Andronicus: A TRAGEDY, IMPIETIES LONG success, OR HEAVENS Late Revenge.  Discite Justitiam moniti, & ne temnite Divos. 
LONDON, Printed for Richard Hall, and are to be sold at the Stationers in London. 1661.   

Dramatis Personae  

● MAria Cesarissa, Daughter to Manuel, late Emperour of Constantinople.  
●I. Zena the Emperesse, Mother to Alexius.  


●II. Eudoxa  
IV. Irene   Ladies of Honour to Zena.  
V. Artemia, a Court-Lady, wife to Menander.  
VI. Anna, Emperesse to Alexius, afterwards to Andronicus.  
VII. Juletta, Maid of Honour to Anna.  
VIII. Alexius, Son of Manuel, and Emperour.  
IX. Andronicus, Kinsman, Murderer and Successor to Alexius.  
X. Isachius, next of the Imperial Line; at last Emperour.  
XI. Ducas, a Prince of the Blood.  
XII. Basilius, Patriarch of Constantinople.  
XIII. Monobius, a hermit newly quitting his Cell.  
XIV. Cleobulus, an Aged Privy counsellor.  
XV. Paleologus, a young Courtier.  
XVI. Lapardas, an Instrument to promote Andronicus.  
XVII. Menander, a Courtier, and Husband to Artemia.  
XVIII. Crato, a States-man.  
XIX. Asotus, a dissolute man, and debantcher of Alexius.  
XX. Panergus, Ingineer-General to Andronicus in all his villainies.  
XXI. Philobiblus, Tutor to Alexius.  
XXII. Spiculator, an Executioner.  
XXIII. Nurse, Servants, Surgeons, Messengers, and Citizens.   
The SCENE  
Constantinople.   

To the Reader.  
LEt me Acquaint thee with the Pedigree and progress( not to say Pilgrimage) of this Tragedy. It was born some eighteen years since in Oxford, thence carried by a Casualty to York. The Author thereof, conceiving this,( the only Copy) utterly lost, found it beyond his Expectation in London some moneths since  
Thus weary with long wandring, it hopeth at last to find quiet repose, and candid reception, Reader, with thee. It hath in it some negative goodness, namely, nothing therein, which in the least degree trespasseth on Piety, Charity, or Modesty. Besides, it presumeth on something Positive, viz. Variety and Verity, the one to please, the other to profit: And if the Poet brought the Varnish, the Historian, I am sure, gave the Groundwork.  
What moved the Author to make it, may invite thee to read it; Diversion of his mind from the troubles of the Times. I have done, when I have remembered thee of what I have red in Mr. Herbert; A verse may find him out, who shuns a Sermon. And such is the Genius of our Times, that th●● who dislike more serious Matters, may benefit by these lighter Treatments of their Time. If the Author hereof hath intrench't on his fancy, upon him who wrote the life of Andronicus in the Holy State, He doubts not, but to obtain his Pardon; as also hopes to have thine for his failings herein.  
PHILANAX,   

ANDRONICUS  

ACT. I.  

SCENE. 1.  Enter Maria, Cesarissa, and her Nurse. Nur. 
cheer up, Fair Madam, Let me see you smile;  Mar. 
A Smile's profaneness in these doleful Times.  Nur. 
Doleful indeed, and yet with all your Grief  
They will be nothing better, you much worse.  Mar. 
Ah, Nurse, my weeping doth much ease my mind,  
Grief which bleeds not in th' eyes, festers in th' heart.  Nur. 
Some showers of sorrow make the soul to spring  
With pious thoughts, but you a deluge bring.  
And drowned your Senses with your over-grief.  Mar. 
I am a woman, for our Sex 'tis hard  
To hit the Mean, and if we be denied  
Of our weeping', we shall Nothing do  
Our Love, our Grief, our Hatred, and our Joy▪  
Yea, all our Passions are contrived so,  
They are not full, or else they overflow.  Nur. 
Have patience Madam, Matters may amend,  
The Emperour's yet a Child.  Mar. 
And Child in judgement he will ever be.  
No Monster doth more hate a Looking-Glasse,  
Then he a Book, his wit's too short to measure  
A noble sport, or honourable pleasure.  
Only he sits, and sots, and drinks, and sleeps,  
The stews is brought to him, or he to th' Stews.  Nur. 
Andronicus will shortly here arrive,  
And by him all things will be rectified.  Mar. 
Well, I could tell you something if I durst.  Nur. 
Madam do,  
If I reveal it, let me be accursed,  
Sooner the very stones themselves shall speak.  Mar. 
Thats not impossible,  
In Churches oft I have seen Speaking-stone.  Nur. 
Midnight shall turn a Clack sooner then I.  Mar. 
'Tis this; I do not think Andronicus  
Will help us any whit.  Nur. 
Know you the man?  Mar. 
Were all faults lost, in him they might be found.  Nur. 
Here comes Alexius.  Mar. 
Quickly quit the place,  
He'll say that I shoot poison from mine eyes,  
'Cause I presume to tell him of his faults;  
I'm loved the worse for loving him so well.  Exeunt.  

ACT. I. SCENE 2.  Alexius the young Emperour, with Asotus his Servant, Philobiblos his Schoolmaster running after him with a Book. Alex. 
LEts hast, lets hast, the slave runs after us.  Asot. 
His vineger-looks I think would melt the Alps.  Phil. 
Please it your Highnesse, It is but a leaf, And that a little one—  Alex. 
Sir, lay by the book.  Phil. 
Apelles said, No day without a line.  Asot. 
There wants a strong one for that neck of thine.  Alex. 
What's Learning to a Prince? O give me greatness.  Phil. 
You can't be great, unless you first be learned.  Alex. 
If I lack Learning, I can borrow it From those my subjects who are better stored.  Phil. 
brains can't be borrowed, nor Learning lent.  Alex. 
Not lend their brains to me? I'll take their heads.  Phil. 
Apply yourself to th' reading Histories.  Alex. 
I'd rather Histories were made of me.  Phil. 
Take heed one be not made too soon of you.  
This is a precious book called Plutarchs Lives;  
It is no crabbed book with rugged style.  
But Wisdom smiles in pleasant Language here.  
A Mine of hidden Treasure's here contained,  
Which will betray you into it with pleasure.  Asot. 
That very words proclaims your wickedness  
Who bring a Book here to betray your Prince.  Phil. 
Not to betray him unto 'vice like you,  
To spend his dayes in drink, his nights at dice.  Aside. Alex. 
What hidden Treasure in this Plutarch's found.  Phil. 
read the Book over, it will make you wise.  Alex. 
Have you e're red it?  Phil. 
Yes Sir, oft at School.  Alex. 
How comes it then to pass ye're such a fool.  Phil. 
Great Alexander, who did put the yoke  
On the worlds neck, and Persians Empire won  
Ne're called his Master Aristotle Fool.  Alex. 
He ne're deserved it. Leave this gravity,  
I like no Library but a well-fill'd Cellar,  
Where Pipes of Cretian-Wine are folios,  
Butts of Falernion are the Quarto-books.  
Surreptan-Terses are the Lesser Volumes.  
Mention no more your Plutarchs Lives to me  
Except you woe your death,  
Come lets be gone.  Phil. 
Alas, alas, I can bemoan your fate,  
For to amend it is, I fear, too late.  Exeunt.  

ACT. I. SCENE 3.  Enter Cleobulus and Paleologus. Cleob. 
O Times, O manners!  Paleol. 
At that posture still?  
You rail so long upon the Times, that now  
Th' are grown stark deaf, and hear not what you say.  
Like dwellers near Nile's Cataract, who never  
Do hear the noise, because they hear it ever.  Cleob. 
When I was young, some sixty Winters since.  Paleol. 
Ah sixty Winters, why not Springs as well?  Cleob. 
Young men by Springs, by Winters old men count  
Their passed years, I say when I was young,  
The world was not so bad as now it is.  Paleol. 
The World was childish, when you were a child,  
And now you're old, the World dotes as you dote.  Cleob. 
Gap Greenhead.  Paleol. 
I'll not change it for your gray.  
Go coin your silver hairs up into money,  
wear less wealth on your Head, more in your purse.  Cleob. 
scorn not that Age you hope to live unto.  Paleol. 
Old Age I would not wish for, but long life.  Cleob. 
To wish long life, without old Age, is vain.  Paleol. 
But to be serious, what Account can you  
Give of the world, when you were but a child,  
Could you writ Comments then on the Times Text?  Cleob. 
Something I then observed, and still remember.  Paleol. 
Something you then observed, who played his part  
The best at Ball, At th' admirable Art  
Of whipping of a Top, what Boy excel'd,  
Till you in Age had counted twice seven years,  
School was your Hell, a Play-day all your Heaven.  Cleob. 
Yea, I marked matters of more consequence  
The innocence and pureness of those dayes.  
No cruel Landlords did their Tenants rack,  
Breaking their Tenants backs to deck their own,  
Dissembling was unborn, and simplo Truth  
Men with their Tongues did speak, sealed with their tooth,  
Now, in this life there's nothing left but lying.  Paleol. 
You'd best make hast to die, and hear the Truth.  Cleob. 
All faults are now in fashion, Sin 's a glory,  
And he who dares be honest in the Court  
Is mocked at, Flatterers only are advanced.  Paleol. 
Thus 'twas always, thus 'twill ever be,  
Till Rhyne to Caspion-Seas pays tribute, and  
Till Indian-Ganges doth with Nile engender,  
As long as stars shine in their Firmament,  
As long as Fishes swim in Neptunes Brine,  
So long at Court will Parasites attend,  
When they leave off, conclude, the World is done.  Cleob. 
Your words resent of too much Poetry,  
Not to say falsehood.  Paleol. 
Sure of too much Truth,  
I could most easily assign the Reason,  
( Convincing Reason) why these Times displease you.  Cleob. 
Let's hear it, I am not yet too old to learn.  Paleol. 
'Tis parcel of an old mans character  
To praise times past, 'cause they were best with him.  
When young, you'd strength & will to revel, ride,  
Hunt, hawk, and race it, Act in Masks and dance,  
But since these pleasures are denied by Age,  
Your only pastime is to chide the times;  
And 'cause your eyes are dim, you blame the room  
As dark; and do impute your stumbling and  
Ill-treading to th' unev'nnesse of a Floor.  Cleob. 
I'll harken to your fond discourse no more.  Paleol. 
Your sore is rubbed, you wince so—  
I see some quarrel with the present time,  
merely because 'tis present. Presence is  
Counted a crime by some mens restless souls,  
I'd rather hear the world bemoaned, then railed at,  
Men should convert( if I might men advice)  
Their bitter satires to sad Elegies.  Exeunt.  

ACT. I. SCENE 4.  Enter Monobius the hermit alone. Mon. 
SCarce have I crau'ld from out my Mossy Cell  
On my four legs to view the world abroad,  
Full sixty yeares and six therein I dwelled,  
My aim was to do good, and to shun evil,  
( A solitary man's a Saint or Devil)  
Oft to myself I have a Question stated  
opposed, then answered, at last moderated,  
Now scattered into three, then summed to one,  
And never less alone, then when alone.  
But now to change my course, I do intend,  
And by another may gain the same end.  
Our lives were made for labour, not for ease,  
To profit others, not ourselves to please;  
Us for ourselves our Mothers never bare,  
Friends and the Common good in us claim share.  
Discourse us for Society hath fitted.  
What sin unnatural have mens parts committed,  
Condemned to be butted thus alive?  
Our Talents are put out, If not put out,  
And gifts are deadened, if not dealt about.  
Nor do I count those men most mortifi'de  
Which most to solitary Lives are ti'de,  
Bad servants, disobedient sons, cursed wives,  
Ill neighbours, cruel masters, faithless friends,  
These Crosses which a Civil life betid,  
More humbleth hearts, and more abateth pride,  
Then all mans wilful fasting in a Cell,  
Which makes some souls with windy pride to swell  
But oh, my vow, my vow, which I did make,  
That I alive would not my Cell forsake.  
Its sad remembrance keeps my soul in awe,  
This Corosive my very heart would gnaw  
Did not this salue the sore. Vows rashly spoken,  
On more mature advice, are justly broken,  
First, even to make it, was a grievous sin,  
It would be greater to remain therein.  
To th' Court I'll go, there all things now are sad,  
Where one doth seek each other ro out-bad.  
It hath as many Factions as Lords,  
Only their strife in wickedness accords,  
However there my council I'll dispense,  
And for success rely on Providence.   

ACT. I. SCENE 5.  Enter Xena the Mother-Empresse, with three Ladies, Eudoxa, Irene, and Artemia waiting on her with a Lutanist. Xen. 
COme lets be merry, Ladies, Sirrah sing, SONG.  Lad. 
Since that our life's so very short,  
All is lost that is not sport,  
Revenge yourselves of envious death,  
And with the Swans sing out your breath,  
What the life you led on earth  
Doth want in length, take out in mirth.  Monobius runs to him, and easually breaks his Lute Lad. 
My harmless Lute! wherein hath it offended,  
That this my music scarce begun, is ended?  Eud. 
This is Monobius, that over-grown Saint,  
With his prodigious holinesse. Bold Bedlam  
How dare you thus my music interrupt?  Mon. 
I bring you better music, If you'll hear it,  
Grave counsel for your Soul,  Xen. 
I'll be at leisure  
Forty years hence to give you Audience,  
Grave Councell's best, when wee are near our  
Grave,  
It comes too soon now.  Mon. 
Then't may come too late.  Xen. 
add but another word  
Ile sand thee on an Errand to the worms.  Mon. 
Im'e going thither on my own accord.  Xen. 
Ile cause you mend your place, and make youfly.  Mon. 
Small gain to you, less loss will come to me,  
The whole Cloth of my life is measured out,  
Onely the List is left me.  Eud. 
A list indeed spun of course thread,  
And your Rude Manners show it.  Xen. 
The Hangman shall confute your Arguments,  
A Rope may hold you who have broken the Lute.  Mon. 
The gallows though it be the worst of ways,  
May led an Innocent to the best of ends.  Xen. 
With shane & pain He shall your Death contrive  Mon. 
Both shane & pain my Patience shall o'ercome.  Art. 
Good Madam do but hear him what He'll say  Xen. 
What do you hold that music is not lawful?  Mon. 
Yes, but at present, 'tis not seasonable,  
Best music's now but discord, and doth jar  
With these sad times, We feel bad and fear worse.  iron. 
We did it but to drive away the time.  Mon. 
What need to drive, what of itself doth fly?  
Our Nature's bad at best, and must it have  
Bad Songs to be the panders to our Lust?  
So to awake our sleeping badness, And  
Blow up the Sparks to fire with such Incentives.  Xen. 
What made you thus to break my curious Lute?  Jr. 
Tameness itself how could It turn so wild?  Eud. 
How come your Purity to burn with wrath?  Mon. 
For the most part 'twas done against my will,  
So much as was done with it, was ill done,  Art. 
Did ever Man more freely fault confess?  Xen. 
I'd thought your perfectness had been most just.  Mon. 
Just nothing ' tis.  Xen. 
I see you would be sad,  
If all your faults were in your forehead writ.  Mon. 
I should be glad my forehead would contain them.  
But Ladies, If a Lute's so easily broken,  
How quickly is our life?—  
Of brittle matter we are made, And such  
As straight is shattered with a casual ●ouch.  Art. 
All Accidents he turns into devotion.  Mon. 
Then Ladies lay these lustful toys aside,  
And for uncertain certain death provide,  
This life's a moment whereon doth depend,  
Either our Weal or Wo, both without End.  Xen. 
The hour's run out, your Sermon should be done.  Mon. 
Soon will the hourglass of your life be run.  She offers to strike him. 
Nay, I'll be gone, woeful is her condition,  
Who when most sick, most scorneth her Physician.  Exit.  

ACT. I. SCENE 6.  Xen. 
GO doting Coxcomb, th'hast survived thy wit,  
privileged by thy baseness from my Anger,  
We scorn to stoop unto so low revenge.  Eud. 
Madam, do you know the man?  Xen. 
Yes, for a fool,  
It is Monobius the great hermit of Greece.  Eud. 
What? he that filled all Europe with his name,  
And almost tired out famed, though most industrious  
To carry his report to every ear,  Xen. 
How basely he appears now in mine eye,  
Oft have I wished to see him, Now I wish  
I ne're had seen him,  Art. 
Or rather that she had ne're heard him.  aside Eud. 
None can the Jewel by the Casket value,  
An ill face often doth much worth suppress.  
Distance makes things seem greater then they be  
If one could touch, none would adore a star.  
Our hearing deifies what our sight defies.  Xen. 
But, Lutanist, what quiter put out of Tune?  
Lets hear you sing, though you can't play—  Lad. 
'Tis shane one skilled in Poetry,  
Without an Epitaph should die,  
Or that my Lute which held so long,  
Should now be broken without a Song;  
His fiery zeal sure wanted fuel,  
Which made him spoil my wooden Jewel.  
Its hard to say, as matters stood,  
Lute or Man, which was most wood.  Xen. 
Good! good!  Enter Menander. Mon. 
Bad! bad! Is this a time to sing?  
When our armed foes are ready at the Port?  
Andronicus is entering with his Army.  Xen. 
Heavens forbid.  Mon. 
His sword will out-sharp your prayers.  
Protesebastus is marched out to meet him,  
And lead with him a Rout of Plunderers.  
We in their valour do repose no trust,  
Souldiers which prey on friends, prove prey to foes.  
The City's great and false, what it will do,  
It must do at a push, for if it pause,  
Their Swords first more then Steel, prove less then straws.  Xen. 
Monobius! Oh now for Monobius!  
That he were here to spend his prayers for us.  
I have been dumb to th' Heavens, And they will  
Be deaf to me; Artemia, you in him  
Have interest. Beseech him to employ  
His best devotions to obtain success.  
Give him this Jewel from me.  Art. 
I'll see't done.  Exeunt Xen. Eud. and Irene. 
Thus in could weather on we buckle fast  
Those Clothes which we away in heat did cast.   

ACT. I. SCENE 7.  Artemia. Menander. Art. 
DEar husband, meddle no more in this matter,  
Lend not your Finger to Andronicus,  
To help him hither.  Men. 
prithee wife, why so?  Art. 
The man's extremely vicious. And he must  
At last be woeful, If the Heavens be just,  Men. 
I hope you have but lately turned Statist.  Art. 
I never meddled with affairs of State?  Men. 
Can you see further into things then I?  Art. 
I can stand by whiles you do play the game.  Men. 
Belike your Ladiship's a prophetess.  Art. 
By present things I future can foresee,  
And shrewdly too.  Men. 
That all the World doth know,  
Your tongue will be deposed, you are too sharp.  Art. 
I 'm one which wish you well, Sharp natures prove  
oft-times more wholesome then a luscious Love.  
Here I beseech you on my bended knees,  She falls on her knees. 
Unseen of all, save him who all things sees,  
By those most sacred Matrimonial Bands  
Which first did tie our hearts, and then our hands.  
By all your sons, and by your only daughter,  
By what hath past 'twixt us, or may hereafter.  Men. 
See how the tears do trickle down her cheeks.  
Come spend them freely, you have a Mint of them.  
These womens eyes are Springs.  Art. 
Mens hearts are Rocks,  Men. 
Go Madam, meddle with your own Preserves,  Art. 
I would preserve your safety if I might.  Men. 
Then meddle with your Sweet-meats, see they be good  
In taste and colour, Consult with your Sempstress  
Strike into the newest fashion, first and best.  
Out-Gorget all the Ladies in the Court,  
But meddle not with things above your reach,  
Your Sex was made to learn and not to teach.  Exit. Art. 
farewell, dear husband.  
You jeer my Grief. And yet I wish you joy,  
( But none can save those who destroy) themselves.  
Towards my husband this I will aver,  
M' affections shall not err, my judgement may,  
We wives unto our husbands may commend  
Our best Advice with all Humility,  
Our Parts to offer, but their Power to choose;  
Who if they do refuse their happiness,  
This will our conscience ease in all distress,  
We did our Duty, though denied success.  
But here's Monobius.   

ACT. I. SCENE ult.  Enter Monobius. Art. 
THe Empresse does commend her self to you,  
Desires you that you would sand your devotions  
To Heaven for success on her designs.  Mon. 
What designs?  
Some lustful Sonnets to provoke her nature,  
Pregnant with Atheism, and black blasphemy.  Art. 
Our foes this instant do invade the City.  Mon. 
She lately did despise our pious council.  Art. 
Its ne're too late to be or good or wise.  Mon. 
We're slighted till the moment when we're needed.  Art. 
Your Goodness writes no wrong except in Dust.  Mon. 
She with ill language wronged my Innocence.  Art. 
Can you be angry, that do teach us patience?  Mon. 
Then let Her for herself power forth her prayers.  Art. 
Ah! Her Devotions are grown strangers quiter  
To Heaven, where yours are daily known and heard,  
This jewel she enjoined me to present you.  Mon. 
jewels like hypocrites shine in mens eyes,  
Whereas no real value lies in either.  He looks upon it. 
The Price of Stones, by inward worth I set  
In th' loadstone, nature placeth real Treasure  
Grand pilot to all Ships, by'ts love to North,  
A Flint contains the sparks of secret worth,  
These of themselves are of no certain value.  
But do pride of People, fall or rise.  
Give me the Diamond of Patience, and  
The spotless Christ all of pure Innocence,  
The Amethyst of true Sobriety,  
Ruby of Martyrs, and the Virgins pearl.  Art. 
It was her pleasure, to present it to you.  Mon. 
return it, and my Answer back to her,  
Tell her, that I my Princes do give, not sell.  
Tell her from me, Friends Pryers, good seconds are,  
Yet on our own, we must as firsts rely.  
They which do pray by Proxey, find at last,  
By Proxey also they shall go to Heaven!  
But let her know, I will improve my Best,  
For that's my Duty which is her Request.  Chorus consisting of two Companies. 1. Chor. 
WHat mean you by this mighty pack?  
Each makes a wagon of his back.  2. Chor. 
Need you see well soon enure,  
Us heavy burdens to endure.  
But though our backs should broken be,  
Ou cares to keep a Conscience free.  1. Chor. 
Tell us, to what place, we pray,  
You intend to shape your way?  2. Chor. 
Whither Providence shall guid us,  
Where we shall find hope to hid us.  
Or Italy, Or Palestine.  
Or near the bank of Nile, or Rhine.  
We shall wander altogether,  
Be't from hence, we care not whither.  1 Chor. 
Let's advice you stay a while,  
Matters may hereafter smile.  2. Chor. 
There is danger in delay,  
In a tottering State to stay,  
In those Ruins weed be loathe.  
To be slain, and butted both.  1. Chor. 
You do little love express  
To your Country in distress.  
brag no more of Conscience,  
With which you can so well dispense.  
We're resolved not to fly,  
Here we lived, and here we'll die.  2. Chor. 
Even the worst of worms will strive,  
To preserve itself a live.  
We from bruits may learn this Reason,  
To foresee a stormy Season,  
Then to hast to shady bowers,  
timely to prevent the showers.  1. Chor. 
But pray tell us is it faire,  
Now to seek a foreign air?  
In our Sins you bare a part,  
From our sufferings now you start.  
And on us throw all the Load,  
By deserting your abode.  
We're resolved not to fly,  
Here we lived, and here we'll die.  2. Chor. 
As our Sins have done you wrong,  
So our prayers shall help along.  
Absent, present, that's all one,  
Stay we here, or be we gone,  
We shall in this Point be even,  
Our prayers with yours shall meet in Heaven.  1. Chor. 
But we better do approve,  
To amend, and not remove.  
For better Manners we will change,  
But not for a country strange.  
Here to stay ourselves intend,  
But away our Sins we'll sand.  
Take heed you meet not what you shun,  
And running from Death, on death run.  
Be it better, be it worse,  
Come a blessing, come a curse.  
Here we did of Plenty taste,  
And we here intend to Fast.  
Here of sweet we had our Part,  
Here we'll also share in Smart.  
We're Resolved not to fly,  
Here we lived, and here we'll die.    

ACT. II.  

SCENE 1.  Enter Cleobulus and Paleologus. Cleob. 
UNfold dear Friends, I prithee what, what's the news?  Paleol. 
'Tis bad, you'll be the worse for hearing it.  Cleob. 
I can condole, I can congratulatt,  
And time myself to fate, with grief or joy,  
Be't what it will, O let it be discovered,  
Bad news concealed, is for far worse suspected.  Paleol. 
Andronicus entred the City easily.  Cleob. 
His Army did not equal ours for Number.  Paleol. 
No not by far, but we cumberd ourselves did  
With foremeles crowds of Men some hearts, did faint,  
And others sought not willing to prevail.  Cleob. 
'Tis hard to make them fight, who mean to fly.  
'Tis harder to oppose  
The treachery of Friends, then force of Foes.  Paleol. 
Great Cities which are swollen in length and breadth,  
Are commonly much over-fam'd in strength.  Cleob. 
If they be entred they are soon conquered to,  
Their mighty Bulk sinks under it's own weight.  Paleol. 
Protosebastos was took in the place,  
And cruelly his eyes were boared out,  
Hence he advanced to the palace next, and there  
seized on the person of Alexius,  
Yet used him with all possible respect.  
Took the Empresse Zena lying on her Bed,  
confined her to a Prison, where shee's now.  Cleob 
How did her honourable Ladies scape.  Paleol. 
Eudoxa in the Lobby hide her self,  
behind the Traverse did Irene skulke.  
Philoclea clim'd the leads, Eugenia did break a mighty wooden bar in two.  
( None know what fear and frighted folk can do)  
Got to the Garden; every one did shift,  
Artemia onely at a dead lift stayed.  Cleob. 
But what, I pray, at last became of her.  Paleol. 
Striving to save the Empresse, but in vain,  
She was good Lady on a sudden slain.  Cleob. 
I'm sorry for Artemias woeful death.  Paleol. 
She was a thief, and truly robbed all others,  
virtue was constant leaguer in her breast.  Cleob. 
And yet her Husband did despise and slight her.  Paleol. 
But now by looseing, he hath learned to prise her.  
I must be gone, my occasions prove Tyrants to me.  Cleob. 
Heavens grant! you may never see worse  
Tyrants!  
Bads the beginning, what will be the end,  
With hope and fear, we'll patiently attend.  Exeunt.  

ACT. II. SCENE 2.  Enter Menander, and six of his Servants in Mourning, bringing Artemi'as Corps in a Black Coffin under a Velvet hearse; And advance it in the midst of the room. Mon. 
NOW clear the place, and all yourselves disperse,  
My obsequies I offer at this hearse.  He kneels before it. 
Herely her Corps, which when she fed on breath  
lead the best life, had the most woeful death.  
She was not faire to take a Wantons eyes,  
But comely, for to please the heart of th' wise.  
She was not witty with the froth of brain,  
But her rich breast did solid worth contain.  
She ever did adore a private life,  
I loved the Court, Hence oft arose our strife.  
Sometimes good Counsel she'd to me commend,  
And therein both herself and sex transcend.  
I would not yield, yet could not truth oppose,  
With her my judgement, not my Will did close.  
I liked the Counsel well, had I first found it,  
But scorned to take it from her hand rebounded.  
How sweetly shee my anger would decline,  
Request my pardon, when the fault was mine.  
I'm vexed oft time, she would not leave me vexed,  
I wanting a just cause to be perplexed.  
I must smile at Her innocent deceit,  
Whereby she me did into mirth so cheat.  
Sweet soul, which now dost dwell in endless  
bliss,  
Oh pardon what to thee I've done amiss!  
Alas! It was my passion, 'twas not I.  
I'll now do Pennance to thy Memory,  
I will not vow that I will never wed,  
Those which forswore first climb the Marriage-Bed.  
So ill anothers mind to us is known,  
Than we ourselves are strangers to our own.  
And our meandrous hearts so full of turning,  
Where's now a spark, may quickly be a burning.  
But I'm resolved, and hope it, that no other  
Shall by my Children be saluted Mother.  
I have far off an unsuspected home,  
Where safely dwells, and war can scarcely come.  
Thither I'll hast, and all the Counsel grave,  
Which this dear Saint, me in her life-time gave.  
I'll in my heart record with lasting letter,  
She's withered, but her words now'l grow the better.  
Nor wonder at this drought, because no shower  
Of brackish tears down on my cheeks do power.  
They which mourn much, are seldom mourning long,  
Besides tears in my eyes, stick in a throng.  
The less my Soul grieves, there's the more grief in't,  
My Heart's a fountain, though my Eyes be flint.   

ACT. II. SCENE 3.  Enter Andronicus, Alexius, Panergus, Asotus, and Spiculator. Andr. 
YOur Highnesse now appears in your full lustre,  
freeed from the wardship of your factious Peers.  Alex. 
Therein we owe much to your diligence.  Andr. 
We have expressed some small part of our duty,  
And are still ready to perform the rest.  
Still one thing is to do, which being done,  
No Clouds can Darken your n●w glorious Sun.  Alex. 
What is't?  Andr. 
I can reveal it t'you with safety,  
And yet with loyalty I can conceal it.  
'Tis the unhappy Zena.  Alex. 
What, my Mother?  Andr. 
Your goodness 'tis, that's pleased to style  
Her so,  
Fathers o'th' country never did know Mothers  
royal affections onely do design,  
The public good oath, Place they govern in.  
She must be made away.  Alex. 
For such a Crime  
Nero's recorded Monster to all Ages.  Andr. 
His was a damned and unnatural dead,  
This is an Act of Justice, and Necessity.  Alex. 
She gave me life, what shall I cause her death?  Andr. 
That life She seeks from you to take again.  Alex. 
Let her be soon confined to some close Covent.  Andr. 
Close with her Body, to be loose in mind.  Alex. 
That She may Heaven, and pious Thoughts enjoy.  Andr. 
And plot how to destroy you, and the State.  Alex. 
Stay but a while, Her Age will save our pains,  
A year or two will post her to the Grave.  Andr. 
You right yourself the more, and do wrong not her,  
Few years of Hers will imp your reign.  Asot 
With your own hand, do you the Warrant sign.  Andr. 
I'd rather loose my arm to save her life.  Pan. 
He only is concerned i'th' public good,  
Takes no delight in shedding Womens blood.  Alex. 
writ you my Name.  Andr. 
My heart abhors all fraud.  Aso. 
Ducks cannot swim, you cannot counterfeit.  aside. Alex. 
'Tis no deceit, when done by my Command,  
But if it must be so, we'll set our hand.  He signs the Warrant. Andr. 
Sure Heaven did guide your Pen, how faire you writ.  
Not like those Lords, who make't their chiefest  
Art  
To cousin others by their writing ill.  
Posterity shall rear trophies to you,  
And future Kings shall swear by your just Ghost.  Aso. 
He quickly means to make a Ghost of you  aside. Andr. 
Spiculator, take this Warrant, about your business.  Exit Speculator. Spicu. 
I fly Sir.   

ACT. II. SCENE 4.  Manent Andronicus, Alexius, Asotus, Panergus. Alexius falls a weeping. Andr. 
NAY, do not now repent so good a dead.  Alex. 
Must not a son bemoan his  
Mothers Death.  Andr. 
They are your Mother which do love you best.  Al. 
Much kindness always she expressed to me,  Andr. 
She loved her self, and did abuse your power.  
Now freed from her yourself may use that power.  Pan. 
Sh'as dead whilst living, drowned in Luxury.  A. 
More reason sh'ad lived longer to repent.  Andr. 
At my cost fifty Friers both night and day  
Shall Dirges duly pay for her souls health.  Pan. 
How bountifull's Andronicus in giving gifts  
His goodness doth engage both dead and living.  Andr. 
I do appeal that divine eye  
To which midnights noon day, darkness doth shine.  
Who doth descry at distance all our thoughts,  
Y' abortive thoughts which never born do die  
How from my heart I love your Highness now,  
And joy in you above all earthly joys.  Alex. 
Thanks for thy kindness dear Andronicus  
T'shal be remembered by us and rewarded.  Asot: 
'Tis time to dine, nature grows discontented.  Andr. 
May these my teeth turn mourners black as  
jet.  
And let my tongue set in an endless silence,  
And never more make sacred melody,  Asot. 
And never more proceed to cog and ly,  aside. Andr. 
If any meat they do presume to taste  
Before my soul hath passed it by a Prayer  Alex. 
I do commend your pious resolution.  Andr. 
He doth deserve to lose a large revenue,  
That cares not that small quit-rent to discharge.  
Such are the thanks which we to heaven do owe,  
For all the favours which it doth let fall,  
We can't do less, nor is there more required.  Pan. 
How full's his heart inspired with holy yeal  Asot. 
So full of kernel is an empty husk,  Aside. 
Th' Aegean stable was so full of musk.  Andr. 
I go unto S. Sophyes Church to pray  
A Closet best fits my Devotions  
At other times, but now it is too narrow,  
Having received a great and public grace  
It calls for solemn thanks and public too,  
At my return I shall attend your Highness.  Exit. Alex. 
sand us your good devotion.  Aso. 
Sure this Religion will not be long lasting  
I have no stomach to this Feigned Fasting.  Exeunt.  

ACT. II. SCEN. 5.  Enter Paleologus and Crato. Pal. 
ANdronicus is gone to his devotions,  Cra. 
The Devil he's at's devotions, he is gone  
Unto his Junto, there they do debate,  
How to confer the Imperial Crown on him.  Pal. 
I never had a Fancy to these Juntoes,  Cr. 
They're absolutely needful in a State.  Pal. 
Let me have things discussed at council Board  
In free and full appearance, where 'tis no Treason  
With solid reason to displease a Prince,  
Brave bandying points of State, now off, now on,  
With Troops of Arguments brought Pro and Con  
Where every councillor may have his due  
To be heard out,( though haply not believed)  
Now things in private ways are smothered.  Cra. 
Such smothering gives the life unto great actions.  
secrecy is the soul of grand designs,  
You'd have them first proclaimed i'th' Market-place,  
And made the second course at th' Ordinaries.  
Goods ventured in most bottoms most secure,  
But secrets known to fewest breasts most sure.  
His Junto's but of four; the first himself,  
The Patriarch next, Lapardas and Panergus.  Pal. 
One may keep counsel, if there be one more  
How many matters not, forty or four,  
If one oth four prove false, the action fails  
Ships drown as deep with one as forty leaks,  Cra. 
Experience proves Juntoes of most dispatch,  
The fewer set on brood the more are hatched,  
And where most doers are, the least is done.  Pal. 
What are these men the wisest in the State?  
Are they most honest, or most fortunate?  Cra. 
Most fortunate in this, they're most entrusted:  Pal. 
But do they best deserve trust, and discharge it?  
Amongst those many late Monopolies,  
Which swelled mens private gain with public loss.  
( Heavens grant no Courtier may engross the Sun Poor people should pay dear then for fair weather)  
None like to this for a few men to sit.  
Eternal and most absolute Dictators,  
control, add, alter, ratify, reverse,  
Whilst others which with them claim equal share,  
concerned alike in the countries charge and care,  
Yea have the most at stake are lookers on,  
Sometimes admitted to concur by chance,  
But kept in wholesome Ignorance for the main.  Cra. 
This must be so,  
Great councils this great mischief doth attend,  
Therein mens judgements justle, sometimes thwart,  
( More minding private bets, then th' public game)  
A Junto in one currant doth unite.  Pal. 
O 'tis safest where there is a multitude,  Cra. 
Of Councellors to debate, but not conclude.  Pal. 
The more the eyes, the more they do discern,  Cra. 
A Junto sees with's own and others eyes,  
It doth begin where the great council ends  
Takes their results, and thereon spend its verdict.  
That Silver which is oftenest tried's most pure,  
That council which is most refined most sure.  
But let's be gone, they're up, Here comes the Patriarch.  Exeunt.  

ACT II. SCEN. 6.  Enter Basilius the Patriarch, and Monobius. Bas. 
LEt's now renew our old acquaintance, friend,  
It is an age since our last interview,  Mon. 
But Sir, I come to chide your Holiness  
That earth you practise, and yet profess a heaven.  Bas. 
Unriddle your own words.  Mon. 
Y'have been of late,  
An over-active stickler in the Nation.  Bas. 
Earth's but my inn, but I make heaven my home,  Mon. 
I fear you oft mistake your Inn for home,  
You are not stored with foreign observations.  Bas. 
We are enabled by our educations;  
This does admit us to a general knowledge,  
For scholarship doth fit us for all callings.  Mon. 
None can attend two callings at one time.  Bas. 
Yes if subordinate, as means and end.  Mon. 
But these are opposite, the Church and State.  Bas: 
Hippocrates his twins did never meet  
With a more mutual love then these agree,  
Do you advance State-matters 'bove our reach  Mon. 
I stoop them far beneath your cognizance,  
Such meddling draws the Laities envy on us.  Bas. 
Such envy keeps the Laity more in awe.  Mon. 
But you should rather labour for their love.  Bas. 
Love without awe proves seldom lasting to us,  
But to the point, with secular affairs  
Meddle we may, but must not be entangled.  Mon. 
The one cannot be done without the other.  Bas. 
As if no man could feed but he must furfet.  Mon. 
This World's a Witch, and quickly it will charm us.  Bas. 
I know t'arm my soul with Counterspels,  
Would you shut a Divine out of the State?  Mon. 
No, in the State I would confine his work  
So far as to consult, not act therein.  Bas. 
Hence would a lazy Clergy soon proceed  Mon. 
State-laziness doth breed Church-industry,  
Mark Clergy-Sticklers on the Civil Stage,  
A quiet death doth seldom crown their Age.  Bas. 
Proofs from th' event, men do esteem for cyphers,  Mon. 
cyphers with figures joined make numbers,  
John Golden-mouth long since your Predecessor,  
Did onely pray and preach, and red, and writ,  
Which made him happy spite of all his foes.  Bas. 
Why he was twice expelled this place( poor man)  Mon. 
And twice restored again with greater grace.  Bas. 
He lost his place for want of policy,  Mon. 
But gained his place with store of piety.  Bas. 
Great Hippo's Prelate, through the world renowned,  
For's Piety and scholarship,  
Kept in his House a Court of Conscience where  
When he had dined he gave his neighbours audience.  
redressed each grievance, and becalmed each strife,  
meddled in state, and was a Civill Judge.  Mon. 
Hereby he worthily did raise his famed,  Bas. 
You blame in me, what you do praise in him,  Mon. 
You cause dissensions, but he did compose them,  
You make th' wound wider, which he sought to close.  Bas. 
You envy at the splendour of our height,  Mon. 
Just as I do to see a Gloe worm shine.  Bas. 
Your envie's at the Lustre of our place.  Mon. 
I pitty from my heart your woeful condition.  
I will not turn my Cowl into your Mitre.  Exit Monobius. Bas. 
You kick down pride, with greater pride;  
farewell, Farewell.   

ACT. II. SCENE ult.  Enter Panergus, and Cleobulus. Bas. 
WHat good success Panergus have we had!  Pan. 
The matters managed well, the number mounteth.  
A hundred thousand names this Parchment holds,  
But here's Cleobulus I've not his Name yet.  Cleo. 
Welcome Panergus, what always employed?  Pa. 
Here is a Parchment, set to it your hand.  Cleo. 
I'll first peruse it:  Bas. 
Put on your eyes of glass, and then consult.  He reads it to himself. Cl. 
In this Petition we do humbly crave,  
Andronicus his goodness would be pleased,  
To be joint Emperour with Alexius.  Pa. 
You speak the very marrow of the matter.  Cl. 
Had I a hundred hands, I'd set them to't.  Pa. 
Thanks good Cleobulus, I did ever find,  
Your noble heart inclined to th' public good.  Cl. 
In a short time you many hands have gotten.  Pa. 
To get them there were many hands employed.  Cl. 
Tell me what act and method did you use.  Pa. 
In every Parish, Family, or Tribe,  
We got the signal men first to subscribe,  
And their example easily drew the rest,  
Whole Herds of sillie people prest on us,  
Names for our Parchment we at first did lack,  
But Parchment for our Names at last grew scant.  Cl. 
Did they peruse what was therein contained?  Pa. 
Be't Bond, be't Bill, be't Libel, be't Petition,  
They thought it sin should they not make their marks;  
Where they were  told their betters went before.  Cl. 
Some names are forged here, but's a good deceit.  Pa. 
You know old Courtiers know to counterfeit.  Cl. 
This is a Womans writing:  Pa. 
In Husbands absence, wife stands for husband.  Cl. 
They should have put their tongues, then not their hands.  Pa. 
If any did refuse we threatened them,  
Or did return their names, which is far worse.  Cl. 
The Subjects freedom's thus by force preserved.  Pa. 
But we lose time, come set your hand to't, come—  Cl. 
My hand shall sooner rot, then I will do't.  Bas. 
Said you not if you had a hundred hands  
You would subscribe.  Cl. 
I then should be a Monster,  
When Monster I'll subscribe, not whilst a man.  Bas. 
Why are you irregular from all the rest.  Cl. 
Why are the rest irregular from right.  Pa. 
Are you more holy then the Patriarch?  
More just then all the Judges and more wise,  
Then all the Councellors of State beside?  
That what they grant should be denied by you:  Cl. 
Ile not believe with an implicit faith,  
Nor pin my soul upon anothers sleeve,  
To them their Reasons known, and mine to me,  
My soul stands on a Basis of its own:  
Unto Alexius his great grandfather  
My Infancy I was a subject born,  
To's Grandfather my youth was servant, and  
To's Father my old age was councillor,  
And therefore to his Son I will be just,  
I'll lose my life, but not betray my trust.  Pa. 
He shall be but joint Emperour with him  Cl. 
If Crowns admit a Mate, they'll prove a Master,  
Two husbands to one wife, I'll not allow;  
Such Bigamy of State I can't approve.  Pa. 
Alexius young, with old Andronicus,  
Will make a wholesome Medley for our State;  
The one brings hands, the other judgments;  
The one shall Act, the other shall advice,  
Headlong his speed, his gravity is stayed,  
His heat of youth allayed with ages could.  Cl. 
I love no by-Paths from the beaten Road,  
Two Suns i'th Firmament no good can bring.  Pa. 
Is this your Answer?  Cl. 
All you're like to have.  Pa. 
Then farewell froward fool: Anothers loss  
Thou count'st thy only gain, and loves to across.  Cl. 
In this Scene both you have been cunning Actors,  
No doubt the Merchant will reward his Factors.  Exeunt. 

CHORUS.  
COnstantinople the Worlds Queen  
Asia and Europe placed between,  
Sick for having too much health,  
broken by getting too much wealtb.  
Where anciently dwelled harmless thrift,  
And industry made honest shift;  
In Ships and Shops truth used in dealing,  
Nowt here's nothing used but stealing,  
Pride doth swell, and lust doth boil,  
envy fret, oppression spoil.  
Should our Grandsires now arise,  
And view thee in this strange disguise,  
Their judgement it would much perplex,  
By clothes to guess the wearers sex;  
transformed with such fantastic shapes,  
'Tis hard to say they're men or Apes;  
Their sight at such a loss would be,  
Thee for thyself they could not see.  
Except they chanced to behold,  
Saint Sophies Temple built of old;  
( Whose reverend ruins woe our Nation,  
To give it speedy Reparation)  
By this perchance the place they'd own,  
And Church might make the City known.  
Constantinople thou great City,  
Whom none can help, though many pitty;  
woeful if thou knewest thy Lot,  
More woeful ' cause thou know'st it not;  
Nature hath thee fully blessed,  
If virtue had supplied the rest.  
Venice is a City fair,  
But because it wants sweet air;  
Florence sweet by rivers side,  
But that river hath no tide,  
Genoa lies the tide along,  
But her ancient walls not strong.  
Nuremberg for strength renowned,  
But 'tis built on barren ground.  
Rome doth stand on fruitful hills,  
But much emptiness it fills.  
Paris full of buildings high,  
But it in dirt too low doth lye.  
All want something thou hast all,  
Which we can a blessing call,  
Thy Water, Earth, and Air complete,  
Sweet, rich, strong, fertile, full and neat;  
This misery thou hast alone,  
That miseries thou hast had none.  
Thy long peace did plenty bring,  
From thy plenty pride did spring;  
From thy pride came woeful jars,  
And from these came bloody wars;  
And from wars comes desolation,  
O begin thy circulation,  
By amendment to obtain,  
That thy peace return again.     

ACT. III.  

SCENE 1.  Enter Paleologus, Crato, Cleobulus. Pa. 
LEss Passion and more reason would do well.  Cr. 
It is not worth th' engaging passion  
About a problem.  Pa. 
Here's Cleobulus,  
We will refer it to his Umpeerage,  Cr. 
Agreed.  Pa. 
We have long debated here,  
Whether that married people in a State,  
Prove better Members, or th' unmarried?  Cr. 
Tyresias tasted of both sexes, you,  
Of both estates, being now a widower.  
Lets hear your judgement.  Cl. 
Lets hear your Arguments,  
They'l be most careful to preserve the ship,  Pa. 
Who therein have most store of goods imbarkt.  Cr. 
Batchellours have an Adventure in the state,  Pa. 
Yes, but a single share whilst married folk,  
For present and for future are engaged;  
Persons posterity, selves, and succession.  Cr. 
Marriage debates the valour of the soul,  
We without any cautelous demurs,  
Are proud to lose our lives for the public good.  
Whilst that you husbands warily do start.  
An hundred fears from your own jealous minds  
Leave a young widow, she will quickly wed;  
And bring some lusty gallant in my room,  
My eldest son a ward scarce ten years old,  
My greedy guardians will be bought and sold;  
My younger chlldren unprovided for.  
Such thoughts ungallant souls and spirits dull,  
And make brave resolutions to recoil.  Pa. 
recoil, but to come forward with more strength.  
And by your leave Sir, bachelors do run,  
With headlong hast on actions of Treason.  
Whilst married men, reason and weigh the matter.  
'Twill taint my blood, undo my family,  
And brand it with eternal infamy.  
Such thoughts make loyal hearts, and spoil  
Treason,  
And make bad resolutions to recoil.  Cr. 
All this Proves but a goodness negative,  
That they do less harm, but to requited you,  
What most inclines a Judge unto corruption,  
His Lady wife must have a Diamond ring;  
Or set of Pearl, her maid a silken gown,  
Her Usher wants.  C. 
Wit and a pair of legs.  Aside. Cr. 
Some gold to game with, hence come postern doors.  
And bribes in better language styled presents,  Pa. 
And I have known as corrupt bachelors,  
Who were portentous in their vain expenses,  
And then debase themselves again to recover.  Cr. 
A narrow instance in some few generally.  Pa. 
Mark who they were our colleges have built.  Cl. 
Mark who they are our colleges have spilled,  Aside. Cr. 
Housed the muses, furnished Libraries;  
Erected stately structures, founded schools,  
Most men unmarried.  
While your low thoughts nor dare nor can aspire,  
Above the raising of a family.  
The matching of your Daughters rich and high,  
But maiden breasts ambitious are to wed,  
Honour whilst living, and when dying make,  
famed their executor, and the world their heir.  Cr. 
Now speak your judgement good Cleobulus,  Cl. 
I am loathe my verdict thus to interpose:  
You now are friends.  Cr. 
And never shall be foes,  
For ought that you in this point shall determine.  Cl. 
My judgements this married men generally,  
Are less good, and less bad, then bachelors.  
But here comes those who in no estate,  
Will e're do any good to th' Common Wealth.   

ACT. III. SCENE 2.  Enter Andronicus, Basil, Lapardos, Lanergus, Cleobulus, &c. In a full council of state. An. 
A Pleasant prospect to my eye appears,  
Old heads, more rich in wisdom then in years.  Ba. 
Your Highness here I humbly do beseech?  
To hear what I 'm commanded to discover,  
With a rude tongue but with a loyal heart;  An. 
We harken let your holiness proceed,  Ba. 
I am the mouth for millions of souls  
Whose names are lifted in these Parchment rolls,  
Their goodness and not my Ability.  Cl. 
Your subtleness and their simplicity,  Aside. Ba. 
Made them to choose me here to represent,  
Their cordial desires,  
Beseeching that your Highness would be pleased,  
The young Alexius may so far be helped;  
As that with him you'd be joint Emperour.  An. 
Interpret Sir, your language, I profess;  
I cannot guess whats your mysterious sense.  Ba. 
Vouchsafe to bear the weight of half the Crown:  
Nor will it ought offend your humble mind,  
That you who all deserve share but a part:  
Thus the Roman Senate anciently did match,  
Spritefull Marcellus, in dispatch too quick,  
With old delaying Fabius, and so;  
Well blended age with youth, the sloth with swiftness,  
No better cure for this our sad distempers,  
Then to apply this sacred composition.  An. 
Go choose some gallant full of daring youth:  
And brave in mind whose very flesh is steeled,  
Can march all day and lye i'th' field all night,  
And upon him bestow your ancient Crown,  
Whose vast achievements may renown it,  
See I am old decrepit and decayed:  
Age my streight arrow brings a bow.  shows his crooked body Cl. 
The bow doth onely wart a handsome string.  Aside. An. 
Gray head, Pale cheeks, dim eyes, faint heart, weak hands.  
A coffin is more meet then a Crown for me,  
No royal robes like to a winding sheet.  Ba. 
Consider Sir, a reasonable request.  An. 
Of late I've found what long I was a seeking,  
A private place to cool my soul from th' heat:  
caused from the hot pursuance of this world,  
My enemies long since I have subdued,  
It now remains I should subdue myself,  
I must confess( no shane to tell the truth)  
Bad's my old age, but far worse was my youth,  
disturb not then my soul which now begins  
A serious recollection of it's sins.  Ba. 
Can piety prefer its private health,  
Before the profit of the Common wealth?  
Shall all mens wishes be withstood by one  
Whose humbleness doth across the public good.  An. 
I know this spacious Empires breadth and length,  
It is a weight too heavy for my strength.  Pan. 
Let's follow him and be importunate,  He departeth seemingly discontented Pal. and Pan. follow him.  

ACT. III. SCENE 3.  Manent Cleobulus, Crato, and Paleogulus. Cl. 
ANdronicus though born a graecian.  
In's youth amongst the latins dwell,  
And there did learn, two negatives do make  
An affirmation.  Pa. 
Cunning maides in trial,  
Thus to their suitors compliments denial,  Cr. 
He is an arrant dissembler,  
I think he partly credits his own lies.  Cl. 
Others believe him not when he speaks truth.  Pa. 
Shall we look on, & see him steal a Crown thus?  Cl. 
Do you oppose him.  Pa. 
Nay do you Cleobulus,  Cl. 
I am too old to do it.  Pa. 
And I too young,  Cr. 
Thus none will do what all desire were done.  Pa. 
I will preserve myself for better times.  Cl. 
You lose your conscience so, and keep yourself,  Pa. 
'Tis vain to oppose him, we must yield;  
Thus they who long have striven against the stream,  
With force there, at last are driven away  
But here they are again.  Cr. 
He did go out to be entreated in.   

ACT. III. SCENE 4.  Enter Andronicus, Basil, Lapardas, and Panergus. Ba. 
YOu must not Sir, withstand a general good.  Pa. 
The entreats of a whole state do command.  An. 
I may the public good most lawfully,  
Deny t' advance a creature public good  
Weak friends deserve states more then stronger foes.  
And seeming to assist it, do oppose it,  
whilst undertaking what they cannot manage.  Ba. 
How high the audit of your virtues swell,  
It would torment your ears if I should tell you  
Who are acquainted with your worthy actions,  
More pleased to deserve, then hear you praise.  An. 
Such virtues in myself I can't discover,  Pa. 
'Tis your humility doth make you blind.  Ba. 
That face which most for beauty doth surpass,  
See's not itself save onely in a glass,  
Be pleased from us to know your own perfection,  
And by reflection red your virtues here.  Pa. 
Your graces all are plainly shown to us.  An. 
But ah, my vices best are known to me,  
It much afflicts my tender conscience  
Thus to resist your holy violence,  
On one condition Ile accept your proffer.  Ba. 
What's that condition dear Andronicus.  An. 
Promise that you will help in high affairs,  
That when our shoulders shrink or back doth wring,  
With weight of business you'd afford supporters.  Om. 
In such a case we solemnly protest,  
That we perform our best and uttermost  An. 
Hereafter if you find cause to repent.  
The doings of this day then blame yourselves,  
I wash my hands thereof,  
Such importunity would batter heaven.  Cl. 
Such a dissembler could teach hell to flatter  Aside. Ba. 
From this Suns mounting in our hemisphere,  
Hence forward wee'll begin to date our year  
This day i'th' front o'th' almanac wee'l place,  
And o'er the rest in scarlet Text command.  Cl. 
died red with Traytors perjury and guilt  
And royal Princes blood which will be spilled.  Aside. An. 
Seeing now t'ath been your pleasure to elect me,  
Ile be the onely master of requests,  
To me shall all repair that are oppressed,  
No bribes shall overbear a widdows cause  
Wee'l rescue right out of oppressions paws;  
Wee'l judge the Judges if they do amiss;  
New laws we will enact and repeal should,  
As fresh occasions themselves do offer  
But all with general consent, 'tis wrong,  
Some should engross what doth belong to all.  
But chiefly I'll be careful of my life,  
Princes examples daily do give breath  
Unto their Laws, Ile strive to live a law.  Cl. 
A little of this done would go far,  Aside, An. 
And now me thinks by fifty springs and more  
I feel myself grown younger then I was,  
What of Medea's Baths the Poets feigned,  
Out of which Aeson came with youth recreated.  
What other Authors do report of th' Eagle,  
( Th' Eagle which is displayed in our standard,  
By losing of her bill regains her youth;  
These toys and tales are found a truth in me.  Cl. 
I think that with the Snake h'ath cast his skin,  
But all his poison still remains within him.  Aside. Ba. 
The Heavens new strength miraculously hath lent you,  
And for new burden hath new shoulders sent you,  
But lets unto S. Sophyes Church with speed,  
In public view before your peoples eyes,  
Your Coronation we will solemnize.  Exeunt omnes.  

ACT. III. SCEN. 5.  Enter Maria, Cessarissa, and her Nurse. Nur. 
GOod Lady, Be not drowned in Passion,  
Anger's short fury.  Mar. 
Furie's then long Anger,  Nur. 
Were here a glass that you might see yourself,  
How strangely Passion hath transformed your face,  
Displaces pale for read, and read for pale.  Mar. 
When young I sucked your milk, but am not bound,  
To be ruled by your council at these years.  Nur. 
It was a wholesome breast that bread my milk,  
From loyal heart my council doth proceed.  Mar. 
But here comes Paleologus, he'l speak for himself,  Enter Paleologus. Mar. 
Out of my sight, thou baseness I do scorn,  
To lose my eyes upon so low an object.  Pal. 
I beg the favour but to know my fault.  Mar. 
Greece is grown barbarous, and quiter bereft,  
Of former worth, no not the dregs are left,  
Or so much ruins as may teach the strangers,  
And bring this forth to their sad remembrance;  
That once you had brave worthy Ancestors:  
The ancient Proverb was The valiant Greek,  
The modern Proverb is, The merry Greek,  
And mirth of late all manhood hath devourd,  
Fames Trumpet once did sound the youths of Greece,  
Who made their voyage for the Golden Fleece.  
You may adventure now for th' Asses skin.  Pal. 
I would I could red your meaning—  Mar. 
What did my Father Mannel for this?  
Weaken his own to strengthen your estate,  
Who did not make your Fortunes but create 'em,  
Whose boundless bounty, vast magnificence  
Gave you more pounds then you were born to pence.  
He made you honourable, rich and great,  
Oh that he could have made you grateful too!  Pal. 
Expound good Lady to us what you speak.  Mar. 
To see a base Usurper mount the Throne,  
To mate and check your lawful Emperour.  
See it, and neither wag a hand nor tongue,  
Tame Traitors all.  Pa. 
I do deny your words,  
And would defy the Speaker, were you a man?  Mar. 
Had nature moulded me a man, before  
Things should go as they do, I'd swim in blood,  
They're Traytors which consent to treason.  Pa. 
True.  Mar. 
And they who don't oppose it do consent.  Pa. 
Yes having power and office to resist it.  Mar. 
All have an office, to resist Usurpers.  Pa. 
All have not power.  Mar. 
Not power? a loyal mind,  
Sufficient power will quickly make or find.  Pa. 
What would you have us do? destroy ourselves.  Mar. 
No, I would have you to preserve your Prince.  Pan. 
ourselves, We for his safety do reserve.  Mar. 
To give him physic when he's three days dead.  Pa. 
Do but consider seriously our case,  
And whom your passion now condemns for fools,  
Your judgement will acquit, and praise for wise,  
Our lives, our lands, are at the sole disposing,  
And cruel mercy of our potent foes.  
If any whisper but the lowest word  
Of Loyalty, there's one to cut his throat.  
Hence houses rifled, goods pillaged, lands forfeited,  
ourselves disabled from all further service,  
Had we not better for a time comply;  
Spend what we please in thoughts, but speak nothing,  
Bow to our foes, that they may not break us.  
Storms will not always last, when this is over,  
In season due we will discover ourselves.  N. 
Me thinks he speaks proportioned to reason.  Pa. 
By what your Father did bestow on me,  
To whom next to the Heavens I owe myself,  
I vow I want not, will but wait a time,  
With best effect to show my Loyalty,  
It will the better speed for this long pause.  Mar. 
Be thine the tongue's, no matter what's the cause?  
Concealed Loyalty as well as lands,  
We hope at last will fall toth Princes hands,  
And let no Nobles hope their worth will shine,  
Who make the Sun of Majesty decline;  
If Honours spring be dry, 'tis vain to dream,  
That Rivers thence derived can have a stream.  Exeunt.  

ACT. III. SCEN. Ult.  Enter Andronicus, Panergus, and Basilius. And. 
LEts see the List,  
red it Panergus, then will we declare,  
Whom we think fit to save, whom fit to kill.  Pan. 
Maria Caesarissa is the first,  Bas. 
Sirs, she's a woman, may she not be spared?  An. 
What is your holiness in love with her?  
I tell you Sir, she is more then a woman,  
An able active brain, a daring spirit,  
She does inherit her father Manuels parts,  
She shall be killed.  Pa. 
How will you dispose of her husband?  An. 
I have solemnly observed in all my time,  
Never to part the husband and the wife  Pa. 
Assotus followeth, what's your highness pleasure,  An. 
Erect a scaffold in the Market place,  
And there behead him, this shall be his crimes  
His riot ill impressed the waxed youth,  
Of young Alexius this will render us,  
Just to the people, and gain reputation.  Pa. 
Morio the jester next i'th list succeeds,  Bas. 
His body downward's fool, his head's a knave;  
Court passages he cunningly doth mark,  
And vents them by the privilege of his coat  
In wary twilight betwixt jest and earnest,  An. 
Ile not infringe the grand Charter of jesters,  
'Tis ancient, and he's beneath my anger.  Pa. 
But Sir, Isachius must be looked unto,  
He is the next of the Imperial line.  An. 
Let him alone poor narrow hearted soul:  
To enjoy his books, and beads, and crucifixes.  
He lives, it'h covent and there let him live,  Ba. 
he's loathe to wake a lion that doth sleep.  Asid. Pa. 
Then comes Cleobulus who first deni'de  
Unto our grand petition to subscrib,  
He must be killed.  An. 
He must be kept alive.  Pa. 
Strange reason Sir,  An. 
Our pleasure is our reason.  
We do delight to across mens expectations,  
And love to leave th' mazed world at loss  
They shall not trace the Labyrinth of my actions,  
Wee'l slay, whom they think we will save and whom,  
They think wee'l slay wee'l save, the more their thoughts  
Are thus defeated, they'l admire  
And what they cannot understand adore,  Pa. 
Next Paleologus doth take his turn,  An. 
A dangerous youth, high birth, and higher parts,  
His mind above his means, dispatch him sure.  Pa. 
But Sir, on what pretence must these be killed?  
Some thing must be alleged first, like truth,  
To satisfy the mouths of greedy people.  An. 
Power never wanted pretences, and those just,  
And legal for to do what it desired,  
Accuse them, that they lately have conspired  
Against our sacred person, Knights oth post,  
Of th' Devils dubbing quickly shall depose it,  
Their tongues are hired for trifles, and ther's nought  
Save honesty, but here it may be bought.  Pa. 
Crato doth next succeed.  An. 
Enough at once,  
I do desire Alexius should be  
Well waited on in's progress to his grave,  
All these shall Usher him, such as remain  
Shall follow after to hold up his train.  
Some dishes in our first course we dispose,  
Others reserve therewith to close our meal.  Chorus consisting of two companies of old men. 1. Chor. 
NEighbours, what news? tell us we pray,  
The issue of this pregnant day,  
For now, alas, 'tis all our task,  
News to tell, or news to ask.  
And arrived at these years,  
Our hands, are turned to tongues and ears.  2. Chor. 
gulled with lies wee'l be no more,  
Which so oft were gulled before.  
Nor will be robbed by Pamphlet-thief,  
First of our coin, then our belief,  
All truth is mounted to the skies,  
And all that's left below are lies.  1. Chor. 
Speak you of the other side?  
What you say is not denied,  
Our foes no open forging spare:  
The Country vents the City ware,  
lies and money both they mint,  
Those sons number, that by stint.  2. Chor. 
Both sides in lying twins are Grown,  
But for the Elder, theirs we own,  
We started last, have nigh o'er got,  
Them, and the copy which they wrote:  
So imitate, 'tis hard to say.  
Master, scholar, we, or they.  1. Chor. 
'Tis true we're all oth Poets strain,  
All are poor, all use to seign.  
Henceforth it shall be our care,  
Onely to tell, and trust our share.  
What news soever men do talk,  
Two parts of three, we will defalk.  2. Chor. 
Nay, of some news was  told a late,  
Twice five of ten you must abate.  
Castles i't'h air they made to stand,  
And marched o'er seas, and sailed o'er land.  
With such improbable relations,  
Were both the tales, and consultations.  1. Chor. 
Such news are useful in these ages,  
Our souldiers else would oft want wages,  
Such pleasing falshoods, wisely  told.  
Do serve mens spirits to uphold,  
Spirits which fall when once they stoop;  
And die when they begin to droop.  2. Chor. 
Then let them drop, then let them die,  
Rather then live, saved with a lie;  
The higher that mens spirits mount,  
Reckoning on a false account,  
The lower they will fall to ground,  
When truth long hide, at last is found.  1. Chor. 
But if some zealous Lady tells,  
The news, she converts infidels,  
And all do credit her the better,  
Seconded by some great Lords letter,  
Who doubts reports from persons high,  
Do tantomount give them the lie.  2. Chor. 
But seeing in this factious age,  
All sorts themselves on sides engage,  
We take the leave what ere is  told.  
Wee'l trust when 'tis thrice three daies old,  
No news to us doth sent so well,  
As when tis stale to others smell.    

ACT. IV.  

SCENE 1.  Enter Monobius a great noise and busling within, One swears and curses aloud above all the rest. Mon. 
WHose that within that rents mine Ears with oaths?  Lap. 
Whose that without doth ask? 'twas I did swear,  Enter Lapardas. 
And I do hope I did it with a grace.  Mon. 
Can words so soul come from so fair a face.  Lap. 
oaths are the badges of magnanimity.  Mon. 
But he's Most valiant that least useth oaths.  Lap. 
Valour itself expires such expressions.  Mon. 
As nature is purged out in excrements,  
Some sins with pleasure do delight the sense,  
Others with profit do invite the soul,  
Neither of these in swearing we can see  Lap. 
'Tis my pleasure to swear.  Mon. 
Swearing swallows the hook without a bait.  Lap. 
To speak the truth, Sir, I was overtaken,  
The Rascals did much provoke my patience.  Mon. 
Will you strike heaven, because earth did vex you?  Lap. 
My tongue was bad, but yet my heart is good,  Mon. 
But by the tongue the heart is understood.  Lap. 
They're Oaths of course.  Mon. 
Course oaths they are indeed,  Mon. 
A solemn oath I carefully observe.  Mon. 
That's solemn which appeals to the highest judge.  Lap. 
The tyrant custom makes me to persist,  Mar. 
The Usurpers Custom, and you must resist it,  Lap. 
So long prescription doth create a right,  Mar. 
Not against him who is the Prince,  Lap. 
For every Oath I bestow to the poor,  
Some money, and so re-buy my innocence.  Mon. 
Such bargains would break you, though Indias master,  
Beside Heavens wounds you cannot cure with gold.  Lap. 
My debts I pay toth' poor, heavens heirs at large:  Mar. 
Alas they can't discharge you from your sins.  Lap. 
Tel me what pennance I must then endure;  Mon. 
I take no pleasure in anothers pain.  Lap. 
What you enjoin that I intend to do.  Mon. 
Then for the future strive to mend your fault;  Lap. 
Habits depart slowly, which are slowly acquired.  Mon. 
It is half done, when desired seriously,  
Unswear your tongue by degrees.—  Lap. 
You will give leave, I may presume to sand  
A curious Limner to you.  Mon. 
For what end?  Lap. 
Your lively picture he shall make for me,  
His Art shall strive to overtake nature;  
The frame shall be richly embossed with Gold.  Mon. 
Alas, It never will deserve the cost.  
adorned with all the Art the gilder can,  Mon. 
The picture will be more worth then the man.  Lap. 
Ile hang it by my bed, where your grave sight,  
M'unruly tongue will woe or fright from oaths.  Mon. 
Set but your Maker once before your eyes,  
Remember him I pray, and forget me.  Exit. Lap. 
I wonder Ducas breaks his promise, now  
'Tis past eleven, but here he is.   

ACT. IV. SCEN. 2.  Enter Ducas. duke. 
WE are in a sad condition.  Lap. 
'Tis as good,  
As we deserve, who did carve for ourselves  
This dainty bit, which we must eat or starve,  
Fearing we should by others be undone,  
We very wisely have undone ourselves.  
Panergus now does all, we're made but stales.  duke. 
cursed be the day Andronicus came hither.  Lap. 
Sure 'twas a night, whilst we securely slept,  
Fools Lullabies, and now too late awake.  duke. 
We did too much adore Andronicus,  
As if tow'd pose the Heavens, as things did stand,  
To cure our wounds, save only by his power:  Lap. 
It is the common peoples fault, or fate,  
Men to o'er love, or else to hate to hell.  
Too greedily we did devour our hopes,  
Cordials may choke, if poured in too fast.  duke. 
I had far rather die of the disease,  
Then of the remedy:  
Diseases do their kind, if they do kill,  
And ill that is expected is less ill;  
But to be killed by physic.—  Lap. 
Andronicus,  
Did hitch himself by inches up the Throne,  
We did not see him grow, but felt him groan.  
First, He was chosen but joint Emperour,  
'Twas then Alexius and Andronicus,  
( So ran all Patents) then they were transposed,  
It was Andronicus and Alexius,  
They took their place according to their age,  
The master first, then the page. followed.  duke. 
When I saw this, I red Alexius doom:  Lap. 
And in my private thoughts proclaimed him dead,  
'Twas cunningly contrived and subtly act●d,  
Badness will blushy at once to be stark nought.  
Men climb too't by Degrees.  duke. 
Let Princes stop treason before 'tis broached,  
Nor let them think by granting of requests,  
Thereby to quiet mens ambitious minds,  
Such condescending to their wills,  
Widens their wishes, prompts their new desires,  
And teacheth their demands to mount still higher,  
Begging like sturdy men, by high-way side,  
With full intent to take it, if denied.  Lap. 
Let us now play an happy after game,  duke 
That is the worst of Plots, and best of shifts.  Lap. 
Paleologus for certain is escaped,  
Hath got the Ships, and seized on the Port;  
He is expected with an Army of Persians,  
Isachius now appeareth for himself,  
With him wee'l live and dy, h'ath but one fault,  
He is a softly too well natured man.  duke. 
That circled of your words describes him weak  Lap. 
No, in himself, he is able enough,—  
But I'm afraid ill men may inveigle him,  
So mildred a dove can never prove an eagle.  Enter Cleobulus. 
Here comes Cleobulus. How doth the plot please you?   

ACT. IV. SCENE 3.  To them enter Cleobulus. Cl. 
THe plot pleases me well, onely I wonder,  
Isachius would make use o'th' Persians.  
Our country men alone i'd have employed.  duke. 
Why would not you have Persians brought in.  Cle. 
Because they're Persians,  Lap. 
Is their name a sin.  Cle. 
No but their nation will cause our smart,  Lap. 
It is a nation full of bravery,  
They honour acts, which the rude Turks contemn,  
And are preservers of nobility.  Cle. 
Their own, perchance, all other they destroy.  duke. 
They love us well.  Cle. 
Because our Ancestors  
Deprived theirs, of the worlds Monarchy.  Lap. 
That antiquated quarrel's quiter forgot,  
They love us now because we hate the Turks.  Cle. 
The cunning Ivy thus doth love the oak,  
embrace and rob and soak its moisture out,  
I love not foreign aid if not suppressed.  
He may turn Landlord who is now our guest.  duke. 
Their power wee'l bound, with politic restrictions.  Cle. 
First we let in the sea, then raise a bank.  duke. 
There shall be but some few of them employed,  Cle. 
Their help then will not be considerable.  
And may be wholly spared  duke. 
By few, I mean.  
No more then we can wield and manage well.  Cle. 
Under pretence of few, swarms will crowd in.  Lap. 
They shall command no Ports or place of strength  Cle. 
If they have strength they will command our Ports.  Lap. 
Weel keep them in continual action,  
So either they will wast away in war,  
Or else when peace depart.  Cle. 
Or else they'l stay, and share with us;  Lap. 
Nay, when their work is done,  
Wee'l pay their wages, and so pack them hence.  Cle. 
What if they have a mind to pay themselves?  duke. 
They're bound from it, by solemn Articles.  Cle. 
Power keeps no promise, cancels all conditions,  
I know all Persia well it stretcheth out,  
To th' Caspian sea, all Winter in the North.  
Whence with an ample compass bending South;  
A long the arabic gulf 'tis parched with heat.  Lap. 
'Tis wonderful that  
The torrid and the frozen Zone should meet,  
No temperate climb to keep them two asunder.  Cle. 
I tell you truth, and think they'l ne'er forsake,  
Our shady groves and smiling meadows and,  
Return to frownings in heath, and bald-pate hills.  
They which did freely slice our fattest beef,  
Won't stoop their stomach to their hungry rise.  
And having learned with us to swill in wine,  
They'● ne're confine their throats to water springs,  
I know not what you witty men may think.  
But twill ne'er sink unto my blockish brains,  
That they'l return, but if they do retire,  
I'll wonder at them.  Exeunt omnes.  

ACT. IV. SCENE 4.  Enter Andronicus, and Panergus. An. 
YOu give a good account of all your business,  
Maria Caesarissa and her husband  
Shall ne're alarum me with frightful dreams,  
Out of my sleep more, How didst thou dispatch them,  Pan. 
By poison Sir, an unsuspected way.  An. 
It picks mens souls from them by slight of hand.  
And steals their lives, yet never bids them stand.  Pan. 
I bribed her galen( all phisitians hold,  
There's no such cordials for themselves as gold)  
And quickly he did purge out both their lives,  An. 
How did Asot us bear himself at's death?  Pan. 
First he did swagger, swear, look big and bluster,  
And mustered up whole legions of curses.  
As if he'd make the Ax turn edge therewith,  
But when he saw there was no remedy,  
His soul not stooping by degrees fell flat.  
From lion he did instantly turn Calf,  
First dead with fear, and then died by the Ax.  An. 
What is become of Paleologus,  Pan. 
For th' time he shifted, but shall not escape.  An. 
Which way shall I thy diligence requited,  
Panergus dear Panergus.  He embraceth him in his arms. 
Favour me to bestow on thee this favour,  
What honour office, pension, place preferment,  
By sea, or land, in the rob long or short  
Thy honesty I'm certain will discharge  
All Offices alike, come ask at full,  
Crave it and have it wear is mine.  
Thy merit not my bounty makes it thine.  Pan. 
I nothing can deserve, nor do desire.  An. 
Ask some reward of me I command thee.  Pan. 
My pains are rewarded if but accepted,  
Onely I am ambit ous of one smile  
Cast on me from your sacred countenance.  An. 
By empty smiles I know that none can live,  
Ask me some wealth, fie fie, thou dost not know,  
That modestie's a courtiers greatest foe.  Pan. 
I ever loved to advance my friends good,  
Scarce bettered myself except by chance.  An. 
No chance but one can ever make thee better,  Aside. 
Because you for yourself will make no choice,  
What I choose for you, you Ile swear shall take.  Pan. 
Welcome what e're comes from your Highness hands,  An. 
Alas it doth not lie within my power,  
To lift thy heavy soul up to the sky.  
Yet Ile bestow my highest boon upon thee,  
And mount thy body nearest to the Moon,  
No common gibbet shall your greatness have.  
Such as would serve some petty pilsering thief,  
losing his life to relieve his wants.  
Of sweetest Fir they shall be built, and new,  
The across beam painted( pitty 'tis not gilded)  
No sturdy hemp shall gull thy tender neck,  
Onely a silken twist, soft, fine and small.  Pan. 
I hope Sir, my disservice ne're was such.  He falls on his knees. An. 
No but your service Sir, hath been too much,  
Your great deserts do daily upbraid me.  Pan. 
Such syllables this mouth did never utter.  An. 
That treason which your heart doth freely think,  
Your nose and eyes declare.—  
Your forehead frowns a flat rebellion,  
Your hands your Feet speak this, Andronicus  
Doth owe his Crown, his life, himself to me.  Pan. 
No 'tis I owe my life unto your Highness,  An. 
Then you shall pay it now, Ile take my due.  Pan. 
I never have resisted your command,  And. 
Nor shall you now withstand my pleasure,  
That hand of thine did spill two Princes blood.  Pan. 
I did it but to please your Highness will,  And. 
When Princes do enjoin what is not fit,  
Ill you must suffer, but not ill commit,  
Besides I bid you slay, you poisoned them,  Pan. 
The things the same.  And. 
But each particular  
Of this our pleasure, we will have observed,  
I charge you to revive them both again.  Pan. 
That's past my power, but if I could I would,  And. 
Would you revive our deadly enemies?  Pan. 
'Tis vain to answer where power doth oppose.  And. 
I sent you, And will take you off betimes,  
Least what you have done for us, you do on us.  
Come necessary evil in a State.  Enter Spiculator 
Make this mans Pass to Pluto with all speed,  
Hell will afford him room enough I hope,  
Earth yeields too small a scope for his active brain,  
And truly I do pity Pluto now,  
He will out Devil him, and usurp his place.  Andronicus whispers to Spiculator, & exit. Spic. 
Trust each Artificer in his own Art,  
Hang me if I perform not my own part.   

ACT. IV. SCEN. 5.  Enter Panergus, and Spiculator. Pan. 
PRay use me kindly, we should be a kin,  
My mother was the daughter of a Hangman  
Better extracted by my Fathers side,  
He was a Projector.  Spic. 
Who your grandfather?  Pan. 
I know whom to call Grandfather:  
For Grandfather I'ad either none or all,  Spic. 
So much of your Original Now for your end,  
Your Pedigree is good, but wants this wreath.  Takes the halter in his hand, and shows it. 
Come thou Panpharmacon of all diseases,  
Purges are base, worse vomits, blisters painful,  
Blood-letting cruel, glisters are immodest,  
This fevers quenches, and moist Dropsies dreines,  
Cures pleurisies, not opening of a Vein,  
Stays the Vertigo, helps the the Strangury,  
Opens the Urine, only stops the breath.  Pan. 
Can you thus jeer at one consigned to death  Spic. 
I learnt it from some Sages in our State,  
A hangman may well imitate a judge,  
Some when they do begin to give sentence;  
First break a jest, and then the Offenders neck,  
But to be serious, would you have a Confessor?  Pan. 
With all my heart.  Spic 
I'll sand for th' Patriarch,  Pan. 
Nay, spare your pains, for his unholiness;  
Hath more need to confess to me,  
His Conscience is so wide, 'tis none at all.  Spic. 
Improve the little time you have to spend,  
Not to blame others, but to mend yourself.  Pan. 
'Tis gravely spoken, Oh, now for Monobius.  Spic. 
What he who late crept from his Cell?  Pan. 
The same,  Spic. 
Whose looks do carry Lent.  Pan. 
The self same man.  Spic. 
Mistake not.  Pan. 
I am sure;  Spic. 
Then be assured,  
He shall not come to be your Confessor,  
You would not one, shall not have the other.  
Wee'l teach them not to choose, who are to crave,  He puts the Rope about his neck, Andron. enters. And. 
Hold Hangman thou hast acted well thy part,  
By all those Saints, whom truly I adore,  
All that I did before was but in jest.  
I did but try thee whether thou wert able?  
To be miserable with mind undaunted,  
I now commend thy carriage all this time,  
Thy courage makes thy miseries to smile.  Pan. 
O happy ears! Oh voice more then Divine.  And. 
Thou hast not bowed thy soul beneath thyself,  
Speak freely didst thou think I was in earnest?  Pan. 
I thought so when I seriously beholded,  
Your power unbounded, but when I reflected  
Upon your goodness, then I hoped you jested.  And. 
Our power revives you now out of the grave.  Pan. 
I humbly live to meditate upon,  
Your mercy and my resurrection:  And. 
His soul's exalted now sufficiently,  
Ile stoop him in the Zenith of his joy,  
He shall again dance back into the rope,  
No torture to the rack 'twixt fear and hope.  
Hangman to your work,  
Deaths sentence shall proceed, for all this now;  
Was interposed as a Parenthesis.  Pan. 
Remember Sir, the oath you lately took,  
By all the saints whom truly you adore,  An. 
Deep oath indeed as if that I should swear,  
By all the love which I do bear to thee.  Pan. 
May causeless jealousies possess thy mind,  
Seeking for that thou wouldest be loathe to find;  
Ten thousand furies in thy conscience yell,  
Till that we both together meet in—  He strangles him. Spi. 
Ile spoil your rhyme,  
And may all Traytors have this just reward.  An. 
Preserve the Halter I have a further drift,  Spi. 
Sir, It is done, these times will teach us thrift.   

ACT. IV. SCENE 6.  Manet Adronicus. An. 
HE knew too much, but now he'l tell no tales,  
Mens teeth grow in their graves but not their tongues,  
Lest I who killed the Serpent now should chance,  
Hereafter to be poyson●d by his Eggs.  
My next care is how to dispatch his breed,  
No mindful heirs shall here succeed;  
I love to bestow favours by leisure.  
And tickle men by dropping kindness slowly,  
But my revenge I ●n one instant spend.  
That minute which begins it, ends it too.  
Half doing undoes many, 'tis a sin,  
Not to be soundly sinful, if we once begin.  
Ile make sure work on't, They strike in vain,  
That strike so that the strick●n may complain.  A huge shout within. 
But hark Alexius my Rivals slain,  
That shout's the watchword; now I am secured,  
But yet I have rather changed then eased my cares,  
As long as that Isachius is alive.  
Lapardas Crato, Ducas, join with him,  
And Paleologus with his Persians.  
In the fag end crawls in Cleobulus;  
A medley plot patched up of all ingredients,  
Unsuiting souls o● different dispositions.  
Divers are their intents, their ends their aims.  
But for to be my foes, their all made friends,  
Yet cannot joint so close but through their rifts,  
I plainly did perceive their drifts long since,  
Fools learn from me hereafter to contrive.  
Your plots more private projects like to wounds,  
If they take air corrupt, with golden keys.  
Your cabinet council easily i'll unlock,  
Your secret whisperings hollow in mine ears.  
I will prevent your plot, He most espies,  
Who for a time is pleased to shut his eyes.  Exit.  

ACT. IV. SCEN. Ult.  Enter Cleobulus, and Crato. Cra. 
O Barbarus, Barbarus, O, O, O, O, O,  Cle. 
No letters in your Alphabet but O.  Cra. 
Unjust, most cruel, inhuman, brutish, devilish,  Cle. 
Leave your gradations, pray speak even sense,  Cra. 
Alexius is slain.  Cle. 
Is that a wonder,  
'Tis strange one dead in power survived so long.  
And now he's gone into the elysian shade,  
Who was but a mere shadow when he lived  Cra. 
Andronicus and Alexius were like;  
Caesar and Bibulus consuls of Rome,  
Whereof the One did all, the other drank all.  Cle. 
Either each day Alexius did rise drunk,  
Or else each night he went to bed sober.  
I saw no difference, always he the same,  
Habited sot.  Cra. 
His Empress I believe;  
Will not for sorrow wee'p her self to Amber.  Cle. 
She hath to cause fort.  
Alas she nere had leave to like, or love,  
It was state reason made the marriage,  
Tw'as not their hearts but countries that were ti'de,  
Greece was the bridegroom, and France was the Bride,  Cra. 
There's a brave widow for Andronicus.  Cle. 
He is to old to wife  Cra. 
And so he was.  
Too old to have the Empire.  Cle. 
All lust in him is dead save onely his ambition.  Cra. 
But do you hear of Isachius his plot.  Cle. 
Tell that for news?  Cra. 
Yea how it is detected.  Cle. 
You jest I hope,  Cra. 
As serious as a confessor at shrift;  Cle. 
Why did you not tell me sooner,  Cra. 
Do you,  
Long for ill news? We here it now too soon,  
Lapardas taken, and Isachius fled.  Cle. 
No time to toy and talk, a minute now,  
Well used may be the ransom of our lives,  
Something must be resolved on, let us try,  
Old legs, which cannot go, now learn to fly,  Exeunt. Chorus consisting of two companies. 1. Chor. 
COme lets now open sorrows sluice,  
And with our passion break the  
Truce,  
Our souls no more intends to borrow  
Joy on the credit of too morrow.  
Lest that in mirth we spend one day  
The next doth it in mourning pay.  2. Chor. 
Long since we thought we were so low,  
That lower we could never go.  
Yet scarce into our woes did enter,  
When we conceived ourselves at th' center;  
Alas we fond did mistake,  
And of the brink did bottom make.  1. Chor. 
All the losses we endure;  
Do but make us more secure,  
None lay luxury aside.  
None abate their needless pride,  
None a cup the more forbear:  
None an oath the fewer swear.  2. Chor. 
Yet you may observe of late,  
How all people do debate.  
riots, thrifty, pride, grown plain,  
Gluttons fast, wantons contain.  
gamesters all now up do take,  
When the Empire lies at stake.  1. Chor. 
Many humbled we do see,  
Oh that they would humble be.  
It doth not our praise advance,  
To be starved to temperance.  
Sin to leave us doth begin,  
But alas we follow sin.  2. Chor. 
Were providence but pleased once more,  
Our peace and plenty to restore.  
Our lusts to charity wee'd turn.  
In coldest place it hot would burn,  
Astrea should have a new birth,  
And there would be an Heaven on Earth.  1. Chor. 
Rather the contrary we fear,  
theyed wicked be that wicked were  
The drunkard would be drunkard still.  
And though more Old, be no less ill,  
The wanton face will still be painted:  
Dissembling souls will still seem sainted.  2. Chor. 
Small hope they'l better be improved,  
When the punishment's removed.  
Who are fouler for the purge,  
And more wanton for the scourge;  
Senseless of the plague they feel,  
'gainst fiery rod their back is steel.  
Both Chor. Tis safest to suspect the worst,  
They who fear nothing fall the first.  
What we desire ourselves do know.  
What we shall do the event must show,  
Time this dispute can onely end,  
Till then our verdict we suspend:  Exeunt.   

ACT. 5.  

SCENE 1.  Enter Andronicus. And 
WE hope Juletta hath deserved her Diamond,  
Before this time the seasonable opening.  
Of matters in this kind is half prevailing,  
If she but makes impression in her soul,  
Let me alone both to assault and enter.  
But here they come,  Enter Anna and Juletta. 
Madam my hopes are closed in your eyes,  
Set with your frowns, or with your smiles arise;  
For love of you I 'm marched so many miles;  
pinched with could sometimes, sometimes parch'● with heat,  
For love of you I did attain the Crown.  An. 
For love of me my husband dear was slain,  And. 
It is confessed, O they led woeful lives.  
Who are condemned for to be the wives to boys,  
I greev'd a Lady of your rare perfections,  
Was lavished on a fool knew not your worth;  
Whose wanton lusts did err in base by-path's  
And common pebbles preferred above a Pearl.  An. 
He had his faults.  
mildred Lamb dost term them so,  
May I but to his happiness succeed,  An. 
I am too young to mary,  And. 
Too young to be a bride and art a widow  An. 
You are too old for me, what green to gray?  
Your could November to my flowery May.  And. 
I've nothing old about me save my hairs,  
died white with care for you,  
And Lady know that our reduced age,  
Which doth not quench the heat, but cool the rage,  
Of flaming youth, is oft observed to prove  
The most continued lasting constant love,  Jul. 
Many wise people I have heard say so.  And. 
Ten thousand knees shall bow to you,  
Andronicus and Anna shall command.  
Millions of men, thou conduct of my greatness!  
All my pleasure will dispense by thee,  
They're blessed or blasted by thy influence;  
Improve this point, your come in happy hour  Jul. 
Whose proffered power no woman can refuse,  Aside to Andronicus. An. 
So sudden love after my husbands death,  
Will make some talk ill and suspect far worse.  And. 
Princes must learn to slight fond peoples talk,  
No works will they achieve, whom words do fright,  An. 
Juletta tell us what you do advice.  Jul. 
Ile make no match, no thanks if it speeds well,  
All blame all curses if it succeeds ill.  An. 
Me thinks he offers fair,  Jul. 
So fair that I 'm persuaded for my part,  
You'l never thrive if you outstand this mart.  And. 
Good madam speak your resolution,  An. 
Alas, Sir, I am unworthy of your love.  
No real merit lies in my bosom,  
But what's seen by your self-deceiving eyes;  And. 
Your modesty doth say so.  He embraceth and kisseth her. An. 
What wonder if that he whose valour hath  
So many of his stoutest foes suppressed:  
Should easily conquer a poor Lady?  Exit Anna and Juletta. And. 
We will give order for our nuptials,  
And instantly return.  
Pluto give leave Alexius may peep,  
Out of thy cave and then return to sleep.  
Onely to see how I supply his place,  
Who wear his Crown and do embrace his wife.   

ACT. 5. SCEN. 2.  Enter Spiculator, Lapardas, surgeon and servant. all on a Scaffold. Sp. 
SPeak much in little Sir, times precious,  La. 
I had rather little in much, lifes precious  
But I obey,  
Here come I to receive my due desert;  
Noble was my extraction great my estate.  
Greater my pride, which to raise and maintain.  
I brought Andronicus to the Empire,  
But as a Mole I still wrought under ground.  
Stood by as Mute said nothing and did all,  
spurred on the posting Patriarch to odious actions,  
Thus did I fence myself against fortunes spite,  
If times did hold, my course I would shape so  
If times did change I hoped still to escape.  
But I forgot that Tyrants do intend,  
To slight those stairs by which they did ascend.  
I found myself deceived too late at last,  
'gan to unravel what before I woav'd.  
Go then ye Fools idolatrize the Court;  
Out-child your children fond learn to sport,  
With honours, bubble, pleasures painted feather,  
That greatness onely stands on virtue built.  
Tis near possessed with joy, thatis bought with guilt,  
Now spiculator play thy part,  
To Nature I a natural death do owe;  
A violent death to justice I'm indebted.  
Take then from me what I've no right to keep,  
This wretched life.  Spi. 
I have no such warrant;  
I must boar out your eyes.  Lap. 
Heavens forbid,  Spi. 
The highest upon earth doth so command,  
I'm but an instrument then do not blame  
The ston that's thrown, but hand that threw it,  Kneels and asks forgiveness. 
Forgive me Sir, I pray,  Lap. 
I thee forgive,  
And him that doth employ thee, may he live,  
To see and sorrow for his scarlet sins.  
I pardon all the world, except myself;  
Fare well most glorious Sun, life of my life,  
The bank of light whence Moon and Stars do Borrow,  
Strange that thy chariot should go down so soon,  
And set in this my Haemisphear at noon,  
My woeful life perhaps may last longer,  
But Oh my dayes are altogether past,  He binds him, bores out his eyes the surgeon claps plasters on them. 
O, O, O, O, O, O, O, O, O, O.  Spi. 
Sure Sir, I'm truly sorry for your pain,  Lap. 
And I'm grieved far more that I deserved it,  Holds his eyes in his hand. 
Dear Jewels of my body!  
Whom careful nature from her wardrobe clothed. O.  
And coated with so many Junicles!  
Was it because you shot forth wanton Glances.  
Or Rivals did with envious looks behold?  
Or that that you did adore the shine of gold?  
That now I've lost you, or was it because.  
Too many Sun-dayes I before ill spent,  
That now nor sun, nor day, I shall see more?  
Whatsoever was the cause this truth I find,  
Heavens justice, I see clearly now I'm blind.   

ACT. V. SCENE 3.  Andronicus Solus. 
FOrtune do now thy worst? and do not spare,  
Thee and thy power I now defy and dare.  
Before thou couldst not see, now canst not feel  
In pitty to thee I will turn thy wbeel.  
And thou great Bugbear men call destiny,  
( Whom the wise scorn) fools make a deyty;  
We'ave mauled you by our prudent providence.  
Both wanton chance and cruel fate pack hence,  
No saucy dangers dare oppose our bliss,  
caused from false friends or fury of foes.  
Aptius was a churl and starved his soul,  
We'l frolic better with our Genius:  
All pleasures shall strive for this happiness.  
Which shall soonest arrive all our senses,  
Though none stay long do supplant each other.  
And thus with various Mirth wee'l smother cares,  
Whilst politicians there looks on us;  
And when they red our practise burn their books,  
study our life although( alas) in vain,  
T' attain unto the top of all our bliss,  
And yet, their best will learn to mend by ours,  
And so, though short of us, transcend themselves,  
Safety's not safe, if we be not secure,  
We built our greatness so as to endure,  
piled up by Art stopped every cranny where,  
The shadow of a danger did appear;  
They're fools who with late sorrow do repent,  
What early foresight easily might prevent;  
To late born nephews shall our Crown descend,  
And with the world shall our succession end.   

ACT. V. SCEN. 4.  Enter Messenger. And. 
BRing'st ought which is worth so much posting speed?  Mes. 
A blazing Star, was lately seen i'th' East,  And. 
A mighty bulchin Calf was calv'd i'th West.  Mes. 
I 'm glad your Highnes makes so light of it.  And. 
A blazing stars beneath me, I'm the Sun  
That brightly shine i'th' graecian Firmament,  
What is a blazing Star, the Kithin-stuffe,  
O'th' lower Region fired, then fades in snuff.  Mes. 
Is streamed with beams like hair unto the death.  And. 
Sure it presageth then some Princes death;  
That wears long locks, but see my hair is short.  
It seems the Heavens are merry, and now make bonfires.  Mes. 
A Woman was delivered of a child.  And 
That's strange indeed, but had  
A child been now delivered of a Woman.  Mes. 
delivered of a child that had two heads,  
The one alive sprightly plump, fat and fair,  
The other dwinling, withered, old, and dead.  And. 
Herein Dame Nature doth not prophesy,  
But only doth relate an History:  
These double heads were verified thus,  
The living we, Alexius the dead.  Mes. 
An Earthquake in the south was plainly felt,  And. 
Our Mother Earth was troubled with the colic,  
Some prison'd Wind strived for his liberty.  Mes. 
Saint Paul( your Tutelary Saint) his statue  
Of brass did weep.  And. 
For joy of our success,  
Give him an handkerchief to wipe his eyes.  
I wonder at those wonder at these joys,  
To those they're onely true, who do them dread,  
Fortune fear'd's a Tyrant, scorned a Coward  Exit 1. Messenger Enter 2. Messenger. 
Our words and thoughts are many miles apart,  
Fair weather in our face, storms in our heart.  
Such Prodigies I fear pretend no good;  
Another Messenger, more Prodigies.  
You bring the second part to the same tune.  2. Mes. 
A tune will scarce sound pleasing in our ears,  
Isachius appeared i't'h Market place.  
And there made an Oration to the people.  And. 
He an Oration? Then a Jews-trump's a Lute  
Pan made such music on an Oaten Pipe.  2. Mes. 
Pan's musics best where Midas is the Judge,  
He made his speech unto the peoples ears.  And. 
He is as Eloquent as Valiant.  2. Mes. 
Hee's Eloquent that doth attain his ends,  
What he did lack in rhetoric, he did  
Supply with logic, with his Arguments.  
He proved his hearers all into his subjects,  
It is the language now of all the City,  
Long live the Emperour Isachius.  And. 
Surprised, surprised,  
I'th' port I have a Pinnace under sail,  
Long since provided if all else should fail.  
Thither Ile now retire myself in hast;  
he's not quiter broken, who hath one shift at last.   

ACT. V. SCENE 5.  Enter Menander. Men. 
I Cannot live with country Clowns they are,  
( Carp not Philosophers) reasonable Brutes,  
Have no discourse, can neither teach nor learn.  
The country doth afford rich dirt, plump grain  
Rank Meadows, Fatter then the sweeting swain,  
No Masks, no Revels, no magnific sport,  
The worlds all Prison, which is not the Court;  
Pardon my dear Artemia.  
In all things else thy councils are my Laws,  
Herein alone my will rebels, for I  
Must live at Court or living die elsewhere  Enter Cleobulus. Cle. 
Welcome to Court, Menander, on what side,  
An Isachist or an Andronichist.  Men. 
An honest man.  Cle. 
No answer but a shift.  Men. 
I am for no side but the blessed Mean  Cle. 
A Newter's the worst vermin in our state;  
Lukewarm's a temper Heaven and Hell do hate.  Men. 
Are these two sides the onely gates which Leads  
To happiness.  Cle. 
But one gate opens thither,  
Honest men must list themselves on one side;  
Not hedge like you on both to save your state.  
Mean time neglecting all the public good.  Men. 
The public good is onely the result  
Of many private mens particular goods,  
By saving mine Estate I do advance  
The Common-Wealth—  Cle. 
politic Bat, sometimes, Mouse sometimes  
bide,  
Give me the man who strips his Judgement from  
All by respects, seeks naked for the Truth.  Men. 
Immodest and unwholesome in could weather,  Cle. 
critic not on my words give me the man,  
Consults not with success but with the cause.  
And having found the right engageth all,  
Therewith to stand or else to fall therewith.  Men. 
I do not know on which side is the right.  Cle. 
affencted blindness at noon sees not light.  Men. 
So dark things do seem clear to partial eyes.  Cle. 
Ile red your destiny because you hope,  
Though the great ship of all our state be wrack't.  
To wafte your private goods safe to the shore,  
In your own fly-boate, know it is the fate;  
Dancers on ropes at last mistake their poised.  
For all their skill fall down and break their necks,  
Even such be thy success who dost intend.  
To lose thy Conscience for to keep thy ease,  
To please both sides, may you both sides displease,  Exit Menander.  

ACT. V. SCENE 6.  Enter Crato. Cra. 
ISachius his speech exceeded,  
Himself and expectation.  Cle. 
Reserved men are thrifty of their words,  
To spend more freely when occasion serves.  Cra. 
His language was not loose, but close and quick,  
Not gawdyn sound but full and rich in sense.  
He did not wo attention but command it.  Cle. 
The imperfection of his Tongue be seemed him.  Cra. 
He spake more Prince-like, not like those who made,  
Their Tongue their Ware, their Eloquence their Trade,  Cle. 
I 'm sorry the people pillaged the palace.  Cra. 
Andronicus his ill got goods left there,  
Both raised and ruined were by potent Theft.  Cle. 
Their action was illegal—  
Mens injuries help to make Heaven more just.  Cra. 
I grieve more that the chapel was deface't,  
Twas stately.  Cle. 
I love no such triumphant Churches,  
They scatter my devotion, whilst my sight.  
Is courted to observe their sumptuous cost,  
I find that my heart is lost in my eyes;  
Whilst that a holy horror seems to dwell  
Within a dark obscure and humble Cell.  Cra. 
But I love Churches mount up to the skies,  
For my devotion rises with their roof.  Cle. 
Therein my soul doth Heaven anticipate  
A stately library fraught which rarities,  
( So many that they were not rare) was spoiled  
The stairs whereby our antiquaries climb  
Up to the knowledge of the former Ages,  
With some records which ' sore the flood were found,  Cra. 
In a tumultuous deluge now they're drowned,  Cle. 
Would that Isachius had repressed their fury,  Cra. 
'Twas past his power, no Tyrant to a Tumlt.  Cle. 
It is my constant prayer, people their might.  
May never know or ever use it right.   

ACT. V. SCENE. VII.  Enter Andronicus, and three servants, and a Lutanist. And. 
UNfaithful Winds! and most perfidious tide?  
Isachius hath bribed you,  
Thus to arrest me in my secret flight.  1. Ser. 
The place is private, pray repose your Highness,  
And seek a while to sleep.  And. 
For twice seven nights,  
Slumber hath been a stranger to these eyes.  2. Ser. 
The justice of the Heavens, he that his foes  
Eyes did put out, his own now cannot Close,  Aside. And. 
Sing Lutanist. Song.  He lies down on the bed. Lut. 
Come Somnus with thy Potent charms  
And seize this captive in thy Arms,  
And sweetly drop on every sense  
Thy soul refreshing influence,  
His sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste.  
Unto the peace do thou bind fast,  
On working brains at school all day.  
At night thou dost bestow a play,  
And troubled minds thou dost set free;  
Thou makest both friends and foes agree,  
All are alike who live by breath,  
In thee and in thy brother death.  
he's fast asleep.  3. Ser. 
He sleeps with open eyes,  
Then like the lion, that's his constant use.  And. 
Was I a sleep? I 'm glad 'twas but a dream,  He starts from the bed. 
Sure 'twas a vision I did plainly see,  
The pale ghost of Alexius to the life.  
With glowing Pincers he tormented me,  
Whilst that Maria Cesarissa stitch't,  
Hot burning needles through our painful sides.  
Out of Lapardas eyes two streams did flow  
Of blood, wherein I first did swim then sink.  
And waking caught this pillow for the brink.  2. Ser. 
Dreams are but fancies descant on the day.  And. 
But look, look there, there's Alexius Ghost.  
Staring with hollow eyes he nods at me,  
Just o'er the chair of state.  3. Ser. 
There's nothing Sir,  And. 
Now, now, now, he's removed into the corner,  1. Ser. 
'Tis Hectors picture wrought in the hangings,  And. 
I say it is Alexius his Ghost.  2. Ser. 
Your fancy Sir, of Mole-hills raises mountains.  
No plague is like to jealousies and fears,  And. 
What all turn●d Traytors? What gives Isachius,  
Must each of you have a thousand Bezants.  
How do ye find him? bountiful and noble?  
3. His heart is heavy, and his Tongue talks light,  Enter Paleologus with souldiers and taketh Andronicus on his bed. Pal. 
Monster of mankind, and the sponge of blood,  
Thou Goat of lust tiger of cruelty,  
Religions Ape, and envies Basillisk.  
I will not in thy blood imbrue my hands,  
Beasts shall kill thee, the many headed crew;  
The people who did raise thee to the Crown,  
As they did bring thee up shall throw thee down.  And. 
My fall I hope shall Heavens honour raise,  
By life or death I'll praise its justice.  Exit.  

ACT. 5. SCENE 8.  Enter Juletta. Jul. 
I See contentment doth not always wait.  
On Crowns. I would not wear one at the rate,  
My Lady doth, poor soul sighs, sobs, and tears,  
Are all the company she hath save fears;  
But here she comes, I must be gone  Exit and enter Anna Sola, 
Sorrow doth love no witness,  
Assist my grie● to bemoan my wretched self.  
harken ye stocks and rocks whilst I relate  
The Chronicle of my most woeful fate.  
I have hope to find compassion,  
Stones may show pitty where men prove unkind,  
A Princess I was born, hence did arise.  
The source and growth of all my miseries,  
My Father France called King, he made me mary,  She falls a weeping. 
( O that a grave had been my marriage bed)  
Ere I had felt the warmth of Cupids fire,  
Small was my list to love, less to aspire.  
But nuptial rites were suddenly dispatched  
To a boy husband, a child wife was married,  
Our ages put together could not spell  
Thirty, too young a pair to prosper long,  
Happy ye milkmaids which each morn do walk  
thorough the virgin due, o'er pearled grass,  
You sing i't'h day and sweetly fleep all night.  
And do enjoy your undistrub'd delights,  
You freely may bestow your affections,  
Wed those whose love is high though state be low,  
High birth such bliss denies, fate doth refuse,  
Us leave to leave, or liberty to choose.  
We are compelled to like, whilst potent friends  
Do sacrifice our marriage to their ends.  
But he is gone, twere sin to wrong his Ghost,  
I will not blame him, and may not boast of him.  
The worst I beg,  Sbe weeps again. 
Is that his faults be butted in his grave:  
Since his decease, the great Andronicus.  
Did wed us.  
Forgive us, Heavens the while,  
To see a sinner weep be pleased to smile.  
Learn from us widdows how to cool your breasts,  
From ancient love, ere you do entertain,  
New thoughts for others,  
Scarce were we warm in bed the nuptial night.  
When loud alarms did affright us both;  
Mons was our Hymen, we took ship in vain:  
across Winds and tides enforced us back again,  
Were this all, twere two much, but what is worst  
Maraptica that bold and cursed strumpet,  
Usurps our bed, and keeps in awe our husband.  
Subjects him to her will, which is his Law,  
Lust makes my love a stranger to his arms;  
Such is the magic of her cunning charms.  
Blame not my pensive soul, though full of care  
Half an old husband is too much to spare,  
And yet that half more then I hope to keep,  
If true the Omen of my last nights sleep,  
Judge then, had any a more woeful life;  
Whilst she was maid, whilst widow, whilst a wife,  
In brief, would you of sorrows frame a map.  
You'd hardly Mate-like years, with like mishap.  
To whom one hour of Joy did scarce betid,  
Though daughter to a King, twice Emperors Bride.   

ACT. V. SCEN. 9.  Enter Menander wounded, and a Surgeon. Men. 
ARtemia, Oraculous Artemia  Sur. 
How came you Sir, to these wounds on both sides.  Men. 
Nay, tell me how I may come by the cure  Sur. 
They may be painful, but not dangerous;  He dresseth him. Men. 
This on my right side, made with push of pike,  
One of the Isaacan party gave to me,  
Forth'other hack with sword, I have cause to thank,  
One that was of Andronicus his guard:  Sur. 
You'd bad success.  Men. 
As good as I deserved,  
This 'tis to be a Neuter of no side,  
I am drowsy.  Sur. 
Its good to forbear sleep a while.  Men. 
Ile rouse myself,  Sur. 
In what state was Andronicus?  Men. 
A sad one;  
No Emperor of Greece, but Lord o'th' Soil,  
With dirt and filth the people loaded him,  
I ne're saw such a shower of mire before.  Sur. 
A pleasant heart's best balsam for your wounds.  Exit Surgeon. Men. 
Artemia, oraculous Artemia;  
Thou diedst Loyalties Martyr, and I live  
Confessor to my folly; All this before  
Thou propheciedst, but I would not believe thee,  
The weaker Sex sometimes speaks strongest sense;  
The Country life I thought an heavy Task,  
Cause there we saw no Revels, there no Mask  
This made me come again to Court, where I  
myself am made a Tragedy almost.  
Home will I hast, see me at Court again,  
And say who now is hurt, shall then be slain.   

ACT. V. SCEN. 10.  Enter three Citizens of Constantinople, two of them having rescued the Corps of Andronicus from the fury of the People. 1. Cit. 
A Buse the dead! fie, fie, for shane forbear!  2. Cit. 
A Corps is senseless, therefore feels no pain.  3. Cit. 
More senseless you, that offer it this disgrace,  
Dead Corps cannot be hurt, but may be wronged.  2. Cit. 
To be more active, to torment his Ghost,  
I wish I were a devil for his sake.  1. Cit. 
Your hellish wish makes you a Devil now.  3. Cit. 
He had a piercing eye, a Princely garb,  
A winning gesture, and a charming tongue.  1. Cit. 
A handsome body, comely in each part:  2. Cit. 
A rotten soul, and a perfidious heart;  1. Cit. 
All have their faults.  2. Cit. 
All han't their villainies.  3. Cit. 
He did erect a Stately Hospital.  2. Cit. 
It will not hold half those he hath Beggars made.  1. Cit. 
Two glorious Churches he built and endowed.  2. Cit. 
Poor recompense to wronged Religion,  
Churches to build, and pluck down Piety.  1. Cit. 
He made good Laws,  2. Cit. 
And broke them first himself;  
Besides himself he'd have none other bad.  3. Cit. 
That was some goodness,  2. Cit. 
Tyrants are enforced,  
Sometimes to make good Laws, not out of love  
To virtue, but to secure their safety,  
Wherein their private ends are not concerned,  
Unpartial Justice there they must dispense,  
More safely at other times to be unjust:  
They'l stumble now and then on some good deeds,  
To render themselves passable with men.  1. Cit. 
He bare his torture with great patience,  
Even when his opened entrails called upon  
Tormentors bowels for compassion,  
Calm was his soul whilst all that tempest fell,  
He like a Lamb.  2. Cit. 
Went quietly to Hell:  1. Cit. 
Be charitable Sir,  2. Cit. 
My Charity  
Shall ne're destroy my judgement in such cases  
Think you that he hath lived so wickedly,  
With few good words stolen happiness at last.  3. Cit. 
That sigh might mary him to bliss whose force  
Did quiter divorce his body from his soul.  2. Cit. 
Preach but this doctrine.—  
And Heaven you'l people with another Nation,  
Of Whores and Thieves make there a new Plantation.  1 Cit. 
Repenting whores are Virgins, thieves true men,  2. Cit. 
Well if he be in Heaven, Ile boldly say  
Its pitty any on Earth should know so much.  Exit. 1. Cit. 
If not a grave, Wee'l make a hole for him  
If not for th'dead, yet for the livings sake.  3. Cit. 
I hated him whilst living, now I feel  
A chill remorse runs thorough all my veins,  
My soul I see doth sing the common ditty,  
Envies all height, and pities all in woe.   

ACT. V. SCEN. Ult.  Enter Isachius, Basilius, Cleobulus, Paleologus, Crato, &c. Bas. 
THus from the Cell we bring you to the Throne,  
You sought not for a Crown, a Crown finds you,  He shows the Crown unto him. 
Desert shines in the dark, will not be hide  
May you with all happiness inherit it,  
Entitled to it, both by birth and merit.  Omnes. 
Long live the Emperor Isachius.  Bas. 
Constantines greatness founder of this place,  
With Jovians goodness, Honorius his success,  
Long life of Valens, Manuels quiet death,  
Justinians famed and every good beside,  
Singled on them, jointly betid to you.  Isa. 
We thank you for your good desires for us,  Bas. 
How heavy is this Crown!  
Beautiful burden, it adorns and loads,  
And with the Crown a across is joined together,  
Greatness and care are twins:  He kisses the cross. Isa. 
This across I kiss and welcome, not that now  
I first accost it, strange to me before,  
We were familiar always from our cradle,  
This is my spear, my lance, my sword, my shield,  Bas. 
This sceptre is to you from the Heavens.  
Onely it is our duty to deliver it,  He puts it into his hands. 
In you his Image perfectly doth shine,  
He sees our hands upheld, and humble hearts,  They all bow to Isachius. 
With these our bared heads and bended knees,  
This and much more from us to him is due,  
And him we pay in paying it to you.  Omnes. 
Long live the Emperour Isachius!  Bas. 
Not to instruct you what you do not know,  
But only mind you, what you might forget:  
Hear a few words.  Isa. 
Speak on Basilius,  
Whilst native heat and moisture Radical,  
Observe their limits all the body thrives.  
Both suffer, if but one exceed his bounds,  
And all the body either burns or drowns.  
So tis betwixt your power, our property:  
They mutually receive and return strength,  
One to another, whilst they both agree,  
But if they justle once, and strive for conquest,  
Even that which gaineth most, doth lose at last,  
Not able to subsist when all's destroyed.  
And if that Princes should betray their trust,  
And justify the wrong, and wrong the just,  
We bow and bear, and sigh, and sob, and suffer,  
Armed with prayers and Tears,  
But sure our sad complaints will mount up thither,  
Where Kings are only called to account,  
And in that Court which is above the skies,  
Subjects appeal, and sovereigns censure lies  Isa. 
I cannot steal mens souls thorough their ears,  
Charm sturdy hearts with circles of choice words,  
Like to the sweet tongue of Andronicus,  
All which he promised wee'l strive to perform  
We're pleased to bind ourselves unto our Laws,  
And count it freedom to be so confined:  Omn. 
Long live the Emperour Isachius?  Cle. 
That shout did wake the echo from his Cave,  
Tickled with joy, the earth did seem to shake.  Bas. 
Thus Treason for a time may strangely thrive,  
Quickly grow great, but never long survive.  
Whilst fools mistake Heavens flouts for smiles, and think,  
That Nemesis is dead, which doth but sleep  
Till right at last revives out of his ●woon  
Right which some storms may toss, but cannot drown,  

A Chorus consisting of two parts graecian and Persian, gownsmen, the other Sword-men.  Gr. Ch 
WE marvel at your private sadness.  
Exception from the public gladness.  
Why do you sigh, whilst we do sing,  
Whilst we ring bells, you hands do wring.  
Whilst joy all others cheeks doth Crown,  
Your face is clouded with a frown.  Per. Ch. 
Alas, our case is most forlorn,  
Work we cannot, beg we scorn.  
Steal we will not, and do wonder  
settled Laws allow no plunder;  
We have not whereunto to trust,  
Our hungry swords must eat the rust.  Gr. Ch. 
There's a time for every trade,  
Merchants first good bargains made.  
Next the Lawyer did succeed,  
On clients lean, they fat did feed;  
silenced since in doleful dumps,  
And the soldier turned up trumps.  Per. Ch. 
turned up trumps, Alas in vain,  
To be soon turned down again.  
Had we been wise, this War to spin,  
To spread it broad, and lay it thin;  
When seven Winters had been past,  
Well might it more seven Summers last.  Gr. Ch, 
Of our state you had the cream,  
And have drained our wealthy stream;  
Our coin, our Plate, our Richest stuff,  
Were all devoured by your buff.  
And whilst you souldiers were in prime,  
Full well you did improve your time.  Per. Ch. 
We could not drain your wealth profound,  
Whose streams so great.  
For it you hid in vaults so deep,  
Where Phaebus never dared to peep.  
O that we might so blessed be,  
Your wealth invisible to see.  Gr. Ch. 
Our treasure doth not hidden lie,  
Under the earth, but o'er the sky.  Per. Ch. 
See you this sword, tis all our lands,  
Our states are fallen into our hands.  
The boundaries whereof you may,  
easily in one view survey:  
From Hilt to point the length doth reach.  
From edge to back the breadth doth stretch,  
You see our Lands, and this we vow  
Is both our ship, and shop, and plow.  Gr. Ch, 
We should be loathe that plow should thorough  
The grecian Empire make a furrow.  Per. Ch. 
Into foreign Lands wee'l go,  
And teach their natives War to sow,  
War which may be swon full cheap.  
Tho it will prove dear to reap,  
It matters not so we have work;  
Be't 'gainst Christian, Jew, or Turk.  
Though we travel ner'e so far,  
Farewell peace and welcome War.  Gr Ch. 
Go pray transport your martiall arts,  
And ship them unto foreign parts,  
Practise them on any other.  
So you spare this Landour Mother,  
Here alone let discord cease:  
Farewell War, and welcome Peace.     
FINIS