Landgartha.  
A tragicomedy, as it was presented in the new Theater in Dublin, with good applause, being an Ancient story,  
Written by H. B.  HORAT. 
Hunc socci cepere pedem, grandesque cothurni.  
Printed at Dublin Anno 1641.   

The persons of the Play.  

Frollo King of Sweland and conqueror of Norway.  
Hasmond and Gotar, two courtiers to Frollo.  
Landgartha, a Norwegian Lady.  
Scania, sister to Landgartha.  
Elsinora Aunt to both.  
Fatyma, cousin to Land. & Scan.  
Marfisa, an humorous gentlewoman, cousin to Fatyma.  
Frederick and Wermond, two noble men of Norway.  
Reyner King of Denmark.  
Valdemar, near cousin to Reyner.  
Inguar, a Danish noble man.  
Hubba, an humorous merry Danish Captain.  
Cowsell and Radgee, two foolish Coxcombs.  
Rolfo, a Drawer.  
Harrold, a competitor for Denmark.  
Eric, his brother.  
Lothaire, a German noble man.  
Uraca, daughter to Frollo.  
Two posts, a Scout, & two Gentl,  
Phoebus, Pallas, Priam, Hector.  
Achilles, and satyrs, in a mask: which may be Acted by the forenamed persons.    

THE EPISTLE Dedicatory.  
To all fair, indifferent fair, virtuous, that are not fair and magnanimous Ladies.  
I Have here placed a pattern, yea, more than one (Ladies) for you to imitate Chastity and other virtues joined to beauty, virtue single and manly fortitude in the female Sex, do here present themselves unto you. What you cannot reach one way take another: & know that the form & faculties of the mind, do far excel in worth those of the body. Yet, both joined (as in Landgartha) is of all the most excellent: in regard that that external beauty allures (nay commands) the mind of man (that affects visible objects) to the love of virtue, which itself does possess, and suffers (as most coveted) greater combats in the resisting of vice. Bodily force too in a woman (were it but to defend its own Fort) is a perfection; though it cannot be expected but from a few of you, it will be sufficient, that you never fall willingly, but in the way of honour. If I have not drawn this fair visage, as a chief Arts man: I hope yet (you will say) that I have made it indifferent handsome, and that my good will to effect it after the best fashion for your sakes: will notwithstanding my weakness, purchase an excuse at least for my boldness, both in undertaking the work and in offering of it (in part a poor brain borne Infant of mine, that covets to look at the light) to be cherished by such hands as yours, to kneel at the feet of your piety. Whatsoever it be, or whosoever got it: let it be yours, as is  
The affectionate honourer of your perfections Henry Burnell.   

Patri suo Charissimo operis Encomium.  

MUltiplici ratione, sator, mea carmina (quamvis  
Non limata) tuis jungo; nempe ipse petisti,  
Cui teneor parere libens; formosa virago  
Huc me vestra movet, virtutis dotibus exors,  
In fraecte potius carnis qua compede solvi  
Certa fuit, foedat a foret quam crimine; cujus  
jactatis Pyrrhae decus immortale resurgit  
Nobilitus gestis; ad quod praecordia magna  
Laetitia diffufa mihi, quando auribus hausi  
Arrectis (genitor) te (per quem essentia, & à quo  
Impetrata mihi, fruor & quibus, omnia) culte,  
Consulto, graviter, cum svavitate, venuste,  
Praegnantem causam peragisse. Sed indere amoris  
Non probo delicias: quod te fecisse sequntum  
Historia; belle, sciteque jocantem  
Latificando alios, non te, mens certa revolvit.   

Aliud.  
Melpomena tua tela (parens) contexta Thalia et,  
judicio quamvis non trutinanda meo est:  
Me tua sed certam solers facundia, verax  
expertorum hominum & fama diurna facit,  
Te nullis potuisse tuis errare, decorum  
omnimodo Scenis, sed tennisse triplex;  
Nempe modum retinendo (docent ut scripta sagacit  
Flacci) personae, temporis, atque loci.  
Ad te à Invernis flexit victoria vatem.  
partibus his cedunt Brutiginaeque tibi.  
Fama quidem tendet, quacunque auratus Apollo  
se tua: tu vives dum vehet amnis aquas.  
Tu pater Aenio deducens vertice musas,  
gloria (non fallor) posteritatis reis.  
Terra tuas certum est exhauriet extera laudes;  
clarescet scriptis insula nostra tuis.   
Eleonora Burnell.   

To his worthy to be much honoured Cousin Henry Burnell Esq. on this his tragicomedy, etc.  
THough my praise cannot add aught here: Yet, give  
Me leave (Cousin) to raise myself, and live  
Past time with thee; for, what thou writ'st is fine,  
Pleasant, profound, chaste, moral, and divine;  
Beyond the childish flashes of this age,  
Affected nonsense, and Canarian rage;  
Or Garagantuan foppery. Not one word  
That's immaterial dost thou afford,  
Vain, or superfivous. Thy phrase is good;  
Nay, strong, and elegant, though understood  
Not by lightheaded ignorance that does admire  
Strange language only. Wave, vote, flames, and fire,  
Tempests and whirlwinds, Scorpions, and Hags,  
Are stuff that take such, though indeed but rags,  
Base rags that they patch on, and thou dost scorn;  
Or any dialect that is much worn,  
Though by the best; thy words thou mak'st to fit  
(Not contrary) th' Conceptions of thy wit.  
And, though thou England never sawst: Yet, this  
(Let others boast of their own faculties,  
Or being Son to johnson) I dare say,  
That thou art far more like to Ben then they  
That lay claim as heirs to him, wrongfully:  
For he survives now only, but in thee  
And his own lines; the rest degenerate.  
Nay, I can more affirm (and truly) that  
In some things thou dost pass him: being more sweet,  
More modest, mild, less tedious; Thy own fear  
Go thou on stoutly then: if thou proceed,  
Him (though 't be much) in all points thou'lt exceed.  
Io. Bermingham.   

Ad nobilissimum ingeniosissimum, dissertissimumque suum amicum Dominum Henricum Burnellum operis Elogium.  
VEllera laturus signorum principis, anceps  
Ausonides lecto milite cepit iter:  
Mox longos tentare sinus, votoque potiri,  
Aeolios cives, joniumque domans.  
Mascula, casta, decens, svavisque, (Henrice) virago  
Sola tibi invicta pubis ad instar adest.  
Ergo procellosae Niseidis, atque Charybdis  
Securus turbae, carbasa pande Notis.  
Pande palam cedro tua digna volumina, Meci,  
Multorumque prius pensa bilance virûm.  
Pande nihil mancum: nil non laudabile: nil, quod  
Sympathicum non est, symmetriaeque tenor.  
Currum Phoebus equis sic, sic robusta Bootes  
Septem concordi plaustra Trione regit.  
Magnes gnarorum: in rabiem Marpesia cautes,  
Quorum Cerberea toxica fauce sluunt.  
Carmine sublimi morum icon, stilus honesti,  
Calcar virtuti es, criminibusque jugum.  
Per●g Minervali tutus munimine: fiet  
Nobilior studijs gens tua clara tuis.  
Munera, vive, tibi fulvo mage grata metallo,  
Aequora dum biberint proxima signa polo.  
Philippus Patricius   

Prologue delivered by an Amazon with a Battle-Axe in her hand.  
THe best of English Poets for the Stage  
(Such was the envy, niceness, and the rage  
Of pettish weaklings, and detracting fools,  
That could praise no man; and, I' th' muddy pools  
Of their own vices, were overwhelmed) was fain  
An armed Prologue to produce, on pain  
Of being tonge-struck Therefore, marvel not  
The present author (having not forgot  
How in 's first Play, he met with too much spite)  
should send an armed Amazon, t' invite  
(If it be possible) all minds to affect  
What of himself, he could not well expect  
From his detractors: Or, to let those know,  
He cares not each of them prove still a foe.  
Yet, this his second (as that first) he made  
To please you, not for Money; to invade  
Your wills for your own profit. For, if his mind  
He had sought by it to content, you'd find  
Another method in't; and not a word  
Of any mirth or love would he afford  
To make you laugh or languish. All, rich stuff  
(Though not so pleasing) he'd expose, to cuff  
(And generally too) the monster vice;  
Which he performs but gently, in this piece.  
Yet, it's believed 't will please the most and best,  
In all the passages; and for the rest,  
Let 'em (if they will needs) in puddles swim:  
For, he sleights them more, than they can wrong him.   

Landgartha.  

The first Act.  Enter Frederick and Wermond. Fred. 
IT's a noble, noble act!  Wer. 
And cannot  
But vex the bloody usurper, let him put  
Ever so good a face on't, though they were  
But women only, that conspire against him.  Fred. 
It stirs him not: for since his conquest made  
On us, and murdering of our lawful Prince,  
Things have succeeded so to all his wishes,  
That he's grown careless: nay blindly besotted  
By security, and self-persuasion,  
Locked by the tempest of his lust; so as  
He fears no force of man; much less weak women,  
As he is pleased to term 'em; he minds nothing  
But whom to kill, or foully ravish: and  
The conversation of his Bawds, and Spintries.  Wer. 
Is't possible, he should be so secure,  
And pass away in such a dying slumber?  Fred. 
He thinks the gods do slumber too, or wink  
At what he does, or rather snore supinely;  
Or that there are no gods, and what's spoke of 'em  
Is but a mere foolish fable; He'll believe  
No man's intelligence, not his own spies,  
That this fleet of Denmark, now launched forth, should move  
Against him hither.  Wer. 
It's not all the power,  
He for the present can command that will  
Resist it, if it do; joined to the valiant  
Landgartha, with her fair socked troop of Ladies: Music of Recorders.  
But, let's be silent; here the wretch himself comes.  Enter Frollo leading a weeping Lady, Hasmond and Gotar. Fr. 
Come my pretty sweetheart, dry up those pleasing  
Eyes; this liquour's too precious to be spilled  
In such a cause, for a lost Maidenhead,  
And to a King that will become thy slave for't,  
And for more of that sport: who to please thee  
In that, and whatsoever else thou canst conceive,  
To raise content to thee, and varried to thought,  
Will ransack Kingdoms.  Lady, 
Leave me yet black Devil, Breaks from him  
Thy words sound far worse than the voice of Hell.  Fr. 
Some kick the Spider out at the Court gates;  
An angry scratching Cat. We would not be  
So vexed another night with such a fool. Exeunt Fred. and Wer. with the Lady.  Got. 
She'll soon repent Sir, and turn back, to offer  
Her dainty body to your milder usage.  Hasm. 
I rather think, she'll to the mad Langartha;  
And there make one among her furious troop  
Of Furies, that will yet endure no horsing,  
Though they manage bravely.  Fr. 
There's a Wench indeed,  
What luck had I, never to lay my hands  
On her? They say she's very fair and handsome.  Hasm. 
The clappers of men's tongues proclaim that; and  
Speak strange things of her.  Fr. 
We shall find'em (the best  
Is of it) altogether, to make a royal  
Choice. We mean to single forty at least,  
Of the most buxom (of which she shall be  
Chief general, as now she is) for our  
Own private palate.  Hasm. 
I may hope (Sir) you'll grant  
Me half the number, with her wise and modest  
Aunt Elsinora, to precede: Or her fine  
Valorous sister Scania, for I must  
Imitate your manly virtue, Sir, as near  
As I can.  Fr. 
Mark we'll what I say now: for thy  
Good service as my honest smock Attorney  
(Though sometime, yet thou didst begin to us, thou'lt say  
For fear they'd been diseased:) thou shalt not have  
One woman (wert thou e'er so willing) more  
Or less than thirty.  Hasm. 
O Prodigious! jeeringly.  
I do beseech you, Sir, to hear me speak,  
Like so many Basilisks (with angry shots  
From their sharp venomed eyes) they'd strike me dead:  
Or (as the porcupine) send feathered arrows  
At me, for my slackness.  Fr. 
You must have thirty,  
Or none.  Hasm. 
Nay, If I must, I shall: and that's  
As bad.  Got. 
You will not (Sir) be altogether Solemnly.  
Unmindful of my good endeavours.  Fr. 
By no means, good Sir, thou shalt possess for thy  
Share, twenty five; with the pretty smug Fatyma,  
To lead'em.  Gotar. 
I humbly thank your grace, though I  
should not covet so many desperate females:  
Yet, with the assistance of my kindest friends,  
I shall be strongly backed. Enter Wermond.  Wermond. 
May it please you, Sir,  
Here are arrived two posts at once, all full  
Of sweat and dirt; and bring bad news, it's feared.  Fr. 
Curse on thy fears, Go, send 'em hither to us; Exit.  
It's but these women that affright fools thus. Enter first post.  
What news? be brief.  Gotar. 
He's full of dirt, indeed!  1. Post. 
Landgartha with a mighty troop of women,  
Gathered to her from all the parts of Norway,  
Make havoc of your soldiers, sir; and killing  
All the Swedes they light upon, they likewise threaten,  
They will grant you (ere long) no better quarter.  Fr. 
My Swedes and I will make some, here in Norway,  
Pay dearly for that vaunt. Come, do thou croak too Enter 2. post.  
The worst tale thou canst.  2. Post. 
You had need, Sir, make quick  
Resistance, or shift for yourself: for, the King  
Of Denmark, with a mighty fleet, has now  
Put in at Mastrand; and begins to land  
His forces, to join with Landgartha's: who  
With main speed, marches to meet him thither.  Fr. 
Which he shall soon repent, and so shall that  
Male-hearted Traitress, withal the curled knot  
Of rebels that attend her; We are not  
So unprovided, as they do suppose yet,  
Fly therefore Hasmomd, gather thou our troops  
Within and near the City. Gotar, thou  
Haste to the quarters further of; and with  
All possible speed draw unto us. Away  
When need compels, men must use no delay. Exeunt omnes:  A march, then enter Landgartha, Scania, Elsinora, Fatyma, and one or two Ladies more, all attired like Amazons, with Battleaxes in their hands and Swords on. Land. 
We now (sweet Ladies and dear sisters) march not  
Against th'intemperate Frollo: but ascend  
The milky way, that leads to immortal fame,  
Not to be ranked among the star-made harlots:  
But stated in the highest Empirical heaven,  
To side the gods, where Pallas and chaste Phoebe  
(Armed chiefly with the weapons of their virtues)  
Keep all the Masculine deities in awe.  
This our design may well exalt us thither,  
As their good deeds did them: that in defence  
Of that all should hold dearest, our honours, Ladies,  
Do now expose ourselves to death, and what  
A cruel, vicious, revengeful Tyrant  
May inflict on us, if vanquished. Yet, this act  
Of ours we must not vainly boast of: for,  
The little birds will (with their beaks and wings)  
Offend the ravishers of their young issue.  
What then should we perform think you, that far  
Pass these? yield up your bodies basely to  
Foul rape and lust, and so to infamy  
For ever? No, no: far be this from us  
Honoured virgins, that have such arms to wield  
These cutting weapons, being (too) to fight authorised,  
By the examples of the noblest women,  
Semiramis, Zenobia, fair Cinana  
Sister unto great Macedon, stout Alvilda,  
Cumilla, and the Amazonian Queens,  
Great Mithridates' Queen, and several others,  
Are patterns now for us to imitate;  
O most brave patterns! Yet this we may say,  
That our chaste glories shall pass theirs, as far  
As th' worth of our intentions doth exceed  
The cause they undertook: nor ought you doubt it.  
Let then the King of Denmark fight where he list:  
We will pursue no other than our worst  
And strongest adversary in's own squadron;  
Where I, as first, will lose my life, or give  
A sudden end to his black purposes,  
That fought a conquest on our chastities.  Elsinor. 
Thy virtues and example, Niece: that are not  
To be reached by any imitation  
(At least of our endeavours) do far more  
Excite our courages, than Hermes could,  
Were he now here, to play the Orator:  
Lead on then; you shall find us no bad seconds.  Scania. 
I have more than a woman's longing to begin.  Land. 
I know Fatyma, though she be not great,  
Has not the least desire to fight among us.  Fatyma. 
Stay till you see me knock some great ones down;  
Until when, I shall well remit your praises.  Land. 
Then follow me; and as you see me woo  
The Swedish King, to his do you so too. Exeunt. A march.  Enter Reyner, Valdemar, Inguar, Hubba, and one or two or more Soldiers with Axes. Reyner. 
It's my chief comfort, noble Cymbrians,  
Subjects and friends, to be your guide today,  
Against a valiant, wicked adversary;  
And for our right, th' inheritance of this kingdom,  
To show that virtue and the cause, do more  
Prevail than any humane fortitude,  
Or settled Counsels, when they're joined to vice;  
And by injustice seek to advance their states:  
Which wisely our forefathers masked beneath  
The fables of the Titans 'gainst the gods.  
But it should seem the virtue of our foes  
(Wisdom and valour) has forsake, by  
Their palliardise, by ease, and hourly riot;  
This kingdom being more fatal unto them,  
Than Capua was to Hannibal: and therefore,  
Not worth your meanest fears: I must not then  
Enlarge myself in words too far, because  
You need 'em not; nor need you be beholding,  
Unto the fames of your brave Ancestors,  
Those valiant Cymbrians, that almost gave  
An end to Rome, the Mistress of the world,  
And not in her declining days, when her  
Own vices had confounded her; as when  
The Gothes and Vandals (now our enemies)  
Did trample on her, being down before.  
She lived full man, when great King Beleus  
Did (on the borders of rich Italy)  
Vanquish three of her bravest Generals,  
Sylanus, Coepio, and Manilius.  
This (if you please) you may consider; and  
That our foes are more famous for their whoredoms,  
Than conquering of Norway. Reflect also  
How for this cause, we are assisted by  
An Angel troop, of chaste and noble Ladies:  
Whom neither loss of life, or other evils  
Can fright, from seeking to revenge the wrongs  
Done to their Sex, their parents, and their friends.  
Then, let's not shame ourselves now in their presence,  
Or to posterity: by being outgone  
By women in a battle. Lastly, consider  
The everlasting honour due to virtue;  
Of which we now shall make a glorious purchase.  Hub. 
I am afraid you will consider (sir,)  
So long of these women; until you forget  
What you applaud so feelingly, your virtue.  Rey. 
Thou'rt always merry, Hubba, honest withal;  
And from my heart I wish, that each man here  
Perform a soldier's parts, no worse than thou;  
We shall not then be beaten.  Vald. 
Let's march on, sir:  
And you shall quickly find the meanest of 'em,  
Valiant and strong to purchase what's your birthright.  Rey. 
Then let us move; and prosper too, as we  
Affect injustice, or impiety. Exeunt. A march  Enter Frollo, Hasmond, Gotar, and two or three more with Axes. Frollo. 
We must not lose our confidence, brave Warriors,  
Though we be taken somewhat tardy, by  
A sort of raw freshwater soldiers, weak  
Unmartial women fitter for night encounters,  
And some poor fugitive Norwegian rebels,  
Conquered and beaten oft by us before.  
What then although our numbers be the less?  
Yet not by much: the glory of the adventure,  
Would not be worth the pains we under took else.  
Besides, if we consider what our Ancestors  
Have (by their never-equalled valours) oft  
Performed against the noblest nations of  
The world, this our design is nothing: nothing  
To what they did: What we have done ourselves,  
And mean to do hereafter. Notwithstanding,  
Let me commend unto your memories,  
After a general fashion (for now  
The time exacts deeds more than words) what some  
Of their large conquests were, not only in  
Europe, Which was all theirs a most: but in  
Afric, a third and richest part of th'world;  
Which from the Ocean unto Nile they won;  
And from the Midland Sea, to the torrid Zone.  
Great Rome herself (that wisdom boasted most,  
And next her valour) was by our fathers taken,  
Pillaged, and burned four times at least; and her  
Large Empire brought to nothing. She mastered all:  
We mastered her;  
And will not now degenerate first of ours.  
What though men say, we are not religious?  
Religion is but a toy, and first invented  
By politic States, to keep fools in awe;  
And of all men observed least by themselves,  
If she but thwart the least of their intendments.  
They glorify her much for their own ends;  
And that's even almost all: and so may we.  
Yet, honour by war, riches, and our pleasure,  
Shall be the Altars, and the gods we'll bow to  
In our free minds; and what we gain we'll keep.  
King Reyner therefore was not wise, in seeking  
To dispossess the bravest Nation breathing,  
Of what they have achieved by the right of conquest;  
And shall (I hope) in snatching at our Crown,  
By your more powerful arms, soon miss his own. Ex. Alarms.  A good while after the alarms are begun, Enter Frolle and a gentleman. Frol. 
Furies and plagues: these wild, wild bloody whores,  
Fight like so many Tigers: without the least  
Apprehension of fear, or any kind  
Of mercy: the pursy Danes come nothing near 'em.  
Having cut off our vanguard, and right wing,  
They press on our main battle too; and force  
It to give ground. Go, fly thou: and charge Hasmond  
To fetch the rear with speed up; that we may Exit gentl.  
(There being no other hope for safety left us)  
Upon one desperate onslaught hazard all. Enter Scania.  Scan. 
I am glad I've met you, sir.  Frol. 
A pretty fine piece, aside.  
I would fain save this. I should prefer  
Thy beauty, unto aught that's ours; prove kind  
And gentle unto thee, sweetheart: if thou'lt  
But yield—  Scania. 
To thy embraces, that must 'a' had  
My sister, me and forty more. We now  
Shall see what you can do 'gainst one. Come quickly  
Then, unto your guard sir: or I shall soon send forth  
Your too hot blood, to cool your lustful heart.  Frol. 
Plague on you for a company of spiteful,  
Venomous tongued bitches. Ye had rather lie  
With the worst Hind of your own, than the best of us.  Scan. 
Villain, I'll answer thee another way. Offers to fight on which Land. enters.  Land. 
Hold sister. This must only be my mate:  
Go, seek you out another somewhere else? Exit Scania.  Frol. 
Art thou Landgartha? or some supernal goddess,  
Descended in her fairer shape, to make  
A conquest now on Frollo, that must yield  
Himself thy captive?  Land. 
Thou once called'st me subject;  
And I am come to tender my allegiance,  
To your ungracious wickedness, thus— strikes at him.  Frol. 
Hold, for heaven's sake hold, and patiently  
But take my faithful vow. Do thou withdraw  
Thy troops from our defeat: and by the Olympian  
Gods, I shall no sooner  
Have struck King Reyner with his puny Danes,  
But I'll make thee my Queen.  Land. 
Thy Concubine.  Frol. 
All miseries light on me then for ever;  
Or if I ever mix with woman but  
thyself: for thou art worthy of a Mars.  
A Hercules, or jupiter.  Land. 
And have  
Fully resolved never to kiss any man,  
But him that shall first master me in fight:  
You are best therefore look well to yourself, sir;  
Or I shall quickly marry your heart's blood  
To this weapon. They fight & he's hurt.  Frol. 
I bleed you see: let which  
Serve as an offering, to appease thy wrath  
Conceived against a wretch, that now repents Here Rey. Vald. Inguar. & Hubb. are discovered.  
(Unfeignedly) his former evil life.  
May the gods chief attribute then (mercy)  
Find room for me (a Convertite) in thy  
Noble and virtuous soul: and I shall still  
Become thy pious imitator: be  
Governed by thee in all thing, and thy husband,  
By heaven and all, I will.  Land. 
But I hope you shall not:  
For I must try your manhood once again. They fight, and she strikes him down.  Reyn. 
O brave maid!  Frol. 
Fair Fury, thou hast killed me,  
Hell take thee for 't my love is now cooled indeed.  
But I will be revenged. I cannot, cannot rise:  
The loss of blood, and pain, strike faint my powers:  
That I were now on high transformed Atlas:  
This being no fable, but a truth: that I  
Might cut the axletree of heaven in two:  
And tumble down the gods, and break their necks,  
Proud gods, if such there be. Then, like Enceladus  
(Loaden with flaming Aetna) I should turn,  
And shake out all the stars: The sun, and with  
That fire, burn all to cinders. Thus I'd turn:  
O devils, I cannot: but do feel a pitchy  
Cloud (darker than night) hang o'er my drowsy temples:  
And must (there is no remedy) descend, to stalk  
A long th'infernal waves, or wafted over,  
Grapple with the damned Furies, receive my soul  
You beastly Hags, then: that shall torment you more,  
Than you can any. dies.  Land. 
The gods are now revenged  
On thee, by me, libidinous Wolf, foul Tyrant.  Rey. 
And rid me (worthy Lady,) of a dangerous  
Adversary.  Land. 
I do beseech, sir: Kneels on one knee.  
As my duty only to receive that,  
Unto them and your grace, though a woman.  Rey. 
This to me (madam) is too great an honour.  
Pray stand up. I should rather kneel to you,  
Whose beauty and incomparable virtues,  
Exact no slender adoration,  
From all those that love goodness; or the image  
Of heaven in your face. We must acknowledge,  
Notwithstanding our right to the crown of Norway,  
What power soe'er we have in't, gained and confirmed  
Chiefly by you, that are our strongest friend.  Land. 
Your poor and humble vassal, that desires  
No other recompense for her small service,  
Than your Kingly licence, to remain  
(When your foes are wholly vanquished) from all  
Employment severed: to lead a solitary  
Quiet life, being compelled (in the defence  
Of what I ever most esteemed) to match  
Thus amongst men; which I did not covet, but  
The contrary.  Rey. 
You will not wrong the world  
(The race of man, sweet Lady,) so to rob it  
Of such lustre: nay of all light, by  
Dedicating of what is only good in't,  
yourself, to solitude.  Land. 
I must no be  
Compelled to any state of life, sir.  Rey. 
You cannot  
madam, I see that; and (by your force my foes  
Now put to flight) I shall continue always,  
Not only a mere servant, but for ever  
Your bondman; not to offend you i' th' least thought. Enter Scania, Elsinora, & Fat.  Vald. 
Here be other noble friends (sir) to whom you  
Stand bound in no small sums.  Elsinor. 
Of Princely favour  
Only.  Rey. 
Rise fair Ladies, you shall command  
Us, being your creature. Hub. they're delicate fine wenches, pretty youths.  Land. 
You are now, sir  
To consider, how to use your victory.  Scania. 
For us, we shall hereafter (we doubt not)  
Partake the fruits of your most Royal bounty,  
Which we shall beg more, for the general  
Good, than our particular interests, sir.  Rey. 
You shall be the Lawmakers, to yourselves:  
For those, by whom we reign, shall be our guides:  
In the mean time, thou Valdemar and Inguar,  
Pursue the flying foe, but most with mercy,  
Not of circumspection; yet, lest th' Van  
Turn by some accident, by us not thought on;  
Save all that yield, whom we do mean to send  
Home ransomless; to see if that benefit  
May work a peace betwixt us. If it do not,  
We shall the next time be the more excused,  
In our extending of severity.  
Come Ladies, we'll to counsel to conclude  
Concerning what we have (by you) subdued.   

The second Act.  Enter Valdemar, and Jnguar. Vald. 
It's a strange humour that has seized upon him;  
whatsoever the cause be.  Inguar. 
When you are  
Ignorant of it, all others must be so.  Vald. 
He discovers nothing to me save only  
That he is full (and that he often says)  
Of grief and heaviness; and sometimes sick.  Ing. 
His sickness may (in time) prove dangerous,  
If some fit remedy be not applied.  Vald. 
He'll hear of none; I urged his Physicians,  
At which he stormed, and bade me leave him to  
Himself; and since I dare not come in sight.  Ingar. 
It's a deadly malady, that will admit  
Of no cure We are best put Captain Hubba,  
Or the wise Cowsell on him: for the wit  
Of the one and th'other's folly may remove  
More of that grief he speaks on, than good counsel. Enter Rey.  Vald. 
Here comes the man himself, in his usual  
Meditation: and therefore let's away. Exeunt ambo,  Reyn. 
She is divinely fair, and in her mind  
The noblest virtues keep their residence,  
As in their loveliest habitation,  
Being all in love with her, I think, as I am,  
From my sad heart warm tears (tears of affliction)  
The fire of my affection doth send up  
Into my eyes, that thence distil in streams,  
Which yet to me, are torrents of sweet joys,  
joys, that this is for her, my grief proceeds  
From a profound fear I shall never gain her,  
Enjoy that unpeered model of perfection.  
There is no way but one to pull the fruit  
Jove would turn Goose, taste: she's so reserved  
To the least vicious acts; Wretch, that hope  
Is not (yet) left thee: For, being nobly borne  
(Though she no fit match be for us, in lieu  
Of worldly substance, being in herself  
An ample dowry for a richer Prince)  
We should (and gladly) sue to be her husband.  
But a report goes, she will join with no man,  
In such an obligation, which (that she  
Will not at all have me) is that which strikes  
A black despair into my soul, and will  
(Unless I meet some comfort) quickly kill me;  
Being sick in body, as in mind already. Enter Hub & Cowsell.  Hub. 
See, where he stalks. Do you but put him out  
Of his sad humour; and thou shalt have—  Cow. 
O Captain,  
I am afraid, for he looks sour upon't.  Hub. 
No matter: fear you nothing, but proceed;  
And care not what you say, so you say something;  
It's your fool's fashion, and you now must seem one.  Cow. 
But hark, you, Captain. How should I begin?  Hub. 
Say that you come from the Ladies: so I leave you. Exit Hub. & peeps.  Rey. 
Sirrah, what make you here?  Cow. 
Come from the Ladies.  Rey. 
Well said, speak that again.  Cow. 
Come from the Ladies.  Rey. 
Very good, and what of them?  Cow. 
Come from the Ladies.  Rey. 
What, again. Pray tell me, what did occasion  
Your so kind friendly visit to the Ladies?  Cow. 
I went thither (being some two mile of)  
To be jovial with a new acquaintance  
Of mine, my brother Radger.  Rey. 
Some such wise man,  
As thou art.  Cow. 
He's a very honest man.  Rey. 
And takes his cup soundly, I warrant.  Cowsell. 
So  
Do many honest men beside him; and  
Keep wenches too, that's more.  Rey. 
And yet are honest.  Cow. 
's honest and fair-conditioned gentlemen,  
As live, I know several of 'em, myself.  Rey. 
The Ladies are well. How did they use thee? tell.  Cow. 
They're all exceeding well: and used me kindly  
For your sake; gave me a banquet, strawberries  
And cream; we drunk helter-skelter too; the Ladies  
Took your health themselves, and asked me how you did;  
Landgartha said, you were a good man, and that  
She loved you with all her heart.  Rey. 
Let me embrace embraces him.  
Thee from my heart for that good news.  Hub. 
Sweet King,  
Have I found your malady?  Cow. 
O kind Prince! Aside.  Rey. 
What sayest? are they not delicate fine creatures?  Cow. 
Indifferent handsome, passable, and so forth—  Hub. 
You'll with a knock be sent forth, I see that.  Rey. 
I was not from thy want of wit, to expect  
Any true censure. But yet, tell me truly:  
Which of 'em all dost thou think is the fairest?  Cow. 
The Lady Elsinora in my opinion,  
Is th' rich Pearl amongst 'em; Landgartha to her  
Is but a mere milkmaid.  Rey. 
He makes me sick,  
A dunce to wrong the world's chief ornament. Kicks, & beats him.  Cow. 
Oh, oh my bum! my bum! Exit, and enter Hubba.  Hub. 
I perceive I must  
Venture a beating too.  Rey. 
Thou met'st a fool  
Going out that way.  Hub. 
And he complains of something  
Under favour.  Rey. 
We gave some cause for 't, but  
Do now repent it. Prithee Hubba call him;  
He said some at of the Ladies.  Hub. 
I can tell  
You more of 'em than he: for, I was lately too  
Where they (like a company of fine ducklings)  
Wag together.  Rey. 
Thy words are base.  Hub. 
What would  
You have me say? they are all very valiant;  
And made King Frollo pay for seeking (and  
But in's good will) to domineer a little  
Over 'em; he lost his life and kingdoms by 't.  Rey. 
We therefore ought the better to love them.  Hub. 
As your subjects only, sir, but not to cast  
Under you on a bed, couch, or clean mat;  
You know what fine Furies they are, if you vex 'em.  Rey. 
We are not so unwise, as to consult  
Of their dishonour.  Hub. 
Nor so far (I hope)  
Mistaken to marry any of 'em.  Rey. 
Why Hubba? are they not fair and virtuous,  
Thinkest thou?  Hub. 
I do admire, sir you should talk  
So much of virtue: a thing th'arrantest Ass  
Will scorn, if Money be not joined to it;  
And then (although he hate it, and the possessor  
Of it) he will praise 't.  Rey. 
Thou'rt now in thy old humours.  Hub. 
Besides, you think Landgartha fair: but I say,  
Th' Emperor's daughter's worth a thousand of her.  Rey. 
I 'de loathly beat thee Hubba: yet, I tell thee;  
Were Charlemagne (the Emperor's father) now  
Alive, and in his Prime of youth and glory,  
Landgartha (being his Parallel in valour;  
By virtue much more) were a wise enough good  
For him; were she not near so fair as she is.  
But all, all being joined Hubba; I suppose  
He would esteem her his chief eat thy blessing.  
ay, ay, and more, a Paradise on earth.  Hub. 
Were she ten times better: you cannot have her.  Rey. 
Thou shootest a sudden fear (colder than death)  
Into me; You were best give no bad reason,  
For what you say.  Hub. 
She has vowed Chastity,  
Unto the gods: which bond though you should be  
Content to forfeit, it is sure she will not.  Rey. 
The strongest poison could not sink me deader,  
Than thy sad tongue has. Exit.  Hub. 
flung away in a rage:  
Well; I was to blame to tell him, what I was not  
Sure on: For now I truly do conceive  
There is no plaster but one, that can cure him;  
And that the fair Landgartha must apply too;  
No garden herbs will do it, any one  
That has as much brain as a Woodcock, may now  
Find that, that knows what his disease is. He's worse  
Than horn-mad already; I 'll therefore after him,  
And what betwixt lies and true tales, I shall go very near  
To fetch him to himself, and hope again. Exit.  Enter Inguar in the middle. 
The King stretched on his Couch, strangely distempered,  
And most unlike himself (his courage lost)  
He pules and whines most pitifully: Good heaven,  
What strange disease should render so devicted  
Such a man? So valiant? So each way noble?  
We see no outward cause, that should distract him;  
should it be love? Enter Vald. to Inguar.  Vald. 
Lord Inguar, I have news  
For you.  Ing. 
I long to hear: For your countenance  
(Showing alacrity) speaks comfort to the King.  Vald. 
Did you never hear of a little blind  
Boy, that wounded many a proper man?  Ing. 
Has Cupid shot his Highness?  Vald. 
No mortal man,  
Nor god so deep, 't will be proclaimed in open  
Market shortly.  Inguar. 
Who should the object be?  Vald. 
Who but Volsca de gente Camilla?  
Th'fairest and best of women, brave, Landgartha  
Hubba is sent (on pain of his best joint)  
To fetch her hither: from whence ere she part,  
Her duty and th'Kings gracious affection  
Considered, she may be glad to yield to his  
Commands; as I hope her sister will, to my  
Entreaties to serve her.  Inguar. 
I believe, you 'ill find  
yourself mistaken in those virtuous Ladies.  Enter the four Ladies in woman's apparel with Swords on, and Hubba. Land. 
The gods defend so good, and merciful  
A Prince; I know it's but a cold that troubles  
His grace.  Hub. 
Not so (madam) I can assure you;  
His disease proceeds rather of heat. He burns  
Extremely; and it's thought by some, that his  
Physicians cannot cure him.  Land. 
I hope  
They are deceived that think so.  Vald. 
Welcome to Court,  
Fair Ladies, Which, till now (that you lighten it  
With the divine splendour of your beauties)  
Was darker than a dungeon: and but a Hell  
Compared unto the Paradise of the Camp,  
Where in the fruition of your pleasing'st  
Conversations, being rapt beyond ourselves  
With hope of future favours, we in you  
Placed the whole sum of our felicities.  Land. 
You are merrily disposed it seems, sir,  
Which (to be plain) becomes you but most foully,  
The King being sick, when all (and chiefly you)  
should (and not for ceremony only) put  
A dark face of sorrow on; and contain  
Their slippery tongues, from talking over-idly;  
Some may conceive your mirth proceeds, from being  
Next heir to him in blood.  Vald. 
It rather springs  
(Sweet Lady) from your coming now to cure him  Land. 
Which, with a joyful heart, I should perform  
If I knew how: Pray you therefore, kind sir,  
Be somewhat clearer in what you conceive.  Vald. 
'tis quickly learned; nature will teach you madam,  
His grace will show you too; you will not prove jeeringly.  
Perverse.  Land. 
Are you so blind a Goat, to forget Gives him a box, on which all draw, and Scania steps in.  
Frollo so soon? to open your eyes take that.  Scan. 
Pray sister hold. What do you mean to quarrel  
On a surmise? I know the Lord Valdemar's  
Intents are noble, and much more the Kings.  Elsin. 
You're to blame, Niece, to be so sudden in such  
A fond conceit.  Land. 
Do we come to be abused?  
I'll back again. For your part sir, you shall Exit, and the other three follow her.  
Not fail to meet me, when and where you list.  Hub. 
His grace will now run mad indeed.  Vald. 
Lord Inguar,  
As you love me, follow that severe Lady;  
And reduce her (if ever you did aught for  
A friend) to mildness, and this way back; or I  
Am lost for ever to the King and people: Exit Inguar  
Captain, go thou too once more, for my sake.  Hub. 
And as you mean to do, forswear myself  
That you meant no hurt. I have already told her  
A hundred lies at least; and am now o' th' faith,  
That double the number will scarce serve to quiet her;  
It's such another untoward piece of flesh Exit Hub.  Vald. 
She is an excellent Mistress, and has taught jeeringly.  
Me such a Lesson, I have cause to thank her:  
For she has given me patience, and wisdom;  
Honesty too I think. The flat truth is  
She has wrought strangely with me, very strangely,  
The ravishing notes of a Sicilian Cyren,  
Could not so have taken my Ear (and from thence  
My heart) with a most alluring kind of  
Delight, as the smart-touch of her white hand has:  
It struck into me such a love,  
To her sister I mean, that came so kindly  
Betwixt us, as I do now account myself,  
A gainer by the blow; in hope to gain  
What I now love so much, and nobly too.  
Well, they will come back this way again, I know;  
And I must sing a very doleful ditty,  
A Palinode; or pray, where they may see me,  
Being a thing I 've only done but twice  
These seven years: once, that I went to sea:  
Secondly and lastly, before the last battle. Exit.  Reyner is discovered on a Couch, and a gentleman with him. Rey. 
Are th' Ladies come yet to Court?  Gent. 
They are sir,  
And will soon be here. Enter Inguar & Hubb.  Rey. 
whose's that?  Gent. 
My Lord Inguar.  Rey. 
Where have you left the Ladies?  Ing. 
Coming after (Sir,)  
Sad and much troubled for your want of health. Enter the 4. Ladies.  Scan. 
You'll be extremely hated, if you use  
So much exception, on so little cause.  Land. 
If he accost me any more, with his  
Base jeering countenance, and whorish language;  
My sword shall (for such kindness) kiss his midriff.  Fat. 
Pray pacify your mind, you need not stand  
At so much distance.  Rey. 
Are not they come yet?  Hub. 
They now are here, by much ado.  Rey. 
Good Inguar,  
Entreat 'em to approach.  Inguar. 
madam, the King  
Desires you would be pleased to draw nearer.  Rey. 
You honour me, sweet Ladies, in this visit:  
Which, beyond expression adds comfort  
Unto a wretched sickly man. Chairs there,  
Pray you sit down; you're all exceeding welcome.  Land. 
Our duty charged us (sir,) to obey your summons:  
Yet, our affection to your grace's welfare,  
And to that depends of it (the general good  
Of the republic) were the chief motives  
To our journey.  Scan. 
And being able (sir,) to stead you  
In loving wishes only, we must expect  
(With grief to see his weakness, whose good health  
We most desire) your highness' royal pleasure.  Rey. 
Thanks worthy Ladies. We must also pay  
You in good wishes; being otherwise  
Too indigent to cancel what we are  
Engaged to you for many ways.  
We have been still oppressed since your departure  
From us (whose virtuous presence, was all  
The comfort we had) with a heavy sadness,  
Nourished by grief; nor do we ever hope  
To see the Sun again, but at a window.  Land. 
The gods defend you (sir,) from giving way  
To such despair. Enter Vald.  Vald. 
I follow after (like  
A Thief) aloof, to see what good success  
The King has in his love suit; and to venture  
For my particular, as he makes his voyage.  Scan. 
Your Majesty must never entertain  
Dark melancholy thoughts, but quite cashier 'em.  Vald. 
Her voice sounds sweeter, than the celestial spheres,  
In their harmonious motion. I am more  
than ravished when I hear it; and think I shall  
Fall sick too, or run frantic, ere 't belong.  Fat. 
I heard no mean Physician often say, Sir,  
That Music and mirth were good for sickly men.  Rey. 
Bid the Boy sing the Song we made of Love.  

Song.  
Love's far more powerful than a King,  
And wiser then most Statesmen are:  
For it commands him, and doth spring  
In them strange thoughts; in both much care  
(Beside th'affairs o' th' Commonwealth)  
To crouch and to obey. Nay more;  
It makes 'em lose all joy and health,  
And not be the men they were before;  
Until wise love, all powerful love,  
The gracious Physician prove.   Land. 
This is a very loving song,  
Your grace made: but the contents of it, not  
To be applied to you sir, that may command  
(If power and person can compel) the best  
And fairest Lady i' th'world to be yours,  
In a noble way; and otherwise your virtue forbids it.  Rey. 
It does indeed forbid us what is vicious.  
And seeing we do not hope for life, we must  
Crave your kind pardon now, to hear us tell  
Th'occasion of our sickness, briefly thus:  
You are the only cause on't.  Land. 
How? I my liege?  
My knowledge says not so.  Rey. 
Your beauty, valour,  
And all the perfections (parted to others,  
But) in you conjoined, protest it: and I  
For one can swear it. But, being repelled  
By a severely-awing rigor from your brow  
(Yet sweet withal, though killing) and being told  
Of a sad purpose y' have, never to marry;  
We now are fallen thus low, beneath the Centre  
Of deep despair and sorrow: and desire,  
You will say something, either to hasten our death,  
Or to recall it by a loving sentence.  Land. 
I must take sometime then to deliberate  
Aside.  Rey. 
Being yours, in that you may command us. She goes aside & the Ladies with her.  Land. 
We expected no such entertainment.  Elsin. 
My mind foretold me still of some disaster.  Scan. 
Notwithstanding your resolution,  
Not to marry: you have not vowed against  
Obedience to a man, in that friendly  
Yoke of Wedlock. The Kings sound affection  
Is not then to be rejected, if you ever  
Take any.  Land. 
If I do, he shall be the man.  Fatyma. 
You must not study now long for some answer.  Elsin. 
He's desperately ill: and if you should  
Give him a flat denial, we might be  
All seized on here at Court, and some villainy  
Committed on us; being to defend ourselves,  
Too few by many.  Scan. 
They shall take our lives,  
Ere we'll endure to be defiled.  Fatyma. 
And with  
The loss of some of theirs.  Rey. 
Have you considered  
Yet, of the doom you're to pronounce?  Elsinora. 
All stand  
Warily on their guard.  Land. 
Your poor subjects (sir)  
Must rather expect (in duty) your commands.  Rey. 
Nay sweet Lady. Do not increase my torment,  
By adding affliction to misery,  
With a compliment: but something say, that  
May appertain to th' matter, to rid me  
Quickly of my pain.  Land. 
It's sure; I have not  
(Although I ever meant it) bound myself,  
Unto a single life.  Rey. 
Then dearest Lady,  
Consider who I am; and what I now am,  
Lodged thus: for though I claim you not as by desert,  
Or duty: Yet, being your Prince, you owe me  
Some regard; and all, I e'er must glory in,  
Shall be to make you Queen of what is ours.  Land. 
May it please you, Sir.  Rey. 
Pray you sit and speak;  
Or I must rise, if weakness will permit. She sits, and the rest stand.  Land. 
Had I been ambitious, when you were not  
Crowned King of Norway: I could then perchance  
Have written Queen, unto your prejudice.  
But, for that Frollo once intended foully,  
I (that could not affect vice) did refuse  
What he with earnestness, and many Oaths  
Sought to confirm; and was his bane at last,  
Though I believed that what he said, he meant.  
Now therefore (Sir,) your affection (grounded  
In way of honour, without taint of baseness;  
With such exterior signs too, of deep love  
To me, unworthy of so great a Prince:)  
I cannot (nor will my heart permit it) but  
In way of gratefulness, reciprocally  
Requite with love again, as duty binds;  
Nay, more than so. But yet, gracious Sir,  
I (that am mean and poor to be your Consort;  
And that things of this kind are oft repented)  
Do now beseech you, to decline a while  
The vehemency of your fleet desires;  
And take full time to think on what you do:  
Were 't but to take a nearer view of me,  
And that in all points. For know sir, the honour  
You now afford me, compared to th'infamy  
That would redound to both of us, and to others  
(By whom you are to be advised) if aught  
should chance amiss, when things were consummated,  
Is nothing: would but heighten your disgrace.  
Your wise demur too, I shall take as full payment  
For all my services; and rest devoted  
More deeply yours: and evermore continue  
Your loyal subject only, sir.  Rey. 
I was sure  
(Noblest and best of Ladies:) That your words  
(Being such as now they are) could not but work  
A cure upon me. See, I can stand up:  
Nay, go; I 'll throw my Cap off too. Some of you  
Give me a Hat; I will walk with you forth  
Into the Gallery, and tell you there,  
I have considered so much what you are,  
Though not to your full value this being  
Impossible: that if you think me not  
Unworthy (as indeed I am for you)  
We shall soon be Man and Wife. Tomorrow  
I 'll wait on you further, into the Garden.  Hub. 
And there (in one of the little bawdy houses) Aside.  
Seal the Covenant, if it be received,  
Though he were sure to die in an hour after.  Elsin. 
I see she does affect him in good earnest. Aside.  
But wisdom bids be silent; This poor kingdom  
Being already torn too much, by tyranny and troubles.  
Things past our help, with patience must be borne,  
Until a fit time.  Rey. 
Lady Elsinora,  
methinks you do not sign our loving motion,  
With a friendly countenance.  Elsin. 
I hope, great Sir,  
You will be pleased to entertain far better thoughts  
Of your humblest handmaid.  Rey. 
I hope we shall.  Land. 
In licensing our departure, for some small time  
(days five or six, and for a private Cause:)  
You will for ever bind us (sir) to your commands;  
And to return with all convenient speed,  
To obey your highness' pleasure in all points.  Rey. 
That asked again, would throw me on my Couch;  
Never to rise.  Vald. 
madam, I should make bold  
To stop your journey, though the King were pleased  
To grant his licence: for you (I must say  
Somewhat roughly) saluted my left ear  
With your right hand, as these can witness for me.  Land. 
For which, you are resolved to challenge me:  
But not to be your wife; I gave you no  
Such promise.  Vald. 
I must have satisfaction.  Land. 
You may declare what that is, when you list.  Vald. 
Nay, you shall know it now; and thus it sounds:  
That you persuade this Lady, to become Takes Scan. by the hand.  
My second. For, love has struck me too, so sore  
A cuff (caused by her beauty, and what else  
Is good in her, in my opinion  
Superlatively:) that I shall ne'er be rid  
O' th' pain on't; unless you that are like to be  
My cousin, advance me higher, to the honour  
To be your brother. We shall then be kind friends.  Land. 
She is not my ward; and may take whom she fancies;  
I may myself repent, to be persuaded.  Rey. 
Speak Lady, do you like the man? He is  
As good a Gentleman as We are: Say,  
Will you have him?  Scan. 
You make me blush (sir,) to ask  
Me such a question.  Vald. 
Nay then, it's granted.  Scan. 
I will not grant at first; nor shall you say  
Hereafter I deceived you.  Fat. 
You deceive  
yourself. Well madam, I perceive we two To Elsin.  
Must mateless home to prove the Vestals.  Ing. 
Not, sweet Lady, if you'll deign to grace me, with  
The title husband.  Fat. 
For your good will, sir,  
I thank you: but will hear of no more coupling.  Ing. 
I yet must love you still.  Rey. 
Then let's from hence,  
To entertain heavens happy influence. Exeunt.   

The third Act.  Enter Frederick and a Servant at the door. Fred. 
Let 'em not press so fast in, to behold  
A semi-mask; for now 't can be no more,  
For want of fitting Actors here at Court;  
The War and want of Money, is the cause on't.  Serv. 
Stand further off, my masters, or I shall—  Fred. 
Let fly amongst 'em.  Vald. 
Pray you my Lord, have a care Enter Vald. and Lady.  
(For my sake) of this Lady; a kinswoman  
Of my wives.  Fred. 
(I know you are Uxorious.)  Land. 
He shall not need: for I will have a care  
Of myself.  Fred. 
I should gladly serve your Highness:  
But can hardly yet from hence.  Vald. 
Come Cousin,  
I will be your Gentleman usher myself. Exeunt ambo.  
Cowsell within, make room I say there, for me and my brother.  Fred. 
What kind cousins are those?  Serv. 
A pair of Coxcombs,  
So individual by the littleness  
Of their understandings, they cannot be parted. Enter Cow. & Rad.  Cow. 
Come away brother Radgar, we'd need make haste,  
To take our places.  Rad. 
I shall be proud brother,  
To be seated after you.  Cow. 
And I fortunate  
To sit next before you.  Rad. 
It shall be my ambition brother, to  
Be still (as now) your most humble servant,  Cow. 
It must be all my study then, brother; To  
Command things only pleasing: for mark you  
Dear brother. I must strive chiefly to precede,  
But— in my affection.  Fred. 
A pretty Antimasque:  
I will sit down, and hear what it concludes.  Rad. 
But hark you now, brother. Shall we have any  
Drink, Banquets, or so—  Cow. 
Not a drop betwixt meals, brother,  
That's but a simple Country fashion.  Fred. 
Are they already fallen from compliment?  Rad. 
Yet, methinks brother, 't were n't amiss to lay  
The pots hard by; and let him drink that would.  Cow. 
I should a part keep with you, in that Catch  
brother, but now (with grief enough) I say 't  
(would I could not say 't:) I cannot now (being puffed  
Up here for want of air) drink near as much,  
As when I lived abroad i' th' Country; nor eat  
The quarter quantity.  Rad. 
That must be believed  
Generally, as a Maxim infallible:  
For today brother, the stink of your perfumed  
And stuffing meats, took my stomach quite away  
From me. Yet, we drunk pretty well you know.  Cow. 
It's certain (brother,) those that cannot eat,  
Must drink, and I can drink indifferent well still  
But, time there was I could 'a' paid it soundly.  Rad. 
As, how much? Pray sweet brother.  Cow. 
It is scarce  
Credible, I now shall tell you: at one short  
Sitting, I'd ha' drunk you of Wine six flagons,  
And two dozen of Beer at least, all at eight draughts;  
And never 'a' seen the colour of my face,  
In a Chamber pot; or sought ease, by visiting  
My kind friend Aiax.  Rad. 
That's more by a little,  
Than I ever could vent the right way. But yet,  
I dare speak it brother, we are very near  
As good drinkers, as you be here i' th' City:  
For you see, when we come to Town, we do  
Nothing but run from Tavern, to Tavern;  
Oft to blind Alehouses, to visit the fine  
Wenches, of purpose there placed, to draw custom;  
Now and then to see a Play, when we want  
Other exercise; and once a week (upon  
A holy day, when all doors are shut up)  
To a godly exhortation, and sleep out  
(At least) three parts on't.  Cow. 
Especially if you  
Take your liquour before hand.  Rad. 
Right brother, but  
Tomorrow we will both from hence, to th' Country.  Cow. 
would this night were over once.  Rad. 
We've excellent Maids with us,  
And while my Ladies dance and feast it here,  
Both night and day: We both will keep Court there;  
Throw out the house at th' windows, and fetch in  
All our town-fiddlers, with all the young fellows  
In fifteen villages about us; is 't not good?  Fred. 
O rare!  Fred. 
I' th' mean time Sir, let me persuade you  
To conduct your brother to a place: For I  
Am weary of your company. Cow, 'thank your Lordship. Exeunt ambo.  
Hubba within, give way there.  Fred. 
What lusty Gentleman's that?  Serv. 
Mad Captain Hubba, and as lusty a  
Virago with him.  Enter Hubba and Marfisa in an Irish Gown tucked up to midleg, with a broad basket-hilt Sword on, hanging in a great Belt, Broags on her feet, her hair dishevelled, and a pair of long necked big-roweled Spurs on her heels. Hub. 
Come my brave Marfisa,  
You are but just now come to Town you say?  Mar. 
That you may well perceive sir, by my spurs.  Fr. 
Here's handsome Cheese and Butter, and a Sword.  Hub. 
They're a pair of excellent ginglers, but pray  
Tell me: Did you ride sideling, or like a man?  Mar. 
Howsoever, there shall ne'er a Dane ride i' my Saddle.  Hub. 
What? not i' the way of honesty? as you love me,  
Say not so; I hope you'll be pleased to think of my service.  Mar. 
I should rejoice to be well pleased i' th' way  
Of honesty: Yet, your fair words shall not  
Deceive me. As first try, then take on liking.  Hub. 
But, with your favour I think 't were better try:  
lest you should chance repent too late hereafter.  Mar. 
You will not put me sir, to use my Sword: Puts hand to her sword.  
If you do, you must first begin at that.  Fr. 
I think she means to make him marry her  
Perforce; I shall have my part o' th' Mask here.  Hub. 
Pray Lady, take patience along with you;  
I am fairly yours.  Fr. 
You had (on my knowledge)  
But need to say so, if she be in earnest.  Mar. 
Then lead me to some honest place, where I may  
Unspur, untuck my Gown, wash, and so forth—  Hub. 
Most willingly, my fair Marfisa, thou shalt  
Have a lookingglass too; I ever took  
A strange liking to thee, since first I saw  
Thee fight i' th' battle like a Lioness.  
You're Cousin-german to th' Lady Fatyma?  Mar. 
herself dare not deny it, sir.  Hub. 
I do not Goes about her.  
Only mark your sweet face, but all things else  
About you. Y' have a fine leg. The fashion  
Of this Gown, likes me well too; I think you had  
The pattern on't from us, as we from Ireland.  Mar. 
That I know not, but am sure a handsome woman  
Looks as well in 't, as in any dress, or habit  
Whatsoever.  Hub. 
So it seems by thee, my  
Beautiful Mistress: For by that name, I must  
Style you henceforth. Come, let your loving squire  
Conduct you. Mar, on before, I'll follow. Exeunt ambo.  
Loud Music. Enter Reyner, Landgartha, Valdemar, Scania, Elsinora, Inguar, and Fatyma. The Ladies attired like women only  Rey. 
My Queen and I, Valdemar, are much bound  
To thy free Genius, for this thy second Mask  
After our nuptials; She more: but most  
Of all, thy own Lady. For, it's for her sake  
Thou so affectest both us.  Scan. 
I could not wish  
To 'have met a kinder man.  Land. 
His kindness makes  
You oft ashamed, you say; nor would I have  
The King so over fond of me.  Vald. 
You stand  
Confirmed, madam, in the power your merits  
Hold, to charm his faculties to your obeisance.  Land. 
You deliver that, sir, to pick a thank from  
My Sister; at whom you point in that language.  Scan. 
I do believe he does: which yet, must be  
Conceived only to proceed, from his ill-placed  
Affection; not my desert to answer  
His; much less your perfections: being  
But a poor Pigmy, compared to the greatness  
Of the worth in you.  Rey. 
This friendly Compliment  
We will pass over: and now Valdemar, 
Here they take their places, but the King and the Queen under a Canopy.   
To apt our apprehensions the more  
To the true understanding of your Mask:  
You may tell us somewhat of your scope in 't.  Vald. 
That is sufficiently informed i' the thing  
itself; though lame it be. The matter (being  
All prophetical) I found in an old  
worm-eaten Book, in the Lady Elsinora's  
Library. And I should wrong your judgement;  
And my own labour, though of little value,  
By stalling of it before hand.  Fr. 
It's a fine tale;  
And cannot but please, unless it meet such minds,  
As are not to be pleased.  Elsin. 
There is no Fustian,  
Non sense, Wind, or foppery in't.  Rey. 
It matters not  
What some odd envious fool says; that grieves most  
At th' goodness of what he dispraises: and would  
Be glad 't were worse. We despise affected stuff;  
Or a strained kind of Eloquence; being the smoke  
And fruits or a vainglorious, and an empty brain,  
No flattery dwells we know in this. Let it begin.  
The Mask. First enter six Satyrs and dance a short nimble antic to no Music, or at most to a single Violine: at the end of which enter Phoebus with Bow and Arrows.  Phoeb. 
A way unmannered deities, though hope  
Raise you unto this mirth, for Troy: Your scope  
In 't (formed at the counsel of the higher gods)  
Makes not the issue of their Periods,  
So fortunate as you do now suppose  
(In your inferior knowledges) to dispose  
For Hector's safety: whom Aracides  
(Madded for his loved Menetiades)  
Flies to destroy. Nor can the Fates divert,  
But that fierce horrid man, will soon convert  
All unto sad destruction; unless  
We the prime gods and demigods suppress  
His force, not otherwise to be resisted.  
Get you away from hence then, and in stead  
Of friskings, in these pleasant vales of I'd,  
Expose your aids (to th' utmost can be tried)  
For Priam and his issue, ne'er till now  
In danger of an utter overthrow.  
And my own labour, though of little value,  
By stalling of it before hand.  Fr. 
It's a fine tale;  
And cannot but please, unless it meet such minds,  
As are not to be pleased.  Elsin. 
There is no Fustian,  
Non sense, Wind, or foppery in't.  Rey. 
It matters not  
What some odd envious fool says; that grieves most  
At th' goodness of what he dispraises: and would  
Be glad 't were worse. We despise affected stuff;  
Or strained kind of Eloquence; being the smoke  
And fruits of a vainglorious, and an empty brain,  
No flattery dwells we know in this. Let it begin.  The Mask. First enter six Satyrs and dance a short nimble antic to no Music, or at most to a single Violine: at the end of which enter Phoebus with Bow and Arrows. Phoeb. 
Away unmannered deities though hope  
Raise you unto this mirth, for Troy: Your scope  
In 't (formed at the counsel of the higher gods)  
Makes not the issue of their Periods,  
So fortunate as you do now suppose  
(In your inferior knowledges) to dispose  
For Hector's safety: whom Aracides  
(Madded for his loved Menetiades)  
Flies to destroy. Nor can the Fates divert,  
But that fierce horrid man, will soon convert  
All unto sad destruction; unless  
We the prime gods and demigods suppress  
His force, not otherwise to be resisted.  
Get you away from hence then. and instead  
Of friskings, in these pleasant vales of I'd,  
Expose your aids (to th' utmost can be tried)  
For Priam and his issue, ne'er till now  
In danger of an utter overthrow.  

Song.  
Though Hector now be dead, his name  
And memory shall last, while fame  
Sounds her lowed Trumpet, loved, admired;  
By his example shall be fired  
To acts heroic, future ages:  
And Prophets (sacred in their rages)  
Shall by his virtues be installed;  
And he by all a worthy called.   Hector's body is taken away about the middle of the Song: after the end of it, Enter Phoebus and Pryam. Phoeb. 
Much honoured and dear old man, didst not hear,  
How the Jdalian deities forbear  
Not (sacred loving Nymphs, and grieved like thee)  
To chant a mirthful pleasing melody?  
Glad for the future glory of thy son,  
Reason should govern: and a fair fame won,  
Is of man's humane life the chiefest part,  
Chiefest in Hector, and shall not depart  
From thy for-ever-most-famed house: For, know  
Th' gods on thy line (of Dardunus) will bestow  
The largest empires; which to thee I'll now  
Show for thy comfort: that thou shouldst not bow  
(Too much dejected in thy mind) to what  
They in their Counsels do predestine.  Pry. 
heaven's brightest eye, I 'll do what lies in me,  
To obey thy will, and my sour destiny.  Phoeb. 
My tale in two parts, I do thus impart:  
A Prince from Troy hereafter shall depart,  
When Troy takes end (as all dominion.  
Of mortals must:) whose chance will fetch him on  
The Lybian shores, and upon Latium next.  
Before which time and after, though oft vexed  
By the high-minded Juno, for her hate's  
Conceived against the Trojans: Yet, the Fates  
Have destined him that throne of Latium,  
Marrying the daughter of its King. From him  
(The Royal seat first changed to Alba) shall  
Descend two Princes, twins; for which, a fall  
Their mother takes from Mars, a votaress she,  
Compelled unto that state. Impiety  
In an ambitious kinsman, to be drowned  
Sends both the Infants: who (saved by chance) are found  
Of a she-wolf, and nourished with her Teats;  
Till by a shepherd found, and by brave feats  
Made known to be themselves, they build a Town  
Which shall be called Rome; and shall wear the Crown  
Of the world's Monarchy, hundreds of years.  
This is the first part of my tale.  Pry. 
My fears  
And sorrow (which till now I did suppose  
Could not be done) th' haste healed. Disclose  
The other part (dear god) that's left untold.  Phoeb. 
Which (in no obscure terms) I do unfold:  
A Prince called Brutus (of the Trojan race)  
Third to the first spoke of, being in the chase  
Of wild beasts, by unlucky fate he kills  
Sulla his Father, with the shaft he drills  
At other game: Which fact, so much doth bend  
The Latins against Brutus, him they send  
To sad exile. Who (after a time) arrives  
At a brave spacious Island (that derives  
Her name from white rocks, being a little world)  
With other Trojans before met, and hurled  
Too on misfortunes. A town called new Troy  
He builds here th' Land calls Brutaine: doth enjoy  
The whole as King; and his posterity  
For many ages, shall reign there, as he.  
Sometimes (in power and plenty) conquering  
The neighbour Nations: sometimes these (for nothing  
But 's subject unto change on earth) afflict  
Again Troy's Brutains, in their own district.  
Of which a certain people, and called Danes  
(Cymbrians by some) will prove their worst of banes.  
But shall be beaten back; not without pain.  
At length (in process of much time) shall reign  
In this fair I'll, a Prince (one way descended  
Of Trojan race: I' th' other side extended  
Up by the Royal blood of Danes, unto  
A warlike King called Reyner, that shall woo  
And wed a Lady Amazonian,  
Landgartha named) which Prince shall be the man  
(Having his subjects in their loves combined;  
Who shall to evils only be confined  
By their own sad dissensions, being of all  
Earth's men, the properest and most martial)  
To exalt thy blood. He shall (by 's right) enjoy  
The Land of Danes; and in this place where Troy  
Now stands, shall Conquer, and build it again.  
Will also Conquer Greece, and there restrain  
Th' impieties of wicked men. Thus, Fate  
I have laid ope 'to thee, to consolate  
thyself and sad Queen; Now I must away:  
For, from the gods I've made too long a stay. Exeunt ambo.  Vald. 
Your Majesties have now seen all; even as  
I found recorded in the foresaid Book:  
How true heaven only knows. Yet, all may prove true  
(Being not impossible) if men be wise.  Rey. 
And not destroy themselves, as it's there spoke.  
Our part on't has hit right; and so may that.  
And now (Valdemar) to requite thy love, All rise.  
My Queen and I will make your Mask complete,  
By being your dancers. Enter Hub. & Marf. without her sword, & her Gown untucked.  Hub. 
I must first beg your  
Pardon, to lead the measure, sir, for I have  
Brought a fine friendly dancer with me; and  
We will so foot it—  Rey. 
Hubba, thou always com'st in pudding time.  Land. 
Let's stand; I long to see Marfisa dance. Here Hubba and Marfisa Dance the whip of Donboyne merrily.  Rey. 
This was excellent. We shall but shame ourselves,  
In following of you; Come let us begin.  Here they dance the grand Dance in four Couple, Reyner and Landgartha, Valdemar and Scania, Frederick and Elsinora, Inguar and Fatyma. Rey. 
So Cousin, we have made you some amends,  
For your part of the Mask: and now you shall  
(Being so kind a husband) conduct your Lady  
Unto her Chamber; and there use her kindly  
Too as she deserves. Our Aunt and Cousin may  
(After all this noise) also retire; and say  
(In solitude and silence) th' many prayers  
They have omitted all the day. As for  
The queen's grace: she must give me leave,  
To usher her to bed.  Land. 
Must That, in such  
A servant, were too peremptory. But  
If you plead your title King; I'll answer  
That I know how to fight: and have ere now  
Stooped a too hasty Prince. Therefore, good sir,  
You are best speak me fair; or I may put you  
Beside your sweet hopes;  
And give you some what of the sour to taste.  Rey. 
That, and to kill me, were all one: For which,  
I now (and ever will) humbly entreat,  
As a poor suppliant with you to treat. Exeunt omnes.   

The fourth Act.  Enter Reyner musing at one door, and Hubba to him at the other. Rey. 
Is Inguar yet returned from th' Fleet?  Hub. 
Not yet sir.  Rey. 
Let him be quickly sent for then: be gone. Exit Hubba.  
A poor gentlewoman, an ordinary  
Noble man's daughter, to have catched me thus;  
Whom Cesar would rejoice, to have made his son,  
Some horrid plague confound her modesty,  
And her for me, for now I care not for her;  
Though I dissemble it: because I dare not  
(She is so damned valiant) do otherwise  
Till I have got from hence: For she (being  
So beloved too of the Norwegians) might  
Cut short my life and passage. But yet, Reyner,  
Think how exceeding worthy she is of love;  
And of a Prince: think of her virtue, do:  
Think of her beauty, mildness, valour, and  
What else: no, no, I will not; will not love her:  
For I have took enough of what I most loved;  
Which, I confess could not but please my palate Enter Vald.  
But here comes Valdemar, who like an Ass  
Still dotes on his wife, I 'll not therefore trust him.  Vald. 
Your resolution to be gone for Denmark,  
Men do admire; and I must tell you, sir,  
(Seeing you will needs be constant, in so bad  
A purpose) some do fear your projects are  
Ignoble. I then (as one that loved you once;  
And will do still, unless you forfeit yourself)  
would be your adviser, if you dare take advice.  Rey. 
You're too saucy; and what I have resolved on,  
I will not alter. Must we be curbed by you,  
In tendering the welfare of our subjects?  
Shall Denmark be still forgotten?  Vald. 
That colour  
Dies but very poorly; though you stalk with it.  
The fall of your obstreperous passion, to  
Your Queen (sir) people take notice of: though she,  
Poor Lady, (ashamed to be deceived or scorned)  
Say nothing of it; restrained too, by her love  
To you. But, we that are your Countrymen  
(Whom you mainly dishonour in't) can have  
No such patience.  Rey. 
Our affection to our  
Loved fair Consort (though you be pleased to doubt it)  
Will not be questioned, but by your slanderous tongue  Vald. 
You cannot, sir. Nay shall not, mask your black  
Intentions so from me; they do appear  
Too many. And she whom you most wrong, is more  
Than worthy of you; had you but the wisdom  
And grace to think so still. But be assured  
(When she is rid o' th' burden she now carries)  
She'll be revenged at full for her dishonour;  
And snatch the Crowns you wear from of your treacherous Temples.  Rey. 
You will not play the Traitor, in  
Conspiring with her?  Vald. 
Though I should not, sir,  
You need not doubt but Harold will; who thinks  
His right to Denmark, as good as yours to Norway.  Rey. 
That Christian dogshead and yours too, had been  
chopped off ere this, had I not been a fool.  Vald. 
If you durst (you make me now believe) that had  
Been so. But I'll make shift to save one of 's; Enter Ing. & Hubba.  
And think you'll hardly save yourself from t' other.  Rey. 
You may do what you lift; and so will I,  
Are all the Shipping ready?  Ing. 
They are sir, but—  Rey. 
Come, spare your breath; I know what you would say.  Hub. 
would all the Cables and Sails were burnt:  
You brought us hither with the hazard of our lives,  
To gain this kingdom for you; and now you have it,  
You'll wisely gi' 't away; and fetch 'em all  
Upon our backs.  Rey. 
Who made you a counsellor?  
There's your reward. strikes him.  Hub. 
I shall take more than this  
Ere long if I stick to you.  Vald. 
You do well  
To practise before hand. Offers to draw, so does Vald. & Ing. steps in.  Rey. 
Traitor, do you upbraid us?  Ing. 
I beseech you sir, to suppress your passion;  
And not to raise a tumult here: knowing  
How truely-loyall the Prince Valdemar,  
Has ever been to you, sir, and now pleads  
Strongly against himself; in seeking to  
Detain you, with your gracious noble Queen.  Vald. 
He accounts his friends, his nearest enemies,  Rey. 
We take heaven to witness, we are wronged. Enter Land, with Child and Scania not so.  
But peace; here she comes.  Land. 
Will you needs be gone, sir,  
And leave me thus?  Rey. 
It is but two hours sailing,  
In a fair day; and we shall soon be back.  Land. 
I do not use to weep: But now I must; Weeps.  
My heavy mind forespeaks some future evil.  
Death (which shall be welcome) I know 's not far from me.  Rey. 
May the gods grant to hasten it. Aside.  Scan. 
The time was  
When she, sir, could with a nod o' forced your fancy,  
In a far greater matter, than your stay  
For some small time.  Rey. 
And shall again sweet Sister,  
But the mere necessity of our departure,  
Is such: that we must needs away, at this  
Very instant.  Land. 
Then give me leave (dear sir,)  
To share the worst may happen in your voyage.  Rey. 
So to endanger your life, we'd lose ours first,  
You shall by no means stir, my only soul, Come:  
We will conduct you to your Chamber, and there  
Leave you (with your friends and mine) to be guided  
By your accustomed virtue, and strong heart. Exeunt.  Enter Cowsell and Radger. Cow. 
O brother, brother, I know the very grief on't,  
Will kill me out right, as dead as a Herring.  Rad. 
O dear, loving brother. I shall fare no better,  
I'm sure o' that; would I had never seen you.  Cow. 
Besides brother, I took such an affection  
To the women, fine, courteous, honest creatures.  Rad. 
And we to you brother, and to all the Danes.  
You came not to pray on's, but to deliver  
Us from the Swedes.  Cow. 
We ought to love each other,  
Brother, being so near neighbours, and friends.  Rad. 
So we do, dear brother, all those are good and honest.  
Who would 'a' thought his grace should leave the Queen  
So abruptly, i' the latter end of her time too?  Cow. 
Hard against our wills: but says, he'll soon be back.  Rad. 
I' th' mean time brother, and before we part,  
We are best take t' other cup.  Cow. 
I thought to 'a'  
Made that now my motion brother, we shall  
Remember you in Denmark.  Rad. 
And when we  
Forget you brother, may the gods forget us.  
Ho! drawer, Rolfo,  
Within, Anon anon sir. Enter Rolfo.  Rad. 
Honest Rolfo, one flagon more of that  
You gave us last, the very same I charge thee,  
Without tricks or mixture.  Rol. 
By Love sir, you shall:  
What? Do you think I 'll use you like a stranger?  Cow. 
Prithee kind Rolfo, let not us be forced  
To knock again. Exit Rolfo.  Rad. 
Captain Hubba (as I  
Conceive brother) goes not along with you;  
I met him spurring to our house, as I came.  Cow. 
The Princess Scania, by much entreaty  
Got leave of the Lord Inguar, his colonel,  
To stay only two days; and he is gone  
A visit to his Mistress. Enter Rolfo.  Rad. 
Welcome Rolfo.  
Come, give it me: for we shall need no glasses. They drink at the Lines.  
Here worthy brother, half to your good journey  Cow. 
Let me see brother, 
* Peeps into the pot.  you have drunk the full half—  
Here Rolfo, fill 't again. Exit Rolfo.  Rad. 
O sweet brother, that you could stay all night,  
I should never be weary of your company. Enter Rolfo.  Cow. 
Nor I of yours brother, and now from the deep  
Bottom of my heart to th' wide mouth of my stomach  
I speak it dearest brother, here's a whole one,  
To our next merry meeting—  Rad. 
Quickly Rolfo, Exit Rolfo.  
Fetch it, and be honest. O sweet brother,  
That I could embrace you thus for ever, ever. They embrace.  Cow. 
I must kiss at parting. They kiss.  Rolf. 
You're a couple of th' arrantest kind gentlemen. Ent. Rolf.  Rad. 
Give me the pot: I ne'er drunk i' my life  
With more sorrow, and a better desire.—  Cow. 
Here, take Money Rolfo, my brother paid last,  
I must kiss thee too Rolfo,  
Within, Rolfo. Rogue.  Rolfo. 
Anon, anon, sir. As they kiss.  Rad. 
Nay Rolfo, for all  
Your haste: I must (for my brother's sake) take  
Off that kiss, from thy now sweet (though greasy) lips. They kiss  Cow. 
And now farewell, but not for ever, my dearest  
And best of friends. Rad. we'll part at tother Tavern.  Cow. 
Then arm in arm let 's march, most worthy brother. Exeunt.  Enter Hubba and Marfisa. Hub. 
I could not otherwise choose, Mistress (though  
Your distrust of my unfeigned affection,  
Kept me thus long from enjoying, what I  
Most desired in a noble way) but come  
(Urged by that love, that ever shall remain  
With me, wheresoe'er I go) to tender  
The duty of a servant, in taking leave  
Of you, before my sudden departure.  Mar. 
It 's indeed too sudden: and I do now  
Repent the not embracing, what I was not  
Enough good to accept, your love. For, I confess  
Though somewhat late, I loved you more than you  
Did me; and ever shall unless the fault  
Be only yours, in proving (which I do  
Not yet suspect) a changeling. I shall for  
My part, punish severely in myself,  
Th' offence of not being yours, by a continued  
Sadness and grief, till once again I see you.  Hub. 
And though I have been too much noted for  
My mirth (which yet, was never sawed with spite,  
Or other bad condition:) I promise  
(Por my misfortune in thus missing of you)  
Not to laugh once (unless against my will,  
At some unlucky chance) till I possess  
The treasure I most covet.  Mar. 
That (if you  
Mean me) shall be yours when we meet next, and  
Safely kept for you, until then. I' th' mean time,  
I shall charily preserve (though but a poor  
Satisfaction for you) your image in  
Th' interior of my mind.  Hub. 
Which overpays,  
With much advantage, all my services.  Mar. 
't was a strange resolution of the King,  
To leave his Queen, she being so much against it;  
And he so strangely fond of her at first:  
Which she deserved, being a Lady the world  
Cannot match.  Hub. 
He is these thirty hours in Denmark:  
Where if he prove unkind to her, that cannot  
(In true judgement) condemn others, that like not  
Such proceeding.  Mar. 
He had need be circumspect  
In what he does; or he may soon repent it,  
And perchance,  
When matters prove past remedy to him,  
Yet, while I find you sound: no alien faults  
Shall make me hate, what once I so affected,  Hub. 
Resting on that assurance, I must now  
Crave the kind, favour of a parting kiss.  Mar. 
That you shall have 
* they kiss  and half a dozen more,  
When you come to your Ship: For, so far I  
Will with you; and would along to Denmark, but to try  
If I may build upon your constancy. Exeunt.  Enter Harold and Aeric. Har. 
It's now but need, we both look to ourselves:  
Or we may pay the forfeit of our slackness  
(With the loss of both our heads) upon a Scaffold.  
For, Reyner having cast the fair Landgartha  
Off, (of whom he was not worthy:) and by  
A dreadful precipice, fallen from much goodness:  
He will not stop at his first fault. But (hurried  
By the guiltiness of his Conscience)  
Run headlong down the hill, upon the rock  
Of dangerous mischief; to which he 's now engaged.  Aeric. 
She is a Lady of so stout a heart,  
That when she finds him base (although she loved him  
Exceedingly) she cannot but be revenged  
For her repudiation, and disgrace.  Har. 
And may prove our strong friend to ruin him;  
That has threatened (and that not privately)  
To rid himself on us.  Aeric. 
And will, if he can:  
You may by his death then, that would be yours,  
Settle yourself securely in his kingdoms,  
By matching and partaking now with her.  Har. 
Brother, the man whose deity we adore  
(And who to give us rest, still lived without it)  
Can witness for me, could I but persuade  
My mind by any probability,  
't were possible, for me to live in peace here,  
And not have my throat cut: although my right  
Unto the Crown of Denmark be apparent,  
My title while I slept or waked, should sleep;  
As when King Reyner lived a virtuous kind man.  
For I delight not in th' expense of blood;  
Though I fear not to spend my own in a  
Just cause. But seeing all rest is denied me:  
As the strong law of nature binds, I must  
Shift for myself, the best I may. Which shall not  
Be effected by base treachery, or murder.  
Nor do I chiefly yet mean to rely  
On th' brave Landgartha's assistance; whom the  
Love of a wife, and hope of reconcilement,  
May urge beyond all spirit of revenge.  Aeric. 
What is 't you mean to plot then for our safety?  Har. 
We'll to the pious Christian Emperor,  
Lewis the Debonair; who (as you know)  
does oft solicit me to plead my right  
To th' Crown, by dent of sword; that being the best  
(Nay only) Patent, Reyner has to show for 't.  
Though he from 's father got it: which doth lessen  
Much his guilt.  Aeric. 
It's not his guilt that now most troubles him;  
But by more sin to guard it.  Har. 
Twelve thousand.  
Expert Soldiers (that lie near here, o' th' borders  
Of Germany) I may have when I list;  
To add (with all speed) to our own sure friends.  
And unto others that will fall in troops,  
From now dishonoured Reyner, for his base  
Adultery intended with Uraca,  
To strengthen himself against his wife and me.  Aeric. 
Unheard of madness, so vilely to betray  
(And to 's own ruin) a poor and virtuous Lady;  
That but for him, and his damned shameless lies,  
Had never married any. Being withal  
(As 't is reported) most extremely fair,  
Far, far beyond the other,  Har. 
Such are the follies  
Of humane nature, when it is forsaken  
Of him that made it: But we'll now make use on't.  Aeric. 
You should be sudden, lest we be laid hold on;  
And to take him unprepared.  Har. 
When night ascends  
Her sable chariot, we will both of us  
(Mounted on our best horses) post away;  
And be (I hope) ere we be missed, passed danger.  
Come, let us therefore in, and lose no time:  
Which, in necessity 's a fatal crime. Exeunt.   

The fift Act.  Enter Valdomar and Jnguar. Vald. 
You are happy beyond expectation  
In your Embassage: for all men did conceive  
(And very probably) the Queen would aid  
With th' utmost of her power, Harrold in his  
Design for Denmark. But, she noble Lady,  
(Although in outward show, she have not granted  
What you demand) I know (such is her virtue  
And loving nature) is coming in her mind,  
Now to assist your most ungracious King.  Ing. 
For which in chief he is to you beholding;  
Though he deserved it not, at his departure.  
But now, Contrition has wiped off his guilt,  
Though not the punishment, before the gods.  
Nor is there any hope left us on earth,  
But what we now may gain here by your means  Vald. 
Had you but been a witness of her griefs  
(Able to rive a heart of steel) you had  
Melted (as we almost did) into tears:  
Especially when she heard of th' infamous  
Marriage, with Swealand's daughter (told her by  
A whispering flatterer:) how than she tore  
Her golden hair, and used such cruelty  
On her fair limbs, which had well-near ended her  
(Notwithstanding what we could do to hinder 't:)  
Cursing the time when she e'er saw a Dane;  
Not for her husbands renegading most:  
But the loss of her virginity, and foul  
Disgrace.  Ing. 
We heard of all: Yet, were compelled  
By strong necessity (perforce) to build  
On her heroic goodness, and your worth.  Vald. 
't was well conceived; and better put to trial,  
That compulsion may work peace again.  Ing. 
Here the divine Lady comes (her self) unto us. Enter Landgartha, Scania, Elsinora, Fatyma, & Marfisa in woman's apparel with Swords on.  Land. 
Although (Lord Inguar,) your sovereign, and my  
Unkind husband, were rather to expect  
Sharp war and hate then any aid from me  
In his distress: having (as far as 't lay  
In him) disgraced me by his flight; and as  
I'd used false play with others: yet, my love  
To him (deeply engraven in my heart.)  
joined to my own innocence and merit, has  
(As all may see) got the upperhand; and stopped  
My once intended course of strict revenge;  
Though he enjoy another wife, now the Mistress  
Of what is mine by bond.  Ing. 
Most gracious Queen,  
I can say nothing, to excuse his guilt;  
Or lessen it: but that your virtue shines  
The brighter for his deep ingratitude,  
Which now 's the greatest Corrosive to himself,  
And cause of all his evils, by the loss  
Of in a manner all was his before:  
And that his act, has rendered both of you  
Famous to all the world, in different manners:  
You as the glorious mirror of all worth,  
But him (with grief I speak it) for 's offence.  Scan. 
Which now (dear madam) as it is repented,  
Exacts your mercy more than punishment.  Elsin. 
To prove a lasting Pyramid to all  
Succeeding times, of such a noble act.  Vald. 
It can yield you no benefit to ruin  
Him and his poor subjects, being also yours;  
And in their loves, they're yours.  Fat. 
Much more than his  
I do believe.  Ing. 
madam. I can depose it. To Fatyma.  
And that they 've ever deemed it their chief glory,  
To have had her for their Queen; their hearts he lost,  
When he lost her: nor is there ought can raise  
The minds o' th' few, that now stick to him, but her  
Strong assistance, and the tried valour of the  
Norwegian Ladies, that before  
Gave us the victory against the Swedes.  Land. 
King Reyner and yourself (Lord Inguar) have  
Too many friends here, to be denied in what  
Our power may stead him, or you demand.  
And I'm the more induced to pardon his fault,  
That I acknowledge myself faulty too  
(And which my heart has oft accused me for,  
With no small grief) in granting that to him  
Under the flattering title of marriage, which I  
Resolved ne'er to 'a' lost; and which he durst not  
Seek to have forced from me. But it 's now past help.  Scan. 
There 's one way yet left (madam) to help all.  Land. 
He then transported, by his fierce desire,  
Which slaved him: by craft (I'll give it no worse  
A name) did that wrong to my modesty,  
Which I (being not so deep in passion)  
Might well have hindered; and by yielding to it,  
Have given scope for others to condemn me.  Ing. 
Which none can justly do: For, I'm assured,  
madam (though you have cause not to believe it)  
That his intents to your grace, were sincere  
At first, as now they are: and therefore (dear Queen,)  
You are to meet his past ill, with your goodness.  
Which, if you do not speedily: there will be  
No time, nor means hereafter, left for you  
To exercise your valour in this cause.  Land. 
When we behold our neighbour's house on fire,  
The Proverb says we ought look to our own:  
This you conceive; and I suppose you are  
Informed by these that love you, that we have  
As many valiant men and women, in  
A readiness, as may, if heaven be pleased  
(For we are pleased in 't) reinthrone your King;  
And chase those rebels that now urge his flight.  
Let then my brother (the Prince Valdemar)  
And you, make all the haste you can before us;  
With news of our approach. And, one thing more  
I must entreat you do for me: which is  
To deliver this Letter, unto him that  
Caused my sorrow; and left me great with child.  
Which fruit of his, he shall soon look on, young Frideslaus.  Vald. 
He should 'have stayed, to have got  
Such another.  Scan. 
In honesty, he could  
Have done no less.  Ing. 
Your grace's Letter, I hope  
Within these three hours, he shall read at furthest.  Vald. 
You'll give me leave to go before, to provide  
A lodging for you?  Scan. 
Yes: for I mean to be  
Your bedfellow tomorrow night.  Vald. 
And I shall strain myself, to bid you welcome.  Ing. 
The King will do as much too, for your Highness.  Land. 
Fie, not so soon man, that were a shame indeed,  
People would then say, that I went to ask it. smilingly  
Nor does he need me; having one (at least)  
Already to keep him warm.  Ing. 
He thinks of none,  
But your Grace.  Vald. 
We must be now abrupt in our  
Leave taking?  Land. 
Be gone Scania, fare you well. Inguar, may all  
The gods be your guides. Exeunt ambo.  Land. 
And now Marfisa.  
Silence declares with you, how gladly your heart  
Consents, to go for Denmark.  Mar. 
I mean to do  
Your Majesty some service there, now that  
You measure my affection by your own.  Scan. 
But what, if you come to wear the Willow garland,  
By the inconstancy of Captain Hubba?  Mar. 
Not (do as the Queen did) forgive the offence.  Fat. 
No less than 's life would satisfy your anger.  Mar. 
Do you make doubt on't?  Elsin. 
I believe him honest.  Land. 
What is your own opinion? Marfisa.  Mar. 
I still suppose the best.  Land. 
Then wait upon  
My cousin Fatyma: and both of you make haste  
To summon with all speed (on pain of death)  
All our troops (both men and women) in Anstoy,  
Saltsburg, and thereabouts. Our Sister and Aunt  
Shall to the nearer quarters; whilst I prepare  
Here all things requisite for our departure.  
And as we once made no small haste to meet  
King Reyner, when he brought us aid against  
Our foes: let's do the same in gratitude  
(And with more honour) now, in assisting of him.  
Those which we leave, will keep safe here. Away.  Fat. 
The trust imposed on us, we'll not betray. Exeunt omnes severally.  A march. Then enter Harrold, Aeric, and Lothaire armed. Har. 
We must make haste, Lord Lothaire, (now that by  
The help of heaven, for which we chiefly move:  
And the assistance which you Lord and ours,  
The noble Emperor Lewis, true inheritor  
Of his great father's virtues did afford us,  
We are ascended to what is our right,  
Being thereto lifted by your manly worth too)  
To make all sure, by joining our last issue  
With Reyner, ere the brave Landgartha come  
(Whom he once more thinks to deceive:) For, where  
She leads, all goes to wrack i' th' other side.  Loth. 
It 's strange so stout a mind as hers, should ever  
Yield love or obedience to a man that has  
So basely dealt to her.  Aeric. 
She squares all her  
Actions by the rule of goodness, not  
Of passion; and thinks this deed of hers,  
A very grateful offering to her gods,  
Yet, we do hope to send (before she land here:  
Her husband's rank soul, to great Belzebub.  Har. 
Then let's march on with speed; and trust our cause  
To him, that only gives life by his laws. Exeunt a march.  After the march, Enter Reyner and Hubba. Rey. 
Hear you no news from Inguar (Hubba) yet  Hub. 
Not a word: But a ship is now on entering  
In at the haven; and we hope it 's his.  Rey. 
No, no. We are of all the world forsaken,  
But most of heaven: For, we have deserved it,  
And our repentance now comes too too late.  Hub. 
I do beseech you sir, not to yield to  
Such weak, unmanly diffidence.  Rey. 
We wronged  
Thee (Hubba) too; and now thy loyalty  
And kindness wounds our soul deeper, than if thou hadst  
Proved false, all turns to my confusion.  Hub. 
It was your passion and not you, struck me, sir.  Rey. 
Would I were quickly dead, or never borne,  
To see the evils which I have occasioned,  
And must needs feel, if I but live a while.  Hub. 
Your noble Queen Landgartha, will I doubt not  
(If i' th' mean time sir, you do what lies in you,  
With patience) soon rid you of those fears;  
And State you as before; and in her love too.  Rey. 
I ne'er shall see that Halcyon day again,  
To see her, Hubba, though you all suppose  
The contrary; and caused me send to move  
Her goodness. She is too magnanimous  
Ever to look at such a wretch as I am,  
That deceived her once so foully.  Hub. 
You'll find  
yourself deceived, I hope sir, in that ere long.  Rey. 
Had I but faithful proved to her, as she  
Deserved (thou thinks it Hubba,) I might then  
'a' played at stoolball with young children, or  
Have wasted time more idly, if I'd listed;  
And have my estate multiplied to many  
Kingdoms. Now, thou seest, we are not worth one  
Province, strick me heaven. Enter Valdemar and Inguar.  Vald. 
Honest Captain, I  
Am glad to meet you alive.  Hub. 
Your highness' poor servant.  Ing. 
The King walks strangely sad.  Hub. 
He's not himself: and therefore, whatsoever  
News you bring; y' had need use your accustomed  
Discretion in the relating of it.  Rey. 
You are both as welcome hither, as my  
Distraction will give me leave to bid you.  Vald. 
I never knew you (sir) too much exalted  
At flattering Fortune's smiles, or when you Conquered:  
And (now she frowns) you still ought to preserve  
A valiant indifferency.  Rey. 
Healthy men  
Know how t' afford good counsel unto others,  
Whose forces being too weak, to bear the blows  
Of their diseases, yield and languish under  
The weight that 's insupportable.  Jng. 
The weaker  
Their minds are, the more they yield; beyond  
Necessity: and thereby become chief Actors  
In their own Tragedies.  Rey. 
I know you speak this,  
To prepare my mind, for the bad news you bring.  Ing. 
Your virtue will now most consist, in not  
Being over joyed, when you read this Letter,  
Written and sent by her, that says she loves you.  Rey. 
Let me see 't. I know the hand, it's hers,  
O let me, let me kiss it, kiss it still, Kisses the Letter.  
And not presume to look what it contains,  
To plague my guilty conscience. Vald. read and be ruled.  Reyner opens and Reads. 
If this my second duty, may prove as happy in the recovery of thy kingdoms, as my first was against a Tyrant; yet honouring thee with the victory; I shall account my travel well bestowed. Make head bravely (as wisdom permits) against the enemy: for I am coming with all speed, to let him know, that Landgartha (being thy Queen and only lawful Wife) is a warrior: and will prove so to his prejudice, and thy advantage: having from her heart (notwithstanding thy unkindness) absolved thee of all the wrongs thou didst her.  
Landgartha,  Rey. 
A gracious language! O you gods defend me,  
From turning altogether fool at this. For, my  
Frail vessel is not able to contain,  
The forcible excess of this sweet comfort.  
My soul results so strangely, mounts, mounts up,  
That I have much ado, to keep from dancing:  
My nimble spirit elevates my body,  
And my very life (I think) will now with joy  
Forsake me, fly away.  Vald. 
Be not in extremes,  
So like a mere frantic Pray recall your wits,  
Before she comes, you may lose all; yourself, and us.  Rey. 
Excuse me, worthy Cousin, you feel not  
The force of my impulsion. Yet, I confess  
I'm (but as others are) a poor weak man;  
Subject to many changes 'gainst my will.  Ing. 
Collect yourself, were 't but in obedience Enter scout.  
To your wise and noble Queen. What news with you?  Scout. 
That Harrold and his brother Eric, with  
A mighty power of Danes and Germans, march  
Hither with speed, doubtless to force a battle.  Ing. 
Which we must decline, till our best soldier  
Come: and then we are for 'em.  Vald. 
Lead us from hence,  
To guard your works; and do not now forget  
(Your wished aid being so near you) your old valour;  
And judgement to command.  Ray. 
I hope we shall not. Exeunt.  A march. Enter Harrold, Aeric, Lothaire, and one or two more with Battleaxes. Har. 
Our foes have fortified themselves so strongly,  
With Waggons, Carts, huge timber, and deep trenches:  
As 'tis impossible almost to force 'em.  Aeric. 
Which if you do not, you'll find it a worse task,  
To quail Landgartha; whose fleet's now at sea;  
Nay hard on landing.  Loth. 
Th' present attempt will not  
Perchance, prove so dangerous, as to th' eye  
It seems; if we valiantly engage  
ourselves in th' onset.  Har. 
Let us boldly on then;  
And to conclude what hitherto, we have  
So prosperously achieved. I will begin:  
And die, rather than lose what I have won. Exeunt.  Alarms, A while after which is begun, enter Reyner and Valdemar with Battleaxes. Rey. 
All 's lost beyond recovery, they are broke  
Upon us in, and fight like hungry lions,  
Tearing our men to pieces, that now leave,  
In foul disorder.  Vald. 
Do you (whilst I charge up,  
To give some stop unto their fury) rally  
And hearten yours, the best you may. For, if  
We can hold out, but one full hour: the noble  
Landgartha (that with speed incredible,  
Has almost landed all her forces) will be  
With us, to mend all again.  Rey. 
She shall never meet me flying. Exeunt. alarms.  Enter Landgartha, Scania, Elsinora, Fatyma, and Marfisa: The four Ladies, like Amazons. Marfisa with her Gown tucked to th' leg, spurs, etc. As in the first of the third Act; Battleaxes withal. Land. 
You hear this Music, Ladies, and perceive  
What need our friends have of our swift assistance.  
We are not therefore now, to insist upon Here the Alarms sound as far off.  
A tedious consultation; or on words  
By me delivered, to encourage those  
Whose worths I know already. Do you Aunt  
(Assisted by Fatyma and Marfisa)  
Lead half our Army: and wheel round about  
(With speed and silence) to charge strongly home,  
Upon our enemies backs. My sister and I  
Will to our Husbands, that are hardly pressed;  
Their men all routed, and a number slain.  
Farewell, I hope that we shall meet again. Exeunt severally alarms.  Alarms. Then enter Reyner at one door, and Harold at the other. Rey. 
Stand Traitor!  Har. 
Thou usurper, I will stand;  
And could afford you other glorious titles:  
But that I mean not (having met you) to  
Waste time in words, until your foolish sweetheart  
(Whom you would still deceive) come to your rescue.  
But now, I hope you never shall enjoy her,  
You know how.  Rey. 
You shall know somewhat from me, howsoever.  Here they fight, and Harrold beats Reyner under him; on which Landgartha enters, beats in Harrold and returns. Land. 
Is it you? I were not beholding, to Land. Exit.  
Have done this for you now. Go, look to yourself & people.  Rey. 
Dear heaven, where am I? or, is this a dream? Reyner rises as she beats in Harrold.  
It was Landgartha sure. O no, it was not,  
That glory and great miracle of the world,  
Could not afford such grace to me, the mere  
Fallen dregs of villainy. But yet, 't was she,  
The figure of her heavenly face, was once  
(And still is) so imprinted in my soul,  
As 't is impossible I should forget her,  
Therefore you gods, heap all those mountains on me,  
Which the impious Giants lifted against you,  
Or sink me down into the very Centre,  
That I may ne'er behold her any more,  
That is so like you, both in shape and goodness.  
For, both I have contemned, and my most base  
Ingratitude, never appeared at full;  
Till now. O jove, pound pound me with thy thunder,  
For, my confusion is the worst of torments. Enter Scania and Valdemar.  Scan. 
The King 's in danger; and we had need make haste  
To disengage him.  Vald. 
That 's done (I hope) already.  Rey. 
Welcome dear Sister, I am ashamed to look  
You in the face.  Scan. 
We heard (sir) you were in danger.  Rey. 
I was: But now may (when I list) go take  
A nap. would the infernal dogs would tear  
My limbs to callops: or add some worse torment  
Unto my mind's affliction.  Scan. 
You need not  
Afflict yourself so much, for aught we see:  
For, now the wheel is turned to your advantage;  
My Sister is friends with you too, sir.  Rey. 
She said  
My life, when I was down; and ready to  
Receive the last (and mortal) blow. But then,  
Gave me so sad a look, O loving Sister,  
That life which is her gift, if I must keep  
In her displeasure, is much worse than death.  Scan. 
Sir, if you will be ruled by me, you must not  
Express too much, those vehement affections:  
For, she's acquainted but too well already,  
With your sad passion, and the continuance of it.  Rey. 
Seeing you (dear Lady,) in love and wisdom,  
Esteem that my best course: I shall be dumb  
As night, calm as the calmest evening after  
A stormy day. Scania, let's follow, where she went then. Exeunt.  Enter Harrold and Aeric. Har. 
After our loss and watching these two nights,  
I cannot brother (the toil of our journey,  
Lying so heavy too, on my tired body)  
But sleep a little, though it be dangerous.  Aeric. 
My need's no less; a little sleep will serve.  Har. 
Let's take it here then, the place being solitary.  They sleep, and a sweet solemn Music of Recorders is heard, then enter an Angel. Ang. 
Heaven has decreed, another day  
Shall gain what you have lost. Your way  
Take both (as you were forced before)  
Unto the pious Emperor.  
One of you shall be King: whose seed  
Shall be so too, until 't all bleed.  
Then (when that issue is extinct)  
Norway and Denmark's whole precinct  
Shall be ruled by Landgartha's line,  
And reyner's. Her the powers divine  
Will (for her Moral virtues) turn  
A Christian, ere she come to th' Urn:  
Yield faith to this: For, without doubt,  
What I have said shall come about. Exit Ang. then Aeric stirs and wakes Har.  Aeric. 
Sir, you sleep exceeding soundly: Pray wake.  Har. 
I now am fresh enough; Come let's be gone.  Aeric. 
Dreamt you nothing, while you slept?  Har. 
No, did you?  Aeric. 
methought I heard a most heavenly Music;  
And that an Angel did appear: and wished us,  
Betake ourselves again to th' Emperor,  
That what we lost, another day should purchase;  
And that the fair Landgartha (as the reward  
Of her Moral virtues) would be made Christian,  
Before she died.  Har. 
Though we afford no credit  
Unto such dreams: Yet, we must steer our course  
That way; there being (after so great a loss)  
No comfort left, where our foes are so strong.  Aeric. 
Heaven will in time (I hope) revenge our wrong. Exeunt  Enter Cowsell and Radgee. Cow. 
Come brother Radgee, it is now concluded,  
We shall never part again.  Rad. 
O dear brother,  
I never had a good day on't (much less  
A good night) since (being barred the comfort of your  
Sweet conversation) you parted from me.  Cow. 
Nay brother, I can howl the same sad Madrigal  
Too: For look you brother, we were all so frighted  
By those fat-foggy Germans (who men say  
Are nothing but flesh and belly:) that we durst  
Allow no time for mirth and drinking.  Rad. 
Very  
Strange that brother. For, they say themselves are  
Exceeding good fellows.  Cow. 
just of that seize.  Rad. 
I'll tell you more what I heard spoken of 'em,  
Brother, they're sour: and never worth the trusting,  
Or honest i' their bargains, until they  
Be drunk, or at least half drunk.  Cow. 
That's as true,  
Brother, as that you and I drunk half a score  
flagons yesternight a piece. The North wind  
Is not so bitter in a morning, till he  
Has took a buttrum, or his Wine.  Rad. 
And then,  
Makes as good Music, as a Bagpipe when it's  
Full blown. What do you think of the Swedes? brother?  Cow. 
They are not (yet) altogether so good drinkers,  
As th' Germans are: but well fallen to 't of late.  
Which makes me suppose, brother, they'll be beaten  
Out too. For besides, the King will no more kiss  
The Queen Uraca, as't is spoken: But stick  
To 's own old Comrade, being indeed the fairer.  Rad. 
Yet, in my opinion brother: his Grace  
Being married to both, should do exceeding well,  
To keep both still: Sleep betwixt both a-nights.  
And embrace both by turns. What say you brother?  Cow. 
What? But to concur with you? and for many  
Good, and convincing reasons. 's for example:  
The King being kept so warm on both sides, by  
Two such delicate creatures, 't were impossible  
He should catch cold; ay, or perchance be troubled  
With Coughs, Scyaticas, or other bone-ache;  
And to have Swealand and Norway at command,  
Were a matter of no small importance,  
You conceive me, brother.  Cow. 
Few wise men better,  
In part. But, stand aside: themselves are coming. Flourish.  Enter Reyner, Landgartha, Valdemar, Uraca, Scania, Inguar, Elsinora Fatyma, Hubba and Marfisa; the Norwegian Ladies in woman's apparel, with Swords on; Marfisa with her Gown untucked and sword on. Ing. 
You will not (gracious madam) thus deceive  
The expectations of your poor, and loving  
People: whose whole hopes, comfort, safety (nay all  
We can for the present, or hereafter call ours)  
Are but benefits derived from the fountain  
Of your warm bounty; at whose goodness yet,  
We most rejoice. Do not then (dear Empress,) strike  
Sorrow to our lately bleeding hearts; that still  
Pant (and not slowly) by our former fears;  
And the sore stripes we took: Which, but for you,  
For ever were incurable; and now  
By your forsaking of us, will fester worse  
Than before.  Land. 
That you need not fear, Lord Inguar.  
For, I shall ne'er be wanting in my care,  
And love unto this Nation. Leaving here  
The best half of our Army, now behind us;  
To prevent all future mischiefs.  Jng. 
Our dishonour  
In your departure, we shall ne'er recover.  Rey. 
My offence (which now 's my worst affliction,  
With what it does occasion) all may see,  
Took origin and issue, more of humane  
Frailty, and foolish pride: then want of love  
To you; or of desert in you, to merit  
A better and more powerful man than I am;  
Th' world's only Monarch, if there were but one,  
For which, I (without your mercy to restore me  
Once more unto your heart, as to my kingdoms)  
Must spend my days (which shall not then be many)  
Like to a sickly beast without a soul.  Land. 
My heart shall still receive you: But, on my word,  
Th' rest of my body you shall not enjoy, sir,  
I now am gaunt you see,  
All though you must not have a feeling of it;  
And if I do play false, my belly will show't  
Questionless: For, I am fruitful if  
I should be touched.  Vald. 
Although but weakly, madam.  
On you, and this your kind friend: but that I waved  
Him for my husband, that despised me as  
His honest Mate; and would 'have loved me for  
By-blows. Therefore, enjoy him still: for, I suppose  
You are a Hen, that must be trod.  Vrac. 
That 's more than you know; or I hope shall find.  Rey. 
She shall ne'er enjoy me; nor has not  
Of a long time I'll swear, if that will serve.  Land. 
It shall not sir) believe it. Yet, ne'er fear  
You shall be armed i' th' front by me; which is  
A wrong this other Lady cannot do you,  
If she would.  Vrac. 
I'll leave that now for you, that have  
The abler body.  Land. 
And you the frailer mind.  
But if you chop words with me thus, or insult:  
I may (for a farewell) crack your birds neck,  
Before we part.  Vrac. 
I must not stand so near  
You then. She steps behind Reyner, and holds him betwixt Langartha and herself.  Rey. 
Nor I prove any safeguard for you. Steps from betwixt them.  
But should take part with her, whom I love best;  
And has best right unto me.  Urac. 
That you say  
To flatter her, and for mere fear. But if  
I had you in private, I know what you  
would sing; and play too, if I should but yield. Land. runs at her, and Elsinora steps in.  Elsin. 
What do you mean?  Land. 
That I will ne'er have him,  
That is resolved.  Elsin. 
Your resolution  
(I must say) in that, is worse than madness.  Land. 
I'll not quarrel with you, Aunt. Yet, do admire  
A Lady of your known modesty, should be  
So far mistaken, and in such a cause.  Elsin. 
It's you that are mistaken: I confess.  
I was at first an opposite in your love  
Unto the King: but, seeing you would needs  
Yield (then) your virgin Fort unto his highness:  
I now would have you take what wives do use;  
And let me still live chaste, that do profess it.  Scan. 
My Aunt says more (to me I am sure she did:)  
All aught to live according their vocation.  
And not preposterously prove aliens to it.  
Nor will it serve to say he tore the bond,  
Now that he's sorry for't: For, still the general good  
Must be preferred to all particular  
Merit; or that devotion that may  
By foolish zeal, prove a too great offence.  Land. 
I must hear more opinions, ere I part  
From my strong purpose: therefore sir, adieu.  
Be merciful in chief, unto your subjects;  
To allure their hearts, by love: that being the tie  
That will hold strongest; never can be broken,  
Unless by fools, or mad men. For, that party  
That should tend any mischief, 'gainst a good Prince:  
Were first to kill all his subjects, being the king's friends;  
Or perish himself, by his fatal and bad  
Purpose. Be just and virtuous, and you need not  
Fear poison, poniards, or conspiracy.  
To end: Norway shall be preserved for your young son;  
And as for me (though yours:) I'll end my life,  
An honest widow, or forsaken wife: Exit with Elsinora, Fatyma, & Marfisa  Vald. 
I must take leave too.  Rey. 
Farewell, worthiest Cousin.  Scan. 
You know the way to Norway, Sir, and if  
I might advise so wise a King to follow  
Us thither, and not slowly: that honourable  
Obligation would so bind your Queen  
(Being seconded by us your friends, and reason)  
That I believe what now she does deny,  
She would then grant; especially, when she  
Perceives you constant in your vowed affection:  
For this perchance she does to tempt and try you.  
Nay, I am sure she does; and that she will be  
Yours again, if you persever in your love to her,  
In the mean time, I shall not fail to prove,  
Your grace's faithful, loving advocate.  Rey. 
In you the anchor of my trust lies only fixed,  
Dear sister. I must follow your advice. kisses her.  Exit Scania & Valdemar. Rad. 
O brother, brother: must we part at last? They embrace. Exeunt Cow. & Radgee.  Cow. 
No, no: get afore; I'll steal along with you.  Rey. 
Inguar, Didst think our hopes should end in this?  Ing. 
It may prove better; and I hope it will sit.  Rey. 
Accursed Fate of man, of foolish man,  
That cannot prize a jewel while he has it,  
Till it be lost, and then his grief is vain,  
Vain and unprofitable, when no hope  
Is left to find it, which I fear's my case;  
Our misery the mirror's made, by which  
We only see our faults, our dangerous wounds.  
Which likely then can never be recured:  
Being gangrene filthy sores, that do Corrode  
So far into the very soul of man,  
That they hale to sad desperation.  
To which point I'm almost arrived, the Gem  
I lost, being so rich, as all earth's Potentates  
A richer could not boast. Which if I find not  
(Struck with my dire misfortune) my own hand  
Shall send my spirit to the Stygian strand. Exit with Ing. & Hub.  Vrac. 
And seeing I've walked astray, I will from hence:  
By future good to expiate my offence. Exit in the middle.   
FINIS.   

epilogue.  
Scania (that spoke the Prologue) now delivers the Epilogue, apparelled as in the last Scene, with her Sword and Belt in her hand.  
THough our Author cares not, how his Play may take:  
Yet, cause he purposes not to forsake  
In his affection, any Worthy here;  
He hath sent me 'fore the Court break up, to appear  
For him again; to see how it hath pleased:  
For, notwithstanding he means to be eased;  
For ever of th' like task: Yet, from his heart  
He wishes, you and he should fairly part.  
And this he more (for him) desired me say:  
Where others spend a year about a Play  
(Picking a sentence here, a word from thence)  
This tragicomedy with the expense  
Of less than two months' time he penned: For he  
's not too ambitious of the dignity  
Of a prime Poet; which he needs must know,  
The Muses chief (Apollo) doth bestow  
But very rarely. Himself he knows too  
Better i' th' Art, than some that to be so  
Thought worthy, malign him. If this please you,  
It's all he'll ask of Helicon: Adieu.   

 

   

Some (but not of best judgements) were offended at the Conclusion of this Play, in regard Landgartha took not then, what she was persuaded to by so many, the Kings kind night-imbraces. To which kind of people (that know not what they say) I answer (omitting all other reasons:) that a tragicomedy should neither end Comically or Tragically, but betwixt both: which Decorum I did my best to observe, not to go against Art, to please the over-amorous. To the rest of babblers, I despise any answer.   

This Play was first Acted on S. Patrick's day, 1639. with the allowance of the Master of Revels.