THE BIRTH OF MERLIN: OR, The Child hath found his Father. As it hath been several times Acted with great Applause. Written by William Shakespeare, and William Rowley.  
Placere cupio.  
LONDON: Printed by Tho. johnson for Francis Kirkman, and Henry Marsh, and are to be sold at the PRINCE's Arms in Chancery-Lane. 1662.   

Drammatis Personae.  The Scene Britain. 

AVrelius, King of Britain.  
Vortiger, King of Britain.  
Uter Pendragon the Prince, Brother to Aurelius.  
Donobert a Nobleman, and Father to Constantia and Modestia.  
The Earl of Gloster, and Father to Edwin.  
Edoll Earl of Chester, and General to King Aurelius  
Cador Earl of Cornwall, and Suitor to Constantia  
Edwin, Son to the Earl of Gloster, and Suitor to Modestia  
Toclio and Oswald, two Noblemen  
Merlin the Prophet  
Anselm the Hermit, after Bishop of Winchester.  
Clown, brother to Joan, mother of Merlin  
Sir Nichodemus Nothing, a Courtier  
The Devil, father of Merlin  
Ostorius, the Saxon General  
Octa, a Saxon Nobleman  
Proximus, a Saxon Magician  
Two Bishops  
Two Saxon Lords  
Two of Edol's Captains  
Two Gentlemen  
A little Antic Spirit  
Artesia, Sister to Ostorius the Saxon General  
Constantia and Modestia Daughters to Donobert  
Joan go-to't, Mother of Merlin  
A Waiting-woman to Artesia  
Lucina, Queen of the Shades.    
The BIRTH of MERLIN: OR, The Child hath found his Father.  

ACTUS. I.  Enter Donobert, Gloster, Cador, Edwin, Constantia, and Modestia. Cador 
YOu teach me language, sir, as one that knows the Debt of Love I owe unto their Virtues, wherein like a true Courtier I have fed myself with hope of fair Success, and now attend your wished consent to my long Suit.  Dono. 
Believe me, youthful Lord, time could not give an opportunity more fitting your desires, always provided my daughter's love be suited with my Grant.  Cador. 
'Tis the condition sir, her Promise sealed.  Dono. 
Is't so, Constantia?  Constan. 
I was content to give him words for oaths, he swore so oft he loved me.  Dono. 
That thou believest him?  Const. 
He is a man I hope.  Dono. 
That's in the trial Girl.  Const. 
However I am a woman, sir.  Dono. 
The Law's on thy side then, shalt have a Husband, ay, and a worthy one: Take her brave Cornwall, and make our happiness great as our wishes.  Cador. 
Sir, I thank you.  Glost. 
Double the fortunes of the day, my Lord, and crown my wishes too: I have a son here, who in my absence would protest no less unto your other Daughter.  Dono. 
Ha Gloster, is it so? what says Lord Edwin? will she protest as much to thee?  Edwin. 
Else must she want some of her sister's faith, Sir.  Modesta. 
Of her credulity much rather, Sir: My Lord, you are a Soldier, and methinks the height of that Profession should diminish all heat of love's desires, being so late employed in blood and ruin.  Edwin. 
The more my Conscience ties me to repair the world's losses in a new succession.  Modest. 
Necessity it seems ties your affections then, and at that rate I would unwillingly be thrust upon you, a wife is a dish soon cloys, sir.  Edwin. 
Weak and diseased appetites it may.  Modest. 
Most of your making have dull stomachs sir.  Dono. 
If that be all Girl, thou shalt quicken him, be kind to him  Modesta: 
Noble Edwin, let it suffice what's mine in her, speaks yours;  
For her consent, let your fair suit go on,  
She is a woman sir, and will be won.  Enter Toclio. Edwin. 
You give me comfort sir.  Dono. 
Now Toclio.  Toclio. 
The King, my honoured Lords, requires your presence, and calls a Council for return of answer unto the parling enemy, whose Ambassadors are on the way to Court.  Dono. 
So suddenly, Chester it seems has plied them hard at war, they sue so fast for peace, which by my advice they ne'er shall have, unless they leave the Realm. Come noble Gloster, let's attend the King, it lies sir in your Son to do me pleasure, and save the charges of a Wedding Dinner,  
If you'll make haste to end your Love affairs,  
One cost may give discharge to both my cares.  Exit Dono. Glost. Edwin. 
I'll do my best.  Cador. 
Now Toclio, what stirring news at Court?  Toclio. 
Oh my Lord, the Court's all filled with rumor, the City with news, and the Country with wonder, and all the bells i'th' Kingdom must proclaim it, we have a new Holiday a coming.  Consta. 
A holiday! for whom? for thee?  Toclio. 
Me, Madam! 'sfoot I'd be loath that any man should make a holiday for me yet: In brief 'tis thus, there's here arrived at Court, sent by the Earl of Chester to the King, a man of rare esteem for holiness, a reverent Hermit, that by miracle not only saved our army, but without aid of man o'erthrew the pagan Host, and with such wonder sir, as might confirm a Kingdom to his faith.  Edwin. 
This is strange news indeed, where is he?  Toclio. 
In conference with the King that much respects him.  Modest. 
Trust me, I long to see him.  Toclio. 
Faith you will find no great pleasure in him, for aught that I can see Lady, they say he is half a Prophet too, would he could tell me any news of the lost Prince, there's twenty Talents offered to him that finds him.  Cador. 
Such news was breeding in the morning.  Toclio. 
And now it has birth and life sir, if fortune bless me I'll once more search those woods where then we lost him, I know not yet what fate may follow me.  Exit. Cador. 
Fortune go with you sir, come fair Mistress, your Sister and Lord Edwin are in game, and all their wits at stake to win the Set.  Consta. 
My sister has the hand yet, we had best leave them,  
She will be out anon as well as I,  
He wants but cunning to put in a die.  Exit Cador. Constan. Edwin. 
You are a cunning Gamester, Madam.  Modest. 
It is a desperate Game indeed this Marriage, where there's no winning without loss to either.  Edwin. 
Why, what but your perfection noble Lady, can bar the worthiness of this my suit? if so you please I count my happiness, from difficult obtaining, you shall see my duty and observance.  Modest. 
There shall be place to neither, noble sir, I do beseech you let this mild Reply give answer to your suit, for here I vow if e'er I change my Virgin name by you, it gains or loses.  Edwin. 
My wishes have their crown.  Modest. 
Let them confine you then, as to my promise, you give faith and credence?  Edwin. 
In your command my willing absence speaks it.  Exit. Modest. 
Noble and virtuous: could I dream of Marriage, I should affect thee Edwin: oh my soul, here's something tells me that these best of creatures, these models of the world, weak man and woman, should have their souls, their making, life, and being, to some more excellent use: if what the sense calls pleasure were our ends, we might justly blame great nature's wisdom, who reared a building of so much art and beauty to entertain a guest so far incertain, so imperfect: if only speech distinguish us from beasts, who know no inequality of birth or place, but still to fly from goodness: oh, how base were life at such a rate! no, no, that power that gave to man his being, speech, and wisdom, gave it for thankfulness: To him alone that  
Made me thus, may I whence truly know,  
I'll pay to him, not man, the love I owe.  Exit. Flourish Cornets. Enter Aurelius King of Britain, Donobert, Gloster, Cador, Edwin, Toclio, Oswold, and Attendants. Aurelius. 
No tiding of our brother yet? 'Tis strange, so ne'er the Court, and in our own Land too, and yet no news of him: oh this loss tempers the sweetness of our happy conquests, with much untimely sorrow.  Dono. 
Royal sir, his safety being unquestioned, should to time leave the redress of sorrow, were he dead, or taken by the foe, our fatal loss had wanted no quick Herald to disclose it.  Aurelius. 
That hope alone sustains me, nor will we be so ingrateful unto heaven to question what we fear, with what we enjoy. Is answer of our message yet returned from that religious man, the holy Hermit, sent by the Earl of Chester to confirm us in that miraculous act? For 'twas no less, our Army being in rout, nay, quite o'erthrown, as Chester writes; even than this holy man armed with his cross and staff, went smiling on, and boldly fronts the foe; at sight of whom the Saxons stood amazed: for to their seeming, above the Hermit head appeared such brightness, such clear and glorious beams as if our men marched all in fire, wherewith the Pagans fled, and by our troops were all to death pursued.  Glost. 
'Tis full of wonder sir.  Aurel. 
Oh Gloster, he's a jewelworth a Kingdom: where's Oswold with his answer?  Oswold. 
'Tis here my Royal Lord.  Aurel. 
In writing, will he not sit with us?  Oswo. 
His Orisons performed, he bade me say he would attend with all submission.  Aurel. 
Proceed to council then, and let some give order, the Ambassadors being come, to take our answer, they have admittance. Oswold, Toclio, be it your charge: and now my Lords, observe the holy council of this reverend Hermit: [reads ]As you respect your safety, limit not that only power that hath protected you, trust not an open enemy too far,  
He's yet a looser; and knows you have won,  
Mischiefs not ended, are but then begun.  Anselm the Hermit. Dono. 
Powerful and pithy, which my advice confirms, no man leaves physic when his sickness slakes, but doubles the receipts: the word of Peace seems fair to bloodshot eyes; but being applied with such a medicine as blinds all the sight, argues desire of Cure, but not of Art.  Aurel. 
You argue from defects, if both the name, and the condition of the Peace be one, it is to be preferred, and in the offer made by the Saxon, I see nought repugnant.  Glost. 
The time of Truce required for thirty days, carries suspicion in it, since half that space will serve to strength their weakened Regiment.  Cador. 
Who in less time will undertake to free our Country from them.  Edwin. 
Leave that unto our fortune.  Dono. 
Is not our bold, and hopeful General still Master of the field, their Legions fallen, the rest entrenched for fear, half starved, and wounded, and shall we now give o'er our fair advantage? force heaven, my Lord, the danger is far more, in trusting to their words, then to their weapons.  Enter Oswold. Oswold. 
The Ambassadors are come sir.  Aurel. 
Conduct them in, we are resolved my Lords, since policy failed in the beginning, it shall have no hand in the conclusion, that heavenly power that hath so well begun their fatal overthrow I know can end it, from which fair hope, myself will give them answer.  Flourish Cornets. Enter Artesia with the Saxon Lords. Dono. 
What's here, a woman Orator?  Aurel. 
Peace Donobert, speak, what are you Lady?  Artes. 
The sister of the Saxon General, warlike Ostorius the East Anglese King, my name Artesia, who in terms of love brings peace and health to great Aurelius, wishing she may return as fair a present as she makes tender of.  Aurel. 
The fairest present e'er mine eyes were blessed with, command a chair there for this Saxon Beauty: sit Lady, we'll confer: your warlike brother sues for a peace, you say?  Artes. 
With endless love unto your State and Person.  Aurel. 
Has sent a moving Orator believe me, what thinkst thou Donobert?  Dono. 
Believe me sir, were I but young again this gilded pill might take my stomach quickly.  Aurel. 
True, thou art old, how soon we do forget our own defects. Fair damsel, oh my tongue turns Traitor, and will betray my heart, sister to our enemy: 's death her beauty mazes me, I cannot speak if I but look on her, what's that we did conclude?  Dono. 
This Royal Lord.  Aurel. 
Pish, thou canst not utter it: fairest of creatures, tell the King your Brother that we in love, ha! and honour to our Country, command his Armies to depart our Realm, but if you please fair soul-Lord Donobert, deliver you our pleasure.  Dono. 
I shall sir, Lady return, and certify your brother.  Aurel. 
Thou art too blunt, and rude, return so soon, fie, let her stay, and send some messenger to certify our pleasure.  Dono. 
What means your Grace?  Aurel. 
To give her time of rest to her long Journey, we would not willingly be thought uncivil.  Artes. 
Great King of Britain, let it not seem strange to embrace the Princely Offers of a friend,  
Whose virtues with thine own, in fairest merit  
Both States in Peace and Love may now inherit.  Aurel. 
She speaks of Love again, sure 'tis my fear, she knows I do not hate her.  Artes. 
Be then thyself most great Aurelius, and let not envy, nor a deeper sin in these thy Councillors, deprive thy goodness of that fair honour, we in seeking peace, give first to thee, who never use to sue but force our wishes, yet if this seem light, oh let my sex, though worthless your respect, take the report of thy humanity,  
Whose mild and virtuous life loud fame displays,  
As being o'ercome by one so worthy praise.  Aurel. 
She has an angel's tongue, speak still.  Dono. 
This flattery is gross sir, hear no more on't, Lady, these childish compliments are needless, you have your answer, and believe it, Madam, his Grace, though young, doth wear within his breast too grave a Councillor to be seduced by smoothing flattery, or oily words.  Artes. 
I come not sir, to woo him.  Dono. 
'Twere folly if you should, you must not wed him, shame take thy tongue, being old and weak thyself, thou dotest, and looking on thine own defects, speak'st what thou'dst wish in me, do I command the deeds of others, mine own act not free?  
Be pleased to smile or frown, we respect neither,  
My will and rule shall stand and fall together.  
Most fair Artesia, see the King descends to give thee welcome with these warlike Saxons, and now on equal terms both sues and grants, in stead of Truce, let a perpetual League seal our united bloods in holy marriage, send the East Angles King this happy news, that thou with me hast made a League for ever, and added to his state a friend and brother: speak dearest Love, dare you confirm this Title?  Artes. 
I were no woman to deny a good so high and noble to my fame and Country.  Aurel. 
Live then a Queen in Britain.  Glost. 
He means to marry her.  Dono. 
Death! he shall marry the devil first, marry a Pagan, an Idolater.  Cador. 
He has won her quickly.  Edwin. 
She was wooed afore she came sure, or came of purpose to conclude the Match.  Aurel. 
Who dares oppose our will? my Lord of Gloster, be you Ambassador unto our Brother, the Brother of our Queen Artesia, tell him for such our entertainment looks him, our marriage adding to the happiness,  
Of our intended joys, man's good or ill,  
In this like waves agree, come double still,  Enter Hermit. 
Who's this, the Hermit? Welcome my happiness, our country's hope, most reverent holy man, I wanted but thy blessing to make perfect the infinite sum of my felicity.  Hermit. 
Alack sweet Prince, that happiness is yonder,  
Felicity and thou art far asunder,  
this world can never give it.  Aurel. 
Thou art deceived, see here what I have found, Beauty, Alliance, Peace, and strength of Friends, all in this all exceeding excellence, the League's confirmed.  Hermit. 
With whom, dear Lord?  Aurel. 
With the great Brother of this Beauteous woman, the Royal Saxon King.  Hermit. 
Oh then I see, and fear thou art too near thy misery, what magic could so link thee to this mischief by all the good that thou hast reaped by me, stand further from destruction.  Aurel. 
Speak as a man, and I shall hope to obey thee.  Hermit. 
Idolaters get hence, fond King, let go,  
Thou hug'st thy ruin, and thy country's woe.  Dono. 
Well spoke old Father, too him, bait him soundly, now by heavens blessed Lady, I can scarce keep patience.  1 Saxon Lord. 
What devil is this?  2 Saxon Lord. 
That cursed Christian, by whose hellish charms our army was o'erthrown.  Hermit. 
Why do you dally sir? oh tempt not heaven, warm not a serpent in your naked bosom, discharge them from your Court.  Aurel. 
Thou speak'st like madness, command the frozen shepherd to the shade, when he sits warm i'th' Sun, the fever sick to add more heat unto his burning pain, these may obey, 'tis less extremity than thou enjoin'st to me: cast but thine eye upon this beauty, do it, I'll forgive thee, though jealousy in others finds no pardon, then say thou dost not love me, I shall then swear thouart immortal, and no earthly man, oh blame then my mortality; not me.  Hermit. 
It is thy weakness brings thy misery, unhappy Prince.  Aurel. 
Be milder in thy doom.  Hermit. 
'Tis you that must endure heaven's doom, which fallen, remember's just.  Artes. 
Thou shalt not live to see it: how fares my Lord? If my poor presence breed dislike, great Prince, I am no such neglected soul, will seek to tie you to your word.  Aurel. 
My word dear Love, may my Religion, Crown, State, and Kingdom fail, when I fail thee, command Earl Chester to break up the camp, without disturbance to our Saxon friends, send every hour swift posts to hasten on the King her Brother, to conclude this League, this endless happy Peace of Love and Marriage, till when provide for Revels, and give charge that nought be wanting, which make our Triumphs  
Sportful and free to all, if such fair blood  Exit all but Hermit. 
Engender ill, man must not look for good.  flourish. Enter Modestia reading in a book. Modesta. 
How much the oft report of this blessed Hermit, hath won on my desires; I must behold him, and sure this should be he, oh the world's folly, proud earth and dust, how low a price bears goodness, all that should make man absolute, shines in him: much reverent Sir, may I without offence give interruption to your holy thoughts?  Hermit. 
What would you Lady?  Modest. 
That which now ne'er found a language in me, I am in love.  Her. 
In Love, with what?  Modest. 
With virtue?  Her. 
There's no blame in that.  Modest. 
Nay sir, with you?  
With your Religious Life? Your Virtue, Goodness, if there be a name to express affection greater, that, that would I learn and utter: Reverent Sir, if there be any thing to bar my suit, be charitable and expose it, your prayers are the same Orisons, which I will number. Holy Sir, keep not instruction back from willingness, possess me of that knowledge leads you on to this humility, for well I know were greatness good, you would not live so low.  Her. 
Are you a Virgin?  Modest. 
Yes Sir?  Her. 
Your name?  Modest. 
Modesta?  Her. 
Your name and virtues meet, a Modest Virgin, live ever in the sanctimonious way to Heaven and Happiness, there's goodness in you, I must instruct you further; come look up, behold yond firmament, there sits a power, whose footstool is this earth, oh learn this lesson,  
And practise it, he that will climb so high,  
Must leave no joy beneath, to move his eye.  Exit. Modest. 
I apprehend you sir, on Heaven I fix my love,  
Earth gives us grief, our joys are all above,  
For this was man in innocence naked born,  
To show us wealth hinders our sweet return.  Exit.  

ACTUS II.  Enter Clown, and his Sister great with child. Clown. 
AWay, follow me no further, I am none of thy brother, what with Child, great with Child, and knows not whose's the Father on't, I am ashamed to call thee Sister.  Ioan. 
Believe me Brother, he was a Gentleman.  Clown. 
Nay, I believe that, he gives arms, and legs too, and has made you the Herald to blaze 'em, but joan, joan, sister joan, can you tell me his name that did it: how shall we call my Cousin, your bastard, when we have it?  Ioan. 
Alas, I know not the Gentleman's name Brother, I met him in these woods, the last great hunting, he was so kind and proffered me so much, as I had not the heart to ask him more.  Clown. 
Not his name, why this shows your Country breeding now, had you been brought up i'th' City, you'd have got a Father first, and the child afterwards: hast thou no marks to know him by.  Ioan. 
He had most rich Attire, a fair Hat and Feather, a gilt Sword, and most excellent Hangers.  Clown. 
Pox on his Hangers, would he had been gelt for his labour.  Ioan. 
Had you but heard him swear you would have thought.  Clown. 
I as you did, swearing and lying goes together still, did his Oaths get you with Child, we shall have a roaring Boy then i'faith, well sister, I must leave you.  Ioan. 
Dear Brother stay, help me to find him out, I'll ask no further.  Clown. 
'Sfoot who should I find? who should I ask for?  Ioan. 
Alas I know not, he uses in these woods, and these are witness of his oaths and promise.  Clown. 
We are like to have a hot suit on't, when our best witness's but a Knight o'th' Post.  Ioan. 
Do but inquire this Forest, I'll go with you, some happy fate may guide us till we meet him.  Clown. 
Meet him, and what name shall we have for him, when we weet him? 'Sfoot thou neither know'st him, nor canst tell what to call him, was ever man tired with such a business, to have a sister got with child, and know not who did it; well, you shall see him, I'll do my best for you, I'll make Proclamation, if these Woods and Trees, as you say, will bear any witness, let them answer; Oh yes: If there be any man that wants a name, will come in for conscience sake, and acknowledge himself to be a whoremaster, he shall have that laid to his charge in an hour, he shall not be rid on in an age; if he have Lands, he shall have an heir, if he have patience, he shall have a wife, if he have neither Lands nor patience, he shall have a whore, so ho boy, so ho, so, so.  Within Prince Uter. 
So, ho, by, so, ho, illo ho, illo ho.  Clown. 
Hark, hark sister, there's one hollows to us, what a wicked world's this, a man cannot so soon name a whore but a knave comes presently, and see where he is, stand close a while, sister.  Enter Prince Uter. Prince. 
How like a voice that Echo spoke, but oh my thoughts are lost for ever in amazement, could I but meet a man to tell her beauties, these trees would bend their tops to kiss the air, that from my lips should give her praises up.  Clown. 
He talks of a woman, sister.  Ioan. 
This may be he, brother.  Clown. 
View him well, you see he has a fair Sword, but his hangers are fallen.  Prince. 
Here did I see her first, here view her beauty, oh had I known her name, I had been happy.  Clown. 
Sister this is he sure, he knows not thy name neither, a couple of wise fools i'faith, to get children and know not one another.  Prince. 
You weeping leaves, upon whose tender cheeks doth stand a flood of tears at my complaint, and heard my vows and oaths.  Clown. 
la, Law, he has been a great swearer too, 'tis he sister.  Prince. 
For having overtook her, as I have seen a forward bloodhound, strip the swifter of the cry ready to seize his wished hopes, upon the sudden view struck with astonishment at his arrived prey, instead of seizure stands at fearful bay,  
Or like to Marius' soldiers, who o'ertook  
The eye sight killing Gorgon at one look,  
Made everlasting stand: so feared my power  
Whose cloud aspired the Sun, dissolved a shower:  
Pygmalion, than I tasted thy sad fate, whose Ivory picture, and my fair were one, our dotage past imagination, I saw and felt desire.  Clown. 
Pox a your fingering, did he feel sister?  Prince. 
But enjoyed now, oh fate, thou hadst thy days and nights to feed,  
Or calm affection, one poor sight was all,  
Converts my pleasure to perpetual thrall,  
Embracing thine, thou lostest breath and desire,  
So I relating mine, will here expire,  
For here I vow to you mournful plants  
Who were the first made happy by her fame,  
Never to part hence, till I know her name.  Clown. 
Give me thy hand sister, The Child has found his Father, this is he sure, as I am a man, had I been a woman these kind words would have won me, I should have had a great belly too that's certain; well, I'll speak to him: most honest and fleshly minded Gentleman, give me your hand sir.  Prince. 
Ha, what art thou, that thus rude and boldly, darest take notice of a wretch so much allied to misery as I am?  Clown. 
Nay, Sir, for our alliance, I shall be found to be a poor brother in Law of your worships, the Gentlewoman you spoke on, is my sister, you see what a clew she spreads, her name is joan Go-to't, I am her elder, but she has been at it before me: 'tis a woman's fault, pox a this bashfulness, come forward jug, prithee speak to him.  Prince. 
Have you e'er seen me Lady?  Clown. 
Seen ye, ha, ha, It seems she has felt you too, here's a young Go-to't a coming sir, she is my sister, we all love to Go-to't, as well as your worship, she's a Maid yet, but you may make her a wife, when you please sir.  Prince. 
I am amazed with wonder: Tell me woman, what sin have you committed worthy this?  Ioan. 
Do you not know me sir?  Prince. 
Know thee! as I do thunder, hell, and mischief, witch, stallion, hag.  Clown. 
I see he will marry her, he speaks so like a husband.  Prince. 
Death, I will cut their tongues out for this blasphemy, strumpet, villain, where have you ever seen me?  Clown. 
Speak for yourself with a pox to ye.  Prince. 
Slaves, I'll make you curse yourselves for this temptation.  Ioan. 
Oh sir, if ever you did speak to me, it was in smoother phrase, in fairer language.  Prince. 
Lightning consume me, if I ever saw thee, my rage o'erflows my blood, all patience flies me.  Beats her. Clown. 
Hold I beseech you sir, I have nothing to say to you.  Ioan. 
Help, help, murder, murder.  Enter Toclio, and Oswold. Toclio. 
Make haste Sir, this way the sound came, it was a wood.  Oswold. 
See where she is, and the Prince, the price of all our wishes.  Clown. 
The Prince say ye, has made a poor Subject of me I am sure.  Toclio. 
Sweet Prince, noble Uter, speak, how fare you sir?  Oswold. 
Dear sir, recall yourself, your fearful absence hath won too much already on the grief of our sad King, from whom our laboring search hath had this fair success in meeting you.  Tolico. 
His silence, and his looks argue distraction.  Clown. 
Nay, he's mad sure, he will not acknowledge my sister, nor the child neither.  Oswold. 
Let us entreat your Grace along with us, your sight will bring new life, to the King your Brother.  Toclio. 
Will you go sir?  Prince. 
Yes, any whether, guide me, all's hell I see,  
Man may change air, but not his misery.  Exit Prince Toclio. Ioan. 
Lend me one word with you, sir.  Clown. 
Well said sister, he has a Feather, and fair Hangers too, this may be he.  Oswold. 
What would you fair one.  Clown. 
Sure I have seen you in these woods ere this?  Oswold. 
Trust me never, I never saw this place, till at this time my friend conducted me.  Ioan. 
The more's my sorrow then.  Oswold. 
Would I could comfort you: I am a Bachelor, but it seems you have a husband, you have been foully o'ershot else.  Clown. 
A woman's fault, we are all subject to go to't, sir.  Enter Toclio. Toclio. 
Oswold away, the Prince will not stir a foot without you.  Oswold. 
I am coming, farewell woman.  Toclio. 
Prithee make haste.  Ioan. 
Good sir, but one word with you ere you leave us.  Toclio. 
With me fair soul?  Clown. 
she'll have a fling at him too, the Child must have a Father.  Ioan. 
Have you ne'er seen me sir?  Toclio. 
Seen thee, 'Sfoot I have seen many fair faces in my time, prithee look up, and do not weep so, sure pretty wanton, I have seen this face before.  Ioan. 
It is enough, though your ne'er see me more.  sinks down. Toclio. 
'Sfoot she's fallen, this place is enchanted sure, look to the woman fellow.  Exit. Clown. 
Oh she's dead! she's dead, as you are a man stay and help, sir: joan, joan, sister joan, why joan Go too't I say, will you cast away yourself, and your child, and me too, what do you mean, sister?  Ioan. 
Oh give me pardon sir, 'twas too much joy oppressed my loving thoughts, I know you were too noble to deny me, ha! Where is he?  Clown. 
Who, the Gentleman? he's gone sister.  Ioan. 
Oh! I am und one then, run, tell him I did but faint for joy, dear brother haste, why dost thou stay? oh never cease, till he give answer to thee.  Clown. 
He: which he? what do you call him trow?  Ioan. 
Unnatural brother, show me the path he took, why dost thou dally? speak, oh, which way went he?  Clown. 
This way, that way, through the bushes there.  Ioan. 
Were it through fire, the Journey's easy, winged with sweet desire.  Exit. Clown. 
hay day, there's some hope of this yet, I'll follow her for kindred's sake, if she miss of her purpose now, she'll challenge all she finds I see, for if ever we meet with a two legged creature in the whole Kingdom, the Child shall have a Father that's certain.  Exit. Loud Music. Enter two with the Sword and Mace, Cador, Edwin, two Bishops, Aurelius, Ostorius leading Artesia Crowned, Constancia, Modestia, Octa, Proximus a Magician, Donobert, Gloster, Oswold, Toclio, all pass over the Stage. Manet Donobert, Gloster, Edwin, Cador. Dono. 
Come Gloster, I do not like this hasty Marriage.  Gloster. 
She was quickly wooed and won, not six days since arrived an enemy to sue for Peace, and now crowned Queen of Britain, this is strange.  Dono. 
Her brother too made as quick speed in coming, leaving his Saxons, and his starved Troops, to take the advantage whilst 'twas offered, fore heaven I fear the King's too credulous, our Army is discharged too.  Gloster. 
Yes, and our General commanded home, Son Edwin have you seen him since?  Edwin. 
He's come to Court, but will not view the presence, nor speak unto the King, he's so discontent at this so strange alliance with the Saxon, as nothing can persuade his patience.  Cador. 
You know his humour will endure no check, no if the King oppose it, all crosses feeds both his spleen, and his impatience, those affections are in him like powder, apt to inflame with every little spark, and blow up all his reason.  Gloster. 
Edol of Chester is a noble Soldier.  Dono. 
So is he by the Rood, ever most faithful to the King and Kingdom, howe'er his passions guide him.  Enter Edoll with Captain. Cador. 
See where he comes, my Lord.  Omnes. 
Welcome to Court, brave Earl.  Edol. 
Do not deceive me by your flatteries: Is not the Saxon here? the League confirmed? the Marriage ratified? the Court divided with Pagan Infidels? the least part Christians, at least in their Commands? Oh the gods! it is a thought that takes away my sleep, and dulls my senses so I scarcely know you: Prepare my horses, I'll away to Chester.  Capt. 
What shall we do with our Companies, my Lord?  Edol. 
Keep them at home to increase Cuckolds, and get some Cases for your Captainships, smooth up your brows, the wars has spoiled your faces, and few will now regard you.  Dono. 
Preserve your patience, Sir.  Edol. 
Preserve your Honours, Lords, your country's Safety, your Lives, and Lands from strangers: what black devil could so bewitch the King, so to discharge a Royal Army in the height of conquest? nay, even already made victorious, to give such credit to an enemy, a starved foe, a straggling fugitive, beaten beneath our feet, so love dejected, so servile, and so base, as hope of life had won them all, to leave the Land for ever?  Dono. 
It was the king's will.  Edol. 
It was your want of wisdom, that should have laid before his tender youth, the dangers of a State, where foreign Powers bandy for Sovereignty with Lawful Kings, who being settled once, to assure themselves, will never fail to seek the blood and life of all competitors.  Dono. 
Your words sound well my Lord, and point at safety, both for the Realm and us, but why did you within whose power it lay, as General, with full Commission to dispose the war, lend ear to parley with the weakened foe?  Edol. 
Oh the good Gods!  Cador. 
And on that parley came this Embassy.  Edol. 
You will hear me.  Edwin. 
Your letters did declare it to the King, both of the Peace, and all Conditions brought by this Saxon Lady, whose fond love has thus be witched him.  Edol. 
I will curse you all as black as hell, unless you hear me, your gross mistake would make wisdom herself run madding through the streets, and quarrel with her shadow, death! why killed ye not that woman?  Dono. Glost. 
Oh my Lord.  Edol. 
The great devil take me quick, had I been by, and all the women of the world were barren, she should have died ere he had married her on these conditions.  Cador. 
It is not reason that directs you thus.  Edol. 
Then have I none, for all I have directs me, never was man so palpably abused, so basely marred, bought and sold to scorn, my Honour, Fame, and hopeful Victories, the loss of Time, Expenses, Blood and Fortunes, all vanished into nothing.  Edwin. 
This rage is vain my Lord, what the King does, nor they, nor you can help.  Edol. 
My Sword must fail me then.  Cador. 
'Gainst whom will you expose it?  Edol. 
What's that to you, 'gainst all the devils in hell to guard my country.  Edwin. 
These are airy words.  Edol. 
Sir, you tread too hard upon my patience.  Edwin. 
I speak the duty of a subject's faith, and say again had your been here in presence,  
What the King did, you had not dared to cross it,  Edol. 
I will trample on his Life and Soul that says it.  Cador. 
My Lord.  Edwin. 
Come, come.  Edol. 
Now before heaven.  Cador. 
Dear sir.  Edol. 
Not dare? thou liest beneath thy lungs.  Gloster. 
No more son Edwin.  Edwin. 
I have done sir, I take my leave.  Edol. 
But thou shall not, you shall take no leave of me Sir.  Dono. 
For wisdom's sake my Lord.  Edol. 
Sir, I'll leave him, and you, and all of you, the Court and King, and let my Sword, and friends, shuffle for Edol's safety: stay you here, and hug the Saxons, till they cut your throats, or bring the Land to servile slavery, such yokes of baseness, Chester must not suffer,  
Go, and repent betimes these foul misdeeds,  
For in this League, all our whole Kingdom bleeds,  
which I'll prevent, or perish.  Glost. 
See how his rage transports him!  Exit Edol. Capt. Cador. 
These passions set apart, a braver soldier breathes not i' th' world this day.  Dono. 
I wish his own worth do not court his ruin.  
The King must Rule, and we must learn to obey,  
True virtue shall direct the noble way.  Loud Music. Enter Aurelius, Artesia, Ostorius, Octa, Proximus, Artesia Oswold, Hermit. Auret. 
Why is the Court so dull? methinks each room, and angle of our Palace should appear stuck full of objects fit for mirth and triumphs, to show our high content. Oswold fill wine, must we begin the Revels? be it so then, reach me the cup: I'll now begin a Health to our loved Queen, the bright Artesia, the Royal Saxon King, our warlike brother, go and command all the whole Court to pledge it, fill to the Hermit there; most reverent Anselm, we'll do thee Honour first, to pledge my Queen.  Her. 
I drink no healths great King, and if I did, I would be loath to part with health, to those that have no power to give it back again.  Aurel. 
Mistake not, it is the argument of Love and Duty to our Queen and us.  Artes. 
But he owes none it seems.  Her. 
I do to virtue Madam, temperate minds covets that health to drink, which nature gives in every spring to man, he that doth hold  
His body, but a Tenement at will  
Bestows no cost, but to repair what's ill,  
Yet if your healths or heat of Wine, fair Princes,  
Could this old frame, or these crazed limbs restore,  
Or keep out death, or sickness, then fill more,  
I'll make fresh way for appetite, if no,  
On such a prodigal who would wealth bestow?  Ostorius. 
He speaks not like a guest to grace a wedding.  Enter Toclio. Artes. 
No sir, but like an envious imposter.  Octa. 
A Christian slave, a cynic.  Ostor. 
What virtue could decline your Kingly spirit, to such respect of him whose magic spells met with your vanquished Troops, and turned your Arms to that necessity of fight, which the despair of any hope to stand but by his charms, had been defeated in a bloody conquest?  Octa. 
'Twas magic, hell-bred magic did it sir, and that's a course my Lord, which we esteem in all our Saxon Wars, unto the last and lowest ebb of service treachery.  Aurel. 
Sure you are deceived, it was the hand of heaven, that in his virtue gave us victory, is there a power in man that can strike fear through a general camp, or create spirits, in recreant bosoms above present sense?  Ostor. 
To blind the sense there may with apparition of well armed troops within themselves are air, formed into humane shapes, and such that day were by that Sorcerer raised to cross our fortunes.  Aurel. 
There is a law tells us, that words want force to make deeds void, examples must be shown by instances alike, ere I believe it.  Ostor. 
'Tis easily performed, believe me sir, propose your own desires, and give but way to what our Magic here shall straight perform, and then let his or our deserts be censured.  Aurel. 
We could not wish a greater happiness, then what this satisfaction brings with it, let him proceed, fair brother.  Ostor. 
He shall sir, come learned Proximus, this task be thine, let thy great charms confound the opinion this Christian by his spells hath falsely won.  Prox. 
Great King, propound your wishes then, what persons, of what State, what numbers, or how armed, please your own thoughts, they shall appear before you.  Aurel. 
Strange art! what thinkst thou reverent Hermit?  Her. 
Let him go on sir.  Aurel. 
Wilt thou behold his cunning?  Her. 
Right gladly sir, it will be my joy to tell,  
That I was here to laugh at him and hell.  Aurel. 
I like thy confidence.  Artes. 
His saucy impudence, proceed toth' trial.  Prox. 
Speak your desires my Lord, and be it placed in any angle underneath the Moon, the centre of the Earth, the Sea, the Air, the region of the fire, nay hell itself, and I'll present it.  Aurel. 
we'll have no sight so fearful, only this, if all thy art can reach it, show me here the two great Champions of the Trojan War, Achilles and brave Hector, our great Ancestor, both in their warlike habits, Armour, Shields, and Weapons then in use for fight.  Prox. 
'Tis done, my Lord, command a halt and silence, as each man will respect his life or danger.  Armel, Plesgeth. Enter Spirit. 
Quid vis?  Prox. 
Attend me.  Aurel. 
The Apparition comes, on our displeasure let all keep place and silence.  Within Drums beat Marches. Enter Proximus bringing in Hector attired and armed after the Trojan manner, with Target, Sword, and Battle-ax, a Trumpet before him, and a Spirit in flame colours with a Torch; at the other door Achilles with his Spear and Falchion, a Trumpet and a Spirit in black before him; Trumpets sound alarm, and they manage their weapons to begin the Fight: and after some Charges, the Hermit steps between them, at which seeming, amazed the spirits, and tremble. Thunder within. Prox. 
What means this stay, bright Armel, Plosgoth? why fear you and fall back? renew the Alarms, and enforce the Combat, or hell or darkness circles you for ever  Arm. 
We dare not.  Prox. 
Ha!  Plesgeth. 
Our charms are all dissolved, Armel away,  
'Tis worse than hell to us, whilst here we stay.  Exit all. Her. 
What! at a Nonplus fit? command them back for shame.  Prox. 
What power o'er-awes my Spell! return you Hellhounds: Armel, Plesgeth, double damnation seize you, by all the Infernal powers, the prince of devils is in this Hermit's habit, what else could force my Spirits quake or tremble thus?  Her. 
Weak argument to hide your want of skill: does the devil fear the devil, or war with hell? they have not been acquainted long it seems. Know misbelieving Pagan, even that Power  
That overthrew your Forces, still lets you see,  
He only can control both hell and thee.  Prox. 
disgrace and mischief, I'll enforce new charms, new spells, and spirits raised from the low Abyss of hell's unbottomed depths.  Aurel. 
We have enough sir, give o'er your charms, we'll find some other time to praise your Art. I dare not but acknowledge that heavenly Power my heart stands witness to: be not dismayed my Lords, at this disaster, nor thou my fairest Queen: we'll change the Scene to some more pleasing sports. Lead to your Chamber,  
however in this thy pleasures find a cross,  
Our joy's too fixed here to suffer loss.  Toclio. 
Which I shall add to sir, with news I bring: The Prince your Brother, lives.  Aurel. 
Ha!  Toclio. 
And comes to grace this high and heaven-knit Marriage  Aurel. 
Why dost thou flatter me, to make me think such happiness attends me?  Enter Prince Uter and Oswold. Toclio 
His presence speaks my truth, sir.  Dono. 
Force me, .  Glost. . 
 Aurel. 
 Artes. 
 Prince. 
saw her, captived my senses, and thus many months barred me from all society of men: how came she to this place, brother Aurelius? Speak that angel's name, her heaven-blessed name, oh speak it quickly Sir.  Aurel. 
It is Artesia, the Royal Saxon Princess.  Prince. 
A woman, and no Deity: no feigned shape, to mock the reason of admiring sense, on whom a hope as low as mine may live, love, and enjoy, dear Brother, may it not?  Aurel. 
She is all the Good, or Virtue thou canst name, my Wife, my Queen.  Prince. 
Ha! your wife!  Artes. 
Which you shall find sir, if that time and fortune may make my love but worthy of your trial.  Prince. 
Oh!  Aurel. 
What troubles you, dear Brother? Why with so strange and fixed an eye dost thou behold my Joys?  Artes. 
You are not well, sir.  Prince. 
Yes, yes, oh you immortal powers, why has poor man so many entrances for sorrow to creep in at, when our sense is much too weak to hold his happiness? Oh say I was born deaf: and let your silence confirm in me the knowing my defect, at least be charitable to conceal my sin, for hearing is no less in me, dear Brother.  Aurel. 
No more, I see thou art a Rival in the Joys of my high Bliss. Come my Artesia,  
The Day's most praised when 'tis eclipsed by Night,  
Great Good must have as great Ill opposite.  Prince. 
Stay, hear but a word; yet now I think on't,  
This is your Wedding-night, and were it mine,  
I should be angry with least loss of time.  Artes. 
Envy speaks no such words, has no such looks.  Prince. 
Sweet rest unto you both.  Aurel. 
Lights to our Nuptial Chamber.  Artes. 
Could you speak so, I would not fear how much my grief did grow.  Aurel. 
Lights to our Chamber, on, on, set on.  Exeunt. Manet Prince. Prince. 
Could you speak so, I would not fear how much my griefs did grow. Those were her very words, sure I am waking, she wrung me by the hand, and spoke them to me with a most passionate affection, perhaps she loves, and now repents her choice, in marriage with my brother; oh fond man, how darest thou trust thy traitor's thoughts, thus to betray thyself? 'twas but a waking dream wherein thou madest thy wishes speak, not her, in which thy foolish hopes strives to prolong  
A wretched being, so sickly children play  
With health-loved toys, which for a time delay,  
But do not cure the fit: be then a man,  
Meet that destruction which thou canst not fly  
From, not to live, make it thy best to die,  
And call her now, whom thou didst hope to wed,  
Thy brother's wife, thou art too ne'er a kin,  
And such an act above all name's a sin  
Not to be blotted out, heaven pardon me,  
She's banished from my bosom now for ever,  
To lowest ebbs, men justly hope a flood,  
When vice grows barren, all desires are good.  Enter Waiting Gentlewoman with a jewel. Gent. 
The noble Prince, I take it sir.  Prince. 
You speak me what I should be, Lady.  Gent. 
Know by that name sir, Queen Artesia greets you.  Prince. 
Alas good virtue, how is she mistaken.  Gent. 
Commending her affection in this Jewel, sir.  Prince. 
She binds my service to her: has a Jewel 'tis a fair one trust me, and methinks it much resembles something I have seen with her.  Gen. 
It is an artificial crab, Sir.  Prince. 
A creature that goes backward.  Gent. 
True, from the way it looks.  Prince. 
There is no moral in it alludes to herself?  Gent. 
'Tis your construction gives you that sir, she's a woman.  Prince. 
And like this, may use her legs, and eyes two several ways.  Gent. 
Just like the Sea-crab, which on the Mussel prays, whilst he bills at a stone.  Prince. 
Pretty in troth, prithee tell me, art thou honest?  Gent. 
I hope I seem no other, sir.  Prince. 
And those that seem so, are sometimes bad enough.  Gent. 
If they will accuse themselves for want of witness, let them, I am not so foolish.  Prince. 
I see thouart wise, come speak me truly, what is the greatest sin?  Gent. 
That which man never acted, what has been done Is as the least, common to all as one.  Prince. 
Dost think thy Lady is of thy opinion?  Gent. 
She's a bad Scholar else, I have brought her up, and she dares owe me still.  Prince. 
ay, 'tis a fault in greatness, they dare owe many ere they pay one, but darest thou expose thy scholar to my examining?  Gent. 
Yes in good troth sir, and pray put her to't too, 'tis a hard lesson if she answer it not.  Prince. 
Thou know'st the hardest.  Gent. 
As far as a woman may, sir.  Prince. 
I commend thy plainness, when wilt thou bring me to thy Lady?  Gent. 
Next opportunity I attend you, sir.  Prince. 
Thanks, take this, and commend me to her.  Gent. 
Think of your Sea-crab sir, I pray.  Exit. Prince. 
Oh by any means, Lady, what should all this tend to? if it be Love or Lust that thus incites her, the sin is horrid and incestuous; if to betray my life, what hopes she by it? Yes, it may be a practice twixt themselves, to expel the Britain's and ensure the State through our destructions, all this may be valid with a deeper reach in villainy, than all my thoughts can guess at, however  
I will confer with her, and if I find  
Lust hath given Life to Envy in her mind,  
I may prevent the danger; so men wise  
By the same step by which they fell, may rise.  
Vices are Virtues, if so thought and seen,  
And Trees with foulest roots, branch soonest green.  Exit.  

ACT. 3. SCENE 1.  Enter Clown and his Sister. Clown. 
COme sister, thou that art all fool, all madwoman.  Ioan. 
Prithee have patience, we are now at Court.  Clown. 
At Court! ha, ha, that proves thy madness, was there ever any woman in thy taking travelled to Court for a husband? 'slid, 'tis enough for them to get children, and the City to keep 'em, and the Country to find Nurses: every thing must be done in his due place, sister.  Ioan. 
Be but content a while, for sure I know this Journey will be happy. Oh dear brother, this night my sweet Friend came to comfort me, I saw him, and embraced him in mine arms.  Clown. 
Why did you not hold him, and call me to help you?  Ioan. 
Alas, I thought I had been with him still, but when I waked!  Clown. 
Ah pox of all loggerheads, than you were but in a Dream all this while, and we may still go look him: Well, since we are come to Court, cast your cat's eyes about you, and either find him out you dreamed on, or some other, for I'll trouble myself no further. Ent. Dono. Cador, Edw. & Toclio See, see, here comes more Courtiers, look about you, come, pray view 'em all well; the old man has none of the marks about him, the other have both Swords and Feathers: what thinkest thou of that tall young Gentleman?  Ioan. 
He much resembles him; but sure my friend, brother, was not so high of stature.  Clown. 
Oh beast, wast thou got a child with a short thing too?  Dono. 
Come, come, I'll hear no more on't: Go Lord Edwin, tell her this day her sister shall be married to Cador Earl of Cornwall, so shall she to thee brave Edwin, if she'll have my blessing.  Edwin. 
She is addicted to a single Life, she will not hear of Marriage.  Dono. 
Tush, fear it not: go you from me to her, use your best skill my Lord, and if you fail, I have a trick shall do it: haste, haste about it.  Edwin. 
Sir, I am gone, my hope is in your help more than my own.  Dono. 
And worthy Toclio, to your care I must commend this business, for Lights and Music, and what else is needful.  Toclio. 
I shall my Lord.  Clown. 
We would entreat a word sir, come forward sister.  Ex. Dono. Toc. Cador. Edwin. 
What lackest thou fellow?  Clown. 
I lack a father for a child, sir.  Edwin. 
How! a Godfather?  Clown. 
No sir, we mean the own father: it may be you sir, for any thing we know, I think the child is like you.  Edwin. 
Like me! prithee where is it?  Clown. 
Nay, 'tis not born yet sir, 'tis forth coming you see, the child must have a father: what do you think of my sister?  Edwin. 
Why I think if she ne'er had husband she's a whore, and thou a fool, farewell.  Exit. Clown. 
I thank you sir: well, pull up thy heart sister, if there be any Law i'th' Court this fellow shall father it, 'cause he uses me so scurvily. There's a great Wedding towards they say, we'll amongst them for a husband for thee.  Enter Sir Nicodemus with a Letter. 
If we miss there, I'll have another bout with him that abused me. Seel look, there comes another Hat and Feather, this should be a close Lecher, he's reading of a Love-letter.  Sir Nic. 
Earl Cador's Marriage, and a Masque to grace it, so, so. This night shall make me famous for Presentments. How now, what are you?  Clown. 
A couple of Great Britain's, you may see by our bellies, sir.  Sir Nic. 
And what of this sir?  Clown. 
Why thus the matter stands sir: There's one of your Courtiers Hunting Nags has made a Gap through another man's Enclosure. Now sir, here's the question, who should be at charge of a Fur-bush to stop it?  Sir Nic. 
Ha, ha, this is out of my element: the Law must end it.  Clown. 
Your Worship says well; for surely I think some Lawyer had a hand in the business, we have such a troublesome Issue.  Sir Nic. 
But what's thy business with me now?  Clown. 
Nay sir, the business is done already, you may see by my sister's belly.  Sir Nic. 
Oh, now I find thee, this Gentlewoman it seems has been humbled.  Clown. 
As low as the ground would give her leave sir, and your Worship knows this: though there be many fathers without children, yet to have a child without a father, were most unnatural.  Sir Nic. 
That's true i'faith, I never heard of a child yet that e'er begot his father.  Clown. 
Why true, you say wisely sir.  Sir Nic. 
And therefore I conclude, that he that got the child, is without all question the father of it.  Clown. 
ay, now you come to the matter sir: and our suit is to your Worship for the discovery of this father.  Sir Nic. 
Why, lives he in the Court here?  Ioan. 
Yes sir, and I desire but Marriage.  Sir Nic. 
And does the knave refuse it? Come, come, be merry wench, he shall marry thee, and keep the child too, if my Knighthood can do any thing; I am bound by mine Orders to help distressed Ladies, and can there be a greater injury to a woman with child, than to lack a father for't? I am ashamed of your simpleness: Come, come, give me a courtier's Fee for my pains, and I'll be thy Advocate myself, and justice shall be found, nay I'll sue the Law for it; but give me my Fee first.  Clown. 
If all the money I have i'th' world will do it, you shall have it sir.  Sir Nic. 
An Angel does it.  Clown. 
Nay there's two, for your better eye sight sir.  Sir Nic. 
Why well said: give me thy hand wench, I'll teach thee a trick for all this, shall get a father for thy child presently, and this it is, mark now: You meet a man, as you meet me now, thou claimest Marriage of me, and layest the child to my charge, I deny it: push, that's nothing, hold thy Claim fast, thy words carries it, and no Law can withstand it.  Clown. 
Is't possible?  Sir Nic. 
Past all opposition, her own word carries it, let her challenge any man, the child shall call him Father; there's a trick for your money now.  Clown. 
Troth Sir, we thank you, we'll make use of your trick, and go no further to seek the child a Father, for we challenge you Sir: sister lay it to him, he shall marry thee, I shall have a worshipful old man to my brother.  Sir Nic. 
Ha, ha, I like thy pleasantness,.  Ioan. 
Nay indeed Sir, I do challenge you.  Clown. 
You think we jest sir.  Sir Nic. 
I by my troth do I, I like thy wit i'faith, thou shalt live at Court with me, didst never here of Nicodemus Nothing? I am the man.  Clown. 
Nothing, 'slid we are out again, thou wast never got with child with nothing sure.  Ioan. 
I know not what to say.  Sir Nic. 
Never grieve wench, show me the man and process shall fly out.  Clown. 
'Tis enough for us to find the children, we look that you should find the Father, and therefore either do us justice, or we'll stand to our first challenge.  Sir Nic. 
Would you have justice without an Adversary, unless you can show me the man, I can do you no good in it.  Clown. 
Why then I hope you'll do us no harm sir, you'll restore my money.  Sir Nic. 
What, my Fee? marry Law forbid it, find out the party, and you shall have justice, your fault closed up, and all shall be amended, the Child his Father, and the Law ended.  Exit. Clown. 
Well, he has deserved his Fee indeed, for he has brought our suit to a quick end, I promise you, and yet the Child has never a Father; nor we have no more money to seek after him, a shame of all lecherous plackets; now you look like a Cat had newly kittened, what will you do now trow? Follow me no further, lest I beat your brains out.  Ioan. 
Impose upon me any punishment, rather than leave me now.  Clown. 
Well, I think I am bewitch with thee, I cannot find in my heart to forsake her, there was never sister would have abused a poor brother as thou hast done, I am even pined away with fretting, there's nothing but flesh and bones about me, well and I had my money again, it were some comfort, hark sister, Thunder. does it not thunder?  Ioan. 
Oh yes, most fearfully, what shall. we do brother?  Clown. 
Marry e'en get some shelter e'er the storm catch us: away, let's away I prithee.  Enter the Devil in man's habit, richly attired, his feet and his head horrid. Ioan. 
Ha, 'tis he, stay brother, dear brother stay.  Clown. 
What's the matter now?  Ioan. 
My love, my friend is come, yonder he goes.  Clown. 
Where, where, show me where, I'll stop him if the devil be not in him.  Ioan. 
Look there, look yonder, oh dear friend, pity my distress, for heaven and goodness do but speak to me.  Devil. 
She calls me, and yet drives me headlong from her,  
Poor mortal, thou and I are much uneven,  
Thou must not speak of goodness nor of heaven,  
if I confer with thee: but be of comfort, whilst men do breathe, and Britain's name be known,  
The fatal fruit thou bear'st within thy womb,  
Shall here be famous till the day of doom.  Clown. 
'Slid who's that talks so? I can see nobody.  Ioan. 
Then art thou blind, or mad, see where he goes, and beckons me to come, oh lead me forth, I'll follow thee in spite of fear or death.  Exit. Clown. 
Oh brave, she'll run to the devil for a husband, she's stark mad sure, and talks to a shadow, for I could see no substance: well, I'll after her, the child was got by chance, and the father must be found at all adventure.  Exit. Enter Hermit, Modesta, and Edwin. Modesta. 
Oh reverent sir, by you my heart hath reached at the large hopes of holy Piety, and for this I craved your company, Here in your sight religiously to vow,  
My chaste thoughts up to heaven, and make you now the witness of my faith.  Her. 
Angels assist thy hopes.  Edwin. 
What means my Love? thou art my promised wife.  Modest. 
To part with willingly what friends and life Can make no good assurance of.  Edwin. 
Oh find remorse, fair soul, to love and merit, and yet recant thy vow.  Modest. 
Never: this world and I are parted now for ever.  Her. 
To find the way to bliss, oh happy woman,  
thoust learned the hardest Lesson well I see,  
Now show thy fortitude and constancy,  
Let these thy friends thy sad departure weep,  
Thou shalt but lose the wealth thou couldst not keep,  
My contemplation calls me, I must leave ye,  Edwin. 
O reverent Sir, persuade not her to leave me,  Her. 
My Lord I do not, nor to cease to love ye,  
I only pray her faith may fixed stand.  
Marriage was blessed I know with heavens own hand.  Exit. Edwin. 
You hear him Lady, 'tis not a virgin's state but sanctity of life, must make you happy.  Modest. 
Good sir, you say you love me, gentle Edwin, even by that love I do beseech you leave me.  Edwin. 
Think of your father's tears, your weeping friends whom cruel grief makes pale and bloodless for you.  Modest. 
Would I were dead to all.  Edwin. 
Why do you weep?  Modest. 
Oh who would live to see  
How men with care and cost, seek misery.  Edwin. 
Why do you seek it then? What joy, what pleasure, can give you comfort in a single life?  Modest. 
The contemplation of a happy death, which is to me so pleasing that I think no torture could divert me: What's this world wherein you'd have me walk, but a sad passage to a dread Judgement-Seat, from whence even now we are but bailed, upon our good abearing, till that great Sessions come, when Death, the Crier, will surely summon us, and all to appear, to plead us guilty or our bail to clear: what music's this?  Soft Music. Enter two Bishops, Edwin, Donobert, Gloster, Cador, Constancia, Oswold, Toclio. Edwin. 
Oh now resolve and think upon my love, this sounds the Marriage of your beauteous sister, virtuous Constancia, with the noble Cador, look, and behold this pleasure.  Modest. 
Cover me with night,  
It is a vanity not worth the sight.  Dono. 
See, see, she's yonder, pass on son  Cador. 
Daughter Constancia, I beseech you all unless she first move speech, salute her not. Edwin what good success?  Edwin. 
Nothing as yet, unless this object take her.  Dono. 
See, see, her eye is fixed upon her sister, seem careless all, and take no notice of her: on afore there, come my Constancia.  Modest. 
Not speak to me, nor deign to cast an eye,  
To look on my despised poverty?  
I must be more charitable, pray stay Lady, are not you she whom I did once call sister?  Constan. 
I did acknowledge such a name to one whilst she was worthy of it, in whose folly  
Since you neglect your fame and friends together,  
In you I drowned a sister's name for ever.  Modest. 
Your looks did speak no less.  Glost. 
It now begins to work, this sight has moved her.  Dono. 
I know this trick would take, or nothing.  Modest. 
Though you disdain in me a sister's name, yet charity methinks should be so strong to instruct ere you reject, I am a wretch even folly's instance, who perhaps have erred, not having known the goodness bears so high and fair a show in you, which being expressed  
I may recant this low despised life,  
And please those friends whom I moved to grief.  Cador. 
She is coming i'faith, be merry Edwin.  Consta. 
Since you desire instruction you shall have it, what is't should make you thus desire to live vowed to a single life?  Modest. 
Because I know I cannot fly from death, oh my good sister, I beseech you hear me;  
This world is but a Masque, catching weak eyes,  
With what is not ourselves but our disguise,  
A Vizard that falls off, the Dance being done,  
And leaves Death's Glass for all to look upon,  
Our best happiness here, lasts but a night,  
Whose burning Tapers makes false Ware seem right;  
Who knows not this, and will not now provide  
Some better shift before his shame be spied,  
And knowing this vain world at last will leave him,  
Shake off these robes that help but to deceive him.  Const. 
Her words are powerful, I am amazed to hear her!  Dono. 
Her soul's enchanted with infected Spells.  
Leave her best Girl, for now in thee  
I'll seek the fruits of Age, Posterity.  
Out o'my sight, sure I was half asleep, or drunk, when I begot thee.  Const. 
Good sir forbear. What say you to that sister?  
The joy of children, a blessed Mother's Name!  
Oh who without much grief can lose such Fame?  Modest. 
Who can enjoy it without sorrow rather?  
And that most certain where the joy's unsure,  
Seeing the fruit that we beget endure  
So many miseries, that oft we pray  
The Heavens to shut up their afflicted day:  
At best we do but bring forth Heirs to die,  
And fill the Coffins of our enemy.  Const. 
Oh my soul.  Dono. 
Hear her no more Constantia, she's sure bewitched with Error, leave her Girl.  Const. 
Then must I leave all goodness sir: away, stand-off, I say.  Dono. 
How's this?  Const. 
I have no father, friend, no husband now, all are but borrowed robes, in which we mask to waste and spend the time, when all our Life is but one good betwixt two Ague-days, which from the first, ere we have time to praise, a second Fever takes us: Oh my best sister, my souls eternal friend, forgive the rashness of my distempered tongue, for how could she knew not herself, know thy felicity, from which worlds cannot now remove me.  Dono. 
Art thou mad too, fond woman? what's thy meaning?  Const. 
To seek eternal happiness in heaven, which all this world affords not.  Cador. 
Think of thy Vow, thou art my promised Wife.  Const. 
Pray trouble me no further.  Omnes. 
Strange alteration!  Cador. 
Why do you stand at gaze, you sacred Priests? you holy men be equal to the Gods, and consummate my Marriage with this woman.  Bishop. 
herself gives bar my Lord, to your desires, and our performance; 'tis against the Law and Orders of the Church to force a Marriage.  Cador. 
How am I wronged! was this your trick, my Lord?  Dono. 
I am abused past sufferance; grief and amazement strive which Sense of mine shall lose her being first; yet let me call thee Daughter.  Cador. 
Me, Wife.  Const. 
Your words are air, you speak of want, to wealth, And wish her sickness, newly raised to health.  Dono. 
Bewitched Girls, tempt not an old man's fury, that hath no strength to uphold his feeble age, but what your sights give life to, oh beware, and do not make me curse you.  
Kneel.  Modest. 
Dear father, here at your feet we kneel, grant us but this, that in your sight and hearing the good Hermit may plead our Cause; which if it shall not give such satisfaction as your Age desires, we will submit to you.  Const. 
You gave us life, save not our bodies, but our souls from death.  Dono. 
This gives some comfort yet: Rise with my blessings. Have patience, noble Cador, worthy Edwin, send for the Hermit that we may confer, for sure  
Religion ties you not to leave  
Your careful Father thus; if so it be,  
Take you content, and give all grief to me.  Exeunt. Thunder and lightning, Enter Devil. Devil. 
Mix light and darkness, earth and heaven dissolve, be of one piece again, and turn to Chaos, break all your works you powers, and spoil the world, or if you will maintain earth still, give way and life to this abortive birth now coming, whose fame shall add unto your Oracles. Lucina, Hecate, dreadful Queen of Night, bright Proserpine, be pleased for ceres' love, from stygian darkness, summon up the Fates,  
And in a moment bring them quickly hither,  
Lest death do vent her birth and her together,  Thunder 
Assist you spirits of infernal deeps, squint eyed Erichtho, midnight Incubus.  Enter Lucina, and the three Fates. 
Rise, rise to aid this birth prodigious. Thanks Hecate, hail sister to the Gods, there lies your way, haste with the Fates, and help, give quick dispatch unto her labouring throws, to bring this mixture of infernal seed, to humane being,  Exit Tates. 
And to beguile her pains, till back you come,  
Antics shall dance and Music fill the room.  Dance. Devil. 
Thanks Queen of Shades.  Lucina. 
Farewell, great servant to th'infernal King,  
In honour of this child, the Fates shall bring  
All their assisting powers of Knowledge, Arts,  
Learning, Wisdom, all the hidden parts  
Of all-admiring Prophecy, to foresee  
The event of times to come, his Art shall stand  
A wall of brass to guard the Britain Land,  
Even from this minute, all his Arts appears  
Manlike in Judgement, Person, State, and years,  
Upon his breast the Fates have fixed his name,  
And since his birth place war this forest here,  
They now have named him Merlin Silvester.  Devil. 
And Merlin's name in Britain shall live,  
Whilst men inhabit here, or Fates can give  
Power to amazing wonder, envy shall weep,  
And mischief sit and shake her ebon wings,  
Whilst all the world of Merlin's magic sings.  Exit. Enter Clown. Clown. 
Well, I wonder how my poor sister does, after all this thundering, I think she's dead, for I can hear no tidings of her, those woods yields small comfort for her, I could meet nothing but a swineherd's wife, keeping hogs by the Forest-side, but neither she nor none of her sows would stir a foot to help us; indeed I think she durst not trust herself amongst the trees with me, for I must needs confess I offered some kindness to her; well, I would fain know what's become of my sister, if she have brought me a young Cousin, his face may be a picture to find his Father by, so oh, sister joan, joan Go-to't, where art thou? Within joan. Here, here brother, stay but a while, I come to thee.  Clown. 
O brave, she's alive still, I know her voice, she speaks, and speaks cheerfully methinks, how now, what Mooncalf has she got with her?  Enter joan and Merlin with a Book. Ioan. 
Come my dear Merlin, why dost thou six thine eye so deeply on that book?  Merlin. 
To sound the depth of Arts, of Learning, Wisdom, Knowledge.  Ioan. 
Oh my dear, dear son, those studies fits thee when thou art a man.  Merlin. 
Why mother, I can be but half a man at best,  
And that is your mortality, the rest  
In me is spirit, 'tis not meat, nor time,  
That gives this growth and bigness, no, my years  
Shall be more strange than yet my birth appears,  
Look mother, there's my Uncle.  Ioan. 
How dost thou know him son, thou never sawst him?  Merlin. 
Yet I know him, and know the pains he has taken for ye, to find out my Father, give me your hand, good Uncle.  Clown. 
Ha, ha, I'd laugh at that i'faith, do you know me sir? Merlin, Yes, by the same token that even now you kissed the swineherds-wife 'i'th' woods, and would have done more, if she would have let you, Uncle.  Clown. 
A witch, a witch, a witch, sister: rid him out of your company, he is either a witch or a conjurer, he could never have known this else.  Ioan. 
Pray love him brother, he is my son.  Clown. 
Ha, ha, this is worse than all the rest i'faith, by his beard he is more like your husband: let me see, is your great belly gone?  Ioan. 
Yes, and this the happy fruit.  Clown. 
What, this artichoke? A Child born with a beard on his face?  Merlin. 
Yes, and strong legs to go, and teeth to eat.  Clown. 
You can nurse up yourself then? There's some charges saved for Soap and Candle, 'slid I have heard of some that has been born with teeth, but never none with such a talking tongue before?  Ioan. 
Come, come, you must use him kindly brother, did you but know his worth, you would make much of him.  Clown. 
Make much of a monkey? This is worse than Tom Thumb, that let a fart in his Mother's belly, a Child to speak, eat, and go the first hour of his birth, nay, such a Baby as had need of a Barber before he was born too; why sister this is monstrous, and shames all our kindred.  Ioan. 
That thus 'gainst nature and our common births, he comes thus furnished to salute the world, is power of Fates, and gift of his great father.  Clown. 
Why, of what profession is your father sir?  Merlin. 
He keeps a Hothouse i'th' Low Countries, will you see him sir?  Clown. 
See him, why sister has the child found his father?  Mer. 
Yes, and I'll fetch him Uncle.  Exit. Clown. 
Do not Uncle me, till I know your kindred, for my conscience some Baboon begot thee, surely thou art horribly deceived sister, this Urchin cannot be of thy breeding, I shall be ashamed to call him cousin, though his father be a Gentleman.  Enter Merlin and Devil. Merlin. 
Now my kind Uncle see;  
The Child has found his Father, this is he.  Clown. 
The devil it is, ha, ha, is this your sweetheart sister? have we run through the Country, haunted the City, and examined the Court to find out a Gallant with a Hat and Feather, and a silken Sword, and golden Hangers, and do you now bring me to a Ragamuffin with a face like a Frying-pan?  Ioan. 
Fie brother, you mistake, behold him better.  Clown. 
How's this? do you juggle with me, or are mine eyes matches? Hat and Feather, Sword, and Hangers and all, this is a Gallant indeed sister, this has all the marks of him we look for.  Devil. 
And you have found him now sir: give me your hand, I now must call you brother.  Clown. 
Not till you have married my sister, for all this while she's but your whore, sir.  Devil. 
Thou art too plain, I'll satisfy that wrong to her, and thee, and all, with liberal hand: come, why art thou fearful?  Clown. 
Nay I am not afraid, and you were the devil, sir.  Devil. 
Thou needst not, keep with thy sister still, and I'll supply your wants, you shall lack nothing that gold and wealth can purchase.  Clown. 
Thank you brother, we have gone many a weary step to find you; you may be a husband for a Lady, for you are far fetched and dear bought, I assure you: Pray how should I call your son, my cousin here?  Devil. 
His name is Merlin.  Clown. 
Merlin! Your hand, cousin Merlin, for your father's sake I accept you to my kindred: if you grow in all things as your Beard does, you will be talked on. By your Mother's side cousin, you come of the Go-too'ts, Suffolk bred, but our standing house is at Hocklye i'th' Hole, and Layton-buzzard. For your father, no doubt you may from him claim Titles of Worship, but I cannot describe it; I think his Ancestors came first from Hellbree in Wales, cousin.  Devil. 
No matter whence we do derive our Name,  
All Brittany shall ring of Merlin's fame,  
And wonder at his acts. Go hence to Wales,  
There live a while, there Vortiger the King  
Builds Castles and strong Holds, which cannot stand  
Unless supported by young Merlin's hand.  
There shall thy fame begin, Wars are a breeding.  
The Saxons practise Treason, yet unseen,  
Which shortly shall break out: Fair Love, farewell,  
Dear son and brother, here must I leave you all,  
Yet still I will be near at Merlin's call.  Exit. Mer. 
Will you go Uncle?  Clown. 
Yes, I'll follow you, cousin: well, I do most horribly begin to suspect my kindred; this brother in law of mine is the Devil sure, and though he hide his horns with his Hat and Feather, I spied his cloven foot for all his cunning.  Exit. Enter Ostorius, Octa, and Proximus. Ostor. 
Come, come, time calls our close Complots to action: go Proximus, with winged speed fly hence, hie thee to Wales, salute great Vortiger with these our Letters, bid the King to arms, tell him we have new friends, more Forces landed in Norfolk and Northumberland, bid him make haste to meet us; if he keep his word, we'll part the Realm between us.  Octa. 
Bend all thine Art to quit that late disgrace the Christian Hermit gave thee, make thy revenge both sure and home.  Prox. 
That thought sir, spurs me on, till I have wrought their swift destruction.  Exit. Ostor. 
Go then, and prosper. Octa, be vigilant: Speak, are the Forts possessed? the Guards made sure? Revolve I pray on how large consequence the bare event and sequel of our hopes jointly consists, that have embarked our lives upon the hazard of the least miscarriage.  Octa. 
All's sure, the Queen your sister hath contrived the cunning Plot so sure, as at an instant the Brothers shall be both surprised and taken.  Ostor. 
And both shall die, yet one a while must live, till we by him have gathered strength and power to meet bold Edol their stern General, that now contrary to the king's command, hath reunited all his cashiered Troops, and this way beats his drums to threaten us.  Octa. 
Then our Plot's discovered.  Ostor. 
Come, thouart a fool, his Army and his life is given unto us: where is the Queen, my sister?  Octa. 
In conference with the Prince.  Ostor. 
Bring the Guards nearer, all is fair and good, Their Conference I hope shall end in blood.  Exeunt. Enter Prince and Artesia. Artes. 
Come, come, you do but flatter, what you term Love, is but a Dream of blood, wakes with enjoying, and with open eyes forgot, contemned and lost.  Prince. 
I must be wary, her words are dangerous. True, we'll speak of Love no more then.  Artes. 
Nay, if you will you may,  
'Tis but in jest, and yet so children play  
With fiery flames, and covet what is bright,  
But feeling his effects, abhor the light.  
Pleasure is like a Building, the more high,  
The narrower still it grows, Cedars do die  
Soonest at top.  Prince. 
How does your instanced suit?  Artes. 
From Art and Nature to make sure the root,  
And lay a fast foundation, ere I try  
The incertain Changes of a wavering Sky.  
Make your example thus.— You have a kiss.— was it not pleasing?  Prince. 
Above all name to express it.  Artes. 
Yet now the pleasure's gone, and you have lost your joys possession.  Prince. 
Yet when you please this flood may ebb again.  Artes. 
But where it never ebbs, there runs the main.  Prince. 
Who can attain such hopes?  Artes. 
I'll show the way to it, give me a taste once more of what you may enjoy.  Kiss. Prince. 
Impudent whore! I were more false than Atheism can be, Should I not call this high felicity.  Artes. 
If I should trust your faith, alas I fear you soon would change belief.  Prince. 
I would covet Martyrdom to make't confirmed.  Artes. 
Give me your hand on that, you'll keep your word?  Prince. 
I will.  Artes. 
Enough: Help husband, king Aurelius, help, rescue betrayed Artesia.  Prince. 
Nay then 'tis I that am betrayed I see,  
Yet with thy blood I'll end thy Treachery.  Artes. 
How now! what troubles you? Is this you sir, that but even now would suffer Martyrdom to win your hopes, and is there now such terror in names of men to fright you? nay then I see what mettle you are made on.  Prince. 
Ha! was it but trial? than I ask your pardon: What a dull slave was I to be so fearful? I'll trust her now no more, yet try the utmost. I am resolved, no brother, no man breathing, were he my blood's begetter, should withhold me from your love, I'd leap into his bosom, and from his breast pull forth that happiness Heaven had reserved in you for my enjoying.  Artes. 
I now you speak a Lover like a Prince: Treason, treason.  Prince. 
Again.  Artes. 
Help Saxon Princes: Treason.  Enter Ostorius, Octa, etc. Ostor. 
Rescue the Queen: strike down the Villain.  Enter Edoll, Aurelius, Donobert, Cador, Edwin, Toclio, Oswold, at the other Door. Edol. 
Call in the Guards: the Prince in danger! Fall back dear Sir, my breast shall buckler you.  Aurel. 
Beat down their weapons.  Edol. 
Slave, wert thou made of brass, my sword shall bite thee.  Aurel. 
Withdraw on pain of death, where is the Traitor?  Artes. 
Oh save your life, my Lord, let it suffice my beauty forced mine own captivity.  Aurel. 
Who did attempt to wrong thee?  Prince. 
hear me, Sir.  Aurel. 
Oh my sad soul! was't thou?  Artes. 
Oh do not stand to speak, one minutes stay, prevents a second speech for ever.  Aurel. 
Make our Guards strong: My dear Artesia, let us know thy wrongs, and our own dangers.  Artes. 
The Prince your brother, with these Britain Lords, have all agreed to take me hence by force, and marry me to him.  Prince. 
The Devil shall wed thee first: thy baseness and thy lust confound and rot thee.  Artes. 
He courted me even now, and in mine car shamed not to plead his most dishonest love, and their attempts to seize your sacred person, either to shut you up within some prison, or which is worse, I fear to murder you.  Omnes Britain's. 
'Tis all as false as hell.  Edol. 
And as foul as she is.  Artes. 
You know me, Sir?  Edol. 
Yes, Deadly Sin, we know you, and shall discover all your villainy.  Aurel 
Chester forbear.  Ostor. 
Their treason's sir, are plain: Why are their Soldiers lodged so near the Court?  Octa. 
Nay, why came he in arms so suddenly?  Edol. 
You fleering Antics, do not wake my fury.  Octa. 
Fury!  Edol. 
Ratsbane, do not urge me.  Artes. 
Good sir, keep farther from them.  Prince. 
Oh my sick heart, she is a witch by nature, devil by art.  Aurel. 
Bite thine own slanderous tongue, 'tis thou art false, I have observed your passions long ere this.  Ostor. 
Stand on your guard, my Lord, we are your friends, and all our Force is yours.  Edol. 
To spoil and rob the Kingdom.  Aurel. 
Sir, be silent.  Edol. 
Silent! how long? till Doomsday? shall I stand by, and hear mine Honour blasted with foul Treason, the State half lost, and your life endangered, yet be silent?  Artes. 
Yes, my blunt Lord, unless you speak your Treasons. Sir, let your Guards, as Traitors, seize them all, and then let tortures and devulsive racks, force a Confession from them.  Edol. 
Wildfire and Brimstone eat thee. Hear me sir.  Aurel. 
Sir, I'll not hear you.  Edol. 
But you shall: Not hear me I were the world's Monarch, Cesar, living, he should hear me. I tell you Sir, these serpents have betrayed your Life and Kingdom: does not every day bring tidings of more swarms of lousy slaves, the offal fugitives of barren Germany, that land upon our Coasts, and by our neglect settled in Norfolk and Northumberland?  Ostor. 
They come as Aids and Safeguards to the King.  Octa. 
Has he not need, when Vortiger's in arms, and you raise Powers, 'tis thought, to join with him?  Edol. 
Peace, you pernicious Rat.  Dono. 
Prithee forbear.  Edol. 
Away, suffer a gilded rascal, a low-bred despicable creeper, an insulting Toad, to spit his poisoned venom in my face!  Octa. 
Sir, sir.  Edol. 
Do not reply, you Cur, for by the Gods, tho' the king's presence guard thee, I shall break all patience, and like a Lion roused to spoil, shall run foul-mouthed upon thee, and devour thee quick. Speak sir, will you forsake these scorpions, or stay till they have stung you to the heart?  Aurel. 
You're traitors all, this is our wife, our Queen: brother Ostorius, troop your Saxons up, we'll hence to Winchester, raise more powers, to man with strength the Castle Camilot: go hence false men, join you with Vortiger, the murderer of our brother Constantine: we'll hunt both him and you with dreadful vengeance,  
Since Britain fails, we'll trust to foreign friends,  
And guard our person from your traitorous ends.  Exeunt Aurel. Ostor. Octa. Artes. Toc. Osw. Edwin. 
He's sure bewitch.  Glost. 
What counsel now for safety?  Dono. 
Only this sir, with all the speed we can, preserve the person of the King and Kingdom.  Cador. 
Which to effect, 'tis best march hence to Wales, and set on Vortiger before he join his Forces with the Saxons,  Edwin. 
On then with speed for Wales and Vortiger, that tempest once o'erblown, we come Ostorius to meet thy traitorous Saxons, thee and them, that with advantage thus have won the King, to back your factions, and to work our ruins.  
This by the Gods and my good Sword, I'll set  
In bloody lines upon thy Burgonet.  Exeunt.  

ACT. 4. SCENE. 1.  Enter Clown, Merlin, and a little antic Spirit. Mer. 
HOw now Uncle, why do you search your pockets so? do you miss any thing?  Clown. 
Ha, Cousin Merlin, I hope your beard does not overgrow your honesty, I pray remember you are made up of sister's thread, I am your mother's brother, whosoever was your father.  Merlin. 
Why, wherein can you task my duty, Uncle?  Clown. 
yourself, or your page it must be, I have kept no other company, since your mother bound your head to my Protectorship, I do feel a fault of one side, either it was that sparrow-hawk, or a Cast of Merlin's, for I find a covey of cardecues sprung out of my pocket.  Merlin. 
Why, do you want any money Uncle? sirrah, had you any from him?  Clown. 
Deny it not, for my pockets are witness against you.  Spirit. 
Yes I had, to teach you better wit to look to it.  Clown. 
Pray use your fingers better, and my wit may serve as it is sir.  Merlin. 
Well, restore it.  Spirit. 
There it is.  Clown. 
ay, there's some honestly in this, 'twas a token from your invisible Father Cousin, which I would not have to go invisibly from me again.  Mer. 
Well, you are sure you have it now Uncle?  Clown. 
Yes, and mean to keep it now, from your pages filching fingers too.  Spirit. 
If you have it so sure, pray show it me again.  Clown. 
Yes, my little juggler, I dare show it, ha, cleanly conveyance again, ye have no invisible fingers have ye? 'Tis gone certainly.  Spirit. 
Why sir, I touched you not.  Mer. 
Why look you Uncle, I have it now, how ill do you look to it? here keep it safer.  Clown 
Ha, ha, this is fine i'faith, I must keep some other company if you have these slights of hand.  Merlin. 
Come, come, Uncle, 'tis all my Art which shall not offend you sir, only I give you a taste of it, to show you sport.  Clown. 
Oh, but 'tis ill jesting with a man's pocket tho'— but I am glad to see you cunning Cousin, for now will I warrant thee a living till thou diest. You have heard the news in Wales here?  Mer 
Uncle, let me prevent your care and counsel, 'twill give you better knowledge of my cunning, you would prefer me now in hope of gain, to Vortiger King of the Welsh Britain's, to whom are all the Artists summoned now, that seeks the secrets of futurity, the Bards, the Druids, Wizards, Conjurers, not an Aurasper with his  
Whistling spells, no Capuomanster with his musty fumes,  
No Witch or Juggler, but is thither sent,  
To calculate the strange and feared event  
Of his prodigious Castle now in building, where all the labours of the painful day, are ruined still i'th' night, and to this place you would have me go.  Clown. 
Well, if thy mother were not my sister, I would say she was a witch that begot this; but this is thy father, not thy mother wit, thou hast taken my tale into thy mouth, and spoke my thoughts before me; therefore away, shuffle thyself amongst the Conjurers, and be a made man before thou comest to age.  Mer. 
Nay, but stay Uncle, you overslip my dangers: the Prophecies and all the cunning Wizards, have certified the King, that this his Castle can never stand, till the foundation's laid with Mortar tempered with the fatal blood of such a child, whose father was no mortal.  Clown. 
What's this to thee? If the devil were thy father, was not thy mother born at Carmarden? Diggon for that then, and then it must be a child's blood, and who will take thee for a child with such a beard of thy face? Is there not diggon for that too Cousin?  Merlin. 
I must not go, lend me your ear a while, I'll give you reasons to the contrary.  Enter two Gentlemen. 1 Gentle. 
Sure this is an endless piece of work the King has sent us about!  2 Gentle. 
king's may do it, man, the like has been done to find out the Unicorn.  1 Gentle. 
Which will be sooner found I think, than this fiend begotten child we seek for.  2 Gentle. 
Pox of those Conjurers that would speak of such a one, and yet all their cunning could not tell us where to find him.  1 Gentle. 
In Wales they say assuredly he lives, come let's inquire further.  Mer. 
Uncle, your persuasions must not prevail with me, I know mine enemies better than you do.  Clown. 
I say thouart a bastard then if thou disobey thine Uncle, was not joan Go-to't thy mother, my sister? if the devil were thy father, what kin art thou to any man alive, but bailies and Brokers? and they are but brothers in Law to thee neither.  1 Gentle. 
How's this, I think we shall speed here.  2 Gentle. 
ay, and unlooked for too, go ne'er and listen to them.  Clown. 
Hast thou a beard to hide it, will't thou show thyself a child, wilt thou have more hair than wit? wilt thou deny thy mother, because nobody knows thy father? Or shall thine Uncle be an ass?  1 Gentle. 
Bless ye friend, pray what call you this small Gentleman's name?  Clown. 
Small, sir, a small man may be a great Gentleman, his father may be of an ancient house, for aught we know sir.  2 Gentle. 
Why? do you not know his father?  Clown. 
No, nor you neither I think, unless the devil be in ye.  1 Gentle. 
What is his name sir?  Clown. 
His name is my Cousin sir, his education is my sister's son, but his manners are his own.  Merlin. 
Why ask ye Gentlemen? my name is Merlin.  Clown. 
Yes, and a Goshawk was his father, for aught we know, for I am sure his mother was a Wind-sucker.  2 Gentle. 
He has a mother then?  Clown. 
As sure as I have a sister, sir.  1 Gentle. 
But his father you leave doubtful.  Clown. 
Well Sir, as wise men as you, doubt whether he had a father or no?  1 Gentle. 
Sure this is he we seek for.  2 Gent. 
I think no less: and sir, we let you know the King hath sent for you.  Clown. 
The more child he, and he had been ruled by me, he should have gone before he was sent for.  1 Gent. 
May we not see his mother?  Clown. 
Yes, and feel her too if you anger her, a devilish thing I can tell ye she has been, I'll go fetch her to ye.  Exit. 2 Gent. 
Sir, it were fit you did resolve for speed, you must unto the King.  Mer. 
My Service sir, shall need no strict command, it shall obey most peaceably, but needless 'tis to fetch what is brought home, my journey may be stayed, the King is coming hither with the same quest you bore before him, hark, this drum will tell ye.  Within Drums beat a low March. 1 Gent. 
This is some cunning indeed sir.  flourish. Enter Vortiger reading a letter, Proximus, with Drum and Soldiers, etc. Vorti. 
Still in our eye your message Proximus, we keep to spur our speed: Ostorius, and Octa, we shall salute with succour against Prince Uter and Aurelius, whom now we hear encamps at Winchester, there's nothing interrupts our way so much, as doth the erection of this fatal Castle, that spite of all our Art and daily labour, the night still ruins.  Prox. 
As erst I did affirm, still I maintain, the fiend begotten child must be found out, whose blood gives strength to the foundation, it cannot stand else.  Enter Clown, and joan, Merlin. Vorti. 
Ha! is't so? then Proximus by this intelligence he should be found: speak, is this he you tell of?  Clown. 
Yes Sir, and I his Uncle, and she his mother.  Vorti. 
And who is his father?  Clown. 
Why, she his mother can best tell you that, and yet I think the child be wise enough, for he has found his father.  Vort. 
Woman, is this thy son?  Ioan. 
It is, my Lord.  Vor. 
What was his father? Or where lives he?  Merl. 
Mother speak freely and unastonished,  
That which you dared to act, dread not to name.  Ioan. 
In which I shall betray my sin and shame,  
But since it must be so, then know great King, all that myself yet knows of him, is this: In pride of blood and beauty I did live, my glass the Altar was, my face the Idol, such was my peevish love unto myself, that I did hate all other, such disdain was in my scornful eye, that I supposed no mortal creature worthy to enjoy me, thus with the Peacock I beheld my train, but never saw the blackness of my feet, oft have I child the winds for breathing on me, and cursed the Sun, fearing to blast my beauty, in midst of this most leprous disease, a seeming fair young man appeared unto me, in all things suiting my aspiring pride, and with him brought along a conquering power, to which my frailty yielded, from whose embraces this issue came, what more he is, I know not.  Vorti. 
Some Incubus, or Spirit of the night begot him then, for sure no mortal did it.  Mer. 
No matter who my Lord, leave further quest, since 'tis as hurtful as unnecessary more to inquire: Go to the cause my Lord, why you have sought me thus?  Vorti. 
I doubt not but thou know'st, yet to be plain, I sought thee for thy blood.  Mer. 
By whose direction?  Prox. 
By mine, my Art infallible instructed me, upon thy blood must the foundation rise of the king's building, it cannot stand else.  Mer. 
Hast thou such leisure to inquire my Fate, and let thine own hang careless over thee? know'st thou what pendulous mischief roofs thy head, how fatal, and how sudden?  Prox. 
Pish, bearded abortive, thou foretell my danger my Lord, he trifles to delay his own.  Mer. 
No, I yield myself: and here before the King, make good thine Augury, as I shall mine, if thy fate fall not, thou hast spoke all truth, and let my blood satisfy the king's desires: if thou thyself wilt write thine Epitaph, dispatch it quickly, there's not a minute's time twixt thee and thy death.  A stone falls and kills Proximus. Prox. 
Ha, ha, ha.  Mer. 
ay, so, thou mayest die laughing.  Vorti. 
Ha! This is above admiration, look, is he dead?  Clown. 
Yes sir, here's brains to make mortar on, if you'll use them: Cousin Merlin, there's no more of this stone fruit ready to fall, is there? I pray give your Uncle a little fair warning.  Mer. 
Remove that shape of death, and now my Lord for clear satisfaction of your doubts, Merlin will show the fatal cause that keeps your fatal Castle down, and hinders your proceedings: Stand there, and by an apparition see the labour and end of all your destiny. Mother and Uncle, you must be absent.  Clown. 
Is your father coming Cousin?  Mer. 
Nay, you must be gone.  joan 
Come, you'll offend him brother.  Clown. 
I would fain see my Brother in-law, if you were married I might lawfully call him so.  Merlin strikes his wand. Thunder and Lightning, two Dragons appear, a White and a Red, they fight a while and pause. Vor. 
What means this stay?  Mer. 
Be not amazed my Lord, for on the victory  
Of loss or gain, as these two Champions ends  
Your fate, your life, and kingdom all depends,  
therefore observe it well.  Vor. 
I shall, heaven be auspicious to us.  Thunder: The two Dragons fight again, and the White Dragon drives off the Red. Vor. 
The conquest is on the white dragon's part, now Merlin faithfully expound the meaning.  Mer. 
Your Grace must then not be offended with me.  Vor. 
It is the weakest part I found in thee, to doubt of me so slightly, shall I blame my prophet that foretells me of my dangers? thy cunning I approve most excellent.  Mer. 
Then know my Lord, there is a dampish Cave, the nightly habitation of these Dragons, vaulted beneath where you would build your Castle, whose enmity and nightly combats there, maintain a constant ruin of your labours: To make it more plain, the Dragons then yourself betoken, and the Saxon King, the vanquished Red, is sir, your dreadful Emblem.  Vort. 
Oh my fate!  Mer. 
Nay, you must hear with patience Royal sir, you slew the lawful King Constantius, 'twas a red deed, your Crown his blood did cement, the English Saxon first brought in by you, for aid against Constantius brethren, is the white horror who now knit together, have driven and shut you up in these wild mountains, and though they now seek to unite with friendship, it is to wound your bosom, not embrace it, and with an utter extirpation to rout the Britain's out, and plant the English. Seek for your safety Sir, and spend no time to build the airy Castles, for Prince Uter armed with vengeance for his brother's blood is hard upon you, if you mistrust me, and to my words craves witness sir, then know here comes a messenger to tell you so.  Exit Mer. Enter Messenger. Messen. 
My Lord Prince Uter!  Vort. 
And who else sir?  Messen. 
Edol, the great General.  Vort. 
The great Devil, they are coming to meet us.  Messen. 
With a full power my Lord.  Vort. 
With a full vengeance they mean to meet us, so we are ready to their confront as full march double footing, we'll lose no ground, nor shall their numbers fright us,  
If it be Fate, it cannot be withstood,  
We got our Crown so, be it lost in blood.  Exeunt. Enter Prince Uter, Edol, Cador, Edwin, Toclio, with Drum and Soldiers. Prince. 
Stay, and advice, hold drum.  Edol. 
Beat slave, why do you pause? why make a stand? where are our enemies? or do you mean we fight amongst ourselves?  Prince. 
Nay, noble Edol, let us here take counsel, it cannot hurt, it is the surest Garrison to safety.  Edol. 
Fie on such slow delays! so fearful men that are to pass over a flowing river, stand on the bank to parley of the danger, till the tide rise and then be swallowed, is not the King in field?  Cador. 
Proud Vortiger, the traitor is in field.  Edwin. 
The Murderer, and Usurper.  Edol. 
Let him be the devil so I may fight with him, for heavens love sir march on, oh my patience, will you delay until the Saxons come to aid his party? A Tucket.  Prince. 
There's no such fear, prithee be calm a while, hark, it seems by this, he comes or sends to us.  Edol. 
If it be for parley, I will drown the summons, if all our drums and hoarseness choke me me not.  Enter Captain. Prince. 
Nay, prithee hear, from whence art thou?  Cap. 
From the King Vortiger.  Edol. 
Traitor, there's none such: Alarum drum, strike slave, or by mine honour I will break thy head, and beat thy drums heads both about thine ears.  Prince. 
Hold noble Edol, let's hear what Articles he can enforce.  Edol. 
What articles, or what conditions can you expect to value half your wrong, unless he kill himself by thousand tortures, and send his carcase to appease your vengeance, for the foul murder of Constantius, and that's not a tenth part neither. Prince 'Tis true, my brother's blood is crying to me now, I do applaud thy counsel: hence, be gone.  Exit Capt. 
We'll hear no parley now but by our swords.  Edol. 
And those shall speak home in death killing words, Alarum to the fight, sound, sound the Alarum.  Exeunt. Alarum. Enter Edol driving all Vortiger's Force before him, then Enter Prince Uter pursuing Vortiger. Exit. Vort. 
Dost follow me?  Prince. 
Yes, to thy death I will.  Vort. 
Stay, be advised, I would not be the only fall of Princes, I slew thy brother:  Prince. 
Thou didst black Traitor, and in that vengeance I pursue thee.  Vort. 
Take mercy for thyself, and fly my sword, save thine own life as satisfaction, which here I give thee for thy brother's death.  Prince. 
Give what's thine own: a traitor's heart and head, that's all thou art right Lord of; the Kingdom which thou usurpest, thou most unhappy Tyrant, is leaving thee, the Saxons which thou brought'st to back thy usurpations, are grown great, and where they seat themselves, do hourly seek to blot the Records of old Brute and Britain's, from memory of men, calling themselves Hingest-men, and Hingest-land, that no more the Britain name be known; all this by thee, thou base destroyer of thy Native Country.  Enter Edol. Edol. 
What, stand you talking? Fight.  Prince. 
Hold Edol.  Ed. 
Hold out my sword, and listen not to King or PRINCE's word, There's work enough abroad, this task is mine.  Alarum. Prince. 
Prosper thy Valour, as thy virtue's shine.  Exeunt. Enter Cador and Edwin. Cador. 
Bright Victory herself fights on our part, and buckled in a golden Beaver, rides triumphantly before us.  Edw. 
Justice is with her, whoever takes the true and rightful cause, let us not lag behind them.  Enter Prince. Cador. 
Here comes the Prince, how goes our fortune's Sir?  Prince. 
Hopeful, and fair, brave Cador, proud Vortiger beat down by Edol's sword, was rescued by the following multitudes, and now for safety's fled unto a Castle here standing on the hill: but I have sent a cry of hounds as violent as hunger, to break his stony walls, or if they fail,  
We'll send in wild fire to dislodge him thence,  
Or burn them all with flaming violence.  Exeunt. Blazing Star appears Flourish Tromp. Enter Prince, Uter, Edol, Cador, Edwin, Toclio with with Drum and Soldiers. Prin. 
Look Edol: still this fiery exhalation shoots his frightful horrors on th'amazed world, see in the beam that 'bout his flaming ring, a dragon's head appears, from out whose mouth two flaming flakes of fire, stretch East and West.  Edol. 
And see, from forth the body of the Star, seven smaller blazing streams, directly point on this affrighted kingdom.  Cador. 
'Tis a dreadful Meteor.  Edwin. 
And doth portend strange fears.  Prince. 
This is no Crown of Peace, this angry fire hath something more to burn then Vortiger; if it alone were pointed at his fall; it would pull in his blazing Pyramids, and be appeased, for Vortiger is dead.  Edol. 
These never come without their large effects.  Prince. 
The will of heaven be done, our sorrows this we want, a mystic Pithon to expound this fiery Oracle.  Cador. 
Oh no my Lord, you have the best that ever Britain bred, and durst I prophesy of your Prophet sir, none like him shall succeed him.  Prince. 
You mean Merlin.  Cador. 
True sir, wondrous Merlin, he met us in the way, and did foretell the fortunes of this day successful to us.  Edwin. 
He's sure about the Camp, send for him sir.  Cador. 
He told the bloody Vortiger his fate, and truly too, and if I could give faith to any Wizard's skill, it should be Merlin.  Enter Merlin and Clown. Cador. 
And see my Lord, as if to satisfy your highness' pleasure, Merlin is come.  Prince. 
See, the Comet's in his eye, disturb him nor.  Edol. 
With what a piercing judgement he beholds it!  Mer. 
Whither will Heaven and Fate translate this Kingdom? what revolutions, rise and fall of Nations  
Is figured yonder in that Star, that sings  
The change of Britain's State, and death of Kings?  
Ha! He's dead already, how swiftly mischief creeps!  
Thy fatal end sweet Prince, even Merlin weeps.  Prince. 
He does foresee some evil, his action shows it, for ere he does expound, he weeps the story.  Edol. 
There's another weeps too. Sirrah dost thou understand what thou lamentest for?  Clown. 
No sir, I am his Uncle, and weep because my Cousin weeps, flesh and blood cannot forbear.  Prince. 
Gentle Merlin, speak thy prophetic knowledge, in explanation of this fiery horror, from which we gather from thy mournful tears, much sorrow and disaster in it.  Mer. 
'Tis true fair Prince, but you must hear the rest with patience.  Mer. 
I vow I will, tho' it portend my ruin.  Mer. 
There's no such fear, this brought the fiery fall of Vortiger, and yet not him alone, this day is fallen a King more good, the glory of our Land, the mild, and gentle, sweet Aurelius.  Prince. 
Our brother!  Edwin. 
Forefend it heaven.  Mer. 
He at his Palace Royal sir at Winchester, this day is dead and poisoned.  Cador. 
By whom? Or what means Merlin?  Mer. 
By the Traitorous Saxons.  Edol. 
I ever feared as much: that devil Ostorius, and the damned witch Artesia, sure has done it.  Prince. 
Poisoned! oh look further gentle Merlin, behold the Star again, and do but find revenge for me, though it cost thousand lives, and mine the foremost.  Mer. 
Comfort yourself, the heavens have given it fully, all the portentous ills to you is told, now hear a happy story sir from me, to you and to your fair posterity.  Clown. 
methinks I see something like a peeled onion, it makes me weep again.  Mer. 
Be silent Uncle, you'll be forced else.  Clown. 
Can you not find in the Star, Cousin, whether I can hold my tongue or no?  Edol. 
Yes, I must cut it out.  Clown. 
Phu, you speak without book sir, my Cousin Merlin knows.  Mer. 
True, I must tie it up, now speak your pleasure Uncle.  Clown. 
Hum, hum, hum, hum.  Mer. 
So, so— now observe my Lord, and there behold above yon flame-haired beam that upward shoots, appears a dragon's head, out of whose mouth two streaming lights point their flame-feathered darts contrary ways, yet both shall have their aims: Again behold from the ignifirent body, seven splendant and illustrious rays are spread, all speaking Heralds to this Britain Isle, and thus they are expounded: The dragon's head is the hieroglyphic that figures out your Princely self, that here must reign a King, those by-formed fires that from the dragon's mouth shoot East and West, emblem two Royal babes, which shall proceed from you, a son and daughter: her pointed constellation North-west bending,  
Crowns Her a Queen in Ireland, of whom first springs  
That kingdom's Title to the Britain Kings.  Clown. 
Hum, hum, hum.  Mer. 
But of your Son, thus Fate and Merlin tells, all after times shall fill their Chronicles with fame of his renown, whose warlike sword shall pass through fertile France and Germany, nor shall his conjuring foot be forced to stand, till Rome's Imperial Wreathe hath crowned his Fame with Monarch of the West, from whose seven hills with Conquest, and contributory Kings, he back returns to enlarge the Britain bounds, his Heraldry adorned with thirteen Crowns.  Clown. 
Hum, hum, hum.  Mer. 
He to the world shall add another Worthy, and as a Loadstone for his prowess, draw a train of Marshal Lovers to his Court: It shall be then the best of Knighthood's honour, at Winchester to fill his Castle Hall, and at his Royal Table sit and feast in warlike orders, all their arms round hurled, as if they meant to circumscribe the world.  [he touches the Clowns mouth with his wand Clown. 
Hum, hum, hum, oh that I could speak a little.  Mer. 
I know your mind Uncle, again be silent.  [strikes again Prince. 
Thou speakst of wonders Merlin, prithee go on, declare at full this Constellation.  Mer. 
Those seven beams pointing downward, sir, betoken the troubles of this Land, which then shall meet with other Fate; War and Dissension strives to make division, till seven Kings agree to draw this Kingdom to a heptarchy.  Prince. 
Thine art hath made such proof, that we believe thy words authentical, be ever near us, my Prophet, and the Guide of all my actions.  Mer. 
My service shall be faithful to your person, and all my studies for my country's safety.  Clown. 
Hum, hum, hum.  Mer. 
Come, you are released, sir.  Clown. 
Cousin, pray help me to my tongue again, you do not mean I shall be dumb still I hope?  Mer. 
Why, hast thou not thy tongue?  Clown. 
Ha! yes, I feel it now, I was so long dumb, I could not well tell whether I spoke or no.  Prince. 
is't thy advice we presently pursue the bloody Saxons, that have slain my brother?  Mer. 
With your best speed, my Lord, Prosperity will keep you company.  Cador. 
Take then your Title with you, Royal Prince, 'twill add unto our strength, Long live King Uter.  Edol. 
Put the Addition to't that Heaven hath given you: The DRAGON is your Emblem, bear it bravely, and so long live and ever happy styled Uter-pendragon, lawful King of Britain.  Prince. 
Thanks Edol, we embrace the name and title, and in our Shield and Standard shall the figure of a Red Dragon still be born before us, to fright the bloody Saxons. Oh my Aurelius, sweet rest thy soul; let thy disturbed spirit  
Expect revenge, think what it would, it hath,  
The Dragon's coming in his fiery wrath.  Exeunt.  

ACT. 5. SCENE. 1.  Thunder, then Music. Enter joan fearfully, the Devil following her. Ioan. 
HEnce thou black horror, is thy lustful fire kindled again? not thy loud throated thunder, nor thy adulterate infernal Music, shall e'er bewitch me more, oh too too much is passed already.  Devil. 
Why dost thou fly me? I come a Lover to thee, to embrace, and gently twine thy body in mine arms.  Ioan. 
Out thou Hellhound.  Devil. 
What hound so e'er I be,  
Fawning and sporting as I would with thee,  
why should I not be stroked and played withal, will't thou not thank the Lion might devour thee, if he shall let thee pass?  Ioan. 
Yes, thou art he, free me, and I'll thank thee.  Devil. 
Why, whither wouldst? I am at home with thee, thou art mine own, have we not charge of family together, where is your son?  Ioan. 
Oh darkness cover me.  Devil. 
There is a pride which thou hast won by me, the mother of a fame shall never die, Kings shall have need of written Chronicles, to keep their names alive, but Merlin none, ages to ages shall like Sabalists  
Report the wonders of his name and glory,  
While there are tongues and times to tell his story.  Ioan. 
Oh rot my memory before my flesh, let him be called some hell or earth-bred monster, that ne'er had hapless woman for a mother: sweet death deliver me, hence from my sight, why shouldst thou now appear? I had no pride nor lustful thought about me, to conjure and call thee to my ruin, whenas at first thy cursed person became visible.  Devil. 
I am the same I was.  Ioan. 
But I am changed.  Devil. 
Again I'll change thee to the same thou wert, quench to my lust, come forth by thunder led, my coadjutors in the spoils of mortals.  Thunder. Enter Spirit. 
Clasp in your Ebon arms that prize of mine, mount her as high as palled Hecate, and on this rock I'll stand to cast up fumes and darkness o'er the blue faced firmament; from Britain, and from Merlin, I'll remove her, they ne'er shall meet again.  Ioan. 
Help me some saving hand, if not too late, I cry let mercy come.  Enter Merlin. Mer. 
Stay you black slaves of night, let lose your hold, set her down safe, or by th'infernal Styx, I'll bind you up with exorcisms so strong, that all the black pentagoron of hell, shall ne'er release you, save you selves and vanish.  Exit Spirit. Devil, 
Ha! What's he?  Mer. 
The Child has found his Father, do you not know me?  Devil. 
Merlin!  Ioan. 
Oh, help me gentle son.  Mer. 
Fear not, they shall not hurt you.  Devil. 
Relievest thou her to disobey thy father?  Mer. 
Obedience is no lesson in your school, nature and kind to her, commands my duty, the part that you begot was against kind, so all I owe to you is to be unkind.  Devil. 
I'll blast thee slave to death, and on this rock stick thee an eternal Monument.  Mer. 
Ha, ha, thy powers too weak, what art thou devil, but an inferior lustful Incubus, taking advantage of the wanton flesh, wherewith thou dost beguile the ignorant? put off the form of thy humanity, and cral upon thy speckled belly, serpent, or I'll unclasp the jaws of Acheron, and fix thee ever in the local fire.  Devil. 
Traitor to hell; curse that I e'er begot thee.  Mer. 
Thou didst beget thy scourge, storm not, nor stir, the power of Merlin's Art is all confirmed in the Fates decretals,— I'll ransack hell, and make thy [Thunder and Lighting in the Rock .master's bow unto my spells, thou first shall taste it,— Tenibrarum precis, devitiarum, & infirorum, Deus, hunc Incubum in ignis eterni abisum, accipite aut in hoc carcere tenebroso, in sempeternum astringere mando. [the Rock incloses him. ]So, there beget earthquakes or some noisome damps, for never shalt thou touch a woman more: How cheer you mother?  Ioan. 
Oh now my son is my deliverer, yet I must name him with my deepest sorrow.  Alarum afar off. Mer. 
Take comfort now, past times are ne'er recalled, I did foresee your mischief and prevent it: hark, how the sounds of war now call me hence to aid Pendragon, that in battle stands against the Saxons, from whose aid Merlin must not be absent: leave this soil, and I'll conduct you to a place retired, which I by art have raised, called Merlin's Bower, there shall you dwell with solitary sighs, with groans and passions your companions, to weep away this flesh you have offended with, and leave all bare unto your aerial soul, and when you die, I will erect a Monument upon the verdant Plains of Salisbury, no King shall have so high a sepulchre, with pendulous stones that I will hang by art, where neither Lime nor Mortar shallbe used, a dark Enigma to the memory, for none shall have the power to number them, a place that I will hollow for your rest,  
Where no Night-hag shall walk, nor Werewolf tread,  
Where Merlin's Mother shall be sepulchred.  Exeunt. Enter Donobert, Gloster and Hermit. Dono. 
Sincerely Gloster, I have told you all: My Daughters are both vowed to Single Life, and this day gone unto the Nunnery, though I begot them to another end, and fairly promised them in Marriage, one to Earl Cador, tother to your son, my worthy friend, the Earl of Gloster. Those lost, I am lost: they are lost, all's lost. Answer me this then, Is't a sin to marry?  Hermit. 
Oh no, my Lord.  Dono. 
Go to then, I'll go no further with you, I persuade you to no ill, persuade you then that I persuade you well.  Gloster. 
'Twill be a good Office in you, sir.  Enter Cador and Edwin. Dono. 
Which since they thus neglect, my memory shall lose them now for ever. See, see the Noble Lords, their promised Husbands! had Fate so pleased, you might have called me Father.  Edwin. 
Those hopes are past, my Lord, for even this minute we saw them both enter the Monastery, secluded from the world and men for ever.  Cador. 
'Tis both our griefs we cannot, Sir: but from the King take you the Times joy from us; The Saxon King Ostorius slain, and Octa fled, that Woman-fury, Queen Artesia, is fast in hold, and forced to redeliver London and Winchester (which she had fortified) to Princely Uter, lately styled Pendragon, who now triumphantly is marching hither to be invested with the Britain Crown.  Dono. 
The joy of this, shall banish from my breast all thought that I was Father to two Children, two stubborn Daughters, that have left me thus: Let my old arms embrace, and call you Sons, for by the Honour of my Father's House, I'll part my estate most equally betwixt you.  Edwin. Cador. 
Sir, you're most noble!  Flor. Tromp. Enter Edol with Drum and Colours, Oswold bearing the Standard, Toclio the Shield, with the Red Dragon pictured in'em, two Bishops with the Crown, Prince Uter, Merlin, Artesia bound, Guard and Clown. Prince. 
Set up our Shield and Standard, noble Soldiers, We have firm hope that tho' our Dragon sleep, Merlin will us and our fair Kingdom keep.  Clown. 
As his Uncle lives, I warrant you.  Glost. 
Happy Restorer of the Britain's fame, uprising Sun let us salute thy glory, ride in a day perpetual about us, and no night be in thy throne's zodiac, why do we stay to bind those Princely brows with this Imperial Honour?  Prince. 
Stay noble Gloster, that monster first must be expelled our eye, or we shall take no joy in it.  Dono. 
If that be hindrance, give her quick Judgement, and send her hence to death, she has long deserved it.  Edol. 
Let my Sentence stand for all, take her hence, and stake her carcase in the burning Sun, till it be parched and dry, and then flay off her wicked skin, and stuff the pelt with straw to be shown up and down at Fairs and Markets, two pence a piece to see so foul a Monster, will be a fair Monopoly and worth the begging.  Artes. 
Ha, ha, ha.  Edol. 
Dost laugh Erichtho?  Artes. 
Yes, at thy poor invention, is there no better, torturemonger?  Dono. 
Burn her to dust.  Artes. 
That's a Phoenix death, and glorious.  Edol. 
ay, that's too good for her.  Prince. 
Alive she shall be buried circled in a wall, thou murderess of a King, there starve to death.  Artes. 
Then I'll starve death when he comes for his prey, and i'th' mean time I'll live upon your curses.  Edol 
ay, 'tis diet good enough, away with her.  Artes. 
With joy, my best of wishes is before,  
Thy brother's poisoned, but I wanted more.  Exit. Prince. 
Why does our Prophet Merlin stand apart, sadly observing these our Ceremonies, and not applaud our joys with thy hid knowledge? Let thy divining Art now satisfy some part of my desires; for well I know 'tis in thy power to show the full event, that shall both end our Reign and Chronicle: speak learned Merlin, and resolve my feats, whether by war we shall expel the Saxons, or govern what we hold with beauteous peace in Wales and Britain?  Mer. 
Long happiness attend Pendragon's Reign, what Heaven decrees, fate hath no power to alter: The Saxons, sir, will keep the ground they have, and by supplying numbers still increase, till Britain be no more. So please your Grace, I will in visible apparitions, present you Prophecies which shall concern  
Succeeding Princes, which my Art shall raise,  
Till men shall call these times the latter days.  Prince. 
Do it my Merlin, and Crown me with much joy and wonder.  Merlin strikes hoboys. Enter a King in Armour, his Shield quartered with thirteen Crowns. At the other door enter divers Princes who present their Crowns to him at his feet, and do him homage, then enters Death and strikes him, he growing sick, Crowns Constantine. Exeunt. Mer. 
This King, my Lord, presents your Royal Son, who in his prime of years shall be so fortunate, that thirteen several Princes, shall present their several Crowns unto him, and all Kings else shall so admire his fame and victories, that they shall all be glad either through fear or love, to do him homage; But death (who neither favours the weak nor valiant) in the midst of all his glories, soon shall seize him, scarcely permitting him to appoint one in all his purchased Kingdoms to succeed him.  Prince. 
Thanks to our Prophet for this so wished for satisfaction, and hereby now we learn that always Fate must be observed, whatever that decree,  
All future times shall still record this Story,  
Of Merlin's learned worth, and Arthur's glory.  Exeunt Omnes. 
FINIS.