THE unfortunate LOVERS: A tragedy; As it was lately Acted with great applause at the private House in Blackfriars; By His majesty's Servants.  
The Author William Davenaut, Servant to Her majesty.  
LONDON, Printed by R. H. and are to be sold by Francis Coles at his Shop in the Old-bailey, Anno Dom. 1643.   

TO THE RIGHT honourable PHILIP Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, &c.  
My Noble Lord,  
THe natural affection, which by the successive virtue of your Family you have always borne to Poetry, engages me in the absence of the worthy Author, to present your Lordship this piece, that you, the best Maecenas of the age, might Patronize this best of plays. Had Mr. Davenaut himself been present, he would have elected no other Patron but your Lordship, and in his absence I beseech you accept this work of his; whose excellence, I hope, will excuse his boldness, who had no other ambition in the dedication, but that he might by public profession be known to be that which has long time been in his private affection,  
The humble honourer of your Name and Family. W. H.   

Prologue.  

WEre you but half so humble to confess,  
As you are wise to know your happiness;  
Our Author would not grieve to see you sit  
Ruling with such unquestioned power his wit:  
What would I give, that I could still preserve  
My loyalty to him, and yet deserve  
Your kind opinion, by revealing now  
The cause of that great storm which clouds his brow,  
And his close murmurs, which since meant to you,  
I cannot think, or mannerly or true.  
Well; I begin to be resolved, and let  
My melancholy tragic Mounsieur fret;  
Let him the several harmless weapons use  
Of that all-daring trifle, called his Muse;  
Yet I'll inform you what this very day  
Twice before witness, I have heard him say,  
Which is, that you are grown excessive proud,  
For ten times more of wit than was allowed  
Your silly Ancestors in twenty year,  
Y'expect should in two hours be given you here:  
For they he swears, to th' Theatre would come  
Ere they had dined to take up the best room;  
There sit on benches, not adorned with Mats,  
And graciously did veil their high-crowned Hats  
To every half dressed Player, as he still  
Through th'hangings peeped to see how th'house did fill.  
Good easy judging souls, with what delight  
They would expect a jig or Target fight,  
A furious tale of Troy, which they ne'er thought  
Was weekly written, so 'twere strongly fought.  
Laughed at a clinch, the shadow of a jest,  
And cry a passing good one I protest.  
Such dull and humble-witted people were  
Even your forefathers, whom we governed here;  
And such had you ●een too he swears, had not  
The Poets taught you how t'unweave a plot,  
And tracked the winding Scenes, taught you to admit  
What was true sense, not what did sound like wit.  
Thus they have armed you'gainst themselves to fight,  
Made strong and mischievous from what they write:  
You have been lately highly feasted here  
With two great wits, that graced our Theatre,  
But, if to feed you often with delight,  
Will more corrupt than mend your appetite;  
He vows to use you, which he much abhors,  
As others did, your homely Ancestors.    

The Persons in the tragedy.  

Heildebrand King of the Lombards.  
Ascoli Prince of Verona.  
Altophil A Duke and general.  
Rangone A Count, captain of the Guard to Ascoli.  
Galeotto A politic stout ambitious favourite to Ascoli.  
Morello A Gentleman, and creature to Galeotto.  
Gandolpho Brother to Morello, captain of the Fort in Verona.  
Rampino A young gallant soldier, much indebted and vexed by Creditors.  
Brusco An old captain his companion.  
Hirco A soldier, companion to them both.  
Friskin An ambitious tailor, to whom Rampino owes money.  
Arthiopa Mistress to Altophil.  
Amaranta Her rival, daughter to Galeotto.  
Fibbia A precise Widow, to whom also Rampino is indebted.  
A Carthusian—  
Soldiers to Heildebrand,  
The Guard to Ascoli.   
The SCENE Verona.   
The unfortunate Lovers.  

ACT I. SCENE I.  Enter Rampino, Brusco, Hirco. Rampino. 
COme Gentlemen, I'll show you the whole Court,  
Hirco( I think) was never here before.  Brusco. 
Never? he takes these o'er-grown babes,  
These tender suckings giants of the guard  
For Colonels of Switzerland, each Usher  
Of the presence for a famous leader;  Hirco. 
Yes, of women in the dark.  Ramp. 
Why dost thou sneak and tread so bashfully  
Behind? come boldly on, they'll think thee else  
A City spy that seeks for leave to arrest.  Brusc. 
He looks as if he had a black Jack under  
His cloak, and came to beg budge at the Buttery.  Ramp. 
Move on, This is the presence, gentlemen,  
Hence in your passage to the privy Chamber;  
You should erect your fingers to your hair,  
Which being ordered thus,— or, having used  
Your little tortoise-comb to titubate  
Your empty heads; you may salute those of  
But half a fortune thus with half a face,  
The favourite with your entire frame, here  
He is your idol, your Religion else  
Will be believed heretical.  Hirco. 
Rampino, walk no further into sight,  
Our general's pleasure was, we should not be  
Discovered, yet for fear it chance to make  
His coming known, 'tis sudden, and by stealth.  Enter Ascoli, Galeotto, Amaranta, who whisper together. Ramp. 
Young Ascoli our Prince, Brusco, retire.  Brusco. 
Since my last visit to the Camp, he's grown  
Tall man; and he becomes his growth, we that  
Pursue the sullen business of the war,  
Long much to show him to the foe; not in his  
Perfume and his silks; but iron best.  
There he must change his gentle looks, and learn  
To frown; men think his courage great.  Ramp. 
Brusco, he will make good in future Acts  
Of chivalry men's best belief, and has  
A nature corrupted yet, with exeecise  
Of guilt, his ignorance in sin makes all  
His errors seem but rash mistakes; and well  
That false Galeotto knows how to subdue  
A heart, whose innocence is all  
The armour of his breast.  Brusc. 
Is that Galeotto his dear favourite?  Ramp. 
It is; he was a soldier in his youth,  
And had the luck of early victories,  
Which raised him to a restless pride, such as  
He since maintains by wicked arts of Court,  
The horror of his thoughts ought make him sad,  
'Tis a melancholy doth cause him groan  
At night, but they're Mandrakes grounds and still  
Bode death; nor is his mirth less dangerous:  
For like the wanton play of Perpoises,  
It prophecies a storm, and when he shakes  
His foe by the hand, 'tis not in kindness, but  
To reach his pulse, that he may feel how soon  
Nature would kill whom he long since prescribed.  Brusc. 
What Lady's that? his eyes so overlooks?  Hirco. 
I could lie perdue with her all night i'th' snow.  Ramp. 
'Tis fair Amaranta, Galeotto's daughter;  
The beauty of her mind, shines in her face:  
For she is good as fair, and more to urge  
Her excellence, her virtues are so great,  
They overmatch his vice; but luckless maid,  
She mourns within, and loves the noble Duke  
Our general, even with a sick and waking heart.  Ascol. 
This news hath much of joy, and some what too  
Of wonder in't, Duke Altophil our general  
So near the town, stolen hither to prevent  
The triumphs due unto his victory.  Galeot. 
It is your highness' custom to give trust  
To my intelligence, and this hath truth  
Enough to merit your belief; but as  
You ever have, vouchsafe your help to make  
Me prosperous; so I beseech you now  
Assist my daughters pensive Love. This Duke  
Is high in worth, as in his blood, and may,  
If you procure him, choose her for his wife,  
By his alliance so confirm my family,  
That I shall need to fear no change of time,  
No angry fate, but from your Princely self.  Ascol. 
Fair Amaranta, dost thou love Duke Altophil?  
It is a choice so excellent, you need  
Not blush to own the passions of your heart.  Amaranta. 
Sir since it was his virtues taught me how  
To love, I hope my modesty may give  
Me leave still to confess it to the world.  Ascol. 
His judgement seldom harbours near his eyes,  
If he can look on so much beauty, and  
Not wish to make it his, but Gentle maid,  
Trust me, I shall persuade him to this happiness  
With all my power and skill.  Amaran. 
It is a favour that  
My prayer shall endeavour to requite,  
Though I am doubtful how to own it from  
Mine own desires.  Galeotto. 
Amaranta, peace.  
I am the elder beggar Sir, and by  
Continual practice want no confidence  
To ask your help at all necessities.  Ascol. 
This, Galeotto, is a kindness to  
Myself, I long to see those nuptials consummate,  
Where each so much deserves the other's love;  
Let's in and make inquiry of the cause,  
Why his arrival is so much concealed.  — Exeunt Ascoli, Galeotto, Amaranta. Brusc. 
But why Rampino, since this Lady is  
So rarely qualified, and being heir  
To all her father's wealth and hopes, doth not  
Our general make her lawful Mistress of  
His bed.  Ramp. 
The cause is evident: for his  
Affections and his faith already are  
Engaged unto the beautiful Arthiopa.  Brusc. 
Arthiopa? The daughter of our old  
Dead general? alas, his fame was greater than  
His fortune, for he left her poor.  Ramp. 
Most true;  
So poor, she was constrained to live concealed  
Here in Verona, and become( 'tis thought)  
Her Lovers chaste and thankful pensioner;  
And you have heard what strange reports were oft  
Dispersed into our camp of her disloyalty:  
Some saucily would style it lust, and those  
Were punished for their loose and slippery tongues.  Brusc. 
It seems then our Duke Altophil retains  
Her still in's breast with's former confidence.  Ramp. 
She grows the faster to his heart, for he  
Had strong suspicions to believe these tales  
By Galeotto forged, who strives, it seems,  
By this poor Lady's infamy, to make  
More easy room for his fair daughter's Love.  Hirco. 
O, how full of mischief are these wise men!  Brisco. 
It would be long Hirco, ere we could squeeze  
Such another plot out of thy lean head.  Ramp. 
Never, though it were crushed to a circumference  
So small, that he might make a Helmet of  
A hazelnut.  Hirco. 
Well Gentlemen, you'll find  
Our general an angry man ere night,  
Take that from my intelligence, though I  
Received it since we came to town i'th' streets.  Brusco. 
How, Hirco, come the news?  Hirco. 
The Lady that  
You call Arthiopa, this morning, was  
Arrested in her Chamber by the Officers  
Of the Purgation house, and's thither sent  
To suffer for unchastity.  Ramp. 
The devil made thee drunk with spirit of sulphur.  Hirco. 
I'm sure this is the people's language now,  
And talked on too, by children two foot high,  
And more three witnesses( whom they believe  
Bribed and suborned) have all deposed against  
Her maidenhead; that was the phrase.  Ramp. 
Here will we knock ere long, let them that have  
No money, take up plasters upon trust:  Brusco. 
Away, let's to Saint Laurence port, it was  
Our generals will we should be expected there.  — Exeunt omnes. Enter Galeotto, Morello. Galeot. 
Morello, I'm subdued with thy fine Arts;  
Thou art as swift to execute as to  
Contrive, how did our witnesses behave  
Themselves when they beheld Arthiopa?  Morel. 
Good faith( my Lord) valiant Rogues that had  
Full oft overcome their consciences before;  
And therefore, to resist her blushes, thought  
It but an easy victory: the Articles  
Were many they did t' accuse her chastity,  
Which they both read and swore to in a breath,  
And wished them longer for your lordship's sake,  
Protesting their good natures checked them, cause  
They earned their money with so little pains.  Galeot. 
How did the governors o'th' severe house  
Digest the employment my request did lay  
Upon their gravity?  Morello. 
They are a kind  
Of more solemn villains, and like old fishes,  
Choose to demur and swim about the bait  
A while, ere they would catch what afterwards  
They swallowed greedily.  Galeot. 
I thank their tenderness.  Morello. 
It seemed at first, as if her innocence  
And beauty would pervert their justice to  
Rebel against your lordship's power; but then  
Presuming pity was a little too  
Effeminate for ancient Magistrates,  
They thought upon your gold, and had decreed  
Her to the whip, but that I interposed  
To mitigate their purchased wrath.  Galeot. 
'Twas safely done, for such severity  
Would too much exasperate her friends.  Morel. 
Their sentence is, she must from that devout  
Chaste college march, vested in white, and with  
A purifying Taper in her hand  
To the cathedral Church.  Galeot. 
If Altophil do breed his honour with  
Strict discipline, or have but any taste  
Of wisdom in her Love, this imputation will  
Divorce her from his eyes, my Amaranta then  
Hath no impediment to terrify her hopes;  
These mischiefs make me more indebted to  
My brain, in that they are obscurely laid,  
And I their guilty author am unknown.  — Enter Amaranta. Amaranta. 
O Sir, if either tears of fervent prayers  
Can move you to compassion, show it now!  
My woman half deprived of breath with her  
Astonishment and haste, imperfectly  
Hath told me news so sad, would make a fierce  
Young thracian-soldier weep before his Bride.  Galeot. 
This news were sad indeed! what is it? is it hoh!  
Or, if it be too fearful for speech,  
Bring here thy Lute, and breathe it in a song.  Amaranta. 
My virtuous rival, poor Arthiopa,  
Is in distress; she suffers shame, such vile  
Abuse, as lips well taught, will blush to utter of  
afflicted Enemies.  Galeot. 
What is this to me?  Amaranta. 
Sir she's guiltlessly betrayed, I'll gauge  
My yet unspotted fame, nay, all  
The Treasure of my soul she's most innocent;  
Therefore I beg you would employ your power  
To take her from the rigour of the Law.  
And punish those that have perverted it  
To exercise their cruelty.  Galeot. 
Away thou meek religious fool, thee to  
Thy closet, go; and wish thy needle form  
In shadowed works, some ruthful lover's death,  
Then weep the silly story out, until  
Thy tears stain all thy silk; Hence from my sight.—  Amaran. 
Alas, thou wronged Arthiopa, thou canst  
Not hope for truer grief than mine.  
When other virgins shall lament thy death.  — Exit, Galeot. 
Morello, haste, and lay out several spies  
For Altophil's reproach, and bring me word  
To whom his earliest visits are addressed.  — Exeunt omnes. Enter Altophil, Rampino, Brusco, Hirco. Altophil. 
Ha! gone? there's treachery of State in this,  
From her small solitary mansion ta'en,  
Where she lived cloistered up, caged like a bird,  
To mourn my absence in a pensive song;  
Forced thence, and by stern Officers, Hirco,  
What did the people say?  Hirco. 
I know not, Sir,  
There is no trusting to their whisperings:  
Their murmurs are but noise, uncertain, Sir,  
And not to be believed.  Altophil. 
Good soldier speak,  
Deal justy with his griefs; what did they say?  Hirco. 
Why Sir, they talked as if, pray do not hear't,  
All they discourse is out of rage or drink.  Altophil. 
I pray thee vex me not with thy o'rewise  
Ill mannered Love, it is not safe; what did they say?  Ramp. 
'Slight, tell the general.  Hirco. 
Why if you needs will know, 'tis given out  
She was conveyed to the holy college, Sir,  
The new purgation house, where witnesses  
Have severally deposed she was unchaste.  Altophil. 
Blisters and rottenness consume thy tongue,  
Villain, thou hast talked away thy life.  — draws upon him. Brusco. 
Oh, hold Sir, hold, can you enforce  
A slander from him, and then punish it  
Yourself? your sword upon your vassal too.  Hirco, 
If Rogues will bear false witness, can I helped  
Cause they lose their souls, must I lose my life?  Ramp. 
Galeotto, Sir, the favourite, may be  
With argument enough suspected chief  
In this conspiracy.  Altophil. 
Thou dost receive  
My jealous fears with truth too naked  
And evident to be concealed. What is  
That holy college he's in, madness named?  Ramp. 
A place to whip offenders for their lust.  Altoph. 
O heavens! why is your business so remote  
And high that you can take no notice of  
Such wrongs as these? was this the house thought fit  
To entertain Arthiopa? Furies  
And Fiends ascend; take up your dwelling here:  
For all this goodly City I'll convert  
Into one spreading fume; a fire so large  
And hot, shall make the Rivers seethe, and Seas  
To boil without the trouble of a storm.  Ramp. 
Kill all you meet, and burn the rest that are  
Imprisoned or asleep.  Ramp. 
Let's think of rifling first, than fire shops after,  
Though I must needs wear silks, I do not like  
Flame-coloured taffeta.  Hirco. 
I'd fain to the Mercers too,  
And fall a measuring with my iron yard.  Altophil. 
Why Brusco, dost thou stand so lamely now;  
When I perceive my injuries so great?  
Our patience will be held no virtue, but a sin,  
Draw up the scattered troops that wintered here.  Brusco. 
O Sir, ease your distemper with  
Your wiser thoughts; the Prince you knows in town,  
He's gracious, and will do you right; lose not  
The fame your noble youth hath justly merited,  
With one rash act, which must be treason called;  
And so interpreted by all the Court:  
Then think what danger a commotion here  
Would urge, since Hildebrand the Lombard's King,  
( Our watchful enemy) is now within  
Ten leagues strongly encamped.—  Enter Carthusian, Arthiopa, who is held by him, clothed in white, a Taper in her hand, people and boys following her. Altophil. 
What means this sad and bashful spectacle,  
My friends? What penitential Lady's that  
You wait on with such needless-courtesy?  
You, Sir, speak, can you tell? are you all dumb?  — they run from him as afraid. 
Here's one whose habit promises so much  
Civility as will afford me a reply.  — speaks to the Carthusian. 
Pray, Sir, instruct me in this Lady's name,  
And what's the cause her penance is exposed  
Thus to the public view?  Ramp. 
He's a Carthusian, and by's order, tied  
To a concealment of his tongue; he must not speak.  Altophil. 
Sure I have had some knowledge of her face.  Arthiopa. 
'Tis Altophil, the Lord of all my vows,  
Sweet Heaven let fall a cloud and hide me in't,  
That my shame since undeserved may be,  
Concealed from all but you. I ask not for  
Revenge from men, their justice I have felt  
So cruel on myself, that I not dare  
Wish it to those who thus have injured me.  Altophil. 
Mine eyes have been too bold;  
It is not fit they should discover her  
In so much shame, yet it must be she.  
O heart! heart! if ever thou wert made for love,  
Love would have weaved thy strings not of such tough  
And stubborn wire, but silk, such as would crack  
With half that weight which hangs upon his grief.  
Arthiopa!—  Arthiopa. 
Fly, fly, my Lord, and follow not this light,  
It is that walking fire within the night  
Misleads the traveller, and like an  
Unwholesome mist about it, needs must blast  
Whom it shall tempt to wander from his wits.  Altophil. 
Stay, stay, 'tis instant death to take her hence;  
Though all your tyrants of the Law were here,  
They would fall down, down at her feet, and hide  
Their antic faces, that do fright poor prisoners more  
Than their false sentence, when they're half asleep.  
Forgive me reverend Sir, I know in this  
Your Office you but serve some high command;  
Lend me this Lady for a short discourse,  
And on my honour I'll restore her to  
Your charge; the laws shall be exactly satisfied.  — takes her aside. Arthiopa. 
Surely Altophil thou'rt lately come from heaven;  
For this is more than human courtesy  
To own a lucklesle virgin, so much lost  
In sorrow and distress.  Altophil. 
Preserve thy tears;  
This is a wicked place, such precious drops  
Should not bedew unhallowed ground, thy infamy  
Is meant to me, and thou art punished for  
My envied Love; I must be so, the proofs  
Are pregnant that persuade my faith.  Arthiopa. 
My sorrows will seem easy to me, though accompanied with death, such is the joy  
I take, that you believe me guiltless of  
A crime, which, though I blush to name, yet I  
Must own before the world in punishment.  
The angels, if they had but leisure to  
Descend, would testify I am betrayed.  Altophil. 
And I Arthiopa, to vindicate  
Thy fame( yet show obedience to the laws)  
In these injurious penitential weeds,  
Will lead thee straight unto that Church,  
To which thy penance is prescribed, and there  
I'll marry thee in scorn of all the dull  
Abused world; go on.  — She kneels. Arthiopa. 
O, Sir, though I  
Am strictly chaste, most true and loyal to  
Your Love, respect the honour of your, House  
( Renowned in war, and foreign▪ Courts) how will  
It be defiled, when you're allied not unto me  
Alone? but to my shame, that is a stain  
So deep and public now, not all my tears,  
Though they could fall in showers, will wash't away?  Altophil. 
Go on, my resolution needs no vows.  Brusco. 
Where is your reason, Sir? you that are wise  
Enough to govern Armies in their rage,  
In your own fury, now should be so wise  
To rule yourself; though this sweet Lady's truth  
And virtues sacred are, and firm to our  
Belief; yet in the high importance of  
A wife, you should take care to match where not  
A single doubt, though ne'er so weak, could be  
By envy urged?  Arthiopa. 
Sir, you have borrowed much  
Of time; much have you seen, and speak from all  
Discreet experience, and your Love I know:  
You love your Duke; therefore in this advice  
You have my thanks sincerely from my soul.  Altophil. 
Old man, couldst thou convey thy heart into  
My breast, and so poslesse my grief: couldst thou  
With my subdued moist eyes behold the great  
Gonsalvo's daughter, Mistress of my life,  
Disgraced thus, like the people's sinful offspring  
In the street; how would it stir thy blood?  
And then to know her sufferance treacherously  
Contrived by power; one that did malice all  
Our holy vows, I'll not endure't;— burn, burn  
The town; kill, kill all you meet.  Hirco. 
Rampino, raise the old garrison i'th' citadel,  
I'll to the sconce behind the bridge.  Ramp. 
Since they do love to see a soldier's Mistress  
In a white sheet, we'll see their wives in their  
Smocks too before night.  Brusc. 
Stay, stay, is this your love unto your general?  
Or thirit to pillage and to blood—  Arthiopa. 
Sir, let me quench your anger with my tears;  
Upon my knees let me request you leave  
Me to mine own misfortune, and the laws,  
This dangerous act would voiolate all your  
Allegiance to the Prince.  Brusc. 
Think on yourself, and us that must depend  
Upon your better hopes.  Altoph. 
My fair white mourner, rise;  
You with your Priesty office, lead the way;  
'Tis to the Church, she shall obey the Law.  
Hold high the Taper, and move boldly on;  
Know injnred Hymen, 'tis thy torch, and this  
My wedding day; dissuade me not, my soul  
Hath vowed it, and 'tis sealed in heaven, you that  
Affect your general, follow, and afford  
Me straight your shouts of joy, not wealth,  
Wisdom nor honour, is to me above  
The fame and resolution of my Love.  Several shouts are heard within. — Exeunt omne, and straight se-  

ACT II. SCENE I.  Enter Brusco, Hirco Brusco. 
HIrco, have you appeased the mutiny  
The general's discontents did raise  
Amongst his fry of friends, our tattered camp▪  
Companions in the streets?  Hirco. 
All's quiet now,  
They sadly wear their fingers in their pockets,  
Which they did hope ere this should have been used  
In telling Pistolets and chequins.  — Enter Rampino, Brusco. 
Rampino, 'tis expected you bring peace.  Ramp. 
Two hours I have been preaching on  
A stall to certain Carre-men that took't ill  
In a good cause they might not hang with our  
Cast troops, to pull down houses, and to rob  
An heretical new Church or two; but they  
Are gone swearing, and well edified: come,  
What news? Is our general married?  Brusco. 
Not yet.  Ramp. 
How? not married?  Brusco. 
No, some small spy that watched  
Which way the current of his discontents  
Would run, conveyed it to the Court, and straight  
The Prince himself sent to forbid the banes.  Ramp. 
The embers are but covered yet, I fear  
When they are stirred, the fire will flame again.  Brusc. 
Our Duke conveyed the Lady to his house;  
Repaired to Court, where the kind Prince with praise  
And joy rcceived him in his open arms.  Ramp. 
This qualifies the heat of our affairs.  Brusco. 
He then laid out for those spies that were  
Suborned against his Lady's fame, who with  
Severe inquiry being produced, had strict  
Examination from the Prince; a while  
They justified their oaths; but still  
Falsehood betrayed itself: for when  
He urged for names of persons, time and place,  
With doubtful terms, and words disjointed, they  
Began to stammer out their evidence;  
Then Altophil claims leave he may present  
Their worships with an odd engine of pleasure.  Ramp. 
Which courteous politcians call a rock.  Brusc. 
The same, and each with painful leisure was  
Slowly wound up.—  Ramp. 
Like a huge Jack-weight, by a weak sick wench.  Brusc. 
Right, Sir, and then they both confessed that Saint  
Goleotto bribed them to this perjury.  
And know my joy-sweet, wanting men of war,  
He is byth' Prince imprisoned in the fort.  Ramp. 
An excellent Prince, by this hand he sha'not want:  
First I'll forgive him all my pay; then Hirco,  
Thou shall lend him money.  Hirco. 
Excuse me, Sir,  
Upon security, not else; drop reg've been  
Too often bit that way already. Retire Gentlemen.  Enter Ascolt, Altophil, Galeotto, who is held by the Gard. Ascol. 
Though thou hast so behaved thyself in war  
With wise directions, and a valiant arm,  
That fortune cannot boast a share in thy  
Famed victories; yet I must chide thee Altophil,  
Since being mine, and so much loved, thou couldst  
Unto a Lady give thyself away,  
Not freed by my consent.  Altoph. 
Sir, I have asked your pardon, and believe  
My joys you did lessen with your sorrows,  
To make them by your kindness now more full.  Ascol. 
This separation will be short, for since  
Your Mistress innocence is by her false accusers  
Cleared unto the world,  
Your nuptials I will celebrate with all  
The glory I can add to'th triumph of  
A friend; and you Galeotto, shall receive  
Such punishment as shall declare  
My justice equal to your crime.  Galeot. 
Sir, I confess your favour lifted me  
To hope alliance with the noble Duke,  
Which, had I lawfully contrived, perhaps,  
Th'ambition had not much been blamed;  
But I am left: nor would I beg  
Forgiveness of your laws, but of yourself,  
And next my Lord of you; be pleased to think  
The wrong were not of malice but of pride.  Altophil. 
Not the eldest devil with his long practice had  
The skill to lay on me so great a wrong,  
But I could pardon it; unless when I  
Perceive the whiteness of my Mistress virtue stained,  
Betrayed to penance too, it were a cruelty  
The Fiends would sooner weep at then commend.  Galeot. 
Then I'll provide to suffer, and to scorn  
That fate I cannot alter with my prayer.  Ascoli. 
Thou, once the health, art poison now to sight,  
'Tis wholesomer to look upon the basilisk;  
Perfidious to my friend! but where's Rangone,  
That went to fetch your Mistress? Altophil,  
I never saw her yet; trust me you are  
A cunning Lover, so long concealed  
The beauty you admire  — Enter Rangone, Arthiopa richly attired. Rangone. 
Madam, your sweetness doth deserve the best  
Of joys; and I have brought you where they are.  Ascoli. 
What light is this, that ere the day is spent  
Breaks like a second morning in our eyes,  
Whilst all that's shining else shows like a shade.  
About her beams, sweet as the precious smoke▪  
Ascending from the funeral fire o'th' long▪  
Lived bird of Arabia▪—  Rangone. 
You sent me for this Lady, Sir, will you  
Not speak to her? see where she kneels.  Ascoli. 
O rise▪ if I have trespassed in neglect,  
Forgive thy beauty, and not it's that  
Hath forced my wonder to adore what I  
( Perhaps) byth' laws of courtesy should first  
Salute.—  Arthiopa. 
Sir, though I never feared my stock  
Of modestic so small, that I could want  
It for my necessary use; yet I  
Shall need to borrow blushes, if you lay  
More beauty to my charge than I dare own.  Ascoli. 
Where have I lived, that I could never hear  
Sweet music until now? O Altophil!  
I find the treasure of thy love so great,  
That were it mine, I should not blame  
The envy of a friend; since from the excess  
Of judgement, when it values things at full,  
Our envy grows, it is our nicety  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 envy sin.  Altophil. 
What means the Prince?  Ascoli. 
Was she that was so delicate, and soft as is  
The purple fleece of clouds? was she thought fit  
T'indure the rigour o'th' perverted Law?  
Convey the traitor hence, and never more  
Presume to set thy treacherous foot upon  
The confines of my Land.  Arthiop. 
Ay, so yo'uld vouchsafe to make my mercy an  
Example unto yours, I shall forgive his cruelties.  Ascoli. 
It were an injury to heaven; away,  
If the next time I in my Dominions spy  
This loathed face, thy life is forfeited.  Galeot. 
Sir, I'll presume yo'uld think my daughter had  
No share in my unlucky guilt; therefore  
It were not like your usual justice, she should suffer in my loss.  Ascoli. 
She is too good for thy society,  
Her virtues shall preserve her here.  Galeot. 
Peace crown you at home, and victory abroad.  — Exit with( the Gard. Ascol. 
Know, Altophil, my darkest thoughts are not  
So secret to myself, but I dare trust  
Thy knowledge with them, and be safe.  
Why then should thy intentions or desires  
Be hid from me? I fain would sound thy breast  
With a new question; prithee give me leave?  Altophil. 
Sir, I am borne to follow your command.  
Ask what you please; if I want knowledge here  
To satisfy your doubt, I'll study to  
Know more; pray speak.  Ascol. 
It is decreed by th' powers above( whom no  
Dull earthly mediation can dissuade  
Or alter) I must needs marry fair  
Arthiopa.  Altophil. 
I looked for comfort, Sir,  
From your consent, not trouble from your doubts.  Ascoli. 
It is inevitable then, as the  
Conjunction of th'illustrious Planets are,  
That needs must meet; else all the Spheres will straight  
Be out of tune; time break his glass, and throw  
The sand in the sun's eyes to make him wink,  
And leave us in the dark. Speak, must it be?  
Or else you both will suffer an eclipse?  
Make answer from thy kind thoughts? is it  
Decreed?  Altophil. 
It is: and nought can alter it but death.  Ascoli. 
How hardly then hath nature dealt with us:  
For we are prisoners all; all circumscribed,  
And to our limits tied: the fortunate  
And luckless are alike: for thou art with  
As strict necessity unto thy happiness  
Confined, as others to their evil fate.  Altoph. 
To be her prisoner, Sir, is to be free;  
Nor can I wish my bondage off, whilst I  
Am fettered in her arms.  Ascol. 
You'll give me leave  
To try how far your Mistress hath engaged  
Her faith, and not be jealous, Altophil.  Altoph. 
I'll trust such virtue with mine enemy.  — Ascoli withdraws with Arthiopa. 
Ah me! where is a lover's wealth? what joy  
Is there of beauty, when once concealed, more than  
Of Jewels in the dark? but when revealed,  
We stand to th'hazard of another's claim.  Rangone. 
I do not like this alteration in the Prince,  
If he doth love, I fear it is too late.  Ascol. 
Oh do not promise so much comfort in  
Your looks, and in your language breathe despair,  
'Tis like fantastic April, that erewhile  
With gaudy sun beams smiled upon the Spring,  
And in a minute's space gathers the black  
Thick clouds about his brow to make a storm:  
Have you no pity left?  Arthiopa. 
My pity, Sir, you'll hardly entertain,  
Since it must come alone without relief.  Ascol. 
Why were you trusted with such beauteous wealth,  
And make such hasty bargains for yourself?  
Could you have skill to know the value of  
Your love, and give it all way at once?  Arthiopa. 
Sir, I beseech you do not urge me to  
Deny, what in your gentler clemency  
You should forbear to ask, heaven made my vows,  
And they are Altophils.  Ascoli. 
No more, my trespass I'll decline, though I  
Augment my griefs; my Altophil farewell.  — takes him by the hand▪ 
When thou dost hear me sick, think what disease  
Arthiopa's neglect might once have bred  
In thee, then mourn me at that rate;  
Rangone, come, lead to the cypress grove.  — Exit Ascoli, Rangone. Altophil. 
Thou art as much unfortunate as fair.  
But smile upon thy stars, perhaps they may  
Be soothed into a kinder influence.  
The Prince is noble, and in's wisdom will  
Digest this fit that shakes him out of frame:  
These Gentlemen have shared with me the sharp  
Calamities of war; give them your hand.  — Brusc. Ramp. Hirc. kiss her hand. 
Take care my valiant friends here in the town,  
You give example of a sober discipline.  — Exeunt Altophil, Arthiopa, Brusc. 
A rare creature.  Rang. 
No sweet meat in the world  
Is like the conserve of a Lady's hand.  Hirco. 
She'll think o'th' Hircos this twelvemonth by way  
Of a full buss; I laid it roundly on.  Ramp. 
Why you came last, Sir, and kissed but her wrist,  
Her hand was melted before into my mouth; ah.  — Enter Friskin, Ramp. spies him, and starts bacl. Brusc. 
What planet-struck?  Hirco. 
'Tis his tailor, he owes him money.  Ramp. 
How did the rascal find me out? I shift  
My lodging as often as conveniently  
I can remove my trunks; thrice in two days,  
Would's needle stuck across his throat.  Friskin. 
Signior Rampino.—  Ramp. 
Signior Friskin,— I thought it should be you.  
And how dear heart, and how, how does thy wife?  
My Godson too at nurse; drop reg've a little whistle  
For him, 'tis coming in the general's Court.  Friskin. 
All well Signior,  
Do the wars thrive, Sir;  
Is there any money stirring?  Ramp. 
Faith some of us here,  
By our continual practice, know a ducat  
From a Counter, w've mauled King Hieldebrand.  Friskin. 
We hear he is encamped some ten leagues hence.  Ramp. 
Yes, we have put him to his salads, like  
A saucy Frog upon another's meadow.  Friskin. 
Signior, there is an old debt.  Ramp. 
Dost thou think I have forgot it? I prithee  
What skirt's in fashion now the Jacket-way;  
Down to the hams?  Friskin. 
No Sir, six in a rank;  
But Sir, the debt is old.  Ramp. 
Ay, I, with all my heart; how are their cloaks?  
A square-full cape▪  Friskin. 
Just as you left them, Sir;  
Would you would think upon your debt.  Ramp. 
Dost think I do not; I prithee bring me but  
A pattern of a Polish coat, I'd wear it loose  
And short; pray Gentlemen know my friend; believe't  
I'd rather see him sit crosslegged than any man  
In Lombary; his thimble on, and's needle thus—  
He'll run a tilt through cloth two inches thick.  Brusco. 
Is he so excellent? he shall make my clothes.  Hirco. 
And mine too, if he please.  Friskin. 
Have they any sorts; Sir, are they well stored?  Ramp. 
A brace of rich close curmudginely fellows,  
Thou seest they care not what their outside is,  
So their pockets be well lined.  Friskin. 
It seems they are a little careless, Sir, indeed;  
Where is your lodging now?  Ramp. 
In troth 'twill be in the old mansion near  
The Palace yard, till six of clock at night,  
But than I must remove, the fiddlers do  
So often waken me with their muttoned gridirons  
And good-morrows, I cannot sleep for them;  
I'll send thee word where I shall fix.  Friskin. 
And you'll remember, Sir, my bill  Ramp. 
Dost think I'll fail;  
I prithee bring thy weights  
Along with thee, we shall else wrangle about light gold.  Friskin. 
You're welcome, Sir, to town.  Ramp. 
Away, lest we be vexed again with new  
Solicitors for the old cause.  — Exeunt omnes. Enter Galeotto, Gandolpho, Morello. Galeotto. 
Is Amaranta sent for by the Prince?  Morello. 
She is, but for what use I could not learn;  
My brother, whom your former bounties have  
Preferred, and late made captain of the Fort,  
Is come, Sir, to bewail your miseries,  
And proffer all his service, to make known,  
Your loss cannot dissuade his gratitude.  Gandol. 
My Lord, from low deservings you have raised  
Me to the best command this place affords  
A soldier's hope, but if my life can pay  
Your bounty, I will keep it for that use.  Galeotto. 
Your natures are so thankful, Gentlemen,  
For little benefits, that I am taught,  
If ever I can reach my former power,  
T'oblige more friends, though with a greater charge.  Morello. 
My Lord, your wisdom hath the skill to cure  
A disease stronger than your fortune feels.  Galeotto. 
Greatness hath still a little taint i'th' blood;  
And often 'tis corrupted near the heart;  
But these are not diseases held, till by  
The Monarch spied; who our ambition feeds  
Till't surfeits with his love; nor do we strive  
To cure or take it from ourselves, but from  
His eyes, and then our medicine we apply  
Like th'weapon-salve, not to ourselves, but him  
Who was the sword that made the wound; and this  
State-medicine is composed of flattering industry,  
And such false cures as like to false alarms  
Fright men to fear danger, when none is near,  
Still vexed, and busy to no real use,  
As drones that keep most noise about the hive,  
And then devour the politic Court Flies  
What foolish Bees bring on their weary thighs.  Morel. 
These Lectures( my Gandolpho) show a brain  
That will preserve him, spite of power; my Lord,  
My broher is your own, and we will share  
The hazard of your fortune.  Galeotto. 
The captain hath a valiant soul; and I  
Perhaps may use him in a close design,  
That i'th' success will richly pay his love.  Gandolph. 
When you're most confident of me, you can't  
Expect so much as I'll perform.  Galeotto. 
Enough; Morello, Sir, shall undertake  
For my belief, to all you dare  
Make promise of; if you will please to bring  
Me to the Ports, where short the allowance of  
My time will force me take a sad farewell,  
I'll breathe my love, and business to you both  — Exeunt. Enter Altophil, Arthiopa. Altoph. 
Gladness possess my Mistress thoughts; I'm told  
The Count Rangone from the Prince is now  
Alighted at my gates, good news I hope;  
For though we live as in a covent here,  
Thou as my nun, to morrow may proclaim  
This house a Court, and you my cheerful Bride.  Arthiop. 
The frowns of heaven is to the virtuous like  
Those thick dark clouds, poor wandering seamen spy,  
Which oft foretell their happiness, and show  
The long expected land is near  — Enter Rangone, Amaranta her face veiled. Rangone. 
Felicity and everlasting fame  
Betide the noble general: thus I  
Am bid salute you from our mighty Prince.  Altophil. 
I am the creaure of his power and will.  Rangone. 
I with this gentle greeting must present  
The richest treasure nature in her last  
Declining stock of beauty could afford  
The world, behold it and admire.  — Unveils Amaranta, who weeps. 
Her eyes dissolving thus in tears, should teach  
Thy heart to melt; for know, thou cruel Lord,  
She long hath chastely sickened for thy love.  Altophil. 
Alas, unlucky maid! how can thy griefs  
Expect comfort from him that knows not to  
Redress his own?  Amaranta. 
Yet, Sir, I hope 'tis in  
Your power t'excuse th'unwilling error of  
My modesty; I surely am the first  
Sad Lady ever was constrained to seek  
Her Lover, and then woo him too, but 'tis  
The Prince hath forced me here to nourish my  
Affection with your real sight, that else  
Had been concealed, and with your shadow fed.  Arthiopa. 
Poor Amaranta, I must needs lament  
The malice of thy fortune, though  
My pity shows unkindness to myself.  Rangone. 
Sir, my Commission's to ask, if you  
Can love and celebrate this Lady for  
Your wife; and our kind Prince, besides the forfeited  
Possessions of her father's wealth, will to  
her dowry add honours and lands, until  
You share his royalty.  Altophil. 
Too soon this amorous Riddle is resolved;  
He Loves Arthiopa, and would  
Enforce me wed this Lady, to assure  
More easy way for's own desires.  Arthiopa. 
O, Altophil, were I not well  
Instructed in thy loyalty, how soon  
Her beauty, and these soothing hopes would throw  
Me cold into the arms of death.  Altophil. 
Sir, you must carry to the Prince what I  
Was never wont to send; a harsh denial of  
His suit: and give me leave to say 'tis troublesome,  
And too severe.  Amaranta. 
How am I lately hardened with the use  
Of sorrows, that I can listen to  
My angry doom and live?  Rangone. 
Summon your wise,  
Your kinder thoughts, and make such reply  
As I may joy in the delivery;  
And soon procure a mutual happiness.  Altophil. 
To court me to a better knowledge of my bliss  
Then I already understand,  
Were but a vain attempt; I am resolved  
Within the chaste embraces of these arms  
To live or die.  Amaranta. 
My ears have forfeited their faculty,  
Why should they still preserve their sense, that could  
Not for a while be deaf, but needs must hearken to  
My evil fate?  Rangone. 
Sir, pardon mine obedience to my Prince;  
For I shall execute a sad command:  
You of the Guard, lay hold upon the Duke.  — Enter the Guard, and seize on Altophil. Altophil. 
Fear not, Arthiopa, some joy remains  
I'th' hopes we shall not be divided in  
Our sufferings.  Rangone. 
She is my prisoner, Sir,  
And must to Court, whilst you and Amaranta stay  
Confined together in this house.  Altopil. 
False Prince, how cunning is thy cruelty?  Arthiopa, 
Lest we had courage left t'expect an end  
Of all our calamities, this way was found  
To make us yet more certain of despair.  Rangone. 
In this, Sir, you perceive the intricate  
Though powerful influence of love, that doth  
Pervert most righteous natures to attempt  
Unjust designs, his Godhead is not full known,  
And's miseries have been but dully taught  
To men: for I am charged to say this new  
Constraint is but a sad experiment  
To try if you to Amaranta can  
Pay equal love for hers, and nice Arthiopa,  
Return unto the Prince, what's passions now  
May challenge as a debt.  Arthiopa. 
O, my true Lord,  
Shall we ne'er meet again, and tell our thoughts?  
Which still we found too like, as if we two  
Had but one heart wherein we gave them forms?  Altophil. 
It were sin to have no hope, we'll change our stars,  
For there are many more will gladly take  
Protection of our loves.  Rangone. 
My time was limited, my witness is  
Become my charge, and must to Court.  Arthiopa. 
Sir, give me leave, but to salute this Lady,  
Whose friendship, though of noble worth, I shall  
Too soon receive, too soon( I fear) forsake;  
You, gentle Amaranta, must enjoy  
Your blessed habitation here, here with  
My Lord, whom I would fain commend, not to  
Your care, but your neglect; for know,  
We in our virgin-bashfulness esteem  
Solicitation and address, a more  
Undoubted sin, than our disdain.  Amaran. 
Madam, I'm here a prisoner too, and will  
Expect like others, in harsh times distressed  
His pity, not relief; I'll hope for that,  
If you'll permit without a jealousy.  Arthiopa. 
Preserve me in thy kind remembrance, Altophil.  Altophil. 
What other use have I of memory,  
When I have concealed the records of thee?  Arth. 
Sir, I am loath to leave this Lady here,  
Imprisonment is cruel to a Maid;  
Was it the Princes will she needs must stay?  Rangone. 
I have received it in a strict command.  Arthiopa. 
O, Altophil! Sir, let me hide mine eyes;  
It were some crime 'gainst them, thus to forsake  
Their chiefest joy, and let them see it too.  Altophil. 
Since Amaranta, we  
Must strive to woo, let's learn no mortal love  
That's dangerous, and quickly ends; but try  
To make't eternal which is first to die.  — Exeunt omnes.  

ACT III. SCENE I.  Enter Brusco, Rampino, Hirco, their swords drawn, a noise of drums first heard a far off. Rampino. 
ALl's lost, the town is taken, we're betrayed,  
That cursed traitor Galeotto sold  
Us like tame feeble sheep to Heildebrand,  
The Lombard's King, whom false Morello( taught  
Lie's masters Art) gave in the sleepy hour  
Of night a secret entrance through the Western Port.  Hirco, 
No courage left? is th'Citadell surprised?  Brusco. 
Past all recovery? Gandolpho, he  
That was preferred to the command of it  
Some two years since, byth' treacherous favourite,  
At his design made a surrender to  
The filching King, that hath not overcome,  
But stolen us to captivity.  Ramp. 
What drowsy ignorance possessed the Prince  
To trust with such important power, one whom  
He knew a traitor to that villain's lust?  Brusc. 
Ay, there his reason showed herself bewitched;  
When he had banished Galeotto, and  
Incensed his very soul to all malignity  
That his envenomed gall could ere produce;  
Then to put trust in those he had preferred?  — Enter Rangone. Rangone. 
O Gentlemen? to what unseasonable use  
Do you advance your weapons, as you meant  
To threaten the victorious foe? when we  
Are so much past the likelihood of help,  
That all resistance you can make is but  
To hasten on the for feit of your lives.  Brusco. 
If channels must o'erflow with blood, they shall  
Be fed from proudest veins that highest swell;  
Theirs who would empty ours shall open too▪  Ramp. 
Why should we calmly die, as if we had  
Drunk cold Mandragona, and breathe our souls  
Out in our sleep, departing with less noise  
Than men that dream they die; let's venture to  
Regain the Fort.  Hirco. 
There are enough to make  
Scalladoes left, that have not yielded up  
Their arms; if we must fall, it is as good  
Do't climbing as thus standing still.  Rang. 
Your forces are too weak, 'tis fortified  
Already with two Regiments of Switz.  
I know you think, I am as much inclined  
To hazard, as that man, who dares the most  
In glory or revenge: but this attempt  
Will only serve t'incense stern Heildebrand  
Against our Prince and Altophil; who with  
Arthiopa are prisoners, and given  
To Galeotto's power as a reward:  
First promised him to purchase his lost faith.  Brusco. 
The Prince our general, and his Mistress too  
All ta'en? the destinies are grown too cursed,  — Drums a far off. 
Stand close, and make this passage good.  Enter Heildebrand, Goleotto, Morello, Gandolpho, soldiers. Heildebrand. 
What left mistaken souls are these? who but  
A piece and remnant of discouraged strength  
Presume defiance still, when all the rest  
Have safely yielded to our power? Bid them  
( Galeotto) give their weapons up.  Galeot. 
Why, Gentlemen do you vainly tempt  
A danger from his wrath, that not delights  
To ruin where his mercy is implored?  
Present him your improfitable swords,  
And I'll procure a full assurance of  
Your lives and liberties.  Rangone. 
Kindness sounds ill in a traitor's tongue,  
If you had loyal held unto your Prince,  
Such mediation had been out of use.  Galeot. 
This language is too bold; it doth proclaim  
Your anger great, and your discretion small▪  
But such untimely choler, know, I can  
As easily forgive as scorn, and will  
Requite it,( if you'll yet submit) with a  
Protection of your throats, that else are in  
Great danger to swallow no more new wine.  Morel. 
The counsel that he gives you is not fit  
To be refused.  Gandolpho. 
Y'our brothers of the camp; is it not better  
To live and spend your pay, when you can get it,  
Then die, and have it laid out in funeral plums?  Heildebr. 
If you will hazard death we can afford it,  
If you with taking but a little pains  
Stand still and smile whilst it is done, If you'll  
Deserve to live, you shall enjoy the same  
Kind mercy we afford the town; be free  
And still protected by your former laws;  
But first yield up your swords.  Brusce. 
Our swords are all our wealth, take those away  
And we are left to poverty and shame.  Hirco. 
Your grant already hath allowed our Citizens  
The preservation of their lands and goods,  Ramp. 
Shall we fare worse than retailers of small wares?  Heildebrand. 
The tribute of your arms we'll but possess  
Till night; and then on th' honour of a King,  
They shall be all restored.  Rangone. 
In our resistance, Gentlemen, vainly  
We give away our lives; let us preserve  
Them rather for our Princes future use.  Brusco. 
Since it must be, make answer as you please.  Rangone. 
Upon your Kingly word we yield.  Heildebr. 
Disarm, and lead them to our Court du-gard,  
Where, when you have enroled their names, take care  
That our engagement be made good.  — Soldiers take away their swords. Ramp. 
I pray look to the Ribbon on  
The Hilt, it is a widow's favour.  — Exeunt Rang. Brusco, Ramp. Hirco, soldiers. Heildebr. 
Where's( Galeotto) your prisoners?  Galeotto. 
Safely confined in my own house, and now,  
According to your royal grant, I crave  
The full disposing of their lives.  Heildeb. 
Take our consent, we ne'er will lessen what  
At first our bounty did assure; but then  
Your secret promise must be straight performed.  Galeotto. 
At night, or let me forfeit all your trust.  Heildebr. 
Lead to the City-Senate, that we may  
Receive their homage, and confirm their laws,  
Still wear your secret promise in your thoughts.  — Exeunt omnes. Enter Ascoli, Altophil, Arthiopa, their arms bound. Ascoli. 
My fall from sovereign title and command,  
My loss of that which nature worst can miss,  
My pleasant liberty; thus being bound  
Like a cheap slave, that's sold for less, than buys  
The conqueror the riots of one meal.  
Not all these sufferings make me mourn so much  
As my short separation of your loves.  
Yet, when I saw her faith was so obliged  
And knit unto your virtues, Altophil,  
I did resign my nuptial hopes, and gave  
Her loyalty the praise and reverence due  
Unto a Saint.  Arthiopa. 
Your usage, Sir, I have  
Confessed, was noble, though unfortunate,  
And I shall find scarce tears enough left to lament  
My own captivity, when I behold  
My mourning Lords and yours.  Altophil. 
Would there were here  
Some flowery bank, shaded with cypress, Ewe  
And Sycamore, whose melancholy brow  
Hangs o'er a little discontented brook  
That ever murmurs, as it wisely knew  
It traveled to some River that must soon  
Convey it to the Sea, where they are both  
In trouble with the bounds and lost. Here we  
Would sit, comparing mighty Courts to greater Seas,  
Where Lovers like small rivulets are vexed  
A while, and then overwhelmed▪ A rural residence  
Near Woods and Meads, though it be humble, is  
The place, where we may love and be secure.  Altophil. 
Why then did my too valiant father, and  
Thyself disquiet all the peaceful world  
With hunting after fame? loaden and crushed  
In heavy armour for the chase? toiling  
To get us this renown and eminence,  
Which since hath ruin dour content? O that  
We first had met in shepherds homely weeds!  Altophil. 
Ay, my Arthiopa, or that we now  
Might so enjoy our liberty; then if  
Ambition did inflame my thoughts to aim  
At victories, I should not combat for a crown,  
But wrestle for some Chaplet wreathed by thee  
Of daffodils and Pinks.  Ascoli. 
How kindly we  
Should take o'th' celestial governors,  
If they would make these wishes real truth?  
And me some neighbouring Villager that came  
To joy, and wonder at your loves, to court  
The beauties of your Mistress mind, my Altophil,  
Such Rivalship is noble, though 'tis new.  Enter Galeotto, Gandolpho, Morello, soldiers. Altophil. 
Appear, and let thy rage inflict her worst.  
'Las! poor traitor! how dull thy mischiefs are,  
How weak, that canst iuvent no punishment  
To quit thy daughters still neglected Love!  
But what we'll suffer, and embrace with scorn▪  Ascoli. 
Perform thy malice; come, that we may laugh  
To think how all posterity will urge  
Thy deeds in railing Proverbs to express  
Disloyalty.  Arthiopa. 
And Maids, when they but hear thy name,  
Shall cross themselves in superstitious fear.  Morello. 
These are but dangerous crabbed compliments  
To him that holds your lives in his command.  Galeot. 
Right, Sir, if I could easily remove  
My gall from off my liver to my heart;  
But now I take no joy in bitterness:  
Thus I requite their wrath, unbind them straight.  — Soldier unbind them. Altophil. 
How's this! What may the courtesy portend?  Galeot. 
Waste not your wonder, Sir, it is no dream.  Altophil. 
His sinful nature is converted sure.  Galeot. 
Now, being all made free, you, Altophil,  
And fair Arthiopa, have but exchanged  
These fetters to be joined in everlasting bonds.  
Start not, they are but matrimonial cords;  
And easy to be worn, though ne'er untied  
Such manacles you'll gladly enter in.  Arthiop. 
My prayers have found the nearest way to heaven,  
How quickly they were heard.  
Those stains are all  
Wiped off, that so disfigured thee, thy brow  
Is quite unwrinckled now, and grows so smooth,  
Thou wilt not know it in thy former glass  Ascol. 
Galeotto! this restores thee to thy kind  
Esteem again; whilst I behold their happiness,  
I can forgive thy stealth upon my state.  Galeot. 
Convey those Lovers to their bridal chamber,  
And let the ceremonial rites be such  
As I directed them.  Altophil. 
Come my Arthiopa, gladness shall leave  
No room for Virgin-blushes in thy cheeks.  — Exeunt Morello, Altophil, Arthiopa. Ascol. 
Is my employment void, must I not go  
And help to celebrate this blessed hour?  Galeot. 
No, Sir, you have a greater business of  
Your own, and may be thought as happy too,  
If you will prove as wise in your consent  
As I am kind to offer it.  Ascoli. 
Instruct me better what you mean.  Galeot. 
You see how your most rigorous doom upon  
My person and my wealth, enforced me to  
Such ways in my revenge, as since have made  
Me apt for more ambitious hopes then those  
I lost; This froward Duke held my alliance in  
Unhallowed worth: Now he is more in my  
Contempt; for you( his Master, Sir) I think  
Fit to choose my daughter as a wife.  Ascoli. 
There's mystery in this discourse.  Galeot. 
'Tis easy, Sir, when you conceive, that I  
By marriage now remove Arthiopa  
From your desires.  Ascoli. 
But I have made a vow,  
Since she severely did refuse the first  
Most lawful passions that I ever felt,  
All other beauty shall appear too late.  Galeotto. 
Those are but silly vows, which amourists  
In choler make, when they have vainly spent  
A frosty night, with singing madrigals  
To some coy Mistress; whilst her windows shut,  
Consider, this performed, my power with Heildebrand  
May keep you yet in your Dominions free,  
Some slender yearly tribute being paid.  Ascoli. 
It is not in your will to force my Love.  Galeotto. 
Sir, if I should, it were but justice, and  
Divine; since in my absence you conspired  
T'enforce brave Altophil to make her his;  
That your desires might suffer no impediment  
When they should court Arthiopa.  Ascoli. 
Thou rudely dost awake  
Those thoughts that fain would sleep; I'll hear no more,  Galeotto. 
Go, bind him then, and lead him where he was  
Before restrained; you shall have time to meditate,  
And make your resolutions of more worth.  Gandolpho. 
My Lord, I'll watch him like your sentinel.  Ascoli. 
Slave, dost thou use me as fond children do  
Their Birds, show me my freedom in a string;  
And when thoust played with me enough, straight pull  
Me bacl again to languish in my Cage?  
This insolence will make her chief in hell.  —— Exeunt omnes. Enter Hirco, Friskin, Fibbia. Fibbia. 
Well, this is a good King, the laws shall have  
Their course; it matters not who reigns, as long  
As every one may come by their own; if  
Signior Rampino pay me not, I can  
Arrest him now.  Friskin. 
Troth Mistress Fibbia's in the right;  
For thus to fail his day, is such a thing,  
Heaven will never bless him.  Fibbia. 
Never, 'Tis impossible he should come to good  
That fails his day.  
Heaven keep my friends from failing of their day.  Hirco. 
Who would have though 't'ad been so great a sin;  
But the truth is, I ne'er studied divinity:  
All that I read is in the muster-book.  Friskin. 
But, as you told us, Sir, Is he so great  
Already with the new King?  Hirco. 
Upon my honour, he sent him just now  
A sword for a present, and thus to me,  
Because I am his friend.  Friskin. 
Yours( Signior) is not very rich.  Hirco. 
No, a plain bandall Hilt; it was his great  
Great grandfathers, but there are no such blades worn now.  — Enter Rampino. 
drop reg've told your friends here, how much you are  
In favour now at Court, and they rejoice,  
Heartily, bear up; and make it good,  
Sir, we have reason to be glad; I pray  
How came't about? may we learn a little  
of the State devices?  Ramp. 
Troth partly merit, for you know  
I wear my clothes as well as another man;  
Besides, I had the luck to be most near  
A kin to him that did betray the Fort.  Friskin. 
Ah, signior! if you could have betrayed it  
Yourself, than we had been all made.  Ramp. 
Well, no time lost, we may have occasion  
To betray somewhat hereafter; men that  
Will rise, must not be tender of  
Their labour and good will.  Fibbia. 
Signior, you're in the right:  
For if we labour in our Calling, heaven  
Will help us to betray something or other  
For our good,  Ramp. 
Mistress Fibbia, I owe you  
For much profitable counsel.  Fibbia. 
Ay, Sir, and money for other things.  Ramp. 
we'll talk of that anon.  
Show me another  
Of thy standing that bears her years like thee;  
It shall cost me four ducats but I'll  
Get thy picture, and by thy side I'll have  
Young Antiphones thy son drawn too,  
Eating of Cherries in a green coat.  Friskin. 
Signior, this was the day you promised me.  Ramp. 
Ay, I must talk with you; d'ye hear, you shall  
Work for the King.  Friskin. 
Who? I Sir, alas!  Ramp. 
Come, it must be so, his tailor died this morning.  Friskin. 
I pray, signior.  Hirco. 
'Tis very true,  
He fell mad with studying of new fashions.  Friskin. 
I shall be thankful if you'll use your power.  Ramp. 
You can i'th' long vacation every year  
Travel to Paris, and instruct yourself  
O'th' newest model, and best cut.  Friskin. 
I have a brother lives there, Sir, he is  
A shoemaker, and lately sent me post  
A pattern of the finest Spur-leather;  
I was so admired at Court.  Ramp. 
Write for him straight, he shall be preferred too,  
If he be kowne to trim at's pairing-knife,  
He cannot miss th' reversion of that place.  Friskin. 
If the house of the! Friskins rise, none of  
Your worthy issue shall want a second.  Fibbia. 
Signior, my money's due since Lammas last;  
Shall I know your mind?  Ramp. 
Sweet Mistress Fibbia, you shall receive our whole  
Discourse; I'm studying to prefer your neighbour here  
At Court. Now, if you'll choose any employment  
In the Queen's side, your hopes stand fair; she now  
Lies in at Mantua. Let me see— what think  
You of a Rockers place to the young Prince?  Fibbia. 
Why truly, Sir, so I may carry my  
Small son a long, I would be loathe to leave him  
Behind in a loan house.  Ramp. 
You must buy him a new Hat; and d'ye hear,  
Let him abstain from gingerbread, it will spoil  
His growth.  Fibbia. 
A little, Sir, on holy days.  Ramp. 
You will be self-willed.  Fibbia. 
He always had a care of my son.  Ramp. 
Friskin, and you may visit me to morrow,  
And know more.  Friskin. 
I'll bring my measure with me, it is long  
Since I wrought for your worship.  Ramp. 
Do, do, farewell; Hirco, make haste, and shift the air;  
There's nothing so contagious as the breath  
Of Creditors.  — Exeunt omnes. Enter Morello, Altophil, Arthiopa. Altophil. 
Rich hangings of the antic Persian loom,  
Venetian Tapers guilt, and bedding of  
Italian nuns embroidery, purled and embossed.  
Galeotto shows his bounty great to deck  
Our bridal chamber, with such foreign pomp;  
But where's the Priest, that with his holy words  
Should make us fit to enter here?  Morello. 
Roasting the pig he received in his last tithes.  Altophil. 
Your mirth is somewhat strange; does it become you?  Morello. 
How little are you praised in th' affairs  
And souls of men, to think this sumptuous bed  
Within, and furniture could entertain  
An enemy?  Altophil. 
For whom was it prepared?  Morello. 
For mighty Heildebrand, the Lombard's King,  
Who, when he gave the Prince, and you secure  
Undoubted prisoners to my Master's will,  
He had a promise made, the ensuing night  
He should enjoy that Lady in his arms.  Arthiopa. 
Ah me! what prodigies are here?  Altophil. 
Villain, take that for thy intelligence.  — Strikes him. Morel. 
So fierce in your rewards! what! how, seize on the Duke? tie his offensive arms, the Lady too!  — Enter soldiers, lay hold on him. Altophil. 
My sense is so much dulled with often use  
Of my calamities, that they are now  
Become my sport; what follows, Sir? I do  
Beseech you would proceed.  Morello. 
Soldiers, avoid the room.  — Exeunt soldiers, 
Know, Sir, the wise Galeotto to make full  
Witty and new his bounty to the King,  
Ordained that you this Lady's Lover, should  
Upon your knees present her to his just:  
Your proud neglect of Amaranta then  
Is subtly repaid.  Altophil. 
O! damned infernal Dog.  Morello. 
I'll leave you, Sir, take leisure, and resolve  
T'accept of this employment, or to die.  — Exit. Altophil. 
How divers are the changes of his tyranny;  
Erewhile he flattered us with pleasant shows  
Of comfortable hope; then suddenly  
Presents us with more horrid forms than death.  Arthiopa. 
Death is our happiest expectation now;  
The grave is ever quiet, though 'tis cold;  
But Altophil, alas! when we have slept  
A many thousand years; who is't can tell  
If I again shall know thee when I wake?  — Exit Amaranta▪ Amaran. 
The chiefest blessings that are bred above  
Fall on you both; like Summer showers that come  
To ripen what before was but i'th' infancy  
Of growth: First, Altophil, on you that are  
Most noble to the world, though much behind  
To me; next on your Bride, whose vetues shine  
So clear, that I must check my envy, and  
Pretend some joy to see her fortunate.  Altophil. 
Can this be Amaranta's voice? is she  
Perverted too, and taught to mock at our  
Distress?  Arthiopa. 
This ill beseems a maiden's tenderness.  Amaranta. 
Forbid it goodness; if you suffer aught,  
That I should make your miseries my scorn;  
For just heaven knows, my father with great stews  
Of kindness, and of hope lately disturbed  
My Orisons, with news he had designed  
The Prince to marry me, which, Altopil,  
Was but unwelcome hope, since my best Love  
Rust die with thy disdain; then told me all  
These preparations were to celebrate  
Your nuptials with! Arthiopa.  Altophil. 
My nuptial Rites! this was a feigned disguise  
To hide his foul lascivious purpose from  
Thy bashful sight.  Amar. 
My Lord, though he hath wronged you much, do not  
Misconstrue him as fit for all impieties.  Altophil. 
Alas! it is too dry  
A truth; witness these bonds, witness those griefs  
That hang upon Arthiopa like black  
Wet clouds upon the morning's cheek; know she  
Is here designed for th'lust of Heildebrand:  
And I by your obdurate father's will,  
Must be enforced to see and suffer it.  Amaranta. 
Horror! why should I tarry here,  
And listen to such things as are not fit  
To be believed?  Altophil. 
Stay Amaranta, stay;  
If thou art pitiful, and hast that heaven  
Within thy heart, that with such lively truth  
Is figured in thy face, express it now.  
Thou knowest the secret passages and doors  
Of this thy father's house, convey with thy  
Best skill; and trust my Mistress to some dark  
Unusual place, where she may rest secure  
And safe from violence.  Arthiopa. 
Upon my knees I beg  
If yet the softness of thy mother's nature  
Have any residence within thy breast:  
Look like a Virgin on a virgin's moan;  
And let thy mercy find some way to hide  
My honour from the reach of wicked men.  Altophil. 
This sad necessity hath made my joints  
Stiffened with Winter-marches in the war,  
Now supple as a courtier's knee, that waits  
Upon a tyrant's Throne. Behold how low  
I fall to be my Mistress advocate.—  Amarant. 
Let me henceforth in darkness dwell; for why  
Should I again make use of day, that could  
Endure to see th'elected Monarch of  
My vassalled Love, thus humbled at my feet?  
Rise, Sir, rise sweet Arthiopa, though it  
Seems strange( though you my Rivallare) I should  
Assist your fortune, whose felicity  
Must ruin mine; yet I will justly do't  
With hazard of my life.  Altophil. 
What strange malicious courtesy( you stars)  
Was this? to make the first election of  
My love so excellent, and with Arthiopa,  
So fill my breast, that there no room was left  
To entertain the Ladies true  
Affection, till it came too late.  Arthiopa. 
And I could not confirm  
My own chief happiness; but whilst I foiled  
The chaste proceedings of her hope.  Amar. 
First, i'llunty these misbecoming bonds  — Unbinds them. 
Now, follow me with slow and wary feet,  
Strong guards are severally dispersed beneath;  
You cannot void the house; but there's a vault  
Deep buried under yonder turret's frame,  
Where I'll conceal you both, till I persuade  
My father cease his irreligious wrath.  Altophil. 
This kindness to thy rival shall become  
( In all succeeding times) a story fit  
To soften every amorous Lady's ear;  
Fame loud shall sing it, and preserve it long,  
The music of her trumpet, not her tongue.  — Exeunt.  

ACT IV. SCENE I.  Enter Heildebrand, Galeotto. Heildebrand. 
THese ornaments show much magnificence  
And wealth, the prosperous Monarch of the East  
Might here vouchsafe to sleep, though when his bold  
And superstitious fables made him think  
The sun was married, and would send his glistering wife  
To be his Concubine.  Galeotto. 
These Tapers, Sir,  
And these refulgent Stones, will all grow dark,  
When you behold Arthiopa; who now  
( That you may find my promise just) you shall  
Embrace; where is she? ha, death on this slave.  
Morello told me that he left her here;  
Her Lover too, fast bound to my dispose.  — Enter Amaranta. 
Amaranta! what devil counselled thee  
To this untimely visit in the night?  Amaranta. 
It was a careful angel, Sir, that to  
Prevent the dangers on your soul, hath given  
Me order to dehort your rage, which so  
Pursues Arthiopa.  Galeotto. 
Where is she? speak,  
Where's Altophil? removed and hid by thee?  Heildebr. 
Her beauties make his faint description more  
Like envy then just praise; the nicest maid  
In Lombardy, strictly compared, looks like  
A withered Lapland Nurse; my teeming wife  
Shows foul and tawny to her, as she'd been  
The sooty offspring of a Moor.  Galeot. 
Why dost not speak, I know she can't escape  
The confines of my house, my guards are made  
Too watchful and too strong, Where is she? Speak.  — She kneels. Amaranta. 
Sir, I confess drop reg've hid her from your wrath,  
And till this great distemper of your mind is cured,  
It were not safe she should appear.  Heildebr. 
Galeotto, Why dost let this Lady kneel?  
Such humbleness shows ill, the pleasure of  
An amorous beauty is her pride.  Galeot. 
The posture's comely, Sir, it is my daughter.  Heildebr. 
Ha! his daughter! this courtesy is new  
And exquisite, I love a Parent for my Bawd!  Galeotto. 
Tell me, thou troublesome delight of holiness;  
Where thy bewitching rival is concealed,  
Or I'll torment thee till thou wake thy dead  
Unlucky mother with thy groans.  Heildebr. 
Galeotto, hold, dost thou use force?  Galeot. 
The Lady that I promised for your solace, Sir,  
S'hath wickedly removed from hence.  Heildebr. 
What Lady's that?  Galeot. 
The fair Arthiopa.  Heildebr. 
There is none fair but she, all beauty else  
She turns to black companions of the night;  
My judgement is too strong, cheat not mine ears  
With the false music of a name: Alas!  
My gentle Excellence, waste not those tears,  
Whose sovereign power would better nature, where  
She weakly doth reside, and falling in  
The Spring, convert a Canker to a Rose.  
Come, mourn no more.  Amaranta. 
Sir, you are merciful,  
And by the great prerogative of your  
Command, may soon procure an easier weight  
Than he hath laid upon the innocent.  Heildebr. 
Believe't he shall not practise violence;  
To Bed sweet beauty, go, he is reclaimed;  
Upon thy life pursue her not: thy looks  
Are grown too terrible to court her now.  — Exit Amaranta. Galeotto. 
But will you then forgo my promise, Sir?  Heildebr. 
Your first assurance was, her Love should  
Present her willingly into mine arms,  
And that I must expect there is no ease,  
Nor pleasure in restraint.  Galeotto. 
You mean Arthiopa.  
I'll fetch her, Sir, if you'll but let me force  
This wayward fool to tell where she's concealed.  Heildebr. 
This is that fair Arthiopa whom I'll enjoy.  Galeotto. 
Persuade my daughter to your bed▪ alas, you  
Are married, Sir.  Heildebr. 
Or thy ambition else  
Were happily so bold to think: I'll choose  
Her for my wife.  Galeotto. 
In troth the other way  
Is but un wholesome kind of love;  
Yet may be fit enough for lost Arthiopa;  
If you'll take leisure till I find her out:  
But to betray a daughter.  Heildebr. 
You lately could betray  
Your country, Sir, why not a daughter now?  
Mock not my raised desires, bring her to night;  
Not forced by terror, or outrageous strength,  
But by the soothings of thy tongue wrought to  
A willing, liberal consent; go, do't,  
Or thou shalt bleed.  — Exit. Galeotto. 
Peace to your majesty:  
This fool in a religious pity hath  
Destroyed herself, i'th' choicest hour of time,  
When I designed she should be wedded to  
The Prince: for dull loose Heildebrand,  
If th'other had but satisfied his lust,  
In drunken bounty would surrender all  
His conquest here, t'endow and make her great.  
What is our human cunning, our obscure  
And vicious wisdom worth? since at this play  
Of policy, that Gamester cannot win  
That hath not skill, but power to help his sin.  — Exit. Enter Ascoli unbound, Rangone, Gandolpho. Rangone. 
I hear the Lady, Sir, and Altophil  
Are prisoners still, and by that traitor were  
But led to counterfeit delights.  Ascoli. 
My own calamities soon vanish from  
My thoughts, when I remember theirs; you see  
This captain gives my hands their liberty;  
But expect he's now so far restored,  
That he'll contrive the freedom of  
My person and my mind.  Rangone. 
Gandolpho, know  
The counsel I have breathed, will shortly, when  
Your reason and your piety consult,  
Advance your profit much, your honour more.  Ascoli. 
Your error past I have forgiven; as well  
Assured Galeotto's cunning did seduce  
Your easy nature in pretence of gratitude  
To do perfidious things to th'State and me;  
But your amendment now shall have as full  
Reward as if the memory were lost,  
Of all your former guilt.  Rangone. 
How excellent repentance shows! it may,  
Perhaps, proceed too slow, but when  
'Tis real, never comes too late.  Gandolph. 
Sir, thus dejected on the earth, I beg  
Your pardon, and should rise made happy, though  
Not innocent, if you believe that I  
Was wrought into my crime, by him that found  
A subtle use of my unskilful Love▪  Ascol. 
My faith is willingly confirmed, and you  
Called bacl to all the favour you forsook;  
The citadel continues still in your  
Command, though with bold strangers new enforced▪  
And by your power a secret entrance may  
Be soon devised for a surprise.  Rangone. 
The absence of your person, Sir, which is  
So much lamented now, when you appear,  
Will add a courage equal to the joy  
Our soldiers shall receive; and though dispersed,  
The town may yield enough for this design.  Gandolpho. 
What valour, or long practise in the war  
( Made perfect with much doubtful enterprise)  
Can do, we shortly will achieve: but for  
A while you must rest close in durance here.  Ascoli. 
My patience is so wise, it will persuade  
Metoed, Rangone, come; the dangers which  
These lover's fear, are such as we would fain  
Prevent, or else adventure to revenge.  — Exeunt. Enter Heildebrand, Galeotto, Arthiopa. Galeot. 
The beams of your bright beauty could not be  
So hid, but I must find them out.  Arthiopa. 
My life I now esteem not worthy of my care,  
Since you have severed me from Altophil.  Galeot. 
Your Lover yet is safe; but if you use  
The King with cruelty, expect the like  
On him.— I knew, when he beheld  — aside. 
Her lustre shine, my Amaranta would  
Be free; already he grows hot: This fire  
Like those that chemists keep, must still  
In secret burn, whilst gazers void the room.  — Exit. Heildebr. 
Which way shall I redeem the error of  
My former wonder, that in ignorance  
Committed fond I dolatry to one  
Who in her greatest beauty may become  
Thy worshipper, and not decline her own  
Prerogative; though she excel a throng  
On others that are comely too.  Altophil. 
Sir, I am hither forced  
By a perverse and treacherous Counsellor;  
His tongue hath much envenomed your chaste ears,  
And would persuade you a horrid sin;  
But all my comfort is, your nature hath  
Been still so rightly taught, you'll easily▪  
Resist temptations of greater strength,  Heildebr. 
Know thou art hither come, to lay thy white  
Attractive hand upon my sceptre; and  
Give laws to me, to make decrees of war  
And peace; fold up my enfignes, than command,  
Then straight unfold again, until they spread  
Their bloody streamers in a foreign Land;  
But then my precious sweetness you must love.  Arthiop. 
Your goodness, Sir, I will, but if your thoughts  
Are prompted to attempt unlawful deeds,  
Sure all the righteous world must hate you then;  
Nor would I be the last should frown upon  
A wicked Lover, though a King.  Heildebr. 
Such cold discourse befits an hermitage,  
Where age and hunger make a reverend  
Pretence, to hate the pleasure, when( alas)  
They have outlived the appetite; you must  
Come nearer yet.—  Arthiop. 
O! think upon your honour, Sir, and what  
Protects it, heaven.  Heildebr. 
It is some pleasure to  
Delay those thoughts a while, draw near, make me▪  
Acquainted with your lips; why should they want  
Impression that so easily swell; that are  
So soft, and fit to take the seal of love?  Arthiop. 
You'll fright my soul from this unfortunate  
Weak Tenement, where she unwillingly  
Hath dwelled of late; and now 'tis shaken so  
With that strong tempest in your looks,  
She dares not longer stay.  Heildebr. 
Let her come forth, and in my bosom rest.  Arthiop. 
No, Sir, her second dwelling is above  
The stars, where she will tell such tales of you,  
If you persist, the earth shall grow too hot  
For your abode, and shortly after, hell  
Too cold; they'll mend, and multiply their fires  
Against you come.  Heildebr. 
Were you less fair, such coyness would dissuade.  Arthiop. 
If you continue in this exercise  
Of impious power, be still a King; but may  
You live to know, your title given you for  
A scorn, no subjects left you to obey;  
More enemies to conquer what you have,  
Till be so little, and so cheap; this in  
Your age, when miseries do most perplex,  
And strength is quite decayed that should support  
The weight which younger patience thinks no load.  Heildebr. 
Are you so excellent at curses, Lady?  Arthiop. 
But better far at blessings, Sir; if you  
Subvert the furious danger of your will,  
Be still a King; and may your sceptre grow  
Within your hand, as heaven had given it  
A root: may it bud forth, increase in boughs,  
Till't spread to the Platan tree, and yield  
A comfortable shade, where other Kings  
May sit delighted, and secure from all  
The storms of war and tyranny.  Heildebrand. 
Leave me, away,  
That closet make your prison until night,  
Where you shall harbour safe from him that would  
Betray your Virgin-wealth, but look not bacl:  
For than you share the guilt of my next crime,  
You carry in your face the fire that feeds  
My flame; which, if I see, 'twill kindle soon  
What I will strive to quench.  — Exeunt several ways. Enter Altophil bound again. Altophil. 
Arthiopa, Arthiopa! O that  
The double concave of this dismal place  
Could but reverberate her name, I would  
Be mocked, though with a sound of happiness  
Rather than quite deprived; the Ghosts  
Of impious men walk and revisit the  
Relinquished earth; but she is gone like things  
Most excellent: the souls of Votaries  
Who once departed, know this fulsome world  
So much unfit to mingle with their pure  
Refined air, that they will return.  
Arthiopa,—  Enter Amaranta, with a sword drawn. Amaranta. 
What voice is that, which with  
Such fatal accent doth bemoan some great  
Eternal loss.  Altophil. 
Arthiopa is gone,  
The secret Vault where thou didst leave us safe  
Enclosed was by Morello found, who with  
Rude help of murders enforced her from  
Mine arms, and left me bound.  Amaranta. 
I feared some danger near  
Which made me haste to thy redress; once more  
( My Lord) let me give freedom to your strength.  — Unbinds him. 
Here, take this sword, 'tis a most precious jewel,  
And like a relic hath hung long within  
Our armoury: if false Morello shall  
Return to threaten death, defend yourself.  Altophil. 
I would this bounty had been earlyer brought▪  Amaranta. 
My fears are so increased, I dare not stay  
To see the end of thy uncertain fate.  
Be watchful and concealed.  — Exit. Altophil. 
The unwearied courtesies  
Of this soft maid, afflict my memory:  
Since my affections were so far bequeathed  
And spent, ere they became her due, that now  
I cannot pay her, equal love for love,  
But to another's loss.— What noise is that!  
A second door revealed? it opens too.  — He steps behind the Arras. Enter Galeotto, Morello. Morello. 
he's trussed, and pinioned like a Pullet, Sir,  
And you may soit him when you please.  Galeot. 
Yes, he must die, for Amaranta loves  
Him so, her wishes else will ne'er be quieted,  
Nor she admit the Prince, though I could win  
His heart, he suffers for disdain of her;  
She shall appear, and see it too, 'twill breed  
Her up to greatness whose chief nourishment  
Is blood, when you have locked the door, give her  
This key, and send her hither.  Morello. 
If she suspect the cause, she will not come.  Galeot. 
I say she must and wait you close about  
The King, to watch th'event of his hot enterprise.  — Exit Morello. 
Duke Altophil, where is your mighty grace?  Altophil. 
Who is't that makes my title his bold mirth?  Galeotto. 
His fetters off! a sword too in his hand!  
This argues treachery.  — Strives to go bacl to the door, Altophil steps between. Altophil. 
Nay, no retiring yet,  
I have been here reserved your prisoner,  
But your dull bounty now hath made you mine.  Galeot. 
The very sword I won in duel from  
The feigned La Rock, i'th' vale of Chamberie,  
If 'twere taught t'observe as Wizards do,  
This chance is so sinister, 'twould mfuse  
A superstitious trembling through my veins.  Altophil. 
What is it makes your admiration still  
Employed? this object of your cruelty?  Galeotto. 
Who furnished thee with such a rich defence  
For rescue of thy life?  Altophil. 
Your daughter, Sir,  Galeot. 
So true to him that hates her! and so false  
To me! destruction on her soul.  Altophil. 
Your curse will find such little entertainment where  
Her virtues are, that it must soon return  
Unto yourself; the memory of her  
Would fain dissuade my just revenge on thee.  
Where hast thou left Arthiopa?  Galeotto. 
With Heildebrand.  Altophil. 
That fatal word calls bacl my absent and  
Relenting spirits to my arm, which grew  
With thoughts of mercy weak, but now it hath  
A strength too dangerous for thy repulse.  — They fight a while, and part. Galeotto. 
You're active, Sir, your nimble joints are bathed  
In Jestimine oil.  Altophil. 
And you are known a Master in  
This angry Art; your Rapier miracles  
Are chronicled by the hot fencing French;  
But I'll adventure some small practice, Sir.  — fight again and sever. Galeot. 
Pause, pause a while, and keep your little breath,  
Since 'tis your last, to make your friend more sport.  Altophil. 
So merry? cause your devil is so learned,  
And taught you feign in subtle lines,  
Proportioned by a rule; still statue like,  
Standing as stiff as if your posture were  
In brass, I'll discompose it straight.  — Fight again, Galeotto is wounded, they sever. Galeot. 
I did not think your skill so excellent,  
I shall drop down without revenge, hence with  
A Hatchet, like a fenslesse tree, this to  
Requite your kindness, Sir.  — Fight, Galeotto is wounded, again they sever. Altophil. 
Laugh and be merry now;  
You are not tickled with a straw, you see,  
This is a kind of sport will make you bleed.  Galeot. 
O my false fame, where art thou now, he bores  
And drills me where he list, as I were dead  
Already, and my breast, a board used to  
An Augur, not a Sword; as if he had  
Forecast how many holes would serve to make  
My obscure heart transparent to the world.  
The Furies greet you, Sir.  — Fight, Galeotto falls. Altophil. 
This for my much wronged Prince, this for Arthiopa.—  
And though a glorious villain, yet like to  
A villain fall, despised upon the earth;  
Not pitied in thy parting Grove.  Galeot. 
O! O! your wrath and I together end.  — He dies. Altophil. 
'Tis strange I scaped without a wound, he was  
A cunning duelist, whose tread is that?  — Enter Amaranta. Amaranta. 
Fear still makes others swift to fly from danger,  
And me thus slow t'encounter it, sure I  
Have stayed too long, where are you, Sir?  Altophil. 
Sweet Amaranta, hide thine eyes.  Amaranta. 
Can they be weary grown of seeing you?  Altophil. 
But here's another object that will make them start,  
Till they untie their strings.  Amaranta. 
Ha my father! mercy, how far is thy  
White throne removed from earth, that wretched I,  
Thy daily Orator, could not be heard?  
My blood will turn to tears at his dire obsequy.  
O Altophil! thou cruel Lord, did I  
For this with several hazards of my life,  
And filial faith, keep thee from death? that sword  
I gave you for defence, and straight  
Perverting all my courtesies, you did  
Present it to my father's breast.  Altophil. 
He was a wicked man.  Amarant. 
Were thy uncivil accusations true;  
Yet for my sake thou might'st have spared his life:  
For me, whom though you could not love,  
I ne'er deserved to find your hatred in  
Such fierce extremes.  Altophil. 
There was no help, but one  
Of us must fall, and I preserved myself.  Amaranta. 
Upon such wise sure cautions, my  
Indulgent nature scorned to meditate,  
When I delivered you from murdering hands,  
But made the danger hastily mine own.  Altoph. 
Those words like subtle lighting pierce, and soon  
Will kill me, though they make no wound.  
Here, take this sword, revenge thy father's cause,  
Revenge thy cause, whose love I have been forced  
To pay with some neglect, kill me and be just.—  Amaranta. 
Did you but call't neglect? and said that you  
Were forced to it?  Altophil. 
So forced, as I shall ever be, since my  
First plight was sealed; there is no ease, no end  
Of that constraint.  Amaranta. 
Still to lament, and never to beloved.—  Altophil. 
I am the source of all thy grief; make haste,  
Yis fit I die.—  Amaranta. 
That sentence is my doom.  — She falls on the sword, Altophil. 
Hold, Amaranta, hold;  
Where are our better angels at such times  
As these? Sweet virgin breathe a while.—  Amarant. 
Go, tell Anthropa she needs not fear  
Her rival now, my bridal bed is in  
The earth.  Altophil. 
O stay! there may be help,  Amaranta. 
When you come near my grave, if any flower  
Can grow on such unlucky ground, pray watered with  
A single tear, that's all I ask: mercy heaven.  — She dies. Altophil. 
For ever gone I make much of her youstars,  
She is the brightest ere shall come into  
Your numberless society. Her last  
Salute was sent unto Arthiopa,  
Till she be safe I must not follow thee;  
But I will hasten, gentle maid, to wear  
Immortal wings, and thy new lustre than  
Will be so known above, that if I stray,  
It can direct and light me in the way.  — Exit.  

ACT V. SCENE I.  Enter Ascoli, Altophil. Ascol. 
Whilst we confine our motion to this dark  
Division of the house, we are secure;  
The Guards beneath Rangone did corrupt,  
And made my entrance hither easily  
Achieved: but thou hast told a piteous tale,  
The latter part will give posterity  
A lasting cause to mourn, for though  
Galeotto suffered justly for his crimes,  
And I must ever praise that victory;  
Yet Amaranta's fate was most severe.  Altophil. 
Alas! it is not good to name her, Sir;  
We shall but spoil our thoughts, and urge them to  
A desperate belief.  Ascol. 
Can your intelligence  
Aim at no report that may declare  
Your Mistress usage with the King?  Altophil. 
As passages are stopped, no soldiers voice  
Is louder than a whisper here, and those  
Are breathed in the dark.  — Enter Arthiopa, her hair hanging loose about her. Ascoli. 
Look where she comes.  Altophil. 
If that be she  
That gives her sorrow so much ornament  
With hair dishevelled, and unwilling looks,  
Declined with sighs that well may penetrate  
The spacious vault of heaven, though it were arched  
With onyx and hard Chrysolite;  
If that be she, persuade yourself to know  
Her, Sir, for I would fain preserve her still  
A stranger to my sight.  Arthiopa. 
I came to seek  
Thee Altophil, but thou art found too soon.  
Why should I vex a lover's tenderness?  
My lamentations are so great, they'd serve  
T'infuse a virtue in a furious ear,  
If pity may be called a virtue, but  
I hope it is not so, for then the world  
Would much offend, that long hath wanted it.  Altophil. 
What dismal story hangs upon thy tongue?  
Speak it aloud, to wake the destinies,  
Who sure are fast asleep, thy sufferance else  
Will make us think they take no care of what  
They can so easily create.  Arthiopa. 
Fierce Heildebrand,  
That tyrant King! O! that my memory  
Can keep a name should be forgot by all  
The world!  Ascoli. 
He finds our military souls are now  
Grown tame, and meek as Doves; he'll shortly use  
No Iron sceptre here, we can be awed  
And governed by a Reed.  Arthiopa. 
To this perfidious King I was conveyed  
By Galeotto, falser than himself,  
Endured his sinful courtship, and subdued  
At first with threatening vows, the fury of  
His will; so that he seemed restored to grace.  Altophil. 
And did he fall again?  Arthiopa. 
His piety  
Grew soon too high a bliss for him,  
With tedious steps he laboured up the hill;  
Whose top being reached, his elevation showed  
So strange, that it amazed his ignorance,  
And giddily he tumbled down in far  
Less space than he could climb.  Ascoli. 
A swift inconstancy.  Arthiopa. 
In a short moment he was quite  
Declined from good, even to the ecstasy of vice:  
For in the blackest and most guilty hour  
Of night, he came and found my curtains drawn;  
But so uncomely rude were his intents,  
That though I there had slept as in a Shrine,  
( A place which death or holiness did privilege  
With reverend esteem) yet he would force  
His way; you sacred powers conceive how fit  
It is the rest should make me dumb.  Altophil. 
I have begun  
In blood, and must go on; inhuman guilt  
Is so disperssed and grown so strong, that now  
Revenge from every valiant hand will be  
Acknowledged lawful and Divine.  Ascoli. 
Let's hasten to our furious business, come,  
I have some strength in ambush near the Fort;  
And bold Rangone waits within t'expect  
What hidden troops I will command t'assault  
My Palace which this Monster hath usurped.  Altophil. 
That charge confer upon my care;  
Away, let's give him swift and silent death,  
Like Cannons, that destroy ere they are heard:  
Yet since we're severed in our enterprise,  
we'll take a solemn leave for ever, Sir.  
Farewell,— our usual fortune can persuade  
Us to no better confidence.  Ascoli. 
Yes, noble Altophil,  
we'll meet again, I'll find thee, though i'th' clouds.  Altophil. 
I have of late been so much used  
To weep, that I suspect the crystal of  
Mine eyes is but a kind of Ice, which still  
Each warmer change of weather straight doth thaw.  Ascoli. 
The sweetest, though most injured of thy sex,  
Farewell, and think such comfort yet remains,  
As must not be despised, though but in hope.  Arthiop. 
Sir, reason soon would ruin mine, if I  
Had any left; the clean nice Ermine not  
Endures to live, when once the Hunter doth  
Her whiteness soil, though with a little stain.  Altophil. 
Arthiopa, come, we are lovers still,  
Though too too much unfortunate; time ne'er  
Could find in all his old records, nor will  
The like succeed in's future Register.  —— Exeunt omnes. Enter Brusco, Gandolpho, Rampino, Hirco. Brusco. 
What lazy Elephants are these? huge Rogues  
That cannot dig through mould as soft as dough.  Ramp. 
Is not the mine yet finished?  Gandolph. 
Have patience Gentlemen, I'm confident  
Th'ave reached off the Parapet,  
And straight the powder will be laid.  Ramp. 
But is the ambush well supplied that should  
Break in upon the Garrison when fire is given?  Brusco. 
Those follow my direction, and are all  
Prepared to execute at their just time.  Hirco. 
Then one success is sure, for the old troops  
Have sent a private message, they'll assault  
The City gates before the sun can rise  
To show them to the enemy.  
I know they're led by brave Pisciero the  
Lieutenant to our general, and I  
Have planted those will give them entrance, though  
They tread upon their mothers and their wives.  Brusco. 
It recreates my very lungs to think  
How this luxurious stupid Heildebrand  
In pleasure snorts, and little thinks  
He shall be waked with an alarm.  Gandolpho. 
You, Sir, must take important care, lest in  
The streets your consultation be with throngs  
Of Fiends: for busy members will be soon  
Observed; your quarter is the Western bridge.  Brusco. 
But first attend about the Palace, to  
Expect your orders, they must be given you there.  Rampino. 
Direct yourselves; I am more watchful than  
A sick Constable after his first sleep  
On a cold bench, Hirco, along with me.  — Exeunt omnes. Enter Heildebrand, Morello, Rangone. Morello. 
This is the Count Rangore, Sir, who was  
Before your Conquest here chief captain of  
The Guard unto the captive Prince.  Heildebr. 
From Galeotto, Sir, is your affair?  Rangone. 
This Ring he humbly sends a present to  — Ring 
Your Majesty, it was the first rich pledge  
You gave him to confirm his new integrity,  
By which he would persuade your royal thoughts;  
I am a messenger of trust, with hope  
It may procure me privately your ear.  Heildebr. 
Leave us, Morello, and attend within  — Exit Morello. 
What is the cause he can so soon neglect  
The homage of his duty here? he did  
Not wait to day.  Rangone. 
His daughter, Sir, is sick.  
O'er whom so fondly he laments, that he  
Supplies both her physician's Art and diligence.  Heildebr. 
Proceed to his request.  Rangone. 
Your wisdom, Sir, we'll much admire,  
To what a calm and easy sufferance  
He hath reduced Arthiopa reclaimed  
Her frosty nature to such warm, such soft  
And feminine desires as it is fit  
Her beauty should possess.  Heildebr. 
Thou dost bewicth me with thy news.  Rangone. 
Sir, she no more retains the seeming forwardness  
And peevish rigour of a maid,  
But wonders why the Roman Lucrece did  
Complain, because enforced since boldly she  
Concludes it now the only subtle way  
To compass pleasure without sin.  Heildebr. 
Wise Aracmes Philosophy, he'd read  
It to his niece.  Rangone. 
No question, Galeotto had  
Good modern Authors for his Doctrine, Sir,  
Else 'twould not thrive so well: his instant suit  
Unto your greatness is, you would prepare  
To humble your occasions to this night,  
As you may visit him; and you shall find  
The Lady altered to your wish.  Heildebrand. 
It lay not in the power of all his skill  
And vigilance, to send me a request  
I would so willingly receive: this glad  
Assurance render him with my best thanks,  
And then return to be my guide.  — Exeunt. Enter Rampino, Hirco. Ramp. 
Stay here, and watch for more supplies; the word  
Is gone about, drop reg've drawn to our confederacy  
From an obscure blind lane, a race of such  
Indebted wights, as have not seen the sun  
Since the last great eclipse, when wonder more  
Than business brought them out.  Hirco. 
Have they any clothes?  Ramp. 
Why, dost thou think they go to play a Prize?  
Is't of necessity they must appear  
In scarlet Breeches, and clean laced shirts?  
Swords they have all, although their scabbards are  
A little torn about the Chape, they'll serve  
To poke; less men are squeamish, and won't let'em  
Enter their bodies, because they are rusty.  Hirco. 
I would not be a sergeant in their way.  Ramp. 
Straight when the hurry shall begin to rise,  
Beware my Gossip goldsmith's shop; there be  
Among us that will drink our morning's draughts  
In plate, without asking how much an ounce  — Enter Friskin. Hirco. 
Look there, you must wear an invisible Ring.  Enter Heildebrand, Rangone. Rangone. 
He said I should receive the Lady here;  
'Tis strange he fails: if Sir, it will become  
Your greatness to expect a while, I'll seek  
Galeotto out, and sent her hither.  Heildebr. 
The object may deserve my patience, but take care  
You're swift in your return.  Rangone. 
If wishes can  
Conduce prosperity to the design,  
Thou shalt not want them, Altophil, I'll guard  
The gates below to hinder all impediments.  — Exit, strange music is heard above. Heildebr. 
This sure is some preparative, although  
The sound's not very amorous.  

The Song to a horrid tune.  

( 1.)  
You Fiends and Furies come along,  
With Iron Crow and massy Prong;  
Come, drag your shackles and draw near,  
To stir a huge old sea-coal Cake,  
That in our hollow hell did bake,  
Many a thousand thousand year.   

( 2.)  
In Sulhp'rous broth Tereus hath boy'ld,  
Basted with Brimstone, Tarquin hath broy'ld  
Long, long enough, then make more room  
Like smoky flitches hang them by  
Upon our sooty walls to dry,  
A greater ravisher will come.   

( 3.)  
If you want fire, fetch a supply,  
From Aetna and Puteoli,  
Yet stay a while, you need not stir,  
Since if his glowing eyes shall chance,  
To cast on Proserpina a glance,  
He is so hot he'll ravish her.    — Enter Altophil. Heildeb. 
My senses are grown sick I speak! what art thou?  Altophil. 
Men call me Altophil.  Heildebr. 
He I encountered in a battle on  
The banks of Sibaris? I'll rather meet  
Thee in that river, stemming against  
The tide, than thus walled in where horror dwells▪  
I am betrayed!——  Altophil. 
Stir not, you are confined,  
And cannot scape me now; for such events  
As are prescribed us in the secret book  
Above, here we shall both receive.  Heildebr. 
I fear not mine, my single valour is  
Enough, if thou art all mine enemies.  Altophil. 
You come to visit Galeotte, Sir▪  — Draws the hangings. 
See where he rudely sits ill mannered Lord,  
That will not rise to welcome such a Potentate.  Heildebr. 
Sleeping in death! such nodding likes me not.  Altophil. 
Survey him well; he was your traitor, Sir,  
Go hug him now; cherish the falsehood that  
Could ruin States, and draw a Nation to  
Captivity; open his head, where all  
His plots and policies are treasured up,  
And take them out, it is not fit such wealth  
Should lie concealed i'th' grave.  Heildebr. 
Is there no more  
Remaining of those sweeting toils, danger,  
And studious wit that helps ambition to  
Ascend, than such a pale complexion and  
a cold dumb mockery of what we were?  Altophil. 
Now, Sir, to entertain your precious time  
With new variety( although I knew  
You are in haste) see Amaranta here.  — Draws the hangings further. Heildebr. 
She so altered and grown silent too?  Altophil. 
This was a noble beauty once; replete  
With all that gentle ornament Lovers  
In their kind passion, or Poets in  
Diviner fury could advance with praise.  
And this so sanctified a thing, you did  
Endeavour to corrupt, pray court her now,  
And third her tears like Oriental pearl,  
Take Rubies from her lips to darken all  
The jewels in your crown, I've undertook  
So much in counterfeit hyperboles,  
Blast her fair hand with your false sighs; and swear  
'Tis no Idolatry, you may; for look  
How like a goddess a dead Lady shows.  Heildebr. 
I'll see no more; if they are fit for monuments,  
Why were they not interred before I came?  Altophil. 
Yes, you must needs behold all that is gay  
And pleasing here; 'twill make your welcome seem  
More absolute: come forth Arthiopa.  — Enter Arthiopa, her hair dishevelled as before. Heildebr. 
This living spectacle disturbs and frights  
My senses more than all that's dismal 'bout  
The dead; no traitor like to that within,  
My courage fails me now, which till this hour  
I trusted most.  Altophil. 
Look on the ruins you  
Have made of such a building; Cherubims  
Would strive to dwell in it, but that they knew  
They must dispossess a soul as good  
as they; see how it droops!  Heildebr. 
The period of  
My vexed injurious life draws on apace.  Atophil. 
Prepare your valour and your sword, for love  
Unto the sacred title which you bear,  
You shall not die surprised, without defence,  
But try what useful strength is left you, now  
Your virtue's gone.  — Both draw. Heildebr. 
Stay then, I'll call to my remembrance all  
The noble deeds of my heroic youth,  
Whilst growing mighty with thoughts, I may  
Behave myself as if I had no guilt.  Arthiopa. 
O hold my Lord! why should you hazard thus  
The treasure of your life? impoverishing  
the needy remnant of the virtuous world  
In my revenge, leave it to th'holy powers.  Heildebr. 
Wilt thou be courteous to her, and desist?  Altophil. 
Move but a little back, Arthiopa,  
Couldst thou believe me worthy of thy love,  
Yet doubt my fortitude t'encounter him,  
Whose crimes have left him no assistant but  
What came from Hell; all that is good forsook  
Him when he injured thee.—  Arthiopa. 
'Tis wearisome to beg your safety now.  Altophil. 
By all the fervour of our matuall vows,  
I charge thee give me liberty to try  
What anger can perform when it is just.  Arthiop 
I cannot disobey, though when I see  
Your dangers I can die.—  Heildebr. 
I am resolved for thy assault, yet stay,  
That Lady's sufferings hang so heavy on  
My soul, that it foretells a longer sleep  
Than I would willingly begin; I wish  
Thou couldst prepare me with a little wound,  
That might let out my lustful blood, and leave  
The rest to strengthen me for this dire cause.—  Altophil. 
I'm good at opening of a vein; there Sir,  — They fight, Heildebrand falls. Heild. 
Had that afflicted terror in her face  
Been hid,' thou'dst found more trouble in this victory.—  
I feel desires of bliss, and those I hope  
May prosper, though presented very late.  —— he dies. Altophil. 
Depart, forgotten and forgiven.—  Arthiopa. 
Why dost thou shrink? speak Altophil: why dost  
Thou bow like tired undweeldie age?  Altophil. 
His sword has been too busy here, just here  
About the heart.—  Arthiopa. 
The Region of thy love,  
I find thou hast a wound by perfect sympathy,  
For mine grows sick, and doth desire to bleed.  Altohpil. 
How fares my Mistress? sweet Arthiopa?  Arthiopa. 
Your pulse must give account of all my health.  Altophil. 
Take't not unkindly I shall leave thee now,  
My eyes grow dim, and I would furnish them  
With everlasting light.  Arthiopa. 
O my dear Lord!  
Let me not think that voice was yours.  Altophil. 
Alas! that in a loyal Lover death  
Must argue some inconstancy, since 'tis  
The first occasion to forsake what we  
May ne'er enjoy again▪  
I shall not be forsaken▪ for I feel  
I can decay apace, and keep you company  
In this long Journey to our last abode.—  Altophil 
First let's seek our vows upon our lips,  
They were so strictly kept, that we shall find  
Them warm, as if but newly breathed.  —— They kiss. 
These are the funeral rites of love.—  Arthiopa. 
Break heart.  
It is the way to show that thou wert true  —— They both die. Within. Victory I the Fort is taken, victory!— Enter Ascoli, Rangone, Gandolpho, Rampino, Brusco, Hirco, and the Guard. Ascoli. 
Your brother died, Gandolpho, in the first  
Retreat; you and the soldiers still shall share  
My best affection and felicity.  Omnes Rangone. 
Long live your highness.  
O Sir, the splendour of our triumphs are  
Eclipsed, we came too late; behold,  
The Tyrant is not only slain, but here  
The valiant general lies, his Mistress too,  
Embracing, though insensible of love.  Ascoli. 
Friendship and love are dead; I find  
My sorrows are too mighty for my tongue.  Rangone. 
The King thus severed from them it appears  
He first was killed by Altophil, who straight  
Fell after on a lingering hurt, Arthiopa  
( This seen) could need no other wound than grief.  Brusco. 
The pride and comfort of the war is gone.  Ramp. 
A general fit to lead the world against  
The force of Hell.  Hirco. 
But now we may hang up  
Our arms, and yield to every enemy.  Rangone. 
Sir, though 'tis fit you mourn, yet take some care  
So to proceed, as that your Subjects may  
Be perfectly assured of our victory.  Ascoli. 
Bear hence these woeful objects of our first  
True elegy; thy statue, Altophil,  
Shall in my Palace stand, with sad Arthiopa  
Lamenting still; and Amaranta fixed  
On th'other side, hiding her eyes, that found  
Too much of beauty in her rival's face;  
In lasting gold, by old Ephefian Art  
Designed, this triple— Figure I'll advance,  
Though it will little credit add to Fate,  
That made such Lovers so unfortunate.  — Exeunt omnes.  

Epilogue.  
Our Poet in his fury hath professed,  
Yet gravely too, with's hand upon his breast,  
That he will never wish to see us thrive,  
If by an unhumble Epilogue we strive  
To court from you that privilege to day  
Which you so long have had to damn a Play:  
Alas, Gentlemen, he knows, to cry plays down  
Is half the business Termers have in town;  
And still the reputation of their wit grows strong,  
As they can first contemn, be't right or wrong,  
Your wives and country friends may pour exact  
To find a fault or two in every Act:  
But you by his consent most kindly shall  
Enjoy the privilege to rail at all:  
A happy freedom, which y'esteeme no less  
Than money, health, good wine, or Mistresses;  
And he, he hopes, when age declines his wit  
From this our stage; to sit and rule i'th' pit;  
Heaven willingly, shall assume a Charter firm,  
As yours, to kill a Poet every term.  
And though he never had the confidence,  
To tax your judgement in his own defence,  
Yet the next night when we your money share,  
he'll shrewd guests what your opinions are.  
FINIS.