THE BLOODY banquet. A tragedy.  
Hector adest secumque Deos in proelia ducit  
Nos haec novimus esse nihil.  
BY T. D.  
LONDON Printed by Thomas Cotes. 1639.   

Drammatis Personae.  

The King of Lydia.  
Tymethes his Son.  
Lapirus his Nephew.  
The King of Lycia.  
Zantippus his Son.  
Eurimone his Daughter.  
Armatrites King of Cilicia.  
Zenarchus his Son.  
Amphridote his Daughter.  
His Young Queen.  
Her Maid.  
Mazeres his Favourite.  
Roxona the young queen's Keeper  
Fidelio. Two faithful Servants to the Lydian King.  
Amorpho Two faithful Servants to the Lydian King.  
Sextorio. Two unfaithful Servants of his.  
Lodovicus. Two unfaithful Servants of his.  
The Old Queen of Lydia.  
Her two little Children.  
Chorus.  
The Clown.  
Two Shepherds.  
4. Servants.  
soldiers.    

THE BLOODY banquet, A tragedy.  
INDUCTIO. Enter flourish. AT one door the old King of Lydia, Tymethes his Son, Lapyrus his Nephew, and Soldiers. At the other the old King of Lycia, Zantippus his Son, Eurymone his Daughter, and Soldiers. The two king's parley, and change hostages for peace. Lapyrus is given to the Lycian, and Zantippus to the Lydian. The Lycian seems to offer his daughter Eurymone to Lapyrus to fall from his Uncle, and join with him; he accepts her, drawing his sword against his Country and uncle. The Lydian sends his son Tymethes for aid; he enters again with Armatrites King of Cilicia, Zenarchus his son, and Mazeres a young Prince, the Cilician Kings follower. All they draw against the Lycians party, whereat they all with Lapyrus fly; the two other Kings pursuing them. Then enter the old Queen of Lydia flying from her Nephew Lapyrus, with two Babes in her arms; he pursuing her with his drawn sword. Enter Chorus. 
After the waste of many thousand wounds  
Given and received alike, in seven set battles,  
Lydia's old King upon conditions signed  
For Peace and truce, entered on feigned league  
With his fierce enemy the Lycian King  
Gave him in Hostage as his pledge of faith,  
His Nephew, Lord Lapyrus, and received  
Noble Zantippus from the Lycian;  
To make the contract full and honourable,  
This Lord Lapyrus entertained and welcomed  
But chiefly by the fair Eurymone  
The king's sole daughter, who unto Lapyrus  
Offers her as his Bride, so he would turn  
A Traitor to his Country and his King:  
Lapyrus, to obtain the beauteous maid  
Turns Traitor to his King, and joins his force  
Unto his fair love's Fathers, Lycia's Kings;  
Th' old King of Lydia being so beset  
By his own Nephews unexpected treacheries,  
Sent forth his son Tymethes to crave aid  
From Armatrites King of great Cilicia,  
Which he obtained in a disastrous hour  
As the event will witness; In this trouble  
The frighted Queen with her two Infants fled  
Into a Forest, fearing the sad ruin  
Hourly expected, until Armatrites  
With a fresh Army forced Lapyrus fly  
And saved the King, doomed for worse treachery.  
What follows shows itself; 'tis our full due,  
If we with labour give content to you. Exit.   

Act. 1.  

Scene. 1.  Enter, The two Kings of Lydia and Cilicia, zenarchus' son to the Cilician, Tymethes, son to the Lydian, Mazeres, Fidelio, Amorpho, Sextorio, Lodovicus, when they come unto the Throne, the Tyrant of Cilicia puts by the old King, and ascends alone: all snatch out their swords, Mazeres crown him, the old King and Tymethes stand amazed. flourish. Arm. 
Speranza.  Omn. 
Long live Armatrites King of Lydia.  King. 
How?  Arm. 
Art thou amazed old King, and all thy people  
Mutually labouring in a fit of wonder?  
Start from those palē dreams, we will prove all true,  
Who wins the day the brightness is his due.  King. 
King of Cilicia.  Arm. 
I and Lydia now,  
Bate us not our Titles, we and ours  
Have sweat and dearly earned them in our flesh.  King. 
It savours not of nobleness nor virtue,  
Religion, loyalty, heaven or natures laws  
So most perfidiously to enter, Tyrant,  
Where was, expected honesty and honour,  
Assistance from a friend, not a dissembler,  
A Royal neighbour and no politic foe.  
What worse than this could th' enemy perform?  
And when shines friendship best but in a storm?  Arm. 
Why, doting Lydia, is it of no virtue  
To bring our Army hither and put in venture  
Our person and their lives upon our foes?  
Wasting our courage, weakening our best forces;  
Impoverishing the heart of our munition,  
And having won the honour of the battle  
To throw our glory on unworthy spirits,  
And so unload victories honey thighs  
To let Drones seed?  King. 
Will nothing satisfy but all?  Arm. 
Without all, nothing.  
The Kingdom and not under suits our blood,  
Flies ate are not Eagles preys nor thanks our food:  
And for Cilicia our other sphere,  
Our son Zenarchus let thy beams move there.  Zen. 
Rather, my Lord, let me move pity here,  
Unto that reverend fate-afflicted King;  
For whom, with his disconsolate son (my friend  
And plighted Brother) I here kneel as Suitor.  
Oh my most Noble Father, still retain  
The seal of honour and religion,  
A Kingdom rightly possessed by course,  
Contains more joy than is usurped by force.  Arm. 
The Boy hath almost changed us.  Maz. 
He cools— my Lord, remember you are possessed.  Arm. 
What, with the Devil?  Max. 
The Devil! the Dukedom, the Kingdom, Lydia.  
All pant under your Sceptre; the sway's yours,  
Be not bought out with words, a kingdom's dear,  
Kiss fortune, keep your mind, and keep your state,  
Y'are laughed at if you prove compassionate.  Arm. 
Thanks to Mazeres, he hath refreshed our spirits,  
Zenarchus, 'tis thy death if thou proceed,  
Thy words we threat, rise silent or else bleed.  King. 
Who can expect but blood where Tyrants govern?  Arm. 
We are not yet so cruel to thy fortune  
As was Lapyrus, thy own Nephew, treacherous;  
That stole upon thy life, besieged thee basely,  
And had betrayed thee to thine enemy's anger  
Had we not beat his strength to his own throat;  
And made him shrink before us, all can tell  
In him 'twas monstrous, 'tis in us but well;  
A trick of war, advantage, policy, nay rather recompense;  
There's more deceit in peace, 'tis common there  
T' unfold young heirs, the old may well stand bare.  
You have your life, be thankful, and 'tis more  
Than your perfidious Nephew would consent to,  
Had he surprised you first, your fate is cast,  
The sooner you be gone 'twill prove the safer.  Kin. 
On thee Lapyrus, and thy treacheries, fall  
The heavy burden of an old man's curse.  Fid. 
Your Queen with her two Infants fled the City  
Affrighted at this treason and new wars.  Kin. 
News of more sadnesses than the kingdom's loss,  
She fled upon her hour, for had she stayed  
Sh' had either died, been banished, or betrayed.  
I have some servants here?  Arma. 
All these my Lord.  Kin. 
All these? not all; you did forget, I am not worth the flattering, I am donem,  
Old and at set, honour the rising Sun.  
If any for love serve me, which is he?  
Now let him shame the world and follow me.  Fid. 
That's I my Lord.  Amor. 
And I.  Kin. 
What two of you?  
Let it be enrolled  
Two follow a King when he is poorē and old. Exit cum suis.  Sex. 
Farewell King. I'll play the Flounder, keep me to my tide.  Lod. 
And so will I, this is the flowing side.  Maz. 
Those men are yours, my Lord.  Arm. 
We'll grace them chiefly,  
Wait for employment, place and eminence,  
The like to each that to our bounty flies,  
For he that falls to us shall surely rise.  
His son Tymethes little frights our thoughts,  
He's young, and given to pleasure, not to plots.  Maz. 
Your Grace defines him right, he may remain,  
The Prince your son, binds him in a love-chain;  
There's little fear of him.  Arm. 
Their loves are dear,  
Base Boy, he leaves his father to live here.  Maz. 
His presence sets a gloss on your attempts,  
They have their luster from him.  Arm. 
He's their Countenance,  
'twas well observed and followed, he shall stay,  
Mazeres, thou armest us that won the day.  Exit, all but Zenarchus and Tymethes. Zen. 
None but Mazeres, that Court fly, could on  
The virtues of the King blow such corruption,  
Man falls to vice in minutes, runs, and leaps,  
But unto goodness he takes wary steps.  
How soon a Tyrant? why Tymethes, Friend, Brother?  Tym. 
Peace, prithee peace, you undo me if you wake me,  
I hope I'm in a dream.  Zen. 
Would 'twere so happy?  Tym. 
No! why then wake Beggar; but the comfort is  
I have brave seeming kinsmen: why Zenarchus,  
'tis not the loss of Kingdom, Father's banishment,  
Uncertainty of Mother, afflicts me  
With half the violence that those crossed affections,  
Betwixt your Princely Sister and ourself,  
Who upon fortune, or her Father's frown,  
Erecting the whole Fabric of her love,  
Either now will not, or else dare not love me.  Zen. 
Chance altars not affection, see in me  
That hold thee dear still spite of Tyranny:  
Fate does but dim the glass of a right man,  
He still retains his worth, do what fate can.  
Change faith for dross? I will not call her sister,  
That shall hate virtue for affliction.  Enter Amphridote. 
And here she comes to clear those doubts herself.  Amp. 
Strange alteration! will the King my Father  
Go to his grave a Ruffian and a Treacher?  
In his grey heirs turn Tyrant to his friends?  
Wasting his penitential times in plots,  
Acting more sins than he hath tears to weep for them?  Tym. 
Alas Lady, fortune hath changed my state, can you love a beggar?  Am. 
Why fortune hath the least command over love,  
She cannot drive Tymethes from himself,  
And 'tis Tymethes, not his painted glories,  
My soul in her accomplished wish desires.  Zen. 
What say you now sir?  Tim. 
Nothing but admire  
That heaven can frame a creature like a woman  
And she be constant, seeing most are common.  Zen. 
Put by your wonder sir, she proves the same,  
I spoke her virtues for her ere she came,  
And when my father dies I here do vow,  
This kingdom now detained wrongfully  
Shall then return unforcedly to you,  
In part thy dowry, but in all thy due.  Tym. 
Unmatched honest young man.  Enter Mazeres observing. Zen. 
Comen, let your lips meet though your fortunes wander.  Maz. 
Ha! taste lips so bounteously with a beggar?  Zen. 
Thus in firm state let your affection's rest,  
Time, that makes wretched, makes the same men blessed. Exeunt.  Maz. 
What's here? either the Princes out of charity's rareness  
Are pleased to lay aside their glories, and refresh  
The gasping fortunes of a desperate wretch;  
Or if for larger bounties I was mad  
T' advise the King for his remaining here  
That had been banished, and with him my fear:  
I love the Princess, and the King allows it,  
If he should prove a rival to my love,  
I have argued fair for his abiding here:  
My plots shall work his ruin, if one fail  
I'll raise a second, for I must prevail:  
I that used policy to cause him stay  
Can show like Art to rid my fears away. Exit.   

Scene. 2.  Enter the old Queen with two Babes, as being hard pursued. Que. 
Oh whither shall I fly with these poor Babens?  
Twice set upon by Thieves within this Forest  
Who robbed me of my Clothes, and left me these,  
Which better suit with my calamity:  
What fate pursues the good old King my husband,  
I cannot learn which is my worst affliction;  
Oh treacherous Lapirus! impious Nephew!  
All horrors of a guilty breast keep with thee;  
Either poor Babes, you must pine here for food,  
Or have the wars drink your immaculate blood.  Cry within follow, follow. 
Oh flyen, least life and honour be betrayed. Exit.   

Scen. 3.  Enter Lapirus disguised. Lap. 
Villain and fugitive, where wilt thou hide  
Th' abhorred burden of thy wretched flesh?  
In what disguise canst thou be safe and free,  
Having betrayed thy Country? base Lapirus.  
Earth stretch thy throat, take down this bitter Pill,  
Loathing the hateful taste of his own ill.  Enter the Queen and two soldiers pursuing her. Qu. 
Oh help, good heaven save a poor wretch from slaughter.  The. 1. 
Stop her mouth first, soldiers must have their sport  
'tis dearly earned, they venture their blood for't.  Lap. 
A Mother so enforced by pitiless slaves?  
Let me redeem my honour in her rescue,  
And in this deed my former baseness die.  The. 2. 
Come, come.  Que. 
If ever woman bore you.  Lap. 
Who ere bore them monsters begot them; merciless damned villains.  Both. 
Hold, hold, sir; we are soldiers, but do not love to fight. Exeunt.  Que. 
Let me dissuade you from all hope of recompense  
Save thanks and prayers, which are the Beggars gifts,  Lap. 
You cannot give me that I have more need of  
Than prayers; for my soul hath a poor stock;  
There's a fair house within, but 'tis ill furnished  
There wants true tears for hanging, penitent falls,  
For without prayers soldiers are but bare walls:  
Whence are you? that with such a careful charge,  
Dare pass this dangerous Forest?  Que. 
Generous sir,  
I was of Lydia once, as happy then  
As now unfortunate; till one Lapyrus,  
That traitorous villain Nephew to the King  
Sought the confusion of his State and him;  
And with a secret Army girt his Land,  
When peace was plighted by his enemy's hand,  
Little expecting such unnatural Treason  
From forth a kinsman's bosom; all admired  
But I his miserable Queen.  Lap. 
Oh sink into perdition, let me hear no further, aside.  Que. 
I'll tell you all; for your so late attempt  
Confirms you honest, and my thoughts so keep you:  
I frighted at new wars, and his false breath,  
Chose rather with these Babes this lingering death.  Lap. 
Oh in her words I endure a thousand deaths.  Que. 
The truth of this sad story hath been yours.  
Now, courteous sir, may I request your name,  
That in my prayers I may place the same,  Lap. 
I'll put my death into her woeful hands.  Que. 
I hear you not sir, I desire you name.  Lap. 
To add some small content to your distress,  
Know that Lapyrus, whom your miseries  
May rightly curse, and be revenged justly  
Lurks in this Forest equally distressed.  Que. 
In this Forest lurks that abhorred villain?  Lap. 
These eyes did see him; and faith Lady, say  
If you should meet that worst of villains here,  
That Treacher, Monster; what would you attempt?  Que. 
His speedy death, I should forget all mercy,  
Had I but means fully to express my vengeance.  Lap. 
You would not, Queen.  Que. 
No? by these infant's tears  
That weep for hunger, I would throughly do't.  Lap. 
See yonder he comes.  Que. 
Oh where?  Lap. 
Here, take my sword,  
Are you yet constant? shame your Sex and be so; will you do't?  Que. 
I see him not.  Lap. 
Strike him through his guilt and treachery  
And let him see the horrors of his perjured soul,  
Are you ready?  Que. 
Pray let me see him first. pulls off his false beard and kneels.  Lap. 
You see him now— now do't.  Que. 
Lapirus!  
Oh fortunate revenge! now all thy villainies  
Shall be at once requited, thy country's ruin  
The King thy Uncle's sorrow, my own miseries,  
Shall at this minute all one vengeance meet.  
Alas, he doth submit, prays, and relents,  
Who could wish more? none made from woman can,  
Small glory 'twere to kill a kneeling man:  
When he in penitent sighs his soul commends  
Thou send'st him to the Gods, thyself to th' fiends:  
But harken to thy piteous infant's cries,  
And theyare for vengeance, peace then, now he dies.  
Ingrateful woman, he delivered thee  
From ravishment, canst thou his murderess be?  
What's riches to thy honours? that rare treasure  
Which worlds redeem not, yet 'tis lost at pleasure.  
Kill him that preserved that? and in thy rescue  
His noble rage so manfully behaved:  
Rise, rise, he that repents is ever saved.  Lap. 
Will misery yet a longer life afford;  
To see a Queen so poor, not worth her word?  Que. 
I am better than my word, my word was death.  Lap. 
Man's never past grief, till he be past his breath.  Que. 
I pardon all Lapyrus.  Lap. 
Do not do't.  Que. 
And only to one penance I enjoin thee  
For all thy faults past, while we here remain  
Within this Forest, this thy task shall be,  
To procure succour to my Babes and me.  Lap. 
And if I fail may the earth swallow me.  Que. 
thouart now grown good, here could I ever dwell,  
Were the old King, my husband safe and well. Exeunt.   

Scene. 4.  Enter Tymethes and Zenarchus. Zen. 
Come, come, drive away these fits, faith I'll have thee merry.  Tym. 
As your son and heir at his father's funeral  Zen. 
Thou seest my sister constantly affects thee.  Tym. 
There were no mirth nor music else for me.  Zen. 
Sir in this Castle the old King my father  
o'erworn with jealousy keeps his beauteous wife,  
I think thou never sawst her.  Tym. 
No, not I.  Zen. 
Why then thy judgements fresh, I'll visit her  
On purpose for thy censure.  Tym. 
I speak my affection.  Zen. 
Nay on my knowledge she's worth Jealousy,  Enter Roxano. 
Though Jealousy be far unworthy a King.  Rox. 
My loved Lord?  Zen. 
How cheers the Queen? they whisper.  Tym. 
Have I not seen this fellow before now?  
He has an excellent presence for a Pander,  
I know not his office.  Zen. 
Use those words to her.  Rox. 
They shall be used my Lord, and any thing  
That comes to using, let it come to me. Exit.  Tym. 
What's he Zenarchus?  Zen. 
Who Roxano? a fellow in great trust,  
Elected by my father's jealousy.  
But he, and all the rest attend upon her  
I think would turn her Panders for reward;  
For 'tis not watch nor ward keeps woman chaste,  
If honours watch in her mind be not placed.  Tym. 
Right Oracle; what gain hath jealousy?  
Fruitless suspicion, sighs, ridiculous groans,  
Hunger and lust will break through flesh and stonēs:  
And like a whirlwind blows ope Castle doors.  
Italian padlocks,  Zen. 
What mad Lords are your jealous people then,  
That locks their wives from all men but their men?  
Make them their keepers, to prevent some greater,  
So oft it happens to the poors relief,  
Keepers eat Venison when their Lords eat Beef.  Enter young Queen with a book in her hand. 
See, see, she comes.  Tim 
Honour of beauty? there man's wishes rise,  
Grace and perfection lighten from her eyes.  
Amazement is shot through me.  Zen. 
'tis Tymethes, Lady, Sonne to the banished King.  Que. 
Is this he?  Zen. 
It is sweet Lady.  Que. 
I never knew the force of a desire  
Until this minute struck within my blood;  
I fear one look was destined to undo me.  Zen. 
Why Tymethes? friend.  Tym. 
Ha?  Zen. 
A Courtier, and forget your first weapon? go and salute our Lady Mother.  Que. 
He makes towards us: y'are Prince Tymethes? so I understand.  Tym. 
The same unfortunate, most gracious Lady,  
Supremest of your Sex in all perfections.  Que. 
Sir, y'are forgetful, this is no place for Courtship,  
Nor we a subject for't, return to your friend.  Tym. 
All hopes killed in their blossom.  Que. 
Too cruelly in faith I put him by,  
Wine for our son Zenarchus, 'twas done kindly  Enter Roxano with wine. 
You son, and our best Visitant.  Zen. 
Duty binds me.  Que. 
Begin to me Zenarchus, I'll have't so.  Tym. 
Why then there's hope she'll take occasion  
To drink to me, she hath no means t' avoid it.  Que. 
I'll prevent all loose thoughts, drink to myself,  Drinks and gives Roxano the Cup. 
My mind walks yonder, but suspect walks here.  Tym. 
The devil's on that side and engrosses all,  
Smiles, favours, common courtesies, none can fall  
But he has a snatch at them; not drink to me?  Que. 
Make you yond stranger drink. Rox. offers it him.  Tym. 
Pox of't not I.  Que. 
I speak strange words against my fantasy.  Len. 
Prithee Tymethes drink.  Tym. 
I am not dry.  Zen. 
I think so too; dry, and so young, 'twere strange,  
Come prithee drink to the Queen, my mother.  Tym. 
You shall rule me— unto that beauteous Majesty?  Que. 
Thanks noble sir; I must be wary, my mind's dangerous.  
I'll pledge you anon sir. Gives Roxano the Cup.  Tym. 
Heart? how contempt ill fortune does pursue?  
Not drink, nor pledge, what was she borne to do?  
I'll stay no longer, lest I get that flame,  
Which nothing but cold death can quench or tame.  
Zenarchus, come. Exit.  Zen. 
I go, music of mind to the Queen.  Que. 
To you no less.  Zen. 
And all that you can wish, or I express. Exit.  Que. 
Thanks to our son,  
Th' other took leave in silence, but left me  
To speak enough both for myself and thee.  
Tymethes? that's his name, poor heart take heed,  
Look well into th' event ere thou proceed:  
Love, yet be wise; impossible, none can;  
If ere the wise man claim one foolish hour  
'tis when he loves; he's then in folly's power.  
I need not fear the servants that o'erwatch men  
Their faiths lie in my Coffers, in effect,  
More true to me then to my Lords suspect.  
The fears and dangers that most threaten me,  
Live in the party that I must enjoy,  
And that's Tymethes; men are apt to boast;  
He may in full cups blaze and vaunt himself  
Unto some meaner Mistress; make my shame  
The politic Engine to beat down her name,  
And from thence force a way to the king's ears,  
Strange fate; where my love keeps, there keep my fearēs.  Enter Tyrant. Tyr. 
Alone? why where's her guard? suffer her alone?  
Her thoughts may work, their powers are not her own.  
Women have of themselves no entire sway,  
Like Dial needles they wave every way,  
And must be throughly taught to be kept right,  
And point to none but to their Lords delight.  Enter Roxano and guard. 
Time to convey and plot? leave her alone!  
Why Villains— kiss me, my perfection,  
This night we'll banquet in these blissful arms.  Qu. 
Your nights are music, and your words are charms.  Tyr. 
Kiss me again fair Tethis.  Walks off with her, and the guard follows. Rox. 
My Lady is scarce perfect in her thoughts  
howe'er she framed a smile upon the Tyrant.  
I have some skill in faces, & yet they never were more deceitful;  
A man can scarce know a bawd from a Midwife by the face;  
An hypocritical Puritan from a devout Christian  
If you go by the face; well all's not straight in my Lady.  
She hath certain crooked cogitations if a man had the liberty to search 'em:  
If ought point at my advice or performance, she may fortunately  
Disclose it: she knows my mettle, and what it yields to an ounce,  
She cannot be deceived in't: here's service, and secrecy, and no Lady can  
Wish more, beside a Monkey; she is assured of our faculties, there's none  
Of us all that stand her smock sentinels, but would venture a joint  
To do her any pleasurable service, and I think that's as much  
As any woman desires— mass here she comes.  Enter Queen sad. 
'tis so me strange Physic I know by the working.  Que. 
It cannot be kept down with any Argument,  
'tis of aspiring force; sparks fly not downward,  
No more this received fancy of Tymethes,  
I threaten it with my Lord's jealousy,  
Yet still it rises against all objections;  
I see my dangers, in what fears I dwell  
There's but a Plank on which I run to hell,  
Yet were't thrice narrower I should venture on,  
None dares do more for sin than woman can.  
Misery of love— Roxano? I am observed,  
What news Roxano?  Rox. 
None that's good, Madam.  Que. 
No? which is the bad!  Rox. 
The worst of all is, Madam, you are sad.  Que. 
Indeed I am not merry.  Rox. 
Would I knew the means would make you so,  
I would turn myself into any shape or office  
To be the Author of it, sweet Lady.  Que. 
Troth I have that hope of thee, I think thou wouldst  Rox. 
Think it? 'sfoot, you might swear safely in that action  
And never hurt your oath— I ne'er failed yet.  Que. 
'twere sin to injure thee, I know thou didst not.  Rox. 
Nay I know I did not.  Que. 
But my trusty servant,  
This plot requires art, secrecy and wit,  
Yet out of all can hardly work one safety.  Rox. 
Not one, that's strange, I would 'twere put to me,  
I'll make it arrive safe whate'er it be.  Que. 
Thou couldst not my Roxano— why admit I love, now I come to thee.  Rox. 
Admit you love? why all's safe enough yet.  Que. 
ay, but a stranger.  Rox. 
Nay, now we are all spoilt Lady,  
I may look for my brains in my Boots— now you have put  
Home to me indeed, Madam; A stranger? there's a hundred  
Deaths in the very name, besides vantage.  Que. 
I said I should affright thee.  Rox. 
Faith no fool can fright me, Madam, commonly called a stranger.  Que. 
Hast thou the will? or dar'st thou do me good?  Rox. 
Do thee good, sweet Lady? as far as I am able ne'er doubt it;  
Let me but cast about for safety, and I'll do any thing, Madam,  Que. 
ay, ay, our safeties; which are mere impossibles,  
Love forgets all things but its proper objects.  Rox. 
What is he? and his name?  Que. 
Tymethes, in a most unlucky minute  
Led hither by our Son in Law Zenarchus.  Rox. 
Hum, is that the most fortunate, spider catching, smock wrapped Gentleman?  Que. 
Yet if he know me.  Rox. 
What then?  Que. 
I am undone.  Rox. 
And is it possible a man should lie with a woman and yet not know her?  
And yet 'tis possible too— thank my Invention, follow that game still.  Que. 
He must not know me; than I love no further;  
Although for not enjoying him I die;  
My Lords pale jealousy does so o'erlook me,  
That if Tymethes know what he enjoys  
It may make way unto my Lords mistrust;  
Then since in my desire such horrors move  
I'll die no other than the death of love.  She swounds and Roxano holds her in his arms. Rox. 
Lady, Madam, do you hear?  
Have you leisure to swoon now, when I have taken such pains i' th' business?  
To take order for your safety, set all things right; why Madam?  Que. 
What says the man?  Rox. 
Why he says like a Gentleman every inch of him,  
And will perform the office of a gentleman; bring you together;  
Put you together, and leave you together: what gentleman can do more?  Que. 
And all this safely?  Rox. 
And all this safely? I by this hand will I,  
Or else would I might never do any thing to purpose;  
If he have but the first part of a young gentleman in him.  
'tis granted Madam; I have crotchets in my brain  
That you shall see him and enjoy him, and he not know where he is, nor who it is.  Que. 
How? shall he not know me?  Rox. 
Why 'tis the least part of my meaning he should Lady.  
Do you think you could possibly be safe and he know you?  
Why some of your young Gallants are of that vainglorious and preposterous  
Humour, that if they lay with their own Sisters you should hear them prate of't,  
This is too usual, there's no wonder in't: what I have said  
I will swear to perform, you shall enjoy him ere night  
And he not know you next morning.  Que. 
Thou art not only necessary but pleasing,  
There, catch our bounty, manage all but right,  
As now with gold, with honours we'll requite. Exit.  Rox. 
I am your creature Lady; pretty gold,  
And by this light methinks most easily earned,  
There's no faculty, say I like a Pander, and that makes so many  
Now adays die in the Trade: I have your gold Lady,  
And eke your service; I am one step higher,  
This office makes a gentleman a Squire. Exit.    

Act. 2.  

Scene. 1.  Enter Clown, and two Shepherds. Shep. 1. 
Come fellow Coridon, are the pits digged?  Clo. 
ay, and as deep as an usurer's conscience I warrant thee.  Shep. 2. 
Mas and that's deep enough, 'twill devour a widow and three Orphans  
At a breakfast; soft, is this it?  Shep. 1. 
ay, ay, this is it.  Clo. 
Nay for the deepness I'll be sworn; but come my masters & lay these boughs cross over: so, so, artificially, and may all those whoreson Mutton-Mongers the wolves, hole here, which eat our sheep.  Shep. 2. 
I wonder what wolves those are which eat our sheep,  
Whether they be he wolves or she wolves?  Clo. 
They should be he wolves by their loving Mutton,  
But by their greediness they should be she wolves.  
For the belly of a she wolf is never satisfied till it be damned up.  Shep. 1. 
Why are the she wolves worse than the he's?  Clo. 
Why, is not the dam worse than the Devil pray?  Shep. 1. 
You have answered me there indeed.  Clo. 
Why man, if all the Earth were Parchment, the Sea Ink Every stick a pen, and every knave a Scrivener, they were not all able to write down the knaveries of she wolves.  Shep. 2. 
A murrain on them, he's or she's, they sucked the blood of none but our Lambs.  Clo. 
Oh always the weakest goes to the wall, as for example, knock down a sheep and he tumbles forwards, knock down a woman and she tumbles backwards.  Shep. 1. 
Sirrah, I wonder how many sorts of wolves there been.  Clo. 
Marry just as many sorts as there be knaves in the Cards  Shep. 2. 
Why that's four.  Clo. 
First there are your Court wolves, and those be  
Foul eaters and clean drinkers.  Shep. 2. 
And why clean drinkers?  Clo. 
Why because when they be drunken they commonly cast up all, and so make cleansing week of't.  Shep. 2. 
So sir, those are clean drinkers indeed.  Clo. 
The next are your Country wolves, nothing chokes them but plenty, they sing like sirens when corn goes out by shipfuls, and dance after no tune but after an angel a Bushel.  She. 1. 
The halter take such corn-cutters.  She. 2. 
Are there no City Wolves?  Clo. 
A rope on them, yes, huge routs, you shall have long lane full of them; they'll feed upon any whore, carrion, thief, or any thing.  Shep. 1. 
Have they such maws?  Clo. 
Maws? why man, fiddlers have no better stomachs,  
I have known some of them eat up a Lord at three bits.  Shep. 2. 
Three bonds you mean.  Clo. 
A Knight is nobody with them,  
A young gentleman is swallowed whole like a gudgeon.  Shep. 1. 
I wonder that Gudgeon does not choke him.  Clo. 
A Gudgeon choke him, if the throat of his conscience be sound, he'll gulp down any thing; five of your silken Gallants are swallowed easier than a Damask Prune: for our City wolves do so roll my young prodigal first in wax, which is soft, till he look like a guilded Pill, and then so finely wrap him up in Satin which is sleek, that he goes down without chewing, and thereupon they are called slippery Gallants.  Shep. 1. 
I'll be no Gentleman for that trick.  Clo. 
The last is your Sea wolf, a horrible ravener to, he has a belly as big as a ship, and devours as much silk at a gulp as would serve forty dozen Tailors against a Christmas day or a running at Tilt.  Shep. 1. 
Well, well, now our trap is set what shall we do with the wolves we catch?  Clo. 
Why those that are great ones and more than our matches we'll let go, and the lesser wolves we will hang: shall it be so?  Both. 
ay, ay, each man to his stand. Exeunt.   

Scene. 2.  Enter Lapirus, solus. Lap. 
Foul monster monger, who must live by that  
Which is thy own destruction: Why should men  
Be natures bondslaves? Every creature else  
Comes freely to the Table of the Earth;  
That which for man alone doth all things bearen  
Scarce gives him his true diet anywhere.  
What spiteful winds breathe here? that not a Tree  
Spreads, forth a friendly arm? distressed Queen,  
And most accursed Babes; the earth that bears you  
Like a proud mother, scorns to give you food: ha?  
Thanks fate, I now defy thee starveling hunger,  
Blessed tree, four lives grow in thy fruit, run taste it then,  
Wise men serve first themselves than other men.  He falls in the Pit. 
Oh me accursed and most miserable,  
Help, help, some Angel lay a listening ear  
To draw my cry up; none to lend help? oh  
Then pine and die. Enter Clown.  Clo. 
A wolf caught, a wolf caught.  Lap 
Oh help, I am no wolf good friend.  Clo. 
No! What art thou then?  Lap. 
A miserable wretch.  Clo. 
An Usurer?  Lap. 
No, no.  Clo. 
A broker then?  Lap. 
Mock not a man in woe, in a green wound,  
Pour balsam and not Physic.  Clo. 
Snails, he talks like a Surgeon,  
If you be one why do you not help yourself sir?  Lap. 
I am no Surgeon friend, my names Lapirus.  Clo. 
How? a wolf caught hoa— Lap what Lap, hoa!  Lap. 
Lapirus is my name dost thou not know me?  Clo. 
Yes, for a wolvish rascal that would have worried his own Country.  Lap. 
Torture me not, I prithee, I am that wretch; a villain  
I was once; but I am now—  Clo. 
The Devil in the Vault; you sirrah, that betrayed your Country, and the old King your Uncle, there lie till one Wolf devour another, thou treacherous rascal. Exit.  Lap. 
Oh me most miserable and wretched creature!  
I now do find there's a revenging fate  
That dooms bad men to be unfortunate.   

Scene. 3.  Enter Zenarchus, Tymethes, Amphridote, and Mazeres. Tym. 
We are observed.  Zen. 
By whom?  Tym. 
Mazeres follows us.  Amp. 
Oh he's my protested servant, your sole Rival.  Tym. 
The devil he is.  Amp. 
You'll make a hot suitor of him anon?  Tym. 
He may be hot in th' end, his good parts sue for't,  Zen. 
He eyes us still.  Tym. 
He does, you shall depart Lady;  
I'll take my leave on purpose in his presence,  
He's jealous, and a kiss runs through his heart,  
I'll make a thrust at him on your lip.  Maz. 
Death! minute favours? every step a kiss?  
I think they count how the day goes by kissing,  
'tis past four since I met them.  Tym. 
I have hit him in the Call in stead of th' blood,  
He sheds distractions, which are worse than wounds.  Zen. 
But sirrah!  Maz. 
Stays he to prove my Rival? cursed be th' hour  
Wherein I advised the King for his stay here,  
I have set slaves t' entrap him, yet none prosper,  
I'll lay no more my faith upon their works  
Th' are weak and loose, and like a rotten wall,  
Leaning on them may hazard my own fall.  
I'll use a swifter course, cut off long journeys,  
And tedious ways that run my hopes past breath,  
I'll take the plain road way and hunt his death. Exit.  Tym. 
So so, he departs with a knit brow, no matter;  
When his frown begets earthquakes, haply then  
'Twill shake me too: I shall stand firm till then.  Enter Roxano disguised. Rox. 
Mass here 'a walks; I am far enough from myself,  
I challenge all disguises except drinking  
To hide me better; I give way to that,  
For that indeed will thrust a white gentleman  
Into a suit of mud, but whist I begin to be noted.  Zen. 
ay, he changed upon't.  Tym. 
I marked him.  Rox. 
Good your honours, your most comfortable charitable relief  
And devotion to a poor star crossed Gentleman.  Tym. 
Pox on thee.  Rox. 
I'm bare enough already if it like your honour.  Tym. 
He did!  Rox. 
Pox on thee? your young gallants love to give no Alms.  
But that that will stick by a man, that's one virtue in them:  
He's not content to have my hat off, but he would have my hair off too.  
Thank your good Lordship.  Tym. 
No! was that his Action!  Amp. 
It called him Lord.  Zen. 
Nay he's a Villain.  Rox. 
Good your honours! I have been a man in my time.  Tym. 
Why what art thou now?  Rox. 
Kept goodly beasts, had 3. wives, 2. men uprising, 3. maids down lying; oh good your kind honours.  Tym. 
'sfoot, I am a beggar myself.  Rox. 
Perhaps your Lordship gets by it;  
Good your sweet honour!  Tym. 
This fellow would be whipped.  Rox. 
Your Lordship has forgot since you were a Beggar.  Tym. 
I'll give thee somewhat for that jest in troth.  Rox. 
But now you are in private, shut your purse, and open your ear sir.  Tym. 
How?  Zen. 
He's dealing his devotion, hinder him not.  Rox. 
I am not literally a Beggar, as Puritanical as I appear  
The naked Truth is you are happily desired.  Tym. 
Ha?  Rox. 
Of the most  
Sweet, delicate, divine, pleasing, ravishing creature  Tym. 
Peace, peace, prithee peace.  Rox. 
That ever made man's wishes perfect.  Tym. 
Nay, say not so; I saw one creature lately  
Exceeds all humane form for true perfection; this may be beauteous.  Rox. 
This for white and red sir, her honour and my oath sue for that pardon,  
You must not know her name nor see her face.  Tym. 
How?  Rox. 
She rather chooseth death in her neglect  
Than so to hazard life or lose respect.  Tym. 
How shall I come at her?  Rox. 
Let your will  
Subscribe to the sure means already wrought,  
She shall be safely pleased, you safely brought.  Tym. 
Ha! and is this sheer faith, without any trick in't?  Rox. 
Let me perish in this office else; and I need wish  
No more damnation than to die a Pander.  Tym. 
Thou speakest well, when meet we?  Rox. 
Five is the fixed hour, upon to morrow's Evening.  Tym. 
So, the place?  Rox. 
near to the further lodge.  Tym. 
Go to then, it holds honest all the way?  Rox. 
Else does there live no honesty but in Lawyers.  Tym. 
Enough, five? and the furthest lodge? I'll meet thee.  Rox. 
Enjoy the sweetest Treasure in a woman. Exit.  Tym. 
Always excepting and the tyrant's Gem.  Zen. 
What, have you done with the Beggar?  Tym. 
None that lives can say he has done with the Beggar.  Zen. 
Hold conference so long with such a fellow?  Tym. 
How? are your wits perfect? if one should refuse to talk with every beggar, he might refuse brave Company sometimes, gallants i'faith. Exeunt.   

Scene. 4.  Enter the old King, Fidelio, and Amorpho. King. 
The loss of my dear Queen afflicts me more  
Than all Lapirus cursed treacheries: inhuman monster!  Lap. 
[in the pit. ]If you have humane forms to fit those voices  
And hearts that may be pierced with miseries groans  
Sent from a fainting Spirit; pity a wretch,  
A miserable man, Prisoner to darkness,  
Your charitable strengths this way repair,  
And lift my flesh to the reviving Air.  King. 
Alas, some travelling man, by night out stripped,  
Missing his way into this danger slipped;  
Set all our hands to help him; Come, good man,  
They that sit high may make their ends below.  Lap. 
Millions of thanks and praises.  King. 
Y'are heavy sir, who ere you be.  Lap. 
There's weight within keeps down my soul and men  King. 
One full strength more makes our pains happy, poor strength helps the poor.  

So sir, y'are welcome to— Lapirus? oh. Lapi. falls down.  
We do forgive thy Treachery, revive,  
'tis pity and not hate makes goodness thrive.   Lap. 
Oh that astonishment had left me dead!  
Shame, sitting on my brow, weighs down my head:  
Even thus the guilt of my abhorred sin,  
Flashed in my face when I beheld the Queen.  King. 
Our Queen! oh where, Lapirus? tell the rest.  Lap. 
Within this forest with her Babes distressed.  King. 
Which way? lead dear Lapirus.  Lap. 
Follow me then.  King. 
Not only shall we quit thy soul's offence  
But give thy happy labour recompense. Exeunt.  Dumb show. Enter the old Queen weeping, with both her Infants, the one dead; she lays down the other on a bank, and goes to bury the dead, expressing much grief. Enter the former shepherds, walking by carelessly, at last they espy the child and strive for it, at last the Clown gets it, and dandles it, expressing all signs of joy to them. Enter again the Queen, she looks for her Babe and finding it gone, wrings her hands; the Shepherds see her, then whisper together, then beckon to her; she joyfully runs to them, they return her child, she points to her breasts, as meaning she should nurse it, they all give her money, the Clown kisses the Babe and her, and so Exeunt several ways. Then enter Lapirus, the Old King, Amorpho, and Fidelio, they miss the Queen and so expressing great sorrow. Exeunt. Enter Chorus. 
The miserable Queen expecting still  
The infant's succour from Lapirus' hand  
Who wants himself; it chanced through extreme want  
The youngest died, and this so near his end  
That had not Shepherds happily passed by  
And on the Babe cast a compassionate eye,  
And snatched the child out of the arms of death  
Where the sad mother left it, the same hour  
Had been his grave that gives his life new power.  
Thus the distressed Queen to them unknown  
Was as a Nurse received unto her own.  
Whose sight Lapirus missing, having led  
The King her husband to this hapless place,  
They all depart in extreme height of grief  
To get unto their own sad wants relief. Exit.    

Act. 3.  

Scene. 1.  Enter Roxano with his disguise in his hand. Rox. 
This is the farther Lodge, the place of meeting; The hour scarce come yet— well— I was not borne to this, There's not a hair to choose betwixt me and a Pander in this case, shift it off as well as I can: I do envy this fellow's happiness now; and could cut his throat at pleasure: I could e'en gnaw feathers now to think of his downy felicity. I that could never aspire above a dairy wench, the very cream of my fortunes; that he should bathe in Nectar, and I most unfortunate in Buttermilk, this is good dealing now, is't?  Enter Mazeres musing. Maz. 
I'll have some other, for he must not live.  Rox. 
Who's this? my Lord Mazeres discontent!  
H' has been to seek me twice, and privately,  
I wonder at the business; I'm no Statesman;  
If I be, 'tis more than I know; I protest therefore  
I dare not call it in question; what should he make with me?  
I'll discover myself to him— if th' other come in the mean time so I may be caught bravely, yet 'tis scarce the hour, I'll put it to the trial.  Maz. 
Roxano in my judgement had been fittest,  
And farthest from suspect of such a deed  
Because he keeps in the Castle.  Rox. 
My loved Lord.  Maz. 
Roxano!  Rox. 
The same my Lord.  Maz. 
I was to seek thee twice;  
Tell me Roxano, have I any power in thee? do I move there,  
Or any part of me flow in thy blood?  Rox. 
As far as life my Lord.  Maz. 
As far as love man, I ask no further.  Rox. 
Touch me then my Lord, and try my mettle.  Maz. 
First there's gold for thee,  
After which follow favour, eminence,  
And all those gifts which fortune calls her own.  Rox. 
Well my Lord.  Maz. 
There's one Tymethes son to the banished King,  
Lives about Court, Zenarchus gives him grace,  
That fellow's my disease, I thrive not with him,  
He's like a prison chain shook in my ears  
I take no sleep for him, his favours mad me.  
My honours and my dignities are dreams  
When I behold him; That right arm can ease me,  
I will not boast my bounties, but for ever  
Live rich and happy: thou art wise farewell. Exit.  Rox. 
Hum, what news is here now? thou art wise farewell.  
By my troth I think it is a part of wisdom to take gold  
When it is offered, many wise men will do't: that I learned  
Of my learned Council: this is worth thinking on now.  
To kill Tymethes, so strangely beloved by a Lady, and so monstrously detested by a Lord? here's gold to bring Tymethes, and here's gold to kill Tymethes. ay, let me see, which weighs heaviest; by my faith I think the killing gold will carry't: I shall like many a bad Lawyer, run my Conscience upon the greatest fee; who gives most is like to fare best. I like my safety so much the worse in this business in that Lord Mazeres is his professed enemy: he's the king's bosom, he blows his thoughts into him; and I had rather be torn with whirlwinds than fall into any of their furies. Troth as far as I can see, the wisest course is to play the knave, lay open this Venery, betray him; but see my Lord again.  Enter Mazeres. Maz. 
Hast thou thought of me? may I do good upon thee?  
I'll out of recreation, make thee worthy; play honours to thy hand.  Rox. 
My Lord?  Maz. 
Art thou resolved? and I will be thy Lord.  Rox. 
It will appear I am so; be proud of your revenge before I name it;  
Never was man so fortunate in his hate,  
I'll give you a whole Age but to think how.  Maz. 
Thou mak'st me thirst.  Rox. 
Tymethes meets me here.  Maz. 
Here? excellent, on Roxano; he meets thee here.  Rox. 
I meant at first to betray all to you sir: understand that my Lord.  Maz. 
i'faith I do.  Rox. 
Then thus my Lord— he comes.  Enter Tymethes. Maz. 
Withdraw behind the Lodge, relate it briefly.  Tym. 
A delicate sweet Creature? slight, who should it been?  
I must not know her name, nor see her face?  
It may be some trick to have my bones bastinadoed  
Well, and so sent back again; what say you to a blanquetting  
Faith, so 'twere done by a Lady and her Chambermaids  
I care not, for if they toss me in the Blankets  
I'll toss them in the Sheets, and that's one for th' other.  
A man may be led into a thousand villainies; but the fellow swore enough,  
And here's blood apt enough to believe him.  Maz. 
I both admire the deed, and my revenge.  Rox. 
My Lord I'll make your way.  Maz. 
Thou mak'st thy friend. Exit.  Tym. 
Art come? we meet e'en jump upon a minute.  Rox. 
ay but you'll play the better jumper of the two.  
I shall not jump so near as you by a handful.  Tym. 
How! at a running leap?  Rox. 
That is more hard;  
At a running leap you may give me a handful.  Tym. 
So, so, what's to be done.  Rox. 
Nothing but put this hood over your head.  Tym. 
How? I never went blindfold before.  Rox. 
You never went otherwise sir; for all folly is blind;  
Besides sir, when we see the sin we act,  
We think each trivial crime a bloody fact.  Tym. 
Well followed of a Serving man.  Rox. 
serving-men always follow their master's sir,  Tym. 
No not in their Mistresses.  Rox. 
There I leave you sir.  Tym. 
I desire to be left when I come there sir.  
But faith sincerely is there no trick in this?  
Prithee deal honestly with me.  Rox. 
Honestly, if protestation be not honest,  
I know not what to call it.  Tym. 
Why, if she affect me so truly, she might trust me with her knowledge,  
I could be secret to her chief actions, why I love women too well.  Rox. 
she'll trust you the worse for that sir.  Tym. 
Why because I love women?  Rox. 
O sir, 'tis most common,  
He that loves women, is ne'er true to woman.  
Experience daily proves he loveth none  
With a true heart, that affects more than one.  Tym. 
Your wit runs nimbly sir, pray use your pleasure.  Rox. 
Why then good-night sir. He puts on the hood.  Tym. 
Mass the candles out.  Rox. 
Oh sir the better sports taste best in th' night,  
And what we do in the dark we hate i'th' light.  Tym. 
A good doer mayst thou prove, for thy experience;  
Come give me thy hand, thou mayst prove an honest Lad,  
But however I'll trust thee.  Rox. 
Oh sir, first try me,  
But we protract good hours, come follow me sir,  
Why this is right your sportive Gallants prize,  
Before they'll lose their sport they'll lose their eyes. Exeu.   

Scen. 2.  Enter the Queen and four servants, she with a book in her hand. Que. 
Oh my fear-fighting blood! aren you all here.  Ser. 1. 
All at your pleasure Madam.  Que. 
That's my wish, and my opinion  
Hath ever been persuaded of your truths,  
And I have found you willing t'all employments  
We put into your charge.  Ser. 2. 
In our faith's madam.  Ser. 3. 
For we are bound in duty to your Bounty.  Que. 
Will you to what I shall prescribe swear secrecy?  Ser. 4. 
Try us, sweet Lady, and you shall prove our faiths.  Que. 
To all things that you hear or see  
I swear you all to secrecy;  
I pour my life into your breasts,  
There my doom or safety rests.  
If you prove untrue to all  
Now I rather choose to fall  
With loss of my desire, than light  
Into the tyrant's wrathful spite:  
But in vain I doubt your trust,  
I never found your hearts but just.  
On this book your vows arrive,  
And as in truth in favour thrive.  Omn. 
We wish no higher, so we swear.  Que. 
Like Jewels all your vows I'll wear.  
Here, take this Paper, there those secrets dwell,  
Go read your charge, which I should blush to tell.  
All's sure, I nothing doubt of safety now,  
To which each servant hath combined his vow.  
Roxano, that begins it trustily,  
I cannot choose but praise him, he's so needful,  
There's nothing can be done about a Lady  
But he is for it; honest Roxano;  
Even from our head to feet he's so officious,  
The time draws on, I feel the minutes here,  
No clock so true as love that strikes in fear. Exeunt.   

Scene. 3.  Soft music, a Table with lights set out. Arras spread. Enter Roxano leading Tymethes. Mazeres meets them. Tym. 
How far lack I yet of my blind pilgrimage?  Maz 
Whist, Roxano!  Rox. 
You are at your— In my Lord, away, I'll help  
You to a disguise.  Maz. 
Enough. Exit.  Tym. 
methinks I walk in a Vault all under ground.  Rox. 
And now your long lost eyes again are found: good morrow sir. pulls off the hood.  Tym. 
By the mass the day breaks.  Rox. 
Rest here my Lord and you shall find content,  
Catch your desires, stay here, they shall be sent.  Tym. 
Though it be night, 'tis morning to that night which brought me hither,  
Ha! the ground spread with Arras? what place is this?  
Rich hangings? fair room gloriously furnished?  
Lights and their luster? riches and their splendour?  
'tis no mean creatures, these dumb tokens witness;  
Troth I begin t' affect my Hostess better;  
I love her in her absence, though unknown,  
For courtly form that's here observed and shown.  Loud music. Enter 2. with a Banquet; other 2. with lights; they set 'em down and depart, making obeisance. Roxano takes one of them aside. Rox. 
Valesta? yes, the same; 'tis my Lady's pleasure,  
You give to me your coat, and vizarded attend without  
Till she employ you— so now, this disguise  
Serves for my Lord Mazeres, for he watches  
But fit occasion: Lecher, now beware,  
Securely sit and fearless quaff and eat,  
You'll find sour sauce still after your sweet meat. Exit.  Tym. 
The servants all in visards? by this light  
I do admire the carriage of her love;  
For I account that woman above wise  
Can sin and hide the shame from a man's eyes.  
They never do their easy sex more wrong,  
Than when they venture fame upon man's tongue.  
Yet I could swear concealment in love's plot,  
But happy woman that believes me not.  
whate'er is spoke or to be spoke seems fit,  
All still concludes her happiness and wit.  Loud Music, Enter Roxano, Mazeres and the 4. Servants, with dishes of sweet meats, Roxano places them: each having delivered his dish makes low obeisance to Tymethes. Rox. 
This banquet from her own hand received grace  
herself prepared it for you; as appears  
By the choice sweets it yields, able to move  
A man past sense, to the delights of love,  
I bid you welcome as her most prized guest,  
First to this banquet, next to pleasure's feast.  Tym. 
Who ere she be we thank her, and commend  
Her care and love to entertain a friend.  Rox. 
That speaks her sex's rareness, for to woman,  
The darkest path love treads is clear and common;  
She wishes your content may be as great  
As if her presence filled that other seat.  Tym. 
Convey my thanks to her, and fill some wine.  Maz. 
My Lord?  Rox. 
My Lord Mazeres caught the Office  
I can't but laugh to see how well he plays  
The Devil in a vizard; damns where he crouches; little thinks the Prince  
Under that face lurks his lives enemy,  
Yet he but keeps the fashion; great men kill  
As flatterers stab, who laugh when they mean ill.  Maz. 
Now could I poison him fitly, aptly, rarely,  
My vengeance speaks me happy; there it goes.  Tym. 
Some wine?  Maz. 
It comes my Lord.  Enter a Lady with wine. La. 
My Lady begun to you sir, and doth commend,  
This to your heart, and with it her affection.  Tym. 
I'll pledge her thankfully; there remove that.  Spills the wine. Maz. 
And in this my revenge must be removed  
Where first I left it, now my abused wrath  
Pursues thy ruin in this dangerous path.  Rox. 
That cup hath quite dashed my Lord Mazeres.  Tym. 
Return my faith, my reverence, my respect,  
And tell her this, which courteously I find,  
She hides her face, but lets me see her mind.  Rox. 
I would not taste of such a Banquet to feel that which follows it,  
For the love of an Empress. 'tis more dangerous to be a lecher  
Than to enter upon a breach; yet how securely he munches  
His thoughts are sweeter than the very meats before him:  
He little dreams of his destruction;  
His horrible fearful ruin which cannot be withstood,  
The end of Venery is disease or blood  Soft Music. Enter the Queen masked in her nightgown; her maid with a shirt and a Night cap. Tym. 
I have not known one happier for his pleasure  
Than in that state we are; 'tis a strange trick,  
And sweetly carried; by this light a delicate creature,  
And should have a good face if all hit right;  
For they that have good bodies and bad faces  
Were all mismatched, and made up in blind places.  Rox. 
The wind and tide serve sir, you have lighted upon  
A Sea of pleasure; here's your sail sir, and your top streamer  
A fair wrought shirt and a nightcap.  Tym. 
I shall make a sweet voyage of this.  Rox. 
ay, if you knew all sir.  Tym. 
Is not all known yet? what's to be told?  Rox. 
Five hundred Crowns in the shirt sleeve in gold.  Tym. 
How?  Rox. 
'tis my good Lady's pleasure,  
No Clouds eclipse her bounty, she shines clear,  
Some like that pleasure best that costs most dear;  
Yet I think your Lordship is not of that mind now;  
You like that best that brings a Banquet with it, and 500. crowns.  Tym. 
I by this light do I; and I think thou art of my mind.  Rox. 
We jump somewhat near sir.  Tym. 
But what does she mean to reward me afore hand?  
I may prove an Eunuch now for aught she knows.  Rox. 
Oh sir, I ne'er knew any of your hair but he was absolute at the game.  Tym. 
Faith we are much of a colour; but here's a Note, what says it?  
He reads .Our love and bounty shall increase  
So long as you regard our peace.  
Unless your life you would forgo,  
Who we are seek not to know.  
Enjoy me freely: for your sake  
This dangerous shift I undertake.  
Be therefore wise, keep safe your breath,  
You cannot see me under death.  
I'd be loath to venture so far for the sight of any Creature under heaven.  Rox. 
Nay sir I think you may see a thousand faces better cheap.  Tym. 
Well, I will shift me instantly, and be content  
With my groping fortune. Exit.  Rox. 
Oh sir, you'll grope to purpose. Exit.  Maz. 
I'll after thee, and see the measure of my vengeance upheaped  
His ruin is my charge; I have seen that  
This night would make one blush through this vizard.  
Like lightning in a Tempest her lust shows,  
Or drinking drunk in Thunder, horrible:  
For on this Act a Thousand dangers wait,  
The King will seize him in his burning fury  
and seal his vengeance on his reeking breast,  
Though I make Panders use of ear and eye  
No office vile to dam mine Enemy.  
This course is but the first, 'twill not rest there,  
The next shall change him into fire and Air. Exit.    

Act. 4.  

Scene. 1.  Enter Tymethes and Zenarchus. Tym. 
Nay, did ere subtlety match it?  Zen. 
'slight, led to a Lady hoodwinked!  
Placed in state, and banqueted in visards.  Tym. 
All by this light: but all this nothing was  
To the delicious pleasures of her Bed.  Zen. 
Who should this be?  Tym. 
Nay inquire not brother,  
I'd give one eye to see her with the other.  
Seest thou this Jewel? in the midst of night  
I slipped it from her veil, unfelt of her,  
'T may be so kind unto me as to bring  
Her beauty to my knowledge.  Zen. 
Canst not guess at her, nor at the Place?  Tym. 
At neither for my heart; why I'll tell thee man  
'Twas handled with such Art, such admired cunning,  
What with my blindness and their general darkness,  
That when mine eyes received their liberty, I was ne'er the nearer.  
To them in full form I appeared shrouded  
But all their lights to me were masked and clouded.  Enter Tyrant and Mazeres observing. Zen. 
Fore heaven I do admire the cunning of't.  Tym. 
Nay you cannot out vie my admiration,  
I had a feeling of't beyond your passion.  Zen. 
Well, blow this over, see, our sister comes.  Enter Amphridote. Tyr. 
Art sure Mazeres that he courts our Daughter?  Maz. 
I'm sure of more my Lord, she favours him.  Tyr. 
That Beggar?  Maz. 
Worse my Lord, that villain Traitor, and yet worse my Lord.  Tyr. 
How?  Maz. 
Pardon my Lord, a riper time shall bring him forth.  
Behold him there my Lord. Tymethes kisses her.  Tyr. 
Dares she so far forget respect to us,  
And dim her own lustre to give him grace?  Maz. 
Favours are grown to custom 'twixt them both,  
Letters, close banquets, whisperings, private meetings.  Tyr. 
I'll make them dangerous meetings.  Amp. 
In faith my Lord I'll have this jewel.  Tym. 
'tis not my gift Lady.  Tyr. 
What's that Mazeres?  Maz. 
Marry, my Lord, she courtly begs a jewel of him  
Which he keeps back as Courtly, with fair words.  Amp. 
I have sworn my Lord.  Tym. 
Why upon that condition  
You'll keep it safe and close from all strange eyes  
Not wronging me, 'tis yours.  Amp. 
I swear.  Tym. 
It shall suffice.  They kiss, and Exit Zenarchus and Amphridote. Maz. 
'tis hers my Lord, at which they part in kisses.  Tyr. 
I'll make those meetings bitter; both shall rue,  
We have found Mazeres to this minute true.  Exit come Mazere. Tym. 

No trick to see this Lady? heart of ill fortune!  
The jewel that was begged from me too was  
The hope I had to gain her wished for knowledge.  
Well; here's a heart within will not be quiet;  
The eye is the sweet feeder of the soul,  
When then taste wants, that keeps the memory whole;  
'tis bad to be in darkness all know well,  
Than not to see her what doth it want of Hell?  
What says the Note?   

Unless your life you would forgo,  
Whom we are, seek not to know.   

Pish, all Idle.  
As if she'd suffer death to threaten me  
Whom she so bounteously and firmly loves?  
No trick? excellent, 'twill fit; make use of that.   Enter Mazeres and Roxano. Maz. 
Enough, thouart honest; I affect thee much;  
Go, train him to his ruin. Exit.  Rox. 
Let me alone my Lord; doubt not I'll train him:  
Perhaps sir I have the Art.  Tym. 
Oh, I know thy mind.  Rox. 
The further lodge?  Tym. 
Enough, I'll meet thee presently.  Rox. 
Why so; I like one that will make an end of himself at few words;  
A man that hath a quick perseverance in ill:  
A leaping spirit; he'll run through horrors jaws  
To catch a sin; but to o'ertake a virtue  
He softly paces, like a man that's sent  
Some tedious dark, unprofitable journey.  
Corrupt is nature, she loves nothing more  
Than what she most should hate, there's nothing springs  
Apace in man but grey hairs, cares, and sins. Exit  Tym. 
I'll see her come what can; but what can prove?  
She cannot seek my death, that seeks my love. Exit.   

Scene. 2.  Enter Amphridote and Mazeres. Amp. 
My Lord, what is the matter?  Maz. 
I know not what;  
The King sent.  Amp. 
Well, we obey.  Maz. 
Here comes his Highness. Enter Tyrant.  Tyr. 
How now what's she?  Amp. 
I my Lord?  
Your Highness knew me once, your most obedient Daughter.  Tyr. 
They lie that tell me so, this is not she.  Amp. 
No, my Lord?  Tyr. 
No, for as thou art I know thee not,  
And I shall strive still to forget thee more;  
Thou neither bear'st in memory my respects  
Nor thy own worths; how can we think of thee  
But as of a dejected worthless creature?  
So far beneath our grace and thy own luster, that we disdain to know thee.  
Was there no choice 'mong our selected Nobles  
To make thy favourite besides Tymethes?  
Son to our enemy, a wretch, a Beggar?  
Dead to all fortunes, honours, or their hopes,  
Besides his breath, worth nothing; abject wretch,  
To place thy affection so vigorously  
On him can ne'er requite it; deny't not,  
We know the favours thou hast given him,  
Pledges of love, close letters, private meetings,  
And whisperings are customary 'twixt you.  
Come, which be his gifts? whereabout lie his pledges?  Amp. 
Your Grace hath been injuriously informed,  
I ne'er received pledge.  Tyr. 
Impudent creature,  
When in our sight and hearing shamefully undervaluing thy best honours  
And setting by all modesty of blood thou bēg'dst a jewel of him.  Amp. 
Oh pardon men my Lord, I had forgot, here 'tis,  
That is the same, and all that ere was his.  Tyr. 
Ha! this! how came this hither?  Amp. 
I gave it you my Lord.  Tyr. 
Who gave it thee?  Amp. 
Tymethes.  Tyr. 
He! who gave it him?  Amp. 
I know not that my Lord.  Tyr. 
Then here it sticks, Mazeres!  Maz. 
My Lord!  Tyr. 
'tis my queens, my Queens, Mazeres.  
How to him came this?  Maz. 
I can resolve your highness.  Tyr. 
Can Mazeres?  Maz 
He is some Ape, the husk falls from him now,  
And you shall know his inside: he's a villain,  
A Traitor to the pleasures of your Bed.  Tyr. 
Oh, I shall burst with torment.  Maz. 
He's received this night  
Into her bosom.  Tyr. 
I feel a whirl wind in me  
Ready to tear the frame of my mortality.  Maz. 
I traced him to the deed.  Tyr. 
And saw it done?  Maz. 
I abused my eyes in the true survey of't,  
Tainted my hearing with lascivious sounds;  
My loyalty did prompt me to be sure  
Of what I found so wicked and impure.  Tyr. 
'tis spring tide in my Gall, all my blood's bitter,  
Puh, lungs too.  Maz. 
This night.  Tyr. 
Lodovico.  Enter Lodovico. Lod. 
My Lord.  Try. 
How cam'st thou up? let's hear.  Lod. 
My Lord, my first beginning was a Broker.  Tyr. 
A knave from the beginning; there's no hopen of him, Sertorio? Enter Sertorio.  Ser. 
Here my Lord.  Tyr. 
We know thee just, how cam'st thou up? let's hear.  Ser. 
From no desert that I can challenge but your highness' favour.  Tyr. 
Thou art honest in that answer; go, report we are 40. leagues off  
Rid forth: spread it about the Castle cunningly.  Ser. 
I'll do it faithfully my Lord.  Tyr. 
do't cunningly,  
Go, if thou shouldst do't faithfully thou liest;  
I'm lost by violence through all my senses,  
I'm blind with rage, Mazeres, guide me forth  
I tread in Air, and see no foot nor path,  
I have lost myself, yet cannot lose my wrath.  Exeunt all but Amphridote. Amp. 
What have I heard? it dares not be but true;  
Tymethes taken in adulterate trains,  
And with the Queen my mother? now I hate him,  
As beauty abhors years, or usurer's charity;  
He does appear unto my eye a leper  Enter Mazeres. 
Full of sins black infection, foul Adultery:  
Cursed be the hour in which I first did grace him,  
And let Mazeres starve in my disdain  
That hath so long observed me with true love,  
Whose loyalty in this approves the same.  Maz. 
Madam.  Amp. 
My love? my Lord I should say, but would say my love.  Maz. 
I do beseech your Grace for what I have done  
Lay no oppressing censure upon me;  
I could not but in honesty reveal it,  
Not envying in that he was my Rival,  
Nor in the force of any ancient grudge  
But as the deed in its own nature craved,  
So 'mong the rest it was revealed to me:  
Appēaring so detested that yourself  
Gracious and kind, had you but seen the manner  
Would have thrown by all pity and remorse  
And took my office or one more in force.  Amp. 
Rise dear Mazeres, in our favours rise,  
So far am I from censure to reprove thee  
That in my hate to him I choose and love thee.  Maz. 
If constant service may be called desert, I shall deserve.  Amp. 
Man hath no better part.  Maz. 
Why this was happily observed and followed; aside.  
The King will to the Castle late tonight,  
And tread through all the Vaults, I must attend.  Amp. 
I wish that at first sight th' hadst forced his end. Exit.  Maz. 
'tis better thus; so my revenge imports;  
Now thrive my plots, the end shall make me great,  
She mine, the Crown sits here I am then Completed. Exit.   

Scene. 3.  Enter Queen and her maid with a light. Que. 
So, leave us here a while, bear back the light,  
I would not be discovered if he come,  
You know his entertainment, so be gone,  
I am not cheerful troth, what point soe'er  
My powers arrive at: I desire a league  
With desolate darkness, and disconsolate fancies,  
There is no music in my soul tonight.  
What should I fear when all my servants faiths  
Sleep in my bounty, and no bribes not threats,  
Can wake them from my safety? for the King,  
He's forty leagues rode forth, I heard it lately:  
Yet heaviness like a Tyrant, proud in night  
Usurps my power, rules where it hath no right. She sleeps.  Enter Roxano as she sleeps with Tymethes hoodwinked. Tym. 
methinks this a longer voyage than the first?  Rox. 
Pleasures once tasted makes the next seem worse.  Tym. 
Is that the trick?  Rox. 
Oh sir, experience proves it,  
You came at first to enjoy what you ne'er knew,  
Now all is but the same whate'er you do.  Tym. 
I'll prove that false, the sight of her is new.  Rox. 
I have forgot a business to my Lord Mazeres,  
My safety to the King relies upon't,  
You are in the house my Lord, this is the withdrawing Room.  Tym. 
I see nothing.  Rox. 
No matter sir, as long as you have  
Feeling enough.  Tym. 
Is the Hood off?  Rox. 
'tis here in my hand sir,  
I must crave pardon, leave you here a while,  
But as you love my safety and your own  
Remove not from this room till my return.  Tym. 
Well here's my hand I will not.  Rox. 
'tis enough sir. Exit.  Tym. 
Hist, art gone? then boldly I step forth  
Cunning discoverer of an unknown beauty  
As subtle as her plot: Thou art masked too,  Opens a dark lantern. 
Show me a little comfort, in this condensive darkness;  
Play the flatterer laugh in my face;  
Why here's enough to perfect all my wishes;  
With this I taste of that forbidden fruit  
Which as she says death follows; death 'twill sting,  
Soft, what rooms this? let's see, 'tis not the former  
I was entertained in, no, it some what differs:  
Rich hangings still, Court deckings, ay, and all—  He spies the Queen. 
Oh all that can be in man's wish comprised  
Is in thy love immortal, in thy graces.  
I am not the same flesh, my touch is altered.  She awakes. Que. 
Hast thou betrayed me? what hast thou attempted?  Tym. 
Nothing that can be prejudicial  
To the sweet peace of those illustrious graces.  Que. 
Oh my most certain ruin?  Tym. 
Admired Lady hear me, hear my vow,  Que. 
Oh miserable youth none saves thee now.  Tym. 
By that which man holds dearest dreadful Queen.  
And all that can be in a vow contained  
I'll prove as true, secret, and vigilant  
As ever man observed with serious virtue  
The dreadful call of his departing soul.  
Your own soul to your secrets, shall not prove more true  
Than mine to it, to them, to all, to you.  Que. 
Oh misery of affection built on breath?  
Were I as far past my belief in heaven  
As in man's oaths, I were the foulest devil.  Tym. 
May I eat and ne'er be nourished, live and know nothing,  
Love without enjoying, if ever—  Que. 
Come, this is more than needs.  Tym. 
There's comfort then.  Que. 
You that profess such truth, shall I enjoin you  
To one poor penance then to try your faith?  Tym. 
Be't what it will command it.  Que. 
Spend but this hour, wherein you have offended  
In true repentance of your sin, and all  
Your hasty youth stands guilty of, and being clear,  
You shall enjoy that which you hold most dear.  Tym. 
And if this penance I perform not truly  
May I henceforth ne'er be received to favour.  Que. 
Why then I'll leave you to your task a while:  
Most wretched, doubtful, strange distracted woman,  
e'en drawn in pieces betwixt love and fear,  
I weep in thought of both: bold venturous youth,  
Twice I writ death, yet would he seek to know me,  
He'll make no Conscience where his oaths bestow me. Exit.  Tym. 
I'm glad all's so well passed, and she appeased,  
I swear I did expect a harder penance  
When she began to enjoin me; why, this is wholesome  
For soul and body, though I seldom use it.  
Her wisdom is as pleasing as her beauty,  
I never knew affection hastier borne,  
With more true Art and less suspicion:  
It so amazed me to know her my Mistress  
I had no power to close the light again,  Enter the Queen with two Pistols. 
Unhappy that I was, peace, here she comes.  
Down to thy penance, think of thy whole youth,  
From the first minute that the womb conceived me  
To this full heaped hour I do repent me,  
With heart as penitent as a man, dissolving,  
Of all my sins, borne with me, and borne of me;  
Dishonest thoughts and sights, the paths of youth,  
So thrive in mercy as I end in truth.  She shoots him dead. Que. 
Fly to thy wish, I pray it may be given,  
Man in a twinkling is in earth and heaven:  
I dealt not like a coward with thy soul,  
Nor took it unprepared.  
I gave him time to put his armour on  
And sent him forth like a Celestial champion,  
I loved thee with more care and truer moan,  
Since thou must die to taste more deaths than one  
Too much by this pity and love confesses,  
Had any warning fastened on thy senses:  
Rash, unadvised youth, whom my soul weeps for,  
How oft I told thee this attempt was death?  
Yet wouldst thou venture on, fond man and knenw?  
But what destruction will not youth pursue?  
Here long mightst thou have lived, been loved, enjoyed,  
Had not thy will thy happiness destroyed;  
Thought'st thou by oaths to have thy deedēs well borne?  
Thou shouldst have come when man was ne'er forsworn;  
They are dangerous now; witness this breach of thine;  
Who's false to his own faith, will ne'er keep mine.  
We must be safe, young man, the deed's unknown,  
There are more loves, honours no more than one.  
Yet spite of death I'll kiss thee; oh strange ill,  
That for our fears we should our comforts kill?  
Whom shall I trust with this poor bleeding body?  
Yonder's a secret Vault runs through the Castle  
There for a while convey him; hapless Boy  
that never knew how dear 'twas to enjoy.  Enter Tyrant with a Torch. 
Oh 'me confounded everlastingly,  
Damned to a thousand Tortures in that sight  
What shall I frame? my Lord She runs to him.  Tyr. 
What's she?  Que. 
Oh my sweet dearest Lord.  Tyr. 
Thy name?  Que. 
Thy poor affrighted and endangered Queen.  Tyr. 
Oh, I know thee now.  Que. 
Did not your Majesty hear the piteous shrieks  
Of an enforced Lady?  Tyr. 
Yes, whose were they?  Que. 
Mine my most worthy Lord; behold this Villain  
Sealed with his just desert: light here my King,  
This violent youth, whom till this night, I saw not,  
Being, as it seems, acquainted with the footsteps  
Of that dark passage, broke through the Vault upon me  
And with a secret lantern searched me out;  
And seized me at my Orisons alone  
And bringing me by violence to this room  
Far from my guard, or any hope of rescue,  
Intending here the ruin of my honour;  
But in the strife, as the good Gods ordained it  
Reaching for succour, I lighted on a Pistol,  
Which I presumed was not without his charge,  
Than I redeemed mine honour from his lust,  
So he that sought my fall lies in the dust.  Tyr. 
Oh let me embrace thee for a brave unmatchable  
Precious, unvalued admirable whore.  Que. 
Ha! what says my Lord?  Tyr. 
Come hither, yet draw nearer, how came this man  
To's end? I would hear that, I would learn cunning,  
Tell me that I may wonder and so lose thee.  
There is no Art like this; let me partake  
A subtlety no devil can imitate,  
Speak, why is all so contrary to time?  
He down and you up? ha, why thus?  Que. 
I am sorry for my Lord, I understand him not.  Tyr. 
The deed is not so monstrous in itself  
As is the Art which ponders home the deed;  
The cunning doth amaze me past the sin,  
That he should fall before my rage begin.  Que. 
My Lord.  Tyr. 
Come hither yet, one of those left hands give me,  
Thou hast no right at all;  
Nothing but put a Ring upon a finger  Que. 
That's a wrong finger for a Ring my Lord.  Tyr. 
And what was he on whom you bounteously bestowed this jewel?  Que. 
I do not like that word. aside  Tyr. 
Look well upon't, dost know it? ay, and start.  Que. 
Oh heaven, how came this hither?  
Your Highness gave me this, this is mine own.  Tyr. 
'tis the same ring, but yet not the same stone  
Mystical Strumpet, dost thou yet presume  
Upon thy subtle strength? shak'st thou not yet?  
Or is it only Art makes women constant, whom nature makes so loose?  
I looked for gracious lightning from thy cheeks,  
I see none yet; for a relenting Eye,  
I can see no such sight; lust keeps in all;  
My witness? where's my witness? rise in the same form.  Enter from below, Mazeres habited like Roxano. Que. 
Oh I'm betrayed.  Tyr. 
Is not you woman an Adulteress.  Maz. 
Yes, my good Lord.  Tyr. 
Was not this fellow catched for her desire?  
Brought in a Mist? banqueted and received  
To all her amplest pleasures!  Maz. 
True, my Lord,  
I brought him, saw him feasted and received,  Tyr. 
Down, down, we have too much.  Que. 
Oh 'tis Roxano.  Maz. 
So, by this sleight I have deceived them both,  
I'm took for him I strive to make her loath. Exit.  Tyr. 
Needs here more witnesses? I'll call up more.  Que. 
Oh no, here lies a witness 'gainst myself  
Sooner believed than all their hired faiths;  
Doom me unto my death, only except  
The lingering execution of your look;  
Let me not live tormented in that brow,  
I do confess.  Tyr. 
Oh I felt no quick till now.  
All witnesses to this were but dead flesh  
I was insensible of all but this.  
Would I had given my Kingdom so conditioned  
That thou hadst ne'er confessed it.  
Now I stand by the deed, see all in Action,  
The close conveyance, cunning passages,  
The Artful fetch, the whispering close disguising;  
The hour, the Banquet, and the bawdy Tapers;  
All stick in mine eye together; yet thou shalt live.  Que. 
Torment me not with life, it asks but death.  Tyr. 
Oh hadst thou not confessed? hadst thou no sleight?  
Where was thy cunning there?  
I see it now in thy confession.  
Thou shalt not die as long as this is meat,  
Thou killed'st a Buck which thou thyself shalt eat.  Que. 
Dear sir?  Tyr. 
Here's deer struck dead with thy own hand,  
'tis Venison for thy own tooth, thou know'st the relish  
A dearer place hath been thy Taster; hoa, Sertorio! Lodovico  They Enter. Ambo. 
Here sir.  Tyr. 
Drag hence that body, see it quartered straight,  
No living wrath can I extend upon't,  
Else torments, horrors, Gibbets, racks and wheels  
Had with a thousand deaths presented him,  
Ere he had tasted one; yet thou shalt live.  
Here, take this Taper lighted, kneel, and weep,  
I'll try which is spent first, that of thine eye,  
I'll provide food for thee, thou shalt not die.  
If there be hell for sins that men commit,  
Marry a strumpet and she keeps the pit. Exit.  Que. 
I feared this misery long before it came,  
My ominous dreams, and fearful dreadfulness  
Promised this issue long before 'twas borne.  Enter Mazeres. Maz. 
Yonder she kneels, little suspecting me  
The neat discoverer of her Venery.  
I were full safe had I Roxano's life  
Which in this stream I fish for; how now Lady;  
So near the earth suits not a living Queen.  Que. 
Under the earth were safer and far happier.  Maz. 
What is't that can drive you to such discomforts!  
To prize your glories at so mean a Rate?  Que. 
The treachery of my servants, good my Lord;  Maz. 
Dare they prove treacherous? most ignoble Vassals,  
To the sweet peace of so divine a Mistress?  Que. 
I'm sure one Villain, whom I dearly loved,  
Of whom my trust had made Election chief,  
Perfidiously betrayed me to the fury  
Of my tempestuous unappeased Lord.  Maz. 
Let me but know him, that I may bestow  
My service to your Grace upon his heart  
And thence deserve a Mistress like yourself.  Enter Roxano from below. Que. 
Oh me, too soon behold him.  Maz. 
Madam, stand by, let him not see the light.  Rox. 
Now I expect reward.  Maz. 
He dies were he my kinsman for that guilt,  
Though 'twere as far to's heart as 'tis to th' hilt.  Runs at Roxano. Rox. 
Ha? what was that? there's a reward with a vengeance.  Maz. 
Fall villain, for betraying of thy Lady,  
Such things must never creep about the earth  
To poison them right use of service— a Trencher!  Que. 
This is some poor revenge, thanks good my Lord,  
Into that cave with him from whence he rose  
Not long since and betrayed me to the King.  Maz. 
O villain, in, and overtake thy soul.  Que. 
Here's a perplexed breast, let that warm steel  
Perform but the like service upon me,  
And live the rarest friend to a queen's wish.  Maz. 
Oh pardon me, that were too full of evil,  
I threat not Angels though I smite the Devil:  
Doubt not your peace, the King will be appeased  
There I'll bestow my service.  Que. 
We are pleased.  Maz. 
As much as comes to nothing; I'll not sue  
To urge the King from that he urged him to. Exit.  Que. 
Betrayed where I reposed most trust? oh heaven,  
There is no misery, fit match for mine.  Enter Tyrant Sertorio, Lodovico, bringing in Tymethes' limbs. Tyr. 
So, bring 'em forward yet, there, there bestow them,  
Before her eyes lay the divided limbs  
Of her desired Paramour; so, y'are welcome,  
Lady you see your cheer, fine flesh, course fare,  
Sweet was your lust, what can be bitter there?  
By heaven, no other food thy taste shall have,  
Till in thy bowels those Corpses find a grave.  
Which to be sure of, come, I'll lock thee safe  
From the world's pity: hang those quarters up,  
The bottom drinks the worst in pleasure's cup. Exeunt omn.    

Act. 5.  

Scene. 1.  Enter Zenarchus solus. Zen. 
Oh my Tymethes! truest joy on earth!  
Hath thy fate proved so flinty? so perverse?  
To the sweet spring both of thy youth and hopes?  
This was Mazeres spite, that cursed Rival,  
And if I fail not, his own plot shall shower  
Upon his bosom like a falling Tower.  Enter Tyrant. 
My worthy Lord.  Tyr. 
Oh, you should have seen us sooner.  Zen. 
Why my Lord!  Tyr. 
The quarters of your friend passed by in Triumph,  
A sight that I presume, had pleased you well.  Zen. 
I call a villain to my father's pleasure,  
No friend of mine; the sight had pleased me better,  
Had I not like Mazeres, run my hate  
Into the sin before it grew to act;  
And killed it ere't had knotted: 'twas rare service,  
If your vexed Majesty conceive it right.  
In politic Mazeres, serving more  
In this discovery, his own vicious malice  
Than any true peace that should make you perfect:  
Suffering the hateful treason to be done  
He might have stopped in his confusion.  Tyr. 
Most certain.  Zen. 
Good your Majesty bethink you  
In manly temper and considerate blood;  
Went he the way of loyalty, or your quiet,  
After he saw the courtesies exceed  
T'abuse your peace, and trust them with the deed?  Tyr. 
Oh no, none but a Traitor would have done it.  Zen. 
For my Lord, weight indifferently.  Tyr. 
I do, I do.  Zen. 
What makes it heinous, burdensome, and monstrous,  
Fills you with such distractions, breeds such furies  
In your incensed breast, but the deed doing?  Tyr. 
Oh.  Zen. 
Th'intent had been sufficient for his death,  
And that full satisfaction; but the act—  Tyr. 
Insufferable,  
Sertorio! where's Sertorio. Enter Sertorio.  Ser. 
My Lord.  Tyr. 
Seek out Mazeres suddenly, peace Zenarchus  
Let me alone to trap him.  Zen. 
It may prove,  
Behold my friend, how I express my love.  Tyr. 
Oh villain, had he pierced him at first sight,  
Where I have one grief, I had missed ten thousand by't.  Enter Mazeres and Sertorio. Maz. 
I dreamt of some new honours for my late service,  
And I wondered how he could keep off so long from my desert,  Tyr. 
Mazeres?  Maz. 
My loved Lord.  Tyr. 
I am forgetful  
I am in thy debt some dignities Mazeres,  
What shift shall we make for thee? thy late service  
Is warm still in our memory and dear favour:  
Prithee discover to's the manner how  
Thou tookest them subtly.  Maz. 
I was received into a waiter's room my Lord.  Tyr. 
Thou wast!  Maz. 
And in a vizard helped to serve the banquet.  Tyr. 
Ha, ha!  Maz. 
Saw him conveyed into a Chamber privately.  Tyr. 
And still thou let'st him run?  Maz. 
I let him play my Lord.  Tyr. 
Ha, ha, ha!  Maz. 
I watched still near, till her arms clasped him.  Tyr. 
And there thou let'st him rest.  Maz. 
There he was caught my Lord.  Tyr. 
So art thou here; drag him to execution he shall die.  
With tortures 'bove the thought of Tyranny. Exit.  Zen. 
No words are able to express my gladness,  
'tis such a high borne rapture that the soul  
Partakes it only.  Enter Amphridote and Lodovico. Amp. 
My Lord Mazeres led  
Unto his death?  Lod. 
It proves too true dear Princess.  Amp. 
Cursed be the mouth that doomed him, and for e'er  
Blasted the hand that parts him from his life.  
Was there none fit to practise Tyranny on  
But whom our heart elected? misery of love!  
I must not live to think oft.  Zen. 
Here's my Sister,  
I could not bring that news will please her better,  
My news brings that command over your passions, you must be merry.  Amp. 
Have you warrant for't Brother?  Zen. 
Yes, strong enough i'faith; hear me, Mazeres  
By this time is at his everlasting home;  
Where ere his body lies, I struck the stroke  
I wrought a bitter pill that quickly choked him.  Amp. 
Oh me, my soul will out, some wine there hoa!  Zen. 
Wine for our Sister, for the news is worth it.  Enter Lod, with wine and Exit. Am. 
It will prove dear to both; so, give it me; now leave us.  Zen. 
Revenge ne'er brought forth a more happy issue  
Than I think mine to be.  She poisons the wine. Am. 
I'm setting forth Mazeres, here Zenarchus.  Zen. 
Thou art not like this hour, jovial.  Am. 
I shall be after this.  Zen. 
That does't if any,  
Wine doth both help defects, and causeth many.  
Here's to the deed faith of our last revenge.  Amp. 
Dying men Prophesy, faith 'tis our last end;  
Now I must tell you brother, that I hate you,  
In that you hive betrayed my loved Mazeres.  Zen. 
What's this?  Amp. 
His deed was loyal, his discovery just,  
He brought to light a monster and his lust.  Zen. 
Nay if you grow so strumpet like in your behaviour to me,  
I'll quickly cool that insolence.  Amp. 
Peace, peace,  
There is a Champion fights for me unseen,  
I need not fear thy threats.  Zen. 
Indeed no Harlot  
But has her Champion, besides bawd and Varlet; oh!  Amp. 
Why la you now such gear will ne'er thrive with you.  Zen. 
I'm sick of thy society, poison to mine eyes.  Amp. 
'tis lower in thy breast the poison lies.  Zen. 
How?  Amp. 
'tis for Mazeres.  Zen. 
Oh you virtuous powers,  
What a right strumpet? poison under love?  Amp. 
That man can ne'er be safe that divides love. She dies.  Zen. 
Nor she be honest can so soon impart,  
Oh ware that woman that can shift her heart. dies.   

Scene. 2.  Thunder and lightning. A blazing star appears. Enter Tyrant. Tyr. 
Ha? thunder? and thou marrow melting blast  
Quick winged lightning; and thou blazing star,  
I like not thy prodigious bearded fire;  
Thy beams are fatal: ha? behold the Influence  
Of all their malice in my children's mines?  
Their states malignant powers have envied,  
And for some haste struck with their envies died:  
'tis ominous; within there?  Enter Sertorio and Lodovico. Lod. 
Here my Lord.  Tyr. 
Convey those bodies a while from my fight.  Ser. 
Both dead my Lord.  Tyr. 
Yes, and we safe, our death we needed less fear,  
Usurper's issue oft proves dangerous,  
We depose others, and they poison us,  
I have found it on Records, 'tis better thus.  Enter the Old King, Lapirus, Fidelio, Amorpho, all disguised like Pilgrims. Lap. 
My Lord, this Castle is but slightly guarded.  King. 
'tis as I hoped and wished; now bless us heaven,  
What horrid and inhuman spectacle  
Is yonder that presents itself to sight?  Fid. 
It seems three quarters of a man hung up.  Kin. 
What Tyranny hath been exercised of late? I dare not venture on.  Amo. 
Fear not my Lord, our habits give us safety.  Lap. 
Behold, the Tyrant maketh toward us.  Tyr. 
Holy, and reverent Pilgrims, welcome.  Kin. 
Bold strangers, by the Tempest beaten in.  Tyr. 
Most welcome still, we are but stewards for such guests as you,  
What we possess is yours, to your wants due,  
We are only rich for your necessities.  King. 
A generous, free, and charitable mind  
Keeps in thy bosom to poor Pilgrim's kind.  Tyr. 
'tis time of day to dine my friends; Sertorio?  Enter Sertorio. Ser. 
My Lord?  Tyr. 
Our food.  Ser. 
'tis ready for your highness.  Loud Music. A banquet brought in, and by it a small Table for the Queen. Tyr. 
Sit, pray sit, religious men right welcome  
Unto our Cates. Grave sir I have observed  
You waste the virtue of your serious eye  
Too much on such a worthless objects as that is.  
A Traitor when he lived called that his flesh;  
Let hang, here's to you, we are the oldest here,  
Round let it go, feed, if you like your cheer.  Enter Sertorio. Ser. 
My Lord.  Tyr. 
How now?  Ser. 
Ready my Lord.  Tyr. 
Sit merry. Exit.  King. 
Where ere I look these limbs aren in mine eye.  Lap. 
Some wretch on whom he wrought his Tyranny.  Fid. 
Hard was his fate to light into his mercy.  Amorp. 
Peace, he comes.  Soft Music. Enter the Tyrant with the Queen, her hair loose, she makes a Curtsy to the Table. Sertorio brings in the flesh with a skull all bloody, they all wonder. Tyr. 
I perceive strangers more desire to see  
An object than the fare before them set;  
But since your eyes are serious Suitors grown  
I will discourse; what's seen shall now be known.  King. 
Your bounty every way conquers poor strangers.  Tyr. 
You Creature whom your eyes so often visit  
Held mighty sway over our powers and thoughts,  
Indeed we were all hers.  
Besides her graces, there were all perfections;  
Unless she speaks, no music: till her wishes  
Brought forth a monster, a detested issue  
Poisoning the thoughts I held of her.  The Old King sends forth Amorpho. 
She did from her own ardour undergo  
Adulterous baseness with my professed foe;  
Her lust strangely betrayed, I ready to surprise them,  
Set on fire by the abuse, I found his life  
Cunningly shifted by her own dear hand  
And far enough conveyed from my revenge:  
Unnaturally she first abused my heart,  
And then prevented my revenge by Art.  
Yet there I left not; though his trunk were cold  
My wrath was flaming, and I exercised  
New vengeance on his carcase; and gave charge  
The body should be quartered and hung up; 'twas donem,  
This as a penance I enjoined her to  
To taste no other sustenance; no nor dares  
Till her love's body be consumed in hers.  Kin. 
The sin was great, so is the penance grievous.  Tyr. 
Our vow is signed.  Kin. 
And was he Lydian borne?  Tyr. 
He was no less, son to mine Enemy,  
A banished King; Tymethes was his name.  Kin. 
Oh me, my son Tymethes.  Lap. 
Passion may spoil us: sir, we oft have heard  
Of that old King his father; and that justly  
This Kingdom was by right due to his sway.  Tyr. 
It was, I think it was, till we called in  
By policy and force deceived his confidence,  
Showed him a trick of war and turned him out.  Kin. 
sin's boast is worse than sin.  Enter Fidelio. Fid. 
All's sure, the guards are seized on.  Lap. 
Good.  Fid. 
The Passagē strongly guarded.  Tyr. 
Holy sir, what's he?  Lap. 
Our brother, a poor Pilgrim, that gives notice  
Of a Religious father that attends  
To bear us company in our Pilgrimage.  Tyr. 
Oh, ho, 'tis good, 'tis very good.  Kin. 
Alas poor Lady, it makes me weep to see what food she eats.  
I know your mercy will remit this penance.  Tyr. 
Never, our vow's irrevocable, never;  
The Lecher must be swallowed rib by rib,  
His flesh is sweet, it melts, and goes down merrily,  They discover themselves. 
Ha? what aren these?  Lap. 
Speranza.  Tyr. 
Ha?  King. 
Villain, this minute loses thee, thou Tyrant.  Tyr. 
Pilgrims wear arms? the old King? and Lapirus?  
Betrayed? confounded? oh, I must die forsworn;  
Break vow, bleed Whore, there is my jealousy flown.  He kills his Queen. 
Oh happy man, 'tis more revenge to me  
Then all your aims, I have killed my jealousy.  
I have nothing now to care for more than hell  
'T had been if you had struck me ere she fell.  
I had left her to your lust, the thought is bitterness,  
But she first fall'n; ha, ha, ha.  King. 
Die cruel murderous Tyrant.  They all discharge at him. Tyr. 
So, laugh away this breath,  
My lust was ne'er more pleasing than my death. dies.  Lap. 
As full possessed as ever, and as rich  
In subjects' hearts and voices; we present thee  
The complete sway of this usurped Kingdom.  Kin. 
I am so borne betwixt the violent streams  
Of joy and passion, I forget my state;  
To all our thanks and favours, and what more  
We are in debt to all your free consent  
We will discharge in happy government.  Enter the Old Queen disguised, a Boy with her. Que. 
The peaceful'st reign that ever Prince enjoyed.  Kin. 
Already a Petition? suitors begin betimes  
We are scarce warm in our good fortune yet, what are you?  Que. 
Unworthiest of all the joys this hour brings forth.  She discovers. Kin. 
Our dearest Queen?  Que. 
Your poor distressed Queen.  Kin. 
Oh let me light upon that constant breast,  
And kiss thee till my soul melt on thy lips:  
Our Joys were perfect, stood Tymethes there,  
We are old; this Kingdom wants a hopeful heir.  Que. 
Your joys are perfect though he stand not there,  
And your wish blessed behold a hopeful heir:  
Stand not amazed, 'tis Manophes.  Kin. 
How just the Gods are? who in their due time  
Return what they took from us.  Que. 
Happy hour,  
Heaven hath not taken all our happiness;  
For though your elder met ill fate, good heaven  
Hath thus preserved your younger for your heir.  Kin. 
Prepare those limbs for honourable burial,  
And noble Nephew all your ill is lost  
In your late new borne goodness, which we'll reward,  
No storm of fate so fierce but time destroys,  
And beats back misery with a peal of Joys.  Exeunt omnes.   
FINIS.