Exeunt.    

Epilogue.  
OUr Author knowing Fortitude's approved,  
When dangers threaten, if it stand unmoved:  
He, without fear, freely presents his cause  
To you, for condemnation, or applause.  
Reserve severer dooms, for such as dare  
Boast their own worth, he cannot fear or ear:  
Mistake him not, he vows he is as clear  
From bold presumption, as he is from fear.  
And if his Stranger has gained liking we ' ye.  
Faith then shake hands, and bid him welcome te ' ye.   
FINIS.