THE TRAGEDY OF ALPHONSUS emperor OF GERMANY As it hath been very often acted (with great applause) at the Private house in Blackfriars by his Majesty's Servants.  
By George Chapman Gent.  
LONDON, Printed for HUMPHREY MOSELEY, and are to be sold at his Shop at the PRINCE's Arms in St. Paul's Churchyard 1614.   

To the Reader  
I Shall not need to bespeak thee Courteous, if thou hast seen this Piece presented with all the Elegance of Life and Action on the Blackfriars Stage; But if it be a Stranger to thee, give me leave to prepare thy acceptation, by telling thee, it was received with general applause, and thy judgement (I doubt not) will be satisfied in the reading.  
I will not raise thy Expectation further, nor delay thy Entertainment by a tedious Preface. The Design is high, the Contrivement subtle, and will deserve thy grave Attention in the perusal.  
Farewell.   


Dramatis Personae.  
ALphonsus Emperor of Germany 

The seven Electors of the German Empire.  
King of Bohemia.  
Bishop of Mentz.  
Bishop of Collen.  
Bishop of Tryer.  
Palatine of the Rhein.  
Duke of Saxon.  
Marquess of Brandenburg.    
Prince Edward of England.  
Richard Duke of Cornwall:  
Lorenzo de Cipres, Secretary to the Emperor.  
Alexander his Son, the emperor's Page.  
Isabella the Empress.  
Hedewick Daughter to the Duke of Saxon.  
Captain of the Guard.  
soldiers.  
Jailor.  
Two Boors.    


ALPHONSUS Emperor of Germany.  Enter Alphonsus the Emperor in his nightgown, and his shirt, and a torch in his hand, Alexander de Tripes his Page following him. Al. 
BOy, give me the Master Key of all the doors.  
To Bed again, and leave me to myself.  [Exit Alexder. 
Is Richard come? have four Electors sworn  
To make him Keisar in despite of me?  
Why then Alphonsus it is time to wake.  
No Englishman, thou art too hot at hand,  
Too shallow brained to undermine my throne;  
The Spanish Sun hath purified my wit,  
And dried up all gross humours in my head,  
That I am sighted as the King of Birds,  
And can discern thy deepest Stratagems.  
I am the lawful German Emperor,  
Chosen, installed, by general consent;  
And they may term me Tyrant as they please,  
I will be King, and Tyrant if I please;  
For what is Empire but a Tyranny?  
And none but children use it otherwise.  
Of seven Electors, four are fallen away,  
The other three I dare not greatly trust;  
My Wife is Sister to mine enemy,  
And therefore wisely to be dealt withal;  
But why do I except in special,  
When this position must be general,  
That no man living must be credited,  
Further than tends unto thy proper good.  
But to the purpose of my silent walk;  
Within this Chamber lies my Secretary,  
Lorenzo de Cipres, in whose learned brain  
Is all the compass of the world contained;  
And as the ignorant and simple age  
Of our forefathers, blinded in their zeal,  
Received dark answers from Appollo's shrine,  
And honoured him as Patron of their bliss;  
So I, not muffled in simplicity,  
Zealous indeed of nothing but my good,  
Hast to the Augur of my happiness,  
To lay the ground of my ensuing Wars.  
He learns his wisdom, not by flight of Birds,  
By prying into sacrificed beasts,  
By Hares that cross the way, by howling Wolves,  
By gazing on the Starry Element,  
Or vain imaginary calculations;  
But from a settled wisdom in itself  
Which teacheth to be void of passion.  
To be Religious as the ravenous Wolf,  
Who loves the Lamb for hunger, and for prey;  
To threaten our inferiors with our looks;  
To flatter our Superiors at our need;  
To be an outward Saint, an inward Devil;  
These are the lectures that my Master reads.  
This Key commands all Chambers in the Court;  
Now on a sudden will I try his wit,  
I know my coming is unlooked for.  He opens the door and finds Lorenzo sleep aloft. 
Nay sleep, Lorenzo, I will walk a while.  
As nature in the framing of the world,  
Ordained there should be nihil vacuum;  
Even so methinks his wisdom should contrive,  
That all his Study should be full of wit,  
And every corner stuffed with sentences?  
What's this? Plato? Aristotle? tush these are ordinary,  
It seems this is a note but newly written.  [He reads a note which he finds among his Books. 
Una arbusta non alit dvos Erithicos; which being granted, the Roman Empire will not suffice Alphonsus King of Castille, and Richard Earl of Cornwall his competitor; thy wisdom teacheth thee to cleave to the strongest; Alphonsus is in possession, and therefore the strongest, but he is in hatred with the Electors, and men rather honour the Sunrising than the Sun going down. I marry this is argued like himself, and now methinks he wakes.  Lorenzo Riseth, and snatches at his sword which hung by his Bed side.] Loren. 
What are there thieves within the Emperor's Court?  
Villain thou diest; what mak'st thou in my Chamber?  Alphon. 
How now Lorenzo, wilt thou slay thy Lord?  Loren. 
I do beseech your sacred Majesty to pardon me,  
I did not know your grace.  Alphon. 
Lie down Lorenzo, I will sit by thee,  
The air is sharp and piercing; tremble not,  
Had it been any other but ourselves,  
He must have been a villain and a thief.  Loren. 
Alas my Lord! what means your excellence,  
To walk by night in these so dangerous times?  Alphon. 
Have I not reason now to walk and watch,  
When I am compassed with so many foes?  
They ward, they watch, they cast, and they conspire,  
To win confederate Princes to their aid,  
And batter down the Eagle from my crest.  
O, my Lorenzo, if thou help me not,  
Th' Imperial Crown is shaken from my head,  
And given from me unto an English Earl.  
Thou knowest how all things stand as well as we,  
Who are our enemies, and who our friends,  
Who must be threatened, and who dallied with,  
Who won by words, and who by force of arms;  
For all the honour I have done to thee.  
Now speak, and speak to purpose in the cause;  
Nay rest thy body, labour with thy brain,  
And of thy words myself will be the scribe.  Loren. 
Why then my Lord, take Paper, Pen and Ink,  
Write first this maxim, it shall do you good.  
1. A Prince must be of the nature of the Lion and the Fox; but not the one without the other.  Alphon. 
The Fox is subtle, but he wanteth force;  
The Lion strong, but scorneth policy;  
I'll imitate Lysander in this point,  
And where the Lion's hide is thin and scant,  
I'll firmly patch it with the Foxes fell.  
Let it suffice I can be both in one.  Loren. 
2. A Prince above all things must seem devout; but there is nothing so dangerous to his state, as to regard his promise or his oath.  Alphon. 
Tush, fear not me, my promise; are sound,  
But he that trusts them shall be sure to fail.  Loren. 
Nay my good Lord, but that I know your Majesty,  
To be a ready quickwitted Scholar,  
I would bestow a comment on the text.  
3. Trust not a reconciled friend; for good turns cannot blot out old grudges.  Alphon. 
Then must I watch the Palatine of the Rhein,  
I caused his Father to be put to death.  Loren. 
Your Highness hath as little cause to trust  
The dangerous mighty Duke of Saxony;  
You know, you sought to banish him the Land;  
And as for Cullen, was not he the first  
That sent for Richard into Germany?  Alphon. 
What's thy opinion of the other four?  Alphon. 
That Bohemie neither cares for one nor other,  
But hopes this deadly strife between you twain,  
Will cast th' Imperial Crown upon his head.  
For Trier and Brandenburg, I think of them  
As simple men that wish the common good;  
And as for Mentz I need not censure him,  
Richard hath chained him in a golden bond,  
And saved his life from ignominious death.  Alphon. 
Let it suffice, Lorenzo, that I know,  
When Churfurst Mentz was taken Prisoner,  
By young victorious Otho Duke of Brunschweig  
That Richard Earl of Cornwall did disburse  
The ransom of a King, a million,  
To save his life, and rid him out of bands,  
That sum of gold did fill the Brunschweig bags;  
But since myself have rained a golden shower.  
Of bright Hungarian ducats and Crusadoes,  
Into the private Coffers of the Bishop,  
The English Angels took their wings and fled;  
My crosses bless his Coffers, and plead for me,  
His Voice is mine, bought with ten tun of Gold,  
And at the meeting of the seven Electors,  
His Princely double-dealing holiness  
Will spoil the English Emperor of hope.  
But I refer these matter to the sequel.  
Proceed Lorenzo forward to the next.  Loren. 
I'm glad your grace hath dealt so cunningly,  
With that victorious fickle minded Prelate; for in election his voice is first but to the next.  
4. 'Tis more safety for a Prince to be feared than loved.  Alphon. 
Love is an humour pleaseth him that loves;  
Let me be hated, so I please myself.  
Love is an humour mild and changeable;  
But fear oer graves a reverence in the heart.  Loren. 
5. To keep an usurped Crown, a Prince must swear, forswear, poison, murder, and commit all kind of villainies, provided it be cunningly kept from the eye of the world.  Alphon. 
But my Lorenzo that's the hardest point,  
It is not for a Prince to execute,  
Physicians and Apothecaries must know,  
And service fear or Counsel-breaking bribes,  
Will from a Peasant in an hour extort  
Enough to overthrow a Monarchy.  Loren. 
Therefore my Lord set down this sixth and last Article.  
6. Be always jealous of him that knows your secrets,  
And therefore it behooves you credit few;  
And when you grow into the least suspect.  
With silent cunning must you cut them off.  
As for example, julio Lentulus,  
A most renowned Neapolitan,  
Gave me this Box of poison, 'twas not long  
But therewithal I sent him to his grave.  Alphon. 
And what's the special virtue of the same?  Loren. 
That it is twenty days before it works.  Alphon. 
But what is this?  Loren. 
This an infection that kills suddenly;  
This but a toy to cast a man asleep.  Alphon. 
How? b'ing drunk?  Loren. 
No, being smelled unto.  Alphon. 
Then smell Lorenzo, I did break thy sleep;  
And, for this time, this lecture shall suffice.  Loraen. 
What have you done my Lord? you've made me safe,  
For stirring hence these four and twenty hours.  Alphon. 
I see this charms his senses suddenly.  
How now Lorenzo, half asleep already?  
Aeneas Pilot by the God of dreams,  
Was never lulled into a sounder trance;  
And now Alphonsus overread thy notes.  [He reads. 
These are already at my finger's ends,  
And lest the world should find this little Schedule,  
Thus will I rend the text, and after this,  
On my behaviour set so fair a gloss,  
That men shall take me for a Convertite;  
But some may think, I should forget my part,  
And have been over rash in renting it,  
To put them out of doubt I study sure,  
I'll make a backward repetition,  
In being jealous of my Counsel keepers,  
This is the poison that kills suddenly,  
So didst thou unto julius Lentulus,  
And blood with blood must be requited thus.  
Now am I safe, and no man knows my Counsels,  
Churfurst of Mentz, if now thou play thy part,  
earning thy gold with cunning workmanship,  
Upon the Bemish king's ambition,  
Richard shall shamefully fail of his hope,  
And I with triumph keep my Empery.  Exit. Enter the King of Bohemia, the Bishops of Mentz, Collen, Trier, the Palatine of the Rhein, The Duke of Saxon, The Marquess of Brandenburg. Bohe. 
Churfursts and Princes of the Election,  
Since by the adverse fortune of our age,  
The sacred and Imperial Majesty  
Hath been usurped by open Tyranny,  
We the seven Pillars of the German Empire,  
To whom successively it doth belong  
To make election of our Emperors,  
Are here assembled to unite a new  
Unto her former strength and glorious type,  
Our half declining Roman Monarchy,  
And in that hope, I Henry King of Bohem,  
Churfurst and Sewer to the Emperor,  
Do take my seat next to the sacred throne.  Mentz. 
Next seat belongs to julius Florius  
Archbishop of Mentz, Chancellor of Germany,  
By birth the Duke of fruitful Pomerland.  Pal. 
The next place in election longs to me,  
George Cassimirus Palsgrave of the Rhein,  
His highness' Taster, and upon my knee  
I vow a pure sincere innated zeal  
Unto my Country, and no wrested hate,  
Or private love shall blind mine intellect.  Collen. 
Brave Duke of Saxon, Dutch-land's greatest hope,  
Stir now or never, let the Spanish tyrant,  
That hath dishonoured us, murdered our Friends,  
And stained this seat with blood of innocents,  
At last be chastised with the Saxon sword,  
And may Albertus Archbishop of Collen,  
chancellor of Gallia and the fourth Elector;  
Be thought unworthy of his place and birth,  
But he assist thee to his utmost power.  Sax. 
Wisdom, not words, must be the sovereign salve,  
To search and heal these grievous festered wounds,  
And in that hope Augustus Duke of Saxon,  
arch-marshal to the Emperor take my place.  Trier. 
The like doth Frederick archbishop of Trier,  
Duke of Lorraine, Chancellor of italy.  Bran. 
The seventh and last is joachim Carolus,  
Marquess of Brandenburg, overworn with age,  
Whose Office is to be the Treasurer;  
But Wars have made the Coffers like the Chair.  
Peace bringeth plenty, Wars bring poverty;  
Grant Heavens, this meeting may be to effect,  
Establish Peace, and cut off Tyranny.  Enter the Empress Isabella King John's Daughter, Empress. 
Pardon my bold intrusion mighty Churfursts,  
And let my words pierce deeply in your hearts.  
O! I beseech you on my bended Knees,  
I the poor miserable Empress,  
A stranger in this Land, unused to broils,  
Wife to the one, and Sister to the other  
That are Competitors for Sovereignty;  
All that I pray, is, make a quiet end;  
Make Peace between my Husband and my Brother.  
O think how grief doth stand on either side,  
If either party chance to be miss;  
My Husband is my Husband; but my Brother,  
My heart doth melt to think he should miscarry.  
My Brother is my Brother; but my Husband,  
O how my joints do shake fearing his wrong!  
If both should die in these uncertain broils.  
O me, why do I live to think upon't!  
Bear with my interrupted speeches Lords,  
Tears stop my voice, your wisdoms know my meaning.  
Alas I know my Brother Richard's heart  
Affects not Empire, he would rather choose  
To make return again to Palestine,  
And be a scourge unto the Infidels;  
As for my Lord, he is impatient,  
The more my grief, the lesser is my hope,  
Yet Princes thus he sends you word by me,  
He will submit himself to your award,  
And labour to amend what is amiss.  
All I have said, or can device to say,  
Is few words of great worth, Make unity,  Bohe. 
Madam, that we have suffered you to kneel so long,  
Agrees not with your dignity nor ours;  
Thus we excuse it, when we once are set,  
In solemn Council of Election,  
We may not rise till somewhat be concluded.  
So much for that; touching your earnest sure,  
Your Majesty doth know how it concern us,  
Comfort yourself, as we do hope the best;  
But tell us, Madam, where's your Husband now?  Empress. 
I left him at his prayers, good my Lord.  Saxon. 
At prayers? Madam, that's a miracle.  Pall. 
Undoubtedly your Highness did mistake;  
'Twas sure some Book of Conjuration;  
I think he never said prayer in his life.  Empress. 
Ah me, my fear, I fear, will take effect;  
Your hate to him, and love unto my Brother,  
Will break my heart, and spoil th' Imperial peace.  Mentz. 
My Lord of Saxon, and Prince Palatine,  
This hard opinion yet is more than needs;  
But, gracious Madam, leave us to ourselves.  Empress. 
I go, and Heaven that holds the Hearts of Kings,  
Direct your Counsels unto unity.  Exit. Bohe. 
Now to the depth of that we have in hand;  
This is the question, whether the King of Spain  
Shall still continue in the Royal throne,  
Or yield it up unto Plantagenet,  
Or we proceed unto a third election.  Saxon. 
ere such a viperous bloodthirsty Spaniard  
Shall suck the hearts of our Nobility,  
Th' Imperial Sword which Saxony doth bear,  
Shall be unsheathed to War against the world.  Pall. 
My hate is more than words can testify,  
Slave as he is he murdered my Father.  Coll. 
Prince Richard is the Champion of the world,  
Learned, and mild, fit for the Government.  Bohe. 
And what have we to do with Englishmen?  
They are divided from our Continent.  
But now that we may orderly proceed  
To our high Office of Election,  
To you my Lord of Mentz it doth belong,  
Having first voice in this Imperial Synod,  
To name a worthy man for Emperor.  Mentz. 
It may be thought, most grave and reverend Princes,  
That in respect of divers sums of gold,  
Which Richard of mere charitable love,  
Not as a bribe, but as a deed of Alms,  
Disbursed for me unto the Duke of Brunschweig,  
That I dare name no other man but he,  
Or should I nominate another Prince,  
Upon the contrary I may be thought  
A most ingrateful wretch unto my Friend;  
But private cause must yield to public good;  
Therefore methinks it were the fittest course,  
To choose the worthiest upon this Bench.  Bohem. 
We are all Germans, why should we be yoked  
Either by Englishmen or Spaniards?  Saxo. 
The Earl of Cornwall by a full consent  
Was sent for out of England.  Mentz. 
Though he were,  
Our later thoughts are purer than our first,  
And to conclude, I think this end were best,  
Since we have once chosen him Emperor,  
That some great Prince of wisdom and of power,  
Whose countenance may overbear his pride,  
Be joined in equal Government with Alphonsus.  Bohem. 
Your Holiness hath soundly in few words  
Set down a mean to quiet all these broils.  Trier. 
So may we hope for peace if he amend;  
But shall Prince Richard then be joined with him?  Pal. 
Why should your Highness ask that question?  
As if a Prince of so high Kingly Birth,  
Would live in couples with so base a Cur?  Bohe. 
Prince Palatine, such words do ill become thee.  Saxon. 
He said but right, and called Dog a Dog.  Bohe. 
His Birth is Princely.  Saxo. 
His manners villainous,  
And virtuous Richard scorns so base a yoke.  Bohe. 
My Lord of Saxon, give me leave to tell you,  
Ambition blinds your judgement in this case;  
You hope, if by your means Richard be Emperor,  
He, in requital of so great advancement,  
Will make the long-desired Marriage up  
Between the Prince of England and your Sister,  
And to that end Edward the Prince of Wales,  
Hath born his Uncle Company to Germany.  Saxo. 
Why King of Bohem is't unknown to thee,  
How oft the Saxons Sons have married Queens,  
And daughter's Kings, yea mightiest Emperors?  
If Edward like her beauty and behaviour,  
He'll make no question of her Princely Birth;  
But let that pass, I say, as erst I said,  
That virtuous Richard scorns so base a yoke.  Mentz. 
If Richard scorn, some one upon this Bench,  
Whose power may overbear Alphonsus' pride,  
Is to be named. What think you my Lords?  Saxon. 
I think it was a mighty mass of Gold,  
That made your grace of this opinion.  Mentz. 
My Lord of Saxony, you wrong me much,  
And know I highly scorn to take a bribe.  Pal. 
I think you scorn indeed to have it known:  
But to the purpose, if it must be so,  
Who is the fittest man to join with him?  Collen. 
First with an Ox to plough will I be yoked.  Mentz. 
The fittest is your grace in mine opinion.  Bohem. 
I am content, to stay these mutinies,  
To take upon me what you do impose.  Saxon. 
Why here's a tempest quickly overblown.  
God give you joy my Lord of half the Empire;  
For me I will not meddle in the matter,  
But warn your Majesty to have a care,  
And vigilant respect unto your person,  
I'll hie me home to fortify my Towns,  
Not to offend, but to defend myself.  Pals. 
Ha' with you x, and adieu my Lords,  
I am afraid this sudden knitted Peace,  
Will turn unto a tedious lasting War;  
Only thus much we do request you all,  
Deal honourably with the Earl of Cornwall,  
And so adieu.  Exeunt. Saxon. and Pals. Brand. 
I like not this strange Farewell of the Dukes.  Bohem. 
In all elections some are malcontent.  
It doth concern us now with speed to know,  
How the Competitors will like of this,  
And therefore you my Lord Archbishop of Trier,  
Impart this order of arbitrament  
Unto the Emperor, bid him be content,  
To stand content with half, or lose the whole.  
My Lord of Mentz go you unto Prince Richard,  
And tell him flatly here's no Crown, nor Empire  
For English Islanders; tell him, 'twere his best,  
To hie him home to help the King his Brother,  
Against the Earl of Leicester and the Barons.  Collen. 
My Lord of Mentz, sweet words will qualify,  
When bitter terms will add unto his rage.  
'Tis no small hope that hath deceived the Duke;  
Therefore be mild; I know an Englishman,  
Being flattered, is a Lamb, threatened, a Lion;  
Tell him his charges what so e'er they are  
shallbe repaid with treble vantages;  
Do this; we will expect their resolutions.  Mentz. 
Brother of Collen, I entreat your grace  
To take this charge upon you in my stead;  
For why I shame to look him in the face.  Collen. 
Your Holiness shall pardon me in this,  
Had I the profit I would take the pains;  
With shame enough your Grace may bring the message.  Mentz. 
Thus am I wronged, God knows, unguiltily.  Brand. 
Then arm your countenance with innocency,  
And boldly do the message to the Prince;  
For no man else will be the messenger.  Mentz. 
Why then I must, since there's no remedy.  [Exit. Mentz Brand. 
If Heaven that guides the hearts of mighty men,  
Do calm the Winds of these great Potentates,  
And make them like of this Arbitrament,  
Sweet Peace will triumph through Christendom,  
And Germany shall bless this happy day.  Enter Alexander de Toledo the Page. Alexand. 
O me most miserable O my dear Father!  Bohem. 
What means this passionate accent? what art thou  
That sounds these acclamations in our ears?  Alex. 
Pardon me Princes, I have lost a Father,  
O me, the name of Father kills my heart.  
O! I shall never see my Father more,  
H'as ta'en his leave of me for age and age.  Collen. 
What was thy Father?  Alex. 
Ah me I what was a not?  
Noble, Rich, valiant, well-beloved of all,  
The glory and the wisdom of his age,  
Chief Secretary to the Emperor.  Collen. 
Lorenzo de Toledo, is he dead?  Alex. 
Dead, ay me dead, ay me my life is dead,  
Strangely this night bereft of breath and sense,  
And I, poor I, am comforted in nothing,  
But that the Emperor laments with me,  
As I exclaim, so he, he rings his hands,  
And makes me mad to see his Majesty  
Excruciate himself with endless sorrow.  Collen. 
The happiest news that ever I did hear;  
Thy Father was a villain murderer,  
Witty, not wise, loved like a Scorpion,  
Grown rich by the impoverishing of others,  
The chiefest cause of all these mutinies,  
And Caesar's tutor to all villainy.  Alex. 
None but an open liar terms him so.  Col. 
What Boy, so malapert?  Bohem. 
Good Collen bear with him, it was his Father,  
Dutch-land is blessed in Lorenzo's Death.  Brand. 
Did never live a viler minded man.  Exeunt. Manet Alex. Alex. 
Nor King, nor Churfurst should be privileged  
To call me Boy, and rail upon my Father,  
Were I wehrsafflig; but in Germany,  
A man must be a Boy at 40. years,  
And dares not draw his weapon at a Dog,  
Till being soundly boxed about the ears,  
His Lord and Master gird him with a sword;  
The time will come I shall be made a man,  
Till then I'll pine with thought of dire revenge,  
And live in Hell until I take revenge.   

ACT. II.  Enter Alphonsus, Richard Earl of Cornwall, Mentz, Trier, Prince Edward, Bohemia, Collen, Brandenburge, Attendants, and Pages with a sword. Bohem. 
Behold here come the PRINCE's hand in hand,  
Pleased highly with the sentence as it seems.  Alphon. 
Princes and Pillars of the Monarchy,  
We do admire your wisdoms in this cause,  
And do accept the King of Bohemia,  
As worthy partner in the Government.  
Alas my Lords, I flatly now confess,  
I was alone too weak to underprop  
So great a burden as the Roman Empire,  
And hope to make you all admire the course  
That we intend in this conjunction.  Richard. 
That I was called from England with consent  
Of all the seven Electors to this place,  
yourselves best know, who wrote for me to come.  
'Twas no ambition moved me to the journey,  
But pity of your half declining State;  
Which being likely now to be repaired,  
By the united force of these two Kings,  
I rest content to see you satisfied.  Mentz. 
Brave Earl, wonder of Princely patience,  
I hope your grace will not misthink of me,  
Who for your good, and for the empire's best,  
Bethought this means to set the world at Peace.  Edward. 
No doubt this means might have been thought upon,  
Although your Holiness had died in Prison.  Mentz. 
Peace, peace young Prince, you want experience;  
Your Uncle knows what cares accompany,  
And wait upon the Crowns of mightiest Kings,  
And glad he is that he hath shaked it off.  Edward. 
Hark in your ear my Lord, hear me one word,  
Although it were more than a million,  
Which these two Kings bestowed upon your grace,  
Mine Uncle Richard's million saved your life.  Mentz. 
you were best to say, your Uncle bribed me then.  Edward. 
I do but say mine Uncle saved your life,  
You know Count Mansfield your fellow Prisoner,  
Was by the Duke of Brunswick put to death.  Mentz. 
You are a Child my Lord, your words are wind.  Edward. 
You are a Fox my Lord, and past a Child.  Bohem. 
My Lord of Cornwall, your great forwardness,  
Crossing the Seas with aid of Englishmen,  
Is more than we can any way requite;  
But this your admirable patience,  
In being pleased with our election,  
Deserves far more than thanks can satisfy,  
In any thing command the Emperors,  
Who live to honour Richard Earl of Cornwall.  Alpho. 
Our deeds shall make our Protestations good,  
meanwhile, brave Princes, let us leave this place,  
And solace us with joy of this accord.  Enter Isabella the Empress, Hedewick the Duke of Saxon's Daughter, apparelled like Fortune, drawn on a Globe, with a Cup in her hand, wherein are Bay leaves, whereupon are written the lots. A train of Ladies following with Music. Empress. 
To gratulate this unexpected Peace,  
This glorious league confirmed against all hope,  
Joyful Isabella doth present this show,  
Of Fortune's triumph, as the custom is  
At Coronation of our Emperors;  
If therefore every party be well pleased,  
And stand content with this arbitrament,  
Then deign to do as your Progenitors,  
And draw in sequence Lots for Offices.  Alphon. 
This is an order here in Germany,  
For Princes to disport themselves with all,  
In sign their hearts so firmly are conjoined,  
That they will bear all fortunes equally,  
And that the world may know I scorn no state,  
Or course of life to do the Empire good,  
I take my chance: My Fortune is to be the Forester,  Emp. 
If we want Venison either red or fallow,  
Wild boar or bear, you must be fined my Lord.  Bohem. 
The Emperor's Taster I.  Emp. 
Your Majesty hath been tasted to so oft,  
That you have need of small instructions.  Richard. 
I am the bower, Sister what is my charge?  Emp. 
tired like a Carter, and a Clownish Bower,  
To bring a load of Wood into the Kitchen.  
Now for myself, Faith I am Chamber Maid,  
I know my charge; proceed unto the next.  Alphon. 
Prince Edward standeth melancholy still,  
Please it your Grace, my Lord, to draw your lot.  Emp. 
Nephew you must be solemn with the sad,  
And given to mirth in sportful Company,  
The German Princes when they will be lusty,  
Shake of all cares, and Clowns and they are Fellows.  Edward. 
Sweet Aunt, I do not know the Country guise,  
Yet would be glad to learn all fashions.  
Since I am next, good Fortune be my guide.  Brand. 
A most ingenuous countenance hath this Prince,  
Worthy to be the King of England's Heir.  Edward. 
Be it no disparagement to you my Lords,  
I am your Emperor.  Alphon. 
Sound trumpets, God save the Emperor.  Collen. 
The world could never worse have fitted me,  
I am not old enough to be the Cook.  Empress. 
If you be Cook, there is no remedy  
But you must dress one Mess of meat you self.  Branden. 
I am Physician.  Trier. 
I am Secretary.  Mentz. 
I am the Jester.  Edward. 
O excellent! is your Holiness the Vice?  
Fortune hath fitted you i'faith my Lord,  
You'll play the Ambodexter cunningly.  Mentz. 
Your Highness is too bitter in your Jests.  Alphon. 
Come hither Alexander, to comfort thee,  
After the death of thy beloved Father,  
Whose life was dear unto his Emperor,  
Thou shalt make one in this solemnity,  
Yet ere thou draw, myself will honour thee,  
And as the custom is make thee a man.  
Stand stiff Sir Boy, now com'st thou to thy trial;  
Take this, and that, and therewithal this Sword;  [He gives Alexander a Box on the ear or two. 
If while thou live, thou ever take the like,  
Of me, or any man, I here pronounce  
Thou art a schelm, otherwise a man.  
Now draw thy lot, and Fortune be thy speed.  Edward. 
Uncle I pray why did be box the fellow?  
Foul lubber as he is, to take such blows.  Richard. 
Thus do the Princes make their Pages men.  Edward. 
But that is strange to make a man with blows.  
We say in England that he is a man,  
That like a man dare meet his enemy,  
And in my judgement 'tis the sounder trial.  Alex. 
Fortune hath made me Marshal of the triumphs.  Alphon. 
Now what remains?  Emperess. 
That Fortune draw her lot.  She opens it, and gives it to the empress to read. Empress. 
Sound trumpets, Fortune is your empress.  Alphon. 
This happens right: for Fortune will be Queen.  
Now Emperor you must unmask her face,  
And tell us how you like your empress,  
In my opinion England breeds no fairer.  Bohe. 
Fair Hedewick the Duke of Saxons daughter,  
Young Prince of England, you are bravely matched.  Edward. 
Tell me sweet Aunt, is that this Saxon Princess,  
Whose beauties fame made Edward cross the Seas?  Emperess. 
Nephew, it is; hath fame been prodigal,  
Or over sparing in the Princess praise?  Edward. 
Fame I accuse thee, thou didst niggardize,  
And faintly sound my love's perfections.  
Great Lady Fortune, and fair empress,  
Whom chance this day hath thrown into my arms,  
More welcome than the Roman empress.  [Edward kisses her. Hede. 
See doch, dass ist hire kein gebrauch,  
Mein Got ist dass dir English manier, dass dich.  Edward. 
What meaneth this? why chafes my empress?  Alphon. 
Now by my troth, I did expect this jest,  
Prince Edward used his Country fashion.  Edward. 
I am an Englishman, why should I not?  Emp. 
Fie Nephew Edward, here in Germany  
To kiss a Maid, a fault intolerable.  Edward. 
Why should not German Maids be kissed as well as others?  Richard. 
Nephew, because you did not know the fashion,  
And want the language to excuse your self,  
I'll be your spokesman to your empress.  Edward. 
Excuse it thus: I like the first so well,  
That tell her, she shall chide me twice as much  
For such another; nay tell her more than so,  
I'll double kiss on kiss, and give her leave  
To chide and brawl, and cry ten thousand dass dich,  
And make her weary of her fretting humour,  
ere I be weary of my kissing vein,  
Dass dich a jungfraw angry for a kiss.  Empress. 
Nephew, she thinks you mock her in her mirth.  Edward. 
I think the Princes make a scorn of me.  
If any do, I'll prove it with my Sword,  
That English Courtship leaves it from the world.  Bohem. 
The pleasantest accident that I have seen.  Bran. 
methinks the Prince is chafed as well as she.  Rich. 
Gnediges frawlin.  Hede. 
Dass dich, mast ich arm kindt zu schanden gemacht werden.  Edward. 
Dass dich I have kissed as good as you,  
Pray Uncle tell her; if she mislike the kiss,  
I'll take it off again with such another.  Rich. 
Ey Lirbes frawlin nim es all fur gutti  
Es is't die English manier Und gebrauche.  Hede. 
Ewer gnaden weissts will es ist mir ein gross schande.  Edward. 
Good Aunt teach me so much Dutch to ask her pardon.  Empress. 
Say so: Gnediges frawlin vergebet mirs, ich wills nimmermehr thuen,  
Then kiss your hand three times upsy Dutch.  Edward. 
Ich will nimmermehr thuen, if I understand it, right,  
That's as much to say, as I'll do so no more.  Empr. 
True Nephew.  Edward. 
Nay Aunt pardon me I pray, I hope to kiss her many thousand times,  
And shall I go to her like a great Boy, and say I'll do so no more.  Empress. 
I pray x say as I tell you.  Edward. 
Gnediges frawlin vergebet mirss ich will nimmermehr thuen.  Alphon. 
For wahr kein schandt.  Hedew. 
Gnediger hochgeborner Furst undt herr  
Wan ich konte so vil english sprechen ich wolt ewer Gnaden.  
Fur wahr ein filtz geben, ich hoffe aber ich soll etnmahl  
So viel lernen dass Die mich verstrhen soll.  Edward. 
What says she?  Alphon. 
O excellent young Prince look to yourself,  
She swears she'll learn some English for your sake,  
To make you understand her when she chides.  Edward. 
I'll teach her English, she shall teach me Dutch, Gnediges frawlin, etc.  Bohem. 
It is great pity that the Duke of Saxon,  
Is absent at this joyful accident,  
I see no reason if his Grace were here,  
But that the Marriage might be solemnised,  
I think the Prince of Wales were well content.  Edward. 
I left sweet England to none other end;  
And though the Prince her Father be not here,  
This Royal presence knows his mind in this.  Emp. 
Since you do come so roundly to the purpose,  
'Tis time for me to speak, the Maid is mine,  
Given freely by her Father unto me,  
And to the end these broils may have an end,  
I give the Father's interest and mine own,  
Unto my Nephew Edward Prince of Wales.  Edward. 
A Jewel of incomparable price,  
Your Majesty hath here bestowed on me,  
How shall I ask her if she be content?  Empr. 
Say thus, is't ewer gnaden will hiemit zufrieden.  Edward. 
Is't ewer Gnaden will hiemit zufrieden.  Hede. 
Wass ihr durleichtigkeit dass will dass will mein vattter undt  
Wass mein vatter will darmit muss ich zufrieden sein.  Alphon. 
It is enough, she doth confirm the match;  
We will dispatch a Post unto her Father,  
On Sunday shall the Revels and the Wedding,  
Be both solemnised with mutual joy.  
Sound trumpets, each one look unto his charge,  
For preparation of the Festivals.  Exeunt. Manent Alphonsus and Alexander. Alphon. 
Come hither Alexander, thy Father's joy.  
If tears and sighs, and deep-fetched deadly groans,  
Could serve t' evert inexorable fate,  
Divine Lorenzo, whom in life my heart,  
In death my soul and better part adores,  
Had to thy comfort and his Prince's honour,  
Survived, and drawn this day this breath of life.  Alexan. 
Dread Caesar, prostrate on my bended Knee,  
I thank your Majesty for all favours shown  
To my deceased Father and myself.  
I must confess, I spend but bootless tears,  
Yet cannot bridle nature, I must weep,  
Or heart will break with burden of my thoughts,  
Nor am I yet so young or fond withal,  
Causeless to spend my gall, and fret my heart,  
'Tis not that he is dead, for all must die;  
But that I live to hear his life's reproach.  
O sacred Emperor, these ears have heard,  
What no Sons ears can unrevenged hear,  
The Princes all of them, but specially,  
The Prince Elector Archbishop of Collen,  
Reviled him by the names of murderer,  
Arch villain, robber of the empire's fame,  
And Caesar's tutor in all wickedness,  
And with a general voice applaused his death,  
As for a special good to Christendom.  Alphon. 
Have they not reason to applaud the deed  
Which they themselves have plotted? ah my Boy,  
Thou art too young to dive into their drifts.  Alex. 
Yet old enough I hope to be revenged.  Alphon. 
What wilt thou do, or whither wilt thou run?  Alex. 
Headlong to bring them death, then die myself.  Alphon. 
First hear the reason why I do mistrust them.  Alex. 
They had no reason for my Father's death,  
And I scorn reason till they all be dead.  Alphon. 
Thou wilt not scorn my Counsel in revenge?  Alex. 
My rage admits no Counsel but revenge.  Alphon. 
First let me tell thee whom I do mistrust.  Alex. 
Your Highness said you did mistrust them all.  Alpho. 
Yea Alexander, all of them, and more than all,  
My most especial nearest dearest friends.  Alex. 
All 's one to me, for know thou Emperor,  
Were it thy Father, Brother, or thine Empress,  
Yea were 't thyself, that didst conspire his death,  
This fatal hand should take away thy life.  Alphon. 
Spoke like a Son, worthy so dear a Father.  
Be still and harken, I will tell thee all,  
The Duke of Saxon—  Alex. 
O, I thought no less.  Alphon. 
Suppress thy choler, harken to the rest.  
Saxon I say so wrought with flattering Mentz,  
Mentz with Bohemia, Trier, and Brandenburg,  
For Collen and the Palsgrave of the Rhein  
Were principals with Saxon in the Plot,  
That in a general meeting to that purpose,  
The seven selected Emperors electors,  
Most heinously concluded of the murder;  
The reason why they doomed him unto death,  
Was his deep wisdom and sound policy;  
Knowing while he did live my state was firm,  
He being dead my hope must die with him.  
Now Alexander will we be revenged  
Upon this wicked whore of Babylon,  
This hideous monster with the sevenfold head:  
We must with cunning level at the heart,  
With pierced and perished all the body dies:  
Or strike we off her heads by one and one,  
Behooveth us to use dexterity,  
Lest she do trample us under her feet,  
And triumph in our honours overthrow.  Alex. 
Mad and amaze to hear this tragic doom,  
I do subscribe unto your sound advice.  Alphon. 
Then hear the rest; these seven gave but she sentence,  
A nearer hand put it in execution,  
And but I loved Lorenzo as my life,  
I never would betray my dearest Wife.  Alex. 
What? what the Empress accessary to?  Alphon. 
What cannot kindred do? her Brother Richard,  
Hoping thereby to be an Emperor,  
Gave her a dram that sent him to his grave.  Alex. 
O my poor Father, wert thou such an eyesore,  
That 9. the greatest Princes of the earth  
Must be confederate in thy tragedy?  
But why do I respect their mightiness,  
Who did not once respect my Father's life?  
Your Majesty may take it as you please,  
I'll be revenged upon your empress,  
On English Richard, Saxon, and the Palsgrave,  
On Bohem, Collen, Mentz, Trier, and Brandenburg,  
If that the Pope of Rome himself were one  
In this confederacy, undaunted I.  
Amidst the College of his Cardinals,  
Would press, and stab him in St. Peter's chair,  
Though clad in all his Pontificalibus.  Alphon. 
Why Alexander? dost thou speak to me  
As if thou didst mistrust my forwardness?  
No, thou shalt know my love to him was such,  
And in my heart I have proscribed them all,  
That had to do in this conspiracy.  
The bands of Wedlock shall not serve her turn,  
Her fatal lot is cast among the rest,  
And to conclude, my soul doth live in Hell  
Till I have set my foot upon their necks,  
That gave this spur of sorrow to my heart;  
But with advice it must be managed,  
Not with a headlong rage as thou intend'st,  
Nor in a moment can it be performed,  
This work requires long time, dissembling looks,  
Commixed with undermining actions,  
Watching advantages to execute.  
Our foes are mighty, and their number great,  
It therefore follows that our stratagems  
Must branch forth into manifold deceits,  
Endless devices, bottomless conclusions.  Alexan. 
What by your Majesty is prescribed to me,  
That will I execute or die the death.  
I am content to suck my sorrows up,  
And with dull patience will attend the time,  
Gaping for every opportunity  
That may present the least occasion;  
Although each minute multiply mine anguish,  
And to my view present a thousand forms  
Of senseless bodies in my Father's shape,  
Yelling with open throat for just revenge.  Alphon. 
Content thyself, he shall not cry in vain,  
I have already plotted Richard's death.  Alex. 
That hath my Father's sacred Ghost inspired,  
O tell me, shall I stab him suddenly?  
The time seems long, till I be set awork.  Alphon. 
Thou knowest in griping at our lots today,  
It was Prince Richard's hap to be the bower;  
So that his Office is to drive the Cart,  
And bring a load of Wood into the Kitchen.  Alex. 
O excellent, your Grace being Forester,  
As in the thicket he doth load the Cart,  
May shoot him dead, as if he were a Deer.  Alphon. 
No Alexander, that device were shallow,  
Thus it must be, there are two very hours  
Appointed for to help him in the Wood,  
These must be bribed or cunningly seduced,  
Instead of helping him to murder him.  Ale. 
Verbum satis sapienti, it is enough,  
Fortune hath made me Marshal of the sports  
I hope to Marshal them to th' devil's Feast.  
Plot you the rest, this will I execute,  
Dutch bowers as thousand schelms and gold to tempt them.  Alphon. 
'Tis right, about it then, but cunningly.  Alex. 
Else let me lose that good opinion  
Which by your Highness I desire to hold,  
By Letters which I'll strew within the Wood,  
I'll undermine the bowers to murder him,  
Nor shall they know who set them so awork,  
Like a familiar will I fly about,  
And nimbly haunt their Ghosts in every nook.  Exit. Manet Alphonsus. Alphon. 
This one nail helps to drive the other out,  
I slew the Father, and bewitch the Son,  
With power of words to be the instrument  
To rid my foes with danger of his life.  
How easily can subtle age entice,  
Such credulous young novices to their death?  
Huge wonders will Alphonsus bring to pass,  
By the mad mind of this enraged Boy;  
Even they which think themselves my greatest friends,  
Shall fall by this deceit, yea my Arch-enemies  
Shall turn to be my chief confederates.  
My solitary walks may breed suspect,  
I'll therefore give myself to Company,  
As I intended nothing out these sports,  
Yet hope to send most actors in this Pageant,  
To Revel it with Rhadamant in Hell.  Exit. Enter Richard Earl of Cornwall like a Clown. Richard. 
How far is Richard now unlike the man  
The crossed the Seas to win an Empery?  
But as I plod it like a plumper Bower,  
To fetch in Fuel for the Kitchen fire,  
So every one in his vocation,  
Labours to make the pastimes plausible;  
My Nephew Edward jets it through the Court,  
With Princess Hedewick Empress of his Fortune,  
The demi Caesar in his hunter's suit,  
Makes all the Court to Ring with Horns and Hounds,  
Collen the Cook bestirs him in the Kitchen;  
But that which joys me most in all these sports,  
Is Mentz, to see how he is made an Ass?  
The common scorn and byword of the Court;  
And every one to be the same he seems,  
Seems to forget to be the same he is.  
Yet to my robes I cannot suit my mind,  
Nor with my habit shake dishonour off,  
The seven Electors promised me the Empire,  
The perjured Bishop Mentz did swear no less,  
Yet I have seen it shared before my face,  
While my best friends do hide their heads for shame;  
I bear a show of outward full content,  
But grief thereof hath almost killed my heart.  
Here rest thee Richard, think upon a mean,  
To end thy life, or to repair thine honour,  
And vow never to see fair England's bounds,  
Till thou in Aix be Crowned Emperor.  Enter two Bowers. 
Holla, methinks there cometh Company,  
The Bowers I trow that come to hew the Wood,  
Which I must carry to the Kitchen Fire,  
I'll lie a while and listen to their talk.  Enter Hans and Jerick two Dutch Bowers. Je. 
Kom hire hans wore bist dow, warumb bist dow so trawrick? biss frolick kan well gelt verdienen, wir will ihn bey pots tawsandt todt schlagen.  Hans. 
Lat mich die brief sehen.  Rich. 
methinks they talk of murdering somebody, I'll listen more.  Reads the Letter. 
Hans und jerick, mein liebe friend, ich bit lasset es bey euch bleiben in geheim, und schlaget den Engellander zu todt.  Rich. 
What's that? Hans und jerick my good friend, I pray be secret and murder the Englishman.  Jerick reads. 
Hear weiter, den er ist kein bower night, er ist ein juncker, und hatt viel gelt und kleinothen bey sich.  Rich. 
For he is no Bower but a Gentleman, and hath store of Gold and Jewels by him.  Jeric.. 
Noch weiter: ihr solt solche gelegenheit night versahmen, und wan ihr gethan habet, ich will euch sagen, was ich fur ein guter Rarl been der euch raht gegeben habe.  Rich. 
Skip not this opportunity, and when you have done, I will discover who gave you the Counsel.  Jerick. 
Wat sagst dow wilt dow es thun?  Hans. 
Wat will ich nich fur gelt thun? see pots tausendt, dar is't er.  Jerick. 
ja, bey pots tausends slapperment, er ists, holla guter morgen, gluck zu juncker.  Hans. 
juncker, daer devil he is ein bower!  Rich. 
Dow bist ein schelm, weich von mir.  Jerick. 
Holla, holla, bist dow so hoffertick? juncker bower, kompt hire, oder dieser und jenner selleuch holen.  Rich. 
Ich bien ein Furst, bried mich night ihr schelms, ihr verrahters.  Bath. 
Sla to, fla to, wir will yow furstlick tractieren.  
Richard having nothing in his hand but his whip, defends himself a while, and then falls down, as if he were dead:  Rich. 
O Got, nimb meine seele in deine hande.  Jerick. 
O excellent, hurtick he is todt, he is todt.  
Lat uns see what he hat for gelt bey sich, holla hire is all enough all sat, dor is for dich, and dor is for mich, und ditt will ich darto haben:  jerick puts the chain about his neck. Hans. 
How so Hans Narhals, give mir die kette hire.  Jerick. 
ja ein dreck, dit kett stehet hupsch vmb mein hals, ditt will ich tragen.  Hans. 
Dat dich pots velten leiden, dat soltu nimmermehr thun dow schelm.  Jerick. 
Wat solt dow mich schelm heiten nimb dat.  Hans. 
Dat dich hundert tonnen devils, harr ich will dich lernen.  Jerick. 
Wiltud hawen oder stechen?  Hans. 
Ich will redlich hawen;  Jerick. 
Nun wollan, dor is't mein ruck, sla to.  They must have axes made for the nonst to fight withal, and while one strikes, the other holds his back without defence. Hans. 
Nimb dow das, und dar hast mein ruck.  Jerick.. 
Nach amahl: O excellent, ligst dow dar, nun will ich alles haben, gelt und kett, und alle mit einander, O hurtig, frisch-up lustig, nun been ich ein hurtig juncker.  Richard rises up again and snatcheth up the fellows hatchet that was slain. Rich. 
Nè Hercules contra dvos, yet policy hath gone beyond them both.  
Du hudler schelm, morder, kehre dich, feestu mich? gebe mir die kett und gelt wieder;  Jerick. 
Wat bistu wieder labendig word, so mus ich meren, wat wiltu stechen oder hawen?  Richard. 
So will ich machen du schelm.  Jerick. 
Harr, harr, bistu ein redlich karle, so fight redlich, O ich sterb, ich sterb, lat mich leben!  Richard. 
Sagt mir dan waer hatt die brief geschrieben?  
Lie night sondern sagt die warheit:  Jerick. 
O mein fromer, guter, edler, gestrenger juncker, dar is't dat gelt und kett wieder, yow soll alles haben, aber waer hatt die brief geschrieben, dat wet ich bey meiner seele night.  Rich. 
Lig dor still, still ich sag.  
The villain swears, and deeply doth protest  
He knows not who incited them to this,  
And as it seems the scroll imports no less.  
So sterb du mir schelm.  Jerick. 
O ich sterb, awe, awe, awe dat dich daer divell hole!  As Richard kills the Bower. Enter Saxon and the Palsgrave. Saxon. 
Fie dich an loser schelm, hastu dein gesellen todt geschlagen?  Palsgr. 
Last us den schelmen angreiffen.  Richard. 
Call you me shelme how dare you then  
Being PRINCE's offer to lay hands on me?  
That is the hangman's Office here in Dutch-land.  Saxon. 
But this is strange, our Bours can speak no English,  
What bistum more than a damned murderer?  
That thou art so much we are witnesses.  Rich. 
Can then this habit alter me so much,  
That I am called a villain by my friends?  
Or shall I dare once to suspect your graces,  
That for you could not make me Emperor,  
Pitying my sorrow through mine honour lost,  
You set these slaves to rid me of my life,  
Yet far be such a thought from Richard's heart.  Pals. 
How now? what do I hear Prince Richard speak?  Rich. 
The same: but wonder that he lives to speak.  
And had not policy helped above strength,  
These sturdy swains had rid me of my life.  Sax. 
Far be it from your Grace for to suspect us.  Rich. 
Alas, I know not whom I should suspect;  
But yet my heart cannot misdoubt your Graces?  Saxon. 
How came your Highness into this apparel?  Rich. 
We as the manner is drawn lots for Offices,  
My hap was hardest to be made a Carter,  
And by this letter which some villain wrote,  
I was betrayed, here to be murdered;  
But Heaven which doth defend the Innocent,  
Armed me with strength and policy together,  
That I escaped out of their treacherous snare.  Pals. 
Were it well sounded, I dare lay my life,  
The Spanish tyrant knew of this conspiracy;  
Therefore the better to dive into the depth  
Of this most devilish murderous complot,  
As also secretly to be beholders,  
Of the long-wished for wedding of your daughter,  
We will disrobe these bowers of their apparel,  
Clapping their rustic cases on our backs,  
And help your Highness for to drive the Cart.  
't may be the traitor that did write these lines,  
Mistaking us for them will show himself.  Richard. 
Prince Palatine this plot doth please me well,  
I make no doubt if we deal cunningly,  
But we shall find the writer of this scroll.  Saxon. 
And in that hope I will disrobe this slave.  
Come Princes in the neighbouring thicket here,  
We may disguise ourselves, and talk at pleasure;  
Fie on him heavy lubber how he weighs.  Richard. 
The sin of murder hangs upon his soul,  
It is no marvel then if he be heavy.  Exeunt.  

ACT. III.  Enter to the Revels. Edward with an Imperial Crown. Hedewig the Empress. Bohemia the Taster. Alphonsus the Forester. Mentz the Gester. Empress the Chambermaid. Brandenburg Physician. Tryer Secretary. Alexander the Marshal, with his Marshals staff, and all the rest in their proper apparel, and Attendants and Pages. Alex. 
Princes and PRINCE's Superiors, Lords and Lords fellows, Gentlemen and gentlemen's Masters, and all the rest of the States here assembled, as well Masculine as Feminine, be it known unto you by these presence, that I Alexander de Toledo, Fortune's chief Marshal, do will and command you, by the authority of my said Office, to take your places in manner and form following, First the Emperor and the Empress, than the Taster, the Secretary, the Forester, the Physician, as for the Chambermaid and myself, we will take our places at the neither end, the Jester is to wait up, and live by the crumbs that fall from the emperor's trencher, But now I have Marshaled you to the table, what remains?  Mentz. 
Every fool can tell that, when men are set to dinner they commonly expect meat.  Edward. 
That's the best Jest the fool made since he came into his Office. Marshal walk into the Kitchen, and see how the Churfurst of Collen bestirs himself.  Exit. Alex. Mentz. 
Shall I go with him too? I love to be employed in the Kitchen.  Edward. 
I prithee go, that we may be rid of thy wicked Jests.  Mentz. 
Have with thee Marshal, the fool rides thee?  Exit. on Alex. back. Alphon. 
Now by mine honour, my Lord of Mentz plays the fool the worst that ever I saw.  Edward. 
He does all by contraries; for I am sure he played the wiseman like a fool, and now he plays the fool wisely.  Alphon. 
Princes and Churfursts let us frolic now,  
This is a joyful day to Christendom,  
When Christian Princes join in amity,  
Schinck bowls of Reinfal and the purest Wine,  
We'll spend this evening lusty upsy Dutch,  
In honour of this unexpected league.  Empres. 
Nay gentle Forester, there you range amiss,  
His looks are fitly suited to his thoughts.  
His glorious Empress makes his heart triumph,  
And hearts triumphing makes his countenance stayed,  
In contemplation of his lives delight.  Edward. 
Good Aunt let me excuse myself in this,  
I and an Emperor but for a day,  
She Empress of my heart while life doth last;  
Then give me leave to use Imperial looks.  
Nay if I be an Emperor I'll take leave,  
And here I do pronounce it openly,  
What I have lately whispered in her ears,  
I love mine Empress more than Empery,  
I love her looks above my fortune's hope.  Alphon. 
Saving your looks dread Emperor es gelt a bowl,  
Unto the health of your fair Bride and Empress.  Edward. 
Sain Got es soll mir en liebe drunk sein, so much Dutch have I learned since I came into Germany.  Bran. 
When you have drunk a dozen of these bowls,  
So can your Majesty with a full mouth,  
trowel out high Dutch, till then it sounds not right,  
Darauff es gelt noch eins thr Maiestat.  Edward. 
Sain Got lass lauffen.  Bohem. 
My Lord of Brandenburg spoken like a good Dutch Brother;  
But most unlike a good Physician,  
You should consider what he has to do,  
His Bride will give you little thanks tonight.  Alphon. 
Ha, ha my Lord, now give me leave to laugh,  
He need not therefore shun one Beaker full.  
In Saxon Land you know it is the use,  
That the first night the Bridegroom spares the Bride.  Bohem. 
'Tis true indeed, that had I quite forgotten.  Edward. 
How understand I that?  Alphon. 
That the first night,  
The Bride and Bridegroom never sleep together.  Edward. 
That may well be, perchance they wake together.  Bohem. 
Nay without fallace they have several Beds.  Edward. 
I in one Chamber, that is most Princely.  Alphon. 
Not only several Beds, but several Chambers,  
Locked soundly too, with Iron Bolts and Bars.  Empr. 
Believe me Nephew, that's the custom here.  Edward. 
O my good Aunt, the world is now grown new,  
Old customs are but superstitions.  
I 'em sure this day, this presence all can witness,  
The high and mighty Prince th' Archbishop of Collen,  
Who now is busy in the scullery,  
Joined us together in St. Peter's Church,  
And he that would disjoin us two tonight,  
'Twixt jest and earnest be it proudly spoken,  
Shall eat a piece of ill-digesting Iron.  
Bride wilt dow dis night ben me schlapen.  Hede. 
Da behute mich Gott fur, Ich hoffe Eure maiestat wills von mir mitt, begeran.  Edward. 
What says she behuie mich Got fur?  Alphon. 
She says God bless her from such a deed.  Edward. 
Tush Empress, clap thy hands upon thy head,  
And God will bless thee, I have a jacob's staff,  
Shall take the Elevation of the Pole;  
For I have heard it said, the Dutch North star,  
Is a degree or two higher than ours.  Bohem. 
Nay though we talk let's drink, and Emperor,  
I'll tell you plainly what you must trust unto,  
Can they deceive you of your Bride tonight,  
They'll surely do't, therefore look to yourself.  Edward. 
If she deceive me not, let all do their worst.  Alphon. 
Assure you Emperor she'll do her best.  Edward. 
I think the Maids in Germany are mad,  
ere they be married they will not kiss,  
And being married will not go to Bed.  
We drink about, let's talk no more of this,  
Well warned half armed our English proverb say  Alphon. 
Holla Marshal, what says the Cook?  Enter Alexander. 
Belike he thinks we have fed so well already,  
That we disdain his simple Cookery.  Alex. 
Faith the Gook says so, that his Office was to dress a mess of meat with that Wood which the English Prince should bring in, but he hath neither seen Dutch Wood nor English prince, therefore he desires you hold him excused.  Alphon. 
I wonder where Prince Richard stays so long.  Alex. 
An't, please your Majesty, he's come at length,  
And with him has he brought a crew of Bowers,  
A hipse bower maikins fresh as Flowers in May,  
With whom they mean to dance a Saxon round,  
In honour of the Bridegroom and his Bride.  Edward. 
So has he made amends for his long tarrying.  
I prithee Marshal them into the presence.  Alphon. 
Lives Richard then? I had thought th' hadst made him sure.  Alex. 
O, I could tear my flesh to think upon 't,  
He lives and secretly hath brought with him,  
The Palsgrave and the Duke of saxony,  
Clad like two Bowers, even in the same apparel  
That Hans and jerick wore when they went out to murder him,  
It now behooves us to be circumspect.  Alphon. 
It likes me not; Away Marshal bring them.  Exit. Alexander. 
I long to see this sport's conclusion.  Bohem. 
is't not a lovely sight to see this couple  
Sit sweetly billing like two Turtle Doves.  Alphon. 
I promise you it sets my Teeth an Edge,  
That I must take mine Empress in mine arms.  
Come hither Isabel, though thy robes be homely,  
Thy face and countenance holds colour still.  Enter Alexander, Collen, Mentz, Richard, Saxony, Palsgrave, Collen Cook, with a gamon of raw bacon, and links or puddings in a platter, Richard, Palsgrave, Saxon, Mentz, like Clowns with each of them a Mitre with corance on their heads. Collen. 
Dread Emperor and Empress for today,  
I Your appointed Cook until tomorrow,  
Have by the Marshal sent my just excuse,  
And hope your Highness is therewith content,  
Our Carter here for whom I now do speak,  
Says that his Axletree broke by the way,  
That is his answer, and for you shall not famish,  
He and his fellow bowers of the next dorp,  
Have brought a schinkel of good raw Bacon,  
And that's a common meat with us, unsod,  
Desiring you, you would not scorn the fare,  
'Twill make a cup of Wine taste nippitate.  Edward. 
Welcome good fellows, we thank you for your present.  Richard. 
So spell fresh up and let us rommer dancen.  Alex. 
Please it your Highness to dance with your Bride?  Edward. 
Alas I cannot dance your German dances.  Bohem. 
I do beseech your Highness mock us not,  
We Germans have no changes in our dances,  
An Almain and an upspring that is all,  
So dance the Princes, Burghers, and the Bowers.  Brand. 
So danced our Ancestors for thousand years.  Edward. 
It is a sign the Dutch are not new fangled.  
I'll follow in the measure; Marshal lead.  Alexander and Mentz have the fore dance with each of them a glass of Wine in their hands, then Edward and Hedewick, Palsgrave and Empress, and two other couple, after Drum and Trumpet. The Palsgrave whispers with the Empress. Alphon. 
I think the Bower is amorous of my Empress.  
Fort bower and leffel morgen, when thou com'st to house.  Collen. 
Now is your grace's time to steal away,  
Look to't or else you'll lie alone tonight.  Edward steals away the Bride. Alex. 
(Drinketh to the Palsgrave.) Skelt bower.  Palsgrave. 
Sain Gott.  The Palsgrave requests the Empress. 
Ey jungfraw help mich doch ein jungfraw drunck  
Es gelt guter fcenudt ein frolecken drink.  Alphon. 
Sam Gott mein frundt ich will gern bescheidt thun  (Alphonsus takes the Cup of the Palsgrave, and drinks to the King of Bohemia, and after he hath drunk puts poison into the Beaker.) 
Half this I drink unto your highness' health,  
It is the first since we were joined in Office.  Bohem. 
I thank your Majesty, I'll pledge you half.  (As Bohem is a drinking, ere he hath drunk it all out, Alphonsus pulls the Beaker from his mouth.) Alphon. 
Hold, hold, your Majesty, drink not too much.  Bohem. 
What means your Highness.  Alphon. 
Methinks that something grates between my teeth,  
Pray God there be not poison in the bowl.  Bohem. 
Marry God forbid.  Alex. 
So were I peppered.  Alphon. 
I highly do mistrust this schelmish bower,  
Lay hands on him I le make him drink the rest.  
Whas ist whas ist wat will you nut me machen  Alphon. 
Drink out, drink out oder daer divell soll dich holen.  Pals. 
Ey geb you to frieden ich will gein drink.  Saxon. 
Drink not Prince Palatine, throw it on the ground,  
It is not good to trust his Spanish flies.  Bohem. 
Saxon and Palsgrave, this cannot be good.  Alphon. 
'Twas not for nought my mind misgave me so;  
This hath Prince Richard done t'entrap our lives.  Richard. 
No Alphonsus, I disdain to be a traitor.  Empress. 
O sheath your swords, forbear these needless broils.  Alphon. 
Away, I do mistrust thee as the rest.  Bohem. 
Lords hear me speak, to pacify these broils;  
For my part I feel no distemperature,  
How do you feel yourself?  Alphon. 
I cannot tell, not ill, and yet methinks I am not well.  Bohem. 
Were it a poison 'twould begin to work.  Alphon. 
Not so, all poisons do not work alike.  Pals. 
If there were poison in, which God forbid,  
The Empress and myself and Alexander,  
Have cause to fear as well as any other.  Alphon. 
Why didst thou throw the Wine upon the earth?  
Hadst thou but drunk, thou hadst satisfied our minds.  Pals. 
I will not be enforced by Spanish hands.  Alphon. 
If all be well with us that 'scuse shall serve,  
If not, the Spaniards blood will be revenged.  Rich. 
Your Majesty is more afraid than hurt.  Bohem. 
For me I do not fear myself a whit,  
Let all be friends, and forward with our mirth.  Enter Edward in his nightgown and his shirt. Richard. 
Nephew, how now? is all well with you?  Bohem. 
I lay my life the Prince has lost his bride.  Edward. 
I hope not so, she is but strayed a little.  Alphon. 
Your Grace must not be angry though we laugh.  Edward. 
If it had happened by default of mine,  
You might have worthily laughed me to scorn;  
But to be so deceived, so over reached,  
Even as I meant to clasp her in mine arms,  
The grief is intolerable, not to be guessed,  
Or comprehended by the thought of any,  
But by a man that hath been so deceived,  
And that's by no man living but myself.  Saxon. 
My Princely Son-in-Law God give you joy.  Edward. 
Of what my Princely Father?  Saxon. 
O' my Daughter.  
Your new betrothed Wife and Bedfellow.  Edward. 
I thank you Father, indeed I must confess  
She is my Wife, but not my Bedfellow.  Saxon. 
How so young Prince? I saw you steal her hence,  
And as methought she went full willingly.  Edward. 
'Tis true, I stole her finely from amongst you,  
And by the archbishop of Collen's help,  
Got her alone into the Bride-Chamber,  
Where having locked the Door, thought all was well.  
I could not speak but pointed to the Bed,  
She answered ja and 'gan for to unlace her;  
I seeing that suspected no deceit,  
But straight untrust my points, uncased myself,  
And in a moment slipped between the Sheets;  
There lying in deep contemplation,  
The Princess of herself drew near to me,  
Gave me her hand, spoke prettily in Dutch  
I know not what, and kissed me lovingly,  
And as I shrank out of my luke warm place  
To make her room, she clapped thrice with her feet,  
And through a trap-door sunk out of my sight;  
Knew I but her Confederates in the deed—  
I say no more.  Empress. 
Tush x, be content;  
So many Lands, so many fashions,  
It is the German use, be not impatient,  
She will be so much welcomer tomorrow.  Rich. 
Come Nephew, we'll be Bedfellows tonight.  Edward. 
Nay if I find her not, I'll lie alone,  
I have good hope to ferret out her Bed,  
And so good night sweet Princess all at once.  Alphon. 
Goodnight to all; Marshal discharge the train.  Alex. 
To Bed, to Bed the Marshal cries 'tis time.  Exeunt. Flourish Cornets, Manent Saxon, Richard, Palsgrave, Collen, Empress. Saxon. 
Now Princes it is time that we advise,  
Now we are all fast in the fowler's gin,  
Not to escape his subtle snares alive,  
Unless by force we break the Nets asunder.  
When he begins to cavil and pick quarrels,  
I will not trust him in the least degree.  Empress. 
It may beseem me evil to mistrust  
My Lord and Emperor of so foul a fact;  
But love unto his honour and your lives,  
Makes me with tears entreat your Excellencies  
To fly with speed out of his dangerous reach,  
His cloudy brow foretells a sudden storm  
Of blood not natural but prodigious.  Rich. 
The Castle gates are shut, how should we fly;  
But were they open, I would lose my life,  
ere I would leave my Nephew to the slaughter;  
He and his Bride were sure to bear the brunt.  Saxon. 
Could I get out of doors, I'd venture that,  
And yet I hold their persons dear enough,  
I would not doubt, but e'er the morning Sun  
Should half way run his course into the South,  
To compass and begird him in his Fort,  
With Saxon lance-knight and brunt-bearing Switzers,  
Who lie in Ambuscado not far hence,  
That he should come to Composition,  
And with safe conduct bring into our tents,  
Both Bride and Bridegroom, and all other friends.  Empress. 
My Chamber Window stands upon the Wall,  
And thence with ease you may escape away.  Saxon. 
Prince Richard, you will bear me Company?  Richard. 
I will my Lord.  Saxon. 
And you Prince Palatine?  Pals. 
The Spanish Tyrant hath me in suspect  
Of poisoning him, I'll therefore stay it out,  
To fly upon't were to accuse myself.  Empress. 
If need require, I'll hide the Palatine,  
Until tomorrow, if you stay no longer.  Saxon. 
If God be with us, ere tomorrow noon,  
We'll be with Ensigns spread before the Walls,  
We leave dear pledges of our quick return.  Emp. 
May the Heavens prosper your just intents.  Exeunt. Enter Alphonsus. Alphon. 
This dangerous plot was happily overheard,  
Here didst thou listen in a blessed hour.  
Alexander, where dost thou hide thyself?  
I've sought thee in each Corner of the Court,  
And now or never must thou play the man.  Alex. 
And now or never must your Highness stir,  
Treason hath round encompassed your life.  Alphon. 
I have no leisure now to hear thy talk.  
Seest thou this Key?  Alex. 
Intends your Majesty that I should steal into the PRINCE's Chambers,  
And sleeping stab them in their Beds tonight?  
That cannot be.  Alphon. 
Wilt thou not hear me speak?  Alex. 
The Prince of England, Saxon, and of Collen,  
Are in the Empress Chamber privily.  Alphon. 
All this is nothing, they would murder me,  
I come not there tonight; seest thou this Key?  Alex. 
They mean to fly out at the Chamber Window,  
And raise an Army to besiege your Grace,  
Now may your Highness take them with the deed.  Alphon. 
The Prince of Wales I hope is none of them.  Alex. 
Him and his Bride by force they will recover.  Alphon. 
What makes the cursed Palsgrave of the Rhein?  Alex. 
Him hath the Empress taken to her charge,  
And in her Closet means to hide him safe.  Alphon. 
To hide him in her Closet? of bold deeds,  
The dearest charge that e'er she undertook,  
Well let them bring their Complots to an end,  
I'll undermine to meet them in their works,  Alex. 
Will not your Grace surprise them ere they fly?  Alphon. 
No, let them bring their purpose to effect,  
I'll fall upon them at my best advantage,  
Seest thou this Key? there take it Alexander;  
Yet take it not unless thou be resolved;  
Tush I am fond to make a doubt of thee;  
Take it I say, it doth command all Doors,  
And will make open way to dire revenge.  Alex. 
I know not what your Majesty doth mean.  Alphon. 
Hie thee with speed into the inner Chamber,  
Next to the Chap, and there shalt thou find  
The dainty trembling Bride couched in her Bed,  
Having beguiled her Bridegroom of his hopes,  
Taking her farewell of Virginity,  
Which she tomorrow night expects to lose,  
By night all Cats are grey, and in the dark,  
She will embrace thee for the Prince of Wales,  
Thinking that he hath found her Chamber out,  
Fall to thy business and make few words,  
And having pleased thy senses with delight,  
And filled thy beating veins with stealing joy,  
Make thence again before the break of day,  
What strange events will follow this device,  
We need not study on, our foes shall find.  
How now? how standst thou? hast thou not the heart?  Alex. 
Should I not have the heart to do this deed,  
I were a Bastard villain and no man;  
Her sweetness, and the sweetness of revenge,  
Tickles my senses in a double sense,  
And so I wish your Majesty good night.  Alphon. 
God night, sweet Venus prosper thy attempt.  Alex. 
Sweet Venus and grim Ate I implore,  
Stand both of you to me auspicious.  Exit. Alexander. Alphon. 
It had been pity of his Father's life,  
Whose death hath made him such a perfect villain.  
What murder, wrack, and causeless enmity,  
'Twixt dearest friends that are my strongest foes,  
Will follow suddenly upon this rape,  
I hope to live to see, and laugh thereat,  
And yet this piece of practice is not all.  
The King of Bohem though he little feel it,  
Because in twenty hours it will not work,  
Hath from my knife's point sucked his deadly bane,  
Whereof I will be least of all suspected;  
For I will feign myself as sick as he,  
And blind mine enemies' eyes with deadly groans;  
Upon the Palsgrave and mine empress,  
Heavy suspect shall light to bruise their bones;  
Though Saxon would not suffer him to taste,  
The deadly potion provided for him,  
He cannot save him from the Sword of justice,  
When all the world shall think that like a villain,  
He hath poisoned two great Emperors with one draught;  
That deed is done, and by this time I hope,  
The other is a doing, Alexander  
I doubt it not will do it thoroughly.  
While these things are a brewing I'll not sleep,  
But suddenly break ope the Chamber doors,  
And rush upon my Empress and the Palsgrave,  
Holla where's the Captain of the Guard?  Enter Captain, and Soldiers. Cap. 
What would your Majesty?  Alphon. 
Take six travants well armed and follow,  They break with violence into the Chamber, and Alphonsu trails the Empress by the hair. Enter Alphonsus, Empress, Soldiers, etc. Alphon. 
Come forth thou damned Witch, adulterer Whore,  
Foul scandal to thy name, thy sex, thy blood.  Emp. 
O Emperor, gentle Husband, pity me.  Alphon. 
Canst thou deny thou wert confederate,  
With my arch enemies that sought my blood?  
And like a Strumpet through thy Chamber Window,  
Hast with thine own hands helped to let them down,  
With an intent that they should gather arms,  
Besiege my Court, and take away my life?  Emp. 
Ah my Alphonsus.  Alphon. 
Thy Alphonsus' Whore?  Emp. 
O pierce my heart, trail me not by my hair;  
What I have done, I did it for the best.  Alphon. 
So for the best advantage of thy lust,  
Hast thou in secret Clytaemnestra like,  
Hid thy Aegisthus thy adulterous love.  Emp. 
Heaven be the record twixt my Lord and me,  
How pure and sacred I do hold thy Bed.  Alphon. 
Art thou so impudent to belie the deed,  
Is not the Palsgrave hidden in thy Chamber?  Empe. 
That I have hid the Palsgrave I confess;  
But to no ill intent your conscience knows.  Alphon. 
Thy treasons, murders, incests, sorceries,  
Are all committed to a good intent;  
Thou know'st he was my deadly enemy.  Emp. 
By this device I hoped to make your friends.  Alphon. 
Then bring him forth, we'll reconcile ourselves.  Emp. 
Should I betray so great a Prince's life?  Alphon. 
Thou hold'st his life far dearer than thy Lords,  
This very night hast thou betrayed my blood,  
But thus, and thus, will I revenge myself,  
And but thou speedily deliver him,  
I'll trail thee through the Kennels of the Street,  
And cut the Nose from thy bewitching face,  
And into England send thee like a Strumpet.  Emp. 
Pull every hair from off my head,  
Drag me at Horses tails, cut off my nose  
My Princely tongue shall not betray a Prince.  Alphon. 
That will I try.  Emp. 
O Heaven revenge my shame.  Enter Palsgrave. Pal. 
Is Caesar now become a torturer,  
A Hangman of his Wife, turned murderer?  
Here is the Palatine, what wouldst thou more?  Alphon. 
Upon him Soldiers, strike him to the ground.  Emp. 
Ah Soldiers, spare the Princely Palatine.  Alphon. 
Down with the damned adulterous murderer,  
Kill him I say, his blood be on my head.  They kill the Palatine. 
Run to the Tower, and Ring the 'larum Bell,  
That fore the world I may excuse myself,  
And tell the reason of this bloody deed.  Enter Edward in his night gown and shirt. Edw. 
How now? what means this sudden strange Alarm?  
What wretched dame is this with blubbered cheeks,  
And rent dishevelled hair?  Emp. 
O my dear Nephew,  
Fly, fly the Shambles, for thy turn is next.  Edward. 
What, my Imperial Aunt? then break my heart.  Alphon. 
Brave Prince be still; as I am nobly born,  
There is no ill intended to thy person.  Enter Mentz, Tryer, Branden. Bohem. Mentz. 
Where is my Page? bring me my two hand Sword.  Tryer. 
What is the matter? is the Court afire  Bran. 
whose's that? the Emperor with his weapon drawn?  Bohem. 
Though deadly sick yet am I forced to rise,  
To know the reason of this hurly-burly.  Alphon. 
Princes be silent, I will tell the cause,  
Though suddenly a grining at my heart  
Forbids my tongue his wanted course of speech.  
See you this Harlot, traitress to my life,  
See you this murderer, stain to mine honour,  
These twain I found together in my Bed,  
Shamefully committing lewd Adultery,  
And heinously conspiring all your deaths,  
I mean your deaths, that are not dead already;  
As for the King of Boheme and myself,  
We are not of this world, we have our transports  
Given in the bowl by this adulterous Prince,  
And lest the poison work too strong with me,  
Before that I have warned you of your harms,  
I will be brief in the relation.  
That he hath stained my Bed, these eyes have seen,  
That he hath murdered two Imperial Kings,  
Our speedy deaths will be too sudden proof;  
That he and she have bought and sold your lives,  
To Saxon, Collen, and the English Prince,  
Their Ensigns spread before the Walls tomorrow  
Will all too suddenly bid you defiance.  
Now tell me Princes have I not just cause,  
To slay the murderer of so many souls?  
And have not all cause to applaud the deed?  
More would I utter, but the poison's force  
Forbids my speech, you can conceive the rest.  Bohem. 
Your Majesty reach me your dying hand,  
With thousand thanks for this so just revenge.  
O, how the poison's force begins to work!  Mentz. 
The world may pity and applaud the deed.  Brand. 
Did never age bring forth such heinous acts.  Edward. 
My senses are confounded and amazed.  Emp. 
The God of Heaven knows my unguiltiness.  Enter Messenger. Mes. 
Arm, arm my Lords, we have descried afar,  
An Army of ten thousand men at arms.  Alphon. 
Some run unto the Walls, some draw up the sluice,  
Some speedily let the portcullis down.  Mentz. 
Now may we see the emperor's words are true.  
To prison with the wicked murderous Whore.  Exeunt.  

ACT. IV.  Enter Saxon and Richard with Soldiers. Saxon. 
My Lord of Cornwall, let us march before,  
To speedy rescue of our dearest friends,  
The rearward with the armed Legions,  
Committed to the Prince of Collen's charge,  
Cannot so lightly pass the mountain tops.  Richard. 
Let's summon suddenly unto a Parley,  
I do not doubt but ere we need their helps,  
Collen with all his forces will be here.  Enter Collen with Drums and an Army. Richard. 
Your Holiness hath made good haste today,  
And like a beaten Soldier lead your troops.  Collen. 
In time of peace I am an archbishop,  
And like a Churchman can both sing and say;  
But when the innocent do suffer wrong,  
I cast my rocket off upon the Altar,  
And like a Prince betake myself to arms.  Enter above Mentz, Tryer, and Brandeburg. Mentz. 
Great Prince of saxony, what mean these arms?  
Richard of Cornwall, what may this intend?  
Brother of Collen no more Churchman now,  
Instead of Mitre, and a crozier Staff,  
Have you beta'en you to your Helm and Targe?  
Were you so merry yesterday as friends,  
Cloaking your treason in your Clowns attire?  Saxon. 
Mentz, we return the traitor in thy face.  
To save our lives, and to release our friends,  
Out of the Spaniards deadly trapping Snares,  
Without intent of ill, this power is raised;  
Therefore grave Prince Marquess of Brandenburg,  
My loving x, as indifferent Judge,  
To you an aged Peacemaker we speak,  
Deliver with safe conduct in our tents,  
Prince Edward and his Bride, the Palatine,  
With every one of high or low degree,  
That are suspicious of the King of Spain,  
So shall you see that in the self same hour  
We marched to the Walls with colours spread,  
We will cashier our troops, and part good friends.  Brand. 
Alas my Lord, crave you the Palatine?  Rich. 
If craving will not serve, we will command.  Brand. 
Ah me, since your departure, good my Lords,  
Strange accidents of blood and death are happened.  Saxon. 
My mind misgave a massacre this night.  Rich. 
How does Prince Edward then?  Sax. 
How does my Daughter?  Collen. 
How goes it with the Palsgrave of the Rhein?  Brand. 
Prince Edward and his Bridle do live in health,  
And shall be brought unto you when you please.  Saxon. 
Let them be presently delivered?  Coll. 
Lives not the Palsgrave too?  Mentz. 
In Heaven or Hell he lives, and reaps the merit of his deeds.  Coll. 
What damned hand hath butchered the Prince?  Saxon. 
O that demand is needless, who but he,  
That seeks to be the Butcher of us all;  
But vengeance and revenge shall light on him.  Bran. 
Be patient noble Princes, hear the rest.  
The two great Kings of Bohem and Castille,  
God comfort them, lie now at point of death,  
Both poisoned by the Palsgrave yesterday.  Rich. 
How is that possible? so must my Sister,  
The Palatine himself, and Alexander,  
Who drunk out of the bowl, be poisoned too.  Mentz. 
Nor is that heinous deed alone the cause,  
Though cause enough to ruin Monarchies;  
He hath defiled with lust th' Imperial Bed,  
And by the Emperor in the fact was slain.  Collen. 
O worthy guiltless Prince, O had he fled.  Rich. 
But say where is the Empress, where's my Sister.  Mentz. 
Not burnt to ashes yet, but shall be shortly.  Rich. 
I hope her Majesty will live to see  
A hundred thousand flattering turncoat slaves,  
Such as your Holiness, die a shameful death.  Brand. 
She is in prison, and attends her trial.  Saxon. 
O strange heart-breaking mischievous intents,  
Give me my children if you love your lives,  
No safety is in this enchanted Fort.  
O see in happy hour there comes my Daughter,  
And loving son, scaped from the Massacre.  Enter Edward and Hedewick. Edward. 
My body lives, although my heart be slain,  
O Princes this hath been the dismallest night,  
That ever eye of sorrow did behold,  
Here lay the Palsgrave weltering in his blood,  
Dying Alphonsus standing over him,  
Upon the other hand the King of Bohem,  
Still looking when his poisoned bulk would break;  
But that which pierced my soul with nature's touch  
Was my tormented Aunt with blubbered cheeks,  
Torn bloody Garments, and disheveled 'hair,  
Waiting for death; deservedly or no,  
That knows the searcher of all humane thoughts;  
For these devices are beyond my reach.  Saxon. 
Sast dorh liches doister, who wart dow dicselbirmafl.  Hede. 
Ais who who solt ich sem ich war in bette.  Saxon. 
Wert dow allrin so wart dow gar vorschrocken.  Hede. 
Ich ha' missed audes gememt dam das ich wolt allrin geschlaffne haben, abur vmb mitternaist kam meiner bridegroom, bundt si flaffet bey mir, bis wir mit dem getunnuel erwacht waren.  Edward. 
What says she? came her Bridegroom to her at midnight?  Rich. 
Nephew, I see you were not overreached;  
Although she slipped out of your arms at first,  
You seized her surely, ere you left the chase.  Saxon. 
But left your Grace, your Bride alone in Bed?  
Or did she run together in the 'larum?  Edward. 
Alas my Lords, this is no time to jest;  
I lay full sadly in my Bed alone,  
Not able for my life to sleep a wink,  
Till that the 'larum Bell began to Ring,  
And then I starred from my weary couch.  Saxon. 
How now? this rimes not with my daughter's speech,  
She says you found her Bed, and lay with her.  Edward. 
Not I, your Highness did mistake her words.  Collen. 
Deny it not Prince Edward, 'tis an honour.  Edward. 
My Lords I know no reason to deny it;  
T' have found her Bed, I would have given a million.  Saxon. 
Hedewick daer Furst sagt er satt mist be dir schlafin.  Hede. 
Es gefelt ihm also zum sagun aber ich habes will gerfralet.  Rich. 
She says you are disposed to jest with her;  
But yesternight she felt it in good earnest.  Edward. 
Uncle these jests are too unsavoury,  
Ill suited to these times, and please me not,  
Lab ich been you geshlapen yesternight.  Hede. 
I leff, warum snlt ihrs fragen.  Saxon. 
Edward, I tell thee 'tis no jesting matter,  
Say plainly, wast thou by her I or no?  Edward. 
As I am Prince, true heir to England's Crown,  
I never touched her body in a Bed.  Hede. 
Das haste gethan order holle mich daer devil.  Richard. 
Nephew, take heed, you hear the Princess words.  Edward. 
It is not she, nor you, nor all the world,  
Shall make me say I did another's deed.  Saxon. 
Another's deed? what think'st thou her a whore?  Saxon strikes Edward. Edward. 
She may be Whore, and thou a villain too.  
struck me the Emperor I will strike again.  Collen. 
Content you Princes, buffet not like boys.  Richard. 
Hold you the one, and I will hold the other.  Hede. 
O her got, help, help, oich arms kindt.  Saxon. 
soldiers lay hands upon the Prince of Wales,  
Convey him speedily unto a prison,  
And load his Legs with grievous bolts of Iron;  
Some bring the Whore my Daughter from my fight;  
And thou smooth Englishman to thee I speak,  
My hate extends to all thy Nation,  
Pack thee out of my sight, and that with speed  
Your English practises have all to long,  
Muffled our German eyes, pack, pack I say.  Richard. 
Although your Grace have reason for your rage,  
Yet be not like a madman to your friends.  Saxon. 
My friends? I scorn the friendship of such mates,  
That seek my daughter's spoil, and my dishonour;  
But I will teach the Boy another lesson,  
His head shall pay the ransom of his fault.  Richard. 
His head?  Saxon. 
And thy head too, O how my heart doth swell!  
Was there no other Prince to mock but me?  
First woo, then marry her, then lie with her,  
And having had the pleasure of her Bed,  
Call her a Whore in open audience,  
None but a villain and a slave would do it,  
My Lords of Mentz, of Tryer, and Brandenburg,  
Make open the Gates, receive me as a friend,  
I'll be a scourge unto the English Nation.  Mentz. 
Your Grace shall be the welcom'st guest alive,  Collen. 
None but a madman would do such a deed.  Saxon. 
Then Collen count me mad, for I will do it.  
I'll set my life and Land upon the hazard,  
But I will thoroughly found this deceit.  
What will your Grace leave me or follow me?  Collen. 
No Saxon know I will not follow thee,  
And leave Prince Richard in so great extremes.  Saxon. 
Then I defy you both, and so farewell.  Rich. 
Yet Saxon hear me speak before thou go,  
Look to the PRINCE's life as to thine own,  
Each perished hair that falleth from his head  
By thy default, shall cost a Saxon City,  
Henry of England will not lose his heir,  
And so farewell and think upon my words.  Saxon. 
Away, I do disdain to answer thee.  
Pack thee with shame again into thy Country,  
I'll have a Cockboat at my proper charge,  
And send th' Imperial Crown which thou hast won,  
To England by Prince Edward after thee.  Exeunt. Man. Rich. and Coll. Collen. 
Answer him not Prince Richard, he is mad,  
Choler and grief have robbed him of his senses.  
Like accident to this was never heard.  Rich. 
Break heart and die, fly hence my troubled spirit,  
I am not able for to underbear  
The weight of sorrow which doth bruise my soul,  
O Edward, O sweet Edward, O my life.  
O noble Collen last of all my hopes,  
The only friend in my extremities,  
If thou dost love me, as I know thou dost,  
unsheathe thy sword, and rid me of this sorrow.  Collen. 
Away with abject thoughts, fie Princely Richard,  
Rouse up thyself, and call thy senses home,  
Shake of this base pusillanimity,  
And cast about to remedy these wrongs.  Richard. 
Alas I see no means of remedy.  Collen. 
The hearken to my Counsel and advice,  
We will Entrench ourselves not far from hence,  
With those small powers we have, and send for more,  
If they do make assault, we will defend;  
If violence be offered to the Prince,  
We'll rescue him with venture of our lives;  
Let us with patience attend advantage,  
Time may reveal the author of these treasons,  
For why undoubtedly the sweet young Princess,  
Foully beguiled by night with cunning show,  
Hath to some villain lost her Maidenhead.  Rich. 
O that I knew the foul incestuous wretch,  
Thus would I tear him with my teeth and nails.  
Had Saxon sense he would conceive so much,  
And not revenge on guiltless Edward's life.  Collen. 
Persuade yourself he will be twice advised.  
Before he offer wrong unto the Prince.  Rich. 
In that good hope I will have patience.  
Come gentle Prince whose pity to a stranger  
Is rare and admirable, not to be spoken.  
England cannot requite this gentleness.  Collen. 
Tush talk not of requital, let us go,  
To fortify ourselves within our trench.  Exeunt. Enter Alphonso (carried in the Couch) Saxony, Mentz, Tryer, Brandenburg, Alexander. Alphon. 
O most excessive pain, O raging Fire!  
Is burning Cancer or the Scorpion,  
Descended from the Heavenly Zodiac,  
To parch mine Entrails with a quenchless flame?  
Drink, drink I say, give drink or I shall die.  
Fill a thousand bowls of Wine, Water I say  
Water from forth the cold Tartarian hills.  
I feel th' ascending flame lick up my blood,  
Mine Entrails shrink together like a scroll  
Of burning parchment, and my Marrow fries,  
Bring hugy Cakes of Ice, and Flakes of Snow,  
That I may drink of them being dissolved.  Saxon. 
We do beseech your Majesty have patience,  Alphon. 
Had I but drunk an ordinary poison,  
The sight of thee great Duke of Saxony,  
My friend in death, in life my greatest foe,  
Might both allay the venom and the torment;  
But that adulterous Palsgrave and my Wife,  
Upon whose life and soul I vengeance cry,  
Gave me a mineral not to be digested,  
Which burning eats, and eating burns my heart.  
My Lord of Tryer, run to the King of Bohem,  
Commend me to him, ask him how he fares,  
None but myself can rightly pity him;  
For none but we have sympathy of pains.  
Tell him when he is dead, my time's not long,  
And when I die bid him prepare to follow.  Exit. Tryer. 
Now, now it works afresh; are you my friends?  
Then throw me on the cold swift running Rhine,  
And let me bathe there for an hour or two,  
I cannot bear this pain.  Mentz. 
O would th' unpartial fates afflict on me,  
These deadly pains, and ease my Emperor,  
How willing would I bear them for his sake.  Alphon. 
O Mentz, I would not wish unto a Dog,  
The least of thousand torments that afflict me,  
Much less unto your Princely holiness.  
See, see my Lord of Mentz, he points at you.  Mentz. 
It is your fantasy and nothing else;  
But were death here, I would dispute with him,  
And tell him to his teeth he doth unjustice,  
To take your Majesty in the prime of youth;  
Such withered rotten branches as myself,  
Should first be lopped, had he not partial hands;  
And here I do protest upon my Knee,  
I would as willingly now leave my life,  
To save my King and Emperor alive,  
As erst my Mother brought me to the world.  Brand. 
My Lord of Mentz, this flattery is too gross,  
A Prince of your experience and calling,  
Should not so fondly call the Heavens to witness.  Mentz. 
Think you my Lord, I would not hold my word?  Brand. 
You know my Lord, death is a bitter guest.  Mentz. 
To ease his pain and save my Emperor,  
I sweetly would embrace that bitterness.  Alex. 
If I were death, I knew what I would do.  Mentz. 
But see, his Majesty is fallen asleep,  
Ah me, I fear it is a dying slumber.  Alphon. 
My Lord of saxony do you hear this jest.  Saxon. 
What should I hear my Lord?  Alphon. 
Do you not hear  
How loudly death proclaims it in mine ears,  
Swearing by trophies, Tombs and deadmen's Graves,  
If I have any friend so dear to me,  
That to excuse my life will lose his own,  
I shall be presently restored to health.  Enter Tryer. Mentz. 
I would he durst make good his promises.  Alphon. 
My Lord of Tryer, how fares my fellow Emperor?  Tryer. 
His Majesty is eased of all his pains.  Alphon. 
O happy news, now have I hope of health.  Mentz. 
My joyful heart doth spring within my body,  
To hear those words,  
Comfort your Majesty I will excuse you,  
Or at the least will bear you Company.  Alphon. 
My hope is vain, now, now my heart will break,  
My Lord of Tryer you did but flatter me,  
Tell me the truth, how fares his Majesty.  Tryer. 
I told your Highness, eased of all his pain.  Alphon. 
I understand thee now, he's eased by death,  
And now I feel an alteration;  
Farewell sweet Lords, farewell my Lord of Mentz,  
The truest friend that ever earth did bear,  
Live long in happiness to revenge my death,  
Upon my Wife and all the English brood.  
My Lord of saxony your Grace hath cause.  Mentz. 
I dare thee death to take away my life.  
Some charitable hand that loves his Prince,  
And hath the heart, draw forth his Sword and rid me of my life.  Alex. 
I love my Prince, and have the heart to do it.  Mentz. 
O stay a while.  Alex. 
Nay now it is too late.  Bran. 
Villain what hast thou done? th' hast slain a Prince.  Alex. 
I did no more than he entreated me,  Alphon. 
How now, what make I in my Couch so late?  
Princes why stand you so gazing about me?  
Or who is that lies slain before my face?  
O I have wrong, my soul was half in Heaven,  
His holiness did know the joys above,  
And therefore is ascended in my stead.  
Come Princes let us bear the body hence;  
I'll spend a Million to embalm the same.  
Let all the Bells within the Empire Ring,  
Let Mass be said in every Church and Chapel,  
And that I may perform my latest vow,  
I will procure so much by Gold or friends,  
That my sweet Mentz shall be Canonised,  
And numbered in the bead-roll of the Saints,  
I hope the Pope will not deny it me,  
I'll build a Church in honour of thy name,  
Within the ancient famous City Mentz,  
Fairer than any one in Germany,  
There shalt thou be interred with Kingly Pomp,  
Over thy Tomb shall hang a sacred Lamp,  
Which till the day of doom shall ever burn,  
Yea after ages shall speak of thy renown,  
And go a Pilgrimage to thy sacred Tomb.  
Grief stops my voice, who loves his Emperor,  
Lay to his helping hand and bear him hence,  
Sweet Father and redeemer of my life.  Exeunt. Manet Alexander. Alex. 
Now is my Lord sole Emperor of Rome,  
And three Conspirators of my Father's death,  
Are cunningly sent unto Heaven or Hell;  
Like subtlety to this was never seen.  
Alas poor Mentz! I pitying thy prayers,  
Could do no less than lend a helping hand,  
Thou wert a famous flatterer in thy life,  
And now hast reaped the fruits thereof in death;  
But thou shalt be rewarded like a Saint,  
With Masses, Bells, dirges and burning Lamps;  
'Tis good, I envy not thy happiness:  
But ah the sweet remembrance of that night,  
That night I mean of sweetness and of stealth,  
When for a Prince, a Princess did embrace me,  
Paying the first fruits of her Marriage Bed,  
Makes me forget all other accidents.  
O Saxon I would willingly forgive,  
The deadly trespass of my Father's death,  
So I might have thy Daughter to my Wife,  
And to be plain, I have best right unto her,  
And love her best, and have deserved her best;  
But thou art fond to think on such a match;  
Thou must imagine nothing but revenge,  
And if my computation fail me not,  
Ere long I shall be thoroughly revenged.  Exit. Enter the Duke of Saxon, and Hedewick with the Child. Saxon. 
Come forth thou perfect map of misery,  
Desolate Daughter and distressed Mother,  
In whom the Father and the Son are cursed;  
Thus once again we will assay the Prince.  
'T may be the sight of his own flesh and blood  
Will now at last pierce his obdurate heart.  
Jailor how fares it with thy prisoner?  
Let him appear upon the battlements.  Hede. 
O mein dear vatter, ich habe in dis lang lang 30. weeken, welche mich duncket sein 40. jahr gewesen, ein litte English gelernet, und ich hope, he will me verstohn, und show me a little pity.  Enter Edward on the Walls and jailor. Saxon. 
Good morrow to your grace Edward of Wales,  
Son and immediate Heir to Henry the third,  
King of England and Lord of Ireland,  
Thy Father's comfort, and the people's hope;  
'Tis not in mockage nor at unawares,  
That I am ceremonious to repeat  
Thy high descent joined with thy Kingly might;  
But therewithal to intimate unto thee  
What God expecteth from the higher powers,  
Justice, and mercy, truth, sobriety,  
Relenting hearts, hands innocent of blood.  
Princes are Gods chief substitutes on earth,  
And should be Lamps unto the common sort.  
But you will say I am become a Preacher,  
No, Prince, I am an humble suppliant,  
And to prepare thine ears make this exordium,  
To pierce thine eyes and heart, behold this spectacle,  
Three Generations of the Saxon blood,  
Descended lineally from forth my Loins,  
Kneeling and crying to thy mightiness;  
First look on me, and think what I have been,  
For now I think myself of no account,  
Next Caesar, greatest man in germany,  
Nearly a lied, and ever friend to England;  
But Women's sighs move more in manly hearts,  
O see the hands she elevates to Heaven;  
Behold those eyes that whilom were thy joys,  
Uttering dumb eloquence in Crystal tears;  
If these exclaims and sights be ordinary,  
Then look with pity on thy other self,  
This is thy flesh, and blood, bone of thy bone,  
A goodly Boy the Image of his sire.  
Turn'st thou away? O were thy Father here,  
He would, as I do, take him in his arms,  
And sweetly kiss his Grandchild in the face.  
O Edward too young in experience,  
That canst not look into the grievous wrack,  
Ensuing this thy obstinate denial;  
O Edward too young in experience,  
That canst not see into the future good,  
Ensuing thy most just acknowledgement;  
Hear me thy truest friend, I will repeat them;  
For good thou hast an Heir indubitate,  
Whose eyes already sparkle Majesty,  
Born in true Wedlock of a Princely Mother,  
And all the German Princes to thy friends;  
Where on the contrary thine eyes shall see,  
The speedy Tragedy of thee and thine;  
Like Athamas first will I seize upon  
Thy young unchristened and despised Son,  
And with his guiltless brains bepaint the Stones;  
Then like Virginius will I kill my Child,  
Unto thine eyes a pleasing spectacle;  
Yet shall it be a momentary pleasure,  
Henry of England shall mourn with me;  
For thou thyself Edward shall make the third,  
And be an actor in this bloody Scene.  Hede. 
Ah mine seete Edovart, mein herzkin, mine scherzkin, mein herziges, einiges herz, mein allerleivest husband, I preedee mein leefe see me friendlich one, good feet heart tell de trut: and at lest to me, and dine allerleefest schild show pity! dan ich been dyne, und dow bist mine, dow hast me given ein kindelein; O Edouart, feet, Edovart erbarmet sein!  Edw. 
O Hedewick peace, thy speeches pierce my soul.  Hede. 
Hedewick do yow excellency hight me Hedewick feet Edovart yow weete ich been your allerlieveste wife.  Edward. 
The Priest I must confess made thee my Wife,  
Cursed be the damned villainous adulterer,  
That with so fowl a blot divorced our love.  Hede. 
O mein allerleevester, high-born Furst und Herr, dinck dat unser Herr Gott sits in himmells trone, and sees dat heart und will my cause will reckon:  Saxon. 
Edward hold me not up with long delays;  
But quickly say, wilt thou confess the truth?  Edward. 
As true as I am born of Kingly Lineage,  
And am the best Plantagenet next my Father,  
I never carnally did touch her body.  Saxon. 
Edward this answer had we long ago,  
Seest thou this brat? speak quickly or he dies.  Edward. 
His death will be more piercing to thine eyes,  
Than unto mine, he is not of my kin.  Hede. 
O Father, O mine Uatter spare mine kindt O Edovart O Prince Edovart spreak now oder nimmermehr die kindt ist mein, it soll night sterben:  Saxon. 
Have I dishonoured myself so much,  
To bow my Knee to thee, which never bowed  
But to my God, and am I thus rewarded?  
Is he not thine? speak murderous-minded Prince.  Edward. 
O Saxon, Saxon mitigate thy rage.  
First thy exceeding great humility,  
When to thy captive prisoner thou didst kneel,  
Had almost made my lying tongue confess,  
The deed which I protest I never did;  
But thy not causeless furious madding humour,  
Together with thy daughter's piteous cries,  
Whom as my life and soul I dearly love,  
Had thoroughly almost persuaded me,  
To save her honour and belie myself,  
And were I not a Prince of so high blood,  
And Bastards have no scepter-bearing hands,  
I would in silence smother up this blot,  
And in compassion of thy daughter's wrong,  
Be counted Father to another's Child;  
For why my soul knows her unguiltiness.  Saxon. 
Smooth words in bitter sense; is thine answer?  Hede. 
Ey vatter give mir mein kindt, die kind is't mein.  Saxon. 
Das weis ich will, er sagt esist night sein; therefore it dies.  He dashes out the Child's brains. Hede. 
O Got in seinem throne, O mein kindt mein kindt.  Saxon. 
There murderer take his head, and breathless limbs,  
there's flesh enough, bury it in thy bowels,  
Eat that, or die for hunger, I protest,  
Thou getst no other food till that be spent.  
And now to thee lewd Whore, dishonoured strumpet,  
Thy turn is next, therefore prepare to die.  Edward. 
O mighty Duke of Saxon, spare thy Child.  Sax. 
She is thy Wife Edward, and thou shouldst spare her.  
One Gracious word of thine will save her life.  Edward. 
I do confess Saxon she is mine own,  
As I have married her, I will live with her,  
Comfort thyself sweet Hedewick and sweet Wife.  Hede. 
ache, ache und wehe, warumb sagt your Excellence night so before, now is't too late, unser arm kindt ist kilt.  Edward. 
Though thou be mine, and I do pity thee,  
I would not Nurse a Bastard for a Son.  Hede. 
O Edward now ich mark your meaning ich sholdt be your whore, mein Uatter ich begehr upon meine knee, last mich lieber sterben, ade false Edovart, false Prince, ich begehrs night.  Saxon. 
Unprincely thoughts do hammer in thy head,  
is't not enough that thou hast shamed her once,  
And seen the Bastard torn before thy face;  
But thou wouldst get more brats for Butchery?  
No Hedewick thou shalt not live the day.  Hede. 
O Herr Gott, nimb meine feele in deiner henden.  Saxon. 
It is thy hand that gives this deadly stroke.  Hede. 
O Herr Sabote, das mein unschuldt an tag kommen mocht.  Edward. 
Her blood be on that wretched villain's head,  
That is the cause of all this misery.  Saxon. 
Now murderous-minded Prince, hast thou beheld  
Upon my Child, and Child's Child, thy desire,  
Swear to thyself, that here I firmly swear,  
That thou shall surely follow her tomorrow.  
In Company of thy adulterous Aunt,  
Jailor convey him to his Dungeon,  
If he be hungry, I have thrown him meat,  
If thirsty let him suck the newly born limbs.  Edward. 
O Heavens and Heavenly powers, if you be just,  
Reward the author of this wickedness.  Exit. Edw. & jaoler. Enter Alexander. Alex. 
To arms great Duke of saxony, to arms,  
My Lord of Collen, and the Earl of Cornwall,  
In rescue of Prince Edward and the Empress,  
Have levied fresh supplies, and presently  
Will bid you battle in the open Field.  Sax. 
They never could have come in fitter time;  
Thirst they for blood? and they shall quench their thirst.  Alex. 
O piteous spectacle! poor Princess Hedewick.  Sax. 
Stand not to pity, lend a helping hand.  Alex. 
What slave hath murdered this guiltless Child?  Sax. 
What? dar'st thou call me slave unto my face?  
I tell thee villain, I have done this deed,  
And seeing the Father and the grandsire's heart,  
Can give consent and execute their own,  
Wherefore should such a rascal as thyself  
Presume to pity them, whom we have slain?  Alex. 
Pardon me, if it be presumption  
To pity them, I will presume no more.  Sax. 
Then help, I long to be amidst my foes.  Exeunt.  

ACT. V.  Alarum and Retreat. Enter Richard and Collen with Drums and Soldiers. Richard. 
What means your Excellence to sound retreat?  
This is the day of doom unto our Friends;  
Before Sun set, my Sister, and my Nephew,  
Unless we rescue them, must lose their lives;  
The cause admits no dalliance nor delay.  
He that so tyrantlike hath slain his own,  
Will take no pity on a stranger's blood.  Collen. 
At my entreaty ere we strike the battle,  
Let's summon out our enemies to a parley.  
Words spoken in time, have virtue, power, and price,  
And mildness may prevail and take effect,  
When dint of Sword perhaps will aggravate.  Rich. 
Then sound a Parley to fulfil your mind,  
Although I know no good can follow it.  A Parley. Enter Alphonso, Empress, Saxon, Edward prisoner, Tryer, Brandenburg, Alexander and Soldiers. Alphon. 
Why how now Emperor that should have been,  
Are these the English Generals bravadoes?  
Make you assault so hotly at the first,  
And in the self same moment sound retreat?  
To let you know, that neither War nor words,  
Have power for to divert their fatal doom,  
Thus are we both resolved; if we triumph,  
And by the right and justice of our cause  
Obtain the victory, as I doubt it not,  
Than both of you shall bear them Company,  
And ere Sun set we will perform our oaths,  
With just effusion of their guilty bloods;  
If you be Conquerors, and we overcome,  
Carry not that conceit to rescue them,  
myself will be the Executioner,  
And with these poniards frustrate all your hopes,  
Making you triumph in a bloody Field.  Saxon. 
To put you out of doubt that we intend it,  
Please it your Majesty to take your Seat,  
And make a demonstration of your meaning.  Alphon. 
First on my right hand bind the English Whore,  
That venomous Serpent nursed within my breast  
To suck the vital blood out of my veins,  
My Empress must have some pre-eminence,  
Especially at such a bloody Banquet,  
Her State, and love to me deserves no less.  Saxon. 
That to Prince Edward I may show my love,  
And do the latest honour to his State,  
These hands of mine that never chained any,  
Shall fasten him in fetters to the Chair.  
Now Princes are you ready for the battle?  Collen. 
Now art thou right the picture of thyself,  
Seated in height of all thy Tyranny;  
But tell us what intends this spectacle.  Alphon. 
To make the certainty of their deaths more plain,  
And Cancel all your hopes to save their lives,  
While Saxon leads the troops into the Field,  
Thus will I vex their souls, with sight of death,  
Loudly exclaiming in their half dead ears;  
That if we win they shall have company,  
Viz. The English Emperor,  
And you my Lord Archbishop of Collen,  
If we be vanquished, than they must expect  
Speedy dispatch from these two Daggers points.  Collen. 
What canst thou tyrant then expect but death?  Alphon. 
Tush hear me out, that hand which shed their blood,  
Can do the like to rid me out of bonds.  Rich. 
But that's a damned resolution.  Alphon. 
So must this desperate disease be cured.  Rich. 
O Saxon I'll yield myself and all my power,  
To save my Nephew, though my Sister die.  Sax. 
Thy Brother's Kingdom shall not save his life.  Edward. 
Uncle, you see these savage minded men  
Will have no other ransom but my blood,  
England hath Heirs, though I be never King,  
And hearts and hands to scourge this tyranny,  
And so farewell.  Emp. 
A thousand times farewell,  
Sweet Brother Richard and brave Prince of Collen.  Sax. 
What Richard, hath this object pierced thy heart?  
By this imagine how it went with me,  
When yesterday I slew my Children.  Rich. 
O Saxon I entreat thee on my Knees.  Sax. 
Thou shalt obtain like mercy with thy kneeling,  
As lately I obtained at Edward's hands.  Rich. 
Pity the tears I power before thy feet.  Sax. 
Pity those tears? why I shed bloody tears.  Rich. 
I'll do the like to save Prince Edward's life.  Sax. 
Then like a Warrior spill it in the Field,  
My grieffull anger cannot be appeased,  
By sacrifice of any but himself,  
Thou hast dishonoured me, and thou shalt die;  
Therefore alarum, alarum to the fight,  
That thousands more may bear thee company.  Rich. 
Nephew and Sister now farewell for ever.  Ed. 
Heaven and the Right prevail, and let me die;  
Uncle farewell.  Emp. 
Brother farewell until we meet in Heaven.  Exeunt. Manent Alphon. Edw. Emp. Alex. Alphon. 
Here's farewell Brother, Nephew, Uncle, Aunt,  
As if in thousand years you should not meet;  
Good Nephew, and good Aunt content yourselves,  
The Sword of Saxon and these Daggers-points,  
Before the Evening-Star doth show itself,  
Will take sufficient order for your meeting.  
But Alexander, my trusty Alexander,  
Run to the watchtower as I pointed thee,  
And by thy life I charge thee look unto it  
Thou be the first to bring me certain word  
I we be Conquerors, or Conquered.  Alex. 
With careful speed I will perform this charge.  Exit. Alphon 
Now have I leisure yet to talk with you.  
Fair Isabell, the Palsgrave's Paramour,  
Wherein was he a better man than I?  
Or wherefore should thy love to him, effect  
Such deadly hate unto thy Emperor?  
Yet welfare wenches that can love Good fellows,  
And not mix Murder with Adultery.  Emp. 
Great Emperor, I dare not call you Husband,  
Your Conscience knows my heart's unguiltiness.  Alpho. 
Didst thou not poison, or consent to poison us?  Emp. 
Should any but your Highness tell me so,  
I should forget my patience at my death,  
And call him Villain, Liar, Murderer.  Alphon. 
She that doth so miscall me at her end,  
Edward I prithee speak thy Conscience,  
Thinkst thou not that in her prosperity  
Sh'hath vexed my Soul with bitter Words and Deeds?  
O Prince of England I do count thee wise  
That thou wilt not be cumbered with a wife,  
When thou hadst stolen her dainty rose currants,  
And plucked the flower of her virginity.  Edw. 
Tyrant of Spain thou liest in thy threat.  Alpho. 
Good words, thou seest thy life is in our hands.  Edw. 
I see thou art become a common Hangman,  
An Office far more fitting to thy mind  
Than princely to the Imperial dignity.  Alphon. 
I do not exercise on common persons,  
Your Highness is a Prince, and she an Empress,  
I therefore count not of a dignity.  
Hark Edward how they labour all in vain,  
With loss of many a valiant soldier's life,  
To rescue them whom Heaven and we have doomed;  
Dost thou not tremble when thou think'st upon't?  Edw. 
Let guilty minds tremble at sight of Death,  
My heart is of the nature of the Palm,  
Not to be broken, till the highest Bud  
Be bent and tied unto the lowest Root;  
I rather wonder that thy tyrant's heart  
Can give consent that those thy Butcherous hands  
Should offer violence to thy Flesh and Blood.  
See how her guiltless innocence doth plead  
In silent Oratory of her chastest tears.  Alphon. 
Those tears proceed from Fury and curst heart.  
I know the stomach of your English Dames.  Emp. 
No Emperor, these tears proceed from grief.  Alphon. 
Grief that thou canst not be revenged of us.  Emp. 
Grief that your Highness is so ill advised,  
To offer violence to my Nephew Edward;  
Since then there must be sacrifice of Blood,  
Let my heartblood save both your bloods unspilled,  
For of his death, thy Heart must pay the guilt.  Edw. 
No aunt, I will not buy my life so dear:  
Therefore Alphonso if thou be'st a man  
Shed manly blood. and let me end this strife.  Alphon. 
Here's straining courtesy at a bitter Feast.  
Content thee Empress for thou art my Wife,  
Thou shalt obtain thy Boon and die the death,  
And for it were unprincely to deny  
So slight request unto so great a Lord,  
Edward shall bear thee company in Death.  A Retreat. 
But hark the heat of battle hath an end;  
One side or other hath the victory,  Enter Alexander. 
And see where Alexander sweating comes;  
Speak man, what news, speak, shall I die or live?  
Shall I stab sure, or else prolong their lives  
To grievous Torments? speak, am I Conqueror?  
What, hath thy hast bereft thee of thy speech?  
Hast thou not breathe to speak one syllable?  
O speak, thy dalliance kills me, won or lost?  Amazed lets fall the Daggers. Alex. 
Lost.  Alphon. 
Ah me my Senses fail! my sight is gone.  Alex. 
Will not your Grace dispatch the Strumpet Queen?  
Shall she then live, and we be doomed to death?  
Is your Heart faint, or is your Hand too weak?  
Shall servile fear break your so sacred Oaths?  
methinks an Emperor should hold his word;  
Give me the Weapons, I will soon dispatch them,  
My Father's yelling Ghost cries for revenge,  
His Blood within my Veins boils for revenge;  
O give me leave Cesar to take revenge.  Alphon. 
Upon condition that thou wilt protest  
To take revenge upon the Murderers,  
Without respect of dignity, or State,  
Afflicted, speedy, pitiless Revenge,  
I will commit this Dagger to thy trust,  
And give thee leave to execute thy Will.  Alex. 
What need I here reiterate the Deeds  
Which deadly sorrow made me perpetrate?  
How near did I entrap Prince Richard's life?  
How sure set I the Knife to Mentz his heart?  
How cunningly was Palsgrave doomed to death?  
How subtly was Bohem poisoned?  
How slily did I satisfy my lust  
Commixing dulcet Love with deadly Hate,  
When Princess Hedewick lost her Maidenhead,  
Sweetly embracing me for England's Heir?  Edw. 
O execrable deeds!  Emp. 
O savage mind!  Alex. 
Edward, I give thee leave to hear of this,  
But will forbid the blabbing of your tongue.  
Now gracious Lord and sacred Emperor,  
Your highness knowing these and many more,  
Which fearless pregnancy hath wrought in me,  
You do me wrong to doubt that I will dive  
Into their hearts that have not spared their betters,  
Be therefore sudden lest we die ourselves.  
I know the Conqueror hasts to rescue them.  Alphon. 
Thy Reasons are effectual, take this Dagger;  
Yet pause a while.  Emp. 
Sweet Nephew now farewell.  Alphon. 
They are most dear to me whom thou must kill.  Edward. 
Hark Aunt he now begins to pity you.  Alex. 
But they consented to my Father's death.  Alphon. 
More than consented, they did execute.  Emp. 
I will not make his Majesty a Liar,  
I killed thy Father, therefore let me die,  
But save the life of this unguilty Prince.  Edward. 
I killed thy Father, therefore let me die,  
But save the life of this unguilty Empress.  Alphon 
Hark thou to me, and think their words as wind.  
I killed thy Father, therefore let me die,  
And save the lives of these two guiltless Princes.  
Art thou amazed to hear what I have said?  
There, take the weapon, now revenge at full  
Thy Father's death, and those my dire deceits  
That made thee murderer of so many Souls.  Alex. 
O Emperor, how cunningly wouldst thou entrap  
My simple youth to credit Fictions?  
Thou kill my Father, no, no Emperor,  
Caesar did love Lorenzo all too dearly:  
Seeing thy Forces now are vanquished,  
Frustrate thy hopes, thy Highness like to fall  
Into the cruel and revengeful hands  
Of merciless incensed Enemies,  
Like Caius Cassius weary of thy life,  
Now wouldst thou make thy Page an instrument  
By sudden stroke to rid thee of thy bonds.  Alphon. 
Hast thou forgotten how that very night  
Thy Father died, I took the Master-Key,  
And with a lighted Torch walked through the Court.  Alex. 
I must remember that, for to my death.  
I never shall forget the slightest deed,  
Which on that dismal Night or Day I did.  Alphon. 
Thou wast no sooner in thy restful Bed,  
But I disturbed thy Father of his rest,  
And to be short, not that I hated him,  
But for he knew my deepest Secrets,  
With cunning Poison I did end his life:  
Art thou his Son? express it with a Stab,  
And make account if I had prospered,  
Thy date was out, thou wast already doomed,  
Thou knewst too much of me to live with me.  Alex. 
What wonders do I hear great Emperor?  
Not that I do steadfastly believe  
That thou didst murder my beloved Father;  
But in mere pity of thy vanquished state  
I undertake this execution:  
Yet, for I fear the sparkling Majesty.  
Which issues from thy most Imperial, eyes  
May strike relenting Passion to my heart,  
And after wound received from fainting hand,  
Thou fall half dead among thine Enemies,  
I crave thy Highness leave to bind thee first.  Alphon. 
Then bind me quickly, use me as thou please  Emp. 
O Villain, wilt thou kill thy Sovereign?  Alex. 
Your Highness sees that I am forced unto it.  Alphon. 
Fair Empress. I shame to ask thee pardon,  
Whom I have wronged so many thousand ways.  Emp. 
Dread Lord and Husband, leave these desperate thoughts,  
Doubt not the Princes may be reconciled.  Alex. 
'T may be the Princes will be reconciled,  
But what is that to me? all Potentates on Earth  
Can never reconcile my grieved Soul.  
Thou slew'st my Father, thou didst make this hand  
Mad with Revenge to murder Innocents,  
Now hear, how in the height of all thy pride  
The rightful Gods have poured their justful wrath  
Upon thy tyrant's head, Devil as thou art.  
And saved by miracle these PRINCE's lives;  
For know, thy side hath got the Victory;  
Saxon triumphs over his dearest friends;  
Richard and Collen, both are Prisoners,  
And every thing hath sorted to thy wish;  
Only hath Heaven put it in my mind  
(for he alone directed then my thoughts  
Although my meaning was most mischievous)  
To tell thee thou hadst lost, in certain hope  
That suddenly thou wouldst have slain them both,  
For if the Princes came to talk about it,  
I greatly feared their lives might be prolonged.  
Art thou not mad to think on this deceit?  
I'll make thee madder, with tormenting thee.  
I tell thee Arch-Thief, Villain, Murderer,  
Thy Forces have obtained the Victory,  
Victory leads thy Foes in captive bands;  
This Victory hath crowned thee Emperor,  
Only myself have vanquished Victory,  
And triumph in the Victor's overthrow.  Alphon. 
O Alexander spare thy PRINCE's life.  Alex. 
Even now thou didst entreat the contrary.  Alphon. 
Think what I am that beg my life of thee.  Alex. 
Think what he was whom thou hast doomed to death.  
But least the Princes do surprise us here  
Before I have performed my strange revenge,  
I will be sudden in the execution.  Alphon. 
I will accept any condition.  Alex. 
Then in the presence of the empress,  
The captive Prince of England, and myself,  
Forswear the joys of Heaven, the sight of God,  
Thy Souls salvation, and thy Saviour Christ,  
Damning thy Soul to endless pains of Hell.  
Do this or die upon my rapier's point.  Emp. 
Sweet Lord and Husband, spit in's face.  
Die like a man, and live not like a Devil.  Alex. 
What? wilt thou save thy life, and damn thy Soul?  Alph. 
O hold thy hand, Alphonsus doth renounce.  Edward. 
Aunt stop your years, hear not this Blasphemy.  Empr. 
Sweet Husband think that Christ did die for thee.  Alphon. 
Alphonsus doth renounce the joys of Heaven,  
The sight of Angels and his saviour's blood,  
And gives his Soul unto the devil's power.  Alex. 
Thus will I make delivery of the Deed,  
Die and be damned, now am I satisfied.  Edward. 
O damned Miscreant, what hast thou done?  Alex. 
When I have leisure I will answer thee:  
meanwhile I'll take my heels and save myself.  
If I be ever called in question,  
I hope your Majesties will save my life,  
You have so happily preserved yours;  
Did I not think it, both of you should die.  Exit Alex. Enter Saxon, Branden. Tryer, (Richard and Collen as prisoners) and Soldiers. Saxon. 
Bring forth these daring Champions to the Block,  
Comfort yourselves you shall have company.  
Great Emperor where is his Majesty?  
What bloody spectacle do I behold?  Emp. 
Revenge, revenge, O Saxon, Brandenburg,  
My Lord is slain, Caesar is doomed to death.  Edward. 
Princes make haste, follow the murderer.  Saxon. 
Is Caesar slain?  Edward. 
Follow the Murderer.  Emp. 
Why stand you gazing on another thus?  
Follow the Murderer.  Saxon. 
What Murderer?  Edward. 
The villain Alexander hath slain his Lord,  
Make after him with speed, so shall you hear  
Such villainy as you have never heard.  Brand. 
My Lord of Tryer, we both with our light Horse  
Will scour the Coasts and quickly bring him in.  Saxon. 
That can your Excellence alone perform,  
Stay you my Lord, and guard the Prisoners,  
While I, alas, unhappiest Prince alive,  
Over his Trunk consume myself in Tears.  
Hath Alexander done this damned deed?  
That cannot be why should he slay his Lord?  
O cruel Fate, O miserable me!  
methinks I now present Mark Antony,  
Folding dead julius Caesar in mine arms.  
No, no, I rather will present Achilles,  
And on Patroclus' Tomb do sacrifice.  
Let me be spurned and hated as a Dog,  
But I perform more direful bloody Rites  
Than Thetis Son for Menoetiades.  Edward. 
Leave mourning for thy Foes, pity thy Friends.  Sax. 
friend's have I none, and that which grieves my Soul,  
Is want of Foes to work my wreak upon;  
But were you Traitors 4, four hundred thousand,  
Then might I satisfy myself with Blood.  Enter Brandenb. Alexand. and Soldiers. Saxon. 
See Alexander where Caesar lieth slain,  
The guilt whereof the Traitors cast on thee;  
Speak, canst thou tell who slew thy Sovereign?  Alexan. 
Why who but I? how should I curse myself  
If any but myself had done this deed?  
This happy hand, blessed be my hand therefore,  
Revenged my Father's death upon his Soul:  
And Saxon thou hast cause to curse and ban  
That he is dead, before thou didst inflict  
Torments on him that so hath torn thy heart.  Saxon. 
What Mysteries are these?  Bran. 
Princes, can you inform us of the Truth?  Edward. 
The Deed's so heinous that my faltering tongue  
Abhors the utterance. Yet I must tell it.  Alex. 
Your Highness shall not need to take the pains,  
What you abhor to tell, I joy to tell,  
Therefore be silent and give audience.  
You mighty men, and Rulers of the Earth,  
Prepare your Ears, to hear of Stratagems  
Whose dire effects have gauled your princely hearts,  
Confounded your conceits, muffled your eyes:  
First to begin this villainous Fiend of Hell  
Murdered my Father, sleeping in his Chair,  
The reason why, because he only knew  
All Plots, and complots of his villainy;  
His death was made the Basis and the Ground  
Of every mischief that hath troubled you.  Saxon. 
If thou, thy Father and thy Progeny  
Were hanged and burnt, and broken on the Wheel,  
How could their death's heap mischief on our heads?  Alex. 
And if you will not hear the Reason choose.  
I tell thee I have slain an Emperor,  
And thereby think myself as good a man  
As thou, or any man in Christendom,  
Thou shalt entreat me ere I tell thee more.  Brand. 
Proceed.  Alex. 
Not I.  Saxon. 
I prithee now proceed.  Alex. 
Since you entreat me then, I will proceed.  
This murderous Devil having slain my Father,  
Buzzed cunningly into my credulous ears,  
That by a General Council of the States,  
And as it were by Act of Parliament,  
The seven Electors had set down his death,  
And made the Empress Executioner,  
Transferring all the guilt from him to you.  
This I believed, and first did set upon  
The life of Princely Richard, by the Boors,  
But how my purpose failed in that, his Grace best knows;  
Next, by a double intricate deceit,  
Midst all his Mirth was Bohem poisoned,  
And good old Mentz to save Alphonso's life,  
(Who at that instant was in perfect health)  
Twixt jest and earnest was made a Sacrifice;  
As for the Palatine, your Graces knew  
His Highness and the Queen's unguiltiness;  
But now my Lord of Saxon hark to me,  
Father of Saxon should I rather call you,  
'twas I that made your Grace a Grandfather:  
Prince Edward ploughed the ground, I sowed the Seed,  
Poor Hedewick bore the most unhappy fruit,  
Created in a most unlucky hour,  
To a most violent and untimely death.  Sax. 
O loathsome Villain, O detested deeds,  
O guiltless Prince, O me most miserable.  Brand. 
But tell us who revealed to thee at last  
This shameful guilt, and our unguiltiness?  Alex. 
Why that's the wonder Lords, and thus it was  
When like a tyrant he had ta'en his seat,  
And that the fury of the Fight began,  
Upon the highest watchtower of the Fort,  
It was my office to behold aloft  
The war's event, and having seen the end,  
I saw how Victory with equal wings  
Hang hover twixt the Battles here and there,  
Till at the last, the English lions fled,  
And Saxon's side obtained the Victory;  
Which seen, I posted from the turret's top,  
More furiously than ere Laocoon ran,  
When Trojan hands drew in Troy's overthrow,  
But yet as fatally as he or any.  
The tyrant seeing me, stared in my face,  
And suddenly demanded what's the news,  
ay, as the Fates would have it, hoping that he  
Even in a twinkling would have slain 'em both,  
For so he swore before the Fight began,  
Cried bitterly that he had lost the day,  
The sound whereof did kill his dastard heart,  
And made the Villain desperately confess  
The murder of my Father, praying me,  
With dire revenge, to rid him of his life;  
Short tale to make, I bound him cunningly,  
Told him of the deceit, triumphing over him,  
And lastly with my Rapier slew him dead.  Sax. 
O Heavens! justly have you ta'en revenge.  
But thou, thou murderous adulterous slave,  
What Bull of Phalaris, what strange device,  
Shall we invent to take away thy life?  Alex. 
If Edward and the Empress, whom I saved,  
Will not requite it now, and save my life,  
Then let me die, contentedly I die,  
Having at last revenged my Father's death.  Sax. 
Villain, not all the world shall save thy life.  Edw. 
Hadst thou not been Author of my Hedewick's death,  
I would have certainly saved thee from death;  
But if my Sentence now may take effect,  
I would adjudge the Villain to be hanged  
As here the jews are hanged in Germany.  Sax. 
Young Prince it shall be so; go drag the Slave  
Unto the place of execution:  
There let the judas, on a Jewish Gallows,  
Hang by the heels between two English Mastiffs,  
There feed on Dogs, let Dogs there feed on thee,  
And by all means prolong his misery.  Alex. 
O might thyself and all these English curs,  
Instead of mastiff-dogs hang by my side,  
How sweetly would I tug upon your Flesh.  Exit Alex. Sax. 
Away with him, suffer him not to speak.  
And now my lords, Collen, Tryer, and Brandenburg,  
Whose Hearts are bruised to think upon these woes,  
Though no man hast such reason as myself,  
We of the seven Electors that remain,  
After so many bloody Massacres,  
Kneeling upon our Knees, humbly entreat  
Your Excellence to be our Emperor.  
The Royalties of the Coronation  
Shall be, at Aix, shortly solemnised.  Cullen. 
Brave Princely Richard now refuse it not,  
Though the Election be made in Tears,  
Joy shall attend thy Coronation.  Richard. 
It stands not with mine Honour to deny it,  
Yet by mine Honour, fain I would refuse it.  Edward. 
Uncle, the weight of all these Miseries  
Maketh my heart as heavy as your own,  
But an Imperial Crown would lighten it,  
Let this one reason make you take the Crown.  Richard. 
What's that sweet nephew?  Edward. 
Sweet Uncle, this it is,  
Was never Englishman yet Emperor,  
Therefore to honour England and yourself,  
Let private sorrow yield to public Fame,  
That once an Englishman bore Caesar's name.  Richard. 
Nephew, thou hast prevailed; Princes stand up,  
We humbly do accept your sacred offer.  Cullen. 
Then sound the Trumpets, and cry Vivat Caesar.  All. 
Vivat Caesar.  Cullen. 
Richardus Dei gratia Romanorum Imperator, semper Augustus, Comes Cornubiae.  Richard. 
Sweet Sister now let Caesar comfort you,  
And all the rest that yet are comfortless;  
Let them expect from English Caesar's hands  
Peace, and abundance of all earthly Joy.    
FINIS