THE Religious-Rebell, OR THE Pilgrim-Prince. A TRAGEDY. Printed, Anno Dom. 1671. Dramatis Personae. Henry the Fourth Emperor of Germany. His Sons. Henry Conrade Saxon Nobles Magnus Rodolphus Frederick Otho. Hildebrand Pope Gregory the Seventh. Victor A Cardinal. Nobles of Italy. Prudentio Honorio Junio. Brazutus, An Empiric. Jocoso his Man. Cardinals. Friars. Monks. A mixed company. Messengers. Soldiers. Officers. Women. Sophrona, The Empress. Aurelia, Her Daughter. Sylvia, Her Maid of Honour. Madam Matilda, a great Court Lady: Ladies. The Scene, Germany. Act. 1 Scen. 1. Enter Hildebrand and Brazutus. Hil. MAss! thou hast got a lucky hand Brazutus, The Septicollis now of Rome is levelled, My way made even to St. Peter's chair, The Popedom mine! Bra. God bless your Holiness! Never had men quicker dispatch to Heaven, (I Judge Sir) that those seven your predecessors, Thanks to my luckey stars, and pills! (than which There can be nothing more Infallible) (Your Holiness excepted) Hil. Here's my hand. Bra. Your Toe, good Sir, your Toe's too great a honour. Hil. Murder as many as thou canst, Brazutus, (Husband it likewise to thy best advantage, I know men's Deaths must be thy Livelihood) You freely have my Dispensation for it. Bra. All thanks, Sir, My study shall be to deserve it. Hil. Hark. a shout within, They come, I must retire. Enter Cardinal Victor, with a Mitre, other Cardinals, Monks Friars, with a mixed company. Car. God save the Pope! All. Peter th' Apostle chooseth Hildebrand! Exeunt, manet Brazutus. Enter to Brazutus, Jocoso. Jo. Master! the Kettle-drumms passed by just now. Bra. Peace fool, those were religious men, called Friars. Joc. Men! shave they for the scab? or were half poisoned? Pox on the bungler! could his feeble doss, But fetch the hair off? Bra. No Jests now, Jocoso. Exit Jocoso. Hasten home, I am with you strait; but first Will fetch my Patent, to prepare for travel: I cannot think it safe, abiding here, So near the Pope, should once his Magic prompt Him to believe, some liberal bribes might tempt Me to rid him hence (by one slight or other) (To make all sure) he'd send me packing first. For all his fair pretences I confess, I dare not too much trust his Holiness. Act. 1. Scen. 2. Enter Honorio, Prudentio, to them Junio: Ho. How can the Emperor take this Prudentio: Pru. Pride and Ambition ruins all the world. Truth, Sir, I fear 'twill breed bad blood, if not Timely made up; He's a Prince wise and valiant, And wont be balked thus of his ancient right. Ho. Hildebrand reckons all the Roman Empire, May I not say the the whole fourth Monarchy? For Peter's Patrimony, falling now, To him, whereof he will be sole, supreme; Making the Sceptre levelly to his Mitre. Pru. Must none arrive to heaven without his leave, Nor yet possess the earth in any quiet? Would he be Metropolitan of both? I must confess, to men in Sacred Orders, We own all love, awful respect and honour; Yet there are two extremes do ill become Their cloth Honorio, Pride and Poverty: I'd neither have them swell, nor starve to death. Ho. Here comes mad Junio. Enter Junio. Pru. God save you, Sir! Jun. Yours Prudentio, Honorio I am yours! Ho. Junio, sweet Junio! prithee lad, what news? Jun. Faith, that which makes me laugh, Sir, The new Pope (Talking against Massing-Preists Wives already:) Hath wrought the prettiest different effect: Some storm, and some are glad on't: The one swears (Should he ne'er use bead more) he'll never quit His pretty Bet●y for an Ave Marie. ●h' other complains, Nets Lectures spoil his Sermons. Pru. Mad Junio still. Jun. Troth, I am serious, Sir. Ho. Prithee speak Jun. I am, and can tell you further, Th' Archbishops Grace of Mentz, the other day, Pressing this Order, from his Holiness, Narrowly scaped his life. Ho. What project's this? I warrant you Prudentio, Some cunning Citizen Miser (to preserve his purse) (Fearing lest his Impropriated Priest Might Marry, and so leave a parish charge) Hath put it in his head. Pru. With this persuasion. Most Beneficed men dying Bachelors, Would make him Heir, and so enrich his See. Jun. I had almost forgot to tell you too: Those who contrive the thriftiest way to live, Think Wives, will be as cheap as Concubines. Cardinal Cremensis the other day, (Arguing fiercely 'ganst Priests-Matrimonie) Was catcht that night bedding a common strumpet. Pru. I fear this design will but promote Lusts more, and secret Murders to conceal 'um. Restraint oft creates those unruly passions, Which Freedom, slights. Jun. But Gentlemen! before We part let's clash one pint of Wine together, I'll give you that shall be most excellent. Pru. All thanks kind Junio. Ho. We'll accept your proffer. Jun. With all my heart; now I could hug you dearly. Let times go how they will, the Grape-juyce merits My praises still, for that preserves my spirits. Pru. Poetical! Jun. Whether or no, you know it: The very thoughts of Sack will make a Poet. Ho. Ha. ha'. ha'. Exeunt. Act. 1. Scen. 3. Enter Emperor, Henry, Conrade, Attendants. to them Otho. Emp. It can't be born! Princes are things too holy For Popes to ●oole: Hath kind fate blest me with Such conquest o'er the Saxons, and will this Religious Rebel, now spoil all at home? To make a Pope without me, is all one As to unmake me. Henry. Sir, I thought that passed Off! The reach of mortals, dare they snarch that Crown off, Which none, but a Divine hand settled on you? Con. They had as good seek to unravel Heaven, And fetch the Deity thence. Emp. My Sons talk, As if descended, from Imperial Loins; But what wont human Impudence attempt, Spurred with ambition? Enter Otho. What means this haste? Otho. Hildebrand's Nuntio, is arrived, Sir, And— Emp. And what, Sends for my Sceptre doth he not? May I ne'er more ask pardon of my sins! If this steel doth not make him cry me mercy. Otho. And so he doth, Sir, may it please your Highness! Emp. He shall know that there was a Caesar long Before St. Peter, or his Successor Were ever thought on. Otho. May it please your Highness! Emp. The Election of the Pope from Constantine Descended to Me, Otho, Reckon that. Otho. 'Tis now Seven Hundred years agone, and upwards. Emp. Nor shall this ●ome-Usurper stand a day, Can I but once reach Italy. Otho. Please you— Sir, Hear me, Hildebrand is sorry. Emp. How? Hen. For that he cannot, Sir, play Prester John. Be Prince and Prelate too. Emp, Grant he were so, Can it be thought these twins of government, Might ever wrangle in the selfsame breast For the Supremacy; It would be found, (I lay my life on't) that St. Peter's Chair Must owe itself upheld by Caesar's Throne. Otho. Sir,— Con. No Bull like the roaring Cannon, No Anathama like a good Sword and Pistol. Otho. I see I am still disturbed. Emp. Go on, Otho. Otho. For aught we hear, Sir, Hildibrand is sorry, The lawless rout of common people should Cry him up Pope: which Title he protests He ne'er will own, Sir, without your Election. Hen. I hate this flattering. Con. It takes too much. aside. Otho. Till when he hath refused Inauguration. Emp. Now thou sayest somewhat. Otho. For this very purpose, Comes th'Embassy. Emp. This is some satisfaction. Receive 'em, we will give 'em some Audience. Exit Otho. Hen. Were it not fit Hildebrand should have made Most Royal, Sir, a Personal submission? Con. Proxy humility seems but presumption. Emp. I see Youth's rash and inconsiderate, It was the giddy factious multitude, Not he (my Boys) intruded on my right. Hen. Con. Sir, we submit. Emp. Haste then without delay, To grace the Entertainment. Both. We obey. Exeunt. Act 1. Scen. 4. Enter Rodolphus, Magnus, Frederick in Prison. Fred. And is the Emperors promise come to this? Is this his Liberty? Mag. A Prince's word I took to be, as true as Heaven itself. Ro. For this I'll ne'er believe a Conquest more, But what shall meet me over ears in blood. Mag. 'Twas not we feared death as to be thought Foolishly lavish of our lives: to fight For that liberty, we might have with peace. Ro. Would we had died before we yielded. Fred. Hark! They sing and dring within. A Song. Here's to that Noble Soul; Drowns his sins in a Bowl; And cares not a fig for the Pope. Here's to him a full Glasss, That counts him an Ass, Who will stinch at the sight of the Rope. All within. Ho Boys! First. A merry life and a short. 2. About with it. 3. Where lies the fault? 1. Roger 'tis your liquor. Ro. O plague, I drank the very last but one, Ralph wants it. They sing again. Fred. O Brave Roarers! They know no other prayers. These are their Matins, and their Evening Songs. Ro. Is there such mirth in death? Mag. Or are they rather Glad that the friendly Halter shortly will Free them from Goal, which I count worse than death. What man that hath that Noble thing called Soul But hates confinement? This whole world would be To narrow for him, were he always tied to'r. Fred. But these poor souls are hardened in their Irons. Ro. I was in hopes that breach like to have been Betwixt the Emperor and the Pope of late, Would have made our way out Fred. But that's all dashed. Ro. Can not our old friend (Otho having got Into such favour) do us here a kindness? Mag. We are but here kept like West-Indian captives, To be devoured at some solemn meeting, With Mirth and Jollity; endure't who list Let our wits work our freedom Ro. Fred. We'll all assist. Act. 1. Scen. 5. Exeunt. Enter Aurelia, Silvia, to them Sophrona, Matilda, Attendants. Au. May not one guess affection by a glance? Syl. Madam! Au. 'Twas but one look, and that look did it. Those lights like Archimedes burning-glasse Set me on Fire at that distance from him. Syl. Your meaning, Madam. Aur. Sylvia, thou art dull, I see, for hadst thou any sense at all, How couldst thou choose but feel the selfsame heat? Syl. Explain yourself, pray Madam. Aur. Then I will. I'm conquered by my Father's Captive. Syl. Which? Aur. Now I could chide thee for a silly Gentle: Dost ask me which? Syl. Otho's fair, Frederick smiling. Aur. I see my error. Love is such a madness; What we love, we'd have all love; and yet can't Endure a Rival: Didst not mind him Sylvia With the Majestic countenance? My love Is not Effeminate, although a Woman's. Syl. Bold Magnus! Aur. Magnus'! Syl. In your cheeks I read it, That blush betrays you; He is— Aur. Hush the Empress. Enter Empress, Matilda, Attendants. Soph. Aurelia! Why were you wanting at The sport but now? Aur. Madam I was just coming. Mat. 'Twas excellent, I love to see men active. Soph. They're gone to visit now the Saxon Captives, Nothing that's tending to your Father's glory, Must be concealed from these noble strangers. Aur. Must Magnus make them sport? Syl. Pray Madam! weeps aside. Soph. What saith Aurelia? What's that Sylvia? Syl. She's sorry, Madam, she should lose the sport. Soph. I thought 'twould trouble her, there's more behind, Mat. But Madam, shall we never visit Rome? Sop. We may perchance, Matilda, danger it Now there is made this happy reconcilement. Mat. I long to see his Holiness, methinks I fancy most those by Religion tied From lust and wedlock; am (you must concieve) A chaste Platonic Lover. Aur. What is that? To Love, to love, and not to enjoy? Mat. Fruition Doth but allay those heightened flames, which are The very life of love. Aur. I am but raw, (Yet give me leave) you seem, as if Matilda You owned no Paradise to scorching Aetna. Platonic loves, (like Purgatorian sires) Do but prepare us for a perfect bliss, And make us worthy of a free possession. Soph. Aurelia, have a care my Girl, I fear By your Romantic tongue, you may be smitten. Aur. If my discourse offend (my Royal Mother) May I be ever silent rather then Provoke your hand. Mat. You do mistake the Empress. Soph. No matter, keep her still in Ignorance. Mat. Ours is but talk, Madam, you'll pardon it. Soph. It is Ingenious, I gladly could Hear more on't: but I dare believe by this They are returned. 'Tis high time to be gone, We must be all there: This night puts anened To the Solemnity. All. We shall attend. Finis Act. Primi. Act. II. Scen. I. Enter Pope, Card. Victor, other Cardinals, Attendants. The Pope ascends his Chair. Vict. God save Pope Gregory the Seventh! All. Long live! 1. Card. Caesar confirms it! Pope. Who's that mentions Caesar? For Policy I did comply a while, It was but to procure the surer ground, To give the Emperor the stronger blow. Must Peter stoop to Caesar? 2 Card. That rests fully, Sir, in your Holiness to remedy. Po. My Keys already look and unlock Heaven, And if they want fit, I will add a ward Wherewith they shall serve Earthly Kingdoms, To make and unmake Princes at my pleasure. Vict. Nobly Resolved, Sir, This will grace your See, With the more awe and splendour. 2. Car. And restore Rome to itsformer fame, that it shall be Once more the world's renowned Metropolis. 1. Card. Henry's accused— Pope. I may as well ask him Forgiuness of my sins, as to be Pope. 1. Card. He needeth pardon, Sir, or punishment, Who is so loudly taxed for a truce-breaker. 2. Card. The Saxons gladly would help to depose him. 1. Card. A Tyrant. Vict. Cruel, Symoniacal, A busy Bodger of Church-livings, Sir. Pope. I hear enough: makes him uncapable, starts up. Both of Heaven's mercy, and of man's protection. Let him be Excommunicated! less Cannot be done to him, doth so transgress. Act. 2. Scen. 2. Enter Brazutus to him Jocoso. Bra. All things succeed as well as heart could wish. Enter Jocoso telling Money, Joc. So, this is somewhat towards my Journey now. Bra. What hast thou there Jocoso? Joc. Nothing Sir, But a piece for killing an good old woman, That did so lave the house still with her nose As she swept it. Bra. Didst it accurately. Joc. To a hair, Sir, no Juggler ever played Legerdemain neater, than I shook that same Into her Hollow tooth. Bra. And is she dead? Joc. Dead, and at heaven I hope. Her son was mad For haste to bury her the Rushian fashion, With Hose and Shoes, she was so troublesome To the chymney-corner (he said) and lived So unmercifully, to keep that little She had from him. Bra. 'Twas he than gave the piece. Joc. It was, and to say truth, I well deserved it. It did so plague me Sir, to hatch a cry, And pray an hours nonsense by the clock. I must not touch her, if I touched abook. Bra. I warrant 'twas one of those good women That used to fetch an ill contrived sigh At Church, in the wrong place; (not hearing well) Joc. She was, all said, hugely well given Sir, Bra. And so art thou, nay if thou canst Jocoso Fanatick-like, murder with prayers and tears, Ne'er fear a livelihood Joc. and when thy ●orks done, My Fee will make me a day. Bra. All such odd jobs I give thee. Joc. I thank you Sir. Bra. Come hasten, fetch our things, we must be gone. Bra. Now the Pope's Licence without peradventure Will be excepted from the Emperor Exit Joc. To gain me leave, (since they are both agreed) To practise near his Court: My man may play At lower stakes, and kill men for a trisle: But where I venture Soul, Life and Estate, It shall, believe me, cost a saucy rate. Exit. Act 2. Scen. 3. Enter Prudentio, Honorio, Junio. Jun. What! we are likely to be all to pieces Again, Honorio, with the Emperor. Ho. So the news goes, and the Pope's Arrogance Hath raised a civil war amongst the Clergy. Jun. I am resolved I'll be of no religion Till all agree. Pru. I must confess these failings Show they're but men, but what they'd have us learn, Is of an higher and diviner nature, In that themselves so hardly practise it. Ho. I cannot blame the Germane Bishops To stand for their custom and prerogative. Is there no Patriarchal seat but Rome? Jun. I'm apt to think they shortly will determine No Baptised Infant, shall be called a Christian Except his Name be Peter. Ho. Can there be Nothing decreed without the Pope Prudentio? Ought he, and only he, command a Council, How, where, and when, he please? Pru. This is in Truth, Novel Encroachment, and he's like to smart for't, Should the Prelates now join with th' Emperor. Jun. Would they were at it once. Ho. Will you engage? Jun. There's nothing better, Boy, than Wars or Women, To tame this Fact, and I abhor a Mistress. Ho. The better Warrior. Jun. Those desperate Dam-hims Who for a while may force the fare of Valour. To stand a prick or two in vindicating Their Lady's naughty title to her Honour, (To gain some Commendation, or a kindness) Can never serve their Country worth a rush. Pru. Why now I like you: Gentlemen, your Hands, You'll sided with me. Both. May we else never speed: Exeunt. Pru. Resolve then for the Emperor. Both. Agreed. Act. 2. Scen. 4. Enter Magnus to him Otho, Frederick. Mag. Can her soft nature sport with th' afflicted? I'll never think it, this were to blaspheme Thy love Aurelia! She comes.— Enter Aurelia, Sylvia Aur. I'll try him, Sylvia. Syl. 'Tis prudence! aside. Magnus'! I bring enlargemen and delight to be The early messenger of welcome news. Mag. All thanks kind Princess: Madam you are noble: Your Presence is a freedom. Aur. Yours a Prison. Mag. I see I was but mocked; What Scenes are these? Such Calms and Tempests in the selfsame breath Am I offensive? Syl. You have moved him Madam. aside. Aur. Yes, and Love-Sympathy now makes me suffer A double torture, Magnus! Imust— Draw & gives her his Sword. aside to Silvia, gives him his Sword. Mag. Here is a Weapon, if you must dispatch me. Aur. He still misaprenends me Sylvia, And how undauntedly he talks of death! Dear Magnus! sheath, the Prison that I talked of Was nothing else but love's ensnarement. Mag. Now, You surfeit me with joy, tell't by peice-meales. Aur. My Father's purpose is to set you free. Magnus I own it you. Syl. Heaven bless these meeting flames. Aur. Some Germane Princes lately proving Rebels, Join with the Saxons now again in Arms. Syl. You Noble Magnus must be one of us. Aur. Swear Loyalty t'assist the Emperor. Thy Valour's know. Mag. If I must take this oath, I'll go and bid the Saxons, fight and help 'em; And then return and willingly submit To that just death my perjury deserves. I'll prove as false to you, as to my Country. Exit. Syl. Sir you're unhandsome to your Princess. Aur. Peace. Sylvia, what was't he said? He'd prove as falls To me as to his Country, was't not so? This is no slighting but doth argue rather That strong and holy zeal he hath for both. I like him better for this Resolution, His Constancy to me and that together Must sinned a way He may be falls to neither. Exeunt. Act. 2. Scen. 5. Enter Emperor, Sophrona, Matilda, Henry, Conrade, Otho. Attendants. Emp. Were't not for these Apostatising Germane The Pope should feel by sad Experience, No curse so heavy, as a Prince's anger. Otho. These Rebels must be looked to timely Sir, Emp. I first must make my peace with Rome; or else His Holiness will have in every Corner, Blind zealots, that will strive by murdering me To merit Heaven: Soph. Can man be thought so stupid? Mat. O Madam! Ignorance leads to all mischief. This makes some bid good marrow to a Snail, Or Serpent, and Adore 'em for that day; The Vulgar learn Rebellion still without book, Which the Pope shuts and bids 'em read their Lessons In his commands, which needs must be (he saith) Always Infallible. Emp. I see Matilda, Thou art Ingenious, and talk'st handsomely. (together with the Empress) I have thought on Employment for you. Sop. May we serve you Sir. Mat. Thus 〈◊〉 I beg this Hovour. Emp. Rise, 'tis granted. Hast courage thinkest, to face his Holiness? Sop. thou'rt like now to enjoy thy wish Matilda. Emp. You see, my Boys, Princes are sometimes made The Tennis-balls of Fortune, to be bandied At her unconstant pleasure; now full fraught With good success, soon after wracked with crosses. Hen. Sir! we are rash and inconsiderate. Con. He first usurped the Mitre, than asked leave. Emp. My Children blame me Otho, that I did not Tread upon Hildebrands submissive neck. Otho. You were more Noble, Sir, and merciful, Who could have thought on such Hypocrisy? Emp. We must not now spend all our time in talk, Aurelia is to tender for this Journey. Henry, and Conrade, you're iuclined to travel. Hen. We must Sir, if it be your Royal pleasure. Emp. Sophrona, you, and you, Matilda shall Receive your charge anon. Both. With diligence. Emp. Otho, to you we shall commend the care Of our affairs at Home. Otho. I shall be faithful. Emp. The Sun sometimes is darkened with Eclipses; And the most fixed Stats do seem to twinkle; So must my splendour for a while be clouded: And I! The Pilgrim-Prince, now plainly show, Monarches, like Tides, do Ebb, as well as Flow. Finis Act. Secundi. Act. 3. Scen. 1, Enter Aurelia, Sylvia, to them Otho, Magnus, Frederick, Rodolphus. Aur. The powers above must needs approve our love. Their secret wisdom doth so prosper it. How Melancholy would the Court be now? Were it nor for, you know my meaning Sylvia. Syl. Madam, for some divertisement, let's go To see the Mask acted to day. Aur. Agreed. And let us go disguised without Attendants. Enter Otho, Magnus, Erederick, Rodolphus. Otho. Aurelia you are Queen we'll only act At your command, now in your Father's absence. Aur. You're Generous. Then my first endeavor's for Some worthy Honour on your Country men. (For your sake Otho) what shall Magnus be? Mag. Thanks to our Noble Viceroy, I enjoy, A Happiness ample enough in my Freedom from Prison, and that Oath I hated. But cheisly, Madam, in your government. Otho. This is handsome, I fear I come to late. aside Rod. What shall be Magnus? Nothing for Rodolphus. Fred. Nor Frederick. aside Rod. We'll make ourselves, when once We come i'th' field, good Otho, give us quickly Some Martial Office or our Swords will rust. Otho. We'll meet to night (if it may please the Princess!) In Council, where we all may know our charge. Aur. You may Command it Sir. All. We shall attend. Syl. Madam you are forgetful. ex. Fred. Mag. Rod. Aur. Now we'll go. Most Noble Viceroy I must crave your leave This afternoon to take some private repast. Otho. Madam, you degrade yourself to ask it. Au. I in my Father's absence own you duty. Otho. Might I entreat your Love it were an Honour. Aur. You cannot choose but have it in obedience. Otho. Adeiu sweet Princess. Both. Yours Otho. Farewell Sylvia. Excunt Aur. I am resolved Harrie shall ne'er come here, Nor his two Sons; yet we usurpers love To gild our Titles with some show of ●ight. There is but one and I'll strait remove it. Aurelia could I once make thee my own, I were for ever established in my Throne. Act, 3. Scen. 2. Enter Brazutus and Jocoso, there appears an Apothecharies shop. Bra. Dull times Jocoso. Joc. They can never hold. Bra. Why Prithee. Joc. I Faith if they do Master, I must like the Peruvian Cannibals, Feast it with man's flesh, and it must be mine own. Cur Collops here, Sir, and be merry with 'em They'll hast as long as I, and there's an end. Bra. Thou talk'st too frolic, to be starved Jocoso. I am already got into their fashion, Who make their meals either with Mear, or Drink, Not both together, our trade won't maintain it. Bra. My take are but small, the wars spoil all. Joc. Pox on it, Men are grown both hard, and holy; I would now murder, half as cheap again As I did formerly, to gain some custom. Bra. My take too lie all in Preservations, Were it not for the French— Joc. I have observed That is the prettiest strange distemper Master, It like a cunning Gamester hath its self pass, Makes at the lower parts, and hits the Nose. Bra. And then there's fine work that will pay us well. T' erect a new bridge, or uphold the old one. Here comes a Customer. Enter Otho. Joc. What want you Sir? Otho. Dwells here Brazutus? Joc. There's my Master Sir. Otho. A word or two in private. They whisper. Bra. I shall Sir. Joc. O pox! I warrant he's peppered by's straddling. Enter Aurelia, Sylvia, Disguised. Aur. Are we not somewhat of the latest Sylvia? Syl. Madam, they say it don't begin till four. Aur. Let us make haste. Joc. What want you Ladies, pray? They pass by Here dweleth that Renowned Don Brazutus, That most famous Italian Physician. Aur. Heaven bless me, is not Otho yonder whispering? Syl. The very same, what makes he here so private? Aur. I strange! pass on, he cannot know us Sylvia. Ex. Aur. & Sylvia. Joc. Those two past by, were pretty Girls I swore If those Faces I saw were all their own. But if they were, they are not for our purpose: We cannot live, but by good Gentlewomen, That undress Nature, as they dress to bed. At night throw off their Periwigs, and their Noses. Pull out their Teeth, and lay aside their Eyes. Bra. I warrant Sir. Jocoso orders his things in his shop. Otho. There is on other way But this to gain Aurelia, and prepare A free and valid passage to my suit. Her carriage I confess seems plausible, aside Yet it is nothing but Dissimulation. Did not I see which way her amorous eye went, And how 'twas only fixed on him? Brazutus, Be quick and private. Bra. As your own breast Sir. I am beholding to my good old Master. Ex. Otho. The Pope hath taught me here a blessed Lesson. Now Mental Reservation, saves my neck, And no way hurts my Purse, I'll out with all: Should she love Magnus, as I am persuaded, Aurelia's pay will excel that of Otho's. Jocoso, Let's go in I'll give thee, Boy, One point of Wine, to cheer thee, these sad times. Joc. My Master hath a piece, I warrant you Ex. Brazutus. He is so free, this looked like a good chapman, A curse upon this Primogeniture! But a few minutes create all this trouble; My Elder Brother carries all the Land, And I may feed on Gallipots, and glasses. Before I'll starve thus like a silly Elf, I am a Knave, if I don't Hang myself Exit. Act. 3. Scen. 3. Enter Honorio, Prudentio, Junio. Jun. The emperor's arrived. Ho. Fully Incensed I guess Against the Pope. Jun. We'll tame this mad usurper. Pru. I wish, Honorio, this Religious Rebel, Were well chastised. Jun. If his Revenge be dull, We'll whet his sword, Sir, with our active spirits. Pru. First, we must understand the Prince's mind, Before we be to forward, Junio. Only we'll give him leave to pick our meaning, And our designs, out of our costly banquets, And bounteous Entertainments. Ho. He shall read These civil discords in the neat-wrought Sweet meats. Jun. I am not for these woman's toys, but if The Wine be good, I'll carouse wholeones to Him, And Fancy the Pope merrily tumbling down. Ho. Ha', ha', ha'. Pru. This is a sharp and bitter season for 'um. Ho. I hear the Empress comes, and her two Sons With a most Noble Train of handsome Ladies. Jun. They do not come, I hope, to fight with these. If any thing doth make me run away, 'Twill be a woman's shreicks. Ho. Ill, and harsh sounds But you can't hear 'em, for the Drums and Trumpets. Pru. They will secure these in the Littadel. Ho. Poor souls! It can't but be hard servise to 'um. They never saw such weather in their Chambers, Which they do always keep this winter quarters. They know no Snow, but what their Washball makes, Nor Ice, but curious artificial Jellies: Bold Boreas will disturb this Lock, that Curl, So put them to't. Jun. Shame on their tenderness! If I marry it shall be some Amazon, Can fight with one hand, and give suck with t'other. Pru. For all your merry talking, Gentlemen, Let's not be tardy to salute the Prince. Ho. True, they deserve our early loves. No age, Can Parallel, this Royal Pilgrimage. Exeunt. Act. 3. Scen. 4. Enter Pope, Victor, Cardinals, Attendants. Pope. I'll be as frigid to him as the Alps, And the deep winter, now they travel in. Vict. Make him your Slave, Dread Sir, to hold your Stirrup: Give him a good cuff if he don't do't right. 1 Card. Tread on him Sir, when you get up your Horse. Pope. I now can make him any thing or nothing. Having him in a triple twist; I hear, The Germane Bishops back my censure, and Their Princes want comply, without my pardon. Enter Second Cardinal. Card. Sir The Embassy's come. Pope. Admit them quickly, Their Sex commands civil Respect, from all. Enter Sophia, Matilda, Ladies. Soph. Thus low we beg your Honour. Sop. & Mat. kneel & kiss his Toe. Pope. Your Business. Soph. Your Emperor lays his Sceptre at your feet. Po. Is't come to this? It was but lately, I Must ask Him leave to put my Mitre on. Mat. Sir, we appeal to you, as unto Heaven, For Clemency, abstract from all revenge, Or any thought on't. Po. True. Yet sinners must Know by our frowns wherein they have offended. Soph. This he doth well, Sir, and is humbled for it. Mat. If there be merit (next your Holiness) What can be Higher than a Princes Fasting? Soph, Three days already, all disrobed, and barefoot. Mat. We have passed through the Island Purgatory, In our cold progress; nor grudge we this penance, T'arrive at Bliss, we mean, your Holiness; Where 'twere not Venial now, to doubt of Mercy, For which I cannot but adore your presence. Po. She cannot be denied, this Lady's converse Becomes a Patriarch, 'tis so sublime: Let's go confer about this business. Vict. Gladly. Po. Madam, for your sakes I will think upon Some terms of Pardon, (may they be accepted) You shall anon receive ●um privately. So. Mat. You Crown our wishes. Ex. Po. Car. Attend. So. I'll run with this news. Exit Soph. Mat. Privately! Let me see! a well-thought Lady, Must act a subtle niceness, to keep up Her reputation, whatsoever she prove, Were He another man, this might create An ill conception of me: but I hope There can be no such danger, in the Pope, Act. 1. Scen. 5. Exit. Enter Henry, & Conrade. Hen. I wonder Conrade, what th' effect will be. Con. Had I but had my wish, it never should Have come to this. Hen. You see th' Italian Princes Receive us Nobly, take no notice, Conrade, At all, of th' Execration. Con. I have that Within my breast, cannot abide there long: It swells to fast. Hen. Prithee declare what is it? Con. Will you swear secrecy, and courage then? Hen. I dare to you. Con. You shall be Emperor, My Father dotes. Hen. We will divide this Honuor. Con. I'll ask no more, and— They come. Enter Pope, Victor, Cardinals, Sophrona, Matilda, Ladies, Attendants. Hen. Let us stand here, this is the privatest. Po. Let him b' admitted with his Royal Habet, And order that a Banquet be prepared Without delay. Ex. Card. aside. Con. That's better than his blessing. Po. You see now Ladies, how my full desires Do well concur with yours in act of grace. Soph. Thanks to your Holiness we find it so. Mat. It well becomes, Sir, your Paternal Bowels. Po. Your Honour, (with the Emperor's Piety) Doth stand engaged, Matilda, to secure The Just performance of what's offered. Mat. What'ere is mine, Sir, may it be thought worthy, I'll freely stake to have your will fullfiled. Po. I know thou 'rt Noble, if thou fancy'st Rome Command our Court. Hen. This is exact Love-talk. asids. Con. In my heart the old fellow will prove wanton, Enter Emperor, Card. Banquet, Emp. I must perforce awhile dissemble it Thanks Holy Father. aside. knelt Con. This is brave submission. aside. Po. You have our Absolution, and our Love. Card. Heaven prosper, and continue these embraces! Po. Let us refresh ourselves! Fall to, Matilda. Music plays and they sing within. A Song. Your Civil jars Are the worst Wars: But now such dangers cease: Those Mortal Gods, That were at odds, Conclude an happy Peace. Cho. It is most pleasant Harmony, When Crown and Mitre do agree. We all then fear Sad darkness near, When Heaven's Two great Lights fight: Whilst Prince and Pope Clash; there's no hope, But the world's fatal night. Cho. But 'tis most pleasant Harmony, When Crown and Mitre do agree. Hen. I see the Cardinal's Caps are good for somewhat. Con. They hold almost a Charger full of Marchpanes. aside Emp. Your Bounty hath obliged us, Sir. Po. Accept it. Now our next business, is to confirm all Before the Sacred Altar. All. We attend you. Exeunt. Hen. The face of things, methinks, seems but untowardly, I do not like it, Conrade, Peace can never Suit with the nature, and complexion Of our designs, our sport must be in Tempests. Con. I warrant you, rather than balk the action, If we find discords slow, we'll make a faction. Finis Act. Tertii. Act. 4. Scen. 1. Enter Brazutuss, Jocoso, as on a Stage. Joc. Now Master there's hopes of a Trade again, Things fadge so well at Rome. Bra. We shall anon Have company. Joc. I find the Market mends. The Clowns begin to draw their Cat-string Purses, And call so boldly for a Pot for Joan. Bra. They drooped but now, I saw, most heavily, With their Chaps leaning on their Staves, a listening, And enquiring of every one they met, Whether they thought this War would cause a Land Tax. Joc. But now they are as brisk. Bra. We'll try their Pockets. Joc. 'Tis never well but when the Glove goes, Master. Bra. The Empress will I hear honour our sport. Joc. I'll leap out of my skin, and in again. Bra. I strange they tarry. Joc. Pox on't nothing, but Two bawling fellows on a Ladder yonder, Detain 'em: now they come. Enter a mixed company. 1. Wo. Yonder he is. 2. Wo. Look, Jack shall see him. 3. Wo. Poor Knave, what ails He? 2. Wo. Alas woman he hath had an Ague this six weeks. They say this Monster-banke knows what's good for't. Bra. Gentlemen, By the help of a Divine hand, I can Cure all those Distempers, mentioned in your Paper, I need not name them. Only I am to tell you, amongst the rest, there is a Rare Jesuitical Powder, made of the skin of the Serpent the Devil possessed, when he seduced Eve. That outwardly applied, will charm away any Ague, be it Tertian, Quartan, on Quotidian. 2. Wo. I am glad of that. Bra. I purchased it by my Intimacy at Rome, the Great-great-grand-mother of all Antiquity. No one else hath it. Let's see Jocoso. Joc. Master mind me Jocoso gives him his things. Bra. The price of all my things. Joc. Master my things! Bra. The price of all my things, with the Directory how to use them, is Three Shillings. Joc. Master! Bra. But because my time is not long with you, I shall in love give you six pence. Joc. Master, my things! Bra. So that you shall have all mine, and Jocoso 's for three shillings in the whole, Joc. Gentlemen your Gloves. With my Balls you may scrub up old and Faces, and make them look like new. 1. Wo. Give me the whole parcel. 2. Wo. And me. 3. And me. Joc. My Balls help a wench to a husband quickly. The take away all scurff, scabs and wrinkles, redness, freckles, pimples, or any unhandsomness in the flesh. They throw up. their Gloves. Bra. Gentlemen, if any of you be rich enough for the Gout, you must know I wrought an incomparable Cure of this lately, in Italy, on the Pope's great Toe. Enter a Drunkenman reeling amongst them. Wo. What's the matter? Drunk. What a pox do all these Fools harkening to a couple of Knaves? Joc. You make a gleak of us Gaffer. Drunk. Are you minded to have your po. po. Pockets picked? Joc. You're an old Rogue. Bra. Friend, about your business. Drunk. Kiss my Bum. Joc. Were I a little nearer, my foot should sweetly. Wo. Mind him not pray, He's Drunk, Sir. Drunk. Kiss my Bum! Joc. I'd drum a march on't. Drunk. Kiss my Bu, Bu, Bumme! Wo. Good now be quiet. Exit with Wo. Bra. Were not this fellow drunk now, Gentlemen, I'd make him a sad example, we come not Here, Sirs, without leave from the Emperor. And a full Licence from his Holiness. Dispatch Jocoso. Exit Bra. Enter on the Stage an old Woman holding her Teeth. Joc. I have done! Here comes an object of Charity. Wo. Pray Sir! Joc. Set down good woman. Joc. Which Tooth is it? She hath but that. looks in her mouth. Wo. 'Tis Haraldus, Hallow Sir. joc. It makes your breath stink. 'Tis done. Wo. I find ease. holds his Nose. joc. You have eased nature I think. Wo. smells the tooth. What must you have. joc. I have enough already. Wo. Pray Sir speak! joc. Don't drop Curtsies so, for fear your Curtsies drop. Wo. I'd willingly content you. joc. Good goodwife-house-of-Office do not follow me, so! Wo. You must speak in my ear, Sir. joc. Oh hell! must I come so near her. I'll have nothing Gammer! Wo. Thank you, Sir, I am deaf. Exit Wo. Joc. Pox on her, she hath neither ears, nor nose. All. Ha', ha', ha'. Joc. This goes now 'mongst my Regiment of Teeth. Each one (like those, I read, which Cadmus sowed, May prove a Man of reputation. pulls his cloth out & shows it. Do you not here, Sir, read a learned Artist, As well, as in those sixteen straggling Letters He brought to Greece? And now kind Gentlemen Be pleased to walk in, (Hang me if I lie) You shall see wonders of Activity. Ex. Omnes. Act. 4. Scen. 2. Enter Emperor, Prudentio, Honorio, junio. To them Henry, Conrade. Jun. For you we had designed our lives and fortunes. Ho. This is an everlasting Infamy, Sir, to your Royal Empire. Jun. He's a Lecher. A murderer, and by lewd practices Set on the Papacy. Emp. Had my dull Brain, From your first kindness apprehended you, This ne'er had been. Pru. In you were all our hopes, Whom we esteemed the Patron of all Justice, The Altar and sole Bulwark of the Laws Ho. We valued not his Excommunication. Emp. Those civil discords of the Germane Prinsce Forced me to get this off, on such conditions, Hell's Torment's nothing to 'um. I must stand To the Pope's Judgement; Answer mine accusers: If guilty, quietly resign my Crowns, In the mean time, live privately: release My Subjects from their Loyalty, and Oath. And which is worst, never attempt revenge. Jun. But that good manners here constrained a patience I had not heard you half out, 'twas such pain. Pru. He strives in all this but t' enslave you to him. Ho. And works his pleasure on you, thus disarmed. Jun. We're Idle still. Emp. Our Swords shall cut this League. Pru. The Soul can be obliged to nothing, but What's free, and voluntary. Enter to them Henry, Conrade. Hen. Sir, we hear Otho Rebels, and with a numerous Army Bids you defiance. Con. Aided with Rodolphus. Emp. More Mischief! Your assistance Gentlemen. All. 'Tis ready, Sir, most willingly. Hen. & Con. And ours. Emp. First we'll secure Home, next succeeds thy doom, Thy doom, Proud Metropolitan of Rome. Exeunt. Act. 4. Scen. 3. Enter Matilda, Ladies. Mat. Prepare all things in order for the Bath. I hope by this your perfect in your Task. 1 Lad. We are, Dear Madam, 2. And are happy in 'um. Mat. Observe your charge, I follow. All. We obey. Ex. Ladies Mat. 'Tis fine! the whole world is at my command. Although I cannot bear the name of Pope, I have the power fully, under him. This Duke, that Cardinal, this Lord, that Abbot, Are all my Creatures, own me suit and servise. All the Revenues of Rome's Mother-Church Are scarce enough now, to maintain a Mistress. A Lady well dressed, like a Pers'an Madam Wares several cities on her; so must I. The Peter Pence will find me Pins and Laces. And— Enter Pope. Pope What alone, at thy private contemplations? Let none confess thee but myself, Matilda. Mat. Sir, you best know my secret passions. Po. I do, and can best pardon 'um. Ma. Your Cardinals. I must retire till anon. Exit Matilda. Pope. Your business. Vict. Sir, Th' Emperor is started from his Covenant Already, and with th' Italian Nobles Conspire your ruin. Pope. Most unheard of falsehood! We must bestir us to be ready for 'um. Here now I want my good old Friend Brazutus. Can't we put confidence in Alter-vowes? Nay; If once such Assurances be crossed As These; I'll burn the consecrated Host. Exeunt. Act. 4. Scen. 4. Enter Otho, Frederick, Rodolphus. Otho. Sirs, Now, now, let's behave ourselves like men! The stak's the Cerman Empire, and we'll share it, Amongst us three: we'll share it equally. Enter Above Emp. Hen. Con. Ho. Pru. Jun. Emp. Will you yield Traitors? Otho. If valour for it. Emp. Ye shall have mercy. Ro. Dandle Fools and Children. Fred. Kingdoms are more worth then to part with so. All. Force the doors open, Sirs. We have free entrance. Enter above Magnus. Mag. Magnus is poisoned Otho, and his Ghost Comes to revenge his Death. Otho. Villain, I am cheated. Fred. We are betrayed! A noise within, they run, they run, they run. Ro. They come like lightning on us! Enter Hen. Con. Mag. beating Otho, Fred. Rodolp. off the Stage, Ex. fight. Otho. Stand to't Rodolphus. All. Now Enter Junio, and Honorio, with their Swords rawn. Jun. Pox on't! they fled, fore I had half my fill. Such wars as these starve a good stomached Sword Ho. They had good Heels. The emperor's safe I see. Enter Emp. embracing Prudentio. Emp. Prudentio Thanks! Thanks to you Noble Sirs! To you we own this conquest. Hon. To your Courage. Pru. And Wisdom, Sir, we must ascribe this Honour. Jun. Pox! 'Twas a skirmish not worth talking of. Enter Magnus, Henry, Conrade. Emp. Magnus'! Mag. The Three-Head-Traytors have their due deserts, Rodolphus, Sir, and Frederick are slain By the these your Noble Sons. Emp. Was this your Act, My Boys? Jun. Faith fine Beginnings, Ha, Honorio. Ho. True. Hen. Thanks to good Fortune, Sir. Pru. They're modest too. Emp. Now Gentlemen, your swords have carved your way To a most free, and well-deserved welcome, To what 'ere Germany affords. All. All thanks. Emp. I long almost to see Aurelia. Mag. She'll not a little triumph at this news. Emp. Mag. Do you conduct the Empress to us. Mag. Sir, I obey. Emp. Let's go. All. We all attend. Exeunt. Manet Henry, Conrade. Hen. Ill luck, the old man scaped so, were He dead We'd never talk of Primogeniture. But be sworn Colleagues in the Empire, Conrade. Con. Here we were forced to fight, to help to save him, We, and our hopes else had been lost for ever, But now there is an other War behind, May order all things, Harrie, to our mind. Act. 4. Scen. 5. Enter Aurelia, Sylvia, Attendants Syl. Are you resolved to Antedate his death, And weep his Dirge, before hand, Madam? Aur. I saw him murdered, in my dream last night, And felt the sword that did it, Sylvia! Syl. These be but idle Fancies; He's alive! Aur. He's run through (here I bleed) He's run through here! strikes her breast. Enter A Messenger. Syl. A Messenger! what News! Mess. Where's the Princess? Madam! Aur. I have but a few minutes now! Mess. Your Royal Father hath the Victory. Aur. How would I fain know, what I fear to know! Mess. Madam! The Empress with the two young Princes Are safe returned. Aur. Still Impertinent! Mess. And— Aur. Now it comes! quick rid me out of pain. Speak, how doth Magnus? Mess. They are all at hand. Syl. He knows not Magnus, Madam! Now they come. Enter Emp. Sophrona, Magnus, Prudentio, Honorio, Junio. Aur. And now I see him Sylvia, or his Ghost. Your Royal Blessings both! Emp. The Heavens preserve My Dear Aurelia. They all salute the Princess. Soph. How dost, my Child? Aur. Thanks Royal Mother: How is't Magnus? Pru. Sir, you much Honour us to show such Treasure. They talk together. Hon. Is not she tempting, Junio? Jun. In her Sex. You know I mind no face but what's in Breeches, And so may make a fit Companion, For Mars, or Bacchus, Fight, boy, or Drinking. Emp. Sirs, you shall taste our Liquor, and accept A large Heart, with a slender Entertainment. All. Oh Sir, you all oblige us by your kindness. Mag. 'Twas to do somewhat that can ne'er be done. Exeunt. 'Twas to do somewhat to deserve Aurelia And next you, to Revenge that Treachery I always hated. Exit Magnus. Aur. You were ever Noble Syl. Magnus is dead! done't he affright you Madam? Aur. Surely thou art some Sibyl, Sylvia. Enter Hen. Conrade My Brothers! Brothers! Bo. Lives Aurelia? And Sylvia too? Syl. Welcome sweet Princes! Aur. What, You killed Rodolphus, and You Frederick. Hen. And Magnus, Otho. Now she blushes Conrade. Aur. 'Tis but your Fancy. Con. We must not delay. They will but just recruit, and then for Rome. Come Sister. Ex. Hen. Conrade. Aur. We will follow. Sylvia! Compose thyself for Mirth, Girl! Syl. I do, Madam, And am prepared to frolic, any how You shall Command. Aur. The Heavens ne'er smiled, till now. Exeunt. Finis Act. Quinqui. Act. 5. Scen. 1. Enter. Emperor, Prudentio, Honorio, Junio, Henry, Conrade. Emp. Matilda! what means this? Read Gentlemen! He reads a letter. I am the Privy-Council of his breast (She writes) Beware Brazutus! I live yet, Free from all poison, don't I? Well Matilda, Shall not repent this kindness. Pru. This is he Poisoned Seven Popes to make use of this. Ho. Lives here Brazutus? Pru. And his Man Jocoso. Jun. Beggarly Urchin! He'll kill any one, For a Pot, Ten-groats, and the dead corpse in, To make some Mummia for th' Apothecaries. Emp. Were they for this, thus long allowed our Court? Hen. Sir, This was he, that should have poisoned Magnus. Emp. To you we leave th'inspection of this business Together Henry, with the government. Hen. I shall be Just, Sir, May you safe return! Con. Be mindful of your promise Hal. Hen. Fear nothing. Emp. Conrade goes. Pru. We shall miss his Valour else. Con. Thanks for your Noble thoughts Prudentio. Jun. Would we could fly Honorio to the wars On some swift-whinged Horses. Ho. Oh brave Junio. Exeunt. Manet Henry. Hen, Farewell! From this time shall my Reign take date, Will Magnus second now, this pleasing Fate. Exit. Act. 5. Scene, 2. Enter Magnus, Aurelia, Sylvia. Aur. I feared thee Magnus, Magnus I did. Mag. Dear Madam! You that had got such Interest in my heart, Methinks should know what's in't. there's truth written, Not in dull Characters, but large, and lasting. Aur. Enough! Syl. Hymen cannot be wanting long. (Madam) That blush did well become a Lady, That must anon be chastely ravished. Aur. Sylvia, you talk. The Empress. Enter Sophrona. Soph. Noble Magnus! Mag. Madam, was not your Journey tedious. Soph. 'Twas. And now returned we must confess, to you We own ourselves and Kingdoms, and that ease They do afford. Aur. Didst hear that Sylvia? Mag. This Honour justly appertains To th' Emperor, and Your Heroic sons. Pray do 'em Justice. Soph. Courage never brags. Harrie how is't. Enter Henry Hen. I left 'em well, and merry. Magnus' a word or two with you, in secret. They whisper. Aur. What's become of Matilda, Royal Mother? That I was thus forgetful, not to ask Till now. Soph. She's grown obsequious to the Pope, And wants for nothing. Aur, Oh me! I thought him Still past a woman, by the Papian Law. Syl. She talked indeed at first Amorously Of the old Man. Soph. You say right Sylvia. Hen. Aurelia's wise, chaste, fair. Mag. I know all this, And yet I'll wed my grave, first Hen. Farewell then. Ex. Magnus. Avoid the Court upon my high Displeasure Ex. Henry. Soph. They're moved! Syl. What means all this? Soph. Let us inquire. Exit Aur. My Joys are Dashed still, as they do begin The Sun but just appeared, and is clapped in. Act. 5. Scen. 3. Enter Matilda, and Ladies, Attendants. Mat. And let him fly! My pomp will be the same. (My hopes are built upon undoubted grounds:) Victor will be as good as Gregory. Command the Cardinals to receive my pleasure. Attend. We shall Ex. Attend. Mat. How like you Sirs, my Dress to day? Lad. As it becomes the Empress of the world. Mat. I know no reason for the Salic Law, But that a woman may be fit to govern, Or why do Poets talk of Juno Pallas. Place power and wisdom in the Female Gender? Had not dame Nature cut us out to Rule, She never would have given us such desires, We'll give men leave to think we think them wise, But yet we know our strength: all States, and Persons, (Act we discreetly) may be conquered By our well managed favours. Without. The day's our own. Enter Emp. Prudentio, Hon. Jun. Soldiers. Emp. Secure all there. Mat. The business is effected. Jun. They can't be hired to turn again: (Hare-like) One Run a Post down, with his eyes behind. Soul. Make room-there, stand back Hon. The Cardinals. Enter Cardinals. Mat. Great Sir! thus low accept my Loyalty. Emp, Matilda, rise, we have sufficient proof of't. Fathful, and politic were thy designs To which we own this bloudless victory. How may we now requite this love? Mat. Ourselves and service, Sirs, must be our Princes Pure from all Mercenary purposes. Emp. True. Yet Matilda we must not discourage Our Subjects duties with Ingratitude. Mat. Then please me, Sir, in pleasuring yourself, In the Election of a Worthy Pope. Victor's demeanovors speak him such. Pru. We never Sir heard the contrary. Emp. I do approve him. Victor and Matilda talk together. Vict. Thanks mighty Prince! All. God save Pope Victor the third. Emp. Hildebrand's Name did Anagrammatise His Nature, (I HEL-BRANDD) and so he was. Ho. He was indeed the World's Incendiary. Emp. A Legion Rebel, (in a wicked Pope) Must be a Complication of Traitors. Pru. He makes a thousand hardy-Regicides With Pardons in their Pockets, and hopes of Immediate access into Paradise: With a fair promise to be Canonised. Jun. And then Men run on in their villainies As eagerly as e'er the Pope run from us. Pox on him! now the wars are done, and now We may make Mustard with our Cannon-bullets, And stick our Swords up to hang Scare-crows on. Vict. Will It please Caesar now to grace our Court. Emp. Thanks to Your Holiness. Come kind Matilda. Come Gentlemen, you shall participate. Pru. We shall attend. All. God save Caesar and Pope Victor! exeunt. Act. 5. Scen. 4. Enter Conrade, Soldiers He looks on a Letter. Con. My Revenge cannot stay the old man's pace. I looked for all the Empire, half, was promised: And now he writes, I must submissively Yield to the Portion, of a Younger Brother: And wait the leisure of the Destinies, Or never be admitted to his Court. Soldiers! rest confident in my Rewards! And let them highly animate your courage! I will not make a meal, nor close mine eyes, Until I'm Emperor of Germany. Enter a Messenger. What are you? Come, for Reconciliation? Mess. I come to tell you, Sir, Your Father's dead. Con. Dead! Mess. He no sooner heard your Brother's aim, (But He replied) 'twas time he was Extinguished, Finding that short life, he had yet behind Burnt like a snuff, so noisome to his issue, His own Son Henry! And with that, he funck. Con. Is he quite dead? Mess. Dead. Con. there's one let Removed. A shout within. They Come, let us prepare. Enter Magnus and Soldiers. Mag. Brave Conrade, yield! Con. How like a flattering Parrot, the Fool talks! Brave Conrade! Mag. 'Tis your Elder Brothers Right. Con. Pox on't! Can High and Noble Spirits, bend For a Kingdom, stand to tell first, and Second? Fight, Fight! I'll quickly make a younger Brother Of thee Magnus. They all fight, Conrad's Soldiers are beaten off the Stage, Magnus kills Conrade. Mag. There was no way but death. Enter Soldiers. Soul. We have the Conquest, Sir, they are quite Routed. Mag. Convey this Corpse to Solemn Funeral, We cannot but Lament Bold Conrade's Fall. Act. 5. Scen. 5. Enter Officers with Brazutus, Jocoso, and a mixed Company 1. Off. Along, Along! Braz. What are we apprehended for? 1. Off. The Emperor will tell you. 2. Off. Come along. Joc. So I can, you Hunger-starved-Hound Without your Haleing. 1. Wo. They are very cheats. 3. Wo. They mumped poor Bess. 2. Wo. Their things w'ant worth a Farthing. All. Hang 'em, hang 'em they do but gull the Country. Braz. This day's work shall cost you dear. 1. Off. 'Tmay cost your life. Braz. I had a Licence from His Royal Father: Nor will the Princess thank you for this rudeness. 1. Off. order never feared for what we do. Braz. spoiled a Chemistry cost (God knowes what) Joc. brained the Gallipots, ye Rogues! the stuff Runs out, shall cost you sauce, I warrant you. 2. Off. Come, come, a Halter will soon spoil your railing. Joc. You may deserve it first. All. Hang'um quick, Hang'um Off. Peace, The Emperor. Enter Hen. Embracing Magnus, Attendants. Wo. Take heed you be'nt in the old woman's pickle, By and by, Sirrah. Joc. Go you Bobtailed Whores. Ex. Women & company. Wo. You whore-son Arsegut! All. Ha', ha', ha'. Off. Peace the Emperor Hen. Magnus, I am obliged.— Off. Sir, here's the Prisoner. Hen. Brazutus! you endeavoured to poison Our Royal Father. Braz. Sir, I'm ignorant. Hen. If you conceal't I shall the rather think it. Mag. Perhaps, Matilda might not send the Letter, Pope Gregory intended for this purpose. Hen. Confess all or else you die. Joc. I ne'er, Sir, murdered any in my life. Braz. The old Woman. (I hate lying) Joc. I did but feign that, Sir, to get his service. Hen. How now Brazutus? Braz. Sir, this is but malice. Mag. If clear in this yet they may both be faulty. Hen. Declare Brazutus what you're committed, And on a Prince's word, you shall have mercy. (For your sake Magnus and Aurelia's.) Braz. If I am guilty, Sir, of this I'm taxed of, May I for ever be debarred your bounty. Hen. Speak all you know, or ever did, Jocoso. If you're found in a tittle falls, you die. Joc. I never murdered any but my Mother, Which Nature had almost done to my Hand. Besides it was my Elder Brother's do. She lived so long He thought she was Immortal. His mind was once, to try whether she'd drown: But I was forced at last to do her work For a mean Fee; I might have starved else, Sir. Your mercy, Sir, your mercy! Hen. Horrid Villain! Mag. But that your word joined with the Jubilee Of your first Reign, pleads somewhat, Sir, for life, There could be no escaping of the Gallows: However pray think on some punishment That may be next to it. Hen. Friends, hear your sentence. Brazutus! You Equivocated with us, More than Jocoso in your sly confession. (Who poisoned a Septinary of Popes! Both shall live in perpetual Prisonment: look to them Officers, and see that daily A hard allowance, mind them of their faults. Off. Sir We obey. 1. 'Tis well ye scape so 2. Off. Come my Friend, Jocoso. Exeunt Officers with Bra. & Jocoso. Joc. Pox on your Friendship, would we ne'er had met! How Intimate I must be now with Hell! Braz. The best on't is, old age, ill-used Can't suffer me, to be Tenant to a Prison long! Hen. Magnus'! whate'er the Germane Empire now Rightly descended to me, will afford, Command it freely. Mag. May Heaven prosper Caesar! The Embrace. Enter Aurelia, Sylvia. Aur. Look yonder Sylvia. Syl. I like this well. Aur. Must Magnus now be Banished? Hen. Sweet Aurelia! I can as soon be banished from myself. (Give me leave Sister) You will have a man, Made up of Love, of Justice, and of Honour. I might have called these Virtues into question, Had he yielded to me in hindering My Father's Return, to his Empire: which None but the Fates prevented. All. Heaven Bless Caesar! Mag. Next we must Palliate Sophrona's grief. Hen. That must be Magnus in your Nuptials. Great Duke of Saxony! accept your Duchess, Accept of your Aurelia! Aur. I fly to Him. Syl. Blessed pair, may yours no more prove April-joyes! Mag. We prise things most got through a world of Crosses. Hen. When those are quite blown over: and now may You (like the City Alexandria) Enjoy a constant Sunshine every day! Exeunt Omnes. FINIS. EPIGOLUE. I am to tell you (Gentlemen!) The Play Caesar 's sad Tragedy, you saw to day. Should any Momus cry, it can't be true. A man Religious, and a Rebel, too. Carp at the Title first, and next the Plot, And then the Sense, the Language, and what not! Condemn this Poison, this Lust, and that Treason, And swore, our Pilgrim-Prince can't stand to reason; (But as a Vulgar Error strait must be Damned with the Belisarian Poverty.) Our Poet doth confess, and 'tis His glory, He played the Thief, he saith, and stole the story From men of Trust, who writ, the thing was so, Acted about Six Hundred years ago. But yet all this won't do He understands, Nothing will pass for good, without your Hands. For which great favour, (she who did express Herself so handsome to his Holiness.) — Witty Matilda pleads; and 'tis hard hap, If such a friendly Girl don't get a clap.