THE imposter A tragicomey, AS It was Acted at the private House IN BLACK friars.  
WRITTEN By JAMES SHIRLEY.  
Never Printed before.  
LONDON, Printed for Humphrey Robinson at the Three Pigeons, and Humphrey Moseley at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church-yard. 1652.   

TO SIR ROBERT BOLLES Baronet.  
SIR,  
IT hath been a Compliment with some, when they have treated Friends, to profess a barrenness in that which they had prepared not without studied charge, and Curiosity. As I was never so insolent to magnify my own, being best acquainted with my weak abilities: so I should deserve a just affront to myself, and undervalue your person, to present you with any thing were first cheap in my own opinion. Sir, this Poem, I may with modesty affirm, had a fair reception, when it was personated on the stage, and may march in the first rank of my own compositions, which directed now by my humble devotion, comes from the press to kiss your hand, and bear your noble Name in the dedication. I cannot have so much prejudice upon your nature, to think you will decline it, and should I abate those other characters of honour that shine upon you, your indulgence to Music and singular love to the worthy professors eminently, show the harmony of your soul, and while Poetry is received a Musical part of humane knowledge, I cannot despair of your candid entertainment. Sr. I beseech you take it, as an earnest of my thoughts to serve you, I am assured it brings with it, beside the acknowledgement of your late obligation upon me, ambitious desires to preserve my interest in your favour, while I subscribe myself,  
Sir,  The humblest of your Honourers, Ia Shirley.  

The Prologue.  
OUr poet not full confident he says,  
When Theatres free vote had crowned his plays,  
Came never with more trembling to the stage,  
Since that poetic Schism possessed the age.  
A Prologue must have more wit than the play,  
He knows not what to write, fears what to say.  
He has been stranger long to'th' English scene,  
Knows not the mode, nor how with artful pen,  
To charm your airy souls; beside, he sees  
The Muses have forsook their groves, the trees  
That feared no thunder, and were safely worn  
By Phoebus own priests, are now rudely torn  
By every scurrile wit that can but say  
He made a Prologue to a new— no play.  
But let 'em pass; you Gentlemen that sit  
Our judges, great Commissioners of wit,  
Be pleased I may one humble motion make,  
'Tis that you would resolve for th' author's sake,  
I'th' progress of his play not to be such  
who'll understand too little, or too much  
But choose your way to judge; to th' Ladies one  
Address from the Author, and the Prologue's done,  
In all his Poems, you have been his care,  
Nor shall you need to wrinkle now that fair  
Smooth Alabaster of your brow, no fright  
Shall strike chaste ears, or die the harmless white  
Of any cheek with blushes, by this pen  
No Innocence shall bleed in any scene,  
If then your thoughts secured you smile, the wise  
Will learn to like by looking on your eyes.   


Persons.  
Duke of Mantua.  
Honorio, his Son.  
Flaviano, The Duke's Creature.  
Leonato, The Duke of Ferrara's Son.  
Petronio, a noble man of Ferrara.  
Bertoldi, an insolent Coward, son to Florelia.  
Claudio, a creature of Flaviano.  
Volternio  
Hortensio  
Colonels.  
Antonio, a Gent.  
friar.  
Pandolfo, a servant of the Tavern.  
Soldiers.  
Servants.  
Abbess.  
Fioretta, Daughter to the Duke of Mantua.  
Donebella, Sister to Leonato.  
Juliana, A Mistress of Flaviavo.  
Florelia, A noble Lady, Mother to Bertoldi.  
Ladies.    

THE IMPOSTURE  
Enter Duke Honorio, Flaviano. (at several Doors.) Duke. 
NO Army yet discovered?  Flav. 
None.  Duke 
We are lost.  Honor. 
Despair not sir.  Duke 
Away, thy confidence is folly,  
Is not danger round about us,  
From every part destruction staring us  
I'th' face? this City, like a fatal Centre,  
Wherein the bloody lines of War, and Famine,  
Prepare to meet?  Flav. 
And every minute we expect a Battery.  Honor. 
The walls are not so easily made dust,  
As the besiegers would persuade our faith;  
Disarm not your own hearts, my confidence  
Tells me we sha'not suffer, the Duke of  
Ferrara may send yet to raise the siege.  Duke 
Fond Boy, it was thy counsel to depend  
Upon his aids, and promise Fioretta,  
Thy Sister, with so great a dowry to  
The Duke's vainglorious Son; fame has belied  
His valour, and we now are cheated of  
Our lives and Dukedom.  Honor. 
Sir, with my duty safe, let me entreat you  
Not stain the character of a Prince so much;  
The interest we have in that great Title  
Should make us wise in our belief; for when  
Princes break faith, Religion must dissolve,  
And nature groan with burden of the living  
Beside his Son Leonato, however  
Traduced or sullied by some traitor's envy,  
Deserves a noble fame, and loves the hope  
Of our alliance; I ne'er saw his person  
But, 'twere a sin, honour could not forgive  
In us to question him.  Duke 
We fool ourselves;  
Let's think of timely Articles and yield.  Flav. 
Whilst there is hope of mercy.  Hon 
Oh! this want  
Of man will make all our well meaning stars  
forfeit their kind aspects, & turn their influence to death  Flav. 
My Lord, I cannot be concerned in name  
And honour with your person, whose least blood  
Is worth ten thousand arteries of mine,  
Therefore while such necessities invade us  
I cannot but prefer your lives, and in  
My duty counsel, you would think of what  
Is offered here, rather than hazard all  
By a vain expectation of an Army  
From Leonato, who with all his forces  
Is not yet sure to prosper in our cause.  Duke. 
Consider that Honorio.  Flav. 
Nay, should Heaven  
So smile upon us, that his sword o'er come,  
This to weak apprehension may promise  
Our glory, but examine well the close,  
There may be greater danger in his victory,  
Than all our want of him can threaten.  Hono. 
You perplex my understanding.  Flav. 
He expects your Sister the reward of his great service.  Hono. 
Is it not Justice?  Flau. 
Yes, forbid it goodness,  
He should not thrive in his fair hope, and promises;  
But if her Highness find not in her heart  
Consent, to meet the Prince with love and marriage,  
Who shall defend us from his power? that must  
Keep us in awe, and this earth, panting yet  
With frights and sufferings of the War.  Hono. 
It is my wonder Lord Flaviano, your wisdom  
Should weave these wild impossibilities;  
My Sister not consent? nature, her birth,  
Obedience, honour, common gratitude,  
Beside ambition of what can be hoped for  
To make her happy, will give wings to her desires.  Duke 
I cannot tell.  Hono. 
I cannot think,  
Your reason sir can be so much corrupted,  
To look upon my Sister with that fear,  
She should not fly to meet our great preserver;  
Do you believe, she now 'mong holy Virgins,  
Lead thither by her own devotion,  
During this War to pray, and weep for us  
(Tears, whose clear Innocence might tempt an Angel  
To gather up the drops, and string for Saints  
A Crystal rosary) can wish us safe  
By his victorious arm, without a will  
To be herself his own reward? her virtue  
Must needs instruct her that, and we apply  
No motive to her heart—  A shout within. Du. 
What news?  Enter Claudio. Claud. 
From the watchtower we descry an Army  
Marching this way; the Sun which hath thus long  
Muffled his face in clouds, as it delighted  
In their approach, doth gild their way, and shine  
Upon their burgonets to dazzle the faint eyes  
Of our besiegers.  Hono. 
'Tis Leonato.  Claud. 
Our Enemies, whose Troops circle the Town,  
Are making hast to meet 'em, and the Foot  
Quitting their trenches, now are gathering  
Into a body, as it seems resolved  
To give 'em battle.  Duke. 
We have life again.  
Honorio, collect what strength we have,  
And make a sally at your best advantage.  
'Tis good to engage 'em both ways.  Hon. 
How my thoughts triumph already!  Ex. Duke. 
Now my Son is gone,  
Who is not of our Counsel; we must think  
How to behave us, if the Prince succeed,  
Our daughter which we promised him in marriage,  
Being already sent away, the price  
Of his great Victory.  Flav. 
Trouble not yourself,  
Great Sir, your wisdom that inclined your faith  
To my true Character of the Prince,  
And took my counsel for her absence, shall  
Applaud my future policy; he's not come  
To conquest yet, however Princes are not  
Obliged to keep, what their necessities  
Contract, but prudently secure their states  
And dear posterity; trust to my care,  
Fioretta is no match for Ferrara's Son,  
A Prince deep read in lusts, faithless, and cruel,  
So will a Turtle with a Vulture show,  
Or Lamb yoked with a Tiger: she's a pledge  
Destined by better fate to Crown your age  
And heart with blessings Sir.  Du. 
Hark,  
The drums talk louder, from the battlements,  
I may behold their fight, and see which Army,  
Conquest, now hovering in the air, will mark  
Her glorious perch, upon whose Plumed heads  
She may advance, and clap her brazen wings.  Ex. Soft Alarum Flav. 
Sir I'll attend: Claudio.  Claud. 
My Lord.  Flav. 
Thou left'st the princess Fioretta safe at Placentia?  Claud. 
Yes Sir.  Flav. 
How did she like her progress? thou didst urge  
It was my care of her, to take her from  
The fright and noise of War.  Claud. 
I did my Lord.  Flav. 
And did she taste it well?  Claud. 
To my apprehension exceeding well,  
And gave me strict commands  
To say she will remember, and reward  
Your love and care of her.  Flav. 
Did she name love?  Claud. 
The very word she used, and I returned,  
How much your study and ambition was  
To merit her fair thoughts.  Flav. 
And didst thou scatter, as I instructed  
Here and there dark language, to  
disaffect her with the Prince, to whom  
The Duke hath rashly made a promise?  Claud. 
All; I had failed my duty else my Lord.  Flav. 
Call me thy friend, thou hast deserved me, now  
Attend the Duke— so, now my next art must be,  Exit. Claud. 
How to come off with with Leonato, if his  
Army prevail, the Duke must be instructed;  
Honorio thinks his Sister still i'th' Nunnery;  
That thought must be preserved; a thousand wheels  
Move in my spacious brain, whose motions are  
Directed by my ambition to possess  
And call Fioretta mine, while shallow Princes  
I make my State decoys, then laugh at 'em.  Alarum, Enter Honorio lead by Claudio over the Stage wounded. 
The Prince Honorio wounded; fate I bless thee.  
How is it with your highness?  Hon 
I am shot sir.  Flav. 
Would it were dangerous— be careful of him;  
A curse upon that hand that missed his heart.  Ex. Hon. 
So, so, fortune thou shalt have eyes again  
If thou wouldst smile on mischief, I will build thee  
An Altar, and upon it sacrifice  
Folly and all her children, from whose blood  
A curled smoke shall rise, thick as the mists  
That breath from Incense to perfume and hide  
The sacrificing Priest; sight on,  
Ye are brave Fellows, he that conquers may  
Get Honour, and deep wounds, but I the day.  Exit. Alarum and Retreat. Then Enter Leonato, Volternio, Hortensio, and Soldiers in Triumph, at one door; at the other, Enter Men with boughs of Laurel singing before the Duke, Flaviano, Claudio. 

You Virgins, that did late despair  
To keep your Wealth from cruel men,  
tie up in silk your careless hair,  
Soft peace is come again.   

Now lovers eyes may gently shoot  
A flame that won't kill:  
The Drum was angry, but the Lute  
Shall whisper what you will.   

Sing Iö, Iö, for his sake,  
Who hath restored your drooping heads,  
With choice of sweetest flowers make  
A garden where he treads;   

Whilst, we whole groves of Laurel bring,  
A petty triumph to his brow,  
Who is the Master of our Spring,  
And all the bloom we owe.   Duk. 
Our hearts were open sir before the gates  
To Entertain you, I see Laurels grow  
About your temples, where, as in a grove  
Fair Victory Enamoured on your brow  
Delights to sit, and cool her reeking head  
And crimson tresses in your shade.  Flav. 
The City  
In glory of this day shall build a Statue  
To you their great preserver, whose tough brass  
Too hard for the devouring teeth of age  
Shall eat up Time, to keep your fame Eternal;  
Our active youth in honour of your name  
Shall bring again the old Olympic games,  
And willing to forget what's passed in time,  
And story, count their years from this day's triumph,  
As if the World began but now; the wives  
As if there were no legends past of love,  
Shall only talk of you, and your great Valour;  
And careless how man's raze should be continued  
Grow old in wonder of your deeds; our Virgins  
Leaving the natural tremblings that attend  
On timorous maids, struck pale at sight of blood,  
Shall take delight to tell what wounds you gave,  
Making the horror sweet to hear them sing it;  
Their hands at the same time composing Garlands  
Of Roses, Myrtle, and the conquering Bay,  
To adorn our Temples, and the Priests, and while  
The Spring contributes to their art, make in  
Each garden a remonstrance of this battle,  
Where flowers shall seem to Fight, and every plant  
Cut into Forms of green Artillery,  
And instruments of War, shall keep alive  
The memory of this day, and your great Victory.  
Yet all that can be studied short of you,  
Our best, a rude Imperfect Monument  
Of your deserved honours.  Leo. 
You're too bountiful  
In language sir, the service we have done  
May merit your acknowledgment, which though  
The Justice of your cause directed first  
To this success, was not without a hope  
Of a reward you promised, and I value it  
More than you can esteem all your preservings;  
So much hath fame preferred your daughter's Virtue  
To every excellence.  Duke. 
This adds to what  
we held before excess of honour to us.  
I had but a part i'th' Universal benefit  
Your Valour gave, but this affection  
Falls like a happy Influence on myself  
And blood, whose aged streams you fill with blessings.  
My Daughter shall be yours, in which I sum  
My lives chief satisfaction. My Lord  
Go to the house of Benedictine Nuns,  
Among whose sweet society our Daughter,  
During this War and tumult, went to offer  
Her prayers for our deliverance.  
I am in a storm, and now must stand  (aside) 
My desperate fate.  Horten. 
I hope she's not turned Nun?  Leo. 
I should not like it.  Vol. 
May not we visit the holy house? 'tis pity so much  
Sweet flesh, should be engrossed and barrelled up  
With penitential pickle 'fore their time,  
That would keep fresh and fair, and make just work  
For their Confessions. I do not like the women  
Should be cabled up.  Hor. 
I think so.  Vol. 
I would this Virgin would be peevish now.  Hor. 
Why so?  Volt. 
That we might ha' some sport among the Leverets.  
For I would so inflame the General  
He were affronted, that we should have all  
Commission to work into the Warren.  Le. 
We do want a person here, whose name is great  
I'th' Register of honour, it would much  
Enlarge our present happiness to Embrace him,  
Your Son the prince Honorio. Duke. 'Twas his chance  
Upon a sally, when your colours gave  
Us Invitation to the Field, and spirited  
Our soldiers, to receive a shot, whose cure  
May excuse the want of his attendance sir,  
Nor will I doubt his wounds are doubled by  
The thought he cannot wait upon your person.  Le. 
He should have honoured us, and made me proud  
To know, whom so much fair desert hath made  
Dear in the voice and love of men: but I  
Shall not despair to see him. We want  
A limb of our own Army, where is Signior  
Bertoldi, that came with us to see Fashions?  
I hope we have not lost him.  Horten. 
Sir, I know not, I fear he's slain.  Volt. 
He won't die so nobly;  
He'll ne'er give up the ghost without a Featherbed.  
He was sick last night at the report we were  
But three leagues off the Enemy, and called  
For a hot caudle. I that knew his cold  
Disease persuaded him to drink, which he  
Did fiercely as I could wish, in hope to see him  
Valiant and walk the round, but quite against  
Nature his ague shook him more, and all the Drink  
Which was the full proportion of a gallon  
Came out at's forehead in faint sweat; he had  
Not moved ten paces, but he fell down backward  
And swore he was shot with a cold bullet; how  
They rolled him like a Barrel back to his Tent,  
For levers could not raise him to make use  
Of's feet again, I know not, nor since saw him.  Hort. 
I hope he's still asleep.  Volt. 
But when he wakes,  
And finds the Army marched away, He dares not,  
Go home again alone, & how he'll venture  
o'er the dead bodies hither— he has done't.  Enter Bertoldi. Ber. 
Where is the General?  Leo. 
Here comes our mirth.  Hort. 
A walking Armoury; noble Signior Bertoldi.  Bertol. 
If you want Pikes or Muskets there, I could  
Ha brought field pieces, but I durst not venture  
My chine.  Leon. 
Where had you these?  Bert. 
Ask, ask the men I killed, if they deny  
A syllable I'll forswear the Wars.  Volt. 
He has disarmed and robbed the dead.  Hort. 
A coward has impudence to rob a Church.  Volt. 
He durst not take 'em from a man that had  
But so much life in him to gasp or groan,  
That noise would fright him.  Hort. 
I rejoice Signior, you're safe come home.  Bert. 
I would I were at home, and you get me  
Among your Guns again— how is't Volterino?  Enter Flaviano. Volt. 
This news will much exalt your Mother's heart.  Leon. 
He is returned but with a melancholy face.  
Where is the Princess?  Du. 
Where is our Daughter?  Flav. 
Where her devotion I fear will make  
This Dukedom most unhappy, if your virtue  
Exceed not what is read in other Princes,  
It was my fear that place, and conversation,  
Would mortify too much that active heat  
Should wait on the desires of high-born Ladies.  Leon. 
The mystery?  Volt. 
Do not you find it? they have nunnified her.  Flav. 
Sir, your pardon;  
She whom first fear and fright of War persuaded  
To join her prayer and person with the Virgins  
In the religious Cloister, by what art  
Or holy magic won, is now resolved—  Leon. 
What, hath she vowed?  Flau. 
Until a year be finished  
By revolution of the days great guide,  
Not to forsake the Nunnery, but spend  
Her hours in thankful prayers to heaven for this  
Great victory.  Volt. 
So, so, It will come to the battery I talked on.  Duke 
It cannot be.  Leo. 
It must not be  Volt. 
I am of that opinion my Lord,  
It must not be, this is a stratagem.  Flau. 
She humbly prays you would interpret this  
No breach of filial piety, nor your  
Highness a will to wrong so great a merit  
As hath engaged all fortunes here, and lives  
To bleed for you, but weigh in your best charity  
That duties are first paid to Heaven, the spring  
And preservation of what makes us happy,  
And she is confident when you consider—  Leon. 
How much my honour suffers, to employ  
The strength I have to punish this affront.  Bert. 
A pox upon't, we shall ha' more fighting now  Duke 
I hope you have no thought of any practice  
Here to deserve that language?  Volt. 
You're abused.  Leon. 
If you be her Father sir, I must expect  
What did engage me hither, and without  
Delays, or leave this City in a flame.  Bert. 
More Fireworks?  Leon. 
In whose Ashes I will bury this foul ingratitude.  Duke 
We are ruined all.  Bert. 
There is not so much danger, to be put  
In Rank and File with piemeat in an Oven,  
If a man were certain to come out again  
Dough-baked.  Leon. 
Yet stay. I have considered,  
I may have leave to see this Frozen Lady.  Duke 
We are more undone.  Flav. 
Your person may prevail sir,  
And by some better charm, gain her consent,  
Or if you please not to engage yourself  
Upon the trouble of a hasty visit,  
The presence of her Father, and what else  
We can prepare to keep your smile upon us,  
Shall be enforced, to clear how much we aim  
At the perfection of your wishes.  Bert. 
So, so. Leon. Prospen.  Flav. 
I have now courage sir to serve your will,  
And am o'th' sudden confident.  Leon. 
It pleases.  Exit Leon. Duke 
It is impossible.  Flav. 
Promise any thing  
In such a straight, and not despair to effect it.  
Be private men content with their poor Fathom,  
Since heaven we limit not, why should not Kings  
Next Gods, perform the second mighty things?  
Your ear—  Exit.  

ACT II.  Enter Flaviano and Abbess (with a Letter.) Flav. 
YOu will obey the Duke's command?  Abbes. 
Good Princes,  
Punish, not teach us sacrilege; I'll obey  
A thousand sufferings ere such a rape—  Flav. 
A rape?  Abbess. 
Of honour, Honesty, Religion;  
I am placed here to preserve, and not betray  
The Innocent; should I instead of prayer,  
Chaste life, the holiness of vow, of discipline,  
With those austerities that keep wild blood  
In calm obedience, now begin to teach  
Soul-murdering liberty, the breach of all  
Was promised Heaven.  Flav. 
Why Madam you mistake,  
We ask no Virgin to turn Whore, we only  
Desire you would persuade some pretty Nun,  
In this extremity, to take upon her  
The Princess Fioretta, whom Leonato  
ne'er saw, and be his Wife in honest marriage.  Ab. 
Can you be thus  
Unjust to him, so late preserved your lives?  Flav. 
Trouble you not your reverend head with that,  
He shall be satisfied, and you remain  
Still mother of the Maid, no more sour faces,  
But turn your wit toth' business.  Ab. 
Never sir.  Flav. 
Take heed and have a care of this enclosure,  
The Duke's breath makes all flat, 'tis yet no common;  
You're old, and should be wise.  Ab. 
I would be honest.  Flav. 
Show it in your obedience; will you do't?  Ab. 
Never.  Flav. 
D''ee hear? I sent unto this holy place,  
A Damsel called juliana, she's in your Catalogue,  
And yet but in probation, cause I see,  
You make so nice a conscience, so severe,  
I'th' rules of honesty, and would not have,  
Your Virgin province touched with least defilement,  
Pray let me speak with her, it will concern you.  Ab. 
Would you pervert her?  Flav. 
I know not what you call perverting,  
But she has not too much nun's flesh,  
And 'tis my charity to your chaste Order  
To give you timely notice.  Ab. 
What do I hear?  Flav. 
No more than you may justify in time,  
If things prove right, she was a merry soul  
And you ha' not spoilt her, if you mean to be  
No Midwife, let me talk with her a while.  Ab. 
Protect us Virgin thoughts  Exit. Flav. 
So, so, this was reserved to wind up all,  
It may be fortunate;  
I know her spirit high, and apt to catch at  
Ambitious hopes and freedom, some good counsel  
May form her to my purpose, I have plunged  
Too far, to hope for safety by return,  
I'll trust my destiny to the stream, and reach  
The point I see, or leave myself a rock  
In the relentless waves; she's here, I'm armed.  Enter juliana and Abbess. Iul. 
By your own goodness, reverend Mother give  
No belief to him; though he be a great man,  
He hath not been held guilty of much virtue,  
Yet 'tis my wonder he should stain my Innocence;  
Pray in your presence, give me leave to acquit  
My Virgin honour; for the wealth of all  
The World, I would not have this shame be whispered  
To the stain of our profession.  Enter Nun. N. 
Madam, the Duke.  Ab. 
The Duke?  Flav. 
Peace to the fair juliana.  Exit Abbess. Iul. 
You're not noble,  
A most dishonoured Lord, your titles cannot  
Bribe my just passion, who will trust a man?  
Oh sir, you are as black, nay have a soul  
As leprous with ingratitude, as the Angels  
Are white with Innocence; was't not enough  
To rob me of my honour, the chief wealth  
Of Virgins, and confine me to my tears,  
Which ne'er can wash away my guilt (should I  
Live here to melt my soul into a stream  
With penitence) but when I had resigned  
The World with hope to pray, and find out mercy,  
You must thus haunt me with new shame and brand  
My forehead here, as if you meant to kill  
My better essence by despair, as you  
Have stained my body.  Flav. 
Dear juliana I  
Confess I injured thee thou knew'st no sin  
But from my charm, 'twas only I betrayed thee  
To loss of thy dear honour, then of liberty,  
For 'twas my practice, not thy pure devotion  
Made thee a Recluse first; but let not passion  
Lose what I would not only save from shipwreck,  
But make as happy as thy thoughts can wish thee;  
By thy wronged self 'tis true, nor could I choose  
Another way than by discovery  
Of both our shames to right thee, I am come  
To make thee satisfaction in so high  
And unexampled way of honour, thou  
Shalt say I did deserve to be more wicked,  
When thou hast weighed the recompense.  julia. 
You amaze me  Flav. 
Collect thy senses, and discreetly mind me;  
Thou canst not be concerned so much alive  
In any other story, hear me gently  
And prize the wealth of every syllable.  Enter Duke and Abbess. Ab. 
Had you been pleased to have left your daughter still  
My charge and sweet companion, I should  
Have left no duty unassayed, to have shown  
In what degree I honoured her, but I  
Must not dispute your royal pleasure, though  
With some sad thoughts to separate, I resigned her  
To your commands.  Duke. 
It was your virtue Madam, she found no  
Consent to be professed, nor love the Prince,  
To whom I promised her a Wife, although  
Our fears keep warm his hope, in his belief  
she's here enclosed still, but without thy help,  
We are all lost.  julia. 
The Prince Leonato?  Flav. 
there's a preferment, this is considerable.  julia. 
If you my Lord be serious; a Princess!  
The change would do well.  Flav. 
Be but confident to manage it.  julia. 
Hath he not seen the Princess by picture?  Fla. 
Never.  julia. 
Strange!  Fla. 
'T was a ceremony, in the necessities of our state,  
The Duke ne'er thought on, & I meant not to insert it,  
As knowing Fioretta had no zeal,  
To what her Father darkly had contracted;  
His Highness doth expect thee.  julia. 
It would be  
More for my honour, if he took the pains,  
To visit our Religious house, and then—  Flav. 
It shall be so.  julia. 
But 'twill be necessary,  
You purge me to the Abbess, no suspicion,  
Must live within her thought.  Flav. 
I apprehend;  
Oh! you have shot a trembling through my soul,  
I dare not kiss your hand, the Earth you tread on,  
Would too much grace the lips have so profaned you.  
Madam your pardon; sir be you the witness,  
I have wronged this noble virgin's honour,  
It was my anger, and revenge upon  
Your goodness that so late opposed me made  
Me careless, where I flung disgrace and scandal,  
Thus I implore her mercy and forgiveness,  
Take her white thoughts to your again, she is  
As innocent from sinful act by me  
As the chaste womb that gave me life.  Duke 
'tis piety,  
Thus to restore the Innocent, I conceive not  
His aim in this.  Abbess 
'tis satisfaction.  Iuli. 
When I stray from your sweet precepts—  Abbes. 
In, I am confirmed.  Flav. 
All to our expectation, she's prepared,  
A Mistress for the Prince.  Duke 
But now I think on't  
She must not marry him, it will breed ill blood.  Flav. 
By all means marry him, there's no other way  
To send him hence, and quit us of the Army,  
I'll instantly acquaint him how I prosper.  Exit. Duke 
It must not be, my honour will bleed for it.  
I have been too much guided by Flaviano.  
Madam—  Abbess 
Your face is troubled.  Duke 
No, my heart  
Which you may cure with honour, as I have  
Contrived it now—  Abbess 
I shall study with my loss of life  
To gain your bosom peace.  Duke 
I like this Virgin,  
I know my Lord here hath been practising,  
But finds her not inclined to that extent  
We had proposed, she is virtuous, you shall  
Counsel her only but to take the name  
Of my Fioretta, but not change her life  
To marry with the Prince; I do believe,  
Her chaste, Oh let your goodness keep her still so,  
And fortify her virtuous thoughts, I doubt not  
But she with holy eloquence, and pretence  
Of vow, and Virgin sanctity,  
May so prevail upon him both to save herself,  
Our honours, and the Kingdom from a sacrifice.  
May not this be?  Ab. 
Such extremes I know not.  Du. 
If she persist a chaste, and noble Virgin,  
You must dispense, we have but little time  
For pause, unless this present care be found,  
We all must bleed to death upon the wound.  Exeunt. Enter Bertoldi. Bert. 
Hum! shall I never fight? drink won't do't,  
No nor a Whore the greater provocation;  
I speak it to my shame, I never durst  
Fight for my wench, yet Gentlemen commend  
My confidence at paying of a reckoning,  
There I can kill 'em all with courtesy,  
Discharge my Pieces like a Mr. Gunner at a great supper,  
Yet I am not valiant, this must be mended someway.  Enter Volterino. 
Volterino? a word;  
'tis not unknown to you, that I am a coward.  Volt. 
No, not a coward, but you, are not sir,  
If I were put to answer upon Oath,  
So valiant altogether as Don Hercules,  
That strangled a great Bull with his forefinger  
And's Thumb, and killed the King of Troy's great Coach horse  
With a box o'th' car.  Ber. 
Pox on't, do not abuse me, I shall take it  
Scurvily and you deny it.  Volt. 
But you won't beat me.  Ber. 
there's the thing, I know't  
As well as you can tell me, I am base,  
And in plain terms a coward.  Volt. 
Why dost not beat thyself for being one?  Bert. 
Then I durst fight; no, I was begotten  
In a great Frost, between two shaking Agues,  
I never shall be valiant, who can help it?  
But when you come home again, if you will but  
Swear I am valiant—  Volt. 
You shall pardon me.  Bert. 
Come, my Mother shall make you amends; a ha,  
You love her, she's a Lady and a Widow,  
That has the Goldfinches, hark in your ear,  
You shall have her.  Volt. 
Shall I have her?  Bert. 
A word to the wise.  Volt. 
Would I were sure on't.  
If I have thy Mother, I will not only swear thou art,  
But make thee valiant.  Bert. 
Would it were possible, upon that condition  
You should ha' my Sister too.  Volt. 
She's dead.  Bert. 
If she were alive I mean—  Volt. 
Farewell, we'll treat again, and if I live  
Thou shalt be julius Caesar.  Exit. Enter Hortensio. Bert. 
When I die, thou shalt be Caesar's heir.  
Noble Hortensio.  Hort. 
I am in haste, what's the matter?  Bert. 
There lies your way, a hundred thousand Ducats  
Will find entertainment somewhere else.  Hort. 
Canst thou help me to 'em?  Bert. 
Yes, and a better business.  Hort. 
How? where noble Bertoldi?  Bert. 
why— but you are in haste.  Hort. 
No, no, where is all this money?  Bert. 
Safe enough in a place.  Hort. 
But how shall I come by it?  Bert. 
You know my Mother.  Hort. 
The rich Lady Florelia, the Court Widow,  
she's my Mistress.  Bert. 
You shall have her.  Hort. 
Shall I?  Enter Leonato, Flaviano, Volterino. Bert. 
Yes, and be Master of as much money  
As will make you mad.  
The Prince, hark in your ear.  Fla. 
I knew I should prevail, and I am happy,  
There's no frost now within her, if your excellence  
Would grace the Monastery with a visit  
And satisfy yourself, your presence will  
Perfect the business, and be a just excuse  
To some nice ceremonies that detain  
Her Person to comply with virgin modesty,  
The Duke will meet you there.  Leon. 
I will attend him.  Flav. 
You will consider Sir it is a place  
Not used to public treaties, though dispensed with  
For this your solemn view, and conference,  
Your person may be trusted there, without  
A numerous train.  Leon. 
You shall direct me Sir.  
Volterino, you shall only wait upon me.  
Sir when you please.  Flav. 
I'm proud to be your conduct.  Exit. Leo. Flav. Volt. Bert. 
You shall have her  
And her Estate, that's fair, she has enough  
To undo the Devil if he go to law with her,  
My Father's dead and has told him that already.  Hort. 
I'll do't.  Bert. 
Here's my hand, my mother's thine.  Hort. 
Not my mother.  Bert. 
She shall be any thing I'll have her,  
Do you but persuade her I am valiant,  
And I'll venture to beat her, and she dare  
Deny to marry any man I please  
To call my Father in law.  Hort. 
Let's walk and think on't.  Bert. 
You may swear any thing,  
And you pawn your soul for me,  
You know you cannot be a loser.  Ex. Nuns Discovered singing 

O fly my soul, what hangs upon  
thy drooping wings,  
and weighs them down,  
With love of gaudy mortal things?  
The Sun is now i'th' East, each shade  
as he doth rise,  
is shorter made,  
That Earth may lesson to our eyes:  
Oh be not careless then, and play  
until the Star of peace  
Hide all his beams in dark recess;  
Poor Pilgrims needs must lose their way,  
When all the shadows do increase.   Enter Duke, Leonato, Flaviano, and Volterino. Soft Music, after the Song Enter juliana Abbess, and Nuns. Le. 
She is exceeding fair, what pity 'twere  
Such beauty and perfection should be  
Confined to a melancholy Cell: I approach  
You Madam with the reverence of a votary,  
You look so like a Saint, yet nature meant  
You should not with such early haste translate  
yourself to heaven, till earth had been made happy  
With living models from your excellent figure.  
You that become a cloud, and this dull dress  
So well, whose sight doth pale, and freeze the blood,  
How will you shine to admiration  
Of every eye, when you put on those Ornaments  
That fit your name and birth? if like a statue  
Cold and unglorified by art, you call  
Our sense to wonder, where shall we find eyes  
To stand the brightness, when you're turned a shrine,  
Embellished with the burning light of Diamonds,  
And other gifts that dwell like stars about you?  Iuli. 
If you do fancy me an object so  
Prodigious, for the safety of your eyes  
And others, tender-sighted, give consent,  
I may not change this poverty and place,  
(More pleasing to myself, than all the pride  
Can wait those Goddesses, at Court you bow to)  Leon. 
And yet 'twere heresy in me to say  
You could receive addition or glory  
By the contributary blaze of Wealth,  
Or other dress, which art and curiosity  
Can form; you are not by them graced, but they  
By you made beautiful. jewels near your eye,  
Take soul and Lustre, which but once removed  
Look dull as in their quarry.  Fla. 
He is taken.  Leon. 
I now applaud my fate, and must account  
My undertaking in this War to save  
Your Dukedom, but the shadow of a service,  
When I consider my reward. Oh! haste  
To make me Envied of the World, and once  
Possessed of you, to undervalue all  
But Heaven, of which you are the fairest copy.  Iuli. 
My Lord, our study here is life, not language,  
And in that little time I've had of practice,  
My tongue hath learned simplicity, and truth;  
You are a Prince, and in your Creation  
But one degree from Angels, strive to rise  
That one round higher, and you're perfect; I am  
By my good Father's leave, and the sweet rules  
Of this Religious order, now i'th' way  
To meet another Bridegroom, before whom  
While you stand a competitor, you fall  
To atoms; sir my love is planted here,  
And I have made a vow, which your own charity  
Will bid me not to violate, (your triumph  
Being the spring of my imperfect duty,)  
That for a year, I'll spend my time among  
This happy Choir, to offer up my Prayers  
And humble gratitude to Heaven, a weak  
Oblation for our safeties.  Flav. 
Ha? how's this?  Leon. 
My Lord, did you not say you had prevailed?  
What mockery is this?  Flav. 
I am undone.  
What does the Gipsy mean, she'll betray all.  
Most excellent Madam.  Iu. 
Oh my Lord employ  
Your counsel, to advance not Kill our Virtue,  
Remember where, and what I am.  Flav. 
So, so.  Volt. 
Sir will you suffer this? a new affront.  julia. 
I am resolved  
To live and pay you better tribute here  
For your affection, and unequalled service.  
Here no distraction will afflict my prayers,  
Which trust me I will offer chastely for you,  
At every hour of my devotion.  
'Tis you, next Heaven, that gave this blessing to us,  
To meet, and in the holy Choir breath up  
Our sacred Hymen's, while angels Echo to us,  
And Heaven delighted with our harmony,  
Opening her azure curtains will present us  
A vision of all the joys we pray and hope for.  Flav. 
This my instructions?  julia. 
O think my Lord  
To what a loss of Heaven your love invites me,  
Yet let me not be thought while I pretend  
The choice, and sweetness of a Recluse, I  
Should in a thought accuse your worth, who are  
The man of all the World I most could fancy;  
If I be seen to blush, make it no sin,  
I know it is but honourable love  
Wings your desire, and that which should prefer you,  
Is merit of your Sword that cut our way,  
To freedom and soft peace, religion's Pillow,  
The Nurse of Science, and the general blessing,  
You have a title yet more strong pleads for you,  
The contract, and the promise of a Prince  
A chain with many Links of Adamant.  Duke 
I like not that.  Iuli. 
To bind and make me yours,  
When I have named these several interests,  
And look upon myself so short of merit,  
I chide your unkind destiny, at such  
Expense of honour to go off unsatisfied,  
And quickly should despise myself the cause  
Of your distaste, but that my vow confirms me,  
And mustering up Religious thoughts prevails,  
Above my other will, made to obey you,  
'tis but a year my Lord, that I have bound  
myself this exile.  Leon. 
'tis an age.  Iuli. 
But while Time hath one minute in his Glass of that,  
Nothing shall take me hence, unless you bring  
An impious strength upon this holy dwelling,  
And force me from my cell, but you are far  
From such a sacrilege, oh think not on it,  
I'll place you in my heart while you are virtuous,  
But such an Act might lose those noble thoughts  
Of you I wish preserved, but I offend,  
And am too large in this unwelcome argument,  
May wisdom guide your Princely thoughts,  
Whilst I return to pray for you.  Flav. 
She has o'erthrown all.  Volt. 
Sir, if you love her she  
Hath taught you a cunning way to make her yours,  
This habit is compelled, a little force,  
For form will disengage her, she does love you,  
And pleaded handsomely against herself.  Leon. 
No more— I'll not despair yet of your Daughter,  
This is but Virgin nicety, at the next  
Meeting she may incline to smile upon me,  
she's too much treasure to be won at first  
Assault, Volterino.  Exit Leon. Volt. Hort Duke. 
Flaviano.  Flav. 
I did expect a storm.  Duke 
We are not safe yet.  Flav. 
I wonder why juliana kept not promise,  
The dog-days thaw her chastity, I'm mad,  
Oh for some stratagem to save all yet,  
But you Sir (give me leave to say) are timorous,  
Princes should fix in their resolves, your conscience  
Should be as subject to your will, as I am.  Duke 
I must confess Flaviano I had  
No fancy to juliana's marriage.  Flav. 
That was all my hope, how could I love the man  
Durst kill him now.  Duke 
I shudder, what noise is that?  Flav. 
These horrors will eternally affright us.  Enter Leon. Bert. Volterino, Hortensio, with swords drawn. Leo. 
The man that dares be guilty of least Insolence,  
To any Virgin, dies.  Exeunt Leon. Volt. Horten. Ber. 
My hopes are nipped, I thought to have tasted,  
nun's flesh, but the General has made it fasting day.  Ex. Flav. 
I hope he means to force away juliana—  
Ha? they attempt it, prosper'em dear fate.  
Blessed beyond expectation.  Duke 
Dost think,  
We shall be safe.  Enter Leonato, juliana in her habit, Volterino, Hortensio. Leon. 
Enjoy the other benefit of my Sword  
In peace, this shall be mine.  Exit Leon. Iul. Vol. Hort. Flav. 
The stars dote on us.  Enter Honorio and Claudio. Hon. 
What unexpected tumults fright the City?  Du. 
You are too bold upon your wound Honorio  
To come abroad.  Flav. 
The Prince has stolen your Sister  
From the Nunnery.  Hono. 
He dares not  
Blemish his honour so, though he deserved her,  
And all our lives, should she be obstinate.  Flav. 
'tis done.  Honor. 
This Act shall lose him, death upon  
The Surgeon, that hath dallied with my wounds,  
But I'll revenge this rape.  Duke 
Look to the Prince.  Exit. Flav. 
I could adore my destiny, the wench sure,  
Meant to be ravished thus, I kiss thy policy;  
This chance hath made a dancing in my blood,  
While sin thrives, 'tis too early to be good.  Exeunt.  

ACT III.  Enter Antonio and Fioretta. Fior. 
IS this Ferrara's Court?  Anto 
Yes Madam.  Fior. 
I will not yet discover, I shall find,  
A time Antonio to reward thy faith  
And service to me.  Enter Donabella, Florelia, Ladies. Anto. 
Here are Ladies Madam.  Dona. 
I have a great desire to see this wonder,  
The Princess Fioretta, so much famed  
For beauty.  Flor. 
Comes she with his Excellence?  Do. 
Most certainly, so speaks the Prince Leonato's  
My Brother's Letters, and that with some difficulty,  
He gained her from the Nunnery.  Flor. 
Who is this?  Don. 
She has an excellent shape, some stranger;  
Prithee Florelia ask.  Anto. 
This Lady Madam,  
Seems to make some address this way; I know not,  
Upon what Jealousy my Lady left  aside. 
Placentia so privately, where she  
Was entertained by Flaviano's Mother,  
Though old, a Lady of no decrepit brain.  Fior. 
Antonio.  Flor. 
A Lady, Madam, calls herself Lauriana,  
Born in Placentia, but the Wars affrighting,  
Both Mantua and the confines, she came hither  
With confidence of safety, till the storm  
At home be over.  Dona. 
It is not fit a person of your quality  
And presence should be engaged to common persons,  
And if I may entreat, you shall consent  
To be my guest at Court, which will be proud  
To entertain such beauty.  Fior. 
It must be  
Too great an honour Madam.  Don. 
Leonato my Brother hath secured your peace at home,  
Which cannot be less pleasing, if you taste  
The freedom I can here provide and promise you,  
We expect him every minute with the Princess  
Fioretta, in whose love he holds more triumph  Fior. 
And yet his fame was Earlier than this conquest,  
For many noble Virtues, but has your grace  
A confidence that he brings Fioretta with him?  Dona. 
Since he left Mantua we received such letters.  Enter Petronio. Pe. 
Madam, the Prince is come to court, and with him  
The gallant Lady we expected.  Fior. 
I am not well o'th' sudden.  Dona. 
Virtue defend!  Pe. 
The good old Duke your Father, will  
Show comfort in his sickbed to behold  
A Son and Daughter.  Fior. 
Are they married?  Petro. 
No Madam, but I am confident  
So great a joy will not be long deferred,  
'Twere sin such hope should wither by delay,  
They both wish to be happy in your presence,  
And you at first sight of this Princely sister  
Will much applaud your brother's fate.  Dona. 
I hope so,  
How is it Madam yet?  Fior. 
I do beseech you  
Let not your graces too much care of me  
Detain you from the joy your brother brings.  
Another Fioretta?  Enter Leonato. Leo. 
Donabella?  Dona. 
I shall not fear a surfeit in my joys  
To see you safe.  Fior. 
A gallant Gentleman.  Leon. 
What lady's that?  Dona. 
A stranger, sir, with whom I have prevailed  
To grace our court a while, which will be Honoured  
In such a guest.  Leo. 
And I should call it happiness  
If you would please to dwell for ever with us,  
I have brought home such a companion,  
For both your beauties you will not repent.  Fior. 
The Duke of Mantua's Daughter, I congratulate  
You double victory, and if I may,  
Without imputed flattery speak my thoughts,  
You did deserve her, had she to her birth,  
All the additions that grace a Woman.  Leon 
You have conferred a bounty on me Madam,  
And leave me hopeless to reward the debt  
jow this fair opinion.  Fior. 
Sir, the venture  
You made through blood, and danger, doth deserve it,  
And she were impious, did not think herself  
Much honoured to be called your valour's triumph.  
I shall betray myself. Censure me not,  
Immodest or suspectful of her virtue,  
Whom you have made the darling of your heart.  Enter Bertoldi. Bert. 
Sir the Duke calls for you.  Dona. 
Signior Bertoldi.  Bert. 
Your grace's creature.  Leon. 
Will it please you Madam?  Fior. 
I humbly pray your Highness to excuse me,  
I may have time and happiness to attend you,  
When with more health I may present my services,  
I dare not see this Lady.  Leon. 
Wait you upon that Lady Signior.  Bert. 
With all my heart; incomparable Lady—  Fior 
I have servants to attend me.  Bert. 
But not one,  
More humble, or more active for your service,  
You cannot choose but know my Lady Mother;  
I have not seen her yet, but she shall stay,  
I'll kneel to her when I have done with you.  Exit Enter Florelia, Volterino. Flor. 
But is my Son so valiant, Signior?  
This War hath wrought a miracle upon him.  Volt. 
He was a coward beyond Ela, Madam,  
I must acknowledge, to whom men in pity  
Of his Birth, and care of your much-loved honour  
Often forgave his life, but see the turn,  
He that went forth (for all our conjurings  
And promise of no danger) as he had  
Been marching towards Aetna, nay before  
The instant fight would have given all the World  
To have been assured when he came home, but one  
Of every thing about him—  Flo. 
What d''ee mean?  Volt. 
One eye, one ear, one arm, and but one leg  
To have hopped home withal, strange, how i'th' heat  
O'th' Battle he grew double, and there fought  
As he had two souls; oh! had you seen  
When like a Magazine he marched, with pikes  
With guns & Corslets, which he took from th' Enemy,  
With swords more than a surgeon's sign, stuck round,  
And seeming like a porcupine to shoot  
The Iron Quills—  Flo. 
But is this possible?  Volt. 
I never saw a Dragon do such things  Flor. 
This was not by instinct, but some example  
He saw in you, that waked his sleeping spirit.  
And he must owe all that is Valiant in him  
To your brave soul, which like a burning Comet  
Flew with prodigious terror to the Enemy.  Volt. 
You do not Jeer your servant?  Flor. 
And so he, by your great blaze  
Saw his next way to honour;  
Nor can I but acknowledge all my joys  
Now in my Son do flow from you; a soldier  
Was ever high in my esteem, but you  
Have placed the title nearest to me, pray  
Favour me often 'with your visit.  Volt. 
The Town's my own.  Flor. 
No compliment good Signior, your love  
If placed on me, shall find an object, though,  
Not equal to your favours, not ingrateful;  
I wonder he absents himself so long.  Volt. 
My care shall be to find him out and bring him  
A welcome present to your eye. She's caught.  Exit Flor. 
These Soldiers think if they but once lay siege,  
We must come in by force or composition.  
Although a Maiden Town may not hold out,  
A Widow but well victualled with the bare  
Munition of her tongue, will tire an Army;  
I must suspect my Son, for all this legend,  
No mighty man at arms; he's here.  Enter Bertoldi, Hortensio. Hort. 
Your blessing.  Flor. 
Take it, and with it all my prayers, thou mayst  
Grow up in honour, and deserve to be  
Thy Father's Son.  Bert. 
Kiss her Hortensio, do, she is thine own.  Hort. 
'Twas my ambition Madam  
To wait upon my Convert, and to kiss  
Your white hand.  Flor. 
Signior Volterino was here but now, and has  
Told me such stories, Son—  Bert. 
Of me?  
He had better eat my Spaniard, then mention me  
With any scruple of dishonour.  Flor. 
He extols you for a Soldier, and tells me wonders.  Hort. 
If you dare believe me Madam, your Son has  
Behaved him like a Gentleman.  Bert. 
I confess,  
I was— but that's no matter, thank this Cavalier;  
can receive and give a gash, and look on't  
When I ha' done without your cordial waters  
Shall I cut you o'er the face Mother?  Flor. 
Sir I am poor to recompense the honour  
You have done my Son, I see he is your convert,  
You that infused a soul in him cannot  
Enough be glorified.  Hort. 
'tis within your power  
Madam to overpoise all my deserts.  
True, I did stir those dormant seeds of nobleness  
Your blood left in him, and made glow those sparks,  
Into a flame, were hid in hills of Ashes;  
Now he is yours, and if you Madam think  
I have done any service by an Act  
Or precept that could light your Son to honour,  
You make me fortunate, and encourage  
A Soldier to employ his whole life here.  Flo. 
How d''ee mean?  Ho 
Without more compliment to love you, and—  Flo. 
What?  Ho. 
Wish myself with you Madam when you dream  Flr. 
You would be with me when I dream.  Hort. 
But I should wake you.  Flor. 
But I should be very angry to have my sleep broke.  Hort. 
But I would please you again,  
And rock you into a trance with so much harmony,  
You shall wish to die in't. I am very plain.  Flor. 
methinks you are very rough.  Hort. 
A soldier's garb,  
The old but the best fashion; a Sword,  
And flattery were not meant for one man's wearing;  
Madam I love you, but not dote upon you,  
For you are something old.  Flor. 
I am indeed sir.  Hort. 
Yet you are very handsome, and I love you;  
You're witty, fair, and honest, but a Widow,  
And yet I love you; I do know you are rich,  
Exceeding mighty rich.  Flo. 
And yet you love me▪  Hort. 
But Madam, I am a man.  Flor. 
I do not mean to try you Signior,  
Pray Son do you.  Hort. 
Now put your vote in.  Bert. 
What should I do Madam?  Flor. 
Try whether he be a man or no.  Bert. 
Should I?  Flor. 
D''ee hear? they say you are grown valiant  
Upon my blessing I command you strike  
This Gentleman, and do it presently.  Bert. 
Strike him?  Flor. 
Yes.  Bert. 
A way, away, what here?  Flor. 
Even here, this very minute.  Bert. 
Not for your house, and all the moneys in't,  
Not for my Father's Wardrobe, and I were  
An Adamite atop o'th' Alps, though you  
Admire the relics, and have turned your Gallery  
Into a Chapel, where his several suits  
Hang up like Images for you to pray to:  
Strike one taught me to fight?  Exit Flor. Hort. 
Is she gone? what said she?  Bert. 
The foolish woman—  Hort. 
Why what's the matter?  Bert. 
she shows her breeding, but do not you despair.  Enter Florelia. Flor. 
If I mistake not sir, you would pretend  
You love me honourably.  Hort. 
May I perish else.  Flor. 
When you can make't appear in visible wounds  
Upon your head 'or body, that my Son  
Dares fight— you and I'll be married.  Bert. 
I told you Signior you should have my Mother.  Hort. 
The Devil shall have you both upon easier conditions;  
Visible wounds upon my head or body?  Flor. 
And here's my hand upon the sight thereof,  
I'll be your wife; and so farewell till doomsday.  Hort. 
But hark you Lady  Bert. 
My Mother's a Witch. I shall ne'er be valiant  
In this World, what quarrels I may have i'th' next,  
I know not,  
There are some dead threatened to cudgel me.  Hort. 
Is there no hope, that I may catch you in  
The Noose of Matrimony, unless your Son  
First break my head?  Flor. 
I wo' not swear.  Hort. 
It is not your best course, take heed of vows.  Flor. 
Why my dear Signior?  Hort. 
For your souls sake, and yet  
Dispose that as you please, I'll see who dare  
Carry your body from me, spite o' Lucifer  
I will ha' that, and come by't lawfully;  
And so my service; think on't.  Flor. 
A fine fellow.  Exeunt. Manet Bert. Bert. 
Would I had his audacity; my Mistress,  
Yet knows not what I mean, but I will to her,  
And kiss her Glove immediately.  Exit. Enter Honorio. Hon. 
This Court is like a twilight, where I cannot  
Distinguish day, or perfect night, some faces  
Are cheerful as the morn, others again  
Are dark, and wrapped like evenings in a mist  
Is is instinct for my approach, that brings  
A resolution to revenge the rape  
Upon my Sister; grow more strong my thoughts,  
And let no fear distract you. Prince I have  
Considered thee in all thy pride of merit,  
Allowed my Father's Contract, and did give thee  
My sister's heart in thy own vote, but when,  
She only made a pause for ceremony,  
Not disaffection, since thou couldst forget  
Thy honour of a Prince, to invade her Chastity,  
And forfeit thy Religion, thus I come,  
To whip thy blood, or leave my own a sacrifice.  Enter Petronio: 
Sir, may a stranger ask without offence, why  
The Court like janus doth present a double  
Face, as it laboured twixt the fierce extremes  
Of triumph and despair▪  Petro. 
Sir you mistake not  
The mixture of our passions, the Court  
Smiles in our happiness to entertain  
The Prince, and his fair Mistress, but doth wear,  
A grief and paleness, for the Duke, whose want  
Of health delays their marriage.  Honor. 
I apprehend;  
Sir I am bold, May not a Gentleman  
Engaged to visit other Courts of Italy,  
Make his ambition fortunate to receive  
A favour from this Prince, and kiss his hand,  
Before he leave the Dukedom?  Enter Leonato. Petro. 
He is here Sir.  Leon. 
Lord Petronio, entreat the Princess  
Fioretta, and my Sister meet me i'th' grove—  
This Gentleman—  Hono. kisses his hand. Hono. 
You have made me happy;  
Though I want honour to be known, your fame  
Speaks you a valiant Prince, and fortunate,  
And I must with the World congratulate  
Your victory at Mantua, upon which,  
So rich a triumph waits.  Leon. 
What triumph fir?  Hon. 
The Princess Fioretta.  Leon. 
I acknowledge,  
That Garland is my glory, such a treasure,  
Was worth more service, than my sword could merit:  
But I must be a debtor to my stars,  
And can release all other happiness,  
Within their influence to come, so they  
Confirm me Lord still of her beauty's Empire.  Hono. 
This doth become your Excellence; what error  
(Receive it not profane) should Heaven and nature,  
Have made, to have kept your hearts too long asunder?  
And yet I may mistake, for though your Grace,  
Affect her with all height your soul can fancy,  
I know not how her love may answer this  
Desert in you.  Leon. 
How sir?  Hono. 
Your highness' pardon;  
I am no Prophet, nor do wish to see,  
Upon your spring, another wind than what  
The wings of pregnant Western gales do enrich  
The air withal, which gliding as you walk,  
May kiss the teeming flowers, and with soft breath  
Open the Buds to welcome their preserver;  
I wish you might grow up two even Cedars,  
Till your top-boughs kiss Heaven that made you flourish,  
When stooping to behold the numerous branches  
That prosper in your growth, and what refreshing  
The World below receives by your cool shade,  
You wave your heads in the applause and wonder.  
This is the Song I bring to your chaste Hymen,  
And thus would every good man pray, but that  
They fear.  Leon. 
Fear, what?  Hono. 
The blessings they invoke,  
With all their importunity of prayers,  
Will not descend.  Leon. 
I cannot reach you sir  
Without a perspective, but this wanders from  
The doubt you made of Fioretta's love,  
To answer mine, that talk was dangerous,  
I must not hear't again.  Hon. 
You must, unless  
You can be deaf, or cut the tongue of fame out.  Leon. 
The man hath somewhere lost his senses; go back  
And find thy strangled wits, this language has  
No chain of reason, I lose breath upon  
A thing distracted.  Honor. 
'tis not come to that,  
I've no such hot vexation, but a soul  
Possessed with noble anger, and with pity.  
Prince, I must tell you there are dangerous symptoms  
Of a State Apoplex; those airy stilts  
Of fame you walk on, will deceive your pride,  
When every honest breath, angry at what  
You did so late in the contempt of goodness,  
Will tell the wind how it mistook your praise,  
And in a sigh conclude her sad repentance.  
I come not sir to flatter.  Leon. 
It appears so.  Honor. 
But tell you what hath eat into your soul  
Of honour, and there poisoned all the worth  
The World once loved you for.  Leon. 
You talk as if  
You had consulted with my fate, and read  
The leaves of my inevitable doom;  
What action hath so much incensed my late  
Kind stars to this revolt, and threatneth like  
To busy tongues in my disgrace?  Honor. 
The noise is loud already, would there were  
No truth in men, who say, you ravished Fioretta  
Sweet Princess from her Prayers, and left a Monument  
Of such a sacrilege committed by you,  
The very stones since groan in her behalf  
You ravished from the Nunnery, on this  
Must needs depend her hate,  
Whose person and Religious vow you have  
Unlike a Prince profaned.  Leon. 
You're very bold,  
What confidence can that outside raise in you  
To be thus saucy?  Hono. 
Saucy?  Leon. 
Impudent.  
Is life a burden, that you dare my anger?  
What art?  Ho. 
A gentleman, that have more right to honour  
Than he that is a Prince, and dares degenerate.  Le. 
There's something in thy face would have me think  
Thou mayst be worth my punishment, that I  
Could uncreate thee, if thy veins do house  
But Common blood, to make thee a fit Enemy  
In Birth, and soul to me, that I might kill thee  
Without a blush to honour, do not tempt  
My Just rage, that provoked will scorn a sword,  
And make thee nothing with a look; be gone,  
Get hence with the same speed, thou wouldst avoid  
A falling Tower, or hadst new seen a Lioness  
Walking upon some cliff, and gazing round  
To find a prey, which she pursues with eyes  
That shoot contracted flame, but when her teeth  
And paws arrive, they quickly leave no part  
Or sign of what there was.  Ho. 
Just heaven, how high he talks, and counterfeits  
Your noise! I have a charm against your thunder;  
If thou hast courage to stay, thou quickly shalt repent  
heaven's justice in my arm sent to revenge  
Thy sacrilege, the more to encourage thee  
To fight, I am thy equal, and a Prince.  They Draw 
Or may thy sin o'ertake my blood, and set  
A weight upon my soul when thou hast killed me  Enter Donabella, juliana. Iuli. 
Alas my Lord?  Don. 
Dear Brother?  
Help, what traitor's this?  Leon. 
Away sweet Fioretta.  Honor. 
Fioretta.  Iu. 
Ha? I am undone, alas what do you mean?  
My Brother, Prince Honorio.  Leon. 
Thy brother?  Iuli. 
Oh let me hold thee safe in my Embraces.  Don. 
Leo. Honorio.  Hono. 
The same, but not her brother.  Leon. 
Pardon me,  
Whose soul disdained in my belief thou wert  
An insolent stranger, to acknowledge any thing  
Of satisfaction, but let thy sister  
Now speak for both.  Hono. 
Give space to my amazement.  Iu. 
If changing thus soft kisses, arms and heart  
You interpret violence, Fioretta, than  
Thy sister has been ravished; who hath thus  
Abused your faith, and wronged this PRINCE's Virtue?  
Clear as the light of stars. I must confess  
I seemed to wave his courtship, when he first  
Beheld me veiled, which modesty instructed,  
And though my heart were won, I kept it secret,  
To make more proof of his, who not consenting  
To be deprived too long of what he loved,  
He brought a force toth' Cloister: but took me  
His own away without a rape, and since  
All his addresses have been honourable.  Hono. 
Instead of satisfaction, you enlarge  
My wonder, what Impostures here? the Prince  
Is cozened, yet she owns me; pardon sir,  
I was made believe, you did most impiously  
Compel my sister, and by force enjoyed her,  
But now I find we are all abused, to what  
Misfortune might this error have engaged us?  Leon. 
This is my sister.  Honor. 
You cannot want a charity  
That are so fair.  Iuli. 
Would Leonato's Sword  
Had prospered in his death; I must be confident;  
You have not yet made glad my heart Honorio,  
With our good Father's health, I have some trembling  
Within my blood, and fear all is not well.  Hono. 
Gipsy?  julia. 
You look not cheerfully.  Hono. 
My Father enjoys a perfect health.  Iuli. 
That word hath blessed me.  
Sister and Leonato, you'll excuse,  
If I transgress with joy to see my Brother;  
Were but the Duke my Father here, I summed  
All my delights on earth—  Honor. 
She confounds me.  Iuli. 
Honorio and I will follow you.  Hono. 
You are not my Sister?  Exit Leon. Dona. Iuli. 
Sir, 'tis very true.  Hono. 
Where is she?  Iuli. 
You shall know what will make you happy sir,  
If you preserve this wisdom.  Hono. 
I have seen you before.  Iuli. 
But I am destined here, to do such service  
To your Family you shall know more—  Hono. 
Give me breath for two minutes,  
Be confident of my silence, they expect you.  Ex. Iul. 
So let me have some air, am I Honorio.  Enter Fioretta, Bertoldi. 
What prodigies are these? we are all bewitched,  
Ha Sister,  Fior. 
Brother Honorio.  Honor. 
'tis she, what's he?  Fio. 
Not worth the interruption of one kiss.  Ber. 
My friend—  Hono. 
My fool— Fioretta show me where  
We may enjoy a shade, I'll tell thee wonders.  Exeunt, manet Bert. Ber. 
Sir I shall meet with you again; a pretty fellow.  Exit.  

ACT. IIII.  Enter Fioretta and Donabella. Fior. 
MAdam I fear this walk into the Park,  
May engage your grace too far without some more  
To attend you,  Do. 
Our own thoughts may be our guard,  
I use it frequently; but to our discourse  
Of Prince Honorio, for we cannot find  
A nobler subject, I observe that he  
And you have been acquainted.  Fior. 
'twas my happiness,  
To have my breeding in the Court of Mantua,  
Where I among the rest of his admirers,  
Seeing his youth improved with so much honour,  
Grew into admiration of his virtues,  
Which now he writes man do so fully crown him,  
His Father's Dukedom holds no ornament  
To stand in competition.  Dona. 
You speak him high,  
And with a passion too, that tastes of love.  Fior. 
Madam, I honour him,  
As may become his servant.  Dona. 
As his Mistress rather.  Fior. 
My heart is clear from such ambition,  Dona. 
But yet not proof against all Cupid's shafts;  
I do not think but you have been in love.  Fior. 
Who hath not felt the wounds? but I ne'er looked  
Above my birth and fortunes; Prince Honorio,  
May become your election, and great blood.  Dona. 
I find it here already.  Fior. 
Nor could you  
Endear it where so much desert invites  
It to be beloved.  Dona. 
My looks do sure betray me,  
I do believe him all composed of honour,  
And have received your Character from the World  
So noble, all your praise can be no flattery.  
I know not by what powerful charm within  
His person, Madam, I confess my eyes  
Take some delight to see him, but I fear—  Fior. 
I find your Jealousy, and dare secure you.  
If in your amorous bosom, you feel, Madam,  
A Golden shaft, the cure is made by cherishing  
The happy wound; my destiny hath placed  
My thoughts of love, where they cannot concern  
Your trouble or suspicion, nor indeed  
My hope, for I despair ever to meet,  
His clear affection whom I honour.  Dona. 
Would  
This Court contained whom you would make so precious;  
I should with as much cheerfulness assist  
Thy wishes, as desire thy aid to mine;  
I do believe you have much credit with  
His thoughts, and virtue to deserve it Madam,  Fior. 
If you trust me,  
The favour I have with his Highness, shall not  
Create your prejudice, be confident,  
Your birth, your beauty, and those numerous graces  
That wait upon you, must command his heart.  Dona. 
Madam you force a blush for my much want  
Of what you're pleased to impute my ornaments,  
You are acquainted with yourself, and show  
What I should be, if I were rich like you,  
But my disparity of worth allowed,  
Would you would call me Sister, and impose  
Something on me, my act of confidence,  
And free discovery of my soul, may  
Deserve faith from you, that I shall never  
Injure his name you love.  Fior. 
There is no hope  
In my desires, and therefore I beseech,  
Dear Madam, your excuse, yet thus much I  
Dare borrow of my grief to say, he lives  
Now in the Court, for whose sake I thus wither.  Dona. 
Alas I fear again, is he composed  
Of gentle blood, and can to thee he cruel?  Fior. 
No, he is very kind, for he did promise  
To be my Husband, we ha' been contracted.  Don. 
Disperse these mists, & clear my wonder Madam.  Fior. 
When time and sorrow shall by death prepare  
My sad release of love, you may know all;  
Were the condition of my fate like others,  
It were no grief to name him.  Dona. 
This doth more enlarge my Jealousy.  Fior. 
But let us leave this subject, till time fit,  
To ope the maze of my unhappy fortune.  Enter Bertoldi. Bert. 
I heard that she was come into the Park,  
They cannot far be; they are in view,  
And no man with'em, I'll now be valiant.  Enter Florelia and Honorio. Flor. 
It was her highness' charge I should direct you,  
I know her walk.  Bert. 
The blustering Prince again;  
Who sent him hither? I think he conjures.  
Now dare I with as much confidence undertake  
To cure a Lion rampant, o' the Toothache,  
As but go forward; and my valiant Mother—  Honor. 
Your Son; I must excuse myself then to him.  Ber. 
Now shall I be fit for a Carbonado.  Honor. 
I hope you'll pardon sir, if I appeared,  
Less smooth when I last saw you.  Bert. 
My good Lord; your Grace is too much humble,  
I'm your blow-ball, your breath dissolves my being,  
But to show how free my wishes are to serve you,  
If you have any mind, or meaning to my Mother—  Honor. 
How do you mean?  Bert. 
In what way your Grace pleases,  
She shall be yours, your Highness may do worse,  
Although I say't she has those things may give  
A Prince content.  Honor. 
Your Son is very courteous.  Flor. 
I should prepare you sir to look with mercy  
Upon his folly. But the Princess.  Bert. 
Mother.  Flor. 
will you be still a fool,  
What said you sir to th' Prince?  Bert. 
will you be wise and use him tenderly.  Flor. 
Stain to thy Father's blood—  
I was coming Madam.  Exeunt, manet Bert. Bert. 
umh: he is my rival, would my hilts  
Were in his belly; they are out of sight;  
It is no rutting time, no trick?  Enter Flaviano and Claudio disguised. Flav. 
Signior Bertoldi.  Bert. 
I do not know you friends, but howsoever,  
There is a purse of money  Flav. 
Sir, I want not.  Bert. 
That Gentleman perhaps can drink; I like not  
Their goggle eyes, 'twas well I gave 'em money:  
What d''ee want else? you are Soldiers;  
I love a Soldier.  Flor. 
I am a Gentleman of Mantua sir,  
That owe my life to your command, as one,  
That had an interest in the preservation,  
Your army brought when the Enemy besieged us.  Bert. 
Your mercy Signior, and how do all  
Our limber friends 'it' h Nunnery? I was one  
O'th' Cavaliers went with the General,  
Into the Orchard of Hesperides  
To fetch the golden Dragon.  Flav. 
Golden Apple,  
You mean the Princess Fioretta Signior;  
Is she married sir?  Bert. 
No, no, the Duke will neither die, nor live,  
To any purpose, but they will be shortly;  
Have you a mind to kiss her hand?  Flav. 
I shall be proud—  Bert. 
You shall be as proud as you please sir.  Flav. 
You can resolve me, is Honorio  
Our Duke of Mantua's Son here?  Bert. 
Yes, he is here,  
Heaven were a fitter place for him.  Flav. 
Ha! look to him,  
For he is come with bloody thoughts to murder  
Your Prince Leonato, caution him to walk  
With a strong guard, and arm himself with all  
That can be proof against his Sword or Pistol,  
He cannot be too safe against the treason  
And horrid purpose of Honorio.  Bert. 
His mouth is Musket bore; but are you sure  
He did resolve to kill our Prince?  Fla. 
Most certain.  Bert. 
I am very glad to hear't.  Fla. 
Glad sir?  Bert. 
Yes, I cannot wish him better than a Traitor,  
Now I shall be revenged.  Flav. 
Has he been guilty of any affront to you?  Bert. 
He is my Rival.  Flav. 
Why do not you kill him then?  Bert. 
Pox on him, I cannot endure him.  Flav. 
He is then reserved to fall by me.  Bert. 
'tis too good to be true; are you married Signior?  Flav. 
What then?  Bert. 
If you be not, do this & you shall have  
My mother, a Lady that has Gold enough to pave  
The Streets with double Ducats, here's my hand,  
Kill but this huffing Prince, my Mothers yours,  Enter Honorio. 
And all her movables— 'tis he alone too,  
There's convenient bottom sir hard by  Exit Hon. 
The finest place to cut his throat, I'll not  
Be seen.  Flav. 
I am resolved, charge home thy little Murderers,  
And follow.  Cland. 
I warrant you my Lord.  Exit after Hono. Enter Volterino and Hortensio. Volt. 
But tell me hast thou any hopes of Madam Florelia?  Hort. 
I had a lusty promise.  Volt. 
From her?  Hort. 
Ye Coxcomb her sweet Son.  Volt. 
Why so had I, he did contract her to me,  
A flat bargain and sale of all she had,  
So I would say he was valiant.  Hort. 
That was the price he made to me, but I,  
Had hope last visit from herself.  Volt. 
Be plain, I'll tell thee, she gave me strong expectation,  
And came on like a chevril.  Hort. 
I hear,  
She has given out she will have one of us,  Enter Florelia. Volt. 
She cannot love us both.  Hort. 
Would she had one, & then the toy were over,  
I could make shift to love her.  Volt. 
And to lie with her estate, one helps the tother well.  Florel. 
I find a change within myself, I hope,  
I sha'not prove in love now after all  
My jesting, and so many coy repulses,  
To men of birth and honour.  Volt. 
'tis she.  Florel. 
Why do I think upon him, then? I fear,  
This man of War has done't.  Horten. 
I have it, we'll find whether she affect  
Or Juggle with us presently.  Florel. 
Those postures,  
Would show some difference, here I can observe—  Volt. 
Your Mistress?  Horten. 
Mine if she be pleased, what interest  
Can all your merit challenge above me?  Volt. 
You will repent this insolence, I must,  
Forget to wear a sword, and hear thee name  
Florelia, with that confident relation  
To her fair thoughts, and not correct your pride,  
I'll search your heart, and let out those proud hopes,  
That thus exalt you.  Hort. 
You are cozened Signior,  
I do not fear your probe— she let's us fight,  Fight 
If we had no more wit, we might foin in earnest.  Florel. 
Ha, ha, ha, are you at that ward Gentlemen?  Volt. 
She laughs to see us fence o' this fashion,  
Let's come a little closer.  Fight. Flor. 
Hold, hold Gentlemen,  
For your own honours, is this valour well  
Employed? what cause can urge effusion,  
Thus of that noble blood was given you  
To serve your Country? are you mad?  Hort. 
We are but little better to be both in love.  Flor. 
What Woman,  
Considered in her best is worth this difference;  
She is cruel cannot find a better way  
To reconcile you, than by letting blood.  
Do you both love one?  Volt. 
It does appear so Madam.  Flor. 
I would I knew the Lady makes you both  
Unhappy, I would counsel her some way,  
To set your hearts at peace.  Volt. 
'tis in your power.  Hort. 
Without more circumstance, do but look upon  
yourself, and end our civil Wars; we ha' both  
Opinion of your virtue, and both hope  
An interest in your love, if you will please  
To point which of us two is most concerned  
In your affection, you conclude our danger,  
And oblige one your everlasting Servant.  Volt. 
This Madam is a charitable way  
To know your own, and save two lives, for we  
Shall fix upon your sentence, and obey  
The fate you give us.  Flor. 
Do you fight for me?  
And will it save Incision and preserve  
Your noble veins to know whom I prefer  
In my best thoughts of love? this is but reasonable,  
And 'twill be hard to set a period  
To this contention, for I love you both  
So equally, observe me Cavaliers,  
'tis most impossible to distinguish which  
Is first in my neglect, for I love neither:  
Fight or be friends, you have your choice, and I  
My liberty— I had forgot to thank you,  
For your infusion of that fierce courage  
Into my Son, there is great hope if he  
Live till next year, he may be a Constable,  
He has an excellent art to keep the peace. Farewell.  Volt. 
Madam, for all this I believe you love—  Hort. 
I believe now she's old and has no teeth,  
Else she would bite at one of us— Reverend Madam,  
That word has fetched her,— we ha' no other cordial,  
At this dead pang for your disdain, but drink now;  
If you will have your Son made a fine Gentleman,  
Be sure you send him to the Tavern to us,  
He knows the rendezvous, though you despair,  
We may wind him up yet with spirit of Wine,  
however we'll be merry, and perhaps,  
For all this, drink your health.  Volt. 
Buoy Madam.  Hort. 
If you love your Baby send him.  Exeunt. Flor. 
I am to blame, but I must help it some way.  Exit. Enter Honorio, Flaviano, Claudio with Pistols. Hono. 
Two Engines of so small extent to do  
Such mighty execution? may I see  
These instruments you say you have invented,  
And so commend for service?  Flav. 
Yes my Lord,  
Show 'em to th' Prince, do they not fright already?  
Your Grace may take full view, and quickly be  
The proof what force they have.  Honor. 
I am betrayed,  
Who hath conspired my death  Flav. 
To vex you, see him—  Honor. 
Flaviano, what mak'st thou here?  Flav. 
To put of these commodities; you are  
A princely Merchant, and affect this kind  
Of traffic, that you may not die i'th' dark,  
I'll tell you a brief story, which you may  
Report i'th' other world, I did affect  
Ambitiously thy Sister Fioretta,  
Abused thy Father with a false opinion  
Of Leonato, for my end removed  
His Mistress from the Cloister, and persuaded  
A witty Nun to take her name, and cheat  
The Prince, whom he suspects not yet.  Honor. 
damned rascal?  Flav. 
For pure love to your Sister I did this.  Hono. 
Why having been so impious, does thy malice  
Pursue me, ignorant of all thy treasons?  Flav. 
Would you know that?— because I am undone  
In my chief hope, the Princess whom I thought  
Thus placed secure, and apt for my own visit  
Is gone, is vanished, and as soon I may  
Find the impression of a Ship at Sea,  
And by the hollow tract in waves o'ertake  
The winged Bark, distinguish where the Birds,  
At Chase 'i'th' air, do print their active flight,  
As find in what part of the envious World  
Fioretta is bestowed; this sad intelligence  
Surprised me like a storm, nor was it safe  
To look upon the Duke, who must too late  
Repent his trust, and punish it. In this conflict  
Of desperate thoughts, I thus resolved to see  
Ferrara, and the Lady I preferred,  
But find things cannot prosper, if you live?  
Whose angry breath will throw down what my policy  
Wrought high, and strike my head beneath the ruins.  
Are you now satisfied why you must not live?  Honor. 
Hear me, she's still in silence, and believed  
My Sister by the Prince.  Flav. 
When you are dead, than  
You Will be sure to tell no tales; now shoot—  Claud. 
In my opinion, if all this be truth,  
The mischief you ha' done may be sufficient,  
And he may live.  Flav. 
Villain wilt thou betray me?  Claud. 
You have betrayed yourself, and after this  
Confession, as I take it, I may be  
Your Ghostly Father, and prescribe you a Penance.  Flav. 
Hold.  Claud. 
I will but Physic you, your soul has caught  
A vehement cold, and I have two hot pills  
Will warm you at heart.  Hono. 
Shall my revenge be idle?  Claud. 
Good Prince, you are too forward, & you be  
So hasty, I'm o' this side; did you think,  
I would be false? yet lest my aim be unlucky,  
Trust your own hand to guide 'em.  Flav. 
Thou art honest,  
Thus I salute thy heart Honorio— ha, no charge.  Claud. 
'tis time sir to be honest, I could serve you  
In some Court sins, that are but flesh-colour,  
A wickedness of the first die, whose brightness  
Will fade, and tincture change; your murder is  
Crimson in grain, I have no fancy too't.  
Sir you are safe.  Hono. 
I see thou hast preserved me.  Flav. 
I'm lost for ever.  Hono. 
'tis but a minute  
Since you were found, you must be pleased to walk  
Into the Court, the Vestal you preferred  
No doubt will bid you welcome. Fate I thank thee.  Flav. 
False stars, I dare you now.  Clau. 
I shall wait on you.  Exeunt. Enter juliana. Iuli. 
I have collected all my brain, and cannot  
In any counsel of my thoughts find safety;  
Honorio's death won't secure my strength,  
Or prop my languishing greatness; 'tis but like  
A cordial when the pangs of death hang on us,  
Nay to my present state no other than  
Some liberal portion of a quivering stream,  
Drunk to abate the scorching of my Fever,  
It cools toth' taste, and creeps like Ice dissolved  
Into my blood, but meeting with the flame,  
It scalds my bosom, and augments the fire  
That turns my heart to ashes; poor juliana,  
To what a loss hath thy first sin betrayed thee▪  
Ambition hath revenged thy breach of Honour,  
And Death must cure Ambition, for I have  
No prospect left, but what invites to ruin.  
I am resolved not to expect my fate,  
But meet it this way.  Enter Leonato. Leon. 
Dearest Fioretta?  
Ha, what offends my Princess? there is something  
That dwells like an Eclipse upon thy eyes,  
They shine not as they did, a discontent,  
Is like a mildew fallen upon thy cheek,  
'tis pale and cold, as Winter were come back  
To overrun the Spring.  Iul. 
My dearest Lord,  
My face is but the title to a volume  
Of so much misery within, as will  
Tire your amazed soul to read.  Leo. 
Thou dost  
Freeze up my blood already. O call back  
Part of this killing language, if thou mean'st  
To make me understand thee; the amazement  
Doth fall so like a deluge, I am drowned,  
Ere I can think my fears; how have we lived  
At distance? thou shouldst walk upon this Earthquake  
And my ground tremble not, but with this fright  
I am awake, open the volume now,  
I will read every circumstance.  Iul. 
Observe then, what first becomes my sorrow.  Leo. 
Dost thou kneel?  
That posture is for them have lost their Innocence;  
We must do this to Heaven.  Iul. 
I must to you.  Leon. 
What guilt can weigh thee down so low?  
Dost weep too!  Iul. 
I should not love my eyes if they were silent,  
They know this story will too soon o'ercharge  
My feeble voice, that every tear could fall  
Into some character which you might read,  
That so I might dispense with my sad tongue,  
And leave my sorrows legible; oh my Lord,  
I have wronged you above hope to find your mercy.  Leo. 
Take heed, & think once more what thou hast done  
Ere thou describe such an offence, lest I  
Believe a fault, will drown us both with horror;  
Thou hast not broke thy vow, nor given away  
Thy honour, since thy faith did seal thee mine?  Iul. 
Not in a thought.  Leo. 
I won't see thee kneel,  
Rise, and be welcome to my arms, thou hast  
Done nothing can offend me Fioretta.  Iul. 
Alas— I am not Fioretta.  Leo. 
Ha! this doth confirm me, thou hast all this while  
But mocked my fear, and yet this weeping is  
Not counterfeit, thou art too blame my love,  
Is it thy jealousy, that I am cold  
In my returns to answer thy affection?  
Or have I less in thy esteem of merit  
Than thy hopes flattered thee? or doth the time  
That dully moves, and intermit the joys  
We promised when the Altar had confirmed us  
Sit heavy on thy thought? we will awake  
From this our sullen sleep, and quit off those  
Sick Feathers that did droop our wings; fly to  
The holy man whose charm shall perfect us,  
And chain our amorous souls.  Iul. 
Divide us rather;  
Joy is a fugitive of late, and while  
You think of Hymen, you remove your wishes.  
Fioretta will forbid the Priest.  Leon. 
Canst thou forget thy love so much?  Iuli. 
Alas my Lord,  
You have been all this while abused, and when  
I have said enough to assure your Faith, that I  
Am not your Fioretta, but a Virgin,  
Compelled to take her name, you will I hope  
Kill me yourself, and save me a despair,  
That will conclude my breath else in few Minutes.  Leon. 
Are not you Fioretta, but a Virgin  
Compelled to take her name? who durst compel thee?  Iul. 
The Duke of Mantua.  Leon. 
I dissolve in wonder.  
Durst Mantua use me thus? thy name?  Iuli. 
juliana;  
My blood, (excepting what does fill the veins  
Of Princes) flowing from the noblest spring  
Of honour.  Leon. 
Where was Fioretta then?  Iuli. 
conveyed I know not whither, ere you came  
To save their lives that did betray you thus.  
I was too careless of my fate, that I  
Kept such a glowing secret still within me,  
I had no fear to be consumed, that had  
Another Fire within me, whose wide flame  
Had soon devoured all my considerings.  
Alas my Lord, You did appear so full  
Of honour, virtue, and such Princely love,  
'twas easy to forget on whom you smiled,  
I had no thought to wish myself unhappy,  
Or own another name to my undoing,  
Yet now more tender of your birth and fame  
Than my own life, I cast myself beneath  
Your feet a bleeding sacrifice.  Leon. 
Am I awake and hear all this?  jul 
I see my Lord,  
In your enraged eye, what lightning is  
Prepared, 'tis welcome; since I dare not hope  
To live upon your smile, I would fain die  
Betime, before the shame of my dishonour  
Enforce a mutiny upon myself;  
But think my Lord while I confess all this  
Against myself, how free I might have been,  
How happy, how near Heaven, above those glories,  
Had not you forced me from the blessed Garden  
Where I was planted, and grew fair, though not  
Obliged by any solemn vow, 'twas you,  
Your own hand ravished me from that sweet life,  
Where without thought of more than should concern  
Your welfare in my prayers, I might have sung,  
And had converse with Angels.  Enter Petronio. Petro. 
Sir, I bring sad news.  Leon. 
I prithee speak, I am prepared for all.  Petr. 
The Duke is dead.  Leon. 
My Father dead?  Petro. 
I do not like the Princess at that posture.  Leon. 
I have forgot your name Lady— you may rise.  Enter Honorio, Flaviano, Claudio, and Guard. Hon. 
My Lord I bring you news welcome as health  
Or liberty, your soul will not be spacious  
Enough to entertain what will with joys  
And strong amazement fill it; how I swell,  
With my own happiness to think I shall  
Redeem your noble heart from a dishonour  
Will weigh down death. You think you walk on Roses  
And feel not to what Dragons teeth, and stings,  
You were betrayed. I bring a disenchantment,  
And come with happy proofs.  Leon. 
To tell me this is not  
Your Sister Fioretta: but a Nun  
suborned to cheat me— I know all the business,  
And am resolved in my revenge. juliana,  
Sweet suffering Maid, dry thy fair eyes, 'tis I  
Must make thee satisfaction, I thus  
By thy own name receive thee to my bosom,  
But you that practised cunning, shall e'er time  
Contract the age of one pale Moon, behold  
The Country I preserved a heap of ruins.  Iul. 
Flaviano? sir—  Honor. 
Do you know whom you embrace?  
Flaviano has confessed  
Himself the Traitor, and the black contriver  
Of all this mischief; Leonato hear me,  
Or by thy Father newly fallen to ashes,  
I shall repent I had an honourable  
Thought of thee. Flaviano; Madam, witchcraft,  
My rage will strangle my discourse, my soul  
Is leaping forth to be revenged upon  
That Devil; Prince keep off, his very breath  
Will stifle thee, and damn thy honour to  
All ages▪ Fioretta's now in Court.  Flav. 
Ha! in the Court?  Leon. 
This is some new device.  Honor. 
I charge thee by thy blood throw of these Harpies,  
And do my Sister justice, whom their treason  
Hath made a scorn, that minute she usurps  
Her name of Bride, I shall forget the Altar,  
And turn myself the Priest, with all your blood  
To make a purging sacrifice.  Leon. 
If when we  
Receive our rites, thou dost but frown, or whisper  
To interrupt one ceremony, I  
Will make thee hold the tapers while the Priest  
Performs the holy office; tell thy Sister  
Here I bestow, what you have made me forfeit.  
Present her to the Nunnery, and counsel  
Thy ignoble Father, when I next see Mantua  
To be asleep in's Coffin, and his vault  
Deep, and thick ribbed with Marble, my noise else  
Will shake his dust; thy youth finds mercy yet,  
Take the next whirlwind, and remove— our guard;  
Petronio we confine him to your house.  Hono. 
Thou coward Prince, there's not one honest man  
In all the World, our sins ascend like vapours,  
And will, if Justice sleep, stupefy Heaven,  
For thine own glory wake, if thou dispense  
With this, proud man will cry down providence.  Exeunt.  

ACT. V.  Enter Volterino, Hortensio, Pandolpho (with a Towel.) A Table set out and stools. Volt. 
SUch Wine as Ganymede doth skink to jove  
When he invites the Gods to feast with him  
On Juno's wedding-day.  Pandol. 
jove never drank so brisk a Nectar as I'll draw.  
But does Signior Bertoldi come?  Hort. 
What else? my Alderman o'th' Cellar.  Volt. 
He is our Hilas; shall we not ha' Music?  Hort. 
By all means, and the Mermaids.  Pand. 
You shall have any thing;  
But if Signior Bertoldi come, I have  
A boon to beg, I have a pretty plot  
To make you laugh.  Volt. 
What is't?  Pand. 
As you are Gentlemen, do not deny me;  
I have been your up-and-down-stairs-man to draw  
The best blood o'th' Grape these ten years,  
Troy held out not longer, I have a device  
Shall make you merry when he comes, if you  
Will give me leave to shift, and help a jest.  
He is a Coward still, under the Rose?  Hort. 
As any lives under the Sun, be confident.  Volt. 
The same senseless piece of timber,  
You may cut him into a Bedstaff.  Pand. 
I'll send you Wine, say I am valiant,  
Let me alone with the Catastrophe.  Exit Hort. 
What will he do?  Volt. 
I know not, he were best make us laugh,  
I shall expound the matter else.  Enter Bertoldi, and Drawer (with Wine.) Bert. 
My Mother remembers her service Gentlemen,  
I left my Mistress to come to you; and how?  
Shall we drink like Fishes? Tolle roll lolly, etc.  Volt. 
Sit, sit, a health to the Lady you kissed last.  Bert. 
Let it come, I'll pledge it,  
And it were the Gulf of Venice.  Hort. 
And who's your Mistress?  Bert. 
Faith I do not know her name, nor ever kissed any thing but her Glove in my life.  Volt: 
But you have told her your mind?  Bert. 
Not I by this Wine— but that's all one,  
She is a Lady, well bred, and companion  
To the Princess, that's enough.  
Here Signior— would we had some Wenches here.  Hort. 
Some bouncing bona robas, hang this dull City there's no music in't, no silken Music.  Vol. 
Oh for a Wench could spit fire now, that could whizz like a Rocket, and fall into a 100 blazing stars, such a Fire-drake would be warm company in a close room, Signior.  Hort. 
And it were in a Cellar under the Alps, it would make Hercules melt in the back.  Bert. 
But for all that, I do not like a sinner of such a fiery constitution.  Hort. 
You would not venture upon the golden Fleece then, which is but the moral of a Maidenhead.  Bert. 
I never heard that afore.  Hort. 
So say the learned, first for the difficulty to obtain it, being watched by a Dragon, and then for the Rarity, there being but one in all the World.  Bert. 
But one Maidenhead?  Volt. 
And that some hold as doubtful as the Phoenix or Unicorn, such things are in History, but the man's not alive that will take his Oath in what climate they are visible. Here's to the Swan that broke her heart with singing last.  Hort. 
And to the Dolphin that was in love with a fiddler's Boy of Thebes, who carried him cross the Seas on her back a fishing, while he sung the siege of Troy to the Tune of Green-sleeves, and caught a Whale with an angling rod.  Bert. 
I'll pledge 'em both; they are very fine healths. Are these your Mistress's names Gentlemen?  Enter Pandolfo like a Soldier. Volt. 
Mystical, Mystical.  Bert. 
I Understand they are mystical— who's this?  Pand. 
Save you Gentlemen.  Volt. 
'tis the Drawer.  Pand. 
I do not like the odour of your Wine  He throws it in Bert. face. Bert. 
Was it a health? let it go round Gent. I am troubled with sore eyes, & this Signior has washed 'em for me, I hope I shall see to thank him.  Hort. 
Cry mercy Signior, you are like a noble Gent. I saw at Rome, you are the very same, to whom his Holiness gave a pension, for killing 6 great Turks in Transilvania, whose heads were boiled, and brought home in a portmanteau.  Pand. 
It was but 5 sir and a Saracens.  Hort. 
You are the man?  Volt. 
Pray give me leave to honour you.  Bert. 
I desire to be your poor admirer too,  
My eyes are clear to see your worth, my name  
Is Bertoldi at your service.  Pand. 
To you Signior, a health to julius Caesar, Prester john,  
And the grand Cham of Tartaria.  Volt. 
You sha'not pledge him.  Bert. 
No.  Volt. 
Make your exceptions, I'll justify 'em.  Hort. 
This Cavalier drank t'ee sir.  Bert. 
I do remember, but I cannot pledge him.  Pand. 
How sir?  Bert. 
No sir, I'll pledge my friend Prester jack,  
But for julius Caesar and the grand Cham they are  
Pagans, I ha' nothing to say to 'em.  Enter Servant. Serv. 
Here is a Gentleman, he seems of quality,  
Enquiring for Signior Volterino and Hortensio.  Hort. 
Admit him, and he be a Gentleman.  Enter Florelia like a Gentleman. Flor. 
You'll pardon if a stranger that has had  
A long ambition to kiss your hands,  
Rather entreat for his access, than lose  
The happiness of your knowledge.  Volt. 
Sir, you're most welcome.  Hort. 
If you will keep us company  
You must be equally engaged.  Bert. 
My humble service, Signior Hortensio's Mistress.  Flor. 
You honour me; would I were off again.  Bert. 
Excuse me Signior.  Flo. 
You're too full of ceremony.  Pand. 
Sir, is there any difference between you & julius Caesar,  
You would not pledge his health?  Bert. 
No difference in the world.  Pand. 
How, no difference between you, and a Roman Emperor?  Flor. 
Divide'em, what's the matter?  Hort. 
O for some Trumpets.  Bert. 
Somebody hold my Sword, give me the Wine,  
I'll drink it—  Pand. 
So, we are friends.  Flor. 
O shameful!  Bert. 
But I shall find a time—  Pand. 
Find twenty thousand years, there's time enough.  Volt. 
I'll be your stickler.  Bert. 
I ha' not pledged the Cham yet, nor I wo' not, come, I know you well enough.  Pand. 
Know me, for what?  Bert. 
For a brave fellow, and a man may believe thee thou hast done things as well as the best on 'em, but I know not where, nor I care not, tell me of julius Caesar: I am a Gentleman, and have seen fighting afore now, here's a Cavalier knows it, I scorn to be baffled by any Transylvanian Turk-killer in Christendom, I; thou'rt a  Volt. 
Well said, and a Sandiack.  Bert. 
And a Sandiack, I defy the grand Cham, and mufti. all his Tartars, you're a stinking obstreperous fellow to tell me of a Turd and a Fart, and I honour you with all my heart. Hort. He called you mufti.  Pand. 
What's that?  Ho. 
And a Sandiack, that is son of whore in 2 languages.  Pand. 
How? in two languages? than my honour is  
Concerned, have I in 30 battles 'gainst the Turk  
Stood the dire shock, when the Granadoes flew  
Like atoms in the Sun,  
Have I killed 20 bashaws, and a Musselman,  
And took the sultan's turban Prisoner,  
And shall I be affronted by a thing  
Less than a Lancepresado?  Bert. 
Will nobody hold me?  Flor. 
Gentlemen, this heat must needs be dangerous.  Pand. 
Let me but speak with him  Volt. 
No danger o' my life, let 'em go together:  
And let us mind our business.  Pand. 
Signior, I am your friend, and pity you  
Should lose so much your honour, be advised,  
I'll show a way how to repair your fame,  Pand. & Bert. talk privately. 
And without danger.  Hort. 
To Volterino's Mistress.  Flor. 
I receive it, I shall have my share, I now  
Repent my curiosity to see  
Their humours, and to hear what they would say  
Of me—  Hort. 
Let 'em alone— to Volterino's Mistress.  Volt. 
Come, to my Whore.  Flor. 
Your Whore Signior?  Volt. 
Does that offend you?  Flor. 
Not me— I ha' done you right.  
I am well enough rewarded & they beat me.  Ber. 
I know not how to deserve this courtesy being a stranger  
But if you want a Wife noble sir, and will accept of my  
Mother, you shall have her before any man in Italy.  Pand. 
I thank you sir,  
But be sure you hit me full o'th' head.  Bert. 
'tis too much, a cut o'th' leg and please you.  Pand. 
No, let it be o'th' head.  Bert. 
You won't strike again?  Pand. 
mine's but a foil.  Hort. 
They measure and give back—  Pand. 
Oh I am slain, a Surgeon. Bertoldi strikes Pand.  Flor. 
I'll take my leave.  Hort. 
By this hand, I'll drink his Mother's health first,  
There's no danger & he were dead; a health to the Lady  
Florelia, I drink it for his sake.  Volt. 
Away, and get a Surgeon.  Bert. 
Come, to my Lady Mother.  
A man is not born to be a coward all his life.  Flor. 
I can no more sir.  Hort. 
You should ha' told me sir at first,  
There is no remedy, 'tis to an honourable Lady.  Flor. 
You must excuse me sir.  Bert. 
Throw't in his eyes.  Hort. 
At your request.  Hor. throws the Wine. Flor. 
You're most uncivil.  Hort. 
You're a mushroom.  strikes Flor. Flor. 
So sir, you're a multitude, and in a Tavern,  
I did believe you sir a Gentleman,  
If you be, give me satisfaction nobly.  Hort. 
With all my heart.  Flor. 
Then thus—  Enter Servant. Serv. 
Signior Bertoldi fly, his wound is dangerous,  
We fear he will bleed to death before the Surgeon come.  Volt. 
Out by the Postern.  Bert. 
Pox, a conspiracy, I shall kill but one, I see that;  
Would I were a Mite in a Holland Cheese now.  Exit. Hort. 
I won't fail you sir.  Serv. 
He desires to speak with you before he die.  Hort. 
Is Bertoldi gone?  Volt. 
Hortensio, I guess you may be engaged:  
Leave me to these things, There may be danger.  Hort. 
I know the private way.  Exeunt. Enter Honorio. Hon. 
Virtue and honour, I allow you names,  
You may give matter for dispute, and noise,  
But you have lost your Essence, and that truth  
We fondly have believed in human souls,  
Is ceased to be, we are grown fantastic bodies,  
Figures, and empty titles, and make haste  
To our first nothing, he that will be honest,  
Must quite throw off his cold decrepit nature,  
And have a new creation— my poor Sister,  Enter Fioretta. 
She has heard the Duke's resolve.  Fior. 
Oh let me die, upon thy bosom Brother,  
I have lived  
Too long; they say the Duke resolves to marry  
With juliana, so they call her now,  
Whose sorcery hath won upon his soul;  
I have walked too long in dark Clouds, and accuse  
Too late my silence, I am quite undone,  
There was some hope while he did love my name,  
But that and all is banished; is't not in  
The power of fancy to imagine this  
A dream that hath perplexed us all this while?  
If it be real, I will be revenged,  
'tis but forgetting what I am, and then  
I am not concerned.  Honor. 
Rather forget the Duke,  
And live to triumph in a love more happy.  
He is not worth a tear.  Enter Donabella. Dona. 
How's this? my heart!  Honor. 
Come, I will kiss these sorrows from thy cheek,  
This Garden wants no watering, preserve  
This rain, it is a wealth should ransom Queens,  
As thou dost love me, chide thy saucy grief,  
That will undo the spring here, and enforce  
My heart to weep within me equal drops  
Of blood for these.  Dona. 
Oh my abused confidence,  
Lauriana now I find hath but betrayed me,  
Instruct me rage and jealousy.  Fior. 
I am resolved.  Exit Donab. Honor. 
Well said, take courage Fioretta,  
Appear with thy own name and sufferings,  
Thy sight will strike the proud Impostors from  
Their Pyramids of glory.  Fior. 
It were more revenge to die.  Honor. 
Not so dear Fioretta, something glides  
Like cheerfulness o'th' sudden through my blood;  
Despair not to be happy: Let's consult,  
And form the aptest way for all our honour.  Exeunt. Enter Flaviano. Flav. 
There's but one cloud in all our sky, were that  
Removed, we were above the rage of storms:  
That Claudio knows too much. I look upon  
His life like a prodigious blazing Comet;  
He palls my blood; if I but meet him handsomely,  
I'll make him fixed as the North-star. I hear  
No whisper of him yet; were but he dead,  
juliana and her friend might revel here:  
The Duke should have the name, but we would steer  
The Helm of State, and govern all. I have  
Gained much upon Leonato's easy faith,  
Who thinks me innocent, and that only duty  
Mislead my nature and my tongue to obey  
The Duke of Mantua and the Prince, upon  
Whose heads I have translated all my guilt,  Enter Leonato, Claudio. 
And framed their jealousy at home my cause  
Of flight for refuge hither— Ha, my eyes  
Take in confusion! The Duke and Claudio!  
'Tis doomsday in my soul.  Leon. 
Can this be justified?  Claud. 
I dare confirm this truth with my last blood.  Flav. 
I dare not hear it. That I now could fling  
myself upon the winds—  Exit. Claud. 
And should be happy  
Were Flaviano's life put into balance  
Against my own, to make it clear by his  
Confession. To my shame I must acknowledge  
was the agent twixt 'em; he was pleased  
To choose me his smock Officer, a place  
Poor Gentlemen at Court are forced to serve in,  
To please luxurious greatness, younger brothers,  
Who cannot live by fair and honest ways,  
Must not starve sir.  Leon: 
Flaviano's Whore?  
Where can we hope to trust our faith, when such  
White brows deceive us?  Enter juliana. jul 
I do not like  
This Claudio's business here, the Duke is troubled;  
My whole frame trembles.  Leon. 
Madam juliana?  
My excellent white Devil, you are welcome,  
Where is your Catamountain Flaviano?  
You are no Serpents spawn?  Iuli. 
Oh hear me sir, by your own goodness.  Leon. 
When didst thou kneel to Heaven?  Iul. 
I see my leprosy unveiled, that sin  
Which with my loss of honour first engaged  
My misery, is with a Sunbeam writ  
Upon my guilty forehead, but I have not  
(Excepting the concealment of my shame,  
Which charity might privilege) offended  
Above what I confessed, and you have pardoned.  Leon. 
She hath a tongue would almost tempt a Saint  
To unbelieve Divinity, she learned  
Some accents from the first Apostate Angel  
That mutined in Heaven; away,  
I dare not trust my frailty; where's Flaviano?  Exit. Leon. and Claud. Iul. 
My soul doth apprehend strange shapes of horror.  Enter Fioretta. 
Ha— 'tis the Princess Fioretta.  Fior. 
Can you direct me Madam, how I may  
speak with the noble Lady juliana?  Iuli. 
I can instruct you Madam where to find  
A miserable woman of that name.  Fior. 
Where?  Iul. 
Here.  Kneels. Fior. 
Do not deceive me,  
I came to visit her whom the Duke's love  
And confluence of glories must create  
A Duchess, to whose greatness I must pay  
My adoration.  Iul. 
Do not mock her, Madam,  
To whose undoing nothing wants but death;  
Let not my sin, which cannot hope your pardon,  
Make you forget your virtue; Princely natures,  
As they are next to Forms Angelical,  
Show the next acts of pity, not derision,  
When we are fallen from Innocence.  Fior. 
Do you know me?  Iul. 
For the most injured Princess, Fioretta.  Fior. 
You must know more, I come to take revenge  
And kill thee.  Iul. 
Thus I kneel to meet your wounds,  
And shall account the drops my proud veins weep  
Spent for my cure; oh Madam you are not cruel,  
You have too soft, too merciful a look;  
When you see me, your countenance should wear  
Upon it all the terrors that pale men  
Can apprehend from the wild face of War,  
A civil War, that wo' not spare the womb  
That groaned and gave it life, this would become you,  
Or fancy meager Famine when she hunts  
With hollow eyes, and teeth able to grind  
A rock of Adamant to dust, or what  
Complexion the devouring pest should have,  
Were it to take a shape, and when you put  
Their horrors in your visage, look on me.  Fior. 
What hath prepared this bold resolve?  Iul. 
A hope  
To be your sacrifice; I was not before  
Without a thought to wish myself thus laid,  
And at your feet to beg you would destroy me.  Fior. 
Can you so easily consent to die,  
And know not whither afterwards this guilt  
Would fling thy wandering soul?  Iul. 
Yes. I would pray  
And ask yourself, and the wronged world forgiveness.  Fior. 
Why didst thou use me thus?  weeps. Iul. 
I could, if you  
Durst hear me, say something perhaps would take  
Your charity. Do you weep? gentle Madam?  
And not one crimson drop from me, to wait  
Upon those precious showers? not to invite  
Your patience upon the lost juliana,  
But to call back your tears into their spring,  
And stay the weeping stream, I can inform you,  
The Duke looks on me now with eyes of anger;  
I have no interest in a thought from him,  
That is not armed with hate and scorn against me.  Fior. 
This will undo my pity, and assure me  
Thou hast all this while dissembled with my Justice.  Iul. 
I would I might as soon invest my soul  
With my first purity, as clear this truth;  
Or would the loss of him were all that sits  
Heavy upon my heart; I cannot hope  
For comfort in delays of death, and dare  
Attend you to him, though it more undo me.  Fior. 
Rise, and obey me then.  Iul. 
I follow, Madam;  
My use of life is only meant to serve you.  Exeunt. Enter Hortensio. Hort. 
This is the place within the wood he promised  
To meet in, there is Saint Felice's Chapel,  
That Father Cyprian's cell, I hope my Gamester  
Will think it fit, I should not walk and wait  
Too long for him, these businesses of fighting  
Should be dispatched as Doctors do prescribe  
Physical Pills, not to be chewed but swallowed;  
Time spent in the considering deads the appetite,  
If I were not to fight now, I could pray;  
These terms of honour have but little grace with 'em,  
Like Oysters we do open one another  
Without much preface; he that fights a duel  
Like a blind man that falls but cares to keep  
His staff, provides with art to save his honour,  
But trusts his soul to chance, 'tis an ill fashion.  Enter Friar. Fri. 
This is the Gentleman by her description  
That comes to fight, another Champion?  Enter Flaviano. Fla. 
Do none pursue me, what a timorous Hare  
This guilty conscience is, I am not safe,  
I had no time to think of a disguise,  
And this can be no wilderness, the Duke  
Would give his Palace for my head.  Hor. 
Say so?  Flav. 
Oh for some Pegasus to mount! a Friar?  
His habit will serve rarely, seeming holiness  
Is a most excellent shroud to cheat the world.  
Good Father sanctity, I must be bold,  
Or cut your throat, nay I can follow.  Fri. 
Help, help.  Hort. 
Thou sacrilegious Villain.  Flav. 
I am caught already.  Hort. 
My good Lord Flaviano. Father  
You may come back, and help to bind the Gentleman  
If I did understand him well, he said  
The Duke has some affairs to use his head-piece;  
I would not have him out o'th' way, when I  
Return— to that tree— you were best be gentle.  Flav. 
I can but die.  Flav. is tied to a Tree. Hort. 
Oh yes, you may be damned  
All in good time, and it is very likely.  Fri. 
You have preserved my life Son.  Hort. 
It was my happiness to be so near,  
When virtue was distressed.  friar. 
You have not done sir,  
As you are noble follow me, there is  
Another enemy to meet, but I  
Dare be your second and direct you.  Hort. 
What means the friar?  
I'll walk and see the worst on't.  Exeunt all but Flav. Enter Bertoldi. Bert. 
Oh for a Tenement under ground to hide me,  
This wood will hardly do't, if I can lurk  
Here but till night; I am furnished well with ducats;  
Your melancholy mole is happy now,  
He fears no Officers, but walks invisible;  
Would I were chamber-fellow to a worm,  
The Rooks have princely lives that dwell upon  
The tops of Trees, the Owls and Bats are Gentlemen,  
They fly and fear no warrants, every Hare  
Outruns the Constable, only poor man  
By nature slow and full of phlegm, must stay,  
And stand the cursed Law, I do not think  
'tis so much Penance to be hanged indeed,  
As to be thus in fear on't.  Flav. 
Sir, look this way.  Bert. 
Oh! if I had but the heart of a woman's Tailor,  
I might run away now.  Flav. 
I am robbed and bound.  Bert. 
Umh, are you bound? there's the less danger in you.  Flav. 
For charity release me.  Bert. 
You are surely bound— what's that?  
I hear another whispering o' that side;  
Now I sweat all over, I but think  
If I were naked, how Maids might gather dew  
From every part about me— 'tis the wind  
Among the leaves. I do not like the Trees  
Should lay their heads together o' this fashion.  
You are my fast friend still.  Flav. 
Signior Bertoldi.  Bert. 
Does he name me?  
You and the Tree shall grow together now,  
I came not hither to be known; some Thief,  
Or sturdy rogue; I have heard of these devices  
In woods before; should I unbind him now,  
he'd cut my throat, or rob me for my charity.  Flav. 
I am the man for your sake undertook  
To kill the Prince your rival.  Bert. 
Did you so? I'll trust you ne'er the sooner;  
Well remembered, I'm glad you're not at leisure;  
You that will kill your Prince, will make but little  
Conscience to quarter me.  Flav. 
But he is still alive.  Bert. 
Is he so?  
Why then I am the less beholding to you.  
So, you shall cancel your own bonds yourself.  Enter Hortensio, Florelia and friar. 
How now, more persecution?  Hort. 
Here was a Duel quickly taken up,  
And quaintly too, I did not think to marry  
The Gentleman that challenged me to fight,  
I thank your device Madam.  Flor. 
Thank the blow you gave me sir,  
I love a man dares strike.  Hort. 
I'll please you better with my after striking.  Bert. 
My Mother and Hortensio?  Enter Volterino and Officers. Volt. 
Signior Bertoldi well met, lay hands on him  
And bind him fast, he has a dangerous spirit  Bert. 
Who I? you may as well say I have skill in the  
Black art, Volterino, Gentlemen, there's my Mother.  Volt. 
Your Son is valiant Madam now I hope,  
As you can wish, he has killed his man; but I  
Studious to gain your favour have procured?  
His pardon from the Duke.  Hort. 
Is the Drawer dead?  Volt. 
Dead as the Wine he sometimes drew.  Hort. 
Farewell he; will you salute my Lady Signior  
And give us joy? yond Friar married us.  Bert. 
Let me go, I have my pardon.  Volt. 
Not yet; now you shall be hanged again,  
Did not you swear I should have your Mother  Bert. 
You shall have her yet.  Flor. 
If it be so,  
He shall be worth your suit, and compound fairly.  Volt. 
No, I have thought of my revenge; because  
I cannot have your Mother, d''ee observe,  
If you expect the benefit of this pardon,  
You shall marry mine.  Bert. 
I'll marry any living soul,  Volt. 
she's something old, till the last night I see her not  
These forty years, since when she's grown so ugly,  
I dare not own her, and some think the reason  
Of her deformity to proceed from witchcraft.  Bert. 
Alas good Gentlewoman.  Volt. 
I mean she is a Witch herself,  
And has two Cats they say,  
Suck her by turns, which some call her Familiars;  
She has not had a tooth this thirty years;  
And you must kiss her with a spung i' your mouth,  
She is so full of phlegm, else she'll go near  
To strangle you, and yet they say she has  
A most devouring appetite to man's flesh,  
You may have a devil of your own to attend you,  
And when you're melancholy,  
she'll make you Ghosts and Goblins dance before you  
Bring Bears and Bandogs with an o'er grown Ape  
Playing upon the Gittern.  Hort. 
Where is this creature? shall he not see her first?  Volt. 
I left her in a Sive was bound for Scotland,  
This morn to see some kindred, whence she was  
Determined to take Eggshell to Skeedam.  Enter Pandolpho disguised. 
From thence when she has dined she promised me  
To ride post hither on a Distaff.  Bert. 
How?  Volt. 
Oh here she is, what think you of a Husband  
Mother? can you love this Gentleman, he's one  
Will be a great comfort to you.  Pandol. 
I like the stripling well,  
He will serve to watch my pits, and see that none  
Of my spirits boil over.  Bert. 
Is this your Mother  
Come I'll be hanged, 'tis the more handsome destiny  
Unless you will take composition—  Pandol. 
Let me talk with the Gentleman.  Hort. 
I am at leisure now to wait on you sir.  
Unbind, and lead him to the Duke.  Volt. 
Flaviano? you are the Gentleman his Highness  
Gave strict command should be pursued, I shall  
Be proud to wait upon you to the Court.  Fla. 
I won't lose my passion on such bloodhounds.  Bert. 
We are agreed, heigh, here's my pardon.  Pand. 
Yes, I am satisfied, and can thank you Signior  
In several shapes—  Hort. 
The Drawer.  Pand. 
I did want a sum like this to set me up: I was  
Provided 'gainst your Sword, a pretty nightcap,  
And almost Pistol proof, I shall be rich,  
I thank your bounty, and so rid the Witch.  Exit. Flor. 
Here's none of the Duke's hand.  Volt. 
It needs not Madam.  
I know not yet by what device you came together thus.  Hort. 
I'll tell you as we walk.  Bert. 
Pay for a pardon and not kill my man?  
The Duke shall hear o' this.  Exeunt. Enter Leonato. Leon. 
No news of Flaviano yet? some furies  
Have sure transported him.  Enter Petronio. Petro. 
A Gentleman with Letters sir from Mantua.  Enter Duke of Mantua. Leon. 
Ha! admit him— leave us, the Duke himself?  Du. 
That comes to offer  
A pledge for young Honorio, not in thought  
Guilty of that unprincely entertainment  
You had at Mantua. if my Son, as fame  
Is busy in Ferrara, be exposed  
To your displeasure, change my fate with his,  
That to my shame in part consented to  
The practice of a Traitor Flaviano,  
Who used my power to advance his own ambition  
To your dishonour, and instead of my  
Fioretta, whether now alive or dead  
I know not, cheat your faith with juliana,  
To quit the noble safety your Sword brought us,  
My life is troublesome in the loss of fame,  
And Fioretta.  Leon. 
Where is Flaviano?  
Duke Fled like a guilty villain from my Justice,  
May horror overtake him; let my Son  
Live by some noble deeds to expiate  
His Father's forfeit, and disgrace; I come  
Without a guard, and were it not a crime  
To my eternity, could sacrifice  
myself without expecting your revenge,  
Or nature to conclude my age.  Enter Donabella, Fioretta, juliana. Dona. 
Let me have Justice.  Fior. 
Give me Justice Prince.  Iul. 
Let me have Justice too.  Leo. 
Against whom Sister?  Dona. 
Against this Lady.  
She hath conspired to take away my life.  Fior. 
My enemy is Duke Leonato sir,  
Who hath conspired to take away himself,  
A Treasure equal with my life.  Iul. 
My enemy is juliana sir, that hath conspired  
To rob herself, both of her life and honour.  Du. 
Mant. 'tis she, my aged eyes take leave of seeing,  
Expect no object after this so welcome.  
My Daughter Fioretta.  Fior. 
Dearest Father.  Dona. 
How, Fioretta? she is then but Sister  
To my Honorio, life of all my joys,  
My feet have wings at this glad news.  Exit. Leon. 
Were you the Suffering Lady Fioretta?  
How could you live so long within the Court,  
And no good Angel all this while acquaint me?  Fior. 
This joy is too too mighty, and I sha' not  
Repent my exile to be thus rewarded.  Leon. 
Confirm my happiness again, no treason  
Shall now divide us.  Duke 
Your hearts grow together.  Leon. 
I have received by Claudio the particular  
Of Flaviano's treason, he has guilt  
Above your knowledge sir, juliana finds it,  
And is confessed his strumpet.  Duke 
You amaze me.  Fior. 
I bless now my suspicion, when I was  
conveyed from Mantua, which directed me  
To leave Placentia secretly, and invite  
myself a stranger to this Court, where now  
I meet as much joy as my soul can fancy.  Iu. 
You have not all this while pronounced my doom,  
I fear you hold intelligence with my soul,  
And know what pains I feel while I am living,  
You will not be so merciful to kill me.  Enter Claudio, Volterino, Hortensio, Florelia, Bertoldi, Flaviano. Claud. 
Flaviano!  Hort. 
I present you with a Gentleman,  
I took rifling a Hermit in the Wood,  
As it appears in hope to scape pursuit,  
Hid in a friar's habit, who dispatched  
After a matrimonial betwixt  
This Lady and myself.  Bert. 
That old Gentleman should be Duke of Mantua  
What think you sir?  Claud. 
And that his Daughter Fioretta.  Bert. 
She is my Mistress.  Claud. 
She is like to prove the Duchess of Ferrara.  Bert. 
His Grace will not use me so,  
I will have Justice, Justice Gentle Duke.  Flor. 
Are you mad.  Bert. 
I'll be revenged o' somebody.  Enter Honorio, Donabella Leon. 
Honorio your son, to meet your blessing.  Don. 
This was the life I feared to lose by her,  
Whom I supposed my rival, pardon Madam.  Duke 
Thus circled, I must faint beneath my happiness  Leon. 
Forgive my passion, and receive a Brother.  Honor. 
That name doth honour us, where is Flaviano?  Flav. 
Whose witty brain must sentence me? let it  
Be home and handsome, I shall else despise  
And scorn your coarse inventions.  Fior. 
Let me obtain, since providence hath wrought  
This happy change, you would not stain our joys  
With any blood, let not their sins exceed our charity.  Leo. 
Let him for ever then be banished both  
Our Dukedoms.  Ho. 
What shall become of juliana?  Duke 
She (if your grace more fit to judge, consent)  
Shall to a house of converts and strict penance,  
Where Flaviano, as the price of her  
Lost honour, shall pay her dowry to Religion;  
What doth remain of his estate, shall be  
Employed toward the redeeming Christian Captives.  Iul. 
I cheerfully obey, and call it mercy.  Leon. 
'tis a most pious Justice.  Bert. 
Justice, that's my cue, Justice, Justice to Bertoldi  
Against Signior Volterino, I am cheated.  Flor. 
Will you be a fool upon record?  Leon. 
You shall have Justice.  Volterino, 
we appoint you, till he learn  
More wit, to be his Guardian, and at your  
Discretion govern his estate, so leave us.  Volt. 
I shall with my best study manage both.  Bert. 
I am as good as begged for a fool.  Leon. 
And thus we chain our hearts and provinces.  
Madam I wish you joys, to Fioretta  
I give myself, my Sister to Honorio.  
Treason is sick in her short reign, but when  
Heaven sees his time, Truth takes her Throne again.  Exeunt omnes.   

Epilogue, by juliana.  
NOW the play's done, I will confess to you,  
And wo' not doubt but you'll absolve me too.  
There is a mystery, let it not go far;  
For this Confession is auricular:  
I am sent among the Nuns to fast and pray,  
And suffer piteous penance, ha, ha, ha,  
They could no better way please my desires,  
I am no Nun— but one of the Blackfriars.  
FINIS.