THE COSTLY WHORE. A COMICAL HISTORY, Acted by the company of the Revels.  
LONDON Printed by Augustine Mathewes, for WILLIAM SHEARES, and are to be sold at his shop in Britain's Burse. 1633.   

The Actors names.  

Duke of Saxony.  
Frederick his son.  
Hatto. Brothers to the Duke.  
Alrid. Brothers to the Duke.  
Montano: kinsman to the Duke  
Euphrata, daughter to the Duke.  
Constantine, a lover of Euphrata.  
Otho, a friend to Constantine.  
Alberto. two Lords.  
Reynaldo two Lords.  
Vandermas, a Pander.  
Valentia, the Costly Whore.  
julia, a Gentlewoman to Euphrata.  
Two Maids.  
Petitioners.  
Beggars.  
Servants.    

THE COSTLY WHORE.  
Enter Constantine and Otho. Constantine. 
HOw dost thou like the lovely Euphrata?  Otho. 
I did not mark her.  Const. 
Then thou didst not mark  
The fairest Saxon Lady in mine eye,  
That ever breathed a maid.  Otho. 
Your mind now known,  
I'll say she is the fairest in the world,  
Were she the foulest.  Con. 
Then those canst dissemble.  Otho. 
You know I cannot, but dear Constantine,  
I prithee tell me first, what is that Lady?  
That wonder of her sex, called Euphrata,  
Whose daughter is she?  Const. 
I cannot blame thee Otho.  
Though thou be ignorant of her high worth,  
Since here in Saxon we are strangers both,  
But if thou callest to mind, why we left Meath,  
Read the trice reason in that Lady's eye,  
Daughter unto the Duke of Saxony,  
She unto whom so many worthy Lords,  
Veiled Bonnet, when she passed the Triangle,  
Making the pavement Ivory where she trod.  Otho. 
She that so lightly touched the marble path,  
That leadeth from the Temple to the presence.  Const. 
The same.  Otho. 
Why that was white before,  
White Marble Constantine, whiter by odds  
Then that which lovers term the Ivory hand,  
Nay then the Lily, whiteness of her face.  Con. 
Come, thou art a cavilling companion,  
Because thou seest my heart is drowned in love,  
Thou wilt drown me too, I say the lady's fair,  
I say I love her, and in that more fair,  
I say she loves me, and in that most fair,  
Love doth attribute in Hyperboles,  
Unto his Mistress the creation of every excellence,  
Because in her his eyes do dream of perfect excellence,  
And here she comes.  Enter Euphrata. 
Observe her, gentle friend.  Euph. 
Welcome sweet Constantine.  Con. 
My Euphrata.  Euph. 
Thy Euphrata, be thou my Constantine,  
But what is he a stranger, or thy friend?  Con. 
My second self, my second Euphrata,  
If thou be'st mine, salute her gentle Otho.  Otho. 
An humble and a true devoted heart,  
I tender to you in a minds chaste kiss.  Euph. 
Welcome to me, since welcome to my friend.  Otho. 
A beautiful, an admirable Lady,  
I think 'tis fatal unto every friend,  
Never to love, until his friend first love,  
And then his choice; but sooner will I tear  
Out of this breast, mine affection with my heart.  Eu. 
Hearing sweet Constantine thou wert so ne'er me,  
I came as I were winged to gaze on thee.  Con. 
And would to heaven there were no barin time  
To hinder me from thy desired sight,  
But thousand suitors eyes do watch my steps,  
And hark I hear some trampling, how now julia?  Enter Julia. juli. 
Madam, the Lord Montano spying you,  
To leave the presence, and to enter here,  
Hath ever since waited your coming forth,  
And will not be denied until he see you.  Euph. 
Of all my suitors, most importunate.  Con. 
What is he love?  Euph. 
Of very noble birth.  
But my affection is not tied to birth,  
I must dispense with this kind conference,  
For some small time, until I rid him hence,  
Therefore within my closet hide thyself,  
Your friend shall julia guide into the garden,  
Where through a private door, but seldom used,  
He may at pleasure leave us and return,  
Deny me not, I prithee Constantine,  
Thou hast my heart, and would thy birth were such,  
I need not fear t'avouch thee for my Love.  Otho. 
Madam, I take my leave.  Exit Otho. Con. 
Farewell dear friend,  
Return as soon as may be, farewell Love.  Exit. Eup. 
Now guide Montano hither.  Enter Montano. Mon. 
Gracious Madam, I have seen the noble Palsgrave,  
The Prince of Milleine, and the Palatine of the Rhine,  
With diverse other honourable suitors,  
Mounted to ride unto their several places.  Euph. 
Of me they took their farewell yesternight.  Mon. 
What means your grace to be so unkind to all?  
You drive away good fortune by disdain.  Euph. 
Why are you grieving too?  Mon. 
I am your subject;  
The meanest that did humbly seek your love,  
Yet not the meanest in affection,  
And I am come to take my farewell too.  Eup. 
Why then farewell.  Mon. 
So short with them that love you.  Eup. 
Your journey may be great for aught I know,  
And 'tis an argument of little love,  
To be the hinderer of a traveller.  Mon. 
My journey Madam is unto my house,  
Scarce half a league hence, there to pine and die,  
Because I love such beauteous cruelty.  Euph. 
God speed you sir.  Mon. 
Nay then I will not leave you:  
Madam, 'tis thought, and that upon good ground  
You have shrined your affection in the heart  
Of some (what ere he be) noble, or base,  
And that's the cause you lightly censure all.  Euphr. 
Who thinks it?  Mon. 
I do Madam, and your father.  Eu. 
It is upon my vowed chastity.  Mon. 
What devil made you swear to chastity,  
Or have you ta'en that oath only for a term.  Euphr. 
A term, what term?  Mon. 
A term of some seven years,  
Or peradventure half the number more.  Euphr. 
For term of life.  Mon. 
You have sworn to be forsworn,  
He was no well disposed friend of yours,  
That gave you counsel to forswear such beauty,  
Why 'tis as if some traveller had found  
A mine of gold, and made no use of it.  
For term of life; why then die presently,  
So shall your debt to nature be fare less;  
Your tyranny over man's yielding heart  
Be less condemned: oh you were made for man,  
And living without man, to murder men:  
If any creature be so fortunate  
That lives in grace of your all gracious self,  
Though I am well persuaded 'tis not I  
I vow by all the rites of virtuous love,  
Be he ignoble, of the basest sort,  
To please you Madam, I'll renounce my suit,  
And be a special means unto your father,  
To grant your heart's affection, though I die.  Euph. 
Now Lord Montano you come near my heart,  
And were I sure that you would keep your word,  
As I am sure you love me by your deeds,  
I might perchance deliver you my thoughts.  Mon. 
By heaven, and by your beauteous self I will.  Euph. 
Then Constantine come forth, behold thy friend.  Enter Constantine. Con. 
Madam what mean you, to reveal our love?  Mon. 
This is a very stubborn Gentleman,  
A Gentleman, a peasant, Saxony affords not one more base.  Con. 
He does me wrong, that terms me meaner than a gentleman.  Mon. 
I term thee so.  Euph. 
Why how now Lord Montano, you do forget your oath.  Mont. 
And you yourself,  
Your Princely father, and the Dukedom's honour.  
To chain your liking to a groom so base.  Con. 
He lies that calls me groom.  Enter julia. Iu. 
O God, forbear,  
His Excellence, your father's coming hither.  Mon. 
He comes in happy time, to know the cause,  
Why such great Princes have been made your scorn.  Euph. 
What will you tell him?  Mon. 
Will I? let me die  
Contemned of heaven, in public obloquy,  
If I reveal not this lascivious course.  Iu. 
We are undone.  Con. 
Hence with this prating Maid,  
If thou hast any anger in thy breast,  
Towards this Lady, turn it all on me,  
She is a woman, timorous by her kind,  
I manlike borne, and bear a manlike mind.  Mon. 
I'll try your courage— draw.  Eup. 
As thou fearest my frown,  
As thou hast hope to thrive in thy new choice,  
As thou respectest the favour of the gods,  
Welfare in any action thou intends,  
Do not reveal unto my fretful father  
This humble choice that my high birth hath made.  Mon. 
Why then forswear him.  Euph. 
Sooner set thy feet  
Upon my breast, and tread me to the ground.  Iu. 
As thou art any thing more than a beast.  
Do not procure my Lady such disgrace.  Mon. 
Peace bawd, I'll have no conference with you.  Euph. 
He cannot hurt me, 'tis my Love I fear,  
Although my father be as stern as war,  
Inexorable like consuming fire,  
As jealous of his honour, as his crown,  
To me his anger is like Zephyr's breath,  
Cast on a bank of summer violets:  flourish, 
But to my Love, like whirlwind to a boat,  
Taken in midst of a tumultuous sea.  Enter Duke of Saxony, and Frederick. 
Alas he comes, Montane, prithee peace,  
Courage sweet Love.  Con. 
I see our love must cease.  Euph. 
Not if my wit can help,  
It shall go hard but I'll prevent the traitor.  Mon. 
Hear me my Lord.  Eup. 
Hear me my gracious father.  Mon. 
Hear me my liege, there's treason in your Court,  
I have found a peasant in the Princess closet,  
And this is he that steals away her honour.  Euph. 
This villain gracious father 'tis that seeks  
To rob me of mine honour, you your daughter.  Mon. 
Now as you are a right heroic Prince,  
Be deaf unto your daughter's fair words.  Euph. 
Be deaf to him, as you regard yourself.  Duke. 
What strange confusion's this, that cloys our hearing?  Fred. 
Speak beauteous sister, who hath done thee wrong?  Mon. 
Herself.  Euph. 
This traitor.  Fre. 
Lord Montano.  Euphr. 
He.  Fred. 
Villain thou diest.  Mon. 
Stay, she means Constantine,  
He that I found enfolded in her closet,  
Reaping the honour, which a thousand Lords  
Have failed in seeking, in a lawful course.  Con. 
He does me wrong my gracious sovereign.  Iu. 
He wrongs my Lady, an't please your grace.  Mon. 
I'll tell the truth.  Euph. 
Or rather let me tell it.  Mon. 
Lascivious love is ever full of sleights.  Euph. 
Villains that seek by treason their desires,  
Want no suggestion to beguile a truth.  Mon. 
isaiah, I found this peasant in her closet,  
Kissing, embracing, and dishonouring her.  Euph. 
I say, an'c please your gracious Excellence.  
I found this Gentleman within my closet,  
There set by subornation of this Lord,  
And here appointed to dishonour me,  
Speak, is't not true?  Con. 
True, if it please your grace.  Duke. 
What say you strumpet?  jul. 
Since my Lady says so,  
I say an't please your Excellence.  Duke. 
Speak woman.  Iu. 
'Tis very true.  Mon. 
O monstrous forgery.  Fre. 
O more than falsehood to become so smooth,  
In such a dangerous action.  Duke. 
This is strange,  
Montano seek the ruin of my daughter.  Eup. 
Because I would not yield unto his suit,  
Which he in rapeful manner oft hath sought,  
He set this Gentleman to do me shame,  
Intending by exclaims to raise the Court,  
But that repentance in my waiting Maid,  
And of his sorrowful self, revealed the plot.  Mon. 
O ye gods, how am I overreached!  Duke. 
I know the young man to be well descended,  
Of civil carriage, and approved faith,  
How ere seduced to this enterprise.  Con. 
My conscience would not propagate that plot.  Ju. 
Nor mine my Lord, though gold corrupted me.  Mon. 
Clean from the bias wit, by heaven rare wit,  
I'll tell another tale, if they have done.  Duke. 
What canst thou speak vild traitor,  
Thou seest thou art prevented in thy plot,  
And therefore desperately coin'st any thing,  
But I am deaf to all such stratagems.  Mon. 
Will you not hear me?  Duke. 
Forgeries and lies,  
My daughter's honour is of that high prize,  
That I prefer it 'fore a traitor's brain,  
Let it suffice, we know she hath denied thee,  
And some denied (like devils) turn their love,  
Into excrutiation of themselves,  
And of the parties whom they have beloved;  
Revenge gins where flatteries do end,  
Being not her husband, thou wilt be no friend.  
Thus is thy policy by heaven prevented,  
Therefore henceforth, we banish thee our Court,  
Our Court? our territory, every place,  
Wherein we bear the state of Royalty:  
Urge no reply, the fact is plainly proved,  
And thou art hateful where thou wert beloved.  Mon. 
My gracious Lord.  Duke. 
We can afford no grace,  
Stay there, and read thy ruin in my face.  Mon. 
I go, contented with this heavy doom  
'Twas mine own seeking, fair, and wise adieu,  
Deceit hath killed conceit, you know 'tis true.  Fre. 
An upright sentence of an act so vild.  Duk. 
Remove this waiting virgin from your chamber,  
But let this gentleman attend on me,  
The best may be deceived by treachery.  Euph. 
Then so my gracious father may this maid.  Duke. 
Then let her keep her place, beware of gold,  
Honour's too precious to be basely sold.  
Now to our dying friend, his grace of Meath,  
Daughter prepare you, you shall ride along,  
For to that end we came, come son to horse,  
Ere we come there, our friend may prove a coarse.  Euph. 
'twas well done both, this action rarely fell,  
Where women try their wits, bad plots prove well.  Exeuxt omnes. Enter three Beggars. 
1. Come away fellow louse, thou art ever eating,  
2. Have I not need, that must feed so many  
Cannibals, as will wait on me whether I will or no?  
3. Here's one in my neck, I would'twere on thy shoulder.  
1. Keep it yourself, I have retainers enough of mine own.  
2. But, whether are you going now?  
1. Why, are you our King, and do not know that?  
2. Your King? I am a very rognish King, and I have  
A company of lousy subjects.  Enter Hatto, and Alfrid conferring. 
2. But look about my ragged subjects here comes some body,  
1. O the devils, shall we ask them an alms?  
2. Why not, now the rats have eaten up their brother Bishop, they will be more charitable, your vecation you slaves.  
3. For the Lord sake be pitiful to a company of poor men.  Hatto. 
What cry is this? beggars so near the door  
Of our deceased brother; whip them hence,  
Or bring the Mastiff forth, worry them,  
They are lazy drones, 'tis pity such should live.  
1. I told you my Lord how we should find them: whip us,  
Lead the way sovereign, we'll none of your whipping.  Hat. 
Hence with these dogs, what make they near this house?  
2. He will be eaten with rats too, he looks like a piece of cheese already.  Hat. 
You Rogues.  Alf. 
Good brother stay yourself from wrath,  
Think on the Bishop and his odious death.  Hat. 
What odious death I pray?  Al. 
Eaten with Rats,  
Whilst he was living, for the wrong he did  
Unto the poor, the branches of our God.  Hat. 
'tis true, and therefore call the poor again,  
Come hither friends, I did forget myself.  
Pray for me, there's some silver for thy wants.  
2. Now the Lord bless you, and keep your good fate.  
From being Mouse-eaten, we came thinking  
We should have some dole at the Bishop's funeral,  
But now this shall serve our turn, we will  
Pray for you night and day.  Hat. 
Go to the back gate, and you shall have dole.  Om. 
O the Lord save thee.  Exeunt Beggars. Hat. 
These Beggars pray and curse, both in a breath,  
Oh wherefore should we fawn upon such curs,  
The mice of mankind, and the scorn of earth?  Alf. 
So said our brother.  Hat. 
And he was a Bishop,  
Had read the Scripture, and knew what he said.  Alf. 
But he hath brought that saying with his death,  
With such a loathsome and notorious death,  
As while the World's a World, 'twill speak of Meath.  Hat. 
The Lord Archbishop of Meath, and die by Rats.  Alf. 
He did proclaim relief unto the poor,  
Assembled them unto a private Barn,  
And having locked the door, set it on fire,  
Saying, he'd rid the country of such Mice,  
And Mice and Rats have rid him from the World:  Hat. 
Well, I'll not hurt the poor so publicly,  
But privately I'll grind their very hearts,  
Torture them living, and yet have their prayers,  
And by such means, that few or none shall know it.  Al. 
In such a course Alfred would wind with you,  
For though I counselled you to be more calm,  
'twas not in pity of their poverty,  
But to avoid their clamour, to give nothing,  
Will make them curse you: but to threaten them,  
Fly in your face, and spit upon your beard,  
No devil so fierce, as a bread-wanting heart,  
Especially being baited with ill terms,  
But what course can you take to plague these dogs?  Hat. 
Why, buy up all the corn, and make a dearth,  
So thousands of them will die under stalls.  Alf. 
And send it unto foreign nations,  
To bring in toys, to make the wealthy poor.  Hat. 
Or make our land bear wood instead of wheat.  Al. 
Enclose the commons, and make white meats dear.  Hat. 
Turn pasture into Park grounds, and starve cattle,  
Or twenty other honest thriving courses;  
The meanest of these, will beggar half a Kingdom.  Al. 
I have a commission drawn for making glass,  
Now if the Duke come, as I think he will;  
'twill be an excellent means to lavish wood,  
And then the cold will kill them, had they bread.  Hat. 
The iron Mills are excellent for that,  
I have a patent drawn to that effect,  
If they go up, down goes the goodly trees,  
I'll make them search the earth to find new fire.  Alf. 
We two are brothers, and the Duke's our brother,  
Shall we be brothers in Commission?  
And I'll persuade him to authorise thee  
His substitute in Meath, when he enjoys it.  Hat. 
Death I'll get thee Regent under him  
In Saxony, to oppress as well as I,  
And we will share the profits, live like Kings,  
And yet seem liberal in common things.  Al. 
Content, what though the Rats devoured our brother?  
Was not a Prophet murdered by a Lion?  
King Herod died of Lice, worms do eat us all,  
The Rats are worms, then let the Rats eat me,  
Is the dead course prepared?  Hat. 
Embalmed and coffined,  
The City keys delivered to my hands,  
We stay but only for his Excellence.  Enter Constantine. Con. 
The Duke is coming if it please your honours.  Al. 
And he is welcome, let the trumpets found.  second Flourish. Enter Duke of Saxon, Euphrata, and julia. Hat. 
Welcome, thrice welcome our renowned brother,  
Lo at thy feet, the Citizens of Meath,  
By us their Agents, do lay down the keys,  
And by this crownet, and sword resigned,  
The state Majestic to your Princely hands,  
Descended to you, by our brother's death.  Duke 
Then with your loves, and persons we receive it,  
Is then our brother the Archbishop dead?  Hat. 
Too true my Lord.  Euph. 
I am sorry for my uncle.  Hat. 
And of a death so public by report.  Al. 
Devoured by Rats, in strange and wondrous sort.  Duke. 
Can not this palace seated in the Rhine,  
In midst of the great River, (to the which  
No bridge, nor convey, other then by boats,  
Was to be had) ree him from vermin Rats?  Alf. 
Against their kind, the land Rats took the water  
And swom in little armies to the house,  
And though we drowned, and killed innumerable,  
Their numbers were like Hydra's heads increasing,  
Ruin bred more until our brother died.  Duke. 
The house is execrable, I'll not enter.  Hat. 
You need not fear my Lord, the house is free,  
From all resort of Rats, for at his death,  
As if a trumpet founded a retreat,  
They made a kind of murmur, and departed.  Du. 
Sure 'twas the hand of heaven, for his contempt  
Of his poor creatures: but what writs are those?  Hat. 
Commissions (if it please your grace) for glass  
For iron Mines, and other needful things.  Duke. 
Ourself invested in the government  
The City's care, shall lie upon your care.  Hat. 
Alfred our brother may await your grace seven,  
in Saxony, so please you to command.  Duke. 
We are now but three, that lately have been  
We have cause to love each other, for my part,  
Between you both, we give a brother's heart,  
Here, or at Saxonis, command at pleasure,  
I wear the coronet, be yours the treasure.  Al. 
We thank our brother.  Duke. 
Where's my son frederick's?  Enter Frederick with a glove. Fre. 
Father, the state of Meath desire your grace.  
To take the pains to pass unto the Senate.  Duke. 
What glove is that son Fred. in your hand!  Fre. 
I found it if it please your Excellence,  
near to the statehouse, the imbroiderie  
Is very excellent, and the fashion rare.  Duke. 
I have not seen a prettier form of hand?  
Daughter let's see, is't not too big for you?  Eup. 
Sure 'tis some admirable work of nature,  
If it fit any hand that owes this glove,  
If all the rest do parallel the hand.  Duke. 
Will it not on?  Euph. 
Not for a diadem,  
I'll try no longer, lest I shame myself.  Duke. 
Try julia.  Iu. 
My hand's bigger than my Ladies.  Duke. 
I cannot tell, but in my mind I feel  
A wondrous passion of I know not what.  Fre. 
The embroidered glove may be some child's no woman's  Duke, 
I should mistrust as much, but that this place  
Bears greater compass than a childish hand,  
I must command it.  Fre. 
Willingly my Lord.  Du. 
Then to the statehouse brothers lead the way.  
First our instalement, than a funeral day.  Exeunt Duke and brothers, and Fred. Enter Otho. Otho. 
Yonder she goes, the mirror of her sex,  
Stay beauteous Euphrata.  Euph. 
Otho, what julia?  Ju. 
Here Madam, what's your will.  Euph. 
Call Constantine,  
Tell him, his dear friend Otho is returned.  Iu. 
I will.  Otho. 
Stay julia.  Euph. 
Do as I bid you, go.  Exit julia. Otho. 
I had rather have a word or twain with you.  Euph. 
I have heard him oft inquire for thee his friend,  
I have heard him sigh, I have seen him weep for thee,  
Imagining some mischief, or distress  
Had fall'n thee since the closerts separation.  Otho. 
And what a slave am I to wrong this friend.  Enter Constantine with julia. Con. 
Where is he?  Iu. 
Here.  Con. 
The welcomest man alive,  
Unkind, how couldst thou stay from me so long?  Otho. 
I have been ill at ease, pray pardon me,  
But I rejoice to see my friend so well.  Euph. 
Some Lady's love hath made him melancholy.  Otho. 
She hath read the letter that I lately sent her,  
In a pomegranate, by those words I hope.  Con. 
Why speak you not, is't love, or melancholy?  Otho. 
If upon love my grief is melancholy.  Con. 
I'll have the best Physicians here in Meath.  
Assay by art to cure that malady.  Eup. 
'Gainst melancholy minds your only Physic  
Our Saxon doctors hold that principle,  
Now I remember you did lately send me  
A choice pomegranate, fetch it julia,  
Some of those grains well stirred in Gascoine wine,  
Is present remedy.  Otho. 
Madam, I'll none  
Of all fruits, that I hate.  Eu. 
And commended it so highly by the messenger that brought it.  Con. 
'twas well remembered, you shall take a grain.  Otho. 
You will but vex me.  Con. 
So his melancholy  
Doth make him froward with his dearest friend,  Enter julia with the pomegranate. 
'tis well done julia, quickly cut it up,  
And bring a cup of wine, or let me do't.  Otho. 
I see I shall be plagued with mine own wit:  
Being ashamed to speak, I writ my mind,  
Were you my friends, you would not martyr me  
With needless physic, fie upon this trasn,  
The very sight is loathsome.  Con. 
Take it up.  
But let me see, what letter's that that dropped,  
Came it from you, or from the Spanish fruit.  Iu. 
'tis all the grains that the pomegranate had.  Con. 
Then there's some treachery within these grains,  
I'll break it up,  
And 'tis directed to my Euphrata.  Eup. 
What may the tenure be, I pray thee read it.  He opens the letter & reads. Otho. 
O fall upon me some windshaken turrer,  
To hide me from the anger of my friend,  
O from his frown, because he is my friend,  
Were he an enemy, I would be bold.  
But kindness makes this wound; o this horror,  
The words of friends are stronger than their power.  Con. 
Withdraw good julia.  Exit julia. Eup. 
Pray what is it love?  Con. 
'tis love indeed to thee, but to my heart  
Every lose sentence is a kill dart.  
I brought this Gorges to my heart's delight.  
And he hath drowned his senses with the sight,  
Except thyself, all things to him were free,  
Otho, thou hast done me more than injury,  
Well mayst thou fix thy eye upon the earth,  
This action sith breeds a prodigious birth,  
It is so monstrous and against all kind,  
That the lights splendour would confound thy mind.  Otho. 
I have offended, prithee pardon me.  Con. 
What cause did move thee?  Otho. 
Her all-conquering sight.  Con. 
Couldst thou usurp upon my well known right?  Otho. 
Think I am flesh and blood, and she is fair.  Con. 
Think how I love thee.  Otho. 
There proceeds my care.  Con. 
Our amity hath been of ancient days,  
During which time, wronged I thee any ways?  Otho. 
Never.  Con. 
But rather I have done thee good.  Otho. 
I grant you have, o rather shed my blood,  
Then number the kind deeds between us past,  
For this unkindness here I love my last.  Euph. 
He doth repent, and will renounce his suit,  Otho. 
I do renounce it.  Con. 
O thou canst not do't.  Otho. 
Suffer me stay a while in her fair sight,  
IT will heal my wound and all love banish quite.  Con. 
The sight of the beloved, makes the desire  
That burned but slowly, flame like sparkling fire.  
As thou dost love me, take thee to some place,  
Where thou mayst ne'er see her, nor I thy face.  Otho. 
By what is dear betwixt us, by ourselves,  
I vow henceforth ten thousand deaths to prove,  
Then be a hindrance to such virtuous love.  Con. 
Break heart, 'tis for thy sake.  Otho. 
When I am dead,  
O then forget that I have injured.  Con. 
O hell of love.  Otho. 
Or rather hell of friends.  Con. 
Firmly till they love.  Otho. 
Then thus all friendship ends.  Exeunt.  

Actus Secundus.  Enter Duke, Frederick, Hatto and Alfred. Hat. 
Good brother hear some Music, 'twill delight you.  Al. 
I'll call the Actors, will you see a play?  Fre. 
Or gracious father, see me run the race,  
On a light footed horse, swifter than wind.  Duke. 
I pray forbear.  Al. 
This mood will make you mad,  
For melancholy Ushers frantic thoughts.  Hat. 
It makes hot wreaking blood turn cold and dry,  
And drithe and coldness are the signs of death.  Duke. 
You do torment me.  Fred. 
Is it any thing  
That I have done, offends your grace?  Hat. 
Or comes this hidden anger from my fault?  Alf. 
Here's none but gladly would resign his life,  
To do you pleasure, so please you to command.  Duke. 
I'faith you are too blame to vex me thus.  Hat. 
Then grounds this sorrow on your brother's death?  Fred. 
Or rather on the glove I lately found.  Duke. 
A plague upon the glove, what's that to me,  
Your prating makes me almost lunatic.  
As you respect my welfare, leave me, leave me,  
The sooner you departed, the sooner I  
Shall find some means to cure my malady.  Fred. 
Our best course is to be obedient.  Exeunt all but the Duke. Duke. 
Farewell,  
Was ever slave besotted like to me,  
That Kings have loved, those that they never saw,  
Is nothing strange, since they have heard their praise,  
Birds that by painted grapes have been deceived,  
Had yet some shadow to excuse their error,  
Pygmalion that did love an Ivory Nymph,  
Had an Idea to delight his sense,  
The youth that doted on Minerva's picture,  
Had some contentment for his eye  soft Music. 
But love, or rather an infernal hag,  
Envying Saxons greatness and his joys,  
Hath given me nothing but a trifling glove,  
As if by the proportion of the case,  
Art had the power to know the jewels nature,  
Or Nymph, or goddess, woman, or fair devil  
If any thing thou art within my brain,  
Draw thine own picture, let me see thy face,  
To dote thus grossly, is a gross disgrace.  Music within. 
I hear some Music, o ye Deities.  
Send you this heavenly consort from the spheres?  
To recreate a love-perplexed heart.  
The more it found'st, the more it refresheth,  
I see no instruments, nor hands that play,  
And my dear brothers durst not be so bold,  
'Tis some celestial rapture of the mind,  
No earthly harmony is of this kind,  
Now it doth cease, speak who comes there?  Enter Frederick, Alfred, and Hatto. Fred. 
Father.  Duke. 
From whence proceeds the Music that I heard?  Fred. 
The beauteous and the famous Courtesan,  
Allied unto the banished Montano,  
Admired Valontia, with a troop of youths,  
This day doth keep her yearly festival,  
To all her suitors, and this way she passed  
Unto her Arbour, when the Music played.  Duke. 
Admired Valentia, Courtesans are strange  
With us in Germany, except herself,  
Being a Venetian borne, and privileged,  
The state allows none here.  Fred. 
'tTwere good for Meath she were unpriviledgd  
And sent to Venice.  Al. 
Of all the faces that mine eye beheld,  
Hers is the brightest.  Duke. 
Is she then so fair?  Hat. 
O beyond all comparison of beauty.  Fred. 
Upon her hand,  
Father I saw the fellow to your glove.  Duke. 
What the embroidered glove you lately found?  Fred. 
Fellow to that.  Duke. 
Then let it be restored,  
What should a Prince retain a strumpet's glove?  
O ye eternal powers, am I ensnared  
With the affection of a common trull,  
Where's your commissions that you would have signed,  
'Tis time I had a precedent in Saxony,  
Receive our signet, and impress them strait,  
I'll remain here in Meath, some little time,  
Brother have care my Dukedom be well ruled,  
Here I put over my affairs to you,  
My son I leave unto the joys of youth,  
'tis pity that his mind should be oppressed  
So soon with care of governments,  
Go to your pleasures, seek your sister forth,  
Send Constantine to us, so leave me all,  
I am best accompanied with none at all.  Exeunt. Manet Duke. 
Either the Planets that did meet together,  
In the grand consultation of my birth,  
Were opposite to every good infusion,  
Or only Venus stood as retrograde,  
For but in love of this none loving trull,  
I have been fortunate even since my birth,  
I feel within my breast a searching fire,  
Which doth ascend the engine of my brain,  
And when I seek by reason to suppress  
The heat it gives, the greater's the excess:  
I loathe to look upon a common lip.  
Were it as coral as Aurora's cheek,  
Died with the fair virmillion sun:  
O but I love her, and they say she is fair,  
Now Constantine.  Enter Constantine. Con: 
Your grace did send for me.  Duke. 
Lend me your habit in exchange of mine,  
For I must walk the City for a purpose.  Con. 
Withal my heart, my habit and myself.  Duke. 
In any case, watch at the privy chamber.  
If any ask for me, say I am not well,  
And though it be my son, let him not enter.  Con 
I will.  Duke. 
Be careful gentle Constantine,  
Now fair Valentia, Saxon to thy bower,  
Comes like a jove to rain a golden shower.  Exit. Con. 
Prosper kind Lord, what ere the action be,  
Counsels of Princes should be ever free.  Exit. Enter Valentia, and Montano. Va. 
Torches and Music there, the room's too dark.  Mon. 
Prithee Niece  
Abandon this lascivious unchaste life,  
It is the only blemish of our house,  
Scandal unto our name, a Courtesan,  
O what's more odious in the ears of men!  Val. 
Then why do men resort to Courtesans,  
And the best sort; I scorn inferior grooms.  
Nor will I deny to draw aside my mask,  
To any meaner than a Noble man.  Val. 
Come, can you dance: a caper and a kiss,  
For every turn, I'll fold thee in my arms,  
And if thou fall'st although no a kin we be,  
That thou mayst light fall soft, I'll fall under thee,  
Oh for the lightness of all light heeled girls.  
And I would touch the Ceiling with my lips,  
Why art thou sad Montano?  Mon. 
On just cause,  
You know I am banished from my native country.  Val. 
This city is Meath, thou art of Saxony.  Mon. 
But this belongs unto the Saxons Duke:  
By the decease of the departed Bishop.  Val. 
Fear not, thou art as safe within my house,  
As if percullized in a wall of brass.  
Where's Vandermas?  Enter Vandermas. Van. 
Madam did you call?  Mon. 
What noble man is that, a suitor to you?  Val. 
An excellent Pander, a rare doorkeeper.  Mon. 
I had thought he had been a gentleman at least.  Val. 
Because of his attire?  Mon. 
True.  Val. 
O the attire, in these corrupted days, is no true sign  
To show the gentleman; peasants now wear robes  
In the habiliments of noblemen.  
The world's grown naught, such judgement than is base,  
For Hares and Asses we are the Lion's case.  Mon. 
'Tis very costly and exceeding rich.  Val. 
Riches to me, are like trash to the poor,  
I have them in abundance, gold's my slave,  
I keep him prisoner in a threefold chest,  
And yet his kindred daily visit me.  Mon. 
Lord how diligent  
Is this rich clothed fellow!  Val. 
Were he proud,  
And should but dare to stand still when I call,  
I'd run him through with a kill frown.  Mon. 
Why then belike his service is for love.  Val: 
Why so are all the servants that attend me,  
They keep themselves in satin, velvets, gold,  
At their own charge, and are diligent,  
Days, months, and years, to gain an amorous smile.  
Look on my face with an indifferent eye.  
And thou shalt find more music in my looks,  
Then in Amphion's Lute, or Orpheus' Harp,  
Mine eye consists of numbers like the soul,  
And if there be a soul, 'tis in mine eye,  
For of the harmony these bright stars make,  
I comprehend the forms of all the world,  
The story of the Sirens in my voice,  
Is only verified, for Millions stand  
In chanted, when I speak, and catch my words,  
As they were orient pearl to adorn their ears,  
Circe is but a fable, I transform  
The virtuous, valiant, and the most precise,  
Into what form of mind my fancy please,  
Thou mightst be proud great Lord of my abundance,  
For in this beauty I shall more renown  
Our noble progeny, than all the pens  
Of the best Poets that ere writ of men.  
Unto your health, a health, let Music sound,  Music. 
That what I taste, in Music may be drowned.  
So, fill more wine, we use to drink up all,  
Wine makes good blood, and cheers the heart withal.  Van. 
Madam, at such time as I heard you call,  
A gentleman it seems of good descent,  
Humbly did crave access unto your honour,  Valen. 
What did he give?  Van. 
A brace of bags of gold.  Valen. 
He shall have liberty to enter strait.  
But first enrich the chamber with perfumes.  
Burn choice Arabian Drugs more dear than  
Waters distilled out of the spirit of Flowers,  
And spread our costly Arras to the eye.  
Myself sufficiently do shine in gems,  
Where such fair coated Heralds do proceed,  
It seems he is honourable and of noble same.  Mon. 
Shall I behold this suitor?  Valen. 
At the full,  
At pleasure pass through every spacious Room,  
Be he a Prince, I'll know his high descent.  
Or proudly scorn to give him his content,  
What drum is that?  Van. 
A Mask sent by a friend.  Valen. 
Belike ourself must know the mystery,  
Tell them we are prepared to see the Mask,  
And bid the other noblemen come near,  
Thus am I hourly visited by friends,  
beauty's a counsellor that wants no fee,  
They talk of circles and of powerful spells,  
Here's heavenly art, that all black art excels,  Mon. 
I'll walk into the farther gallery.  Enter Duke. Valen. 
Sir you are welcome what so ere you be,  
I guess your birth great by your bounteous fee.  Duke. 
Your humble servant bound by a sweet kiss.  Valen. 
I give you freedom gentle Sir by this.  He whispers her. Val. 
I know your mind, first censure of the sport,  
Than you and I will enter Venus Court.  Du. 
More than immortal, o more than divine,  
That such perfection should turn Concubine.  Mon. 
That voice is like unto the Saxon Dukes,  
I fear he hath heard I lived here in this place,  
And he is come to do me more disgrace,  
Montano hide thyself till he be gone,  
His daughter thirsts for my destruction.  Exit Mont Val. 
Come sit by me, the Maskers are at hand,  Enter Mask. 
Where are my Maids, to help to make the dance?  Enter 2. Maids. They dance, Valentia with them, they whisper to to have her play at dice, and stake on the drum. Valen. 
What shall we have a Mumming? here's my jewel.  Play on the drum head. Duke. 
Thou art a jewel most incomparable,  
Malicious heaven, why from so sweet a face  
Have you exempt the mind adorning grace?  they stake and play. She wins, the drum strikes up. Val. 
More gold, for this is mine, I thank ye dice  Duke. 
And so are all that do behold thy beauty,  
Were she as chaste as she is outward bright,  
Earth would be heaven, and heaven eternal night,  
The more I drink of her delicious eye,  
The more I plunge into captivity.  She wins, strike up. Valen. 
Have I won all? then take that back again,  
What scorn my gift, I see you are gentlemen,  
No, is't not possible that I may know,  
Unto whose kindness this great debt I own?  
Well, I'll not be importunate, farewell,  
Some of your gold let the torchbearers tell.  Duk. 
Beauteous Madonna, do you know these gallants?  Valen. 
I guess them of the Duke of Saxons Court.  Duke. 
My subjects, and so many my corrivals,  
O every slave is graced before his Prince.  Valen. 
Are you not well sir, that your colour fades.  Duke. 
If I be sick, 'tis only in the mind,  
To see so fair, so common to all kind.  
I am grown jealous now of all the world,  
Lady how ere you prise me, without pleasure,  
More than a kiss, I tender you this treasure.  
O what's a mint spent in such desire,  
But like a spark that makes a greater fire?  
She must be made my Duchess, there it goes,  
And marrying her, I marry thousand woes.  
Adieu kind Mistress, the next news you hear,  
Is to sit crowned in an Imperial crown.  Exit. Valen. 
Either the man dislikes me, or his brain,  
Is not his own to give, such gifts in vain.  
But 'tis the custom in this age to cast  
Gold upon gold, to encourage men to waste,  
Lightly it comes, and it shall lightly fly.  
Whilst colours hold, such presents cannot die.  Exit. Enter Reinaldo, Alfred and Albert. Alb. 
But this is strange, that I should have her honour?  
So fare from Court, pray whither were you riding?  Alf. 
Unto your manor, heard you not the news.  Alb. 
What news?  Alf. 
This morning by the break of day,  
His excellence sent to me by a post,  
Letters, by which the pillars of the state  
Should be assembled to a Parliament,  
Which he intends my Lords, to hold in Meath.  Alb. 
When if it please your honour?  Alf. 
Instantly, withal the haste that winged time can make.  Albert. 
Sooner the better,  
'tis like the realm's affairs are of some weight.  Alb. 
I will be there to night,  
And so I take my leave.  Reinal. 
We take our leaves.  Exit Albert, and Reinaldo. Alf. 
Farewell my honoured friend,  
There is within my brain a thousand wiles,  
How I may heap up riches, o the sight  
Of a gold shining Mountain doth exceed,  
Silver is good, but in respect of gold,  
Thus I esteem it.  Exit. Enter Hatto with three petitioners. Hat. 
How now my friends, what are you?  
1. Poor petitioners.  Hat. 
Stand farther then, the poor is as unpleasing Unto me as the plague.  
2. An't please your good Lordship, I am a Merchant and gladly would convey a thousand quarters of wheat and other grain over the sea, and here's a hundred pounds for a commission.  Hat. 
Thou art no beggar, thou shalt have't my friend, Give me thy money.  
3. I an't please your honour have a commodity of good broad cloth, not past two hundred, may I ship them over, and there's a hundred pounds.  Hat. 
Thou shalt have leave.  
1. Although I seem a poor petitioner,  
My Lord I crave a warrant to transport  
A hundred Cannons, fifty Culverings,  
With some slight armours, halberds, and half pikes,  
And there's as much as any of the rest.  Hat. 
Away Cannibal, wouldst thou ship ordnance?  
What though we send unto the foes our corn,  
To fatten them, and cloth to keep them warm,  
Let's not be so forgetful of ourselves  
As to provide them knives to cut our throats,  
So I should arm a thief to take my purse,  
Hast thou no other course of Merchandise?  
Thou shouldst get gold, 'twill yield thee ten in the hundred  
On bare exchange, and raise the price with us,  
Make us for want, coin, brass, and pass it currant,  
Until we find profit to call it in,  
There are a thousand ways to make thee thrive,  
And I'll allow of all be it ne'er so bad,  
Excepting guns to batter down our houses.  
1. Letters of Mart I humbly then entreat,  
To cease on Rovers that do scour the seas.  Hat. 
And on our friends too, if thou canst do't cleanly,  
Spare none, but pass it very closely,  
We will be loath to sift thy piracy.  
But open care to hear what they complain,  
Hast thou a Letter?  
1. Ready drawn my Lord,  
And here's a brace of hundred pounds for you.  Hat. 
'Tis very well, I think I shall be rich,  
If daily tenants pay me rend thus fast,  
Give me your licenses, they shall be sealed,  
About an hour hence, here attend our pleasure.  Omnes. 
We thank your Lordship.  Exeunt petiti. Hat. 
O vild caterpillars,  
And yet how necessary for my turn,  
I have the Duke's seal for the City Meath,  
With which I'll sign their warrants,  
This corn and twenty times as much  
Already covertly conveyed to France,  
And other bordering Kingdoms near the sea,  
Cannot but make a famine in this land,  
And then the poor like dogs will die apace,  
I'll seem to pity them, and give them alms,  
To blind the world, 'tis excellent policy,  
To rid the land of such, by such denice,  
A famine to the poor, is like a frost  
Unto the earth, which kills the paltry worms,  
That would destroy the harvest of the spring,  
As for the which, I count them painful men  
Worthy to enjoy what they can get,  
Beggars are trash, and I esteem them so,  
Starve, hang, or drown themselves, I am alive,  
Lose all the world, so I have wit to thrive,  
But I must to the Parliament, and then  
I'll have a clause to beggar some rich meu.  Exit.  

Actus Tertius.  Enter Duke, Frederick, Constantine, Reinaldo, Alberto, Alfrid, and amongst them Hatto shuffles in. Alberto. 
Princes and pillars of the Saxon State.  Duke. 
You are the elected, speak for the Court,  
Stay Lord Alberto, we usurp your office,  
Who had the charge to fetch Valentia.  Con. 
I gracious Lord, and when I gave the charge,  
A sudden scare by paleness was displared  
Upon her rosy cheek, the crimson blood,  
That like a robe of state did beautify  
The goodly buildings with a two fold grace,  
From either side shrunk downwards to her heart,  
As if those summons were an adversary,  
And had some mighty crime to charge her with,  
Millions of thoughts were crowded in her brains,  
Her troubled mind, her abrupt words described,  
She did accuse herself without accusers,  
And in the terror of a soul perplexed,  
Cried out, the Duke intends to cease my goods,  
'Cause I am noted for a Concubine,  
I did reply such comfort as beseems,  
But comfortless I brought her to the Court.  Duke. 
Then she attends our pleasure?  Con. 
Mighty Lord in the next Room.  Duke. 
You are careful Constantive,  
Conduct her in, and Lords give me your thoughts,  
What think ye we intent to Valentia?  Alf. 
Herself hath read my sentence in the speech,  
That Constantine delivered to your grace.  Fred. 
What should my noble father think,  
But that she is a strumpet, and in that,  
A blemish to the state wherein she lives.  Hat. 
She is rich in jewels, and hath store of treasure,  
Got by the slavery of that choice beauty,  
Which otherwise admires her to the world.  Alb. 
Confiscate all her goods unto the Crown,  
Thereby disburdening many heavy taxes.  
Imposed upon the commons of the land.  Hat. 
Public example make her to all such  
Offences in that kind are grown too common,  
Less shameless now were the beauteous dames  
Of Meath and Saxony, when the sufferance  
Hath at this instant made them good my Lord,  
Enact some mighty penalty for lust.  Duke. 
How wide these Archers shoot from the fair aim  
Of my affection: bring Valentia in.  Enter Valentia, ushered by Constantine. Valen. 
The duty that in general I do owe  
Unto your excellence and to this Court,  
I pay at once upon my bended knee.  Duke. 
Behold her Princes with impartial eyes,  
And tell me, looks she not exceeding fair?  Hat. 
If that her mind cohered with her fair face,  
She were the worthy wonder of this age.  Alfred. 
I never saw a beauty more divine,  
Grossly deformed by her notorious lust.  Fred. 
Fairness and wantonness have made a match  
To dwell together, and the worst spoils both.  Albert. 
She is doubly excellent in sin and beauty.  Duke. 
That they speak truth my conscience speaks,  
But that I love her that I speak myself:  
Stand up divine deformity of nature,  
Beauteous corruption, heavenly seeing evil,  
What's excellent in good and bad stand up,  
And in this Chair prepared for a Duke,  
Sat my bright Duchess, I command thee sit:  
You look I am sure for some apology,  
In this rash action; all that I can say  
Is that I love her, and will marry her.  Fred. 
How, love a Lais, a base Rodophe,  
Whose body is as common as the Sea  
In the receipt of every lustful spring?  Albert. 
The elements of which these orbs consists  
Fire, air, and water, with the good we tread  
Are not more vulgar, common, popular  
Then her embracements.  Alberto. 
To inch●yne the thoughts  
Unto this dissemblance of lascivious love  
Were to be married to the broad road way,  
Which doth receive the impression of every kind.  Fred. 
Speech doth want modesty to set her forth  
In her true form, base and contemptible,  
The very hinds and peasants of the land  
Will be Corrivals with your excellence,  
If you espouse such a notorious Trull.  Albert. 
We shall have lust a virtue in the Court:  
The ways of sin be furthered by reward:  
Panders and Parasites sit in the places  
Of the wise Counsellors and hurry all.  Fred. 
Father as you are princely in your birth,  
Famous in your estate, beloved of all  
And (which adds greatest glory to your greatness)  
Esteemed wise: Show not such open folly,  
Such palpable, such gross, such mountain folly,  
Be not the Byword of your neighbour Kings,  
The scandal of your Subjects, and the triumph  
Of Lenos mathrens' and the hateful stews:  
Why speak you not that are his brother friends,  
You that do wear the Liveries of time,  
The silver cognizance of gravity?  
Shall none but young me school? the reverend old  
Birds teach the Dam, stars fill the glorious spheres  
Of the all lightning Sun, speak whilst you may,  
Or this rash deed will make a fatal day.  Duke. 
You have said too much, encourage none to speak  
More than have spoke; by my royal blood,  
My mind's established not to be withstood,  
Those that applaud my choice give us your hands,  
And help to tie these sacred nuptial bands.  Hat. 
What likes your excellence, likes me well.  Alfred. 
And I agree to what my Sovereign please.  Fred. 
These are no brothers, they are flatterers,  
Contrary to themselves in their own speech,  
You that do love the honour of your Prince  
The care and long life of my father,  
The hereditary right derived to me,  
Your country's Welfare and your own renown,  
Lend me your hands to pluck her from the throne.  Valen. 
Princes forbear, I do not seek the match,  
It is his highness' pleasure I fit here,  
And if he love me 'tis no fault of mine,  
Behoves me to be thankful to his Grace,  
And strive in virtue to deserve this place.  Duke. 
Thou speakest too mildly to these hare brained youths:  
He that presumes to pluck her from the chair  
Dies in the attempt, this sword shall end all care.  Fred. 
Why, she's notorious.  Duke. 
But she will amend.  Fred. 
'Tis too fare grown to have a happy end.  Duke. 
The dangerous the disease greater's the cure.  Fred. 
Prince's may seek renown by ways more sure,  
She is dishonest.  Duke. 
honesty's unseen,  
she's fair, and therefore fit to be a Queen.  Fred. 
But virtue is to be preferred ere lust.  Duke. 
Those that are once false shall we ne'er trust?  Fred. 
Wise men approve their actions by the trial.  Duke. 
I say she is mine in spite of all denial.  
Bring me the Crown.  Fred. 
To set upon her head?  
Friends draw your swords first strike the strumpet dead.  Duke. 
My guard, my guard.  Alfred. 
For shame put up your swords.  Fred. 
For shame great Rulers leave your flattering words.  Albert. 
'Tis madness in the King, and worse in you.  Hat. 
Though you prove traitors we'll not prove untrue.  Fred. 
Will you dismiss this Strumpet to the stews,  
Or our allegiance in this act refuse.  Duke. 
Do what you dare, the election still shall stand.  Fred. 
Woe and destruction than must rule the land.  
Come Lord Rinaldo, valiant Alberto come,  
We have friends enough to grace a warlike Drum.  A shout within. 
Hark how the Commons do applaud our cause,  
Lascivious Duke, farewell father, oh vild,  
Where Queans are mothers, Frederick is no child.  Exeunt. Duke. 
My guard pursue them, and alive or dead,  
Cut off the cause by which these cries are bred,  
Come my fair Duchess first unto the Church,  
There solemnize our nuptials, then unto our arms,  
A little rough breath over bears these storms.  Exeunt. Manet Alfred & Hatto. Alfred. 
The Duke's besotted now we are secure,  
This match makes well for us, we may command,  
And on them lay the abuses of the land.  Hat. 
Excellent good, we are like to have wars indeed,  
But in the mean the poor will starve for bread,  
We must share profits howe'er things go  
Winner, or loser, neither is our foe,  
For mutually we'll bear ourselves in all,  
Or taking part lean to the strongest wall.  Exeunt. Enter Constantine and Euphrata. Eup. 
My father married to a Concubine,  
Then he will pardon though I marry thee,  
And howsoe'er, about it presently,  
The rather for Montano is repealde  
Because of his alliance to Valentia.  Con. 
I am ready gentle love and glad in mind  
That my fair Euphrata will prove so kind.  Euph. 
Come my dear Constantine perform this right,  
And arm in arm thus will we sleep to night.  Exeunt. Enter Frederick, Rinaldo, and Alberto with Drum, Colours, and Soldiers. Fred. 
You that are careful of your country's weal,  
Fellow compeer, Supporter of the State,  
Let us embrace in steel, our cause is good,  
What mind so base that would not shed his blood  
To free his country from so great an ill,  
As now reigns in it by lascivious will,  
Our friends to war, and for my part,  
Ere lust bear sway I'll gladly yield my heart.  Alberto. 
I hear the Duke is strong.  Fred. 
Suppose him so,  
And be advised strongly to meet the foe:  
I had rather you should think him ten thousand strong,  
Then find it so to our destruction,  
An enemy thought many and found few,  
When our first courage fails gives us a new.  Alarm. Albert. 
That's the Duke's Drum.  Fred. 
They are welcome to their death,  
The ground they tread on covers them with earth.  Exeunt. Enter Frederick and Duke several. Fred. 
The enemy sends forth a Champion,  
To encounter me, I heard him use my name,  
The honour of the combat shall be mine.  Duke. 
Come boy retreat not, only I intent,  
With thy life's loss this bloody war to end.  Fred. 
My natural father in my blood I feel,  
Passion more powerful than that conquering steel.  Duke. 
Why dost thou pause base boy thy Soveraigne's come,  
To inter the life I gave thee, in this tomb.  Fred. 
My father, oh my father: nature be still,  
That I may have my fame, or he his will.  Duk. 
What dost thou fear thy cause, is't now so evil?  Fred. 
I am possessed with a relenting devil;  
Legions of kind thoughts have surprised my sense,  
And I am too weak to be mine own defence.  Duke. 
Thou art a coward.  Fred. 
And you make me so:  
For you come charmed like a dishonoured foe,  
You have conferred with spirits, and ta'en their aids  
To make me weak, by them I am betrayed,  
My strength drawn from me by a slight,  
What other means could hold me from the fight?  Duke. 
I have no spells about me.  Fred. 
'tis untrue,  
For natural Magic you have brought with you,  
And such an exorcism in your name,  
That I forbear the combat to my shame:  
But that I am no coward, from your host  
Elect two of the valiantest that dare most,  
Double that number, triple it, or more,  
I have heart at will t'encounter with a score.  
Or had yourself come in a strange attire,  
One of us twain had lost his living fire.  Duke. 
I'll try your valour: see audacious boy,  
Thou art encompassed with a world of foes,  
Montano, Alfred Vandermas and all,  
My Duchess comes too to, behold thy fall.  
If thou hast spirit enough, now crave her aid,  
Never was poor venturous soldier worse apaid.  Exit Duke. Fred. 
My desire now from the sky of stars,  
Dart all your Deity, since I am beset,  
In honourable wise pays all Nature's debt.  They fight, Frederick beats them off, and courses the Duchess over the stage.  

Actus quartus.  Enter Duke, Montano, Valentia, Hatto and Alfred, Drum, Colours and Soldiers. Duke. 
Our anger long ago, renowned Lords,  
Is satisfied in fair Valentia's love.  
Behold our proud son and these traitorous crew,  
That dares confront us in the field of Mars.  Valen. 
You have been too patiented, my beloved Lord,  
In calming these tumultuous jarring spirits:  
Scourge them with steel, and make the proudest know,  
'tis more than death to have their Prince their foe.  Mon. 
Bloody constraints beseems where duty fails,  
And Oratory ceasing, force prevails.  Hat. 
Peace would do better, so it pleased your son.  Fred. 
In her allurements first begun,  
Banish her from the land, and I'll resign.  Duk. 
Learn thine own duty traitor, I know mine.  Albert. 
Then there's no banishment.  Duk. 
None but by death.  
Thy head is forfeit for that daring breath.  Alfred. 
Submit degenerate and presumptuous Lord.  Albert. 
When we are ignorant to wield a sword.  Fred. 
Never shall noble knee bend to this ground,  
As long as that vile strumpet liveth crowned.  Duk. 
I cannot stay to hear my love depraved,  
In few words is it peace, or shall we fight,  
Till our deep wounds shall damp the heavenly light,  
Make the air purple with the reaking gore.  Fre. 
Fight whilst life serves you, we will ne'er give over,  
The grass green pavement shall be drowned in blood,  
And yet I'll wade to kill her in the flood.  Duke. 
Alarm Drum, madness is on their side,  
All virtuous counsel is by them defied.  
Upon our part strike Drums, Trumpets proclaim,  
Death most assured to those that have their shame.  Alarm, fight lustily and drive away the Duke, Frederick pursues Valentia, over the stage, and takes her, a Retreat sounded. Enter at one door the Duke, Mon, Hatto, and Alfred with Drum and Colours. Enter at the other door Frederick leading Valentia prisoner, Rinaldo and Alberto with Drum and Colours. Duke. 
Why do traitors sound retreat so soon?  Fred. 
Behold the cause.  Duke. 
Valentia prisoner?  Fred. 
The firebrand of this tumultuous war,  
The original from whence your subjects blood  
Flows in abundance of this spacious play.  Valen. 
And what of all this?  Fred. 
That thy life's too mean  
To satisfy the unworthiest of the Camp,  
For the effusion of a loyal drop.  Duk. 
Means Frederick then to kill his father's heart,  
In fair Valentia's death?  Fred. 
Not touch your hand, other  
Then humble as becomes a son:  
But she shall suffer for enchanting you.  Valen. 
I am a Duchess, set my ransom down.  Fred. 
A duchess! whence proceeds that borrowed name?  
Of what continuance? scarcely hath the Sun  
Beheld thy pride a day, but doth decline,  
Shaming to view a crowned Concubine.  Duke. 
In mine own honour Frederick,  
I command thou set a ransom on Valentia.  Fred. 
What honour's that? your Dukedom's interest?  
Your princely birth? your honourable fame?  
All these are blemished with a strumpet's name.  Mon. 
Be not so cruel to bereave her life,  
'Twill draw upon thee a perpetual scar:  
Thy father's curse, and a continual war.  Duke. 
Oh do not threaten, Frederick is so mild,  
He will not prove such a degenerate child:  
I cannot blame him tho' he rise in arms,  
'Twas not in hate to me, but in disdain,  
That I should sell my royalty so vain,  
But did he know the value of the iem,  
He would not crase it for a Dyadem:  
That she was common her own words approve,  
But many faults are covered where men love,  
As thou respects my blessing and good days,  
Restore her Frederick and augment her praise.  Fred. 
Restore her?  Albert. 
Never.  Duke. 
Albert Thou wert kind and I ne'er wronged thee,  
Do not change thy mind.  Hat. 
You do abase your honour to entreat.  Duke. 
How can I choose my affection is so great.  Alfred. 
Your power is strong, the enemy is but weak.  Duke. 
In her destruction all my powers will break,  
As thou dost hope of kindness in thy choice,  
If ere thou love, give ear unto my voice,  
Turn not aside thy eye, the fears I feel,  
Makes me to bow where 'tis thy part to kneel:  
Lo vassailelike, laying aside command,  
I humbly crave this favour at thy hand,  
Let me have my beloved, and take my state,  
My life I undervalue to that rate:  
Crave any thing that in my power doth lie,  
'tis thine, so fair Valentia may not dye.  Fred. 
My soul is grieved, and it appalls my blood,  
To see my father puzzled in such mood:  
Yet shall she dye, I'll do as I have said  
With mine hand, I'll chop off the Stumpets' head.  Alberto. 
Kill her my Lord, or let me have the honour.  Duke. 
Tiger's would save her, if they looked upon her,  
She is so beautiful, so heavenly bright,  
That she would make them love her for the sight,  
Thou art more rude than such if thou proceed,  
In the execution of so vild a deed:  
Remember one thing, I did never love,  
Till thou my Frederick brought'st that fatal Glove:  
That and the Owners name thou didst descry,  
Only for that cause let not my love dye.  Fred. 
O gods!  Duke. 
Cannot my kneeling serve, my tears prevail.  
When all helps fail me, yet this will not fail:  
Proffer thy weapon to her beauteous side,  
And with her heart, my heart I will divide:  
Entreaty I'll urge none more than are past:  
And either now relent or here's my last.  Fred. 
Stay, if I should relent; will you agree,  
To sign our general pardon presently?  Duke. 
By heaven I do, I freely pardon all,  
And a reward I give in general.  Fred. 
Then take her, you deserve her were she better,  
Making your Crown and life to be her Debtor.  Duke. 
Welcome a thousand times, welcome sweet wife:  
Never more dear than now, I have sold thy life.  Valen. 
This more than kindness I turn back to you,  
Doubling my chaste vow to be ever true.  Fred. 
Then here the wars end, are our fightings manned:  
Yet by your leave I'll stand upon my Guard.  Duke. 
Take any course you please, City, or Town,  
My royal word I'll keep by this my Crown.  Fred. 
Then thus I'll take my leave.  Duke. 
Since we must part,  
Farewell my Son, all farewell with my heart.  Exount Fred. and his. Mon. 
'twas well my Lord, 'twas a good policy,  
To gain your bride, I hope your grace did not mean,  
To be thus overrulde by a proud Son.  Duke. 
Why think you he intends some treachery?  Mon. 
Why not, and did release Valentia.  
To blind your eyes; he that could be so proud,  
To rise in arms against his natural Father,  
Hath courage to do more when he sees time.  Duke. 
But I have pardoned that offence by oath.  Mon. 
It were no perjury to make him know,  
He is your Son, and sons a duty own:  
This sequestration will in time aspire,  
Unto a flame shall set your Realm on fire:  
War when a Subject hath the means of will,  
'Tis not enough to say he has no will.  
For will is altered by the place and time,  
And he that's once up, knows the way to climb:  
I speak perchance like a prophetic fool,  
But these are wise can counsel, with your bride  
Wisdom adviseth timely to provide.  Duke. 
What thinks my love of frederic reconcilement?  Valen. 
That he has spirit enough to be a traitor:  
But I am be holding to him for a life,  
And he may brag he gave your grace a wife:  
A good old man, he could not choose but feel,  
For shame some small remorse, to see you kneel,  
Pray God he gave me not into your hand.  
That he might be the ruin of your land.  Duke. 
Thinks my love so? but brothers what's your censure?  Hat. 
I am no Politician.  Alfred. 
Neither I.  
We are both content to live quietly.  Duke. 
He may be a villain tho' he be my Son.  Mon. 
Why not, and work your ruin like a foe;  
Had he meant well, why did he leave you so?  
Your noble heart was free from all deceit,  
But he's retired to do some dangerous feat,  
When Subjects stand upon their guard look to't,  
They have some plot in hand and they will do't.  Duke. 
What course is readiest to prevent such mischief?  Mon. 
Pluck up the fulsome thistle in the prime;  
Young trees bend lightly but grow strong in time:  
Were I the worthiest to advise your honour,  
You should pursue him with your spreading bands,  
Swifter in march then is the lightning flame,  
And take him tardy whilst his plots are tame;  
Now to charge on his army questionless,  
Would drive them all into a great distress,  
If not confound them, having ta'en your Son,  
You may be as kind, and do as he hath done:  
So shall he know himself, and be less proud.  Valen. 
The counsels good.  Duke. 
And it shall be allowed.  
You that do love me, see the host prepared,  
To scare those traitors that our lives have scared:  
Our army's many, but their power is free;  
Besides they are traitors, all with us are true:  
Sound Drums and trumpets, make the world rebound,  
Hearten our friends, and all our foes confound.  Alarm. Exeunt. Enter Montano with two or three Soldiers. Vandarman leading Frederick bound. Fred. 
Base cowards, traitors, how am I surprised  
With these bonds? I am a Prince by birth,  
And princely spirits disdain such clogs of earth;  
Let go you slaves.  Mon. 
First know your father's pleasure.  Fred. 
You are too bold.  Mon. 
But you shall keep a measure.  Fred. 
Thou blood of common Concubines must I,  
Be bound by thee, and heir of Saxony?  Duke. 
It is our pleasure.  Enter Duke and Valen. Valen. 
Have you caught him so?  
Now shall you wait the mercy we will show:  
I was too base to be your father's wife.  Duke. 
But he shall sue to thee to save his life.  Fred. 
Perjured, ungrateful, unnatural,  
Is this the Pardon given in general.  Duke. 
we'll talk of that hereafter, make him fast.  Valen. 
Help Vandermas, ourself will aiding be,  
To keep in awe such senseless treachery.  Duke. 
My help and all to prison there till death,  
Remain in duresse.  Fred. 
Rather stop my breath,  
Strangle me with these cords, prison to me  
Is twenty deaths, I will have liberty:  
Now as you are a father be more kind,  
You did not find me in so stern a mind:  
And you forgetful of the life I saved:  
Shall a Duke's Son by treason thus be slaved?  
If you suspect my love, grant me the fight,  
I dare in single combat any knight,  
Any adventurer, any ponderous hind,  
To prove my faith of an unfeigned mind.  Duke. 
Away with him.  Fred. 
I see my death's set down,  
And some adulterous heir must wear that Crown:  
To entreat a Rodophe, I had rather dye,  
Then have my life lodged in such infamy:  
If all my fortunes on her words depend,  
Let her say kill me, and so make an end.  Duke. 
Why stay you?  Vander. 
Good my Lord.  Fred. 
Peace untaught Groom:  
My heart's so great that I'd forerun my doom:  
There's no release meant, you have vowed I see,  
To dam your souls by wilful perjury.  
Yet that I am myself let these words show,  
To die is natural, 'tis a death I own,  
And I will pay it with a mind as free,  
As I enjoyed in my best liberty.  
But this assure yourself, when all is done,  
They'll kill the father, that will kill the son.  Exit. Duke. 
What's to be done now?  Mon. 
Seal unto his death;  
Your warrant ne'er the sooner takes effect:  
'Twill be a means to make him penitent,  
And pardon's meet for such as do repent.  
Seeing his fault, he'll taste your mercy best,  
When now he proudly thinks he is oppressed.  Duke. 
A Warrant shall be signed, and unto thee  
I do commend it: deal not partially,  
If he be sorry, and in true remorse  
Cancel the Writ, else let it have full force.  
Had I ten sons, as I have only this,  
They should all die ere thou deprived of bliss:  
So great is my affection, my fair wife,  
That to save thine Ide frankly give my life.  
Come, we'll about it straight, all time seems long,  
Where thou hast found flight cause to fear my wrong.  Valen. 
That writ I'll take, and a conclusion try,  
If he can love he life's, if hate me, die.  
For howe'er I seem to scorn the man,  
he's somewhat dear in my affection.  
Here comes your brothers.  Enter Alfred and Hatto. Alfred. 
May it please your grace,  
By chance entering into Saint Mary's Church  
This morn by break of day, I espied  
That that I know will vex your Excellence:  
Your daughter Euphrata is married  
To the ambitious beggar Constantine.  Duk. 
My daughter married my Chamber-squire!  Mon. 
Your Excellence did banish me the land,  
Because I did suspect her with that fellow.  Duke. 
He shall be tortured with th'extremest plague  
For his presumption— Have you brought them,  
That I may kill them with a kill look.  Hat. 
Without direction we have ventured to lay upon them  
Your strict command, and they attend.  Duke. 
Bring the presumptuous.  Enter Constantine and Euphrata, Otho following in disguise. Euphr. 
Forward Constantine, our Rites are done,  
Thou art my husband: do not fear his eye,  
The worst it can import is but to die.  Duke. 
Base and degenerate.  Euphr. 
He is a Gentleman,  
'Twas base in you to wed a Courtesan.  Mon. 
Her brother's spirit right, bold and audacious.  Euph. 
Then I am no bastard, wherefore should I fear,  
The knot is sacred, and I hold it dear.  
I am wedded unto virtue, not to will,  
Such blessed unions never bring forth ill.  
If I offend in disobedience,  
judge of the power of love by your offence.  
Father, you have no reason for this ire,  
Frown whilst you kill us, desire is desire.  Duke. 
A Courtesan? hath that ambitious boy  
Taught you such Rhetoric? you shall taste like joy.  
I will not reason with you, words are vain,  
The fault is best discerned in the pain.  
Your hasty marriage hath writ down his death,  
And thy proud words shall seal it with thy breath.  
By what is dearest to me, here I swear,  
Both of your heads shall grace a fatal beer:  
Take them to prison, I'll not hear a word,  
This is the mercy that we will afford,  
Since they are grown so proud, next morn begun,  
Let them be both beheaded with my son.  Con. 
Short and sweet, Euphrata, the doom is fair,  
We shall be soon in heaven, there ends my care.  
I scorn entreaty, and my dear I know,  
All such slavery thou hatest so.  
'Twill be a famous deed for this good man  
To kill all's children for a Courtesan.  Euph. 
Wilt thou die with me?  Const. 
Would I live in heaven?  
Thou art now too high for me, death makes us even.  Eup. 
Look to your dukedom, those that hast our fall,  
Have by their avarice almost hurried all.  
There's a whole Register of the poors cry,  
Whilst they are reading them, embrace and die.  Flings down her lap full of Petitions. Exeunt Euph. and Constant. Duke. 
Bear them away.  
And now let's read these Writes.  
What's here? complaints against my worthy brothers,  
For corn transported, Copper money stamped,  
Our subjects goods ceased, and I know not what.  
A plague upon this busy-headed rabble,  
We will have tortures made to awe the slaves,  
Peace makes them ever proud, and malapert.  
They'll be an Overseer of the State.  Valen. 
And plead reformation to depose you.  Duk. 
True my fair Duchess, but I'll cut them short.  
Rule still dear brothers: take these to the fire,  
Let me read somewhat that augments desire,  
Authors and golden Poems full of love,  
Such the Petitions are that I approve:  
So I may live in quiet with my wife,  
Let fathers, mothers, children, all loose life.  
If thou have issue, in despite of fate,  
They shall succeed in our Imperial state.  
Come sweet to dancing, then to sport and play,  
Till we have ruled all our life away.  Exeunt. Manet Otho. Otho. 
O pitiful condition of a Realm,  
Where the chief ruler is overruled by pleasure,  
Seeing my friend surprised in this disguise,  
I followed him to meet the consequence:  
And to my grief I see his marriage rites  
Will cut him short of all this earth's delights.  
What's that to me, when Constantine is dead,  
I have some hope to attain her Nuptial bed.  
But she is doomed as well as he to die,  
Can the Duke act his daughter's Tragedy.  
It is impossible, he will relent,  
And I'll persuade her freely to repent.  
Yet 'tis most likely that he will agree  
He is so fare spent in vild tyranny.  
The commons hate him for the wrong he hath done,  
(By his brother's means) the Nobles for his son.  
Famine spreads through the land, the people die,  
Yet he lives senseless of their misery.  
Never were subjects more misled by any,  
Nor ever Sovereign hated by so many.  
But Constantine, to thee I cast an eye,  
Shall all our friendship end in enmity?  
Shall I that ever held thee as my life,  
Hasten thy death, that I may get thy wife,  
Or love or friendship, whether shall exceed,  
I'll explain your virtue in this following deed.  Exit. Enter Valentia, Montano and Vandermas. Va. 
Have you the instruments I gave in charge?  Vand, 
We have.  Val. 
And resolution fitting for the purpose?  Mon. 
All things are ready with our faithful hearts.  Val. 
And she that undertakes so great an act,  
As I intent, had need of faithful hearts,  
This is the prison, and the jailor comes  
In happy time, where's traitorous Frederick?  Enter jailor. Jailor. 
What is your highness' pleasure with the Prince?  Val. 
Look there if you can read?  jai 
O heavenly God, what do I read, a warrant for his death?  Valen. 
Resign your keys, go weep a di●ge or twain,  
But make no clamour with your lamentation.  jay. 
I dare not prophesy what my sauce fears.  
Yet I'll lament his tragedy in tears.  Exit. Valen. 
Oft have I seen a Nobleman arraigned,  
By mighty Lords the pillars of the land,  
Some of which number his inclined friends,  
Have wept, yet past the verdict of his death,  
So fares it with the Prince, were I his jailor,  
And so affected unto frederick's life,  
The fearefull'st tyrant, nor the cruelest plagues,  
That ever lighted on tormented souls,  
Should make me yield my prisoner to their hands.  Mon. 
Madam, he knows his duty and performs it,  Valen. 
Setting aside all duty, I would die,  
Ere like a woman weep a tragedy.  
'tis baseness, cowardice, duty? o slave,  
Had I a friend, I'd dye in my friend's grave.  
But it sorts well for us, Hindes will be Hinds,  
And the Ambitious tread upon such minds,  
Wait whilst I call you in the jailors house.  Mon. 
We will.  Exeunt Van. and Mon. Valen. 
My Lord, Prince Frederick.  Enter Fred. Fred. 
Woeful Frederick,  
Were a beseeming Epitaph for me,  
The other tastes of too much sovereignty.  
What, is it you? the glory of the stews.  Valen. 
Thy mother Frederick.  Fred. 
I detest that name,  
My mother was a Duchess of true fame,  
And now I think upon her when she died,  
I was ordained to be indignified,  
She never did incense my Princely Father  
To the destruction of his loving son,  
Oh she was virtuous, truly natural,  
But this step-divell doth promise our fall.  Val. 
Why dost thou rail on me? I am come  
To set thee free from all imprisonment.  Fred. 
By what true supersedeas, but by death,  
If it be so, come strike me to the earth,  
Thou needest no other weapon but thine eye,  
'tis full of poison, fix it and I'll die.  Val. 
Uncharitable youth, I am no serpent venomed,  
No basilisk to kill thee with my sight,  Fre. 
Then thou speak'st death, I am sorry I mistook,  
They both are fatal, there's but little choice,  
The first enthralled my father, the last me,  
No deadlier swords ever used enemy,  
My lot's the best, that I die with the sound,  
But he lives dying in a death profound.  
I grow too bitter being so near my end,  
Speak quickly, boldly, what your thoughts intent.  Valen. 
Behold this warrant, you can read it well.  Fred. 
But you the interpretation best can tell:  
Speak beauteous ruin, 'ttwere great injury,  
That he should read the sentence that must dye.  Val. 
Then know in brief, 'tis your father's pleasure—  Fred. 
His pleasure, what?  Val. 
That you must lose your life.  Fred. 
Fatal is his pleasure, 'tis to please his wife,  
I prithee tell me, didst thou ever know,  
A Father pleased, his son to murder so?  
For what is't else, but murder at the best,  
The guilt whereof will gnaw him in his breast,  
Torment him living, and when I am dead,  
Curse thee, by whose plot I was murdered?  
I have seen the like example, but o base,  
Why do I talk with one of thy disgrace:  
Where are the officers? I have lived too long,  
When he that gave me life, does me this wrong.  Val. 
That is thy father's hand, thou dost not doubt?  
And if thou shouldst I have witness to approve it,  
Yet though it be his hand, grant to my request,  
Love me, and live.  Fred. 
To live so I detest, love thee?  Valen. 
I, love me, gentle Frederick, love me.  Fred. 
Incestuous strumpet cease.  Val. 
Oh thou dealest ill.  
To render so much spleen for my good will.  Fred. 
Torment fare worse than death.  Valen. 
I'll follow thee,  
Dear Frederick like thy face be thy words fair.  Fre. 
This monstrous dealing doubles my death's care  Valen. 
What shall I call thee to allay this ire?  Fred. 
Why call me son, and blush at thy desire.  Valen. 
I never brought thee forth.  Fred. 
Art thou not wife unto my father?  Val. 
Think upon thy life,  
It lies like mine, only in gentle breath,  
Or that thy father's dead, and after death,  
'Tis in my choice to marry whom I will.  Fred. 
Any but me.  Valen. 
O do not think so ill,  
Rather think thou art a stranger not his son,  
Then 'tis no incest though the Act be done,  
Nature unto herself is too unkind,  
To buzz such scruples into frederick's mind,  
'twas a device of man to avoid self love,  
Else every pleasure in one stock should move,  
Beauty in grace part never from the kin.  Fred. 
If thou persever as thou hast begun,  
I shall forget I am my father's son,  
I shall forget thou art my father's wife,  
And where 'tis I must die, abridge thy life.  Valen. 
Why didst not kill me being thy prisoner then,  
But friendly didst deliver me a gem?  
Unto thy father, wert not thou didst love me.  Fred. 
Be yond all sufferance, monster thou dost move me,  
'Twas for my father's sake, not for thine own,  
That to thy life's loss, thou hadst throughly known,  
But that relenting nature played her part,  
To save thy blood, whose loss had slain his heart,  
And it reputes me not he doth survine.  
But that his fortune was so ill to wive,  
Come kill, for, for that you came; shun delays,  
Lest living, I'll tell this to thy dispraise,  
Make him to hate thee, as he hath just cause,  
And like a strumpet turn thee to the laws.  Valen. 
Good Frederick.  Fred. 
'tis resolved on, I have said.  Valen. 
Then fatal Ministers I crave your aid.  Enter Van. and Mont. 
Come Vandermas, Montano, where's your cord?  
Quickly dispatch, strangle this hateful Lord,  
Or stay, because I love him, he shall choose,  
The easiest of three deaths that we may use,  
The halter, poison or bloodshedding blade.  Fred. 
Any of them.  Valen. 
This Aconite's well made, a cup of poison,  
Stuffed with dispatching simples, give him this,  
And he shall quickly leave all earthly bliss.  
There, take it Frederick, our last gift of grace,  
Since thou must die, I'll have thee die apace.  Fred. 
O happy means given by a treacherous hand  
To be my true guide to the heavenly land.  
Death steals upon me like a silken sleep,  
Through every vain do leaden rivers flow,  
The gentlest poison that I ever known,  
To work so coldly, yet to be so true,  
Like to an infant patiently I go,  
Out of this vain world, from all worldly woe,  
Thanks to the means, though they deserve no thankes,  
My soul begins t'ore-flow these fleshly banks,  
My death I pardon unto her and you,  
My sins God pardon, so vain world adieu.  Valen, 
Ha', ha', ha'.  he falls asleep. Mon. 
he's dead, why does your highness laugh?  Valen. 
Why Lord Montane, that I love to see,  
He that hath saved my life, to die for me.  
But there's a riddle in this Prince's death,  
And I'll explain it on this floor of earth.  
Come, to his sister's execution go,  
We have variety of joys in woe,  
I am sure you have heard his Excellence did swear,  
Both of their heads should grace a Kingly bear,  
Upon a mourning hearse let him be laid,  
He shallbe entombed with a wived maid.  Exeunt.  

Actus Quintus.  Enter Duke, Hatto, and Alfred. Duke. 
Bring forth the prisoners, where's my beauteous Duchess,  
That she may see the ruin of her foes,  
She that upbraided her with slanderous words,  
She that in scorn of due obedience,  
Hath matched the honour of the Saxons blood,  
Unto a beggar, let them be brought forth,  
I will not rise from this cribunall seat,  
Till I have seen their bodies from their heads.  Alfred. 
Here comes the Duchess with proud frederick's hearse  Enter Valentia, Montano, Vandermas with others, bearing the hearse with Frederick on, covered with a black robe. Duke. 
So set it down, why have you honoured it  
With such a sable coverture? a traitor  
Deserves no cloth of sorrow, set it down,  
And let our other offspring be brought forth,  
My beauteous lovely and admired love,  
Come sit by us in an imperial chair.  
And grace this state throne with a state more fair.  Valen. 
My gracious Lord, I hope your excellence  
Will not be so forgetful of your honour,  
Prove so unnatural to your loving daughter,  
As to bereave her of her life,  
Because she hath wedded basely 'gainst your will,  
Though Frederick died deservedly, yet she  
May by her love's death clear her indignity.  Duke. 
She and her love we have sentenced to die,  
Not for her marriage only, though that deed  
Crowns the contempt with a deserved death,  
But chief for she railed against thy worth,  
Upbraided thee with terms so monstrous base,  
That nought but death can clear the great disgrace,  
How often shall I charge they be brought forth?  
Were my heart guilty of a crime so vild,  
I'd rend it forth, then much more kill my child.  Val. 
O that this love may last, 'tis sprung so high,  
Like flowers at full growth, that grow to die.  Enter julia with a veil over her head, Otho with another, with Officers. Duk. 
What means these sable veils upon their faces,  Val. 
In sign they sorrow for your high displeasure,  
For since the hour they were imprisoned,  
They have lived like strangers, hoodwinked, together,  
You may achieve great fame victorious Lord,  
To save the lives of two such innocents.  Duke. 
'tis pretty in thee my soul loved Duchess,  
To make this Princely motion for thy foes,  
Let it suffice, theyare traitors to the state,  
Confederators with those that sought my life,  
A kin to Frederick that presumptuous boy,  
That durst bear arms against his natural father.  
Are they more dear than he? off with their veils.  Mon. 
O yet be merciful unto your daughter.  Duke. 
You make me mad, headsman dispatch I say.  
They are doomed to die, and this the latest day.  Otho. 
Then let him strike, who ever traitors be,  Otho pult of his veil. 
I am sure no treason lives in her or me.  Duke. 
How now, what's here? Otho and julia.  
Am I deluded, where is Euphrata,  
And that audacious traitor Constantine?  Otho. 
Why fled.  Duke. 
To whom?  Otho. 
To safety, here was none,  
I can resolve you of the circumstance.  
Betwixt the noble Constantine and I,  
Noble I call him, for his virtuous mind,  
There was a league of love so strongly made  
That time wants hours, and occasion cause,  
To violate the contract of our hearts,  
Yet on my part the breach did first appear,  
He brought me to behold his beauteous love,  
The fair Euphrata, her Angel sight,  
Begat in me the fire of private love,  
I that before did like her for my friend,  
Now to deceive him, sought her for myself,  
But my device was known unto my friend,  
And worthily he banished me his sight.  Duke. 
What's this to their destruction, seek them forth.  Otho. 
They are far enough for suffering such a death,  
I well considering my unfriendly part,  
Bethought me how to reconcile myself,  
Unto my hearts endeared Constantine,  
And seeing him carried to the prison, we  
Followed, and found means for their liberty.  Duk. 
Are they escaped then?  Otho. 
Both in our disguise,  
And we stand here to act their tragedies,  
It they have done amiss, on us  
Impose the Law.  julia. 
O let our suits prevail,  
I ask to dye for my dear Lady's sake.  Otho. 
I for my friend.  Duke. 
This friendly part doth make  
My heart to bleed within me, and my mind  
Much perplexed, that I have been so unkind,  
What second funeral march is that I hear?  Enter Rainaldo, and Alberto like scholars, grieving before the Bear, others following them with the bodies of Euphrata, and Constantine covered with black. Alberto. 
Health to this presence, though the news,  
Impairing health I bring unto this presence,  
The bodies of the drowned Constantine,  
And the fair Euphrata, behold them both.  Duke. 
Of drowned Constantine and Euphrata,  
Declare the manner, and with kill words;  
Temper thy words, that it may wound my life.  Albert. 
Passing the Rhine bordering upon the tower,  
From whence it seems they lately had escaped,  
By an unskilful Guide their gondolet  
Encountered with an other, and the shock  
Drowned both the vessayles, and their haplesselives:  
Their bodies hardly were recovered,  
But known we brought them to your excellence,  
As to a father that should mourn for them.  Duke. 
Unto a tyrant, do not call me father,  
For I have been no father to their lives:  
The barbarous Cannibal that never knew  
The natural touch of humane beauty  
Would have been fare more merciful than I:  
Oh tyranny the overthrow of Crowns,  
Kingdoms, subversion, and the deaths of Kings.  
Lo here a piteous object so complete,  
With thy intestine and destroying fruit,  
That it will strike thee dead, oh Euphrata.  
Oh princely Frederick, never dear to me  
Till now, in you I see my misery  
My son, my daughter, virtuous Constantine.  Hat. 
What means this grief my Lord, these are the traitors,  
That you in justice sentenced to dye.  Alfred. 
A treacherous son, and a rebellious daughter.  Valen. 
Those that did seek to take away your life.  Mon. 
Bereave you of your Crown's prerogative.  Duke. 
Hence from my sight, blood thirsty Counsellors.  
They never sought my life, but you have sought it,  
Virtuous Alberto, and Rinaldo:  
Had I given ear to them and to my son,  
My joys had flourished that now are done.  Valen. 
Yet for my sake, alloy this discontent.  Duke. 
'tis for thy sake, thou vild notorious woman,  
That I have passed the limits of a man,  
The bonds of nature.  
'Twas thy bewitching eye, thy Siren's voice,  
That throws me upon millions of disgrace,  
I'll have thee tortured on the Rack;  
Pluck out those basilisk enchanting eyes,  
Tear thee to death, with Pincers burning hot,  
Except thou give me the departed lives  
Of my dear children.  Valen. 
What am I a Goddess,  
That I should fetch their flying souls from heaven,  
And breathe them once more in their clay cold bodies?  Duke. 
Thou art a witch, a damned forceresse;  
No goddess but the goddess of black hell,  
And all those devils thy followers:  
What makes thou on the earth to murder men?  
Will not my sons and daughters timeless lives,  
Taken away in prime of their fresh youth  
Serve to suffice thee?  Valen. 
O you are mad my Lord:  Duke. 
How can I choose,  
And such a foul Erynnis gaze on me,  
Such furious legions circled me about,  
And my slain Son and Daughter's fire brands,  
Lying so near me, to torment my soul,  
Extremity of all extremities.  
Take pity on the wand'ring sense of mine,  
Or it will break the prison of my soul:  
And like to wild fire, fly about the world,  
Till they have no abjoing in the world:  
I faint, I die, my sorrows are so great,  
Oh mortality renounce thy seat.  He falls down Valen. 
The Duke I fear is slain with extreme grief:  
I that had power to kill him, will assay hence forth,  
My utmost industry to save his life.  
Look up my Lord, 'tis not Valentia's voice,  
That Courtesan, that hath betrayed thy honour:  
Murdered thy children, and almost slain thee:  
I am thy son, I am Prince Frederick;  
If thou hast any liking of that name,  
Look on my face, I come to comfort thee.  Duke. 
The name of Frederick is like Hermes wand,  
Able to charm and uncharm sorrowful men,  
Who named Frederick?  Valen. 
I pronounced his name,  
That have the power to give thee thy lost Son:  
Had I like virtue to restore the other:  
Behold my Lord, behold thy headless Son  
Blessed with a head, the late deceased living,  
As yet not fully wakened from the sleep:  
My drowfie potion kindled in his brain,  
But much about this hour the power should cease,  
And see he wakes.  Duke. 
O happiness 'tis he.  Valen. 
Embrace him then, but ne'er more embrace me.  Fred. 
Where am I, in what dungeon, where's my grave?  
Was I not dead, or dreamt I, I was dead,  
This am I sure that I was prisoned.  Duke. 
Thou art deceived my Son, but this deceit  
Is worth commendations, thank my Duchess,  
Her discretion re-edified thy life,  
But she hath proned herself a gracious wife.  Fred. 
She tempt me to lust, wait in my grave?  Valen. 
'Twas but to try thy faith unto thy father,  
Let it suffice, his hand was at thy death,  
But 'twas my mercy that proclaimed thy breath.  Fred. 
To heaven and you I render worthy thankes.  Duke. 
O lived my Euphrata and Constantine,  
How gladly would I all my grief resign.  Albert. 
On that condition: and with this beside,  
That you are pleased to pardon us and them,  
We do refer our persons to your mercy.  Duke. 
My daughter, my dear son in law,  
Virtuous Alberto, than my friend,  
My joys are at the highest, make this plain,  
How these saved drowned, as Frederick has been slain.  Albert. 
Presuming on the example of these friends,  
And know we are all actors in this plot,  
Boldly presented your presence with this mind,  
If pardoning them, your grace would pardon us,  
If otherwise, this was the joy of either,  
That death's less painful, when friends die together.  Duke. 
We do receive you all into our favour,  
And my fair Duchess my unkind divorce,  
Shall be confounded with a second marriage,  
I here receive thee once more as my wife.  Val. 
You have your children, I have paid that debt,  
You have divoreed me, therefore I am free,  
And henceforth I will be at liberty.  Duke. 
There's no divorce can part thee from thy Lord.  Valen. 
Like to unkindness there is no divorce.  
I will no more be won unto your bed,  
But take some course to lament my life misled.  Duk. 
Canst thou live better then in sacred wedlock?  Valen. 
Wedlock to me is unpleasing, since my Lord  
Hath broke the band of marriage with unkindness.  Duke. 
Entreat her children, Frederick, Euphrata,  
Let me not lose the essence of my soul,  Fred. 
Divine Valentia, mirror of thy sex,  
The pride of true reclaimed incontinence,  
Honour of the dishonouring, yield I pray,  
And be merciful, pity my father's smart,  
Since thy last thraldom hath near cleft his heart.  Eup. 
'Twas for his children that his spleen did rise,  
Anger, a torture haunting the most wise,  Valen. 
O no I am a murderess, an Erinys,  
A fury sent from Limbo, to affright  
Legions of people with my horrid sight.  Hat. 
What do you mean, be won by their entreaties.  Alfred. 
'Tis madness in you to be thus perverse.  Val. 
Who ever speaks, base wretches be you dumb,  
You are the catter pillars of the state,  
By your bad dealings he is unfortunate,  
Thou honourable true beloved Lord,  
Harken to me, and by thy ancient love,  
I charge thee banish these realme-sucking slaves,  
That build their palace upon poor men's graves,  
O those are they, that have wronged both you and me,  
Made this blessed land, a land of misery.  
And since by too much loving your grace, hath fall'n  
Into a general hatred of your subjects,  
Redeem your lost estate with better days,  
So shall you merit never dying praise,  
So shall you gain lives quietness on earth,  
And after death a new celestial birth.  Duke. 
Unto thy wisdom I refer their dooms,  
Myself my Dukedom, and my crown,  
Oh were there any thing of higher rate,  
That, unto he I'd wholly consecrate.  Val. 
This kind surrender shows you are a Prince,  
Worthy to be an Angel in the world  
Of immortality:  
Which these cursed creatures never can attain,  
But that this world may know how much I hate,  
This cruel base oppression of the poor:  
First I enjoin you for the wrongs you have done,  
Make restitution, and because your goods,  
Are not sufficient so to satisfy;  
I do condemn your bodies to the Ours,  
Where live like golden drudges all your lives:  
In digging of the mettle you best love:  
Death is your due, but for your noble race,  
This gentle sentence I impose on you,  
The Duke succeeding shall behold it done.  Duke. 
Who's that my love?  Valen. 
Kind Freaericke your son,  
The interest that your grace hath given to me,  
I freely do impart.  Duke. 
We do agree to what my Duchess please:  Valen. 
The state is thine:  
Thy Uncle's sentence Frederick shall be mine.  Fred. 
Bear them away, what you have said shall stand,  
Whilst I have interest in this new given land.  Hat. 
We do receive our judgements with a curse.  Valen. 
Learn to pray better, or it shall be worse:  
Lords see these worms of kingdoms be destroyed:  
And now to give a period to my speech:  
I do entreat your grace, if that your love  
Be not grown cold; but that your heart desires  
The true society of a chaste wife:  
Be pleased to undergo a further doom,  
We have lived too lightly, we have spent our days,  
Which should be dedicated to our God,  
In soul destroying pleasure, and our sloth  
Hath drawn upon the Realm a world of plays:  
Therefore hereafter let us live together,  
In some removed cell or hermitage,  
Unto the which, poor travellers misled,  
May have direction and relief of wants.  Duke. 
A hermetary life is better than a kingdom,  
So my Valentia bear me company.  Valen. 
If my dread Lord will for my sake endure,  
So strict a calling, my bewitching hairs,  
Shall be made napkins to dry up the tears,  
That true repentance wringeth from our hearts,  
Our sins we'll number with a thousand sighs:  
Fasting shall be the Steward of our Feast:  
Continual prayer in stead of costly cates,  
And the Remainder of our life a school,  
To learn new lessons for the land of heaven:  
The will where power is wanting is good payment:  
Grace doth reject no thoughr, tho' ne'er so small,  
So it be good, our God is kind to all:  
Come my dear Lord, this is a course more kind:  
No life like us that have a heavenly mind.  Mon. 
O let me be a servant in that life.  Valen. 
With all my heart, a Partner let him be,  
There's small ambition in humility.  Duke. 
Frederick farewell, dear Euphrata adieu,  
Remember us in prayer, as we will you.  Exeunt D. & D. Fred. 
A happy change, would all that step awry,  
Would take like course in seeking piety.  Otho. 
Two humble suits I crave of my best friend:  
First pardon for my rashness in your love,  
Next this most loyal Virgin for my wife.  Con. 
With all my heart if julia be pleased.  julia. 
I have no power to disobey your grant.  Con. 
Then she is yours.  Fred. 
Alberto.  
The offices belonging to our Uncles,  
We do derive to you for your good service,  
In our late wars, and in our sister's love.  
And now set forwards, Lords let us be gone,  
To solemnize two marriages in one.   

The Epilogue.  
ENcouragement unto the valiant,  
Is like a golden spur upon the heel  
Of a young Knight, like to a wreath of Bay  
To a good Poet: like a sparkling Crown,  
Unto a Kings Son. Honour and renown  
Is the efficient and persevering cause  
Of every well deserved action.  
Take away some record, encouragement,  
And the World's like a Chaos, all delight  
Buried, unborn in everlasting night.  
Even so it fares with us and with the rest,  
Of the same faculty, all merely nothing,  
Without your favour, every labour dies,  
Save such whose second springs comes from your eyes:  
Extend your beams of love to us at full;  
As the Sun does unto the Eastern clime:  
And England may bring forth like India,  
As costly spice, as oriental gems:  
The earth's all one, the hair refines the mould:  
And favour makes the poorest ground yield gold.   
FINIS.