THE wand'ring Lover. A TRAGY-COMEDIE. BEING Acted several times privately at sundry places by the Author and his friends with great applause. Written by T. M. Gent. quicksands quid amor jussit, non est contìnmere tutum, Regnat & in Superios, I. C. Ovid. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 LONDON, Printed by T. L. for T. C. and W. Burden, and are to be sold in Cannon-street near London-stone, 1658. TO The Ingenuous, Judicious, and the much honoured Gentleman, Fran. Wright, Esquire. SIR, My intentions wand'ring upon the limits of vain cogitations, was at the last arrived at the prospicious brinks of an Anglicis of performance; where seeing Diana and Venus in a martial combat, and such rare achievements performed by so two ininimate Goddesses, did lend to the aspect of their angelical eyes myself to be the sole spectator of their foregoing valour; where then their purpose was to choose me their Arbitrator; the which I perceiving, did with a mild complexion (knowing myself impotent) relent backwards, thinking thereby to lose less credit, and gain more honour, to set pen to paper, and to relate some certain and harmless Dialogues that while I was present betwixt them past, which is this Poem; And having now composed it, did then take care upon whose shoulder to father this my abortive infant: So then examining the storehouse of my friends, after some silent search did find no splendour of friendship to be more orient in my eyes then yours, unto whose favour I commit this my poor Elf, it being the first (as yet) I presented to any, though not the first I writ; for certain it is I writ two Books of the same nature, viz. The several Affairs, a Comedy; and The chaste Virgin, a Romance; but they have been my pocket companions, and but shown to some private friends: So desisiring your candid acceptance, which if it not find it will carp the blossom of my youth; but if it do, it will encourage me to perform that work I now have in hand, which may deserve better your acceptance, and accumilate joy upon him; who is Sir, Yours inseparably, T. M. To his much deserving friend M. T. M. on his excellent Comedy entitled, The wand'ring Lover. This pen of mine it should be dipped, Having my tongue with Muses tipped, Or my dull fancy in a font, Made more clear than Hellespont, Amongst the rest that I might raise, Setting a monument of thy praise. More is thy worth than I can frame, Except beyond my bounds I strain, Ripping the valley of my wit In aiming at that I's never hit. Try I will, weather swim or sink; O why should I thus vainly think! No man is able with pen or ink. R: B: Dramatus Personae. HERMON, An old Gentleman. EUPHRATES, His Son. THROPHEUS, A Merchant. MEDEA, His Daughter. FERCOR, His Factor. POMP, A Student. PERCO, BREMON, LERMO, Three Courtiers of Thessaly. PUDD, Euphrates man. CRECEA, Medea's Maid. NESTO, Friend to Thropheus. DROSANUS, Friend to Euphrates, GRECEANA, Euphrates Mistress. A Boy and Ladies. The Prologue. MOst silent audience to you I speak, The Author bids you welcome, & doth you greet With this his harmless Poem, not full out Six months old, or penned into a book; The wand'ring Lover is the name of this, You must expect no great tologies, Nor Nestor's Drum, nor no Ambrosian phrase, He once doth show, or out of it doth raise, But Mother-like tongue plainly writ and spoke, As in pursuit you'll find it in his Book; The story's good to pass the gentle time With Love-conceits that run in easy rhyme, Of most bold Perco, with his martial brow, And mild Euphrates wound with Cupid's bow; How they do differ, and how matchless be In their affections, neither doth agree: But why should I thus trifle time away? For 'tis full season that our comic Play Should be now acted in our solemn doom; Lo here the Player's come, and I will give in room. THE WANDERING LOVER ACT. I. SCAEN. I. HERMON, euphrates. Her. THE cause of that strange and unexpected Accident, Euphrates? Eup. Your ingenuity best knows Sir. Her. No, no, I pray thee relate it to me. Eup. I am no Orator, muchless no Hudorigrapher; Her. Why, I'm sure Perco would offer you no abuse; he looks not as if Mars were seated in his Brows, or Dame envy in his innocent breast, or Fury to be the overswayer of his amoricious will; pray thee, the reason? Eup. Many words umbrage dissimulation: Father, I beseech your patience. Oh my dear Grievance! for why, even for thy sake my soul doth die. Her. Fie, fie, Son, extirpate those fond Flames, and illuring Contemplations out of memory; for it is a thing neither decent, beseeming, nor comely for such a noble spirit as yours, muchless these are not times for Love-Fancies; why, she's dead, there's no recalling of her; and why should you now wrap yourself in the Robes of Discontentment? Time may put a Period to my years, where are you then? in a Lake of misery. Eup. If she be dead and here me left, Of life mortal she hath bereft Me; and I wish I had run the race, That I might her sweet corpse embrace. But here I swear by Mars Divine, That ere before the Sun doth shine, Or trace about the zodiac round, * Stretches his hand. This hand shall great Perco confound. Her. Be not so obstinate, there's in the world as beautiful as she. Eup. But not so virtuous. Her. Yes, virtuous too. The tallest Cedar that ever grew, there was some to parallel it both in height and straightness. Eup. I shall desire your pardon at the present Father, for being thus absurd to leave you, which I am forced by some indispotìon of my Body, and return to my Chamber, Where with divine and sacred contemplation Pass the time as in a recreation Of bright Greciana Idea, until be past Those careless hours that do run so fast. Farewell Father. Exit Euphrates Her. Farewell Son; I wish some good event come of't. Exit Thropheus. ACT. I. SCAEN. II. Thropheus, Fercor, Neslo. Thr. FERCOR! Fer. Sir. Thr. Where be those Bills of Exchange that came yesterday? let them be drawn. Fer. They are in your Closet Sir, amongst the rest that came from Spain. Thr. What! you only stay for a happy Gale; you have all things ready for the Voyage. Fer. All, sir. Enter Neslo. Nesl. Oh happy friend! well met once at home. Thr. Oh Neslo! once more in the prospect of these mortal eyes of mine: What News? What News? Nesl. News that doth even terrify me with the most vigorous strength of sorrow that could have happened. Thr. What is't? Nesl. The Lady Greceana this last night stolen away by two insolent fellows, and by a third, one more wittier, but wickeder; I may term him in knavery conducted and conveyed to the Thessalian Court, which as we all know, are open Enemies to us germans. Thr. 'Tis true. Fer. Know you their Names? Nesl. Perco, Bremon, and Lermo; oh wretched Villains that dor'st attempt such an inhuman thing! Hark, the people utter horrid rumours within; let's in and see. Fer. We attend you. Exeunt omnes. ACT. I. SCAEN. III. Perco, Bremon, Lermo. Per. WAS it not rarely accomplished▪ Ler. I by the Heavens it was; it was always my saying, If once we evinced that Atlantic brazen Gate, it were as sure as Venus committed Adultery with Mars. Brem. I must ingenuously confess it was an Herculean task for us, having so many stratagems, so many Bolts and Locks, and at last being environed with a most energetical Bulwark, and that fortified with a most strong Moat to overcome, but by your acute wit Mr. Lermo, the which I must needs commend. Ler. Sir, my wit is but shallow in comparison of your strength; but it hath been accustomed rathert to choose Ulysses then Polephemus, sic parcis componere magna solebani. Per. Come, come friends, 'tis too tedious; let us not dispute upon that subject now, but treat upon the facetious spirits of Venus; even now I have an innumerable chimaeras entering my turbulent brain, what we shall do with this Angelical and Goddesse-like Dame; well, I'll go fetch her into the Court; my eyes have a longing desire to glance upon her delicious Physiogmonie. Exit Perco. Bre. Go prosperously, and return happily. It was reported (and I am very confident you very well know) that Euphrates (a man of good fortune and noble parts) was a great Suitor of this Lady, the flame of which love I fear is still kindled in her breast, and not easy to be quenched. Ler. I do remember it; but time, place, and distance, with some other intricates, may work another effect, and cause her to bury his former love in the grave of Oblivion, and not to embalm it up for a perpetual agrimony to her mind; and I hope that old Proverb will prove true, Out of sight, out of mind. Exeunt. ACT. I. SCAEN. iv Medea, Crecea, Pud. Crece. BE not so coy Madam, Time— Med. What of Time? Crece. Nothing but Time. Med. Speak, prithee speak, what means thou by this hidden talk? Crece. Hidden talk Madam? you may term it hidden talk, or what you please; but if you'd lived to my years, and had so much experience as I have had in— Med. Thou art a pretty piece of mortality indeed; if I'd had so much experience as thou'st had; in what I pray thee, thou pattern of deformity? Crece. Madam, I say as I did before, time may alter, witness Sibylla. Med. What of her? Crece. Nothing Madam, but she was a fair goddess, but she being coy and squeamish, cast off Phoebus in his glory; & afterwards she thinking the May of her days, and fresh colours would always continue, and time and fortune could not wear out, not imagining that white and red should once return to black and yellow; Juniper, the longer it grew, the crookeder it waxed; so she with age that had no blemish in her face, had wrinkles without number, and all that knew her shunned her company. Med. Believe me, a learned speech! Enter Pud Pud. Madam, I beseech you give me leave to speak a word or two to your Ladyship. Med. What insolent audacious Idiot's that? knowst him Crecia? Crece. It is Euphrates man, Madam. Mad. Euphrates man! what makes he here? ask'im his business, and send him away. Crece. My Lady desires your business. Pud. I am come of an Errand from Mr. Fercor, to tell your Lady that he is going Factor into the straits for her Father, desiring to take his leave, because he hath some private business with her, and he will wait upon her at three in the Afternoon. Exit Pudd. Med. What's the fellows business? Crece. He's come from Mr. Fercor your father's Factor, that is going to the straits, and he will wait upon you this Afternoon upon business, and then take his leave. Med. What business should he have with me my father's man? 'tis true, he was always a proud fellow, it may be it's for some fancy or other to wear; well, if he come I'll see him. Crece. I shall obey your command. Enter Boy, and goes out again presently. Boy. Madam, my Master desires your company to Dinner. Med. Tell my Father I will wait upon him presently. Come Crecea, let us walk in. Crece. I am ready to attend your Ladyship. Exeunt. ACT. I. SCAEN. V Euphrats, e Drosanus, Pudd, pomp. Eup. SIR, you have much honoured me with your company, and I clearly discern the power of your affections, where your welcome cannot be equalled to my desire, much less to your deserts. Dre. The occasion of my coming was for no other respects but those due unto your merits, whom I honour and am ready to serve. Eup. You own me no service; but I am ready to embrace your friendship, noble sir, and friend, since it hath been my happy fate thus fortunately to light into your company; as true it is, Necessity hathno Law, so it hath no shame; for contrary to my disposition I must become an importunate suitor to you. Dro. Sir, name it, no sooner asked but granted. Eup. Your kind reply shall embolden me to declare what I was intended to have concealed: only this it is, Whether or no those three Vagabonds were the atrocious Actors in that same dismal tragedy, in conducting Greceana to the Thessalian Court? Dros. Worthy friend, I shall venture as far upon the brinks of liberty as I can pass without mendation or fabulating unto you; for this I can affirm for a truth both by prospect, and likewise by a most pensive report, That Percor was one Malefactor in that same illitable Enterprise, in exhausting the only Diadem and splendent Lustre of Chaste Virgins to that place of deprived liberty. Eup. For answering me this query in one respect, for uttering the utmost of your knowledge therein, hath linked me to you with the chain of everlasting amity; and contrary, hath pined me up with the bolt of terrissitie from you, for hearing of such penetrating and poisonous sentence; But this I am resolved before, Those splendent eyes I see no more: To trace throughout Thessalia round, And search out that even unknown ground For invaluable precious gem In all the judgements of vain men, And fetch her home by day or Night By frost, or some vile cunning slight. Dros. If such an Anglicis hath took once possession in your undaunted and well-known Manhood, I shall not be him that withstands it; but this I would have you take in consideration of your Judicial policy, the grave Counsel of that famous Student in all Arts and Sciences, ANTONV S pomp. Eup. Him dear friend I have sent for. Dros. In my best apprehension, you in that have done discreetly. Eup. It's three hours since I sent a Letter by my man, which I wonder I hear no News, it may be he's not at home, and he stays to bring him along with him, therefore I will wait with patience. But stay, here he comes. Enter Pudd. Pud. Sir, I have delivered the Letter. Eup. Delivered the Letter! to whom you Rascal? did I send you in haste, and you have loitered all this time? Pud. Sir, I stayed to bring him with me, because the contents of your Letter as I heard said, required speed; therefore he was come half the way, stayed to talk with two Gentlemen, and said he would wait upon you presently. Eup. In this thou hast satisfied me in some respect: But noble friend Drosamus, I trespass too much upon your patience. Dros. No sir, I take it for an honour that I am able to serve you in any thing. Eup. Your love sir is more than I deserve. Dros. Your desert is more than I am able to require; but stay, who comes here? it should be pomp by's gaite; 'tis him. Eup. Then his counsel I'll in this matter; and so I go inspite of Fate or Fortune. Pud. And so I too in spite of the— Devil and his— monkey. Enter pomp. Pom. Are you one Mr. Euphrates? Eup. I am the man, sir. Pom. From you I had a Letter this day by a man, whose tenor I very well understand, and have pondered on it a seasonable time, and likewise my Judgement is as followeth: First, Sir, I am compelled by duty to praise your fidelity in the warlike attempt of Venus; and notwithstanding, your Martial Animoscity in the civil combat of Mars; if you be resolved, as I hereby understand, I would advise you (by the reason they know you) to attire yourself in women's Apparel, taking another Sociate with you, and you may by Arts and Fortune accomplish your desires. Eup. I shall do herein my endeavour, and metamorphize myself with smiling looks. Pom. Then go prosperously. Exit pomp Pud. And I with him sir, you wish. Eup. By your many savours and kind replies the mind of your servant is impleated with so much advantage, as to crave your company in this same dismal undertaking. Dros. Sir, I accompany you with helexitie. Eup. My Father must not know of it; so attend me tomorrow morning betwixt four and five, at the back Window in the Garden, and you shall find me ready to take shipping in the lion. Dros. Your will shall be fulfilled. (Exeunt E. D. manet Pudd.) Pud. And what, must I be left behind? marry godamercy, I believe you will miss your— before you return; he doth not mind me, nor I will not mind him afterwards; and if any one ask me whose man I am, I can tell thee I am mine own Master now; but I'll be sure first before I say so, I'll go see him safe. Exit Pudd. ACT. II. SCAEN. I. Lermo, Bremon, Perco, Greceana, Ladies. Ler. WHat, here's no man yet in prospect; what prodigies have happened by the way? sure something must be the cause, but what's, uncertain. Bre. In the Court not long since there were some debates by men of superiority in warlike achievements, of which the rumour did pass amongst the vulgar and commons, as than I did lend an attentive ear, That a Lady of an unknown birth was to be enjoyed by the encounter of two Knights. Ler. Not the Lady Greceana! Bre. Time will divulge it. But now yonder I perceive the happy sight of long-wished for friends; the Lady's well I hope. Enter Perco, Greceana, and two Ladies. Per. Very well, she advancing nigh. Grecea. On unhappy Girl, thus to be rape away by Wolves, bears, (what shall I term them?) in man's shape, and by most illitable resolutions! First begot in vain Conversation, and then brought up by cruelty, the unhappy Nurse in their infidelious hearts, and conducted here to a pensive Habitation, which affords no pleasure to the eye, but objects of misery; none to the ear, but self-undoing, outcries: Oh Euphrates, where art thou? in what cavern of despair? Ladies. Madam, why so melancholic? Grece. Oh that these innocent hands were wreathed about thy ever-flourishing Breast! then might I sit down and crown myself with contentation; but until then, what fate and unhappy fortune recommends to a desolate Virgin. Lad. 2. Sir, wilt please you to receive your Enterprise into company? Per. Madam, remember yourself, here behold as great virtue, but far greater bravery; and I speak to you without fabulating, and you may believe me, you in Germany have only mere shrines of love, and wise gods, but we their persons, and likewise their Virtues; and what can be recorded that hath been found out by Arts and Sciences, but the nobleness of a Courtier hath found out by practice? I should term them most seemless and void of reason that think to gather more Fruit than Leaves, or see more at the Candle snuff then at the Sun beams; what may't please you answer, is not all this true? Ler. Bre. All true, all true. Grece. Sir, Your speech is good, but not aptly placed in my disposition; there is one thing yet draws my mind, even as the loadstone draws to it Iron away, when you think me most attentive; for why Gentlemen, I must confess it is far more difficulter for me to glance any pleasing look, or shape a state of dissembling, than to utter the truth and reality of the matter. Ler. Why Madam, was ever that frail cogitation cast into your memory, as once to imagine that us Courtiers can feign ourselves otherwise then we are? my meaning is, to dissemble. Bre. Lo Mr. Lermon, this may be recorded, Qui niscit dissimulare, nescit regnare. Gre. Sir, my meaning will be concealed; for I desire the Place of my disconsolation, wherein I may take my turbulent repast. Ladies. Madam, we attend you. Per. And we also. Exeunt omnes. ACT. II. SCAEN. II. Hermon. Thropheus, Pudd. Thro. SIR, your saying is very aptly located, and I wish it may come to an effect. Her. Sir, if once the flames of bright Greceana's love not once take place, nor in his breast there move their ever-flashing Furies, or so cruel betwixt Diana and Venus, there to keep a duel, our matter may be effected, and with speed we might perceive brave Greceana dead, and only there virtuous Medea rest in his most true and ever faithful Breast: Even at that prospect with my head then bare, And hand lift up, gave everlasting prayer. To the immortal Gods, great Mars and Jove, For his unfeigned and unmatched Love. Thro. Well! but Mr. Hermon, this, I am possessed with much temerousness, that her love is so radicated in his contemplation, that it is like that famous and unparaleld Stone Asbeston, found in Arabia, of iron colour, which being once made hot, can hardly or never be quenched; but send for him; if he be willing, my Daughter shall not resist. Her. I will fulfil your pleasure. Who attends there? where's your Master? Enter Pudd. Pud. He's gone to the lion, Sir. Her. What, to drink his Mornings-draught? Thro. The Ship sir, that set out for Thessalia this day, the name of it was lion. Pud. I sir, that's the thing he's gone to. Her. Oh what, and how much terror hath overwhelmed the faculties of my soul! how my breast pants! how I sweat at the tenor of this Sentence! Thro. Why? Her. There's reason enough; but no more at present. Thro. Explain it to me I pray. Her. At your request I'll do what fond fancy will give leave, and ease my mind of this heavy burden; by vulgar report the Lady Greceana is gone to Thessaly, and my fear is, my Son hath undertaken that unhappy voyage in pursuit after her. Pud. Let fancies flee, I'll bring you more news afterwards, that would vex every vein in your heart if I should get that old man's Daughter; Exit Pudd. Thro. What mine? away fond slave, away. Let's in, and see more for certain. Her. Led the way. Exeunt ACT. II. SCAEN. III. Medea, Crecea, Fercor. Med. GOod God did I think a man so void of reason, or had so little sense? What fond chimeras hath imbibeed into his besotted brain? He told me he loved me; it may be so, am I then forced to love again? No certainly, there's no such Obligations in Venus' Court: But why should I thus contemplate upon this rash Doteard! Fly from me like my dullest breath, for he is gone whom I did love: Oh Euphrates, Euphrates! why so cruel, when thou art loved not to love again? But if I should sum up all the sighs that thou hast cost me, I should loath the nomination and thought of such a man; but 'tis thy feature I look at, thou know'st ' not my grief, though I perceive the vigour of it; but I must be contented; Crecea where art thou? Crece. At a call Madam; what's your pleasure? Med. I have no pleasure in this age; pleasure flies from me, and grief returns in their place, and doth remain. Crece. Why Madam, what sad news have you received? it's all for a man. Med. No, not for that. Crece. I fear it much. Med. You may persuade yourself to contraries; what was't than you think Fercor came about? Crece. Believe me I know not; why that's not it made you so sad I hope. Med. No, nor light neither. Crece. You are so catching. Med. But I shall take some time to let thee know it. Crece. I then attend. Med. He told me he loved me. Crece. Ha', ha', ha', what's the man mad? sure he is not right. Med. He was in earnest, but I returned him presently an answer, and set him going. Crece. But would he be said, Madam? Med. Faith with much ado; but pleased or not, I care, I hope he's gone ere this, and committed himself to the brackish and merciless waves, where Neptune is overswayer with his Iron Mace; * Enter Fercor. See the unhappy prospect of my foe! say I am not within. Exit Medea. Crece. Mr. Fercor, I thought you had been tossed ere this with turbulent waves. Fer. Tost I am, with waves I am not: Where's your Mistress? Crece. Is that your business? she's not at home. Fer. I do not desire your company then. Crece. Marry come up here; I'm gone sir. Exit Crecea. Fer. Just Heaven, what will she be so cruel to her servant! I must abate the pride of that fierce humour, and my resentment of it shall make her see that Lovers must be treated in another fashion; but these scorns I'll turn into her shame; and Euphrates whom she thinks her own already, shall as even fail her hopes as she hath mine, when a more worthy Object shall change his mind, and his disdain of her, shall revenge hers of me. Manes Fercor. ACT. II. SCAEN. iv Thropheus, Fercor, Pudd. Thro. TIME and Tide stays for no man; shake off these panic fears; though it be boisterous at your entrance, yet you may land with an happy Gale. Fer. It's not the waves that works upon my nature, or the fierce rumour of their horrid noise, nor the tossing of the Ship in the Ocean that can work any distemper, or search out any desolate vacant Cavern in my illatable body, in which it may accumulate daunting and disparting fancies; but it is a certain faculty, more strong and vigorous in its operation, which may aptly be compared to Dedalus and his waxed Wings, the higher it surmounts, the more it doth me melt. Pud. But this is nothing to the business concerning my particular, for this is as fit for love as a Pudding for a dog's mouth. Thro. You have propounded a mystery to me, Fercor, beyond the Element of my capacity and climate, in which I walk not; a task too high for me to look; but if your intention be continued to the promise you formerly made, here is one who being desolate of a place, would undergo the elaborate Science of Navigation. Fer. Sir, my promise is firm, and I intent to fulfil it: is this him that would learn? Thro. This is the man: I shall leave you to yourselves, for time and duty calls me hence. Exit Thropheus. Fer. Sir, if you think it convenient to go to sea, and see the hidden mysteries in the Ocean, I shall fulfil your mind Pud. I would go if it were but to see my Master, but I would not be drowned, ones clothes will be so wet when he is taken up; but pray you tell me seriously, How oft hast thou been drowned? Fer. Thou art a fool sure, sees not me yet alive? Pud. Oh Gentlemen! be they dead that be drowned? I thought they had put on fishes skins, and walked upon the sands, and kept the fishes company; it were a thing to be marvelled at, that a little cold, cold water should kill a man of reason as I am, and not a senseless gudgeon. Fer. Thou art wise from the crown of the head upwards; if thou goes with me, I'll make thee understand the Card and the seven Stars. Pud. How to play at Cards Sir! Fer. I tell thee, the Sea-Card, and the thirty two Points. Pud. I can play at one and thirty. But I have not many points about my Breeches. Fer. Thou art very dull; but wilt thou learn? Pud. I, begin with the Points first, for they are most in fashion, Fer. North, North and by East, North, North-East, North-East and by North, North-east, North-east and by East, East, North-East, East and by North, East. Pud. I'll now say it after you; North-East, North no more by the East, but by the West side, that's on my right hand, and by North. Fer. Thou art void of reason, hast thou no memory? Pud. I'll say again, North by North, which should stand in the place of East; I'm out of it again I dare say. Fer. And so dare I too; but farewell, I perceive thou art an idiot, and so I take my leave, for neither time nor tide will permit me any longer to stay. Pud. Good boy, good boy, I had rather be hanged where I may leap for my life, then drowned where no body sees me. Exeunt. ACT. III. SCAEN: I. Euphrates in women's Apparel, Drosanus. Eup. EUPHRATES! Oh miserable Euphrates! how canst thou frame thy affections according to thy habit, who was wont to exercise thyself, and to take only delight in achieving rare Exploits, riding a Tilt-Horse, and now confined within the protection of a Petticoat; certainly Drosanus, I shall never manage it with dexterity, but instead of making a curtsy I shall make a Leg. Dros. Though it hath been your daily practice to be employed in Martial Affairs, yet for a certain season you may metamorphose yourself as Galathea and fair Phillis did in the year of offering sacrifice unto Neptune, who were compelled by their indulgent Fathers for their safeguard; follow this practice to enjoy the Trophies of your Victory. Eup. As power doth lie in me, so shall I do my duty: stay, yonder comes Perco my ordained Enemy, he knows not me, let us stand aside. Euphrates and Drosanus stand aside, and Perco enters. Perco. Per. How now! what strange conceit! what new contraries hast thou given place to enter into thy mind! hast thou turned the dilicious pastimes of Diana to the lascivious sports of Venus; thy ever-wished for chastity to wanton looks▪ thy conquering arm to captive imaginations of Love? Dost thou begin that strange creature Pyralis, to die in the air and to live in the fire; to leave the sweet delights of the Court, to follow the hot desires of Love? (Oh Perco!) these are not words becoming a man of thy animosity; but for thy affections being a Lover, can Cupid's Brands quench Desta's Fire? or his feeble Shaft, headed with Feathers, give a wound more emedicable than Viana's Arrows, headed with steel? Oh Greceana! because thou art fair, must I be fickle? and falsify my Vow because I see thy virtue? fond man that I am to think of Love! nay, vain passion that I follow, to disdain Love! But here comes Bremon, Lermo, and the lustre of the day, Greceana; I must vale my physiognomy with a Vermilion blush, lest they perceive the alabaster hue in my face, and laugh. Eup. Do you perceive? he's in love with her. Dro. I, very well: But let us know the event of it. Manet. ACT. III. SCAEN. II. Bremon, Lermo, Greceana, Perco, Euphrates, Drosanus. Ler. Sweet Lady, can you love? Gre. Withdraw my Lord; can such a thing as Love be once named here, where every Marble that supports this place in emulation doth spend tears with us; nay, where the wound of such a mighty Lovers, a Euphrates, hath not in my frail breast bled their last. Ler. Tush rare Greceana, these sighs and panic fears that seem to Lady's terrible, are common to every soldier, when from field returning, all besmeared in blood, where Dukes and Kings lie slain; yet in their Tents at midnight it frights not them from courting a sweet Mistress. Bre. He saith the right; and note of this how I can poetise? This his great Father of his Love desired, When from the slaughter of his foes retired, He doffed his Cushes, and unarmed his head▪ To tumble with her on a soft dry Bed. It did rejoice Briscis to embrace His bruised Arms, and kiss his bloode-staind face; Those hands which he so often did imbrue In blood of warlike Trojans whom he slew, Were then employed to tickle, touch and feel, And shake a Lance that had no print of Steel. Perco. Hear me one word good friends; I rue that ever I did undertake that matter in conducting that piece of Deformity away; for she is neither wise, beautiful, nor constant, I'll prove it Bremon; Four Elements meet in the structure of that Greceana, of which there's not one pure; she's composed merely of Blood, Bones, and rotten Flesh, which makes her Leprous; where the Sun exhales, the moist complexion, it doth putrify the Region of the Air; there then's another; sometimes the Sun sits muffled in its Cave, whilst from the Clouds fly hideous showers of Rain, which sweeps the Earth's corruption into Brooks; Brooks into Rivers; Rivers send their Tribute as they receive it, to the seething Ocean; Thus Air, Earth and Water, all infected! she then framed of these, can she be beautiful? No Bremon, no; if she be, she has the help of Art▪ by Nature she is ugly: I'll see if I can persuade them to this; for while two Dogs fights for a bone, the third may get it. Bre. Are you in this mind, sir? Per. I, and will continue in it. Ler. Let's go for the space of half an hour, and take the fresh air, I'm mighty full. Per. So am i Bre. Let's go then. Exeunt Perco, Greceana, Lermo, and Bremon: Eup. Every word of their utterance carries ' virtue in them; I'll divide them into particulars: For Perco's, they are of a mixed composition, neither of Honey nor Gall, much like the fruit called Mandrake, which is fair in show, but in taste bitter and acid. For Bremons, it's of a different nature from the former, hollow hearted, only skin, neither bone nor flesh, but pliable every way, which is plain flattery. Lermo's, the constructure of it is of both these, head of Perco's, feet of Bremon's, the middle of doubts, being his own Lot. I pass now to Greceana's, as it were from turbulent waves to Crystal streams, whose brink is formed of contentment, and the streams themselves delights: They are— Dros. By your favour, let me put in one word, which is this▪ Let's not dispute of words, or Castles in the air, but the subject, which is formed of material substance; we must go about while we do prattle here, the goal may be won; and like simple woodcocks, think we are most safe when we are in the most danger; but let not these words take place in your heart for a reservement of hatred, but for innocentious amosity. Eup. Drosanus, they 〈…〉 sovereign. Balm for a lovesick heart; no time to come hence forward shall be trifled in vain alluring self▪ conceits, but labour to put a Period to discontentment, and 〈◊〉 expect new Trophies of felicity. Exeunt. ACT. III. SCAEN. III. Thropheus, Nesto, Hermon. Thr. NESTO, noble Nesto, is there no tidings from Greceana. Nest. None as yet; but expected they are. Thro. It is reported Euphrates hath pursued her, and it's for certain ere this he hath obtained the happy visit of her, which all as yet he aims at, it being the rich Object of his desires; if Fortune had stayed his courses in that Progress, you might have seen which is the greatest confirmity, Hermon my son, and Euphrates my son in law; but since it is determined otherwise, I am submissive to the will of Fates ': Stay! yonder comes Mr. Hermon, we'll see how he takes it, and how affected to this Melady. Enter Hermon. Her. 'Tis true friends. Thro. What? Her. That my son hath followed her: is this your Friend? Thro. 'Tis one Mr. Nesto, who usually waited upon Greceana while in this Nation she was present, but now liveth upon his means; he's a Gentleman. Her. Upon Greceana! Nest. Yes, servant to her. Her. She's now in Thessaly. Nest. She is so▪ Her. And there should stay if't had not been for my son; but generous souls are prone to valiant acts; I take my leave of you. Exit Hermon. Thro. Nest. Your servant, sir. Nest. I am forced against my will to leave you. Exeunt. ACT. III. SCAEN. iv Medea, Crecea, Thropheus. Thro. I AM glad you are come Daughter, I have here stayed in expectation of you these two hours. Med. Your business, sir? Thro. I have a Letter from Fercor, which is of concernment to you as well as me; the thing I like well, and do at it rejoice. Med. The cause of your helexity, Father? Thro. He professeth himself your most humble servant. Med. What's his meaning by it? Thro. He loves you. Med. Is any thing more ridiculous? you know I never gave nourishment to that condition; in you it is the most harsh unpleasing discord; but I hope you will be instructed better, knowing how much my fancy goes against it; talk not of that, and welcome. Crece. Sir, speak to her, or else you'll do no good. Thro. You retain! I see your unkind temper; will no thought soften your heart? disdain agrees but ill with so much beauty; if you would persuade him not to love you, strive to be less fair, undo that face, and so become a rebel to Heaven and Nature. Med. He loves my face then▪ Thro. As Heavenly Prologue to your mind; he doth not dote like Pygmalion on the colours. Med. No he cannot; his was a painted Mistress; and besides, you increase my wonder of his folly, for I have told you that so often— Thro. What? Med. My mind's so opposite to all his Courtships, that I had rather hear the tedious Tales of Robin Hood, than any thing that trenches upon the limits of Love: If he come fraught with any of Cupid's devices, keep 'em for his Whirligigs, or land the next Edition of his Messenger, or Post with a mad Packet, I shall but laugh at them, and pity him. Thro. That's pity—▪ Med. Do not mistake me, it shall be a very miserable pity, without love: Were I a man, and had but half that hansomness, (for though I have not love, I hate detractation) ere I would put my inventions to the sweet of compliments, to court my mistress hand, and call her smiles blessings greater than the sun's beams, entreat to wait upon her, give her Rings with wanton and most lamentable Poesies, I would turn Thresher. Thro. This is a new Doctrine from women. I could provoke if truth should be uttered, how he calls it happiness. Med. Just Heavens! can Fercor be so void of reason to call that happiness which is a madness? I thank my stars, I never was so vain: But pray you Father the truth, provoke me if you can? Thro. Fercor it's not. Med. Not Fercor. Thro. No not Fercor! Change not your countenance at that word, you'll fain persuade me you never did nor can love. Med. It's not for love nor any vain passion from thence proceeding, that doth change the faculties of my body, but to see silly men thus to entrap themselves. Father, after my duty I take my leave of you. Exeunt Medea, Crecia, manes Thropheus. ACT. III. SCAEN. V THROPHEUS alone. woe, woe, Thropheus, what shall one do in this case, being abused by their children! while they are young easily to be corrected, but being old, stubborn and perverse, I compare her to that subtle fish for her craftiness, namely, a Barble, that will not meddle with the bait until with her Tail she hath unhooked it from the the hook; no more will she give any audience until she see the thing reality itself: And to a crocodile I her conceit, if they see a man afraid of them, they will eagerly pursue him, but on the contrary, if they be assaulted, they will shun him; having eaten the body of a man, they will weep over the head, but in fine, eat the head also: thence came the Proverb, Crocodile tears: Feigned tears in such manner she doth with me; let me entreat her what I please, still she's quite contrary to it, having made many protestations against it, and having let many a tear by the reason of it, at length is contented and receives it; from whence I affirm, women's tears are but seigned tears: but hoping to see her better resomed, I'll follow her. Exit. ACT. iu. SCAEN. I. PERCO, GRECEANA. Per. MAdam, give car. Gre. Sir, vex me not. Your words are like Arrows headed with steel, directed only to wound my heart. Per. Why fairest one? think but what enjoyments thou shalt receive at thy impartial sacred Decree. Gre. Enjoyments will be turned to curses at that day; if't be with you to spend the Prime and the first Blossom of my youth, and suffer all to be exhausted by the hot influence of that most loathsome and consuming lust, to find those things that therein's hid, and likewise those that are forbid. Per. Remember for what cause those things to you were given, not to keep always, or to be smothered with the unhappy Nurse Chastity, but to be employed upon the like resemblance, and to produce the real substance of material joy. Gre. Persuade me to it. But I'll have caution of what I take in hand, to spend those things that be errevocable, and that with prodigality; no. Per. ne'er follow such vain cogitations, but reflect yourself into this climate, wherein I shall lead you, and happily leave you: What profit doth there flow from hidden Treasure, but only to feed the insatiate miser's eye, when if it were put to some use, it might increase its substance, and enrich the owner: Such youth and nature's bounty, that receive again from the expense; but were there none but mere Damage, yet the pleasure of't, and the delight, would recompense the loss. Gre. What e'er the pleasure be, or the delight, I am too young, not plumed for such Affright. Per. Too young! I like you better; there is a price due to the early Cherry, the first Apples deserve most grace; the budding Rose is set by, but stolen and fully blown, is left for vulgars' to rub their sweaty fingers on? Too young! as well you may affirm the tender Twig too young to graced upon, or you may say the rising Sun's too young to court the day. Gre. I see you are obstinate, therefore I mean to answer you no more, but take my leave. Exit Greceana. Per. Go happily. I now perceive words composed of wind are but a flying substance, not able to carry the efficacy of acting, to preserve vain hope and lose the treasure; but some other way must be invented, which in short time I'll produce: No time henceforth there shall be spent, But make her know I thus ambent, Those things to do, and them up-stir Which are as yet unknown to her. Exit Perco. ACT. iu. SCAEN. II. NESTO, Pudd. Nest. COME honest Pudd, I'll undertake to manage that business thou hast in hand. Pud. I shall be shamed face when I see my poor Crecea, thinking how I shall stumble at the splendent lustre of her orient Cheeks. Nest. Her eyes you mean. Pud. Eyes and Cheeks are all one. Nest. 'Tis true, to you. Pud. I, and to you. Nest. Believe me, it were a kind of profanation to make doubt of the contrary. Pud. How happy am I then in such acquaintance? a man shall have his due when your meaner Society hath neither judgement to discern, nor credit to commend it: but may I take your word? will you be true if I should take up the Lance of Law and wrestle with Crecea. Nest. Nay, there's no man in the earth more liberal, take it upon my word— Pud. Your word? Nest. I have not any thing in the world more dear or precious in my esteem, which I will not most willingly part with upon the least summons of thee my friend. Pud. Well said, my Boy; thy Mistress and my Master are together for a season, and why may not we be together, and court our Mistresses at our pleasure? Exit Pudd. Nest. Hasten about thy business, I'll attend thee. I will see now what lies in my poor judgement here to do, & turn this Fool into an ass, which if it take effect, it may produce laughter both unto me, and likewise to his Master. Exit. ACT. iu. SCAEN III. EUPHRATES, Drosanus. Eup. UNfortunate Euphrates! therefore unfortunate because Euphrates! Was it not sufficient to behold the fire and warm thee, but with 〈◊〉 thou must kiss the fire and burn thee? Oh Greceana! Greceana! Art must yield to Nature; Reason to Appetite; Wisdom to Affection: can Pygmalion entreat by savour to have his Ivory turned into Flesh, and cannot Euphrates obtain by plaints to have the Picture of his Love changed to life? What Pygmalion? what Pyrgoteles? or what Lysippus is he that ever made thy face so fair, or spread thy same so far as I? But alas! she is the Paramsur to a Courtier; Perco the great hath both her body and affection; for what is it that Courtiers cannot obtain by prayers, threats, & promises? Will she not think it better to sit under the cloth of State like a Queen, then in a poor House like a housewife? Yes, yes, Euphrates; thou mayest swim against the Stream with a Crab, feed against the wind with the Deer, and pick against the steel with the Cockatrice: Stars are to be looked at, not reached at; Courtiers to be yielded to, not contented with Greceana to be honoured, not obtained; for she is the only pattern of that Eternity which Jupiter dreamed a sleep, could not conceive again waking: But the feeding Canker of my care, the never dying worm 〈◊〉 my heart, is to be killed by counsel, not cries; by applying of remedies, not by replying of reasons: And sigh in cases desperate there must be used Medicines that are extreme, I will hazard that little life that is left to restore the greater part that is lost: And this shall be my first practice, for Will must work where Authority is not; as soon as Perco has made his Oration, and declared what he intends to speak, I will by device pierce his heart by some strange Weapon, that by that means I may speak with her, and utter my love, and die with denial, as conceal it, and live with despair. Enter Drosanus. Dros. Why so melancholy? Eup. Faith not well; troubled with some affairs. Dros. Be patiented, time may work a period to them, and you may sit crowned with laurel, and relate the story with helexity of those painful hours you have spent in pursuit after her. Eup. Those days would be golden ones to me. Dros. Fear not. Come let us retire to our Lodgings, to morrow they will be here, at which time we'll meet'em. Exit Drosanus. Eup I'll follow. Cupid and my Greceana played Sings. At Cards for Kisses, Cupid paid; He stakes his Quiver, Bow and Arrows, His mother's Dove and Team of Sparrows, Loses them too, and down he throws The Coral of his Lips, the Rose Growing on his Cheek, but none knows how, With these the crystal of his Brow: And then the dimple of his chin, All these did my Greceana win. At last he set her both his Eyes, She won, and Cupid blind did rise. Oh how has she done this to thee! What shall alas become of me! Exit. ACT. iu. SCAEN. iv Perco, Greceana. Per. PRincely Lady, how unworthy am I to employ my services in honour of your virtues! how hopeless my desires are to enjoy your rare opinion, and muchless your love, are only matters of despair, unless you give large warrant to my boldness, my feeble-winged Ambition— Gre. My Lord, I interrupt you not. Per. Oft have I turned the Lesson of my sorrow to sweeten discord and enrich your pity, but all in vain; there had my comforts sunk, & near rise again to hear the story of the despairing Lover, had not now, even now, your ingenuous disposition— Grece. Come, out with it. Per. After some fit disputes of our condition betwixt your Highness and my lowness, gave consent, which did embolden, then encourage my faltering tongue. Gre. How's that? how? I give consent to your fond fancies leading, which is more pernicious than that under Tongues of Asps, which is most deadly and emidicable? Per. Though not your hand with your body, Madam, yet your affection, with disposition, (as I understand) gave licence. Gre. It shall not need my Lord; you are a servant, pleading by the privilege of Nature; though I might command, my care shall only conceal what it hath not forced: I can but make one choice, and it is made ere this. Per. To whom? Gre. Euphrates.. Ties of Marriage are Tenors not of will, but during life; I want skill to choose without directions of example in this Land; for which I daily learn, by how much more you take upon you the roughness of a Courtier, by so much more I am engaged to fly from you, by the reason of the duty I own to Euphrates, for respects of Birth, degrees of Title, and advancement; I nor admire, nor slight them; all my study shall ever aim at this perfection, only to live and die so, that you may see in any course of mine, I still remain in constancy until the thread of Life be cut by Fates. Per. Madam, remember yourself. Gre. It is decreed we must yield to Fate, whose angry Justice though it threaten ruin, contempt, and poverty, is all but trial of a weak woman's constancy in suffering; here in a strangers and a eminent hand forsaken, and unfurnished of all hopes, but such as wait on misery, I range to meet affliction whereso ere I tread my train; and pomp of servants is reduced to none but rough jailers and most sad imprisoners; yet yield I not my Lord to them. Manet. ACT. iu. SCAEN. V Euphrates, Drosanus. Per. SEeing no persuasions will prevail, nor once move thy indurable heart, some other means must be invented, which in short time I'll produce; in this same Garden here shall be erected the unhappy Gibbet of thy Fate: Seeing no persuasions will prevail with thee, there thou shalt hang even for thy constancy. Grece. The churless brow of War (my Lord) is a sight of horror for Lady's entertainment; if thou hearst a truth of my sad ending by the hand of some unnatural subject, thou with all shall hear how I died worthy of my right by falling like a constant Virgin; and in my close, which my last breath shall sound, Euphrates thou comeliest, shall sing a Requiem to my soul, unwilling only of great glory, cause divided from such a Heaven on Earth, as life with thee. Eup. I hear she still remembers me; though out of sight, yet not out of mind; shall I make known myself, and by the force of us two, relieve her from that tyrant's hand? Dros No, by no means; I'll devise a plot that with a little patience things best becoming our minds it may to us produce. Eup. Let's hear't. Dros. While he his Mistress there is courting, I in the same manner will him counterfeit in courting you; and not able of myself, perceiving to my entreats, yet you give leave, will to him moan make; but why should I relate it any further, let me alone, I will it accomplish. Eup. Then manage it. Dros. Else I will for my bold attempt suffer what your pleasure is ready to give sentence. Per. If you to my love will yield, you shall enjoy the sweetness of liberty and favour, and sleep securely; and is not this now better then to befit the hangman's clutches, which certainly you shall do if yield you'll not, or to buy the cordage of a tough Halter, which will break your neck? Be no longer constant, but yield, and hope for pardon. Eup. Oh▪ step to him, else he'll mischief her. Dros. Be patiented, sir. Gre. For pardon! hold thy heartstrings, whiles contempt of injuries in scorn may bid defiance to thee and base foul Language: Thou poor vermin! how darest thou creep so near me? thou a Lord! nay, thou a slave▪ why, thou enjoyest as much of happiness as all the sling of slight ambition flew at; a dunghill was thy Cradle; so a Puddle by virtue of the sun's beams, breathes a vapour to infect the pure air, which drops again into the muddy Womb that first exhales it; bread, and a slavish ease, with some assurance from the Beadles Whip, crowned all thy happiness: But let all the world, as all to whom I am this day a spectacle, time to deliver by tradition six posterities without another Chronicle then truth; lion, constantly my resolutions suffered. Per. What man is he that would suffer himself to be thus abused? I will no longer expect Executioner, but play his part myself now in his absence; I, poor Vermine, darest thou creep so near? no longer then shall mercy hold this hand, or Love be overswayer of this Weapon; I'll end thy life. He draws his sword Eup. Oh! step to him, I wish now my women's clothes were off. Dros. Sir, no injury to women do; for that case is mine, though to you unknown; the passages of you two Lovers I have seen, which if't you'd minded, might in like case have perceived mine: Therefore give leave, and yield to nature; be more miserable, for I shall never endure to see such havoc with dry eyes: Speak, speak the fair Lady. Eup. Sir, let us two Virgins taste your bounty, and both your mercies in this, that at a time of night so late, a place so private as this Garden is, to spare the lives of both us two, and grant that both your valours shall encounter, and upon whom that fortune please to smile, shall make his choice of our two Wills, Bodies, and Affections, and you both covert a liberal grace: Grant to my entreaties a happy reply. Dros. To you I yield. Per. In like manner I intent if this same Lady she be pleased Gre. I am. Times have their changes, sorrows make men wise; The Sun itself must set as well as rise. Dros. To morrow then I'll meet you in the Castle Yard, where I'm resolved death or life there to receive. Per. There then of youl'le wait in expectation. Exeunt Perco, Grecean. Eup. Since I this motion here have made, instead of you will meet him there myself. Dros. Will you? Eup. Myself I will because I may send his ever boiling blood into the air to breed strange vapours. Dros. You are resolved? Eup. I am. Exeunt, Euphrates, Drosanus. ACT. V. SCAEN. I. Euphrates, Drosanus. Eup. THE Act is done. Dros. And no blemish thereby you received? Eup. None; great thanks to Jove I give for this most dangerous Encounter there by me performed, and limiting out my life thus far, to be revenged of him that always desired hate▪ Go fetch Greceana in, take upon you the victory, and challenge your demand. Dros. I shall do any thing wherein I may perform my duty I to you there owe. Exit Drosanus, and returns again with Greceana. Dros. Ladies, both of you my Enterprises are, and only by the strength of this poor mortal Arm, which many Herculean Blows hath undergone, which hath been for no other cause but this, That I amongst your servants may be numbered one; but since it hath been the ingenuous disposition of your birth to grant to him, whosoever Fortune gave the victory should enjoy his choice, therefore whatsoever I make, or service soe'er I do, it is to you. Gre. To me, my Lord? Dros. I, to you, and no other person, Madam. Eup. Am I then cast off my Lord? 'Tis no matter, I shall undergo it with as much ease as power doth able me. Gre. I am in that case worse than ever I was; before I was most miserable, but now no misery is to be conceived in comparison of this; seeing my Lord it is my unhappy, or happy Fortune, (I do not know how to term it as yet) to be yours by Lot, not by Consent, I shall desire to know of what A●ian and Nation your valour is descended. Dros. To name my Predecessors to this day, of whose atoms the structure of this body of mine doth consist, it were a thing too too superfluous; but my Father was a German, of a Noble Blood, and of which Nation I proceed. Gre. A German, that's my native soil, and in which endures the Diadems of my wishes. Eup. Are you of that Country? Gre. I. Eup. Blessed is my soul thus happily to be led amongst my friends, but thinking to have been foes: Madam, in what part? for travellers are somewhat quisitive. Gre. From the Court. Eup. Still happiness doth abound. Dros. We both fair one, from thence doth take our course, and not in any place in which we came as yet did take abode until with wished prosperity we were cast upon this experiential happy Land, in whose bowels I have you found, which causeth my future trouble to be now present pleasure Gre. I'm glad of that; but further I'll you examine; There was a person when I there did live, descended of noble blood, Euphrates by his Name, who was a subject to his Majesty, and in great favour with him, if you did know. Eup. We did, Madam. Gre. Is he alive, or dead? Eup. His never dying deeds are still alive; for his valiant acts are such as they'll never be in that Nation out of memory extirpated, but doth daily show themselves more glorious in their colours; but for his Body, Person, and his virtues, hath sung a Requies to Elysium, where all the bodies of good men doth lie. Dros. I, for certain Madam, he is dead Gre. Dead! She falls into a swoon. Eup. Oh Heavens, and all your influence▪ do your Justice here upon this body of mine, in doing this unnatural act to try a woman's constancy: Oh my Dear! he's living, still living to do thee service, and I am the man; no breath she still receives: Come blow you Eastern Winds, and all you four Points join here in one to make a prosperous Gale, that by the virtue of that sweet structure, it may breathe some life to my dying Love; wherein I may relate my folly in doing this unto her: Oh joyful sight! she breaths; hold her up! give her more air! it's I, it's I Euphrates thy dear friend, and lo, I strip me from my Woman. Clothes, in which I was disguised from thee, here did undertake this voyage for no other cause but to relieve thee from this bondage of tyrannising Monsters; it was I that killed Perco thy deadly Foe, and he that was in thy sight I know most heinous: Speak my Dear, speak, if not, I die with thee; therefore from this most hellish torment speak and relieve me; I know I'm guilty, and 'twas my folly in doing this, therefore am dutiful to obey the sentence of what Justice you command; here I lie down at thy feet, thy kind Euphrates in his love, but unkind in doing this. Gre. Rise, rise, thou happiest of all men in my sight; I have passed some silent time in a slumbering swoon, which for the love of thee was no other cause. Eup. I know't full well, and am ashamed to live, to hear how basely I have unto thee done. Gre. No words of it, but let this word be last, The joy doth countervail the sorrow past. Dros. Then let that pass, I'm guilty as well as you; fear lest we trench upon vain time too much, and here stand prattling until it hath uptript our lingering heels. Eup. 'Tis true; but I shall ne'er be my own man again, thinking how basely I did deal with her: Come fair Greceana, let's not longer stay upon this unknown ground, but haste away to our native Country. Gre. I am ready to obey, and rejoice to hear the motion. Exeunt omnes. ACT. V. SCAEN. II. Nesto, Pudd, Crecia. Nest. SHe's a coming, see you manage it. Pud. Fear not, let me alone, I'll warrant thee Lad: Oh my pretty little Minks! art thou come? here I am in expectation of thee. Crece. Are you the man of valour that would speak with me. Pud. I am the man of valour, and only valour itself that would speak with thee. Nest. Mrs. He is a man of unknown parts, excellent in birth, and of an undaunted courage. Crece. Is he so? by his show he should be none of these, for he hath a foolish look. Pud. Nay, Mrs. I'm the valorous Gentleman that ever Nation bred; for not long since in streets where I was walking, met with two Constables which charged me with felony, saying I had killed a man▪ but to say truth, I was in that quarrel, where I had my head beaten as soft as a football, upon which I had died if I had not been valorous; and then my courage rising, I took one of the footmen there standing by, a deadly blow, running most nimbly away, and throwing over two children that there stood; was not this valour? Crece. I know not what you count valour, sir. Pud. Why, I count all my deeds valour; nay, and besides at that time I was so basely cut, that I run under the Table, where perchance (saving your presence) my Breech stuck out, upon which I had such a blow that I limp over since; come Nesto, joul my head and this Post together, and see whether I can endure it or no with courage. Nest. I know you are valorous, but I'll try. Pud. With all my heart— Harder— nay harder still— still— Oh! oh! so no more— nay, no more— no more— hold— Do you see now, pretty Sparrow, how I can undergo it. Crece. Excellent, but your Band stands wrong. Pud. Nay, It is my face stands wrong; but I'll use myself no more to this foolish fashion. Nest. Now thou holds thy face crooked. Pud. That's because I would have an eye in my— Crece. Out you beastly, bawdy, blockish, and most nasty fellow; you a man of valour, you a man of Clouts; look how every joint of his frail body quivers. Pud. It is singing pricksong. Crece. I'll prick thy Skin full of eyelet Holes. Exit Crecia. Pud. Nay, is she gone? I'm glad of it; is this your brave Mistress that should be my Wife, that every word will by't off my Nose, and every stroke will punch my Skin full of eyelet Holes? I was never in such a dirty case in all days of my life; I am up to the ears in my own dung. Nest. Avaunt; out you nasty Bare; come along with me. Pud. To my Aunts! oh! by no means to my Aunts; I would not have her know for a Cow. Nest. I say, Avaunt. Pud. Avaunt, nay then I'll go along with you, if you'll be sure to purge me clean, and whip me sound that I may so no more do. Exeunt Pud, Nesto. ACT. V. SCAEN. III. Thropheus, Fercor. Thro. I Understand it well that you would be in matrimony with my poor Girl, Medea. Fer. 'Tis true, I have been tossed by Sea and Land to unknown ground, where never habitants was, still none to me that I can find more pleasing to me then Medea; she sits like Sol, bewrayed with Stars most bright, lighting with her stellation the most tenebrosious place of fercors' heart, and I the only spectator not daring to presume to be an Actor, doth pine with despair. Thro. Take you great courage, not daunt your valorous spirit, though you have been my servant, of my poor will now Master is, therefore I'll fetch her, and see what her stout mind will yield unto. Exit Thropheus, and enters again with Medea. ACT. V. SCAEN. iv Thropheus, Fercor, Medea. Thro. YOU must, you must. Med. Father, forbear, I cannot. Fer. Madam, may it please your goodness to honour my affections so far, as to adorn me with the salutation of your hand. Med. What, sure instead of professing Navigation, you are turned Courtier, a mere bundle of compliments; I take it for an affront, and my spirit will digest no rude affronts; though I be a Woman by Nature, yet hath a manly courage to disdain you. Thro. Despise not his affection. Med. Father, if you did know how I do loath the sight of this man, I am persuaded than you would no further me urge; I cannot give him one good word, muchless one pleasing look, or with him dissemble in the Climate of Affection. Fer. Madam, if your frail mind unto one of these particulars will yield, I hope you will not shut me so far out of memory, but I to have so much privilege in your affection, as to beautify myself with the real Badge of your smiles, and to be reckoned amongst the honoured company of your servants. Med. Certainly the man doth rave; let him go to bed and have more sleep, and I hope he will be more himself. Thro. Nay, take your choice, if you do make him your byword, not yielding to his entreats, be sure yourself whensoe'er your Petition comes to my ear, it shall not once pierce my mind. Med. Euphrates is the man whom you very well know that ever since I knew the force of love's Weapons, hath imbalmed him up to be the only carper of the Blossoms of my Virginity. Fer But say Euphrates should be engaged to that only Paramour of Virgins, Greceana by name, than I hope some other should be the happy Extorser of your youth prime. Thro. What answer you? Med. That he should. Manet. ACT. V. SCAEN. V Euphrates, Greceana, Hermon, Drosanus, Thropheus, Fercor, Medea, Nesto, Puad. Eup. AFter so many storms as Wind and Seas have threatened to our weatherbeaten ship, at last sweet fairest we are safely arrived on our dear mother's earth; ungrateful only to heaven and us, in yielding not before our happy arrival! How farest thou my Dearest yet? Grece. Confirmed in health, by which I may better undergo the roughest face of change; but I shall learn patience to hope, since silence courts affection for comforts to this truly noble Gentleman, rare exampled pattern of a friend. Dros. I wait but as the shadow to the body; for, Madam, without you let me be nothing▪ Eup. Though she hath cost me many a redouning blow in fetching her to this her native Land, yet without licence of a father's will, I will be— Her. Question not my liberality, my only son, my only dear and and joy; I here embrace thee, likewise wishing thee to embrace Greceana for the sake of me; enjoy her, and take her. Eup. Father your bounty in granting to your child his desire is not to be paralleled; therefore when bright Sol descends his fiery Trigion into the more concavity of the Earth; or pale Cynthia traces about her Orb; then shall you by real aspect confirm us to be man and wife. Her. I rejoice to hear it. Thro. Medea, now behold he is gone, whom you thought always had been sure; therefore be no more thus obstinate, but bend your mind to his affection. Med. Certainly it was ne'er decreed by Fate or Fortune for him and me to be once, made one. Eup. Come then my dearest, thou and I'll be gone, I hope thus far in my own opinion; For now you embrace virginity, For to embrace wedlock for perpetuity. Grece. My duty still stand obedient to your will, not daring to resist, nor can without breaking a solemn oath: Therefore your pleasure is a command for me to obey with great gratitude, thinking to me an immense beatitude. Pud. Would I's behangd it was a dangerous business I took in hand; for standing, sitting, lying, and tumbling, I believe ne'er a Jack-pudding in town will do it. Nest. Thy reason Pudd. Pudd. Ha', ha', ha', I have neither sense nor reason; ha', ha', ha': Stay mess yonder comes my Master; I will go salute him with a rare sentence only of my own brains invention; Oh how my tongue now warbles in my mouth to think of 't! Blue leu leu leu. Nest. Go, go, thou art not mad; why loyterest thou? Pudd. Master— Eup. What then? Pudd. I am here— Eup. Art thou alive? Pudd. Still for you to beat— Eup. Me to beat? Pudd. Me into good service. Eup. Thou shalt be my man while man I keep, Seeing how faithfully I thee have beat. Pudd. I have been in study ever since you were gone, in Sciences of invaluble worth, and hath profited very little Grece Name some of those, I desire to hear him talk. Eup. What are they? Pud. Nandivigation, Astronimation, Mucinification, Fidlication, and Lutination; Do you understahd me Master, if please your worship? Eup: Very well and excellent. Pudd: I am versed but little yet, hoping to be better: Thro': Give over musing, I will thee interrupt, give me my answer: Med▪ Father, what your indulgent clemency thinks most convenient for my youth and person, I am ready to give ear: Thro': My mind is to have Fercor: Med. Parents must have their wills, and children must obey; therefore compelled, Fercor I am thine. Fer: Gladly received thou art: Come all you Hloy Sisters Muses nine, Unto our Nuptials and us combine, With solemns most sure ne'er to be broke, With hanous crimes, or vanished in a smoke; For she's the North-Pole to which all stars doth bend, And I the Ursa minor doth on her attend. FINIS. EPILOGUE. WIth tragic sights this Play it doth begin, But afterwards with mirth it sought to win, From thence to joy; and not long after It did produce us Love, with some small laughter; Seeing it ended in a loving Q●u, Even so I hope it is with us and you.