The Queen of Corinth,  

Actus primus,  

Scaena prima.  Enter Neaneres, Sosicles, Eraton. Era. 
THe General is returned then?  Nean. 
With much honour.  Sol. 
And peace concluded with the Prince of Argos?  Nean. 
To the Queen's wishes: the conditions signed  
So far beyond her hopes, to the advantage  
Of Corinth, and the good of all her Subjects;  
That though Leonidas our brave General  
Ever came home a fair and great example,  
He never yet returned, or with less loss  
Or more deserved honour.  Era. 
Have you not heard  
The motives to this general good?  Nean. 
The main one  
Was admiration first in young Agenor,  
(For by that name we know the Prince of Argos)  
Of our Leonidas wisdom, and his valour,  
Which though an enemy, first in him bred wonder;  
That liking, Love succeeded that, which was  
Followed by a desire to be a friend  
Upon what terms soever to such goodness;  
They had an interview; and that their friendship  
Might with our peace be ratified, 'twas concluded,  
Agenor yielding up all such strong places  
As he held in our Territories, should receive  
(With a sufficient Dower, paid by the Queen)  
The fair Merione for his wife.  Era. 
But how  
Approves the Queen of this? since we well know,  
Nor was her Highness ignorant, that her Son  
The Prince Theanor made love to this Lady,  
And in the noblest way.  Nean. 
Which she allowed of,  
And I have heard from some familiar with  
Her nearest secrets, she so deeply prized her  
Being from an Infant trained up in her service,  
(Or to speak better, rather her own Creature)  
She once did say, That if the Prince should steal  
A Marriage without her leave, or knowledge,  
With this Merione, with a little suit  
She should grant both their pardons: where as now  
To show herself forsooth a Spartan Lady,  
And that 'tis in her power, now it concerns  
The common good, not alone to subdue  
Her own affections, but command her Sons;  
She has not only forced him with rough threats  
To leave his Mistress, but compelled him when  
Agenor made his entrance into Corinth  
To wait upon his Rival.  Sos. 
Can it be  
The Prince should sit down with this wrong?  Nean. 
I know not,  
I am sure I should not.  Era. 
Trust me nor I,  
A Mother is a name, but put in balance  
With a young wench 'tis nothing; where did you leave him?  Nean. 
Near Vesta's Temple, for there he dismissed me,  
And full of troubled thoughts, calling for Crates:  
He went with him, but whither or to what purpose  
I am a stranger.  Enter Theanor and Crates. Era. 
They are come back Neanthes.  The. 
I like the place well.  Cra. 
Well Sir? it is built  
As if the Architect had been a Prophet,  
And fashioned it alone for this night's action;  
The vaults so hollow, and the walls so strong,  
As Dian there might suffer violence,  
And with loud shrieks in vain call Jove to help her;  
Or should he hear, his thunder could not find  
An entrance to it.  The. 
I give up myself  
Wholly to thy direction, worthiest Crates;  
And yet the desperate cure that we must practise  
Is in itself so foul, and full of danger,  
That I stand doubtful whether 'twere more manly  
To die not seeking help, or that help being  
So deadly, to pursue it.  Cra. 
To those reasons  
I have already urged, I will add these.  
For but consider Sir—  Era. 
It is of weight  
whate'er it be, that with such vehement action,  
Of eye, hand, foot, nay all his Body's motion,  
Crates incites the Prince to.  Nean. 
Then observe,  
With what variety of passions he  
Receives his reasons; now he's pale, and shakes  
For fear or anger; now his natural red  
Comes back again, and with a pleasing smile  
He seems to entertain it; 'tis resolved on  
Be it what 'twill: to his ends may it prosper  
Though the State sink for't.  Cra. 
Now you are a Prince  
Fit to rule others, and in shaking off  
The Bonds in which your Mother fetters you  
Discharge your debt to nature, she's your guide,  
Follow her boldly Sir.  The. 
I am confirmed,  
Fall what may fall,  Cra. 
Yet still disguise your malice  
In your humility.  The. 
I am instructed.  Cra. 
Though in your heart there rage a thousand tempests,  
All calmness in your looks.  The. 
I shall remember.  Cra. 
And at no hand, though these are used as agents  
Acquaint them with your purpose till the instant  
That we employ them; 'tis not fit they have  
Time to consider, when 'tis done, reward  
Or fear will keep them silent: yet you may  
Grace them as you pass by, 'twill make them surer,  
And greedier to deserve you.  The. 
I'll move only  
As you would have me: Good day gentlemen;  
Nay, spare this ceremonious form of duty  
To him that brings love to you, equal love,  
And is in nothing happier, than in knowing  
It is returned by you; we are as one.  Sos. 
I am o'erjoyed, I know not  
How to reply: but—  Era. 
Hang all butts; my Lord,  
For this your bounteous favour—  Nean. 
Let me speak,  
If to feed Vultures hereafter the halter  
Has done his part, or if there be a Hell  
To take a swinge or two there, may deserve this.  Sos. 
We are ready.  Era. 
Try us any way.  Nean. 
Put us to it.  The. 
What jewels I have in you?  Cra. 
Have these souls,  
That for a good look, and a few kind words  
Part with their essence?  The. 
Since you will compel me  
To put that to the trial, which I doubt not,  
Crates may be suddenly will instruct you  
How, and in what to show your loves; obey him  
As you would bind me to you.  Cra. 
'tis well grounded;  
Leave me to rear the building.  Nean. 
We will do.  Cra. 
I know it.  Era. 
Any thing you'll put us to. Exeunt.   

Scaena Secunda.  Enter Leonidas, Merione, Beliza, Servant. Leo. 
Sister, I reap the harvest of my labours  
In your preferment, be you worthy of it,  
And with an open bosom entertain  
A greater fortune than my love durst hope for;  
Be wise, and welcome it: play not the coy  
And foolish wanton, with the offered bounties  
Of him that is a Prince. I was wooed for you,  
And won Merione: then if you dare  
Believe the object that took me was worthy,  
Or trust my judgement, in me think you were  
Courted, sued to, and conquered.  Mer. 
Noble brother,  
I have, and still esteem you as a Father,  
And will as far obey you; my heart speaks it:  
And yet without your anger give me leave  
To say, That in the choice of that on which  
All my life's joys or sorrows have dependence,  
It had been fit ere you had made a full  
And absolute grant of me to any other,  
I should have used mine own eyes, or at least  
Made you to understand, whether it were  
Within my power to make a second gift  
Of my poor self.  Leo. 
I know what 'tis you point at,  
The Prince theanos' love; let not that cheat you;  
His vows were but mere courtship; all his service  
But practise how to entrap a credulous Lady:  
Or grant it serious, yet you must remember  
He's not to love but where the Queen his Mother  
Must give allowance, which to you is barred up:  
And therefore study to forget that ever  
You cherished such a hope.  Mer. 
I would I could.  Leo. 
But brave Agenor, who is come in person  
To celebrate this Marriage, for your love  
Forgives the forfeit of ten thousand lives,  
That must have fall'n under the sword of war  
Had not this peace been made; which general good  
Both Countries owe to his affection to you:  
O happy Sister, ask this noble Lady  
Your bosom friend (since I fail in my credit)  
What palm Agenor's name above all Princes  
That Greece is proud of carries, and with lustre.  Rel. 
Indeed fame gives him out of excellent;  
And friend, I doubt not but when you shall see him  
He'll so appear to you. Art sure 'tis he?  Ser. 
As I live Madam—  Bel. 
Virtue enable me to contain my joy.  
'Tis my Euphanes.  Ser. 
Yes.  Bel. 
And he's in health?  Ser. 
Most certainly Madam,  Bel. 
I'll see him instantly.  
So prithee tell him. Exit Ser.  Mer. 
I yield myself too weak  
In argument to oppose you: you may lead me  
Whither you please.  Leo. 
'Tis answered like my Sister;  
And if in him you find not ample cause  
To pray for me, and daily on your knees,  
Conclude I have no judgement.  Mer. 
May it prove so:  
Friend, shall we have your company?  Bel. 
Two hours hence  
I will not fail you.  Leo. 
At your pleasure Madam. Exit Leo. and Mer.  Enter Euphanes. Bel. 
Could I in one word speak a thousand welcomes  
(And hearty ones) you have 'em: Fie, my hand,  
We stand at no such distance, by my life  
The parting kiss you took before your travel  
Is yet a virgin on my lips, preserved  
With as much care as I would do my fame,  
To entertain your wished return.  Euph. 
Best Lady,  
That I do honour you, and with as much reason  
As ever man did virtue; that I love you,  
Yet look upon you with that reverence  
As holy men behold the Sun, the Stars,  
The Temples, and their gods, they all can witness;  
And that you have deserved this duty from me;  
The life, and means of life, for which I owe you,  
Commands me to profess it, since my fortune  
Affords no other payment.  Bel. 
Good Euphanes, where benefits are ill conferred,  
I had thought,  
That for the trifling courtesies as I call them,  
(Though you give them another name) you had  
Made ample satisfaction in th' acceptance,  
And therefore did presume you had brought home  
Some other Language.  Euph. 
No one I have learned  
Yields words sufficient to express your goodness;  
Nor can I ever choose another theme  
And not be thought unthankful.  Bel. 
Pray you no more  
As you respect me.  Euph. 
That charm is too powerful  
For me to disobey it: 'Tis your pleasure,  
And not my boldness Madam.  Bel. 
Good Euphanes,  
Believe I am not one of those weak Ladies,  
That (barren of all inward worth) are proud  
Of what they cannot truly call their own,  
Their birth or fortune, which are things without them,  
Nor in this will I imitate the world,  
Whose greater part of men think when they give  
They purchase bondmen, not make worthy friends:  
By all that's good I swear, I never thought  
My great estate was an addition to me,  
Or that your wants took from you.  Euph. 
There are few  
So truly understanding or themselves  
Or what they do possess.  Bel. 
Good Euphanes,  
Where benefits  
Are ill conferred as to unworthy men,  
That turn them to bad uses, the bestower  
For wanting judgement how, and on whom to place them,  
Is partly guilty: but when we do favours  
To such as make them grounds on which they build  
Their noble actions, there we improve our fortunes  
To the most fair advantage. If I speak  
Too much, though I confess I speak well,  
Prithee remember 'tis a woman's weakness,  
And than thou wilt forgive it.  Euph. 
You speak nothing  
But what would well become the wisest man:  
And that by you delivered is so pleasing  
That I could hear you ever.  Bel. 
Fly not from  
Your word, for I arrest it: and will now  
Express myself a little more, and prove  
That whereas you profess yourself my debtor,  
That I am yours.  Euph. 
Your Ladyship then must use  
Some Sophistry I ne'er heard of.  Bel. 
By plain reasons,  
For look you, had you never sunk beneath  
Your wants, or if those wants had found supply  
From Crates, your unkind and covetous brother,  
Or any other man, I then had missed  
A subject upon which I worthily  
Might exercise my bounty: whereas now  
By having happy opportunity  
To furnish you before, and in your travels,  
With all conveniencies that you thought useful,  
That Gold which would have rusted in my Coffers  
Being thus employed, has rendered me a partner  
In all your glorious actions. And whereas  
Had you not been, I should have died a thing.  
Scarce known, or soon forgotten: there's no Trophy  
In which Euphanes for his worth is mentioned,  
But there you have been careful to remember,  
That all the good you did came from Beliza.  Euph. 
That was but thankfulness.  Bel. 
'Twas such an honour,  
And such a large return for the poor trash.  
I ventured with you, that if I should part  
With all that I possess, and myself too  
In satisfaction for it, 'twere still short  
Of your deservings.  Euph. 
You o'erprize them Madam.  Bel. 
The Queen herself hath given me gracious thanks  
In your behalf, for she hath heard Euphanes  
How gallantly you have maintained her honour  
In all the Courts of Greece: and rest assured,  
(Though yet unknown) when I present you to her,  
Which I will do this evening, you shall find  
That she intends good to you.  Euph. 
Worthiest Lady,  
Since all you labour for is the advancement  
Of him that will live ever your poor servant,  
He must not contradict it.  Bel. 
Here's your Brother,  
'Tis strange to see him here.  Enter Crates. Cra. 
You are welcome home Sir,  
(Your pardon Madam) I had thought my house,  
Considering who I am, might have been worthy  
Of your first visit.  Euph. 
'Twas not open to me  
When last I saw you; and to me 'tis wonder  
That absence which still renders men forgotten  
Should make my presence wished for.  Bel. 
That's not it,  
Your too kind Brother understanding that  
You stand in no need of him, is bold to offer  
His entertainment.  Cra. 
He had never wanted,  
Or yours, or your assistance, had he practised  
The way he might have took, to have commanded  
whatever I call mine,  Euph. 
I studied many,  
But could find none.  Cra. 
You would not find yourself Sir,  
Or in yourself what was from you due to me:  
The privilege my birth bestowed upon me  
Might challenge some regard.  Euph. 
You had all the Land Sir,  
What else did you expect? and I am certain  
You kept such strong Guards to preserve it yours  
I could force nothing from you.  Cra. 
Did you ever  
Demand help from me?  Euph. 
My wants have, and often,  
With open mouths, but you nor heard, nor saw them;  
May be you looked I should petition to you  
As you went to your Horse; flatter your servants,  
To play the Brokers for my furtherance,  
Sooth your worse humours, Act the Parasite  
On all occasions, write my name with theirs  
That are but one degree removed from slaves,  
Be drunk when you would have me, than wench with you,  
Or play the Pander; enter into Quarrels  
Although unjustly grounded, and defend them  
Because they were yours; these are the tyrannies  
Most younger Brother's groan beneath; yet bear them  
From the insulting Heir, selling their freedoms  
At a less rate than what the State allows,  
The salary of base and common Strumpets:  
For my part, ere on such low terms I feed  
Upon a Brother's trencher, let me die  
The beggar's death, and starve.  Cra. 
'Tis bravely spoken,  
Did what you do rank with it.  Bel. 
Why, what does he  
You would not wish were yours?  Cra. 
I'll tell you Lady,  
Since you rise up his Advocate, and boldly,  
(For now I find, and plainly, in whose favour  
My love and service to you was neglected)  
For all your wealth, nay, add to that your beauty,  
And put your virtues in if you have any,  
I would not yet be pointed at, as he is,  
For the fine Courtier, the woman's man,  
That tells my Lady stories, dissolves riddles,  
Ushers her to Coach, lies at her feet  
At solemn Masks, applauding what she laughs at;  
Reads her asleep a nights, and takes his oath  
Upon her pantofles, that all excellence  
In other Madams do but zany hers:  
These you are perfect in, and yet these take not  
Or from your birth or freedom.  Euph. 
Should another  
Say this, my deeds, not looks should show—  Bel. 
Contemn it:  
His envy feigns this, and he's but reporter,  
Without a second, of his own dry fancies.  Cra. 
Yes Madam, the whole City speaks it with me,  
And though it may distaste, 'tis certain you  
Are brought into the scene, and with him censured;  
For you are given out for the provident Lady,  
That not to be unfurnished for her pleasures  
(As without them to what vain use is greatness)  
Have made choice of an able man, a young man  
Of an Herculean back to do you service,  
And one you may command too, that is active,  
And does what you would have him.  Bel. 
You are foul mouthed.  Cra. 
That can speak well, write Verses too, and good ones,  
Sharp and conceited, whose wit you may lie with  
When his performance fails him; one you have  
Maintained abroad to learn new ways to please you.  
And by the gods you well reward him for it,  
No night (in which while you lie sick and panting)  
He watches by you but is worth a talent:  
No conference in your Coach which is not paid with  
A scarlet Suit; this the poor people mutter,  
Though I believe, for I am bound to do so,  
A Lady of your youth, that feeds high too,  
And a most exact Lady, may do all this  
Out of virtuous love, the last bought vizard  
That Lechery purchased.  Euph. 
Not a word beyond this,  
The reverence I owe to that one womb  
In which we both were embryons, makes me suffer  
What's past; but if continued—  Bel. 
Stay your hand,  
The Queen shall right mine honour.  Cra. 
Let him do it,  
It is but marrying him; and for your anger  
Know that I slight it: when your Goddess here  
Is weary of your sacrifice, as she will be,  
You know my house, and there amongst my servants  
Perhaps you'll find a livery. Exit.  Bel. 
Be not moved,  
I know the rancour of his disposition,  
And turn it on himself by laughing at it,  
And in that let me teach you.  Euph. 
I learn gladly. Exeunt.   

Scaena Tertia.  Enter Neanthes, Sosines, and Eraton, severally. Nea. 
You are met unto my wishes, if you ever  
Desired true mirth so far as to adventure  
To die with the extremity of laughter,  
I come before the object that will do it;  
Or let me live your fool.  Sos. 
Who is't Neanthes?  Nea. 
Lamprias the usurer's son.  Era. 
Lamprias? the youth  
Of six and fifty?  Sos. 
That was sent to travel  
By rich Beliza, till he came to age,  
And was fit for a Wife?  Nea. 
The very same,  
This gallant with his Guardian, and his Tutor,  
(And of the three who is most fool I know not)  
Are newly come to Corinth, I'll not stale them  
By giving up their characters, but leave you  
To make your own discoveries: here they are Sir.  Enter Onos Uncle and Tutor. Tutor. 
That leg a little higher; very well.  
Now put your face into the traveler's posture;  
Exceeding good.  Uncle. 
Do you mark how they admire him?  Tut. 
They will be all my Scholars, when they know  
And understand him truly.  Era. 
Phoebus guard me  
From this new Python.  Sos. 
How they have trimmed him up  
Like an old Reveller?  Nea. 
Curled him and perfumed him,  
But that was done with judgement, for he looks  
Like one that purged perpetually; trust me,  
That Witches face of his is painted too,  
And every ditch upon it buries more  
Than would set off ten Bawds, and all their tenants.  Sos. 
See how it moves towards us.  Nea. 
There's a salutation:  
'Troth Gentlemen, you have bestowed much travel  
In training up your Pupil.  Tut. 
Sir, great buildings  
Require great labours, which yet we repent not,  
Since for the Countries good we have brought home  
An absolute man.  Unc. 
As any of his years,  
Corinth can show you.  Era. 
hehas exceeding meager.  Tut. 
His contemplation—  Unc. 
Besides, 'tis fit  
Learners should be kept hungry.  Nea. 
You all contemplate;  
For three such wretched pictures of lean famine  
I never saw together.  Unc. 
We have fat minds Sir,  
And traveled to save charges. Do you think  
'Twas fit a young and hopeful Gentleman  
Should be brought up a glutton? he's my Ward,  
Nor was there ever where I bore the bag  
Any superfluous waste.  Era. 
Pray you can it speak?  Tut. 
He knows all Languages, but will use none,  
They are all too big for his mouth, or else too little  
T'express his great conceits: and yet of late  
With some ippulsion he hath set down  
In a strange method by the way of question,  
And briefly, to all business whatsoever  
That may concern a Gentleman.  Nea. 
Good Sir, let's hear him.  Tut. 
Come on Sir.  Nea. 
They have taught him like an Ape,  
To do his tricks by signs: now he begins.  Onos. 
When shall we be drunk together?  Tut. 
That's the first.  Onos. 
Where shall we whore tonight?  Uncle. 
That ever follows.  Era. 
'Odds me, he now looks angry.  Onos. 
Shall we quarrel?  Nea. 
With me at no hand Sir.  Onos. 
Then let's protest.  Era. 
Is this all?  Tut. 
These are Sir, the four new Virtues  
That are in fashion: many a mile we measured  
Before we could arrive unto this knowledge.  Nea. 
You might have spared that labour, for at home here  
there's little else in practice: Ha? the Queen?  
Good friends, for half an hour remove your motion,  
Tomorrow willingly when we have more leisure  
We'll look on him again.  Onos. 
Did I not rarely?  Uncle. 
Excellent well.  Tut. 
He shall have six Plumbs for it. Exeunt.  Anter Agenor, Leonidas, Theanor, Queen, Merione, Beliza, Euphanes, Crates, Ladies, attendants with Lights. Queen. 
How much my Court is honoured princely Brother  
In your vouchsafing it your longed for presence  
Were tedious to repeat, since 'tis already  
(And heartily) acknowledged; may the gods  
That look into king's actions smile upon  
The league we have concluded; and their justice  
Find me out to revenge it if I break  
One article.  Age. 
Great miracle of Queens,  
How happy I esteem myself in being  
Thought worthy to be numbered in the rank  
Of your confederates, my love and best service  
Shall teach the world hereafter: but this gift  
With which you have confirmed it, is so far  
Beyond my hopes and means ere to return,  
That of necessity I must die obliged  
To your unanswered bounty.  The. 
The sweet Lady  
In blushes gives your Highness thanks.  Quee. 
Believe it  
On the queen's word, she is a worthy one,  
And I am so acquainted with her goodness,  
That but for this peace that hath changed my purpose,  
And to her more advancement, I should gladly  
Have called her Daughter.  The. 
Though I am deprived of  
A blessing 'tis not in the Fates to equal,  
To show myself a subject as a son,  
Here I give up my claim, and willingly  
With mine own hand deliver you what once  
I loved above myself; and from this hour  
(For my affection yields now to my duty)  
Vow never to solicit her.  Cra. 
'Tis well covered  
Neanthes, and the rest. Exit Cra. Nea. Sos. Era.  Quee. 
Nay, for this night  
You must (for 'tis our Country fashion Sir)  
Leave her to her devotions, in the morning  
We'll bring you to the Temple.  Leo. 
How in this  
Your Highness honours me?  Mer. 
Sweet rest to all.  Age. 
This kiss, and I obey you.  Bel. 
Please it your Highness,  
This is the Gentleman.  Quee. 
You are welcome home Sir,  
(Now as I live, one of a promising presence)  
I have heard of you before, and you shall find  
I'll know you better: find out something that  
May do you good, and rest assured to have it.  
Were you at Sparta lately?  Euph. 
Three days since  
Madam I came from thence.  Quee. 
'Tis very late,  
Good night my Lord; do you Sir follow me,  
I must talk further with you.  Ag. 
All rest with you. Exeunt.  Enter Crates, Neanthes, Eraton, Sosicles disguised. Cra. 
She must pass through this Cloister, suddenly  
And boldly seize upon her.  Nea. 
Where's the Prince?  Cra. 
He does expect us at the place I showed you.  Enter Merione and Servant. 
I hear one's footing, peace, 'tis she;  Mer. 
Now leave me,  
I know the way, though Vesta witness with me  
I never trod it with such fear: help, help.  Cra. 
Stop her mouth close, out with the Light, I'll guide you. Exeunt.    

Actus Secundus.  

Scaena Prima.  Enter Merione (as newly ravished.) Mer. 
TO whom now shall I cry? What power thus kneel to?  
And beg my ravished honour back upon me?  
Deaf, deaf, you gods of goodness, deaf to me,  
Deaf Heaven to all my cries; deaf hope, deaf justice,  
I am abused, and you that see all saw it;  
Saw it, and smiled upon the villain did it:  
Saw it, and gave him strength: why have I prayed to ye,  
When all the world's eyes have been sunk in slumbers?  
Why have I then poured out my tears? kneeled to ye?  
And from the Altar of a pure heart sent ye  
Thoughts like, yourselves, white, innocent, vows purer  
And of a sweeter flame than all earth's odours?  
Why have I sung your praises, strewed your Temples,  
And Crowned your holy Priests with Virgin Roses?  
Is it we hold ye powerful, to destroy us?  
Believe, and honour ye, to see us ruined?  
These tears of anger thus I sprinkle toward ye,  
You that dare sleep secure whilst Virgins suffer,  
These stick like Comets, blaze eternally,  
Till with the wonder they have waked your justice,  
And forced ye fear our curses, as we yours.  Enter Theanor, Crates with Visards. 
My shame still follows me, and still proclaims me;  
He turns away in scorn, I am contemned too,  
A more unmanly violence than the other;  
Bitten, and flung away? whate'er you are  
Sir, you that have abused me, and now most basely  
And sacrilegiously robbed this fair Temple,  
I fling all these behind me, but look upon me,  
But one kind loving look, be what ye will,  
So from this hour you will be mine, my Husband;  
And you his hand in mischief, I speak to you too,  
Counsel him nobly now; you know the mischief,  
The most unrighteous act he has done, persuade him,  
Persuade him like a friend, knock at his Conscience  
Till fair Repentance follow: yet be worthy of me,  
And show yourself, if ever good thought guided ye,  
You have had your foul will, make it yet fair with marriage;  
Open yourself and take me, wed me now: Draws his Dagger.  
More fruits of Villainy? your Dagger? come  
Ye are merciful, I thank ye for your medicine:  
Is that too worthy too?  Enter the rest disguised. 
Devil, thou with him,  
Thou penny Bawd to his Lust, will not that stir thee?  
Do you work by tokens now? Be sure I live not,  
For your own safeties knaves. I will sit patiently:  
But as ye are true Villains, the Devils own servants,  
And those he loves and trusts, make it as bloody  
An Act, of such true horror Heaven would shake at,  
'Twill show the braver: goodness hold my hope fast,  
And in thy mercies look upon my ruins,  
And then I am right: my eyes grow dead and heavy:  Enter six disguised, singing and dancing to a horrid Music, and sprinkling water on her face. 
Wrong me no more as ye are men.  The. 
She is fast.  Cra. 
Away with her. Exeunt.   

Scaena Secunda.  Enter Agenor, and Gentlemen with Torches. Ag. 
Now Gentlemen, the time's come now t'enjoy  
That fruitful happiness my heart has longed for:  
This day be happy called, and when old Time  
Brings it about each year, crowned with that sweetness  
It gives me now, see every man observe it,  
And laying all aside bears show of business,  
Give this to joy and triumph: How sits my clothes?  1 Gent. 
Handsome, and wondrous well Sir.  Ag. 
Do they show richly?  
For to those curious eyes even beauty envies,  
I must not now appear poor, or low fashioned;  
methinks I am younger than I was, far younger;  
And such a promise in my blood I feel now,  
That if there may be a perpetual youth  
Bestowed on man, I am that soul shall win it:  
does my hair stand well, Lord how ill-favouredly  
You have dressed me today? how baldly? why this Cloak?  2 Gent. 
Why 'tis the richest Sir.  Ag. 
And here ye have put me on  
A pair of Breeches look like a pair of Bagpipes.  1 Gent. 
Believe Sir, they show bravely.  Ag. 
Why these Stockings?  2 Gent 
Your Leg appears—  Ag. 
Peuh I would have had 'em peach colour,  
All young, and new about me: and this Scarf here  
A goodly thing: you have tricked me like a Puppet.  1 Gent. 
I'll undertake to rig forth a whole Navy,  
And with less labour than one man in love,  
They are never pleased.  2 Gent. 
methinks he looks well.  1 Gent. 
Well  
As man can look, as handsome: now do I wonder  
He found not fault his Nose was put on ugly,  
Or his Eyes looked too grey, and rail at us,  
They are the waywards things, these Lovers.  2 Gent. 
All will be right  
When once it comes to th' push.  1 Gent. 
I would they were at it  
For our own quiet sake.  Ag. 
Come, wait upon me,  
And bear yourselves like mine, my friends, and nobly. Ex.   

Scaena Tertia.  Enter Theanor, Crates, and Erates, bringing Merione. Erat. 
This is her Brother's Door.  Cra. 
There lay her down then.  
Lay her along: she is fast still.  Ser. 
As forgetfulness.  Cra. 
Be not you stirred now, but away to your Mother,  
Give all attendance, let no stain appear  
Of fear, or doubt in your face: carry yourself confidently.  The. 
But whither runs your drift now?  Cra. 
When she wakes,  
Either what's done will show a mere dream to her,  
And carry no more credit: or say she find it,  
Say she remember all the circumstances,  
Twenty to one the shapes in which they were acted,  
The horrors, and the still affrights we showed her,  
Rising in wilder figures to her memory  
Will run her mad, and no man guess the reason:  
If all these fail, and that she rise up perfect,  
And so collect herself, believe this Sir,  
Not knowing who it was that did this to her,  
Nor having any power to guess; the thing done too,  
Being the utter undoing of her Honour  
If it be known, and to the world's eye published,  
Especially at this time when Fortune courts her,  
She must and will conceal it; nay, forget it,  
The woman is no Lucrece; get you gone Sir,  
And as you would have more of this sport, fear not.  The. 
I am confirmed, farewell.  Cra. 
Farewell, away Sir:  
Disperse yourselves, and as you love his favour,  
And that that crowns it, Gold, no tongues amongst ye.  
You know your charge, this way goes no suspicion. Exeu.  Enter Agenor and Leonides, with two Gent. with Lights. Ag. 
You are stirring early Sir.  Leo. 
It was my duty  
To wait upon your Grace.  Ag. 
How fares your Sister,  
My beauteous Mistress, what is she ready yet?  Leo. 
No doubt she'll lose no time Sir, young Maids in her way  
Tread upon thorns, and think an hour an age  
Till the Priest has done his part, that theirs may follow:  
I saw her not since yesterday i'th' evening:  
But Sir, I am sure she is not slack; believe me,  
Your grace will find a loving soul.  Ag. 
A sweet one,  
And so much joy I carry in the thought of it,  
So great a happiness to know she is mine;  
Believe me noble Brother, that to express it  
methinks a Tongue's a poor thing, can do nothing,  
Imagination less: who's that that lies there?  Leo. 
Where Sir?  Ag. 
Before the door, it looks like a woman:  Leo. 
This way I came abroad, but then there was nothing,  
One of the Maids o'erwatched belike.  Ag. 
It may be.  Leo. 
But methinks this is no fit place to sleep in.  1 Gent. 
'Tis sure a woman Sir, she has Jewels on too:  
She fears no foul play sure.  Leo. 
Bring a Torch hither,  
Yet 'tis not perfect day: I should know those Garments.  Ag. 
How sound she sleeps?  Leo. 
I am sorry to see this.  Ag. 
Do you know her?  Leo. 
And you now I am sure Sir.  Ag. 
My Mistress, how comes this?  Enter Queen, Theanor, Beliza, Euphanes, Neanthes, attendants. Leo. 
The Queen and her train?  Quee. 
You know my pleasure.  Eup. 
And will be most careful.  Quee. 
Be not long absent, the suit you preferred  
Is granted.  Nea. 
This fellow mounts apace, and will  
Tower o'er us like a Falcon.  Quee. 
Good morrow to ye all, why stand ye wondering?  
Enter the house Sir, and bring out your Mistress,  
You must observe our Ceremonies: what's the matter?  
What's that ye stand at? How Merione?  
Asleep i'th' street? belike some sudden Palsy  
As she stepped out last night upon devotion,  
To took her farewell of her Virgin state,  
The Air being sharp and piercing, struck her suddenly:  
See if she breathe.  Leo. 
A little.  Quee. 
Wake her then,  
'Tis sure a fit.  Ag. 
She wakes herself,  
Give room to her.  Quee. 
See how the spirits struggle to recover,  
And strongly reinforce their strengths; for certain  
This was no natural sleep.  The. 
I am of your mind Madam.  Quee. 
No Son, it cannot be.  The. 
Pray Heaven no trick in't;  
Good soul she little merits such a mischief.  Quee. 
She is broad awake now, and her sense clears up,  
'Twas sure a fit; stand off.  Mer. 
The Queen, my Love here,  
And all my noble friends? Why where am I?  
How am I tranced, and moped? i'th' street? Heaven bless me,  
Shame to my Sex; o'th' ground too? O, I remember—  Leo. 
How wild she looks?  Ag. 
Oh my cold heart, how she trembles?  Mer. 
O I remember, I remember.  Quee. 
What's that?  Mer. 
My shame, my shame, my shame: O I remember  
My never-dying shame.  The. 
Here has been villainy.  Quee. 
I fear so to.  Mer. 
You are no Furies are ye?  
No horrid shapes sent to affright me?  Ag. 
No sweet,  
We are your friends: look up, I am Agenor,  
O my Merione, that loves you dearly:  
And come to marry ye.  Leo. 
Sister, what ail ye?  
Speak out your griefs, and boldly—  Ag. 
Something sticks here  
Will choke ye else.  Mer. 
I hope it will.  Quee. 
Be free Lady,  
You have your loving friends about ye.  Ag. 
Dear Merione,  
By the unspotted love I ever bore ye,  
By thine own goodness—  Mer. 
O 'tis gone, 'tis gone Sir,  
I am now I know not what: pray ye look not on me,  
No name is left me, nothing to inherit  
But that detested, base, and branded—  Ag. 
Speak it,  
And how; diseases of most danger  
Their causes once discovered are easily cured:  
My fair Merione.  Mer. 
I thank your love Sir;  
When I was fair Merione, unspotted,  
Pure, and unblasted in the bud you honoured,  
White as the heart of truth, than Prince Agenor,  
Even then I was not worthy of your favour;  
Wretch that I am, less worthy now of pity:  
Let no good thing come near me, virtue fly me;  
You that have honest noble names despise me,  
For I am nothing now but a main pestilence  
Able to poison all. Send those unto me  
That have forgot their names, ruined their fortunes,  
Despised their honours; those that have been Virgins  
Ravished and wronged, and yet dare live to tell it.  The. 
Now it appears too plain.  Mer. 
Send those sad people  
That hate the light, and curse society;  
Whose thoughts are Graves, and from whose eyes continually  
Their melting souls drop out, send those to me;  
And when their sorrows are most excellent,  
So full that one grief more cannot be added,  
My Story like a torrent shall devour 'em.  
Hark, it must out; but pray stand close together,  
And let not all the world hear.  Leo. 
Speak it boldly.  Mer. 
And Royal Lady, think but charitably,  
Your Grace has known my breeding.  Quee. 
Prithee speak it.  Mer. 
Is there no stranger here? send off your servants,  
And yet it must be known: I shake.  Ag. 
Sweet Mistress.  Mer. 
I am abused, basely abused; do you guess yet?  
Come close I'll tell ye plainer; I am Whored,  
Ravished, and robbed of Honour.  Leo. 
O the Devil.  Ag. 
What hellish Slave was this?  The. 
A wretch, a wretch,  
A damned wretch: do you know the Villain Lady?  Mer. 
No.  The. 
Not by guess?  Mer. 
O no.  The. 
It must be known.  Quee. 
Where was the place?  Mer. 
I know not neither.  Ag. 
O Heaven,  
Is this the happy time? my hope to this come?  Leo. 
Neither the man, nor circumstances?  The. 
His tongue,  
Did you not hear his tongue, no voice?  Mer. 
None, none Sir:  
All I know of him was his violence.  Ag. 
How came ye hither Sweet?  Mer. 
I know not neither.  The. 
A cunning piece of Villainy.  Mer. 
All I remember  
Is only this: Going to Vesta's Temple  
To give the Goddess my last Virgin prayers,  
near to that place I was suddenly surprised,  
By five or six disguised, and from thence violently  
To my dishonour haled: that Act performed,  
Brought back, but how, or whether, till I waked here.—  The. 
This is so monstrous the gods cannot suffer it;  
I have not read in all the villainies  
Committed by the most obdurate Rascals,  
An act so truly impious.  Leo. 
Would I knew him.  The. 
He must be known, the Devil cannot hide him.  Quee. 
If all the Art I have, or power can do it,  
He shall be found, and such a way of justice  
Inflicted on him: A Lady wronged in my Court,  
And this way robbed, and ruined?  The. 
Be contented Madam,  
If he be above ground I will have him.  Ag. 
Fair virtuous Maid, take comfort yet and flourish,  
In my love flourish: the stain was forced upon ye  
None of your wills, nor yours; rise, and rise mine still,  
And rise the same white, sweet, fair soul, I loved ye,  
Take me the same.  Mer. 
I kneel and thank ye Sir,  
And I must say ye are truly honourable,  
And dare confess my will yet still a Virgin;  
But so unfit and weak a Cabinet  
To keep your love and virtue in am I now,  
That have been forced and broken, lost my lustre,  
I mean this body, so corrupt a Volume  
For you to study goodness in, and honour,  
I shall entreat your Grace, confer that happiness  
Upon a beauty sorrow never saw yet:  
And when this grief shall kill me, as it must do,  
Only remember yet ye had such a Mistress;  
And if ye then dare shed a tear, yet honour me:  
Good Gentlemen express your pities to me,  
In seeking out this villainy; and my last suit  
Is to your Grace, that I may have your favour  
To live a poor recluse Nun with this Lady,  
From Court and Company, till Heaven shall hear me,  
And send me comfort, or death end my misery.  Que. 
Take your own will, my very heart bleeds for thee.  Ag. 
Farewell Merione, since I have not thee  
I'll wed thy goodness, and thy memory.  Leo. 
And I her fair revenge.  The. 
Away: let's follow it,  
For he is so rank i'th' wind we cannot miss him. Exeunt.   

Scaena Quarta.  Enter Crates and Conon. Cra. 
Conon you are welcome home, ye are wondrous welcome,  
Is this your first arrival?  Con. 
Sir, but now  
I reached the Town.  Cra. 
yeare once more welcome then.  Con. 
I thank ye noble Sir.  Cra. 
Pray ye do me the honour  
To make my poor house first—  Con. 
Pray Sir excuse me,  
I have not seen mine own yet; nor made happy  
These longing eyes with those I love there: what's this a Tavern?  Cra. 
It seems so by the outside.  Con. 
Step in here then,  
And since it offers itself so freely to us,  
A place made only for liberal entertainment,  
Let's seek no further but make use of this,  
And after the Greek fashion, to our friends,  
Crown a round cup or two.  Enter Vintner and drawer. Cra. 
Your pleasure Sir.  
Drawers, who waits within?  Draw. 
Anon, anon Sir.  Vint. 
Look into the Lilly-pot: why Mark there;  
You are welcome Gentlemen; heartily welcome  
My noble friend.  Cra. 
Let's have good Wine mine Host,  
And a fine private room.  Vint. 
Will ye be there Sir?  
What is't you'll drink? I'll draw your Wine myself:  
Cushions ye knaves: why when?  Enter Drawer with Cushions. Dra. 
Anon, anon Sir.  Vint. 
Chios, or Lebos, Greek?  Cra. 
Your best and neatest.  Vint. 
I'll draw ye that shall dance.  Cra. 
Away, be quick then. Exit Vintner.  Cra. 
How does your Brother Sir, my noble friend  
The good Euphanes? in all my course of travel  
I met not with a Gentleman so furnished  
In gentleness and courtesy; believe Sir,  
So many friendly Offices I received from him,  
So great, and timely, and enjoyed his company  
In such an open and a liberal sweetness,  
That when I dare forget him—  Cra. 
He's in good health Sir,  
But you will find him a much altered man,  
Grown a great Courtier Sir.  Con. 
He's worthy of it.  Cra. 
A man drawn up, that leaves no print behind him  
Of what he was: those goodnesses you speak of  
That have been in him, those that you call freedoms,  
Societies, and sweetness, look for now Sir,  
You'll find no shadows of them left, no sound,  
The very Air he has lived in altered: now behold him,  
And you shall see a thing walk by, look big upon ye,  
And cry for place; I am the Queens, give room there:  
If you bow low, may be he'll touch the Bonnet,  
Or fling a forced smile at ye for a favour.  Con. 
He is your brother Sir.  Cra. 
These forms put off,  
Which travel, and Court Holy-water sprinkle on him,  
I dare accept, and know him: you'll think it strange Sir,  
That even to me, to me his natural Brother,  
And one by birth he owes a little honour too—  Enter Vintner with Wine. 
(But that's all one) come give me some Wine, mine Host,  
Here's to your fair return.  Con. 
I wonder at it,  
But sure he has found a nature not worth owning  
In this way; else I know he is tender carried.  
I thank ye Sir: and now durst I presume  
For all you tell me of these alterations,  
And stops in his sweet nature, which till I find so,  
I have known him now so long, & looked so through him,  
You must give me leave to be a little faithless:  
I say for all these, if you please to venture  
I'll lay the Wine we drink, let me send for him  
(Even I that am the poorest of his fellowship)  
But by a Boy o'th' house too, let him have business,  
Let him attend the Queen, nay let his Mistress  
Hold him betwixt her arms, he shall come to me,  
And shall drink with me too; love me, and heartily,  
Like a true honest man bid me welcome home.  
I am confident.  Cra. 
You will lose.  Con. 
You'll stand toth' wager?  Cra. 
With all my heart.  Con. 
Go Boy, and tell Euphanes.  Boy. 
He's now gone up the street Sir,  
With a great train of Gallants.  Cra. 
What think you now Sir?  Con. 
Go, and overtake him,  
Commend my love unto him: my name is Conon,  
Tell him I am new arrived, and where I am,  
And would request to see him presently:  
Ye see I use old dudgeon phrase to draw him.  Cra. 
I'll hang and quarter when you draw him hither.  Con. 
Away Boy.  Boy. 
I am gone Sir. Exit.  Con. 
Here's to you now,  
And you shall find his travel has not stopped him  
As you suppose, nor altered any freedom,  
But made him far more clear and excellent;  
It draws the grossness off the understanding,  
And renders active and industrious spirits:  
He that knows most men's manners, must of necessity  
Best know his own, and mend those by example:  
'Tis a dull thing to travel like a Mill-horse,  
Still in the place he was borne in, lamed and blinded;  
Living at home is like it: pure and strong spirits  
That like the Fire still covet to fly upward,  
And to give fire as well as take it; cased up, and mewed here  
I mean at home, like lusty mettled Horses,  
Only tied up in Stables, to please their Masters,  
Beat out their fiery lives in their own Litters,  
Why do not you travel Sir?  Cra. 
I have no belief in't  
I see so many strange things, half unhatched, to  
Return, those that went out men, and good men,  
They look like potched Eggs with the souls sucked out,  
Empty and full of wind: all their affections  
Are baked in Rye crust, to hold carriage  
From this good Town toth' other: and when they are opened,  
They are so ill cooked and mouldy—  Con. 
Ye are pleasant.  Cra. 
I'll show ye a pack of these: I have 'em for ye,  
That have been long in travel too.  Con. 
Please you Sir.  Cra. 
You know the Merchants walk, Boy?  2 Boy. 
Very well.  Cra. 
And you remember those Gentlemen were here  
The other day with me?  2 Boy. 
Yes.  Cra. 
Then go thither,  
For there I am sure they are, pray 'em come hither,  
(And use my name) I would be glad to see 'em.  Enter 1 Boy. 1 Boy. 
Your Brother's coming in Sir.  Vint. 
Odds my passion,  
Out with the Plate ye knaves: bring the new Cushions,  
And wash those Glasses I set by for high days,  
Perfume the rooms along, why Sirrah.  1 Boy. 
Here Sir.  Vint. 
Bid my Wife make herself ready handsomely,  
And put on her best Apron: it may be  
The noble Gentleman will look upon her.  Enter Euphanes and two Gentlemen. Euph. 
Where is he Boy?  Vint. 
Your worship's heartily welcome,  
It joys my very heart to see ye here Sir.  
The Gentleman that sent for your Honour—  Euph. 
O good mine Host.  Vint. 
To my poor homely house, an't like your honour.  Euph. 
I thank thine honour good mine Host, where is he?  Con. 
What think ye now? my best Euphanes.  Euph. 
Conon, welcome my friend, my noble friend how is it?  
are you in safety come, in health?  Con. 
All health, all safety,  
Riches, and all that makes content and happiness  
Now I am here I have: how have you fared Sir?  Euph. 
Well, I thank Heaven, and never nearer friend  
To catch at great occasion.  Con. 
Indeed I joy in't.  Euph. 
Nor am I for myself borne in these fortunes,  
In truth I love my friends.  Con. 
You were noble ever.  Cra. 
I thought you have not known me.  Euph. 
Yes, ye are my Brother,  
My elder Brother too, would your affections  
Were able but to ask that love I owe to ye,  
And as I give, preserve it: here friend Conon,  
To your fair welcome home.  Con. 
Dear Sir, I thank ye,  
Fill it toth' brim, Boy: Crates.  Cra. 
I'll pledge you,  
But for that glorious Comet lately fired.  Con. 
Fie, fie Sir, fie.  Euph. 
Nay, let him take his freedoms,  
He stirs not me I vow to ye: much less stains me.  Cra. 
Sir, I cannot talk with that neat travelling tongue.  Con. 
As I live, he has the worst belief in men abroad.  Enter the 2. Boy. 
I am glad I am come home.  2 Boy. 
Here are the Gentlemen.  Cra. 
O let 'em enter: now you that trust in travel,  
And make sharp Beards, and little Breeches Deities,  
You that enhance the daily price of toothpicks,  
And hold there is no homebred happiness,  
Behold a model of your minds and actions.  Euph. 
Though this be envious, yet done i'th' way of mirth,  
I am content to thank ye for't.  Con. 
'Tis well yet.  Cra. 
Let the Mask enter.  Enter Onos, his Uncle and Tutor. Onos. 
A pretty Tavern 'faith, of a fine structure.  Unc. 
Bear yourself like a Gentleman, here's six pence,  
And be sure you break no Glasses.  Tut. 
Hark ye Pupil,  
Go as I taught you, hang more upon your hams,  
and put your knees out bent: there, yet a little:  
Now I beseech ye, be not so improvident  
To forget your travelling pace, 'tis a main posture,  
And to all unaired Gentlemen will betray you:  
Play with your Pisa Beard: why, where's your brush Pupil?  
He must have a Brush Sir.  Unc. 
More charge yet?  Tut. 
Here, take mine,  
These elements of travel he must not want Sir.  Vnc. 
ma foy, he has had some nineteen pence in elements,  
What would you more?  Tut. 
Durus me hercle pater.  Con. 
What monsieur Onos, the very pump of travel,  
Sir, as I live you have done me the greatest kindness,  
O my fair Sir, Lampree, the careful Uncle  
To this young hopeful issue; monsieur Tutor too,  
The father to his mind; Come, come, let's hug Boys,  
Why what a bunch of travel do I embrace now,  
methinks I put a Girdle about Europe;  
How has the Boy profited?  Vnc. 
He has enough Sir,  
If his too fiery mettle do not mar it.  Con. 
Is he not thrifty yet?  Tut. 
That's all his fault,  
Too bounteous minded being under age too,  
A great consumer of his stock in Pippins,  
Had ever a hot stomach.  Con. 
Come hither Onos,  
Will you love me for this fine Apple?  Onos. 
We.  Con. 
And will ye be ruled by me sometimes?  Onos. 
'Faith I will.  Con. 
That's a good Boy.  Unc. 
Pray give me not the child so much fruit,  
He's of a raw Complexion.  Euph. 
You monsieur hard egg,  
Do you remember me? Do you remember  
When you and your Consort traveled through Hungary?  Con. 
He's in that circuit still.  Euph. 
Do you remember  
The cantle of immortal Cheese ye carried with ye,  
The half cold Cabbage, in a leather Satchel,  
And those invincible Eggs that would lie in your bowels  
A fortnight together, and then turn to bedstaves;  
Your sour milk that would choke an Irish man,  
And bread was baked in Caesar's time for the Army?  Con. 
Providence, providence.  Tut. 
The soul of travel.  Euph. 
Can the Boy speak yet?  Tut. 
Yes, and as fine a Gentleman,  
I thank my able knowledge, he has arrived at,  
Only a little sparing of his Language,  
Which every man of observation—  Unc. 
And of as many tongues.  Tut. 
Pray be content Sir,  
You know you are for the bodily part, the Purse,  
I for the magazine, the mind.  Euph. 
Come hither springal.  On. 
That in the Almain Tongue signifies a Gentleman.  Fuph. 
What think you of the forms of Italy or Spain?  Onos. 
I love mine own Country Pippin.  Tut. 
Nobly answered,  
Borne for his Country first.  Euph. 
A great Philosopher:  
What Horses do you prefer?  Onos. 
The White horse Sir,  
There were I lie; honest and a just beast,  Tut. 
O Caput lepidum: a Child to say this,  
Are these figures for the mouths of Infants?  Con. 
Onos, what wenches?  
Come, tell me true.  On. 
I cannot speak without book.  Con. 
When shall we have one, ha?  On. 
Steal me from mine Uncle,  
For look you, I am broke out horribly  
For want of fleshly Physic: they say I am too young,  
And that 'twill spoil my growth, but could you help me?  Con. 
Meet me tomorrow man, no more.  Euph. 
You think now  
Ye have opened such a shame to me of travel,  
By showing these thin cubs: ye have honoured us  
Against your will, proclaimed us excellent:  
Three Frails of Sprats carried from Mart, to Mart,  
Are as much meat as these, to more use traveled;  
A bunch of bloated fools: methinks your judgement  
Should look abroad sometimes without your envy.  Cra. 
Such are most of you: so I take my leave,  
And when you find your women's favour fail,  
'Tis ten to one you'll know yourself, and seek me  
Upon a better Muster of your manners.  Con. 
This is not handsome Sir.  Euph. 
Pray take your pleasure,  
You wound the wind as much—  Cra. 
Come you with me,  
I have business for you presently: there's for your Wine,  
I must confess I lost it.  On. 
Shall I steal to ye  
And shall we see the Wench?  Con. 
A dainty one.  On. 
And have a dish of Pippins?  Con. 
What a peck man.  Tut. 
Will you wait Sir.  Con. 
Pray let's meet oftener Gentlemen,  
I would not lose ye.  Tut. 
O sweet Sir.  Con. 
Do you think I would,  
Such noted men as you?  Onos, Unc. Tut. 
We are your Servants. Exeunt.  Euph. 
That thing they would keep in everlasting nonage,  
My Brother for his own ends has thrust on  
Upon my Mistress, 'tis true, he shall be rich  
If ever he can get that Rogue his Uncle  
To let him be of years to come to inherit it,  
Now what the main drift is—  Con. 
Say ye so? no more words,  
I'll keep him company till he be of years,  
Though it be a hundred years, but I'll discover it;  
And ten to one I'll cross it too.  Euph. 
You are honest,  
And I shall study still your love: farewell Sir,  
For these few hours I must desire your pardon,  
I have business of importance: once a day  
At least I hope you'll see me: I must see you else:  
So, once more ye are welcome.  Con. 
All my thanks Sir,  
And when I leave to love you, life go from me. Exeunt.    

Actus Tertius.  

Scaena Prima.  Enter Theanor and Crates. Cra. 
WHy Sir, the Kingdoms his, and no man now  
Can come to Corinth, or from Corinth go  
Without his Licence; he puts up the tithes  
Of every Office through Achaia;  
From Courtier to the Carter hold of him:  
Our Lands, our Liberties, nay very lives  
Are shut up in his Closet, and let loose  
But at his pleasure; Books, and all discourse  
Have now no Patron, nor direction.  
But glorified Euphanes: our Cups are guilty  
That quench our thirsts, if not unto his health:  
Oh, I could eat my heart, and fling away  
My very soul for anguish: gods, nor men  
Should tolerate such disproportion.  The. 
And yet is he beloved: whether't be virtue,  
Or seeming virtue which he makes the cloak  
To his ambition.  Cra. 
Be it which it will:  
Your Highness is to tame, your eyes too filmed  
To see this, and sit still: the Lion should not  
Tremble to hear the bellowing of the Bull;  
Nature excuse me, though he be my Brother,  
You are my country's Father, therefore mine:  
One parallel line of Love I bend on him,  
All lines of love and duty meet in you  
As in their Centre: therefore hear, and weigh  
What I shall speak: You know the Queen your Mother  
Did from a private state your Father raise,  
So all your Royalty you hold from her;  
She is older than she was, therefore more doting,  
And what know we but blindness of her love  
(That hath from underneath the foot of fortune  
Set, even euphanes' foot, on fortune's head)  
Will take him by the hand, and cry, Leap now  
Into my bed; 'tis but a trick of age;  
Nothing impossible.  The. 
What do you infer on this?  Cra. 
Your pardon Sir:  
With reverence to the Queen; yet why should I  
Fear to speak plain what pointeth to your good?  
A Good old Widow is a hungry thing,  
(I speak of other Widows, not of Queens.)  The. 
Speak to thy purpose.  Cra. 
I approach it: Sir,  
Should young Euphanes clasp the Kingdom thus,  
And please the good old Lady some one night;  
What might not she be wrought to put on you,  
Quite to supplant your birth? neither is she  
Past children, as I take it.  The. 
Crates, Thou shak'st me;  
Thou, that dost hate thy Brother for my love,  
In my love find one; henceforth be my brother:  
This Giant I will fell beneath the earth;  
I will shine out, and melt his artful wings:  
Euphanes, from my mother's sea of favours  
Spreads like a River, and runs calmly on,  
Secure yet from my storms; like a young pine  
He grows up planted under a fair Oak,  
Whose strong large branches yet does shelter him,  
And every Traveller admires his beauty;  
But like a wind, I'll work into his cranks,  
Trouble his stream, and drown all Vessels that  
Ride on his Greatness: under my mother's arms,  
Like to a stealing tempest will I search,  
And rend his root from her protection.  Cra. 
ay, now Theanor speaks like Prince Theanor.  The. 
But how shall we provoke him to our snares?  
He has a temper malice cannot move  
To exceed the bounds of judgement; he is so wise,  
That we can pick no cause to affront him.  Cra. 
No?  
What better than his crossing your intent?  
The suit I had to ye? Conon's forfeit state  
(Before he travelled) for a Riot, he  
Hath from your Mother got restored to him:  The. 
Durst he? What is this Conon?  Cra. 
One that hath,  
As people say, in foreign pleasured him.  Enter Onos, Uncle, Tutor, Neanthes, Sosicles, Eraton. 
But now no more;  
They have brought the Travellers I told you of,  
That's the sweet youth, that is my Brother's Rival,  
That curls his head, for he has little hair,  
And paints his vizor, for it is no face,  
That so desires to follow you, my Lord:  
Show 'em some countenance, and it will beget  
Our sport at least.  The. 
What villainous Crabtree legs he makes?  
His shins are full of true-love knots.  Cra. 
His legs were ever villainous, since I knew him.  Era. 
Faith his Uncle's shanks are somewhat the better.  Nea. 
But is't possible he should believe he is not of age?  
He is 50, man, in's Jubilee I warrant: 'slight, he  
Looks older than a groat, the very stamp on's face is why  
Worn out with handling.  Sos. 
Why I tell you all men believe it when they hear him speak,  
He utters such single matter in so infantly a voice.  Nea. 
He looks as like a fellow that I have seen accommodate  
Gentlemen with Tobacco in our Theatres.  Onos. 
Most illustrious Prince.  Era. 
A pox on him, he is guelt, how he trebles?  Onos. 
I am a Gentleman a both sides.  Tut. 
He means (so't please your highness) both by Father & Mother.  Sos. 
Thou a Gentleman? thou an Ass.  Nea. 
He is ne'er the farther from being a gentl. I assure you.  Tut. 
May it please your Grace, I am another.  Nea. 
He is another Ass he says, I believe him.  Uncle. 
We be three, Heroical Prince.  Nea. 
Nay then we must have the Picture of 'em, and the  
Word Nos sumus.  Tut. 
That have travailed all parts of the Globe together.  Unc. 
For my part, I have seen the vicissitude of fortune before.  Onos. 
Peace Uncle, for though you speak a little better than I—  Nea. 
'Tis a very little, in truth.  Onos. 
Yet we must both give place, as they say, to the best Speaker  
The Tutor.  Tut. 
Yet since it hath pleased your radiance to decline so low, as on us,  
Poor and unworthy dunghills.—  Nea. 
What a stinking knaves this?  Tut. 
Our Peregrination was ne'er so felicitated, as since we entered the line of your gracious favour, under whose beamy aspect, and by which infallible Mathematical compass, may we but hereafter presume to sail, our industries have reached their desired termination and period; and we shall voluntarily sacrifice our lives to your resplendent eyes, both the Altars and fires of our devoted offerings.  Onos. 
Oh divine Tutor!  Cra. 
Can you hold Sir?  Era. 
He has spoken this very speech to some Whore in Corinth.  Nea. 
A plague on him for a sustain Dictionary; on my conscience this is the Ulyssean traveller that sent home his Image riding upon Elephants to the great Mogul.  Sos. 
The same: his wit is so huge, nought but an Elephant could carry him.  Era. 
So heavy you mean.  Nea. 
These three, are e'en the finest one fool tripartite, that was ere discovered.  Sos. 
Or a Treatise of famine divided into three branches.  Era. 
The Prince speaks.  The. 
I thank ye for your loves; but as I told you,  
I have so little means, to do for those  
Few followers I have already, that  
I would have none shipwreck themselves, and fortune,  
Upon my barren shelf: Sue to Euphanes.  
For he is Prince, and Queen, I would have no man  
Curse me in his old age.  Cra. 
Alas Sir, they desire to follow you  
But afar off, the farther off the better.  Tut. 
I Sir, an't be seven mile off, so we may but follow you, only to countenance us in the confronts and affronts, which (according to your highness' will) we mean on all occasions to put upon the Lord Euphanes.  Onos. 
He shall not want gibing nor jeering, I warrant him; if he do, I'll forswear wit.  Nea. 
It has forsworn thee, 'I'll swear, it is the ancient enemy to thy house.  The. 
Well, be it so; I here receive ye, for my followers a great way off.  Nea. 
Seven miles, my Lord, no further.  Onos. 
By what time, Sir, (by this measure) may I come to follow him in his Chamber?  Nea. 
Why when his Chamber, Sir, is seven miles long.  Enter Euphanes, Conon, Page, Gent. Attendants. Gent. 
Make way there, for my Lord Euphanes.  Cro. 
Look Sir, Jove appears,  
The Peacock of our State, that spreads a train  
Brighter than Iris blushes after rain.  Euph. 
You need not thank me Conon, in your love  
You Antedated what I can do for you,  
And I in gratitude was bound to this,  
And am to much more: and whate'er he be  
Can with unthankfulness assoil me, let him  
Dig out mine eyes, and sing my name in verse,  
In Ballad verse at every drinking-house,  
And no man be so charitable to lend me  
A Dog to guide my steps.  Nea. 
Haile to Euphanes.  Sos. 
Mighty Euphanes.  Era. 
The great Prince Euphanes.  Tut. 
Key of the Court, and Jewel of the Queen.  Unc. 
Sol in our Firmament.  Onos. 
Pearl in the state's eye.  Nea. 
Being a black man.  Era. 
Mistress of the Land.  Nea. 
Our humble, humble poor Petitions are,  
That we may hold our places.  All. 
May we?  Euph. 
Yes; be you malicious knaves still: and you fools.  Con. 
This is the Princes, and your Brother's spite.  Euph. 
I know't, but will not know't it.  Con. 
Yonder they are,  
Who's fine child's this?  Unc. 
Sir.  Onos. 
Uncle, le' be,  
Let him alone, he is a mighty Prince.  Euph. 
I ask your highness' pardon: I protest  
By Jupiter I saw you not.  The. 
Humh, it may be so,  
You have raised such mountains twixt your eyes and me,  
That I am hidden quite: what do ye mean Sir?  
You much forget yourself.  Euph. 
I should much more,  
Not to remember my due duty to your Grace;  
I know not wherein I have so transgressed  
My service to your Highness, to deserve  
This rigour and contempt, not from you only  
But from your followers, with the best of whom  
I was an equal in my lowest ebb:  
Beseech you Sir, respect me as a Gentleman,  
I will be never more in heart to you:  
Five fair Descents I can derive myself,  
From Father's worthy both in Arts and Arms.  
I know your goodness companies your greatness  
But that you are perverted: Royal Sir,  
I am your humblest subject, use your pleasure,  
But do not give protection to the wrongs  
Of these subordinate Slaves, whom I could crush  
By that great destined favour, which my Mistress  
And your majestic Mother deigns to me,  
But in respect of you: I know lean envy  
Waits ever on the steps of virtue advanced:  
But why your Mother's grace gets me disgrace,  
Or renders me a slave to bear these wrongs  
I do not know.  
Oh Mediocrity,  
Thou priceless jewel, only mean men have  
But cannot value; like the precious gem,  
Found in the muckhill by the ignorant Cock.  The. 
Your creamy words but cozen: how durst you  
Intercept me so lately to my Mother?  
And what I meant your Brother, you obtained  
Unto the forfeiture again.  Cra. 
Your answer to that my Lord, my Brother.  Euph. 
May I perish  
If ere I heard you intended such a Suit,  
Though 'twould have stuck an ignominious brand  
Upon your Highness, to have given your servant  
A Gentleman's whole state of worth and quality,  
Confiscate only for a youthful brawl.  The. 
Your rudiments are too saucy: teach your Page.  Con. 
ay, so are all things but your flatterers.  Onos. 
Hold you your prating.  Con. 
You know where you are, you fleeten face.  Euph. 
Yet Sir to appease and satisfy your anger,  
Take what you please from me, and give it him  
In lieu of this: you shall not take it neither,  
I freely will impart it, half my state,  
Which Brother if you please—  Cra. 
I'll starve in Chains first,  
Eat my own arms.  Euph. 
Oh that you saw yourself:  
You ne'er made me such offer in my poorness,  
And 'cause (to do you ease) I sought not to you  
You thus malign me; yet your nature must not  
Corrupt mine, nor your rude examples lead me:  
If mine can mend you, I shall joy; you know  
I fear you not: you have seen me proved a man  
In every way of fortune, 'tis my comfort  
I know no more such Brothers in the world  
As Crates is.  Con. 
Nor I such as Euphanes:  
The temper of an Angel reigns in thee.  Euph. 
Your Royal Mother Sir, (I had forgot)  
Entreats your presence.  The. 
You have done her errand,  
I may do yours. Exit.  Euph. 
Let it be truth my Lord.  Con. 
Crates, I'll question you for this.  Cra. 
Pish, your worst. Exit.  Con. 
Away you hounds after your scent.  Onos. 
Come, we'll scorn to talk to 'em: now they are gone,  
We'll away too. Exeunt.  Con. 
Why bear you this my Lord?  Euph. 
To show the passive fortitude the best;  
Virtues a solid Rock, whereat being aimed  
The keenest darts of envy, yet unhurt  
Her Marble Heroes stand, built of such Bases,  
Whilst they recoil, and wound the shooter's faces.  Enter Queen and Ladies. Con. 
My Lord, the Queen.  Quee. 
Gentle Euphanes, how,  
How dost thou honest Lord? oh how I joy  
To see what I have made, like a choice Workman,  
That having framed a Masterpiece, doth reap  
An universal commendations.  
Princes are Gods in this. I'll build thee yet,  
(The good foundation so pleases me)  
A story or two higher; let Dogs bark,  
They are fools that hold them dignified by blood,  
They should be only made great that are good.  Euph. 
Oraculous Madam.  Quee. 
Sirrah, I was thinking  
If I should marry thee, what merry tales  
Our neighbour Islands would make of us;  
But let that pass, you have a Mistress  
That would forbid our Banes: troth I have wished  
A thousand times that I had been a man,  
Than I might sit a day with thee alone,  
And talk,  
But as I am I must not; there's no skill  
In being good, but in not being thought ill.  
Sirrah, who's that?  Euph. 
So't please your Majesty  
Conon, the friend I sued for.  Quee. 
'Tis dispatched.  Con. 
Gracious Madam,  
I owe the gods and you my life.  Quee. 
I thank you,  
I thank you heartily; and I do think you  
A very honest man, he says you are:  
But now I'll chide thee; what's the cause my Son,  
For my eye's everywhere, and I have heard,  
So insolently does thee Contumelies  
Past sufferance (I am told) yet you complain not,  
As if my justice were so partial  
As not to right the meanest: credit me,  
I'll call him to a strict account, and fright  
By his example, all that dare curb me  
In any thing that's just: I sent you for him.  Euph. 
Humbly he did return, he would wait on you:  
But let me implore your Majesty, not to give  
His Highness any check, for worthless me;  
They are Court cankers, and not Counsellors  
That thus inform you: they do but hate the Prince,  
And would subvert me: I should curse my fortune  
Even at the highest, to be made the gin  
To unscrew a Mother's love unto her Son:  
Better had my pale flame in humble shades  
Been spent unseen, then to be raised thus high,  
Now to be thought a meteor to the State,  
Portending ruin and contagion:  
Beseech you then rest satisfied, the Prince  
Is a most noble natured Gentleman,  
And never did to me but what I took  
As favours from him, my blown billows must not  
Strive 'gainst my shore, that should confine me; nor  
Justle with Rocks to break themselves to pieces.  Quee. 
Well, thou'rt the composition of a god:  
My Lion, Lamb, my Eaglet, and my Dove,  
Whose soul runs clearer than Diana's Fount,  
Nature picked several flowers from her choice banks  
And bound 'em up in thee, sending thee forth  
A Posy for the bosom of a Queen.  Lady. 
The Prince attends you.  Quee. 
Farewell my good Lord,  
My honest man; Stay, hast no other suit?  
I prithee tell me; Sirrah, thine eye speaks  
As if thou hadst: out with it modest fool.  Euph. 
With favour Madam, I would crave your leave  
To Marry, where I am bound in gratitude,  
The immediate means she was to all my being:  
Nor do I think your wisdom sacred Queen  
Fetters in favours, taking from me so  
The liberty that meanest men enjoy.  Quee. 
To marry? you are a fool: thou'st angered me:  
Leave me, I'll think on't: Exit Euph. and Conon.  
Only to try thee this, for though I love thee,  Enter Theanor. 
I can subdue myself: but she that can  
Enjoy thee, doth enjoy more than a man.  
Nay rise without a blessing, or kneel still:  
What's Sir the reason you oppose me thus,  
And seek to darken what I would have shine?  
Eclipse a fire much brighter than thyself,  
Making your Mother not a competent Judge  
Of her own actions?  The. 
Gracious Madam, I  
I have done no more than what in royalty  
(And to preserve your fame) was fit to do:  
Heard you the people's talk of you, and him  
You favour so, his greatness, and your love,  
The pity given to me, you would excuse me,  
They prate as if he did dishonour you:  
And what know I, but his own lavish tongue  
Has uttered some such speeches; he is called  
The King of Corinth.  Quee. 
They are traitors all:  
I wear a Crystal casement 'fore my heart,  
Through which each honest eye may look in to't:  
Let it be prospect unto all the world,  
I care not this.  The. 
This must not be my way;  
Your pardon gracious Madam: these incitements  
Made me not show so clear a countenance  
Upon the Lord Euphanes as I would:  
Which since your Majesty affects so grievously  
I'll clear the black cloud of it, and henceforth  
Vow on this knee all love and grace to him.  Quee. 
Rise with my blessing, and to prove this true,  
Bear him from me this Cabinet of Jewels  
In your own person, tell him, for his marrying  
He may dispose him how, and when he please. Exit Quee.  The. 
I shall discharge my duty and your will.  
Crates?  Enter Crates. Cra. 
I have heard all my Lord, how luckily  
Fate pops her very spindle in our hands:  
This marriage with Beliza you shall cross,  
Then have I one attempt for Lamprias more  
Upon this Phaeton: where's Merione's Ring,  
That in the Rape you took from her?  The. 
'Tis here.  Cra. 
In and effect our purpose: you my Lord  
Shall disobey your Mother's charge, and send  
This Cabinet by some servant of her own,  
That what succeeds may have no reference  
Unto your Highness.  The. 
On, my engine on.  Cra. 
Now, if we be not struck by Heavens own hand,  
We'll ruin him, and on his ruins stand. Exeunt.   

Scaena Secunda.  Enter Agenor, Leonidas, Merione, Beliza. A sad Song. Ag. 
These heavy Airs feed sorrow in her Lady,  
And nourish it too strongly; like a Mother  
That spoils her Child with giving on't the will.  Bel. 
Some lighter note. A lighter Song.  Leo. 
How like a hill of Snow she sits, and melts  
Before the unchaste fire of others lust?  
What heart can see her passion and not break?  Ag. 
Take comfort gentle Madam; you know well  
Even actual sins committed without will,  
Are neither sins nor shame, much more compelled;  
Your Honour's no whit less, your Chastity  
No whit impaired, for fair Merione  
Is more a Virgin yet then all her Sex:  
Alas, 'tis done; why burn these Tapers now?  
Wicked and frantic Creatures joy in night.  Leo. 
Imagine fair Merione had dreamed  
She had been ravished, would she sit thus then  
Excruciate?  Mer. 
Oh.  Bel. 
Fie, fie, how fond is this?  
What reason for this surfeit of remorse?  
How many that have done ill, and proceed,  
Women that take degrees in wantonness,  
Commence, and rise in rudiments of Lust,  
That feel no scruple of this tenderness?  Mer. 
Pish.  Bel. 
Nor are you matches in mishap, even I  
Do bear an equal part of misery;  
That love, beloved, a man, the Crown of men,  
Whom I have friended, and how raised 'tis better  
That all do know and speak it then myself:  
When he sailed low I might have made him mine,  
Now at his full gale, it is questionable  
If ever I o'ertake him.  Ag. 
Wherefore sits  
My Phebe shadowed in a sable could?  
Those pearly drops which thou lets't fall like beads,  
Numbering on them thy vestal Orisons  
Alas are spent in vain: I love thee still,  
In midst of all these showers thou sweetlier sentest,  
Like a green Meadow on an April day,  
In which the Sun and West-wind play together,  
Striving to catch and drink the balmy drops.  Enter Euphanes and Servant. Ser. 
The Lord euphanes' Madam. Exit Mer.  Ag. 
Poor Merione,  
She loathes the light, and men. Exit.  Euph. 
The virtuous gods preserve my Mistress.  Bel. 
O my most honoured Lord, those times are changed.  Euph. 
Let times and men change, could Heaven change, Euphanes  
Should never change, to be devoted ever  
To fair Beliza, should my load of honours,  
Or any Grace which you were Author of  
Detract mine honour, and diminish Grace?  
The gods forbid: you here behold your Servant,  
Your Creature, gentle Lady, whose sound sleeps  
You purchased for him: whose food you paid for,  
Whose garments were your charge, whose first preferment  
You founded: then, what since the gracious Queen  
Hath, or can rear, is upon your free Land,  
And you are Mistress of.  Bel. 
Mock me not gentle Lord,  
You shine now in too high a sphere for me,  
We are Planets now disjoined for ever: yet  
Poor superstitious innocent that I am,  
Give leave that I may lift my hands, and love  
Not in Idolatry, but perfect zeal:  
For credit me, I repent nothing I have done,  
But were it to begin would do the same.  Euph. 
There are two Seas in Corinth, and two Queens,  
And but there, not two such in the spacious Universe;  
I came to tender you the man you have made,  
And like a thankful stream to retribute  
All you my Ocean have enriched me with.  
You told me once you'd marry me.  Bel. 
Another mock? you were wont to play fairplay,  
You scorn poor helps; he that is sure to win,  
May slight mean hearts, whose hand commands the Queen  Euph. 
Let me be held the Knave through all the Stock  
When I do slight my Mistress; you know well  
The gracious inclination of the Queen,  
Who sent me leave this morning to proceed  
To marry, as I saw convenience,  
And a great gift of Jewels: Three days hence  
The general sacrifice is done to Vesta,  
And can you by then be accommodated  
Your servant shall wait on you to the Temple.  Bel. 
Till now  
I never felt a real joy indeed.  Euph. 
Here then I seal my duty, here my love,  
Till which vouchsafe to wear this Ring, dear Mistress;  
'twas the Queen's Token, and shall celebrate  
Our Nuptials.  Bel. 
Honour still raise, and preserve  
My honoured Lord, as he preserves all honour. Exit Euph.  Enter Agenor, Leonidas, Merione. Ag. 
Why shift you places thus Merione,  
And will not lend a word? Couldst thou so soon  
Leave sorrow as the place, how blessed were I,  
But 'twill not be; grief is an impudent guest,  
A follower everywhere, a hanger on,  
That words nor blows can drive away.  Leo. 
Dear Sister.  Bel. 
Who can be sad? out with these Tragic Lights,  
And let day repossess her natural hours:  
Tear down these blacks, cast open 'the Casements wide,  
That we may jocundly behold the Sun.  
I did partake with sad Merione  
In all her mourning: let her now rejoice  
With glad Beliza, for Euphanes is  
As full of love, full of humility  
As when he wanted.  Mer. 
Oh— that.  Leo. 
Help, she faints:  
Her grief has broke her heart.  Mer. 
No— that— that.  Ag. 
Mistress, what point you at?  
Her lamps are out, yet still she extends her hand  
As if she saw something antipathous  
Unto her virtuous life.  Leo. 
Still, still she points,  
And her lips move, but no articulate sound  
Breathes from 'em: Sister, speak, what moves you thus?  Bel. 
Her spirits return.  Mer. 
Oh, hide that fatal Ring,  
Where had it you Beliza?  Bel. 
What hid fate  
Depends on it? Euphanes gave it me  
As holy pledge of future Marriage.  Mer. 
Then is Euphanes the foul Ravisher?  
Let me speak this and die. That dismal night  
Which sealed my shame upon me, was that Ring,  
The partner of my robbed virginity.  Leo. 
Euphanes?  Ag. 
Strange.  Bel. 
Impossible.  Mer. 
Impossible. to have redress on him,  
Chief servant to the Queen— ha! I have read  
Somewhere I am sure, of such an injury  
Done to a Lady: and how she durst die. Exit.  Ag. 
Oh follow her Beliza  Bel. 
To assure her,  
The unlikelihood of this  Ag. 
Love hides all sins. Exit.  
What's to be done Leonidas?  Leo. 
Why this:  
Amazement takes up all my faculties;  
The plagues of gods and men will muster all  
To avenge this tyranny. Oh frontless man,  
To dare do ill, and hope to bear it thus:  
First let's implore, than cure.  Ag. 
Who, who can trust  
The gentle looks and words of twofaced man?  
Like Corinth's double torrent, you and I  
Will rush upon the Land; nor shall the Queen  
Defend this Villain in his villainy:  
Lusts violent flames can never be withstood  
Nor quenched, but with as violent streams of blood.  Exeunt.   

Actus Quartus.  

Scaena Prima.  Enter Crates, Uncle, Tutor, and Onos. Ono. 
Thinks he to carry her and live?  Cra. 
It seems so,  
And she will carry him the story says.  On. 
Well, hum—  
Have I for this thou fair but falsest fair  
Stretched this same simple leg over the Sea?  
What though my bashfulness, and tender years,  
Durst ne'er reveal my affection to thy teeth?  
Deep love ne'er tattles, and (say they) loves bit  
The deeper dipped, the sweeter still is it.  Tut. 
Oh, see the power of Love: he speaks in rhyme.  Cra. 
Oh, love will make a Dog howl in rhyme:  
Of all the Lovers yet I have heard or read  
This is the strangest: but his Guardian,  
And you his Tutor should inform him better,  
Thinks he, that Love is answered by instinct?  Tut. 
He should make means  
For certain Sir his bashfulness undoes him,  
For from his Cradle h'had a shameful face.  
Thus walks he night and day, eats not a bit,  
Nor sleeps one jot, but's grown so humorous;  
Drinks Ale, and takes Tobacco as you see;  
wears a Steeleto at his Codpiece close,  
Stabs on the least occasion: strokes his beard,  
Which now he puts i'th' posture of a T.  
The Roman T. your T. beard is the fashion,  
And twifold doth express the enamoured Courtier,  
As full as your fork-carving Traveller.  On. 
Oh, black clouds of discontent envelop me,  
Garters fly off: go Hatband, bind the brows  
Of some dull Citizen that fears to ache:  
And Leg appear now in simplicity  
Without the trappings of a Courtier:  
Burst Buttons, burst, your Bachelor is wormed.  Cra. 
A worm-eaten Bachelor thouart indeed.  On. 
And Devil melancholy possesses me now.  Unc. 
Cross him not in this fit I advise you Sir.  On. 
Die crimson Rose, that didst adorn these cheeks, scabby.  
For itch of love is now broke forth on me.  Unc. 
Poor Boy, 'tis true: his wrists and hands are scabby.  On. 
Burn eyes out in your sockets, sink and stink:  
Teeth I will pick ye to the very bones,  
Hang hair like Hemp, or like the Isling Curs,  
For never Powder, nor the Crisping-iron  
Shall touch these dangling locks— oh— Ruby lips,  
Love hath to you been like Wine-vinegar,  
Now you look wan and pale, lips, ghosts ye are,  
And my disgrace sharper than Mustardseed.  Cra. 
How like a Chandler he does vent his passions,  
Risum teneatis?  On. 
Well sung the Poet,  
Love is a golden bubo, full of Dreams:  
That ripened breaks, and fills us with extremes.  Tut. 
A gold bubble, pupil, Oh gross solecism  
To chaster ears, that understand the Latin.  On. 
I will not be corrected now:  
I am in love, revenge is now the Cud  
That I do chaw: I'll challenge him.  Cra. 
I marry Sir.  Unc. 
Your Honour bids you Nephew, on, and prosper.  On. 
But none will bear it from me, times are dangerous.  Cra. 
Carry it yourself man.  On. 
Tutor, your counsel: I'll do nothing Sir  
Without him.  Unc. 
This may rid thee, (valiant coz)  
Whom I have kept this forty year my Ward:  
Fain would I have his state, and now of late  
He did inquire at Ephesus for his age,  
But the Church Book being burnt with Diane's Temple  
He lost his aim: I have tried to famish him,  
Marry he'll live oF stones: and then for Poisons,  
He is an Antidote 'gainst all of 'em;  
He sprung from Mithridates; he is so dry and hot,  
He will eat Spiders faster than a Monkey:  
His Maw (unhurt) keeps Quicksilver like a bladder,  
The largest doss of Camphire, Opium,  
Harms not his brain; I think his skull's as empty  
As a sucked Egg; Vitriol, and Oil of Tartar  
He will eat toasts of: Henbane I am sure  
And hemlock I have made his Potherbs often.  Cra. 
If he refuse you, yours is then the honour:  
If he accept, he being so great, you may  
Crave both to choose the Weapon, time, and place,  
Which may be ten years hence, and Calicut,  
Or underneath the line to avoid advantage.  On. 
I am resolved.  Tut. 
By your favour Pupil,  
Whence shall this challenge rise? for you must ground it  
On some such fundamental base, or matter  
As now the Gentry set their lives upon.  
Did you ere cheat him at some Ordinary,  
And durst he say so, and be angry? if thus,  
Than you must challenge him hath he called your whore,  
Whore; though she be (beside yours) twenty men's?  
Your honour, reputation is touched then,  
And you must challenge him: Has he denied  
On thirty damn me's to accommodate money,  
Though he have broke threescore before to you?  
Here you must challenge him: Durst he ever shun  
To drink two pots of Ale wi' ye? or to wench,  
Though weighty business otherwise importuned?  
He is a proud Lord,  
And you may challenge him: Has he familiarly  
Disliked your yellow Starch or said your Doublet  
Was not exactly frenchified? or that, that report  
In fair terms was untrue? or drawn your Sword,  
Cried 'twas ill mounted? Has he given the lie  
In circle, or oblique, or semicircle,  
Or direct parallel? you must challenge him.  On. 
He never gave my direct apparel the lie in's life.  Tut. 
But for the crown of all, Has he refused  
To pledge your Mistress health though he were sick?  Enter Neanthes and Page. 
And craved your pardon? you must challenge him,  
There's no avoiding: one or both must drop.  On. 
Exquisite Tutor.  Nean. 
Crates, I have sought you long, what make you here  
Fooling with these three farthings, while the Town  
Is all in uproar, and the Prince our Master  
(Ceased by Leonidas, and Agenor) carried  
And Prisoner kept i'the Castle, flanks  
The west part of the City, where they vow  
To hold him, till your Brother, Lord Euphanes  
Be rendered to 'em, with his life to satisfy  
The Rape, by him suspected to Merione?  
The Queen refuses to deliver him,  
Pawning her knowledge for his innocency,  
And dares 'em do their worst on Prince Theanor,  
The whole State's in combustion.  Cra. 
Fatal Ring.  Unc. 
What will become of us?  Nea. 
And she hath given Commission to Euphanes  
And Conon (who have levied men already)  
With violence to surprise the Tower, and take 'em.  
What will you do?  Cra. 
Along wi' ye, and prevent  
A further mischief: Gentlemen, our intents  
We must defer: you are the PRINCE's followers.  Nea. 
Will ye walk with us?  Unc. 
You shall pardon us.  Tut. 
We are his followers afar off you know.  
And are contented to continue so.  Exit Crates and Neant. Onos. 
Sir Boy.  Page. 
Sir Fool? a Challenge to my Lord?  
How dar'st thou, or thy ambs-ace here think of him,  
Ye Crow-picked heads, which your thin shoulders bear  
As do the poles on Corinth Bridge the Traitors:  
Why you three ninepins, you talk of my Lord,  
And Challenges? you shall not need: come draw,  
His Page is able to swinge three such whelps:  
Uncle, why stand ye off: long-man advance.  Onos. 
'Slight, what have we done Tutor?  Tut. 
He is a Boy,  
And we may run away with honour.  Page. 
That ye shall not,  
And being a Boy I am fitter to encounter  
A Child in Law as you are, under twenty:  
Thou Sot, thou threescore Sot, and that's a Child  
Again I grant you.  Unc. 
Nephew, here's an age:  
Boys are turned men, and men are Children.  Page. 
Away you Peasants with your bought Gentry;  
Are not you he, when your fellow Passengers,  
Your last transportment being assailed by a Galley  
Hid yourself i'the : and the Fight done  
Peeped above Hatches, and cried, Have we taken,  
Or are we ta'en? Come, I do want a slipper,  
But this shall serve: Swear all as I would have you,  
Or I will call some dozen brother Pages,  
(They are not far off I am sure) and we will blanket  
You until you piss again.  All. 
Nay, we will swear Sir.  Page. 
'Tis your best course:  
First, you shall swear never to name my Lord,  
Or hear him named hereafter, but bareheaded.  
Next, to begin his health in every place,  
And never to refuse to pledge it, though  
You surfeit to the death. Lastly, to hold  
The poorest, littlest Page in reverence;  
To think him valianter, and a better Gentleman  
Than you three stamped together: and to give him  
Wine and Tobacco wheresoever you meet,  
And the best meat if he can stay.  All. 
We swear it loyally.  Page. 
Then I dismiss you  
True Liegemen to the Pantofle:  
I had more Articles, but I have business  
And cannot stay now: so adieu dear Monsieur,  
Tres nobles & tres puissant.  Unc. 
Adieu Monsieur.  On. 
A vostre service & commandment.  Tut. 
I told you Pupil, you'd repent this foolery.  On. 
Who, I repent? you are mistaken Tutor,  
I ne'er repented any thing yet in my life,  
And scorn to begin now: Come, let's be melancholy.  Exeunt.  

Saena Secunda.  Enter Queen, Euphanes, Conon, Lords. Lord. 
'Twere better treat with 'em.  Quee. 
I will no Treaties  
With a League-breaker and a Rebel; shall I  
Article with a Traitor? be compelled  
To yield an innocent unto their fury  
Whom I have proved so to you?  Euph. 
Gracious Queen,  
Though your own godlike disposition  
Would succour virtue, and protect the right,  
Yet for the public good, for the dear safety  
Of your most Royal only Son, consent  
To give me up the sacrifice to their malice:  
My life is aimed at, and 'twere better far  
The blood of twenty thousand such as I  
Purpled our Seas, then that your Princely Son  
Should be endangered.  Quee. 
Still well said honest Fool,  
Were their demand but one hair from thy head,  
By all the gods I'd scorn 'em: were they here,  
The Majesty that dwells upon this brow  
Should strike 'em on their knees: As for my Son,  
Let 'em no more dare than they'll answer, I  
An equal Mother to my Country, am,  
And every virtuous Son of it is son  
Unto my bosom, tender as mine own.  Con. 
Oh, you are heavenly Madam, and the gods  
Can suffer nothing pass to injure you:  
The life that Conon promised, he stands now  
Ready to pay with joy.  Quee. 
Farewell both,  
Success attend you: you have Soldiers been,  
Tam Marte quam Mercurio: if you bring not peace  
Bring me their heads.  Con. 
I will put fair for one. Exit Quee. Lords.  Euph. 
Double the Guard upon her highness' Person;  
Conon, you must perform a friendly part,  
Which I shall counsel you.  Con. 
I am your Servant Exeunt.   

Scaena Tertia.  Enter Theanor, Agenor, Leonidas above. Leo. 
Make good that Fortification, and the Watch  
Keep still upon the Battlements: Royal Sir,  
Weigh but our injuries, we have told you fully  
The manner and the matter hales us thus;  
Nor shall this upstart Mushrum bred i'ch night,  
Sit brooding underneath your Mother's wings  
His damned impieties.  Ag. 
For yourself, brave Prince,  
Fear nothing that this face of Arms presents:  
We ask the Ravisher, and have no means  
To win him from your most indulgent Mother  
But by this practice.  The. 
Stout Leonidas,  
Princely Agenor, your wrongs cry so loud,  
That who so would condemn you is not heard:  
I blame you not, who but Euphanes durst  
Make Stories like to this? My wrong's as strong  
Ask my revengeful arm to strengthen yours:  
As for my fear, know you, and Greece throughout,  Enter Euphanes and Conon. 
Our Mother was a Spartan Princess borne,  
That never taught me to spell such a word.  Con. 
Sir, you do tempt your life.  Euph. 
Conon, no more.  
Do thus as thou wouldst save it. Sound Trumpet within.  Ag. 
What Trumpet's this?  Leo. 
Beneath I do perceive  
Two armed men, single, that give us summons  
As they would treat.  Ag. 
Let us descend.  Con. 
My Lord,  
I would you would excuse me, and proceed  
According to the queen's directions.  Euph. 
Friend,  
As thou wouldst wear that title after death  Enter below Theanor, Agenor, Leonidas and Soldiers. 
Perform my charge: no Soldier on his life  
Approach us nearer.  Con. 
Safety to both the Princes, loyalty  
To you Lord General, the Queen, your Mistress  
As well as ours, though not to fear, to cut  
Civil dissension from her Land, and save  
Much guiltless blood, that uproar ever thirsts,  
And for the safeguard of her Son, by me  
(As you demand) hath sent the Lord Euphanes  
To plead his own cause, or to suffer death  
As you shall find him worthy; so delivering  
The Prince back, I shall leave him to your Guard.  Leo. 
The Queen is good and gracious: kiss her hand.  Ag. 
And seal our duties: Sir, depart in peace.  The. 
Oh Sir, you now perceive, when in the scales  
Nature, and fond affection weigh together,  
One poises like a feather, and you know my Lords  
What's to be done.  Euph. 
Your Highness is unarmed,  
Please you to use mine, and to lead the Army  
Back to your Mother: Conon, march you with 'em.  Con. 
I will my Lord: But not so far as not  
To bring you help if danger look upon you. Exit.  Euph. 
Why do you look so strangely, fearfully,  
Or stay your deathful hand, be not so wise  
To stop your rage: look how unmov'dly, here  
I give myself my country's sacrifice,  
An innocent sacrifice: Truth laughs at death,  
And terrifies the killer more than killed;  
Integrity thus armless seeks her foes,  
And never needs the Target, nor the Sword,  
Bow, nor envenomed shafts.  Leo. 
We are amazed,  
Not at your eloquence, but impudence,  
That dare thus front us.  Ag. 
Kill him, who knows not  
The iron forehead that bold mischief wears.  Leo. 
Forbear a while Agenor, I do tremble,  
And something sits like virtue in his face,  
Which the gods keep.  Euph. 
Agenor, strike Leonidas  
You that have purchased fame on certain grounds,  
Lose it on supposition? smear your hands  
In guiltless blood, laugh at my martyrdom:  
But yet remember, when Posterity  
Shall read your Volumes filled with virtuous acts,  
And shall arrive at this black bloody leaf,  
Noting your foolish barbarism, and my wrong,  
(As time shall make it plain) what follows this  
Deciphering any noble deed of yours  
Shall be quite lost, for men will read no more.  Leo. 
Why? dare you say you are innocent?  Euph. 
By all the gods, as they  
Of this foul crime, why Gent. pry clean through my life,  
Then weigh these circumstances: think you that he  
Which made day night, and men to furies turned,  
Durst not trust silence, vizors, nor her sense  
That suffered; but with Charms and Potions  
Cast her asleep, (for all this I have enquired)  
Acted the Fable of Proserpina's Rape,  
The place (by all description) like to Hell:  
And all to perpetrate unknown his Lust,  
Would fondly in his Person bring a Ring,  
And give it a betrothed Wife, i'th' same house  
Where the poor injured Lady lived, and groaned.  Ag. 
Hell gives us Art to reach the depth of sin,  
But leaves us wretched Fools, when we are in.  Euph. 
Had it given me that Art, and left me so,  
I would not thus into the lion's jaws  
Have thrust myself (defenceless) for your good,  
The PRINCE's safety, or the Commonweals:  
You know the Queen denied me, and sent us  
Commanders to surprise you, and to raze  
This Tower down, we had power enough to do it,  
Or starve you, as you saw, and not to tender  
My Person to your wrath, which I have done,  
Knowing my heart as pure as infant's sleep.  Leo. 
What think you Sir?  Ag. 
No harm I am sure: I weep.  Euph. 
The gods are just, and mighty: but to give you  
Further assurance, and to make yourselves  
Judges, and witnesses of my innocency,  
Let me demand this question: On what night  
Was this foul deed committed?  Ag. 
On the Eve  
Before our Marriage meant.  Euph. 
Leonidas,  
(Your rage being off, that still drowns memory)  
Where was yourself and I that very night,  
And what our conference?  Leo. 
By the gods 'tis true:  
Both in her highness' Chamber conferring  
Even of this Match until an hour of day,  
And then came I to call you: we are shamed.  Ag. 
Utterly lost, and shamed.  Euph. 
Neither, be cheered,  
He that could find this out can pardon it,  
And know this Ring was sent me from the Queen,  
How she came by it, yet is not exquired,  
Deeper occurrents hang on't: and pray Heaven  
That my suspicions prove as false as yours,  
Which (for the world) till I have greater proof  
I dare not utter what, nor whom they touch;  
Only this build upon, with ail my nerves  
I'll labour with ye, till time waken truth.  Ag. 
There are our swords Sir, turn the points on us,  Leo. 
Punish Rebellion, and revenge your wrong.  Euph. 
Sir, my revenge shall be to make your peace,  
Neither was this Rebellion, but rash love.  Enter Conon. Con. 
How's this? unarmed left, now found doubly armed?  
And those that would have slain him at his feet?  
Oh Truth, thou art a mighty Conqueress:  
The Queen (my Lord) perplexed in care of you,  
That cross to her command hazard yourself  
In person, here is come into the Field,  
And like a Leader, marches in the head  
Of all her Troops, vows that she will demolish  
Each stone of this proud Tower be you not safe:  
She chafes like storms in Groves, now sighs, now weeps,  
And both sometimes, like Rain and Wind commixed,  
Abjures her Son for ever, less himself  
Do fetch you off in person, that did give  
yourself to save him of your own free will,  
And swears he must not, nor is fit to live.  Euph. 
Oh she's a Mistress for the gods.  Ag. 
And thou  
A godlike servant fit for her.  Leo. 
Wide Greece  
May boast because she cannot boast thy like.  Euph. 
Thus Conon tell her Highness.  Con. 
My joy flies.  Euph. 
Let's toward her march: stern Drum speak gentle peace.  Leo. 
We are prisoners, lead us, ne'er was known  
A precedent like this: one unarmed man  
(Suspected) to captive with golden words  
(Truth being his shield) so many armed with swords. Ex.  Enter (at one Door) Queen, Theanor, Crates, Conon, Lords, Soldiers, (at another) Euphanes (with two swords) Agenor, Leonidas, Soldiers: Euphanes presents Leonidas on his knees to the Queen: Agenor bareheaded makes show of sorrow to the Queen, she stamps and seems to be angry at first, Euphanes persuades her, lays their swords at her feet, she kisses him, gives them their swords again, they kiss her hand and embrace, the Soldiers lift up Euphanes, and shout: Theanor and Crates discovered, Conon whispers with Crates, Euphanes with Agenor, and Leonidas observes it, who seem to promise something, Euphanes directs his Page somewhat. Exeunt all but Theanor and Crates. The. 
We are not lucky Crates, this great torrent  
Bears all before him.  Cra. 
Such an age as this  
Shall ne'er be seen again: virtue grows fat,  
And villainy pines; the Furies are asleep,  
Mischief 'gainst goodness aimed is like a stone,  
Unnaturally forced up an imminent hill,  
Whose weight falls on our heads and buries us,  
We spring ourselves, we sink in our own bogs.  The. 
What's to be done?  Cra. 
Repent and grow good.  The. 
Pish,  
'Tis not the fashion (fool) till we grow old:  
The people's love to him now scares me more  
Than my fond Mothers: both which like two floods  
Bearing Euphanes up; will o'erflow me,  
And he is worthy, would he were in Heaven,  
Be that hereafter: Crates help me now,  
And henceforth be at ease.  Cra. 
Your will my Lord?  The. 
Beliza is to marry him forthwith,  
I long to have the first touch of her too,  
That will a little quiet me.  Cra. 
Fie Sir,  
You'll be the tyrant to virginity;  
To fall but once is manly, to persevere  
Beastly, and desperate.  The. 
Cross me not but do't:  
Are not the means, the place, the instruments  
The very same? I must expect you suddenly. Exit.  Cra. 
I must obey you.  
Who is in evil once a companion  
Can hardly shake him off, but must run on.  
Here I appointed Conon to attend  
Him, and his sword: he promised to come single  Enter Conon and Page. 
To avoid prevention: he is a man on's word.  Con. 
You are well met Crates.  Cra. 
If we part so Conon.  Con. 
Come, we must do these mutual offices,  
We must be our own seconds, our own Surgeons,  
And fairly fight, like men, not on advantage.  Caa. 
You have an honest bosom.  Con. 
Yours seems so.  Cra. 
Let's pair our swords: you are a just Gentleman.  Con. 
You might be so: now shake hands if you please,  
Though't be the cudgel fashion, 'tis friendly one.  Cra. 
So, stand off.  Page. 
That's my que to beckon 'em. Exit.  Con. 
Crates, to expostulate your wrongs to me  
Were to doubt of 'em, or wish your excuse  
In words, and so return like maiden Knights:  
Yet freely thus much I profess, your spleen  
And rugged carriage toward your honoured Brother  
Hath much more stirred me up, than mine own cause,  
For I did ne'er affect these bloody men,  
But hold 'em fitter be made public Hangmen,  
Or Butchers called, then valiant Gentlemen:  
'Tis true stamped valour does upon just grounds,  
Yet for whom justlier should I expose my life  
Than him, unto whose virtue I owe all.  Cra. 
Conon, you think by this great deed of yours  
To insinuate yourself a lodging nearer  
Unto my Brother's heart: such men as you  
Live on their undertakings for their Lords,  
And more disable them by answering for 'em  
Then if they sat still, make 'em but their Whores,  
For which end Gallants now adays do fight:  
But here we come not to upbraid; what men  
Seem, the rash world will judge; but what they are  
Heaven knows: and this— Horses, we are descried,  
One stroke for fear of laughter.  Enter Euphanes, Agenor, Leonidas, Page. Con. 
Half a score.  Euph. 
Hold, hold: on your allegiance hold.  Ag. 
He that strikes next—  Leo. 
Falls like a Traitor on our swords.  Euph. 
Oh Heaven, my Brother bleeds: Conon, thou art  
A villain, an unthankful man, and shalt  
Pay me thy blood for his, for his is mine:  
Thou wert my friend, but he is still my Brother;  
And though a friend sometimes be nearer said  
In some gradation, it can never be  
Where that same Brother can be made a friend,  
Which dearest Crates thus low I implore;  
What in my poverty I would not seek,  
Because I would not burden you, now here  
In all my height of bliss I beg of you,  
Your friendship; my advancement Sir is yours;  
I never held it strange, pray use it so:  
We are but two, which number Nature framed  
In the most useful faculties of man,  
To strengthen mutually and relieve each other:  
Two eyes, two ears, two arms, two legs and feet,  
That where one failed the other might supply;  
And I, your other eye, ear, your arm and leg,  
Tender my service, help and succour to ye.  Ag. 
Leo, A most divine example.  Euph. 
For dear Brother,  
You have been blind, and lame, and deaf to me,  
Now be no more so: in humility  
I give ye the duty of a younger Brother,  
Which take you as a Brother, not a Father,  
And then you'll pay a duty back to me.  Cra. 
Till now I have not wept these thirty years.  Euph. 
Discording Brothers are like mutual legs  
Supplanting one another: he that seeks  
Aid from a stranger and forsakes his Brother,  
does but like him that madly lops his arm,  
And to his body joins a wooden one:  
Cuts off his natural leg, and trusts a Crutch,  
Plucks out his eye to see with Spectacles.  Cra. 
Most dear Euphanes, in this crimson flood  
Wash my unkindness out: you have o'ercome me,  
Taught me humanity and brotherhood;  
Full well knew Nature thou wert fitter far  
To be a Ruler o'er me then a Brother,  
Which henceforth be: Jove surely did descend  
When thou wert gotten in some heavenly shape  
And greet my Mother, as the Poets tell  
Of other women.  Ag. 
Be this Holiday.  Leo. 
And noted ever with the whitest stone.  Con. 
And pardon me my Lord, look you, I bleed  
Faster than Crates; what I have done I did  
To reconcile your loves, to both a friend,  
With my blood cement, never to part or end.  Ag. 
Most worthy Conon.  Leo. 
Happy rise, this day  
Contracts more good than a whole age hath done.  Euph. 
Royal Agenor, brave Leonidas,  
You are main causes, and must share the fame.  Cra. 
Which in some part this hour shall requite,  
For I have aimed my black shafts at white marks,  
And now I'll put the clew into your hands  
Shall guide ye most perspicuously to the depth  
Of this dark Labyrinth, where so long ye were lost  
Touching this old Rape, and a new intent,  
Wherein your counsel, and your active wit  
My dearest Brother will be necessary.  Euph. 
My Prophecy is come, prove my hopes true  
Agenor shall have right, and you no wrong,  
Time now will pluck her daughter from her Cave:  
Let's hence to prevent rumour; my dear Brother,  
Nature's divided streams the highest shelf  
Will overrun at last, and flow to itself. Exeunt    

Actus Quintus.  

Scaena Prima.  Enter Crates, Euphanes, Neanthes, Sosicles, Eraton. Euph. 
I Have won the Lady to it, and that good  
Which is intended to her, your faith only  
And secrecy must make perfect: Think not Sir,  
I speak as doubting it, for I dare hazard  
My soul upon the trial.  Cra. 
You may safely,  
But are Agenor, and Leonidas ready  
To rush upon him in the Act, and seize him  
In the height of his security?  Euph. 
At all parts  
As you could wish them.  Cra. 
Where's the Lady?  Euph. 
There  
Where you appointed her to stay.  Cra. 
'Tis wisely ordered.  Euph. 
Last, when you have him sure compel him this way,  
For as by accident here I'll bring the Queen  
To meet you, 'twill strike greater terror to him,  
To be ta'en unprovided of excuse,  
And make more for our purposes. Exit.  Cra. 
Come Neanthes,  
Our fames and all are at the stake.  Nea. 
'Tis fit  
That since relying on your skill we venture  
So much upon one game, you play with cunning  Enter Theanor. 
Or we shall rise such losers: as—  Sos. 
The Prince.  Cra. 
The plot is laid Sir, howsoe'er I seemed  
A little scrupulous, upon better judgement  
I have effected it.  The. 
'Tis the last service  
Of this foul kind I will employ you in.  Cra. 
We hope so Sir.  The. 
And I will so reward it—  Nea. 
You are bound to that; in every Family  
That does write lustful, your fine Bawd gains more  
(For like your Broker, he takes fees on both sides)  
Then all the Officers of the house.  Sos. 
For us then  
To be a great man's Panders, and live poor,  
That were a double fault.  Cra. 
Come, you lose time Sir,  
We will be with you instantly: the deed done,  
We have a Mask that you expect not.  The. 
Thou art ever careful: for Jove's Mercury  
I would not change thee. Exit.  Era. 
There's an honour for you.  Nea. 
To be compared with the celestial Pimp,  
Jove's smock-sworn Squire, Dan Hermes.  Cra, 
I'll deserve it,  
And Gentlemen be assured, though what we do now  
Will to the Prince Theanor look like treason  
And base disloyalty, yet the end shall prove,  
When he's first taught to know himself, than you,  
In what he judged us false we were most true. Exeunt   

Scaena Secunda.  Enter Euphanes, Agenor, Leonidas, Conon. Euph. 
Only make haste (my Lords) in all things else  
You are instructed: you may draw your swords  
For show if you think good, but on my life  
You will find no resistance in his servants,  
And he's himself unarmed.  Ag. 
I would he were not,  
My just rage should not then be lost.  Euph. 
Good Sir,  
Have you a care no injury be done  
Unto the Person of the Prince: but Conon,  
Have you an eye on both, it is your trust  
That I rely on.  Con. 
Which I will discharge,  
Assure yourself most faithfully.  Euph. 
For the Lady,  
I know your best respect will nor be wanting:  
Then to avoid suspicion and discovery,  
I hold it requisite, that as soon as ever  
The Queen hath seen her, she forsake the place,  
And fit herself for that which is projected  
For her good, and your honour.  Leo. 
If this prosper,  
Believe it you have made a purchase of  
My service and my life.  Euph. 
Your love I aim at.  Leo. 
Here I shall find you?  Euph. 
With the Queen.  Con. 
Enough Sir. Exit.  Enter Page. Page. 
The Queen inquires for you my Lord, I have met  
A dozen Messengers in search of you.  Enter Queen, Ladies, Attendants. Euph. 
I knew I should be sought for, as I wished  
She's come herself in person.  Quee. 
Are you found Sir?  
I wonder where you spend your hours, methinks  
Since I so love your company, and profess  
'Tis the best comfort this life yields me; mine  
Should not be tedious to you.  Euph. 
Gracious Madam,  
To have the happiness to see and hear you,  
Which by your bounty is conferred upon me,  
I hold so great a blessing, that my honours  
And wealth compared to that are but as Ciphers  
To make that number greater: yet your pardon  
For borrowing from my duty so much time  
As the provision for my sudden Marriage  
Exacted from me.  Quee. 
I perceive this Marriage  
Will keep you often from me: but I'll bear it.  
She's a good Lady, and a fair, Euphanes,  
Yet by her leave I will share with her in you:  
I am pleased that in the night she shall enjoy you,  
And that's sufficient for a Wife: the day time  
I will divorce you from her.  Leo. within. 
We will force you if you resist.  Queen. 
What noise is that?  The. within. 
Base Traitors.  Euph. 
It moves this way.  Enter Agenor, Leonidas with Theanor, Merione like Beliza, Conon, Crates, Neanthes, Sosicles, Eraton, Guard. Quee. 
whate'er it be I'll meet it,  
I was not borne to fear: Who's that Beliza?  Euph. 
My worthiest, noblest Mistress. Exit.  Quee. 
Stay her, ha?  
All of you look as you were rooted here,  
And wanted motion: what new Gorgon's head  
Have you beheld, that you are all turned Statues?  
This is prodigious: has none a tongue  
To speak the cause?  Leo. 
Could every hair great Queen  
Upon my head yield an articulate sound,  
And all together speak, they could not yet  
Express the villainy we have discovered,  
And yet, when with a few unwilling words  
I have delivered what must needs be known,  
You'll say I am too eloquent, and wish  
I had been borne without a tongue.  Quee. 
Speak boldly,  
For I unmoved with any loss will hear.  Leo. 
Then know, we have found out the Ravisher  
Of my poor Sister, and the place, and means  
By which th' unfortunate though fair Beliza  
Hath met a second violence.  Euph. 
This confirms  
What but before I doubted, to my ruin  
My Lady ravished.  Quee. 
Point me out the villain,  
That guilty wretched monster that hath done this,  
That I may look on him, and in mine eye  
He read his Sentence.  Leo. 
That I truly could  
Name any other but the Prince, that heard  
You have it all.  Queen. 
Wonder not that I shake,  
The miracle is greater that I live,  
Having endured the thunder that thy words  
Have thrown upon me: dar'st thou kneel, with hope  
Of any favour, but a speedy death,  
And that too in the dreadfullest shape that can  
Appear to a despairing leprous soul,  
If thou hast any? no, libidinous beast,  
Thy Lust hath altered so thy former being,  
By Heaven I know thee not.  The. 
Although unworthy  
Yet still I am your Son.  Quee. 
Thou liest, liest falsely,  
My whole life never knew but one chaste bed,  
Nor e'er desired warmth but from lawful fires,  
Can I be then the Mother to a Goat,  
Whose lust is more insatiate than the grave,  
And like infectious air engenders plagues,  
To murder all that's chaste, or good in woman?  
The Gods I from my youth have served and feared,  
Whose holy Temples thou hast made thy brothels;  
Could a Religious Mother then bring forth  
So damned an Atheist? read but o'er my life,  
My actions, manners, and made perfect in them  
But look into the story of thyself  
As thou art now, not as thou wert Theanor,  
And Reason will compel thee to confess,  
Thou art a stranger to me.  Ag. 
Note but how heavy  
The weight of guilt is: it so low hath sunk him  
That he wants power to rise up in defence  
Of his bad cause.  Quee. 
Persuade me not Euphanes,  
This is no Prince, nor can claim part in me:  
My Son was borne a Freeman, this a Slave  
To beastly passions, a fugitive,  
And runaway from virtue: bring bonds for him.  
By all the honour that I owe to Justice  
He loses me for ever that seeks to save him:  
Bind him I say, and like a wretch that knows  
He stands condemned before he hears the Sentence,  
With his base Agents, from my sight remove him,  
And lodge them in the Dungeon: As a Queen  
And Patroness to Justice I command it:  
Thy tears are like unseasonable showers,  
And in my heart now steeled can make no entrance:  
Thou art cruel to thyself (Fool) 'tis not want  
In me of soft compassion; when thou left'st  
To be a Son, I ceased to be a Mother;  
Away with them: The children I will leave  
To keep my name to all posterities  
Shall be the great examples of my Justice,  
The government of my Country, which shall witness  
How well I ruled myself: bid the wronged Ladies  
Appear in Court tomorrow, we will hear them;  
And by one Act of our severity  
For fear of punishment, or love to virtue,  
Teach others to be honest: all will shun  
To tempt her Laws, that would not spare her Son. Exe.   

Scaena Tertia.  Enter Onos, Uncle, and Tutor. Unc. 
Nay Nephew.  Tut. 
Pupil, hear but reason.  On. 
No, I have none, and will hear none; oh my honour,  
My honour blasted in the bud, my youth,  
My hopeful youth, and all my expectation  
Ever to be a man are lost for ever.  Unc. 
Why Nephew, we as well as you are dubbed  
Knights of the Pantofle.  Tut. 
And are shouted at,  
Kicked, scorned, and laughed at by each Page and Groom,  
Yet with erected heads we bear it.  Onos. 
Alas,  
You have years, and strength to do it; but were you  
(As I) a tender gristle, apt to bow,  
You would like me with Cloaks enveloped,  
Walk thus, than stamp, then stare.  Unc. 
He will run mad  
I hope, and then all's mine.  Tut. 
Why look you Pupil,  
There are for the recovery of your honour  
Degrees of Medicines, for a tweak by the Nose  
A man's to travel but fix months, then blow it  
And all is well again: the Bastinado  
Requires a longer time, a year or two,  
And then 'tis buried: I grant you have been baffled,  
'Tis but a journey of some thirty years  
And it will be forgotten.  Onos. 
Think you so?  Tut. 
Assuredly.  Unc. 
He may make a shorter cut,  
But hang, or drown himself, and on my life  
'Twill no more trouble him.  Onos. 
I could ne'er endure  
Or Hemp or Water, they are dangerous tools  
For youth to deal with: I will rather follow  
My tutor's counsel.  Tut. 
Do so.  Onos. 
And put in  
For my security, that I'll not return  
In thirty years, my whole state to my Uncle.  Unc. 
That I like well of.  On. 
Still provided Uncle,  
That at my coming home you will allow me  
To be of age, that I may call to account  
This Page, that hath abused me.  Unc. 
'Tis a march.  On. 
Then Corinth, thus the bashful Lamprias  
Takes leave of thee: and for this little time  
Of thirty years will labour all he can,  
Though he goes young forth, to come home a man. Exeu.   

Scaena Quarta.  Enter Euphanes and martial. Euph. 
Are your Prisoners ready?  Mar. 
When it shall please the Queen  
To call them forth my Lord.  Euph. 
Pray you do me the favour  
To tell me how they have borne themselves this night  
Of their imprisonment?  Mar. 
Gladly Sir; your Brother  
With the other Courtiers willingly received  
All courtesies I could offer; eat, and drank,  
And were exceeding merry, so dissembling  
Their guilt, or confident in their innocence,  
That I much wondered at it. But the Prince,  
That (as borne highest) should have graced his fall  
With greatest courage, is so sunk with sorrow,  
That to a common judgement ye would seem  
To suffer like a woman: but to me,  
That from the experience I have had of many  
Look further in him, I do find the deep  
Consideration of what's past, more fright him  
Then any other punishment.  Euph. 
That is indeed  
True magnanimity: the other but  
A desperate bastard valour.  Mar. 
I pressed to him,  
And notwithstanding the queen's strict command,  
(Having your Lordship's promise to secure me)  
Offered to free him from his bonds, which he  
Refused, with such a sorrow mixed with scorn  
That it amazed me; yet I urged his Highness  
To give one Reason for't: he briefly answered,  
That he had sat in Judgement on himself,  
And found that he deserved them: that he was  
A Ravisher, and so to suffer like one,  
Which is the reason of my tears: he addeth,  
For were't not I again should break the Laws,  
By scorning all their rigour can inflict,  
I should die smiling.  Euph. 
I forbear to wonder  
That you were moved that saw this: I am struck  
With the relation so. 'Tis very well;  
See all things ready. I do wish I could  
Send comfort to the Prince; be ready with him;  
'Tis in the queen's breast only, which for us Bar brought in  
To search into were sauciness, to determine  
What she thinks fit.  Enter Leonidas with Merione (in white) Euphanes with Beliza (in black) Queen, Agenor, Conon, Martial, with Theanor, Crates, Sosicles, Eraton. Lords, Ladies, Guard. Lord. 
Make way there for the Queen.  Quee. 
Read first the Law, and what our Ancestors  
Have in this case provided, to deter  
Such like offenders: To you gentle Ladies  
This only, Would I could as well give comfort,  
As bid you be secure from fear or doubt  
Of our displeasure: be as confident  
As if your plea were 'gainst a common man,  
To have all right from us; I will not grieve  
For what's not worth my pity: Read the Law.  Clerk Reads. Lycurgus the nineteenth against Rapes: It is provided, and publicly enacted and confirmed, That any man of what degree soever, offering violence to the chastity of a Virgin, shall (Ipso facto) be liable to her accusation, and according to the said Law be censured; Ever provided, that it shall be in the choice of the said Virgin so abused, either to compel the Offender to Marry her without a Dowry, if so she will be satisfied, or demanding his head for the offence, to have that accordingly performed. Quee. 
You hear this: what do you demand?  Mer. 
The benefit  
The Law allows me.  Bel. 
For the injury  
Done to mine Honour, I require his head.  Mer. 
I likewise have an eye upon mine Honour,  
But knowing that his death cannot restore it  
I ask him for my Husband.  Bel. 
I was Ravished,  
And will have Justice.  Mer. 
I was Ravished too,  
I kneel for mercy.  Bel. 
I demand but what  
The Law allows me.  Mer. 
That which I desire  
Is by the same Law warranted.  Bel. 
The Rape  
On me, hath made a forfeit of his life,  
Which in revenge of my disgrace I plead for.  Mer. 
The Rape on me gives me the privilege  
To be his wife, and that is all I sue for.  Age. 
A doubtful case.  Leo. 
Such pretty Lawyers, yet  
I never saw, nor read of.  Euph. 
May the Queen  
Favour your sweet plea, Madam.  Bel. 
Is that justice?  
Shall one that is to suffer for a Rape  
Be by a Rape defended? Look upon  
The public enemy of chastity,  
This lustful Satire, whose enraged desires  
The ruin of one wretched virgin's honour  
Would not suffice; and shall the wrack of two  
Be his protection? May be I was ravished  
For his lust only, thou for his defence;  
O fine evasion! shall with such a sleight  
Your justice be deluded? your Laws cheated?  
And he that for one fact deserved to die,  
For sinning often find impunity?  
But that I know thee, I would swear thou wert  
A false impostor, and suborned to this;  
And it may be thou art Merione:  
For hadst thou suffered truly what I have done,  
Thou wouldst like me complain, and call for vengeance,  
And our wrongs being equal, I alone  
Should not desire revenge: But be it so,  
If thou prevail, even he will punish it,  
And foolish mercy showed to him undo thee,  
Consider, fool, before it be too late,  
What joys thou canst expect from such a husband,  
To whom thy first, and what's more, forced embraces,  
Which men say heighten pleasure, were distasteful.  Mer. 
'Twas in respect, that then they were unlawful,  
Unblessed by Hymen, and left stings behind them,  
Which from the marriage bed are ever banished.  
Let this Court be then the image of Jove's throne,  
Upon which grace and mercy still attend,  
To intercede between him and his Justice;  
And since the Law allows as much to me  
As she can challenge, let the milder sentence,  
Which best becomes a Mother, and a Queen  
Now overcome; nor let your wisdom suffer,  
In doing right to her, I in my wrong  
Endure a second Ravishment.  Bel. 
You can free him  
Only from that which does concern yourself,  
Not from the punishment that's due to me:  
Your injuries you may forgive, not mine;  
I plead mine own just wreak, which will right both,  
Where that which you desire robs me of Justice;  
'Tis that which I appeal to.  Mer. 
Bloody woman,  
Dost thou desire his punishment? Let him live then;  
For any man to marry where he likes not  
Is still a lingering torment.  Bel. 
For one Rape  
One death's sufficient, that way cannot catch me.  Mer. 
To you I fly then, to your mercy Madam,  
Exempting not your Justice, be but equal;  
And since in no regard I come behind her,  
Let me not so be undervalued in  
Your highness' favour, that the world take notice  
You so preferred her, that in her behalf  
You killed that Son, you would not save for me;  
Mercy, O mercy Madam.  Bel. 
Great Queen, Justice.  Age. 
With what a Masculine constancy the grave Lady hath heard them both?  Leo. 
Yet how unmoved she sits  
In that which most concerns her?  Con. 
Now she rises,  
And having well weighed both their arguments,  
Resolves to speak.  Euph. 
And yet again she pauses;  
O Conon, such a resolution once  
A Roman told me he had seen in Cato  
Before he killed himself.  Que. 
'Tis now determined.  
Merione, I could wish I were no Queen,  
To give you satisfaction; no Mother  
Beliza, to content you; and would part,  
Even with my being, both might have their wishes;  
But since that is impossible, in few words  
I will deliver what I am resolved on:  
The end for which all profitable Laws  
Were made, looks two ways only, the reward  
Of innocent good men, and the punishment  
Of bad Delinquents: Ours, concerning Rapes,  
Provided that same latter clause of Marriage  
For him that had fall'n once, not then foreseeing  
Mankind could prove so monstrous, to tread twice  
A path so horrid. The great Lawgiver  
Draco, That for his strange severity  
Was said to write his stern Decrees in blood,  
Made none for Parricides, presuming that  
No man could be so wicked: Such might be,  
Lycurgus' answer (did he live) for this.  
But since I find that in my Son, which was not  
Doubted in any else, I will add to it;  
He cannot marry both, but for both dying,  
Both have their full revenge: You see Beliza  
You have your wish; with you Merione  
I'll spend a tear or two, so Heaven forgive thee.  The. 
Upon my knees I do approve your judgement,  
And beg that you would put it into act  
With all speed possible; only that I may,  
Having already made peace with myself,  
Part so with all the world: Princely Agenor  
I ask your pardon; yours my Lord Euphanes;  
And Crates, with the rest too, I forgive you;  
Do you the like for me: Yours, gracious Mother,  
I dare not ask, and yet if that my death  
Be like a Son of yours, though my life was not,  
Perhaps you may vouchsafe it: Lastly that  
Both these whom I have wronged, may wish my ashes  
No heavy burden, ere I suffer death,  
For the restoring of Meriones honour,  
Let me be married to her, and then die  
For you Beliza.  Que. 
Thou hast made in this  
Part of amends to me, and to the world,  
Thy suit is granted, call a flamen forth  
To do this holy work; with him a Headsman.  Enter flamen, and Executioner. 
Raise up thy weeping eyes Merione,  
With this hand I confirm thy Marriage,  
Wishing that now the Gods would show some miracle,  
That this might not divorce it.  Cra. 
To that purpose  
I am their Minister; stand not amazed,  
To all your comforts I will do this wonder,  
Your Majesty (with your pardon I must speak it)  
Allowed once heretofore of such a Contract,  
Which you repenting afterwards, revoked it,  
Being fully bent to match her with Agenor,  
The grieved Prince knowing this, and yet not daring  
To cross what you determined, by an Oath  
Bound me and these his followers to do something  
That he might once enjoy her, we sworn to it,  
And easily persuaded, being assured  
She was his Wife before the face of Heaven,  
Although some Ceremonious forms were wanting,  
Committed the first Rape, and brought her to him,  
Which broke the Marriage; but when we perceived  
He purposed to abuse our ready service  
In the same kind, upon the chaste Beliza,  
Holding ourselves less tied to him then goodness;  
I made discovery of it to my Brother,  
Who can relate the rest.  Euph. 
It is most true.  Quee. 
I would it were.  Euph. 
In every circumstance  
It is upon my soul: For this known to me,  
I won Merione in my Lady's habit,  
To be again (but willingly) surprised,  
But with Agenor, and her noble Brother,  
With my approved friend Conon, with such speed  
She was pursued, that the lewd act scarce ended,  
The Prince (assured he had enjoyed Beliza,  
For all the time Meriones face was covered)  
Was apprehended, and brought to your presence,  
But not till now discovered, in respect  
I hoped the imminent danger of the Prince,  
To which his loose unquenched heats had brought him,  
Being pursued unto the latest trial  
Would work in him compunction, which it has done;  
And these two Ladies in their feigned contentions,  
To your delight I hope have served as Maskers  
To their own Nuptials.  Quee. 
My choice was worthy  
When first I looked on thee, as thou hast ordered  
All shall be done, and not the meanest that  
played in this unexpected Comedy,  
But shall partake our bounty: And my Lord,  
That with the rest you may seem satisfied,  
If you dare venture on a Queen, not yet  
So far in debt to years, but that she may  
Bring you a lusty Boy, I offer up  
myself and Kingdom during my life to you.  Ag. 
It is a blessing which I durst not hope for,  
But with all joy receive.  All. 
We all applaud it.  Quee. 
Then on unto the Temple, where the rights  
Of Marriage ended, we'll find new delights. Exeunt.    
Here endeth the Queen of Corinth.