THE Court Secret, A tragicomedy: Never Acted, But prepared for the Scene at Blackfriars.  
WRITTEN By JAMES SHIRLEY.  
Never printed before.  
LONDON, Printed for Humphrey Robinson at the three Pigeons, and for Humphrey Moseley at the Prince's Arms in Saint Paul's Churchyard. 1653.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM EARL OF STRAFFORD, Viscount Wentworth, Baron Wentworth of Wentworth, Woodhouse, Newmarsh, Oversley, and Raby.  
My Lord,  
THE Character of true Nobility is sacred, and indelible; that Yours is such, needeth no Testimony, the World bearing witness to Your Honourable Mind, upon which all other access of Titles wait like a fair Train of Attendance, not Ornaments, Your own Virtue giving them lustre, and entertaining them as Rewards paid down to Your Person, and Merit.  
This Principle, gave me boldness to make this approach to Your Lordship, and not without some design in my Ambition, to renew myself to Your smile, who have enjoyed the happiness (many years since) to kiss Your hand, and to observe with Admiration the Beauties that shined upon Your Youth, which as they gained upon Time, so they have grown above the prejudice of Opinion, and improved their Maturity by the Earliness of their Spring.  
But my humble duty (my Lord) at this fortunate hour to attend You, cometh not alone, it bringeth a Present, such as my weak condition could reach to; a Poem, one, that weareth no Ribbons in the forehead; not so much as warranted by Applause; for it happened to receive birth, when the Stage was interdicted, and wanted that public Seal which other Compositions enjoyed; Though it hath been read and honoured with the Allowance of some men, whose Opinion was as acceptable to me, as the Vote of a smiling Theater.  
But this is not to prescribe to your Honour, whom I have by this Application made my judge (should You wave the Patron) and from whom there lies no Appeal.  
If your Honour, descending from your higher Contemplations, vouchsafe to look upon these Papers, though Your justice should condemn them, it would be their Reputation to fall by so Honourable a Sentence: But if they happen to obtain Your Lordship's favour, that they may live, your Name will not only be a powerful defence to them, but a lasting Record of Honour upon the Composer, whose heart is full of Devotions to your Lordship, and ambitious of no greater addition, than to be known,  
My Lord, Your most obliged, and humble Servant, JAMES SHIRLEY,   


The Names of the Persons.  
The King of Spain.  
Roderigh his Brother.  
Manuel the supposed son of Piracquo, but the true Carlo son to the King.  
Maria his Sister.  
Antonio Prince of Portugal.  
Isabella his Sister.  
Mendoza a Duke.  
Carlo supposed Prince of Spain, but indeed julio the son of Mendoza.  
Clara Mendoza's Daughter.  
Piracquo a Nobleman.  
Two Lords.  
Pedro a Kinsman of Piracquo's, Servant to Mendoza.  
Celio Page to Carlo. Ladies.  
Castellano. Messengers.  
Servants. Guard.   Scene Madrid.  

Plays newly printed for Humphrey Moseley at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Churchyard.  
THe Wild-Goose Chase, a Comedy written by Francis Beaumont, and john Fletcher, Gent.  
THe Widow, a Comedy written by Ben johnson, john Fletcher, and Thomas Midleton, Gent.  
THe Changeling, written by Thomas Midleton, and William Rowley, Gent.   

THE COURT SECRET.  

ACT I.  Enter at one door Don Antonio leading Maria; at another two Gentlemen. 1. 
THe Prince of Portugal, Don Antonio—  2. 
He courts our Infanta close.  1. 
And may deserve her.  Enter Don Manuel. Maria lets fall a jewel from her dress, he takes it up, and offers it to her. Man. 
Your Grace—  Mar. 
'Tis none of mine, Don Manuel.  
Will your Highness walk?  Ex. Ant. & Mar. 1. 
Observe you that?  2. 
The Prince seemed not well pleased.  Man. 
What doth the Princess mean?  
I saw it fall from her.  1. 
My eyes are witness,  
Noble Don Manuel.  Man. 
My Lords, your servant.  2. 
How do you like the Spanish Court? Although  
My Lord your father were a native, yet  
Your birth and education were abroad;  
Compelled by your father's destiny.  Man. 
My unhappiness!  
I have heard him say, some policies prevailed  
To make him leave this Kingdom, and his fortunes,  
To try his fate at sea, till he found means  
To plant himself in Portugal, from whence  
He was but late reduced by the good Prince,  
With promise of a pardon; and his honour  
Is full security for us.  1. 
The Prince  
Can do becoming things, and knows good acts  
Are in themselves rewards; but the report  
Was here, that fifteen thousand Ducats  
Were offered Roderigo our king's brother,  
By your father Lord Piracquo, to assure  
His reconcilement here, for trespasses  
He did at sea.  2. 
But not accepted.  
I know not which will be his more vexation,  
To know the Prince's act, restore Piracquo,  
Or so much money lost.  Enter Prince Carlo, and Celio his Page. 1. 
The Prince.  Car. 
Don Manuel,  
You are become a man of mighty business,  
Or I have lost some interest, I had  
Since I left Portugal; but I'll not chide.  
Where is the King?  2. 
In his Bed chamber, Sir,  
With Duke Mendoza.  Car. 
I'll not interrupt 'em.  
You may redeem your error, and we both  
Converse again.  Exit. Man. 
You infinitely honour,  
And with it bind the obedience of your creature.  1. 
Now he is going to his Mistress.  2. 
To Clara  
The Duke Mendoza's Daughter.  Man. 
Mistress? do you forget, my Lord, the treaty,  
And his own personal contract, the kiss warm  
On Isabella's lip, and strengthened by the hope  
And expectation of another Marriage,  
Betwixt Anthonio and Maria his Sister?  1. 
We are used  
To freedom here, with as much innocence  
I may, perhaps, hereafter say, the Princess  
Maria meant you honour, when she dropped  
A Jewel; Sir, it cannot be much blemish  
For you to own her service.  Man. 
'T were an insolence  
(Beyond her mercy to forgive) in me,  
To think she meant it grace, or I apply it  
At such a distance of my blood and fortune.  
This in a whisper, but conveyed through Court,  
Would forfeit me for ever: As you're honourable,  
Preserve me in my humbler thoughts.  1. 
Be confident.  2. 
And pardon my expression; Sir, your servant.  Exe. Man. 
I have observed the Princess scatter beams  
Upon me, and talk language with her eyes  
Sometime, such as I dare not apprehend  
With safety, or Religion; for I find  
My heart another's conquest. But the Prince!  
Why should he move my jealousy? I know  
His amorous thoughts, already placed upon  
Fair Isabella, must inhabit there,  
And meet their just reward; he cannot be  
So careless of his honour.  Enter Pedro. Ped. 
Can you direct me, Sir, to Don Piracquo,  
Your noble father? I bring affairs concern him.  Man. 
You wait upon the Duke Mendoza, Sir?  Pe. 
I was i'th' first number of those attended  
His Duchess, while she lived; his Grace doth now  
Acknowledge me a waiting movable  
Within his family; my name is Pedro,  
A poor kinsman of yours, if you be, Sir,  
My Lord Piracquo's son, and might have been  
His heir, had not you Mother been more fruitful  
At sea, before she died, who left you an infant;  
'Twas something to my prejudice, but your Father—  Ma. 
Is in the privy Garden, Sir.  Pe. 
Your servant.  Exit. Ma. 
What means this fellow to survey me? ha! Clara!  Enter Mendoza and Clara. 
And her Father Duke Mendoza! I  
Must wish a time without his presence, to  
Confirm, how much I honour her: Loud fame  
Speaks him a noble Gentleman, but of late  
(By what misfortune 'tis not known) he hath  
Some garbs, that show not a clear spirit in him.  
But that his Lady's dead, men would interpret  
His starts proceed from jealousy: I'll leave 'em.  
And wait some private opportunity.  Exit. Cla. 
I must confess, Prince Carlo, Sir, hath courted me,  
But with a noble flame.  Me. 
Flame me no flame, unless you mean to turn our family  
And name to ashes in the king's displeasure.  
Thou dost not know the Prince, as I do, Clara.  Enter Piracquo and Pedro. Pe. 
Sure you have known me, Sir, I have expected  
Some time, when you would own me—  Pi. 
Your name's Pedro—  Pe. 
You thought me of your blood, Sir, when you promised  
I should be your heir; I did a service for't  
Deserves your memory, not contempt, my Lord.  Pi. 
Oh, thou didst well, and though as I then stood  
Proscribed, I wished it otherwise, I now thank  
Thy witty cozenage, and allow thy faith  
Religious to thy Prince; be honest still.  Pe. 
Honest? you are mistaken, I have been  
Honest to none but you, Sir.  Pi. 
Be to thyself.  Pe. 
I know not what you mean by witty cozenage;  
But to my danger, I may say, I did  
The feat as you desired; you know I did,  
And 'tis my wonder, what we both projected  
To make your own conditions for your pardon,  
And safe return, after proscription,  
Hath not been worth your use so many years;  
Where is the Prince?  Pi. 
The Prince? you are witty, Kinsman.  Pe. 
Nay if you slight me, Sir, and pay my service  
With this neglect, I can undo myself  
To make you find repentance—  [offers to go in Pi. 
Come nearer—  Me. 
Therefore upon my blessing, if thou hast  
Such an ambitious thought I charge thee leave it.  Cla. 
Sir, you may spare these precepts, I have not  
Given away my freedom, or by promise  
Of more than may become my duty, offered  
The Prince an expectation; I am  
Not ignorant he is designed a Bridegroom  
To the fair Isabella, and it were  
Saucy injustice to distract a blessing  
Now hovering o'er two Kingdoms—  Me. 
Thou art wise;  
Preserve this duty. Ha! is not that Pedro?  
I do not like their whisper—  Cla. 
You look pale, Sir.  Pi. 
Can this be truth? was it Prince Carlo, then  
Without imposture was delivered me?  
Didst thou not cozen me?  Pe. 
If I be mortal, Sir,  
It was my Lady's art, for her own safety,  
To put this trick upon the Court, which she  
Kept me from my Lord, until upon her deathbed  
She made him overseer of the Secret.  Men. 
Did he not name a Secret?  Cla. 
You are troubled.  Men. 
I? thou art deceived.  Pir. 
Ha! 'tis thy Lord Mendoza.  Ped. 
He may take  
Some jealousy, if he observe our whisper.  Pir. 
Add, Pedro, but to this, thy future secrecy,  
Till I mature some act, my thoughts now fix upon,  
And choose thy place within my heart; meet me—  Ped. 
Enough, you seal the mystery again.  Men. 
Pedro, come hither; What did you whisper?  Enter a Gentleman. 1. 
Duke Roderigo, my Lord, desires  
Your conference in the garden.  Pir. 
I'll attend him.  Exeunt. Ped. 
He is my Kinsman, Sir, and did salute me—  Men. 
I would thou wert his x ten removes  
(Pedro) as far as the two Poles are distant.  Cla. 
My father need not fear Prince Carlo now;  
I find another guest here, 'tis Don Manuel  
Holds chief intelligence with my thoughts.  Men. 
Well Pedro,  
Take heed, my life is in thy lips—  Ped. 
I know my duty, Sir, if you suspect,  
Command me to be dumb; Sir, you must trust me.  Men. 
I know not how to help it, wait upon  
My daughter.  Exeunt 
I would my Lady had lived, or died without  
Bequeathing me this Legacy on her deathbed,  
A Secret to consume me; this servant, whom  
I dare not much displease, is all the witness  
Survives, sworn with the rest to secrecy,  
And though I have small argument to suspect him,  
After so long a silence, yet I am  
Not safe to be at his devotion:  
I could soon purge him with a Fig, but that's  
Not honest: Was it ever known, a man  
So innocent, should have so many Agues  
In's conscience? I am weary of the Court;  
I must have some device—  Enter Roderigo and Piracquo. 
Duke Roderigo,  
And Don Piracquo? they are whispering too;  
This jealousy will take my brains apieces.  Exit. Ro. 
I have said, & now expect, my Lord, your answer.  Pi. 
I must acknowledge from your Grace, a favour,  
That you have been so clear, and free with me;  
I might have thought myself secure i'th' dark,  
And ignorant of this expectation,  
Incurred your grace's jealousy.  Ro. 
I had always  
A firm opinion of your Lordship's gratitude.  Pi. 
But for the sum, he fifty thousand Ducats,  
I must acknowledge, if your Grace had mediated  
My pardon then with the good King, your brother,  
It had obliged my payment; but my cause  
Not worth your grace's agitation,  
Or breath, was like a vessel struck upon  
Some shelf, without all hope t' 'have sailed again,  
Had not the Prince's mercy, when he came  
To Portugal, relieved it with a gale,  
And set my bark afloat.  Ro. 
The Prince?  
Why? doth your Lordship think I had no part  
I'th' work of your repair? the power, and office  
I hold at Court, is not asleep, my Lord,  
When any act of grace is done by th' King.  Pi. 
I dare not do so much injustice to  
The Prince's bounty, to divide and owe  
But half the benefit to his Grace; I not  
Extenuate your prevalence at Court, but  
His Highness did compassionate my exile,  
And I am returned by his commands, my Lord,  
I am his creature for it, and shall sooner  
Lose what he hath preserved, my life and peace here,  
Than doubt his honour, or dispute his power  
In my behalf.  Ro. 
Sir, you are not safe yet,  
There has passed no seal, I take it, for your pardon.  
You hang i'th' air, not fixed to th' roof of heaven,  
As when you shined a star; take heed you prove  
No Comet, a prodigious thing snatched up  
To blaze, and be let fall again, upon  
Their eyes, that so mistook the region  
Where you were placed.  Pi. 
I know, my Lord, your greatness,  
And hold it not becoming, to contest  
In language wi'ee; but I am confident—  Ro. 
Of what?  Pi. 
And will wager, if your Grace please,  
The to 'their fifty thousand Ducats, Sir,  
That I'll not pay you a maravedi; if I may  
On other honourable terms possess  
Your favour, I shall meet your just commands,  
But if you set such price upon your smile,  
After the Prince's honour to secure me,  
I know myself, my fortune, and upon  
What strength I must depend.  Ro. 
I shall, my Lord,  
Send you to sea again.  Pi. 
I made a shift, and may again, my Lord,  
Amongst the Merchants.  Ro. 
Pirate—  Pi. 
'Tis confessed,  
I was so, but your Grace may be informed  
I was not born to th' trade, I had a soul  
Above my fortune, and a toy I took  
To lose what was beneath my birth and titles,  
Or purchase an estate fit to sustain 'em;  
The sea was my Exchequer; for I thrived,  
I thank my watery Destinies, and commanded  
Many a tall ship, won with so much horror,  
As possibly would have made your Lordship (had you  
But in a cloud, or airy scaffold stood  
Spectator of our fight) sweat out your soul  
Like a thin vapour with the fright, and after  
Drop your forsaken body on our deck,  
To increase the number of the dead.  Ro. 
But we  
May deal with you at land again.  Pi. 
With reverence to your blood as 'tis the Kings, with all my age,  
My wounds upon me, and that innocence,  
The Prince's word hath new created in me,  
I do not fear—  Ro. 
Whom?  Pi. 
The Devil.  Ro. 
I shall conjure down the spirit.  Pi. 
Hell hath not art to keep it down.  Ro. 
So brave?  Pi. 
So just.  Ro. 
Thou talking fool, dost think I have no stings?  Pi. 
I know you are a Statesman, Sir, but he  
That fears with his own innocence about him,  
Deserves not a protection—  [offers to go in. Ro. 
Piracquo,  
Stay, I now see thou hast a gallant spirit,  
Let me embrace thee, and with this confirm  
An honourable friendship; I have not  
A thought so base to injure thee.  Pi. 
I have—  
An easy faith my Lord—  Ro. 
Farewell—  
Noble Piracquo, I have tried and found thee.  Pi. 
I woe 'not trust you for all this; I know  
The devil's excellent at the hug; your Servant.  Enter Manuel and Clara, at the other door Maria. Man. 
The Princess.  Mar. 
I do not like his Courtship there.  Don Manuel— (Manuel leaves Clara, and goes to Maria. Ro. 
So gracious with my Niece? I'll make him curse  
Those smiles—  Exit. Cl. 
All is not well within me, and the Princess  
Was never so unwelcome; they confer  
With much delight, or else my fears abuse me.  
What hath she in the greatness of her birth,  
That I should be so passive? Heaven look on  
Our hearts, and if my love want a degree  
Of noble heat, when they are both compared,  
Let what I carry be the Funeral pile,  
And my own flame consume it. Ha, the Prince  Enter Carlo. 
I shall betray myself too soon I fear.  Car. 
My sweetest Clara!  Mar. 
Either there were no Ladies that could love  
In that Court, or you could not want a Mistress.  Man. 
They are not born with incapacity  
Of loving, where they find a worth t'invite:  
The fault was in my undesert, that could  
Attract no lady's grace to own me there,  
So inconsiderable a servant Madam.  Ma. 
There is some hope, you will not be thought here  
Unworthy of a nobler Character;  
I do not think but Clara hath a better  
Opinion of your merit.  Car. 
You cannot be so cruel; what could in  
My absence interpose, to make your heart  
Unkind to those desires at my return?  Cla. 
My justice, and the care of both our honours,  
I have not lost; nor can Time make me forfeit,  
(What Nature, and the Laws of Heaven and Earth  
Command me to preserve) my duty Sir.  
What is above, would taste ambitious.  Car. 
This was not wont.  Cla. 
If any of your smiles,  
Or favours Sir before, have led my tongue  
To unbecoming boldness, you have mercy:  
Some things of error are exalted by  
Our bold belief, when Princes make themselves  
But merry with their servants, who are apt  
To antedate their honour, and expound,  
In their own flattery, the text of Princes.  Car. 
But is all this in earnest?  Enter Roderigo and Antonio. Ro. 
Is not that  
Don Manuel with the Princess? Observe Sir.  An. 
They are pleasant.  Ro. 
Dare he presume?  An. 
Vexation!  Cla. 
While I have  
The memory of what you are, a Prince,  
And dare believe what is as true, as talked of,  
Your Contract made in Portugal to the Princess  
Isabella—  Car. 
No Contract Madam; I confess,  
To please my Father, who engaged me to  
The travel, I did seem to court the Princess,  
And with some shadows of a promise, might  
Advance her expectation; but here  
I left my heart, and dare appeal to thine.  An. 
Madam—  Mar. 
Your grace's pardon but a minute.  An. 
Sir—  [To Manuel. Mar. 
Nay then I shall repent I asked your pardon.  An 
I ha' done, and will attend your grace's pleasure.  Mar. 
I am now at your commands.  Exe. Ro. 
Clara his Mistress?  Car. 
Possible! was not that Prince Antonio, Uncle?  Ro. 
Yes Sir, and gone displeased,  
He hath been affronted by that Gentleman.  Car. 
He dares not be so rude.  Ro. 
He dares be insolent, and court your Sister.  Car. 
How? my Sister? be less ambitious, Manuel.  Ro. 
Your favours have exalted him too much.  Car. 
But I can change my brow.  Ro. 
It does become you.  Exeunt. Man. 
The Prince did frown upon me, Madam, you  
Are wise, as well as fair, can you resolve  
The Prince's riddle?  Cla. 
Sir, I have no art  
To decipher mysteries, but if I err not,  
He named his Sister.  Ma. 
Ha!  Cla. 
With caution you should be less ambitious.  Ma. 
'Tis so, he's jealous of my courtship there,  
It can be nothing else, can it, sweet Madam?  
I dare make you the judge of all my thoughts,  
Unbosom every counsel, and divest  
My soul of this thin garment that it wears,  
To let your eye examine it; if you find  
Within that great diaphanal an atom  
Look black, as guilty of the Prince's anger,  
Let him doom me to death, or if that be  
Not punishment enough, be you more cruel,  
And frown upon me too.  Cla. 
If I were judge,  
Without such narrow, and severe dissection,  
Don Manuel, of your heart, I should declare  
Boldly your innocence, and rather than  
A frown of mine should rob your thought of quiet,  
I would deprive mine eyes of what they honour,  
By a more cruel absence. Ma. But to be  
Assured of so much charity I could wish  
myself in some degrees a guilty person,  
And stand the Prince's anger; but if I  
Be cleared in your opinion, I dread not  
The malice of accusers; yet if you had  
Waved my integrity, I had an argument  
To have convinced you, Madam, that Maria,  
Though sacred in her person, was to me  
No more enflaming than a piece of Alabaster,  
Which some great Master's hand had shaped a Virgin;  
For if you dare believe me, you have won  
By your virtue here so much dominion,  
There is no room to entertain a guest,  
Much less a competition. Oh Madam,  
I took so strange a charm in at my eyes  
When first your presence made 'em happy, that  
To say I only loved you, were profane,  
And would detract from that religious honour,  
My heart in that first minute promised you.  Cla. 
I know not in what language, Sir, to dress  
My answer, but in that small skill I have,  
Sir, of myself, I am not guilty of  
Unkind rewards, where I can understand  
A fair respect invite 'em; yet if you  
But flatter, for it is hard to say, when men  
Dissemble not at Court—  Ma. 
The curse of Virgins, and  
What else can make a Lover miserable  
Feed on my heart, that minute I betray  
Your faith by any treason of my tongue:  
I must not live with your suspicion on me;  
Why do you obscure your face?  Cl. 
I do but hide  
Sir an unruly blush that's stolen into  
My cheek; I fear a Spy, that hath discovered,  
And would tell what complexion my heart has.  
Pray leave me.  Ma. 
That command  
Received but faint commission from your heart,  
From whence those amorous spies your blushes came;  
It had a sound like Virgins, when they teach  
A way to be denied. Pardon sweet Madam,  
If I presume to interpret my own happiness;  
Your eyes are not so kind to obscure themselves  
Behind that cloud, they may behold me kiss  He kisses her hand. 
Your hands with this devotion, and not  
Repent to be a witness. Did you not  
Feel a chaste trembling on my lip? with such  
A fear do Pilgrims salute holy Shrines,  
And touch the flesh of Martyrs: but this circumstance  
Is but the pomp, no essence of affection.  
Say, can you love me, Madam? if your tongue  
Not used to such a dialect, refuse  
Articulate consent, a smile will make  
No noise, speak that way; I will keep this hand  
Both a white pledge, and prisoner, till your eye  
Or welcome accent do redeem it from me;  
Or if you still be silent, I'll secure  
My fate, and teach your hand without a voice  
To chant a Song to Hymen.  
What help of tongue need they require,  
Or use of other art,  
Whose hands thus speak their chaste desire,  
And grasp each other's heart?  
Weak is that chain that's made of air,  
Our tongues but chafe our breath,  
When Palms thus meet, there's no despair  
To make a double wreath.  
Give but a sigh, a speaking look,  
I care not for more noise,  
Or let me kiss your hand, the Book,  
And I have made my choice.  
Weeping? I'll kiss those drops away.  Cla. 
Away—  Ma. 
That echo was not sweet, yet being thine—  Cla. 
I am too much thine.  Ma. 
There's no place for fears;  
Love is the purest, when 'tis washed in tears.   

ACT. II.  Enter King and Roderigo. Ki. 
DAres he be so insolent already? we  
Shall humble him.  Ro. 
He durst affront me Sir;  
And when I urged the folly of his pride,  
Tell me, he knew himself, and on what strength  
He must depend; words of a dangerous consequence.  Ki. 
My Son hath been too forward.  Ro. 
He affects him strangely.  Ki. 
Whose undertaking must not bind beyond  
The rule of our own greatness.  Ro. 
Your Son is full  
Of honourable thoughts, but being young,  
May meet with subtle natures, whose oblique  
And partial ends want no dissembled forms  
Of duty to betray him. This Piracquo  
In his experience of the world, hath art,  
And can from every accident extract  
A cunning use of time, and dispositions;  
And 'tis not to be doubted but the man  
Practised in storms, and rapine (by which he  
Hath drawn a wealth above your treasury)  
May find a minute apt for his revenge  
Upon your justice—  
He that is a Pirate  
In the first act of spoil he makes, doth open  
His conscience at sea, and throws the key  
Into the waves.  Ki. 
He hath acquired a mighty wealth.  Ro. 
But who can number their undoings and wet eyes  
That have been robbed? how many lives and fortunes  
Of your own subjects have increased the pile  
Of his estate and cruelty? think o' that:  
And if you can bring nearer thoughts, and look  
Upon yourself, your present sums are lean,  
Compared to what did swell your treasury;  
Your customs are less numerous for his thefts,  
And your great debts and charge upon your crown,  
Are called upon, but drowsy with their weight,  
They make no answer to the kingdom's clamour.  
Some King, to whom the waves had sent a wrack  
So great upon his shore, would both secure,  
And call the timely benefit, a providence.  Ki. 
'Tis not too late.  Ro. 
Wise Princes that have law & strength about 'em,  
Must take all forfeits; he that is too tame  
In Sovereignty, makes treason his own judge,  
And gives a patent to be disobeyed.  Ki. 
Let him be sent for straight.  Ro. 
To hear him plead?  
What Traitor did want reasons of defence?  
Command him safe first, see his wealth sealed up  
Against the confiscation; Kings must act,  
And not dispute their maxims; I could much  
Amaze you, Sir, with other argument  
To prove Piracquo's insolence; his son  
(And 'tis to be believed, in things of consequence  
Their counsels often meet) Don Manuel,  
Hath been ambitious to court Maria,  
Your daughter, Sir.  Ki. 
Unsufferable impudence!  Ro. 
Antonio too suspects him, and what honour  
You can maintain with the Prince, & what danger  
It may produce; if this resented, and  
Proclaimed, beget a War upon your country—  
For Treaties are the immunities of Kings,  
Subjects adulterate the Prince's coin,  
Not without high injustice, but he that  
Doth play the wanton with his royal promise,  
Defaceth his own stamp, and teacheth, by  
His violation, others not to trust him.  Enter Antonio and Manuel fighting. Enter Lords. Ki. 
Treason!  Man. 
Be fearless, Sir, I am provoked  
Beyond the sufferings of a Gentleman.  Ro. 
Where is the guard? no mischief the result  
Of such a skirmish?  Ma. 
I was not made for servitude, nor must I  
Have patience, when the greatest man is in Spain,  
Whose title cannot challenge my subjection,  
Throws infamy upon me.  An. 
Do the Kings  
Of Spain allow this saucy privilege  
Against a Prince.  Ki. 
Not we: To prison with him.  
You shall be judge yourself, and set the punishment  
Upon his insolent act; away with him.  Man. 
Not hear me? this is tyranny.  Ro. 
Away, d''ee make a cipher of the King?  Manuel guarded off. Ki. 
May we  
Entreat to know the circumstance?  An. 
I must  
Acknowledge, Sir, I had suspicion  
Of some attempts by him against my honour,  
Which made me first provoke him.  Ki. 
Dare he hope  
To keep a thought unpunished?  Enter Piracquo. Pi. 
Sir, I met  
My Son by your command lead prisoner hence,  
It will not unbecome your royal justice,  
To let me know his crime, I am no father  
To any sin he dares commit against  
Your Laws, or person.  Ki. 
You came in good time.  
Another guard for him.  Pi. 
A guard? for what?  Ki. 
You shall know that hereafter.  An. 
I shall beseech, my cause against Don Manuel  
May not involve his innocence; my Lord  
Piracquo is full of honour.  1. 
The Duke's gone.  2. 
Nay he is right, at the wrong end of a cause still.  An. 
If they be crimes against your state, I am not  
To prescribe your Justice, Sir.  Ki. 
Away with him.  Enter a Gentleman with a Letter to Antonio. An. 
To me? I have seen this character.  Enter Carlo, Piracquo, Guard. Car. 
Return him at my peril, Sir.  Lord 2. 
What do you think of my Lord Piracquo?  Lord 1. 
I think he's gone to prison; yet I think  
He's here again, if that be he; for we are  
Not sure of any thing at Court. Now, my Lord—  Pi. 
Do any of you know, my Lords, wherefore  
I am under guard?  1. 
Not we.  Pi. 
I could not satisfy the Prince's question.  2. 
Your son's offence was an affront to th' Prince  
Antonio.  Pi. 
That was not well; 'twas  
Some high provocation made him lose his temper.  1. 
They were at it with their swords.  Pi. 
No hurt, I hope?  2. 
The Prince's feather discomposed, or so.  Pi. 
This was not my fault, Gentlemen.  Car. 
Proclaim to th' world I'm not your son, take off  
Mine and your people's expectation,  
And then 'tis no dishonour; for to be  
Believed the Prince at the same time, and one  
That dares betray a Gentleman from's Sanctuary,  
To be a sacrifice at home, are things  
Of inconsistent nature, and destructive.  
Charge him with new committed crimes, since I  
Gave him my word and honour to secure him,  
And there he stands, without an Altar to  
Protect him; but far be it from the King,  
To make it a new treason to be rich;  
It will be thought your avarice to his wealth,  
And read in story to your shame for ever,  
Piracquo died to pay your debts.  1. 
The Prince  
Solicits hard; the King inclines.  Ca. 
I know  
This doth not, Sir, proceed from your own soul,  
But some malignant nature, that hath dropped,  
And would infect your ear with wicked counsel;  
'Twas some malicious enemy to me,  
And to your fame (as well as Don Piracquo  
His life and fortune) hath conspired to make  
Me less than Prince, and you unfit to be  
A King, when once men catch at your inconstancy.  
For I must pray you to remember, Sir,  
I had your royal promise to confirm  
My undertaking for his facts at sea,  
And give me leave to say, Sir, this dishonourable  
Retreat will stagger all your people's faith:  
A King to break his sacred word, will teach  
The great men to be safe without your service;  
Who will believe your smiles are snares to catch  
Their fortunes; and when once the crowd takes sent  
Of this, you leave yourself no oath to swear by.  2. 
The Prince bestirs himself bravely in your cause.  Pi. 
I may do something to reward it, one day.  
Sir, shall I speak? not in my own defence;  
For since I came to Spain, I have not been  
Guilty in thought of any breach of duty;  
Nor for my son, if youth or ignorance  
Have made him err, my humble knees beseech  
My cause may take no royal beam from him,  
That now is pleased to be my Advocate,  
Your son; in whom there's such an active heat  
Of honour, better all my blood was scattered  
Than you should frown upon him. But I know  
If I had paid the Duke your brother, Sir,  
But fifteen thousand Ducats—  Ki. 
Ha? what then?  Pi. 
I had bought my peace, and been commended by  
His Grace to your full pardon.  1. 
Boldly urged.  Ca. 
Was it his act?  Ki. 
We restore thee,  
Piracquo, to thyself, and us; and let  
Our largest pardon for all past offences  
Be ready for our signature; my brother,  
I'll promise reconciled too: Carlo, thou  
Hast but confirmed our hope, nor did we purpose  
This other than a trial of thy temper,  
Thy gratitude, and jealousy of thy honour:  
Preserve them still thus, Carlo, nothing wants  
To fix our kingdom's joy, but the completing  
Thy marriage with the Princess Isabella,  
Which shall be done by Proxy, when Antonio  
Hath made his courtship perfect with thy Sister.  
Who saw the Duke Mendoza? send for him;  
He doth too much absent himself.  Exe. Manet Carlo. Car. 
By Proxy?  
The Duke Mendoza's counsel is too busy  
To advance that, and Clara is grown cold,  
Or seems so, in her cunning to provoke  
My flame; but I must teach her how to meet it.  
My father may be wrought to a consent  
When things are done; forgive me, Isabella,  
My first thoughts cannot on thy beauty wait,  
I am not master of my love, or fate.  Exit. Enter Pedro. Pe. 
Things are not now so desperate, whilst my Lord  
Piracquo keeps possession; but if I were  
Worthy to advise his Lordship, he should not lose  
Much time to settle things, secrets do burn—  Enter Mendoza. 
His grace; now for a fit of jealousy—  
I'll be here—  Men. 
He's troublesome in my eye, and yet I cannot  
Endure him from my sight.  Pe. 
That's I.  Me. 
Methinks he hath every day a more discovering look,  
There's Scaffolds in his face; I shall prevent him,  
And send him far enough, with the next Fleet  
He goes, the Sea may roar, and crack the Cabins,  
Or he may meet the Calenture; I have heard  
Of hurricanoes that have torn up Mountains,  
One boisterous enough would strike his Ship  
Clean through, a' t'other side to the Antipodes,  
And that would cure me; all my Art must be  
To win him to the Voyage, and not stir  
His jealousy; the Knave is apprehensive.  Pe. 
Are you good at that?  Exit. Me. 
I do not like his business with Piracquo,  
'Tis for no good, I'll break their correspondence;  
Piracquo has been honourable, yet  
I do not much confide in him— he's here;  Enter Pedro. 
Come hither Pedro.  Re. 
Your grace's Pleasure?  Me. 
What consult  
Have you with Don Piracquo?  Pe. 
Please your Grace,  
He hath been fishing, some or other have  
Infused a scruple, I'll engage my life:  
But though he be my Kinsman and a Lord  
I honour, and from whom I have received  
The promise of a Fortune, and a great one,  
Yet, I have said little—  Me. 
Hast said any thing?  Pe. 
How could I choose Sir? he did squeeze me subtly,  
But I was wise, and faithful to your trust,  
He knows no more than I, or you—  Me. 
Ha?  Pe. 
Would wish him Sir, let me alone to be cautious.  Me. 
Th' art honest Pedro, and I have been studying  
How to encourage and reward thy service,  
And I have thought of a preferment for thee.  Pe. 
Your Grace was ever bountiful.  Me. 
A place  
Of honour and command.  Pe. 
That will do well Sir;  
And shall I come in as your Churchmen do?  
No first-fruits to be paid twice in a year,  
No buying of a Jewel at the rate  
Of fifteen hundred times the value Sir?  Me. 
Remove that care.  Pe. 
That care is well removed.  Me. 
I have considered, that to live at home  
My Servant, is to dark thy abilities,  
That will abroad shine, and do services  
Worth Spain's acknowledgement.  Pe. 
Abroad? why, must I travel?  Me. 
By any means.  Pe. 
Whither, an't please your Grace?  Me. 
But to the Indies.  Pe. 
No farther? Columbus did it in 7 years,  
And less.  Me. 
In the next Fleet thou shalt have an employment  
Shall speak my care of thee, and interest  
With his Catholic Majesty; he shall deny  
Me hard, but I'll prevail to make thee of  
His Council there, and the State Secretary.  Pe. 
This is a mighty honour.  Me. 
We may hold  
Correspondence still by Letters, thou art wise;  
The King shall knight thee too of Calatrava;  
How will it joy my heart to write to thee,  
All signior illustrissimo Don Pedro.  Enter Gentleman. Gent. 
Sir, the King hath sent for you?  Me. 
For me?  Pe. 
Yes, Sir, I could have told your Grace  
His Majesty commanded your attendance.  Me. 
For what?  Pe. 
I know not that, but I suspect  
There hath been some intelligence, however  
Go, Sir, it may do worse, and argue guilt,  
To be commanded twice.  Me. 
Intelligence?  
It will be worth my safety to confess.  Pe. 
By no means, Sir, that simplicity  
Would rather become me.  Me 
Why? wilt thou confess?  Pe. 
Not, unless you begin; go Sir, an't be  
But to prepare his Majesty, for me  
To wear the order of the Calatrava;  
You have put me, Sir, into the gang of going  
This Indian voyage.  Me. 
Well, I must to the King.  Pe. 
Shall I attend you?  Me. 
Yes— no— do what thou wilt; yet now I think on't  
'Twill be as well to go— yet do not neither.  Pe. 
Be cheerful, Sir, why doth your head shake so?  Me. 
My head?  Pe. 
It trembles like the Needle of a Sundial, d''ee not feel it?  Me. 
Ha? yes 'tis here; but do not breathe upon me;  
I feel the very wind of thy words blow it  
To and again like a Weathercock; but I must go.  Pe. 
I will prepare myself for this voyage.  
Forget not the Calatrava.  Me. 
I would thou wert shipped—  Pe. 
And sunk.  
It shall go hard but I'll requite your Lordship.  Exe. Enter Clara and Servant. Cla. 
A prisoner sayst?  Ser. 
'Tis a confirmed report.  Cla. 
I fear Prince Carlo's jealousy is cause  
Of this; poor Manuel, it will not be  
Safe, or seem honourable for me to visit him:  
But since I cannot suffer with him, he  Ex. Ser. 
Shall hear I dare confine myself to sorrow.  Enter Servant. Ser. 
Madam, the Princess  
Maria is coming up the stairs.  Cla. 
I must dissemble now my grief, and meet her, yet  
I may entreat her grace's mediation  
To the King for his enlarge.  Enter Maria. Ma. 
Let us be private.  
If e'er thou lov'dst me, Clara, now express it.  Cla. 
I have an humble suit to your Highness, which  
In hope to prosper, will direct my faith,  
And services to what you can prescribe me.  
Speak your commands.  Ma. 
Don Manuel stands committed by the King,  
And I would have thy counsel, how I should  
Best work his liberty.  Cla. 
That, Madam, is  
All my petition to your Grace.  Ma. 
I know my least desire let fall to th' Prince  
Antonio, were enough to engage, and make him  
The Orator to effect it, but in honour  
I would not contrive him the means, and instrument  
To advance his Rival's liberty.  Cla. 
Rival, Madam?  Ma. 
For I must tell thee, Clara, and with it  
Give up the secret of my soul, I love  
Don Manuel, I fear, better than myself.  Cla. 
You do not mock me, I hope, Madam?  Ma. 
No,  
By all that Ladies once in love do pray for,  
By him thou lov'st, whoe'er he be, and this  
Kiss (that I rather wish on Manuel's lip,  
Would modesty and honour give it privilege  
And durst entrust thy faith to carry it to him,  
In my experience of thy virtue, Clara)  
I speak no fable.  Cla. 
It becomes my truth  
To answer yours, though not so cheerfully;  
I should not much repent, to carry, Madam,  
Your kiss to Manuel, but I fear, I should  
Forget who sent it. If you have a plot  
To raise mirth from my weakness, when you know  
How much my heart is his, I yield myself  
Your triumph, Madam, but the glories of  
Your blood, and title are not price enough  
To buy him from my thoughts, could you invest  
My name with their possession.  Ma. 
Doth she love him?  
I have destroyed my own hope then; alas  
Poor Clara, I must pity thee, and for that  
Love that hath been between us, I'll apply  
To cure thy wound; for mine is not so desperate,  
Though I bleed inwards, I confess, since he,  
Whom I esteem best, suffers for Maria.  Cla. 
Suffer for you? pray Madam, clear this mystery.  Ma. 
It is poor Manuel's fortune to affect  
Me with a passion great; as mine, and love,  
That like a rebel forageth our soul,  
And can obey no law, but what it likes,  
Impatient that Antonio loved me too,  
Made him forget the Prince, and gave the affront,  
For which he suffers in the king's displeasure.  Cla. 
No repetition of this story, Madam,  
Lest you destroy all my belief in virtue;  
It cannot be, you may as soon persuade  
That snow, the innocent fleece of heaven, that's born  
Upon the fleet wings of some sportive wind,  
Is Ethiop's wool, as call this truth.  Ma. 
This will be rudeness, Clara, if you do not  
Convince, and with more reason, and with temper.  
And 'tis no little wonder, that when I  
Have fairly thus disclosed my thoughts of Manuel,  
You should retain a murmuring thought, and dare  
Pretend rivality with me.  Cla. 
The law  
You gave to love, that stoops to no prerogative  
Of birth, or name (mine only a degree  
Beneath your own) will answer your disdain,  
And justify my passion; and if reason  
And temper (which in vain you think are lost  
In me) be assigned judges, I dare more  
Than say I love, I can deserve him—  Ma. 
Better?  
Fate bring it to a trial.  Cla. 
So just are my affections, I dare make  
A Saint my judge.  Ma. 
That Judge you make, is not  
A friend to so much pride.  Cla. 
You are but my accuser, Madam.  Ma. 
This affront I must  
Remember, Clara, and find time to teach  
You know me better.  Cla. 
Madam, as you are  
The Princess, I can fall thus low, to kiss  
Your hand, and pay all duties that become me,  
Or your command; but if you think by being  
Great, I must own no passion, but in what  
Degree you are pleased to fix it, nor compare  
My soul born with its freedom to affection,  
With yours, because one shaft hath wounded both,  
I rise my own defender.  Ma. 
Thy own ruin  
For this presumption.  Cla. 
I'll not bribe your mercy,  
When you can love as I do, we may both  
Deserve him equally: Oh Manuel!  Ex. Maria. 
Though I defend thy honour to the Princess,  
Yet he hath scattered seeds of jealousy  
About my heart, if this ground fertile prove,  
I won't curse his faith, but my own love.  Exit. Manuel in Prison. Man. 
Why should we murmur to be circumscribed,  
As if it were a new thing to wear fetters?  
When the whole World was meant but to confine us;  
Wherein who walks from one Clime to another,  
Hath but a greater freedom of the Prison;  
Our Soul was the first Captive, born to inherit  
But her own Chains, nor can it be discharged  
Till Nature tire with its own weight, and then  
We are but more undone to be at liberty.  Enter Carlo. 
The Prince, he brings a storm, I see it rising  
As Seamen do, the wind far off.  Car. 
Don Manuel,  Man. 
You have named a suffering man, but one that holds  
His life and death at such an even rate,  
No matter which is first employed, with honour.  
I dare submit me to your justice Sir.  Car. 
Your Cause would droop to trust to that, my love  
Willing to justify the choice it made  
In thee, hath pleaded better, and prevailed  
With me to bring thee counsel to redeem  
thyself becomingly.  Ma. 
Your goodness flows still,  
'Twas not the Prince that frowned.  Ca. 
Submit yourself to Prince Antonio.  Man. 
Submit myself?  Ca. 
Ask him forgiveness.  Man. 
I must be guilty first of an offence,  
Ere my tongue be so base, and ask a pardon.  Ca. 
Then I must chide you Manuel; deny  
This trivial satisfaction? your crime  
Will upon second thoughts be much enlarged,  
Nor will the Prince be ever thought to merit  
His birth and name, unless he kill thee for't,  
'Tis an affront of so supreme a nature.  Man. 
Hath it no name Sir?  Car. 
Dost not shake to ask it?  
Are you Sir a fit Rival for the Prince?  
Abstract that she's my Sister, which considered,  
Carries so vast a guilt against the Kings,  
Mine, and Maria's honour, all thy blood  
Mixed with repentance cannot purge; you are  
Instructed Sir.  Man. 
Not yet, to know myself  
Conscious of any action should contract  
The Prince's brow, or yours, much less deserve  
The horrid name of guilt against the Kings,  
Yours, and Maria's honour.  Car. 
Did not you Sir court my Sister?  Man. 
Never Sir.  Car. 
Do not you love her?  Man. 
Heaven in that word includes all that we owe  
His precept; 'Tis my justice, Sir, to love her;  
But with a greater distance, than she is  
From me removed by birth; and if her smile  
Meant the reward of my attendance, Sir,  
At any time have met with false observers,  
Their tongues, and no audacious thought of mine,  
Or application, are in fault; I have,  
Beside the lesson of my birth, been taught  
A piety from your favours, Sir, to know  
myself their creature, and with humble thoughts  
To show my gratitude, not proudly assume  
(Could she descend) a Courtship to Maria,  
Who by the King, & every good man's vote,  
Is meant a sacred pledge to Portugal,  
To chain two kingdoms.  Car. 
If this, Manuel,  
Be truth—  Man. 
Without condition of my liberty,  
Or dread of what Antonio shall attempt  
In his revenge, my soul dare with i'th' an oath  
Confirm it at the Altar.  Car. 
This doth please me.  
Possess thy first place in my friendship, Manuel;  
Antonio shall embrace thee too, his ear  
And mine have been abused.  Man. 
There was  
A providence upon our Swords, that meant  
Less fatal than his passion showed, when we  
Last met, against whose weapon threatening me first,  
The safety of my fame, more than my life,  
Called up my just defence.  Car. 
I do believe thee;  
To what a loss of virtue, and of blood  
Credulity engageth? this shall be  
No more thy dwelling; Prince Antonio  
Shall for thy honour make it his own act,  
Who yet believes thy interest in Maria  
Hath made his Courtship vain, and will I fear,  
Not presently admit thy innocence  
Into his quiet faith, but I'll convince him.  Man. 
If he but knew my heart, he should not need  
Much argument; no man can love with honour,  
And let his thoughts divide upon two mistresses.  
I have contracted love—  Car. 
With whom? may Time,  
When this World fails, and Nature grows decrepit;  
Present it to Eternity.  Man. 
This prayer opens my heart, and all the wealth within it,  
Commands me draw the Curtain from her name,  
That you may read my Clara,  
And I shall beseech your ng1 smile—  Car. 
Your Clara? what  
The Duke Mendoza's Daughter?  Man. 
You have named her.  Car. 
No, I am i'th' dark still, speak again,  
Or rather say, thou hast mistook, it is  
Some other Clara, and not the Lady  
I understand.  Man. 
Life cannot bribe me with another wealth,  
Or death with all his horrors make me desert  
That name.  Car. 
What a strange Sea-breach has  
This little storm of breath made here already?  
I was taking pains to unconcern the jealousy  
Of Antonio, and find him my own Rival;  
Thou hadst been kinder to have loved Maria  
My Sister, though Antonio had sworn  
Thy death, and the king's anger with my own  
Had met thee like a torrent, than presumed  
This interest in Clara.  Man. 
I see no  
Such mighty danger in't.  Car. 
I'll tell thee, Manuel,  
Thou hast invaded all my joys, I love her.  Man. 
Honour forbid it, Sir.  Car. 
honour's a dream,  
And a cold everlasting sleep must chain  
My soul up; for if once it wake, and know  
What thou hast torn from't, it will vex itself  
Into a flame, and turn thee into ashes.  Ma. 
Never till now unhappy, with my weight  
I see myself now bearing down before me,  
A rotten part of some prodigious mountain  
Into the sea, with which I shall soon mingle.  Ca. 
Collect thyself betimes, and give her back  
Unsullied with thy claim, release thy own,  
And with her, every thought as much a virgin  
As her soul was, when first I courted her,  
Or thou art lost—  Man. 
With greater justice, Sir,  
Command to uncreate myself, as call  
My faith or heart again.  Ca. 
How?  Man. 
Sir, my life,  
The cement that doth hold this frame together,  
You have power to melt, or but command my exile,  
And I may live far off, and be forgotten  
By all, but Clara; but to ask that back,  
Which with the full consent of heaven I gave her  
(And in exchange received her equal vow)  
I dare not, or if I had will, to be  
So false to honour, 'tis within my heart  
So riveted, I may with as much innocence  
Commit a rape, or murder, as attempt it.  Ca. 
You have no doubt a valour too, that dare  
Love with so fierce a resolution.  Man. 
When I am master of my sword, I dare  
Not draw it against you; but he that lives  
Beneath you, may have little time to wish  
Himself unmade that would divorce us.  Car. 
Leave me, leave me—  Ex. Man. 
How many lones are shaken with one tempest?  
And if one suffer, ruined all? I know  
The faith he bears me, and the reverence  
He gives my blood, will never be provoked  
To fight against my person; but I must not  
By tameness give myself a public wound;  
He shall be master of his sword and freedom,  
And then let fate determine; Clara must  
Be mine, or make a Bridegroom of his dust.  Exit.  

ACT. III.  Enter Gentlemen of Prince Antonio, preparing a Banquet. S 1. 
PRince Carlo's not come yet.  2. 
My Lord Piracquo  
And his son Manuel are expected too.  1. 
I wonder at this hasty reconcilement;  
We did imagine it as possible  
The two Poles should have met, as they together  
Friends at a Banquet.  2. 
In my opinion, peace, and wine, and music,  
Are more convenient for the natural body,  
Than swords or guns.  1. 
And for the politic too,  
If men were but so wise to like, and cherish  
Their own estates: If I had all the Plate  
In the Indies, I'd not give a silver spoon  
To have my head cut off.  2. 
Why is not the great Duke Roderigo here?  1. 
Who, the Kings Evil Genius? he was  
Invited, but excused himself.  2. 
Why, there's  
A Statesman, that can side with every faction,  
And yet most subtly can untwist himself  
When he hath wrought the business up to danger.  
He lives within a labyrinth, some think  
He deals with the devil, and he looks like one,  
With a more Holiday face.  1. 
But he hath so behaved himself,  
That no man now dare much confide in him.  
They are come.  Enter Antonio, Carlo, Piracquo, Manuel. An. 
Don Manuel, the Prince hath made me know  
My error, and your worth.  Ma. 
He has too much honoured me,  
And you have reason to command for this  
The service of my life.  An. 
You are not pleasant, Sir—  
My Lord Piracquo.  Pi. 
Your highness' humble servant.  Car. 
All is not  
Reconciled here, I but suppress a flame,  
To give it vent more dangerous.  An. 
A free welcome to all;  
Sit, and some wine; this Music is not  
Sprightly enough: To his Majesty of Spain—  Pi. 
He that doth pledge the king's health with a murmur  
May his next thirst inflame him to drink poison.  Car. 
The King hath a true servant in Piracquo.  Man. 
He that is not, had never sense of honour;  
And may he perish all but soul, that dares  
Harbour a thought disloyal. To your Highness—  An. 
Give me another:  
This wine looks cheerful as my heart, to drink  
The Princess fair Maria's health.  Car. 
My turn  
Will come, Sir, to be grateful.  An. 
Here my Lord.  Pi. 
May swift time perfect by your sacred Loves,  
The happiness of both kingdoms.  Man. 
May that day,  
That seals your glorious Hymen, Sir, be ever  
Holy within our Calendar, and beget  
A faith, that all things then begun, may prosper.  An. 
I thank thee, Manuel.  Car. 
Sir, you may  
Believe Don Manuel's language, and his heart  
Are twins, they bear one date of time, & sense.  
You must now give me leave, Sir, to requite  
You in part; A health to the King of Portugal;  
Let it move this way, Manuel.  Ma. 
It shall  
With humble thoughts be entertained— you honour me.  Pi. 
It is but Justice Manuel; for when Spain  
Would not acknowledge, nor allow us being,  
Our lives were welcome there, till better stars  
Sent him, to whose bounty we owe all that's left us.  Car. 
No more o''at my Lord, I am very confident,  
In any honourable cause, you dare  
Express your faith to me; and for your son,  
We two have been companions, I dare say,  
Our hearts are touched by one Magnetic virtue,  
And such a sympathy, I cannot wish  
What's dearest to me, but he flies t'embrace it.  Ma. 
I like not this—  Car. 
Manuel, begin a health:  
We have had my Sisters and the Kings already,  
Name your own Mistress for the next.  Ma. 
I should conclude her worthy of remembrance,  
If one were first preferred. Will your Grace please Sir,  
To let me have the honour—  An. 
Come, to me.  Ma. 
To the white hand of fairest Isabella.  An. 
Would she were  
Present to thank you Manuel.  Car. 
'Tis an affront, as Clara were his own  
Already; ha! civility and honour  
Prescribe me patience, dares he insult?  
When this hath had the ceremony, Manuel,  
'T shall be my office to remember Clara;  
I must have time to quit the favour, Sir,  
Y'ave done my Mistress; in your ear; though I  
Was pleased to reconcile you to the Prince,  
And order your enlargement, Clara must  
Be mine, or one of us be nothing; you  
May think on't yet.  Ma. 
I have Sir, and to show  
How much I can obey, and that I have not  
Intruded like a thief upon your treasure,  
And filched her heart away, 'tis now within  
Her choice again, if you prevail upon  
Her kinder thoughts, I can sit down despised.  Car. 
Thou art my best friend now. Antonio—  
Methinks we are not pleasant— if she should  
Be a little obstinate, it would become,  
And speak the bravery of thy soul, and service,  
To use some language for me, wilt thou Manuel?  
Thou dost not know the sufferings of my soul  
For Clara.  Man. 
But I pity 'em.  Car. 
'Tis new balsom  
Into my wounds; where is the health, Piracquo?  
I feel new spirits dancing in my blood,  
The health begun to Clara languisheth,  
Why should I want it, Gentlemen?  An. 
It was named  
By Manuel to my Sister Isabella;  
Prince Carlo, you forget.  Car. 
To Isabella?  
Your grace's pardon, I confess my error,  
I forgot her indeed, but could your wishes  
Translate that Princess hither, she should be  
A witness of my honourable thoughts.  Enter Isabella with Ladies. (Music.) 
What magic's this? do any know that face?  Pi. 
'Tis very like the Princess Isabella.  Ca. 
I would she were a Ghost; Antonio,  
ha' you got enchantments?  Is. 
You may stay, Sir.  Ca. 
I love not to converse with spirits.  Ma. 
Sir,  
This is no shadow.  Car. 
It is to me, Sir.  
Meet me at Clara's, or be lost to honour.  Exit. Is. 
It was your Counsel brother, that reserved me  
For this first entertainment. My good Lord  
Piracquo, and Don Manuel, you seem not  
So much affrighted, as the Prince.  Pi. 
A devil  
In such a shape could never fright me, Madam;  
But persons of your quality shift not so  
Much air without a noise; the motion  
Of Princes has much rumor to attend it.  Is. 
I chose to come so private, I arrived  
The City but last evening.  Ma. 
You have much  
Honoured Madrid.  Is. 
Why, how now brother, are  
You frighted too?  An. 
Yes, and do sweat at soul,  
To see ourselves neglected.  Is. 
Some are not fortified against a sudden accident;  
In my desert, and innocence, I can  
Interpret nothing yet in my dishonour,  
Since joys have ecstasies sometimes, and with  
Their rapture may transport our senses from us,  
As soon as any other passion.  
Besides, I heard him wish me here a witness  
Of honourable thoughts, he has but now  
Removed his person, to acquaint the King,  
With greater preparation to receive  
A Guest so unexpected.  Pi. 
But I like not the Prince's humour, you  
Had whisperings Manuel I observed.  Man. 
I shall  
Keep nothing Sir in Clouds from you.  An. 
Thou shalt direct me Isabella, we'll to Court  
My Lord Piracquo, Manuel.  Is. 
howe'er  
I put a valiant brow on his neglect,  
And seem to make a gloss in his defence,  
My soul is sick with fear.  An. 
Come Isabella.  Pi. 
We both attend your grace.  Exit. Enter Roderigo. Ro. 
My engines want success, Piracquo is  
Restored to his full being, and his Son  
At large, and reconciled by Carlo's act.  
My Nephew had been better to have waked  
A sleeping Dragon, than have crossed my aims;  
He has rescued them, but drawn upon his bosom  
As many wounds as policy and my  
Revenge can make. I was too tame, to strike  
At useless Shrubs, that hinder not my prospect;  
My thoughts should have no study but a Kingdom;  
It is my Heaven, and this young Cedar spread  
Betwixt my eyes, and it; I have already  
Betrayed his love to Clara, and the King  
That hath made up an Idol to himself  
Of honour, is inflamed to my own wishes;  
I know the Prince will be impatient  
To hear his Mistress tossed by the king's anger,  
And he may leap into some disobedience,  
That may be worth my second charge to sink him;  
And than Piracquo, Manuel, and the Kingdom  
Shall stoop to my devotion; yet I carry  
A smiling brow to all, and please the King,  
To think I am reconciled.  Enter Carlo. 
My Nephew—  Car. 
Where is the King?  Ro. 
Where I left him displeased, and was now coming  
To Prince Antonio's Lodgings to acquaint you.  Car. 
With what?  Ro. 
Have you contracted love with Duke Mendoza's  
Daughter, the Lady Clara?  Car. 
What officious  
Tongue hath been bold to mention her?  Ro. 
He has  
Had some intelligence, and is almost grown  
Wild with the strange resentment, I not knowing  
What to object against his passion, thus  
Surprised, you may believe applied what lenitives  
My understanding could collect o'th' sudden,  
With confidence, when you came to give account,  
The accusation would fall off, and he  
Appear too credulous against your honour.  Ca. 
It were no treason to Castille, my Lord,  
If I confessed this mighty fact.  Ro. 
'Tis justice  
If you do love her honourably, to avow it.  Ca. 
Isabella is no Angel.  Ro. 
Nor is Clara  
Of an extraction to disgrace a Prince.  Ca. 
Though he be my Father, he did not  
Beget my Soul; who's with him?  Ro. 
I left the Duke Mendoza.  Ca. 
Has he made  
Complaint o'me? 'tis well; let me preserve  
Good Uncle still your loving thoughts; it is  
in vain to move my Father now.  Ro. 
There is  
I way, if you could but dissemble, Sir,  
To set your wishes right, and Letters may  
be so contrived to Portugal.  Ca. 
The Princess  
Is here already Uncle.  Ro. 
Isabella?  Ca. 
Now with Antonio, and I am lost.  Ro. 
Would thou wert never to be found again.  Ca. 
I must do something.  Ro. 
The Princess thus  
Affronted may be worth my own ambition.  
Calm thoughts attend you Sir.  Exit. Enter Mendoza. Me. 
I'm glad I came so well off from the King,  
His anger made me tremble, I was jealous  
Of more discovery, when he named the Prince:  
This Treason is a kind of a quotidian,  
It leaves a man no interval; I durst  
Not mention Pedro at all, for fear  
The King had skill in Cabala; I'm afraid  
There's something in the very name, that may  
With a small key be opened to my danger.  Ca. 
You are well met my Lord, do you know me?  Me. 
Know you Sir? yes I know you for—  Car. 
For what?  Me. 
The Prince, I hope; now I'm betrayed for certain,  
Yet if he know it, he will not be so furious.  Car. 
Are you so much an enemy to yourself,  
To tell the King?  Me. 
I tell the King? alas  
I dare not tell it to my Ghostly Father,  
I have more regard to you, and my own life,  
My Family's undone by it.  Car. 
By what Sir?  Me. 
Nay if you know not, I know not neither, Sir;  
What do you mean?  Car. 
Am not I worthy in your opinion  
Your Daughter Clara's love?  Me. 
Oh, is that all?  Car. 
But you must dote, and tell the King on't.  Me. 
I? I disclaim it, by my life and honour.  Car. 
I thought you had loved me Sir.  Me. 
He is a Traitor  
That dares accuse me; now I may speak boldly;  
My Blood and Fortune have a little name  
I'th' World, to which make an addition of  
My Life, my Daughter Clara too, were these  
In balance against you, they would be light,  
And their whole loss repaired, to see you happy:  
If this be false, a Whirlwind snatch me Sir,  
And let me hang in some prodigious Cloud  
'Twixt Earth and Heaven.  Car. 
This is a bold expression.  Me. 
But I must tell you Sir, for your own sake,  
I would not have you love my Daughter Clara,  
Were she in beauty, person, and all ornaments,  
Fortune and Nature could bestow, more excellent  
Than Isabella.  Car. 
Why an't please your Wisdom?  Me. 
Sir in my love to you, and Isabella,  
My duty to your Father, and the Kingdom,  
Nay for my Daughter's sake, and all my hope  
Of after-joys, and for one other reason  
Above all these, which I conceal; yet I  
Complained not to the King.  Car. 
Excluding me,  
Your Grace can be content, Don Manuel  
Should have your Daughter.  Me. 
Rather than your Highness,  
I know a reason for't.  Car. 
I must so too.  Me. 
Your Grace shall pardon me at this time.  Car. 
I won't Sir.  Me. 
If you'll needs have it, I have made a vow  
I won't ask my Daughter blessing Sir;  
If you two meet, and marry, she may live  
To be a Queen, and then I'll kneel to her,  
Which is not in the Oath of my Allegiance.  Car. 
The old man raves.  Exit. Enter King, Maria. Me. 
The King.  Car. 
He shall not see me  
Till I know all my fate.  Exit. Ki. 
How do you like the Prince Antonio?  Ma. 
Sir, if you allow me freedom—  Ki. 
You enjoy it.  Ma. 
His Person, Blood, and expectations, are  
High as the wishes of a Queen, and I  
With pious gratitude acknowledge all  
My duty, and my prayers a just return  
To your great care; but give me Sir your pardon,  
If I prefer some thoughts that prompt me to  
A better choice.  Ki. 
A better choice? look back  
Upon that character your breath but now  
Delivered in his honour.  Ma. 
I confirm it;  
But when you hear me humbly beg I may  
Perform religious duties Sir to Heaven,  
You will think nature hath a place beneath 'em:  
If I could find any consent to marriage,  
Antonio would prefer himself the first  
To my election: but if you were pleased—  Ki. 
You would be a nun?  Ma. 
That hath expressed my wishes.  Ki. 
So I should  
Affront the Prince: how long Maria has  
This fit of your Religion held you? ha!  
No more, lest I suspect this a pretence  
To hide your love placed otherwise unfitly,  
If I find where your heart is wandering—  Ma. 
It knows obedience better, and your name,  
Than to choose any path leads not to honour.  Ki. 
I must direct it then to love Antonio.  
My Children are turned rebel.  Ma. 
Sir I hope  
My offer with your leave, to dedicate  
My life to prayer, and Virgin-thoughts, will merit  
A better name.  Ki. 
Your brother Carlo too  
Will find himself at loss, if he collect not  
Himself, and make our Royal Promise good  
To Isabella; while my studies are  
To make the Kingdom firm by our alliance  
With Portugal, be courts the Lady Clara.  Ma. 
I would she were his Bride, so I had Manuel.  Ki. 
And you at the same time, and height of both  
The Kingdoms expectations, would take a Cloister,  
Is this to pay obedience to a Father,  
Whose cares have kept him wake to make you happy?  Ma. 
Goodness forbid, that Carlo or Maria  
Should move me to just anger.  Ki. 
This is virtue.  Ma. 
He is passionate, and Love that makes all Ladies  
Apt and ingenious to contrive, cannot  
Inspire or help me with an heart to advance  
A little hope.  Ki. 
It cannot be! Maria,  
We are surprised, the Princess Isabella  
Is privately arrived, and come to Court:  
Where is our Son? all should prepare to meet her.  Exe. Enter Carlo and Clara. Car. 
You may believe I trifle not.  Cla. 
The Princess Isabella come?  Car. 
Now if but Clara think I honour her,  
And instantly accept what I am willing  
In presence of the Priest and Heaven to give her,  
The Ceremony waits to make all perfect.  Enter Manuel. Cla. 
I dare not Sir.  Car. 
Say but you love, and that will teach you valour;  
I bring not only proof of my own loyalty,  
Which if examined must invite thy faith,  
But thy security, a Release from Manuel;  
His soul is on my side, and comes to render  
In pity of thy wound, a balm into  
Thy breath; be gentle Clara.  Cla. 
A Release? of what?  Ma. 
Of all, thy Promise hath made mine;  
Observe me wisely Clara, and distinguish,  
As far as honour will permit, how long,  
And with what bleeding thoughts the Prince affects thee;  
For I have looked into his soul, and back  
Upon the feeble merits of myself,  
And therefore giving thy own Vows again,  
I disengage their strength to bind thee Clara,  
And to that sweetness thy first bosom had,  
Remit thy quiet thoughts.  Car. 
thouart just.  Cla. 
Pray give  
Me leave to understand this mystery,  
To give me back all those assurances  
Of Love my Promise made, I'll not dispute  
For what unworthiness I am neglected.  Ma. 
I dare not be so impious.  Cla. 
Then here I take  
My liberty again.  Ma. 
You have it.  Cla. 
Now I with safety of my honour, may  
Choose where I please.  Ma. 
You may.  Cla. 
And you desire it;  
You have power I must confess to give me from you  
Into my own possession, but no title  
Now to direct my heart, then though I meet  
My own despair, here I give Clara back,  
And with new Vows as strong as my Religion,  
And Love can make, contract myself again  
To Death, or Manuel.  Car. 
A Conspiracy!  Cla. 
I have resigned no interest in him,  
And by new choice— am not my own again.  Car. 
So, so, it is as possible in our destinies  
We should enjoy her both, as live together,  
When Clara is thy Bride.  Cla. 
That sound was tragical;  
Oh call those fatal words again, and think  
That if with safety of my faith I cannot  
Meet your desires already, you will force  
My soul to greater distance, by destroying  
What most I love; I know you do but fright me.  Ma. 
If I be marked for your revenge, I dare not  
Think you will stain your honour, to contrive  
My death ignobly.  [They whisper. Cl. 
What was that he mentioned?  
Sir, by your name and blood I charge you hear me,  
By these (your rage compels) a virgin's tears,  
I can kneel too, take your revenge on me,  
'Tis I that have offended, for your sake  
He did return the interest I gave him,  
But 'twas not in his power to revoke  
Himself made mine, nor dare I quit possession.  Car. 
I have but tried thy virtue, Manuel  
And I are friends.  Cl. 
That was a heavenly language.  Car. 
Our swords shall serve to nobler uses, Clara,  
I'll not disturb the progress of your Marriage;  
And since I see you're fixed so gloriously,  
Proceed to your own Hymen, I'll attend you,  
And witness all your holy rites.  Cl. 
Blessed change!  
What prayers and duty can reward his goodness?  Car. 
I hope you'll not deny for my past service,  
Madam, your smile upon me, which shall be  
A triumph after all my wounds received,  
And boast a glory next to be your husband;  
For I consider now I am unfit.  
Farewell, we may salute. Remember, Manuel,  
The time and place.  Exit. Cla. 
What was it the Prince whispered?  Ma. 
Nothing, Madam,  
To fright your cheek to paleness.  Cl. 
I do tremble.  Ma. 
Were all this reconcilement a disguise,  
And that he meant revenge, should time and place  
Fit his intents, and I should meet his anger,  
Let this secure thy peace, his honour will  
Not let him wound me basely, and when I  
Lift up a sword 'gainst him, fate let me die.  Exeunt.  

ACT. IV.  Enter Pedro. Pe. 
My Lord is coming to my chamber, he  
Has been with the King, I see myself already  
Knight of the order of the Calatrava,  
And my Commission signed for the State Secretary.  
I am not the first servant of the Court  
Has kept his Lord in awe; these Secrets are  
An excellent curb to ride a Statesman with,  
That is not come to the art of poisoning.  
I know he wishes heartily I were hanged;  
I tried him once for the wars; to find his pulse,  
And I was listed Captain, before some  
The General knew had been seven years in service  
(As Ushers to right honourable Ladies)  
There was his grace's commendations  
To a Field-officer, that should drill me out,  
The first to die, with honour on some onslaught;  
So quitted that preferment.  Enter Mendoza. 
He is come; I'll take no notice.  Men. 
If he lived at the tother end of th' world,  
He might betray me in the next packet: Ha!  Pe. 
Item I bequeath—  Me. 
What art thou doing?  Pe. 
Only making up my Will, Sir; and myself ready for the Indies; 'tis a long voyage,  
And therefore I would settle every thing  
Before I go; if your Grace please to honour me,  
I would make you my Executor.  Me. 
But when,  
Will you die Pedro? ha?  Pe. 
Sir, there be storms,  
Abroad, and who does know how soon the waves  
May roar, and crack the cabins?  Me. 
Ha!  Pe. 
There may be Calentures, my Lord, and twenty  
Devices to be met at sea, beside  
The land diseases; there be hurricanoes  
Are boisterous enough to tear up mountains,  
And strike a ship clean through o'th' other side  
To the Antipodes.  Me. 
He deals with the devil, and knows my thoughts.  
There's no haste to make your will, I have  
Considered o'the business, and truth is,  
I cannot find my heart willing to part with thee,  
So far thou hast been faithful; we will live  
And die together.  Pe. 
By no means, my Lord:  
I am resolved I will not live in Spain  
A month, for as much plate as the next Fleet  
Brings home; no, I beseech your Grace excuse me.  Me. 
Why Pedro?  Pe. 
If your Grace please I shall be Knighted,  
Or have the Office you have promised, do't,  
And do't betime, it will be worse for both else.  Me. 
You do not threaten to reveal the business?  Pe. 
'las, there be other matters, Sir, as dangerous  
And if you love yourself, or honour, finish—  
I cannot help it.  Me. 
I am all a bath!  
Pedro, why dost thou fright me so? if thou  
Be'st honest, there's no mortal can betray us.  Pe. 
Worse, worse than that; let me go travel, Sir,  
And far enough; it is not possible  
That I should stay, and you preserve your wits.  Me. 
The reason?  Pe. 
It will make you mad to hear it, Sir,  
But 'tis my desperate fate, the stars command it;  
Would I had never seen—  Me. 
What?  Pe. 
A face that I could name.  Me. 
If it concerns not  
The other mystery, let me hear it, Pedro,  
I will be armed.  Pe. 
Why then you'll cut my throat;  
You cannot hold your hand; pray let me go,  
And you may save all yet.  Me. 
Thou dost torment me.  P. 
And yet it is no fault of mine, directly,  
We are all flesh and blood— oh Sir.  Me. 
Out with it.  Pe. 
You'll curse me when you know it.  
I would your Grace would guess, but 'tis impossible;  
'Tis working to get out, I am—  Me. 
Well said.  Pe. 
Oh Sir, I am— I am— in love— now 'tis out.  Me. 
That all?  Pe. 
All? a Pistol to a maravedi you draw  
Your Rapier presently upon me, and  
If I name but the party, will not have  
The patience to foin, but tilt it at me.  
Sir, do not know't; what will become of me?  
It will be safer, Sir, to hoist sails yet,  
No matter whither, So I never come  
Again; for if I see one face too often,  
Both you, and I, and she's undone: I have  
Beaten myself already, fasted, prayed,  
Been drunk, and prayed again, nothing will kill  
Concupiscence— oh Sir.  Me. 
Why, this is raving.  Pe. 
ay, you may call it what you please, but here  
She lies a cross that must, or do the deed,  
Or make poor Pedro miserable.  Me. 
How he sweats?  
Pedro do not despair, this fever may  
Be cured, it may.  Pe. 
Indeed you can do much;  
For to say truth, your Grace is both acquainted,  
And has no small command upon the party.  Me. 
Nay then be confident— who is't?  Pe. 
It is— shall I name her?  Me. 
By my honour I will beat thee else.  Pe. 
Why so then;  
The pretty soul, I will confess to you,  
Whom, if I stay, I must—  Me. 
Enjoy; this such a business?  Pe. 
Is— is— Clara, your Graces one, & only daughter.  Me. 
Ha!  [draws. Pe. 
I told you this afore, but do not do't, Sir, now,  
I rather look for't in the next salad,  
Or in my morning's draught; there's spice i' your closet;  
Or we have Spanish figs.  Me. 
Thou most unheard-of impudence! how canst hope  
I should not cut thy head off? sirrah, rascal.  Pe. 
To these things humane nature has been prone;  
But if you kill one, Sir, there is a schedule,  
A Secret in a bag of writings, left  
In a friend's hand— nay I did look for this,  
There is an Inventory of Goods were stolen;  
The Anno Domini, with Aetatis svae  
Set down, the day o'th' month, and place remembered,  
If these do not revenge my death—  Me. 
Why so; a pox upon thee— yet come hither,  
And let me cut thy tongue out.  Pe. 
I confess  
I am not fit to marry, Sir, a Lady of  
Her Princely birth and fortune, all considered;  
Alas, I know I am a wretch— but—  Me. 
Thou wouldst have her to be thy whore, & me  
Thy pander to speak for thee— rogue, devil,  
I must kill thee, there is no remedy.  Pe. 
Hold, you mistake me, Sir, 'tis no such business.  Me. 
What wouldst thou have then?  Pe. 
I would go beyond sea, ay, to the Indies, sir,  
Or turn a haddock by the way; send me  
To the new Islands, or japan.  Me. 
From whence you may send Letters to the King;  
No sirrah, I'll not trust you.  Pe. 
'Tis a hard case, my Lord, I have dangerous sailing  
Betwixt your grace's Scylla and her Charybdis.  Me. 
I dare not kill him; why do I not kill myself then?  
No, I won't, I will talk reason to him;  
Come hither sirrah, my tormentor.  Pe. 
I Sir—  Me. 
If your hot blood must have a cooler, will  
None serve your rogues turn, but my daughter Clara?  
Say thou art mad—  Pe. 
I have too many senses.  Me. 
Or if your wantonness must be confined  
Within my walls—  Pe. 
The more my sorrow— but I'll try my Lord,  
If you will give me leave, for your sake, Sir,  
Among her Gentlewomen, what I can do  
To conjure down my devil, I will take  
Some physic too, Sir, every thing will help;  
Would I were whipped, my Lord—  Me. 
Whipped with a vengeance?  Pe. 
But I am grieved  
For your vexation, and my scurvy fortune;  
But if there be a wench, a witch, a medicine  
Above ground, that can give me any charm,  
Your Grace shall hear no more on't— So, your pardon.  
And now my Lord, let your unworthy servant  
Have leave to ask one question; does not your Grace  
Suspect me monstrously? nay d''ee not think  
I do presume too much upon your fears?  
And that the knowledge of this Secret makes  
Me bold and saucy, my good Lord?  Me. 
'Tis all too true, but 'tis not in my brain  
To help't, unless I take some course to kill thee.  Pe. 
How?  Me. 
I fear I shall be driven to't; one fit  
Like this will work my impatience up: look to't.  Pe. 
Why, then I'll tell your Grace an easy way  
To remove all your jealousy, and never  
Trouble your brain with study how to kill me,  
A most compendious way.  Me. 
I would I knew it.  Pe. 
'Tis but my going to the Court, my Lord,  
And if you be not cured within an hour  
After I have told the King a story, how  
Your wife the Duchess lost— I ha' done—  
Fear nothing.  Enter Lord. Lo. 
Is not Prince Carlo here?  Me. 
Not here, my Lord.  Lo. 
'Tis the king's pleasure you attend him presently,  
Your daughter's presence is expected too  
Among the Ladies, for the entertainment  
Of Princess Isabella, new arrived the Court.  Me. 
We humbly wait to kiss his hand.  Pe. 
Shall I attend?  Me. 
I am resolved now not to sleep without thee,  
And in the day, I'll look upon thee, Pedro,  
As thou wert my great Seal, and I thy keeper.  Pe. 
Yet I may give you a slip.  Me. 
We'll to Clara:  
The Princess Isabella come so private, ha! Pedro?  Pe. 
I am here, my Lord.  Exeunt Enter Manuel. Ma. 
This is the place by his commands to meet in;  
It has a sad and fatal invitation.  
A Hermit that forsakes the world for prayer,  
And solitude, would be timorous to live here.  
There's not a spray for birds to perch upon;  
For every tree that overlooks the vale,  
Carries the mark of lightning, and is blasted.  
The day which smiled as I came forth, and spread  
Fair beams about, has taken a deep melancholy,  
That fits more ominous in her face than night;  
All darkness is less horrid than half light.  
Never was such a scene for death presented,  
And there's a ragged mountain peeping over  
With many heads, seeming to crowd themselves  
Spectators of some Tragedy; but I'll  
Prevent 'em all; though my obedience  
Instructed me to wait here, it shall not  
Be bribed to draw my sword against the Prince;  
And in his honour I am safe, howe'er  
This sense of Clara's loss transport him, 'tis not  
Within his nature to be impious.  
And if I gain his friendship, I return  
With triumph to my Clara.  Within— help, help. Enter Prince Carlo's Page. Pa. 
Oh help, Don Manuel, help for heaven's sake.  Ma. 
Celio the PRINCE's page? where is the Prince?  Pa. 
Oh Sir, I fear he's slain.  Ma. 
By whom?  Pa. 
The Devil, or one not very much unlike him,  
A More, that basely set upon him, sure  
He has dispatched the Prince, he pursues me,  
And if he have, Death shall be welcome to me,  
For I am not fit to live, and lose my Master.  
He's here, and his sword bloody.  Enter Carlo like a More. Ma. 
Villain! were all thy blood rivers of balm,  
Or such a flood as would restore a life  
To the departed World, it should be all  
A sacrifice to Carlo.  (They fight.) Pa 
Hold, hold Don Manuel.  Ma. 
Canst thou be merciful to the PRINCE's Murderer  Pa. 
Curse on my Duty to obey so far.  
My Lord, the Prince is slain, you are wounded too.  Ma. 
The Prince!  Car. 
Don Manuel, I forgive thee.  Ma. 
Pray Heaven this be a Dream; for if my hand  
Have been so much a Traitor, it shall call  
No other aid in your revenge: Are you  
Prince Carlo?  Car. 
I was.  Ma. 
That voice shall be my sentence.  Car. 
Hold, I charge thee by thy honour, Manuel.  Ma. 
Why did you wear this black upon you Sir?  
Or how could art of man contrive a Cloud  
Which this Soul had no eyes to penetrate?  Car. 
I knew thou wouldst not fight against me knowingly,  
And if I fell, I meant it to secure  
Thy act from punishment, when in this darkness  
I took my leave o'th' World, only that boy,  
Whom I compelled to feign me wounded, so  
To make thee draw thy sword; but with my blood  
I feel my spirits vanish, if I have  
but breath enough, I send by thee a kiss  
To thy own Clara now.  Ma. 
Oh, help good boy!  
For 'tis no time to curse thee now, my horse  
Is not far off, this scarf may stay his bleeding  
Until we meet with better Surgery.  
Now Heaven reprieve my strength but to convey him  
To some good place, and I resign myself  
To all the justice you will call me to.  Exit. Enter King, Mendoza, Roderigo, Antonio, Pedro, Lord. Ki. 
You're all but my tormentors; where's Piraecquo?  Enter Piracquo. Ro. 
His son is absent too.  Pir. 
Have comfort Sir.  An. 
Our neglect is lost in the General Cause,  
What do you think my Lord Mendoza?  Men. 
This no news of the Prince is not so comfortable.  Enter 1 Lord. Ki. 
The news you bring?  Lo. 
Unless he had left the Kingdom—  Ki. 
Be dumb— and he had left the World  
Your cares might have pursued him; if he  
Return not, you have murdered him.  Ro. 
My Stars are now  
At work in Heaven, their influence is powerful,  
I will adore the Sun if it dissolve not  
This mist in which the Prince is lost; I am  
Content thou be a Constellation Carlo,  
In any Sphere but this.  Enter a Messenger with a Letter to Piracquo. Pir. 
To me? 'tis Manuel's character.  Lo. 
Unless we hear some good news of the Prince,  
I fear we lose the King too.  An. 
'Tis strange none should attend him but his Page.  Ro. 
I fear some plot is practised 'gainst his life,  
But dare not speak.  2 Lo. 
That's it distracts the King,  
Whose fears are helped by a sad dream he had  
Last night.  Ro. 
My Lord Piracquo's son is missing too.  Pi. 
Comfort yourself till my return,  
I'll find 'em, or ne'er see your face again.  Ki. 
Well said Piracquo, all my prayers go with thee.  Me. 
Pedro.  Exit Pir. Pe. 
My Lord.  Me. 
I know not what to say, but stand  
Before, they may not see me weep.  Pe. 
Sir, I must confess—  Me. 
Ha! Confess?  Pe. 
You are still suspicious, have a true heart,  
And let your conscience look less abroad Sir,  
If he be dead, your trouble's over Sir;  
We must all die, Death has his several ways  
And times to take us off, some expire humbly  
I'th' Cradle, some dismissed upon a Scaffold—  Enter Isabella, Maria, Clara. Me. 
Come hither, do not name a Scaffold, I  
Was innocent thou know'st, the plot was all  
My Ladies, and not one survives the Secret,  
But we two.  Pe. 
Keep your own counsel Sir,  
This Fatherly affection may do harm,  
He could not die in better time,  Ki. 
Madam, can you,  
Whose honour seems to suffer by this absence,  
Have so much charity to comfort me?  Isa. 
He is not desperate, while we have hope.  
My Lord Piracquo's son may wait upon him.  Enter Manuel. An. 
Don Manuel.  Ki. 
Hast brought news of my Son?  Ma. 
I can inform you a sad story Sir.  Isa. 
Where is the Prince?  Ma. 
Not dead I hope.  Ki. 
Hast thou a jealousy will concern that fear?  
My soul has been a Prophet: what misfortune?  Ma. 
If you have strength to hear a truth  
So sad, he has been wounded.  Ex. Ladies. Ki. 
By what Traitor? look to the Princess.  Ma. 
I had not with such boldness undertook  
The Tragic Story, if I had not brought  
The great Offender.  Ki. 
Oh, welcome Manuel— where's the Body?  Ma. 
Where it doth want no Surgery, but my Father  
Is gone with all the wings his fear and duty  
Can aid him with, at his return to acquaint you  
With Carlo's life, or death.  Ro. 
Would I were his Surgeon.  Ki. 
Thou hast not named the Villain yet, he may  
Escape.  Ma. 
I have took order for his stay,  
Until your anger and the Laws conclude him.  Ki. 
Thou hast done us service.  Ma. 
And it will sink by slow degrees into  
Your faith, that he, who gave him all his wounds,  
Was one that loved him faithfully.  An. 
Loved him?  Ma. 
Above his own life.  Ro. 
Torments o'ertake the Traitor.  Ma. 
'Tis not well said, with pardon of the King;  
When I shall bring you to the weeping heart  
Of this poor man, some may allow his penitence,  
So great, it may invite a mercy to him;  
Alas, he was betrayed to the black deed,  
Both sword and soul compelled to't.  Ki. 
Here's a prodigy!  Ro. 
Are you acquainted with the guilty person,  
That you dare thus extenuate his fact?  Ma. 
I am, and dare produce him— here he stands,  
So far from wishes to outlive the Prince,  
He begs to wait upon his Shade.  An. 
Does he not bleed?  Ki. 
Apprehend his person.  Ma. 
They are but churlish drops,  
And know not their own happiness; this wound  
Was made by Carlo, yet how slow it weeps  
To answer his effusion? could I reach  
Their orifice, I'd kiss the crimson lips,  
For his dear name that made 'em.  Men. 
Did he kill him?  
Justice Sir, Justice I beg for Justice  
Upon this Murderer.  Pe. 
Now it works.  Ki. 
You? by what nearer interest in Carlo  
Should you imagine we are slow to punish him?  
'Twas a black hour when Carlo saw thee first,  
Rewarded now for all his love; to prison with him,  
And let him see no day.  Ex. guarded. Ma. 
I kiss your Sentence.  An. 
This circumstance is strange, I am not satisfied.  Ex. Ant. after Manuel. Enter Clara. Ki. 
How is the Princess?  Cl. 
Sir she is alive,  
And would be glad to hear the Prince were so.  Ki. 
We cannot promise, Clara. Roderigo,  
We should be satisfied where his Body is,  
for 'tis without a Soul, I fear, by this time.  Ro. 
I could instruct the Surgeon a way  
To make that sure.  Me. 
And Manuel hath confessed himself the Murderer.  [To Clara.] Pe. 
This change was unexpected.  Cla. 
Is he gone to Prison then?  Me. 
Go home, by that time thou  
Hast wept out all thy tears, I'll come, and tell thee  
A little sad tale Clara, that shall make  
An end, and we will break our hearts together.  Ki. 
Mendoza?  Me. 
Sir.  Ki. 
Why does thy grief appear  
So rude to outswell mine? he was my Son.  Me. 
My tears are anger Sir, as well as grief,  
That he that did commit this Parricide,  
Should be so impudent to say he loved him.  Ki. 
That amazes me.  Me. 
But Traitors have their Gloss,  
And dare expound their disobedient acts,  
A branch of their allegiance: precious jugglings  
Treason would be too ugly to appear  
With his own face, but Duty and Religion  
Are handsome visors to abuse weak sight,  
That cannot penetrate beyond the bark,  
And false complexion of things; I hope  
You won't think a single death sufficient,  
If julio die.  Ki. 
Carlo thou meanst—  Me. 
ay, ay, the Prince, I know not what I say Sir,  
Things make me wild—  Pe. 
Take heed Sir what you say.  Enter Antonio, Roderigo at one door, and at the other door Piracquo, and a Lord discoursing. 
Piracquo is returned.  Pi. 
My son confess the deed, and sent to Prison? so.  Ki. 
Now Sir.  An. 
How is the Prince, my Lord?  Pi. 
This was an act of his last strength, as when  
A short-lived Taper makes a blaze, it has  
Direction to your Sister Sir, and I  
His last commands I fear—  [Pir. gives Ant. a Letter. An. 
For the conveyance,  
Trust that to me— give this Sir to my Sister.  [To his Servant. Ki. 
Then he is dead, Piracquo?  Pi. 
Not yet Sir,  
But he hath such a wound will not allow  
Him many minute's life, 'tis mortal Sir,  
They say, and won't pain him past next dressing.  Ro. 
How things succeed to my Ambition— Sir—  Me. 
I care not for my head, now let him take it,  
'Tis but for keeping counsel.  Ro. 
It is apparent this misfortune grew  
From both their loves to Clara.  Ki. 
Thy son, Piracquo, dies.  Pi. 
Great Sir, hear me.  An. 
Manuel affirms he did not know the Prince  
I'th' habit of a More, and that his Page  
By the command of Carlo told him, that  
His Master had been wounded by that More,  
To engage their fight.  Pi. 
All this the Prince acknowledged.  Ro. 
These are devices to paint Manuel's Treason.  Pi. 
I sooner dare believe one accent from  
The Prince's breath, when his just soul was parting,  
Than all your Commentaries; I am bold;  
Nor can the Law, and all your anger weigh  
So heavy as my curse, upon his head  
That durst lift up a Sword to wound the Prince:  
But let not passion take away your justice,  
'Tis that I kneel for.  Ki. 
Against whom Piracquo?  Pi. 
'gainst him that's guilty of the Prince's loss,  
You may incline to think poor Manuel innocent.  Ki. 
What riddle's this?  Ro. 
Has not your son, Piracquo,  
Confessed himself the Murderer?  An. 
Manuel's fortune  
Distracts the old man.  Pi. 
Pardon my love of truth, I here accuse  
Mendoza, that hath slept so long in Treason.  Me. 
Ha— Pe— Pedro.  Pi. 
If he deny, I ha' proof to make him blush,  
And sink him with dishonour; Pedro can  
Relate a Story will be worth your wonder.  Me. 
Nay then 'tis come about, I see,  
I cannot Sir confess in better time.  
Don Manuel has accused himself unjustly  
For Carlo's death, that Prince, if I may trust  
A Wife upon her deathbed—  Enter Isabella. Ki. 
Roderigo—  
Give us account from their examination,  
And guide us in this Labyrinth. Piracquo  
Return toth' Prince, what Death hath left of him  
Command may be attended hither.  Isa. 
Sir, if you please, I have a great desire  
To take a sad leave of the Prince, and kiss  
His pale hand, ere his Body be embalmed,  
And cerecloths hide him from us.  Ki. 
It will but  
Enlarge your grief.  An. 
I will attend my Sister; my Lord Piracquo  
You can best direct us.  (Exe. Ant. Pir. Isa. Ro. 
Convey 'em with a strong guard.  [Men. and Ped. under guard. Pe. 
What think you of an Indian voyage now Sir?  Ro. 
My joys are firm at root, Don Manuel,  
Sir, is not guilty of the Prince's death,  
Yet stained with blood to merit execution.  
He that is slain did but usurp your blessing,  
And was by the art of Duke Mendoza's Lady,  
Than Governess to the Prince, after the loss  
Of Carlo, that was stolen away an infant,  
Put in his place; the Court has been long cozened.  Ki. 
This story will want faith.  Me. 
The circumstance will make all clear.  Ki. 
Expound the riddle as we walk, there's no  
Condition more exposed to care than Princes.  
Private men meet the force of common stings,  
But none can feel the weight of Kings, but Kings.  Exeunt.  

ACT. V.  Enter Mendoza, and the Castellano. Me. 
A Very goodly pile; a handsome prison!  Ca. 
It has been graced with persons of some honour,  Me. 
They had but little grace, as well as I,  
That came to be your Tenants for all that.  
Signior, where is my quondam servant?  
My fellow prisoner, Pedro.  Ca. 
He is singing, Sir.  Me. 
What?  Ca. 
Catches.  Me. 
He has a fine time on't.  
He need not clear his throat for a confession,  
He has done that already, and I too;  
That trouble's over; and yet call him hither;  
But I'll not sing. Poor julio, thou art gone,  
and with thy eyes all my delights are closed,  
My senses vanish too apace— I was  
Too hasty when my Duchess lay a dying  
to visit her; had I but stayed one hour,  
she had been speechless, and I had been happy  
without the reach of this unlucky Secret.  Enter Castellano and Pedro. Pe. 
Does the house fill, Sir? these are active times,  
and if all men had their deserts, the State  
Must be at charge to build new tenements  
for Traitors.  Ca. 
The times are busy, Sir.  Pe. 
They are indeed,  
Good for all squires of the delinquent body  
And sable Twig.  Ca. 
You are very pleasant, Sir.  Pe. 
You would not smile, I think, so much, if Justice  
Should take a toy and turn about, it is  
Within the hand of fate to fetch a compass,  
With your own rod, & whip, you know what follows.  Me. 
Is this a time and place convenient, Pedro,  
To sing your catches?  Ex. Cast. Pe. 
Yes, and please your Grace.  
And cause my songs are set for three parts, Sir,  
If it will please your Grace to take the Tenor,  
And get the Prince's Page, newly committed,  
To sing the Treble, for the Base, let me alone.  Me. 
You can sing that part at first sight.  Pe. 
I can reach double ef-fa-uth: Shall the boy come?  Me. 
Yes, yes, why should I grieve?  Pe. 
Why now you are right;  
Let men that have no hope to get their freedom  
Be sullen, whine like whelps, and break their sleep,  
We must be jolly, and drink sack, and sing.  Me. 
We? why we? is any thing in our condition  
Can promise hope to be enlarged before  
The rest? our state, if you consider, Pedro,  
Exceeds, in being desperate, other men's,  
As we outsin them in the fact.  Pe. 
Why, there's your error, we are in for Treason, Sir,  
That's to our comfort.  Me. 
Comfort? can there be  
A greater charge?  Pe. 
Oh our discharge the nearer;  
Poor things, whose highest thoughts are pilfering,  
Lie by't, and languish Sessions after Sessions,  
Till they have worn away their clothes, and skins too,  
And often are reprieved, when he that's sent  
Hither for Treason, quickly comes to th'bar,  
Pleads his not guilty, and is hanged compendiously.  Me. 
Yet some, with reverence to your observations,  
Are not dispatched.  Pe. 
Then, doubt their causes mainly;  
Your Grace, I hope, shall not complain for want  
Of timely execution; I am thinking  
What Speech is best to please the people at it.  Me. 
I shall have cause to name your treachery.  Pe. 
Why so, there's more argument by that  
To stuff out your confession.  Me. 
Tell me, and tell me truly,  
How long since you discovered this Court Secret  
To Don Piracquo?  Pe. 
I was tender hearted, Sir,  
And knew that I had but a weak memory,  
Therefore the first time that I saw his Lordship,  
After he came from Portugal, I told him  
The punctual story, lest I should forget, Sir;  
What should a man dissemble, & lose time for?  
I did it for your good.  Me. 
It does appear.  Pe. 
It was no fault of mine, you came no sooner  
To this preferment.  Me. 
It might have saved my julio's life indeed,  
And then though I had died—  Pe. 
Yet you were against it still;  
These jealousies and fears do seldom prosper;  
I knew by instinct 'twere better, but as it is  
'Tis well, your death will be more pitied,  
And remarkable.  Me. 
But what have you got by betraying me?  Pe. 
The credit to be hanged for treason, as  
I told your Grace, besides the benefit  
Of being read in Chronicles with Lords,  
And men of worship, I have prepared a business,  
For the present, a provision, Sir,  
Will serve any turn.  Me. 
What's that?  Pe. 
A ballad, Sir,  
Before I die, to let the people know  
How I behaved myself upon the scaffold;  
With other passages, that will delight  
The people, when I take my leave of the world,  
Made to a Pavin tune,  
Will you hear it?  Enter Castell. and Clara. Me. 
Away you knave.  Cast. 
Sir, your Daughter.  Pe. 
She comes to condole.  
I'll see you another time; your grace's servant.  Ex. Cl. 
Sir, I beseech you tell me, for I dare not  
Believe the busy noise, they say you have  
Confessed strange things, and he that was received  
These many years, Prince Carlo, and so lately  
Slain, is my brother julio.  Me.. 
Sad truth, Clara.  Cl. 
I have heard my Mother say, he died an infant.  Me. 
And I believed it too, but at her death  
She told me another story, Clara, that  
Prince Carlo by some Pirates had been stolen  
An infant from our Castle, on which loss,  
She sent me word to Court, my son died suddenly;  
At which the King fearing some danger might  
Follow to the Prince her charge, commanded him  
To court, instead of whom, she sent thy brother,  
Who was believed the kingdom's heir, until  
Pedro, who waited then nearest thy Mother,  
And knew the imposture, broke his oath, and told  
Piracquo all the Secret, by whose charge  
My death and shame must make up the full Tragedy.  Cla. 
Manuel killed my brother then?  Me. 
He has done't;  
And if thou hast a Sister's soul, thou must  
Join with thy father, to pull curses on him.  Cl. 
That will not call poor julio back again;  
They say that Charity will open Heaven.  Me. 
Charity? will you not curse your brother's murderer?  
Upon my blessing I command thee curse him.  Cl. 
That would but wound us more, & not reach him;  
Beside, 'twere an entrenchment upon heaven,  
So boldly to prescribe our own revenge,  
It were a sin might draw another punishment,  
Great as the loss of you.  Me. 
You are a baggage;  
But if thou hast a thought to wish him live,  
Here I disclaim thee; if thou wert a son,  
I would pronounce thee bastard, if thou didst not  
Kill himself thyself, but as it is, I sha'not  
Be satisfied, since my own hands are bound,  
If thou attempt not something in his danger.  Cl. 
Good Sir, you speak, as you were to expect  
No killing sentence from the offended Law.  Me. 
I'll study some revenge myself.  Exit: Cl. 
He's lost;  
And in this storm like a distracted passenger,  
Whose bark has struck upon some sand, I look  
from the forsaken deck upon the seas,  
I find my own despair, which every wave  
Swells high, and bids me die for fear of drowning.  Enter Castellano. 
May I not see Don Manuel your prisoner?  Ca. 
Yes Madam, if you expect until  
Princess Maria, who is come to visit him—  Cl. 
My affairs concern 'em both,  
Direct me with more haste.  Ca. 
Then this way, Madam.  Exe Enter Manuel and Maria, (a Taper on the Table.) Ma. 
Madam, I owe to your charity this light,  
And yet this little Taper may be useless,  
I fear the King will lose part of his sentence  
When you go hence, for such a full light waits  
About you, when you take away your person,  
It will be some day still, as I foresee  
As you appeared some dawning of the morning.  Ma. 
I would I could bring comfort to thee, Manuel.  Man. 
What comfort can you wish me?  Ma. 
Life and liberty;  
With these myself, if fate, and thy consent  
Were to allow the gift.  Man. 
It is not well,  
Unless you doubted, Madam, my repentance,  
To afflict me with these mockeries.  
When will you rather perfect what your own  
Revenge must prompt you to, my death for Carlo,  
Your Princely Brother, Madam? I confess  
This hand robbed him of life.  Ma. 
Yet in my heart  
I dare pronounce thy pardon, Manuel.  Man. 
It is not possible.  Enter Clara. 
Is not that Clara?  
That's come to take her leave, before I print  
My everlasting farewell on her lip?  
Which I shall hardly find, if this rain last,  
To drown these lovely meadows; thou shalt be  
A Judge between the Princess and poor Manuel,  
To enable thee for sentence, take upon thee  
Her person, Clara; Be the Princess, wilt?  
And hear me plead against my sold found her,  
Till she repent her love, and leave me to  
A quiet death. I know not how to think  
(Maria) you can mean this love to me,  
Or that your voice, when it does chime the sweetest,  
Is more than preface to my dirge; say that  
You have a heart less penetrable than  
The scale of Dragons, and as many stings  
When they make war, and I'll give faith to you;  
For such an enemy as I, must not  
Be looked on, but with all your wrath upon me;  
Methinks I hear your brother call you, Madam,  
And hovering, as he scorned to touch the earth  
Sustains his Murderer, is pointing to  
The wounds I made, whose fountains are still weeping.  
I feel a purple dew descend upon me,  
And I am all a bloody rock already;  
Are not you stiff with wonder yet? if once  
You had when I appeared a man, fair thoughts  
Of me; it is too much to love me now,  
You must convert them into curses, Madam,  
And I will call it justice.  Cla. 
I came not  
To hear this Comment on my brother's story,  
Whom you have killed.  Man. 
Observe her act your person,  
And speak now, as if the sorrow were her own,  
And she had lost a brother.  Cl. 
Indeed,  
I have wept before, and came not now to learn  
A grief for him that was so near my blood:  
But I've considered too, the ties of nature  
Should have no force against the rules of Justice;  
Although it be a sorrow, to remember  
He took his great misfortune from your sword,  
You did not murder him, nay you did not kill him,  
You fought in his revenge, and while he came  
Hid in the name and person of a Traitor,  
It was your virtue made him bleed, and yet  
He was my brother, Sir.  Man. 
Your brother? more,  
He was your Prince too, Madam, think o''at,  
The full blown expectation of the Kingdom,  
One that redeemed my life from banishment,  
And yet I killed him, can you forgive me?  
You cannot, must not, Madam.  Cla. 
Yes, and dare  
Say, I still love you.  Man. 
She will punish me,  
For giving up my interest to Carlo,  
If she encourage thus Maria, Madam,  
Do you consider how few sands are left  
In my poor glass of time, I cannot promise  
Three minutes here, Law and the king's decree  
Have turned two parts of me to dust already;  
I feel the third unsettle, and make fit  
To be dissolved, but could fate give my life  
The period to be wished (remember whom  
I speak to Clara) and I need no more  
Accuse myself, my heart was long since given  
Away, and you as soon may reconcile  
Time and Eternity to one growth, and age,  
As hope my love and yours should ever meet.  Cla. 
Then it is time to die.  Man. 
Madam, she faints,  
Oh help, she has forgot her part, this was  
Not meant to Clara.  Mar. 
Madam, Madam.  Man. 
Clara, so, so, she returns,  
I should have quickly followed else.  Mar. 
I see  
Your loves are sacred, and 'tis sin to attempt  
Your separation; though I loved thee Manuel,  
I can resign to Clara, whom I hoped  
Her Brother's death might have provoked to leave thee.  Man. 
Her Brothers? let me hear Clara speak; her Brother's death?  
Having so little time to stay with thee  
Alive, why didst thou make such haste?  Cla. 
Did not  
You Sir pronounce it was impossible  
That our two loves should meet?  Man. 
Thou didst not  
Represent Clara then, thou wert the Princess.  Cla. 
I know not, but your last profession  
That our two hearts should never grow together,  
Followed so close my Brother's death, I thought  
The meaning looked on me.  Mar. 
Thy Brother's death?  Mar. 
You have not slain the Prince my Brother, Manuel,  
But Clara's, this may yet appear a mystery.  Cla. 
'Tis too true.  Man. 
But stay; and can my Clara then forgive me?  
No man despair to find Mercy in Heaven,  
There is so great a Charity upon Earth.  
But do not leave me lost i'th' wonder, Madam,  
Although it would be happiness to know  
The Prince not dead, I cannot hear without  
A wound next his, that I ha' killed thy Brother;  
It cannot be, although thou wouldst forgive me,  
I cannot be so miserable.  Mar. 
How  
Their Souls agree? 'twere tyranny to part 'em.  
Clara, I envied, now allow thy happiness,  
And will have no more thoughts upon your loves,  
But what shall be employed in hearty wishes  
That Manuel may live still to reward it;  
Thou hast deserved him better than I have  
Antonio.  Cla. 
If my death may speak  
Addition to the love I owe thee; 'tis  
In my resolution, at that minute  
Thy Soul takes leave, my own shall wait upon it,  
And take a journey through the Clouds together:  
Who knows but they may fill one Star? Farewell,  
Till we begin that progress.  Man. 
Do not make  
Death horrid to me Clara, for to think,  
When this unworthy Frame must fall to pieces,  
Thy Soul, a fairer Tenant to this building,  
Should wander in pursuit of mine—  Mar. 
No more;  
Let me advise your griefs, I have tears for both,  
Divide at distance, you may kiss in heart.  Man. 
With such a groan souls from their body part.  The Castellano lights away the Ladies, and Manuell retires to his Prison. Enter Roderigo and Isabella. Isa. 
How, an Impostor! though the people's tongues,  
That catch at every noise, and wave their duty,  
As they are prescribed by Faction, or lewd Pamphlets,  
Do talk this loud—  Rod. 
Upon my honour, Madam.  Isa. 
I hope your Lordship has another knowledge,  
And faith, than to disgrace your blood, the Prince—  Ro. 
I say he is no Prince, and we are sorry  
A Lady of your greatness should i'th' height  
Of such a glorious expectation, lose  
What did invite your person hither.  Isa. 
Ha!  
Then I am lost, that Letter has undone me,  
Which full of love and satisfaction, made  
Me hasty to destroy myself.  Ro. 
'Tis yet  
Within your choice to lose no honour, Madam,  
And in my sense of what you else might suffer,  
I come to tender reparation,  
Both to your love and greatness.  Isa. 
'Tis not possible.  Ro. 
If you can find within your heart a will  
To entertain my love, I'm no Impostor,  
The King will call me Brother, be kind Madam,  
And what is passed shall vanish like a dream.  
Secure me with a smile.  Isa. 
My Lord, I thank you;  
But there will still remain some characters  
By which the world may guess at my sad story.  Ro. 
There cannot.  Isa. 
Yes, I find some printed here,  
For I did love the person, I confess,  
Of him you call the Impostor: did he know  
Himself a Counterfeit?  Ro. 
Let me be just,  
And quit him from that Treason.  Isa. 
That is something  
To plead his innocence to me; I dare not  
Yet ask his name, when I remember what  
My tongue consented to before the Priest  
So late; yet 'twill be known; if he be not  
The Prince we thought, tell me his other name;  
Say, is he basely born?  Ro. 
He is the Duke  
Mendoza's son.  Isa. 
That is a comfort yet,  
And in the confidence of this truth, my Lord,  
I am well again, I thank you.  Ro. 
If this please you,  
Do you remember Madam, he hath wounds  
Fatal upon him, that already may  
Exclude him from the living?  Isa. 
'Twould be impious,  
While there is any life remaining Sir,  
To make another promise; when you say  
He's dead, I may with modest freedom hear  
What you too early now prepare me for.  Exit Isa. Ro. 
You honour me enough.  
I find her judgement  
Already meet what I propound, he cannot,  
He sha'not live to cross me.  Enter Piracquo. 
'Tis Piracquo,  
He can assure me; you look sad my Lord,  
As if with julio's giving up the ghost,  
Your son's life now were forfeit.  Pir. 
'Tis too true.  Ro. 
I'll follow, and acquaint her; yet 'tis safer  
She take it from another.  Pir. 
All my hopes  
Are in your Grace, the King is coming hither,  
If you will bind an old man's prayers, and service,  
Second my feeble breath, and mediate  
His mercy to my boy, you may be satisfied  
In conscience, he had no thoughts to kill him;  
The Prince's death will not engage you now  
To be poor Manuel's enemy; good my Lord,  
Forgive what passed in my rash language.  Ro. 
Does not  
Your Lordship call to mind there was a sum  
Of fifty thousand Ducats?  Pi. 
They shall be sent to your Grace's Secretary, nay  
I'll make 'em fifty thousand more, and think  
It cheap to save his life, now you are merciful—  Ro. 
The bargain would do well, but you are cozened,  
I will not take a maravedi, not I,  
If upon other honourable terms  
I may possess you favour, I shall meet  
Your just commands; ha' you forgot my Lord?  
Some men do keep Records, but I am charitable,  
And will not rack your patience—  Pi. 
You're gracious.  Ro. 
Ten millions of Ducats shall not ransom  
Your Darling from the Scaffold: you observe?  
You know yourself, your fortune, and upon  
What strength you must depend, now I have said—  Pi. 
Will your Grace hear?  
My son shall live then, and not lose one hair,  
If you would pawn your soul to have it otherwise.  
I have said too.  Ro. 
So peremptory?  Pi. 
Your Grace must pardon me the truth, I have  
A scurvy sullen humour where I meet  
A worse, and cannot hold, though I should hang for't,  
And so God bye to your Grace, we are alone—  Ro. 
Be merry with your head on— time may come—  Pi. 
I would take boldness, once more, to entreat  
That the young man may live till the next Spring,  
And then your Grace may purge—  Ro. 
So Sir,  
I shall find ways to stay your vomiting—  
The King.  Enter King and Lords. 1. Lo. 
Good Sir be comforted.  Ki. 
Good Sir give me reasons;  
I had a son till now, yet long since lost him.  Ro. 
Now you may take revenge.  Ki. 
'tis well remembered.  
Mendoza is the Traitor, he shall bleed  
For Carlo's loss.  Ro. 
And he deserves, that would  
Have cozened the whole Kingdom.  Ki. 
Send for him;  
I'll ask him in what wilderness the boy  
Has hid himself, command him hither presently,  
And if he give me not a satisfaction,  
It will be justice then to send his soul  
About the world, to find him out.  1. Lo. 
The Prince Antonio, Sir.  Enter Antonio and Maria. An. 
If at a time, when sorrow  
Hath exercised his sting, you can admit  
To hear me happy in Maria's love,  
Let me begin to call you father, and  
Till Carlo find your blessing, think you have  
One to supply his duty.  Ki. 
It is some  
Allay to Carlo's loss, Maria has  
Not left her father.  Ma. 
I shall ever live  
Within your precept to express a daughter  
As unto him a wife.  Ki. 
Both to my heart!  
Sit down, where is your sister Isabella?  Ro. 
She not despairs  
To be a Bride to one, that may repair  
My nephew's loss; and if she smile on me,  
It will not draw I hope your frown upon it.  Enter Isabella, Julio, Piracquo. An. 
Is not that Isabella?  Isa. 
And this he,  
Who, if you call me Sister, must be worth  
Your noblest Friendship, and embrace.  Ro. 
Alive?  Iu. 
Your pardon Sir, they knew me innocent,  
Made me usurp Prince Carlo's name for julio's.  Ro. 
Confusion!  Enter Manuel and Clara. Pi. 
I appeal Sir to your justice, and have brought  
My son, to hear your breath pronounce his pardon.  Ki. 
Thus all meet happiness but I; receive  
Him free Piracquo, only I must mourn  
The loss of mine.  Enter Mendoza and Pedro. Iu. 
I am no Prince, Don Manuel, my fate  
Has been unriddled.  Cla. 
My Brother living? we are all safe.  Me. 
Ha! my julio?  Iu. 
Your blessing now.  Me. 
Take it, and with it all my tears, I scorn  
To shed one other drop, my joys are mighty,  
My heart is all one bonfire—  Ki. 
Plead no more,  
Mendoza dies, the sentence is irrevocable.  Pe. 
There is a cooler Sir after your bonfire.  Iu. 
Sister, I'll kiss these sorrows off.  Cl. 
You cannot while my Father's doomed to death.  Ro. 
Why does Mendoza live?  Pi. 
Because he must not die yet. Pedro—  Pe. 
My Lord.  [Pi. and Pe. whisper with the King. Men. 
I'll give thee Clara first, here take her Manuel,  
I see she loves thee, lose no tears for me,  
My Taper has burnt dim this many years.  Ki. 
Antonio! Maria! Isabella!  
Mendoza! witness all— proceed Piracquo—  Pi. 
I was that Pirate Sir, that stole your son,  
And being desperate meant by this surprise  
To make my peace—  Pe. 
I was in the Confederacy,  
And must affirm this truth.  Pi. 
But just when I had fitted my design,  
And did expect t'have brought Don Carlo home,  
I heard he was at Court, no loss deplored,  
For by the Duchess of Mendoza's art  
julio supplied the PRINCE's name, and person.  Me. 
And sent me word to Court my Son was dead? ha!  Pi. 
This made me think my Kinsman had deceived me,  
And then resolved my stay in Portugal,  
Where, as my own, I bred, and called him Manuel;  
Till after many years your Grace redeemed us,  
And I at my return confirmed i'th' story  
By Pedro, hitherto protracted time,  
With hope to serve Don julio for our freedom.  
I have your pardon Sir for all.  Ki. 
Thou hast.  Pe. 
I am included, trust me with a Secret Sir  
Another time, I knew 'twould come to this  
At last, and with some justice did but punish  
Your fears and jealousies; is not this better  
Than sending me to the Wars, or shipping me  
For tother World before my time?  Me. 
thouart my best Servant.  Pi. 
And my heir again.  Car. 
Depose me from this glorious title, Sir,  
Unless my Clara may divide the honour.  Ki. 
Providence meant her thine, both call me father.  Ro. 
There is no remedy, Nephew, welcome home,  
And Niece, we shall be kindred now Mendoza,  
Piracquo we are friends too, and I'll try,  
How I can love you heartily.  Ki. 
I hear  
The Altar call, make haste, the triumph will  
Attend too long, the clouds are chased away,  
Night ne'er was mother to so bright a day.  Exeunt omnes. 
FINIS.