LOVE AND honour, Written by W. DAVENANT Knight. Presented by His majesty's Servants at the Blackfriars.  
LONDON, Printed for Hum: Robinson at the Three pigeons, and Hum: Moseley at the Prince's arms in St. Paul's churchyard. 1649.   

Dramatis Personae.  

The old Duke of Savoy  


His brother  
The Duke of Milan   Disguised like ambassadors.  
Alvero, Prince of Savoy  
Leonel, Prince of Parma  
Prospero, a young Count  
Caladine, an old Counsellor  
Vasco, a colonel  


Altesto  
Frivolo  
Tristan   Officers and soldiers.  
Evandra, heir of Milan  
Melora Sister to Leonel  
An old Widow  
Lelia, her maid  
Boy  
Musicians  
Soldier's  
Servants   
The scene Savoy.   
LOVE AND honour.  

Act 1. Scaena 1.  A retreat being sounded as from far, Enter Vasco, Altesto, Frivolo. Vasco. 
Hark boys? they sound us a retreat? this skirmish( sirs)  
Was no rare pastime to continue at;  
'Tis safer wrestling in a bed; give me  
Henceforth your white faced foe, a plump fair enemy  
That wears her head piece laced; I'm for a cambric helmet, I.  Altesto. 
And yet these mighty men of Milan got  
But little by the sport; some of them shall  
Vouchsafe to wear a single arm hereafter,  
Two wooden legs too, and limp their days out  
In an hospital.  Frivolo 
How? an hospital?  Vasco. 
A road, a road; your highway sir is now  
Your only walk of state for your maimed soldier.  
Your hospitals and pensions are reserved  
For your maimed Mercer, decayed sons o'th' shop,  
That have been often cracked not in their crowns  
Like us, but in their credit sir.  Frivolo. 
And placket squires, that have been long diseased  
In their Lord's service; a score of ducats  
Shall bribe them into place, where they may sleep,  
And eat, and pray too, but with breath so much  
Unwholesome, th'air can hardly purified  
And make it fit to reach near heaven.  Altesto. 
Well, the surprise o'th' citadel, wherein  
The Duke had placed his daughter, with the Ladies  
Of her train, and treasure too, was a service  
Of most rare work.  Vasco. 
Just when they sallied out  
To cut our rear in pieces, then steal in  
By Ambush wisely laid, and make them all  
Our prize, was miracle.  Frivolo. 
They say his daughter scaped, and fled, with her  
As her best guard, one they call Leonel  Enter Tristan. 
Whom our Count Prospero pursued.  Vas. Tristan? 
Welcome; is all our pillage waggond  
Shall it to night see Turin?  Tristan. 
All's safe my lusty leader; our horse too  
Have sounded a retreat; and the foe sneaks▪  
He walks with's hands in's pockets like a skipper  
In a frost.  Vas. 
Well, let me reckon my estate;  
First a widow prisoner.  Altesto. 
Mine's a maid prisoner,  
Young my Vasco, she's yet in her first blush,  
And drop reg've dispatched her unto Turn too  
My mother's house, thy prisoner in her company,  
They are acquainted.  Vasco. 
You have the luck; these bald chins are as familiar  
With their good stars, as with spur-rowells,  
Play with them, and turn'em which way they please;  
I fought as well as he; and yet( forsooth)  
His prisoner must be fair, and young, & mine  
So old she might have given Hercules suck,  
Now she sucks too, for she hath no teeth left,  
In one month she'll cost me as much in caudles  
And sweet candy, as her ransom comes too.  Fri 
But you have other pillage captain.  Vas 
Let me see, 3 Barbary horses with rich  
Caparisons, 2 Chests o'th' general's clothes.  Alt. 
And I 2 chests o'th' general's plate.  Friv. 
In those I share Altesto.  Uasco 
How? plate? shall we encounter our sewed fish  
And broiled Pullen in silver service rogues?  
Like furred Magnificoes?  Frivolo. 
We shall captain, but you may dip your morsel in good china earth.  Altest. 
All your plate Uasce, is the silver handle  
Of your old prisoners franne.  Enter Prospero( wounded) and Evandra( her arms in a scarf pinioned.) Trist. 
Here comes Prospero the valiant Count.  Uas. 
And with him the brave prize.  Pras. 
Evandra do not mourn, I that have made  
You captive thus with hazard of my youth  
And blood, shall think you now as worthy of  
My care, as of my valour in the fight;  
Can I esteem you less by being mine?  Evand. 
What have I done( unknown unto my heart)  
That I should tempt your valour to so great  
A 〈◊〉 as my captivity? or are my crimes  
Observed more than my prayers, that heaven shall leave  
Me to become the scorn of victory?  Pros. 
It is the sad pre-eminence of your  
Exemplar birth, and beauty, to confer  
Honour on him that is your conqueror.  Evan. 
Honour? is that the word that hath so long  
Betrayed the Emulous world, and fooled the noblest race  
Of men, into a vexed and angry death?  
If 'twere a virtue 'twould not strive t'enthrall,  
And thus distress the innocent.  Pros. 
I am the war's disciple, and since first  
I had the growth to wear a sword, I ne'er  
Was taught how to subdue by reason but  
By strength. Altesto?  Altesto. 
My Lord.  Pros. 
Take here this Lady to your charge, conduct  
Her unto Turin, and there guard her in  
My house till my approach.  Altesto. 
I shall my Lord.  Pros. 
Let her be safe Altesto in thy care  
On forfeiture of life, she is my prisoner  
And th' noblest in the field, the beauteous  
Heir of Milan; had not my niggard stars  
Intended me but half a courtesy,  
The Duke her Father had lamented now  
Under the same fate.  Vasco. 
I could wish your Lordship would believe me,  
A fit man, to take charge of the Lady.  Pros. 
Why captain?  Vas. 
You could not commit her to an Eunuch  
With more safety; if the great Turk knew me  
( Honest Achmet) he would trust me in's Seraglio  
( By this hand) without defalking one grain beneath the waste.  Pros. 
Success hath made you wanton Cap.  Uas. 
Besides( my Lord) I have ta'en an old Abesse  
Prisoner, O such a governess for a  
Young maid, she'll read to her such homilies,  
And teach her such receipts out of the Fathers,  
How to cure the toothache, preserve plums,  
And boil Amber possits, will make her sir  
In three days a very St.  Pros. 
Well you shall take my bounty too close by  
The valley that doth join to th' neighbour grove  
Lies conquered by my sword a Milan knight,  
His wounds medcined, & stopped by the best art  
I had, but by much loss of blood unable yet  
To move, him, and his ransom I bestow on you,  Uas. 
I thank your Lordship  Pros. 
But use him nobly Uasco; for he hard  
A courage that well merited his cause,  
And fought with eager and with ssillfull, strength  
To free that lady from my bonds, but the glad day was mine.  Vas. 
He shall be kindly used,  
Only your sweet lordship must give me leave  
When he pays his ransom to weigh his gold,  
Were he my father, sir, he must endure  
The trial of my scales; follow Tristan.  Pros. 
Make haste; see him well waggond, and provide  
A surgeon to attend his cure.  Ex Vas. Trist. Evan. 
Sir, can you find no pity yet within  
Your breast? you have already shown enough.  
Of your stern father's spirit, is there not  
In all your heart so much of softness as  
Declares you had a mother too, must I  
Be led a captive, land in a cruel land  
Lament your victory?  Pros. 
Altesto, be are her from my sight? make haste?  
I am not safe, when I converse with tears.  Exeunt Altesto, Evandra. 
I would ambition were not brave in war?  
Or that the rage of Princes had not made  
It lawful to subdue whom they dislike,  
Or 'twere ignoble to inflict a misery,  
As to endure't ourselves; Frivolo, where  
Didst thou leave the prince?  Friv. 
In pursuit of the Duke, who since we hear  
Recovered Milan, which caused him sound us.  Drum march afar off 
A retreat,— hark sir, his march leads hither;  
It is his way to Turin.  Enter Calladine. 
The prince, the prince; my Lord Prospero  
You have been sought for, the valiant prince  
For this day's action hath advunted you to  
The public ear, and we your friends rejoiced.  Pros. 
I did but as his bold example gave  
Me fire; I saw him conquer kill, and lead  
In fetters sad Faces, which I 〈…〉  
Before, and I believed 'twas good; I wish  
That heaven may think so too; I do converse  
With books, but I have heard our enemies  
( Although they wronged not me) must be so used.  Enter Alvero, Soldiers stripping off his Corslet. 
Unbuckle Calladine, the day is hot,  
And our great business cools like to their heats,  
That fled to humbled Milan, & have lest  
Their fainting honour hovering over our crests,  
Lead on my horse in triumph; I will march  
On foot, he hath performed his work, as he  
Had equalled me in sense of what he did.  Cal. 
Sir, Prospero the Count, whom your kind fears  Pros-kneeles kisses his hand 
So heartily enquired for i'th' retreat  Alva. 
Pass noble youth, and let me hold thee near  
My heart, join thy stout breast to mine that we  
May grow a while together in our love,  
Yet when divided, be the same in thought  
And act, this day than hast begot an history,  
And given our Savoy Chronicles a theme  
To teach them boast, and be believed  Pros. 
Alvero? my dread Prince; why should you lose  
Your praise on me, that did but imitate  
The faintest of your vigour, and your skill?  
You bred me from my childhood to do things  
That they call glorious, though( dull and much unlearnd)  
I cannot teach the cause of what I do,  
More than your example, and command.  Alva. 
Since thou gottest strength to wear a sword, thou hast  
Been mine, and t'hath been drawn to execute  
My will, and though( I know not why) thou wast  
A verse to arts, and written labours of  
The wise, yet discipline of war thou lou'dsts  
And bring thee to a 〈◊〉 steed, him thou  
Wouldst sit, and manage with such gentle rule  
That our Idolatrous Philosophers  
Believed thou hadst created, whom thou I caughtest  Pros. 
Your love will breed me envy sir; something.  
drop reg've done( since you are pleased to value so  
My weaker toils) which may perhaps deserve  
Your father's thanks, and yours, and's yet unknown  
Unto you both, Evandra, heir of Milan,  
I have sought for, ta'en prisoner, and sent  
To Turin, a reward for our just war.  Alva. 
Ha! the fair Evandra made prisoner?  
And Prospero by he?  Pros 
Why should you think him whom you praised  
So much, unfit for such a victory.  Alva. 
Now all the blessings of my faithful love  
Are lost; she whom I doted on with my  
Most chaste, and early appetite, is sent  
In bonds, t'apease my cruel father's wrath.  Call. 
My Lord, he loved her much though temp'rately  
Concealed from general knowledge, and his friends.  Pros. 
Then mount my courser Frivolo, and try  
If by the happy quickness of his speed,  
Thou canst recover her return, and use  
Her with such fair respective homage as  
May expiate my violent surprise.  Ex. Friv. Alva. 
Fly, fly; I would thy nimble motion could  
O'ertake the arrow from th' Assyrian bow,  
Or swifter lightning whom our fight pursues  
And is to slow to reach.  Pros. 
What have I done, that I should thus mistake  
An act of valiant glory, for a deed  
That argues an austere Ignoble rage?  Alv. 
Fair Evandra, the pied of Italy,  
In whom the Graces met to rectify  
Themselves, that had not cause enough to blush  
Unless for pity they were not so good  
As she; think now the Eastern spices sweet,  
And that the blossoms of the spring perfume  
The morning air; necessity must rule  
Belief, let's strew our Altars with them now,  
Since she's imprisoned, stifled, and choked up  
Like weeping Roses in a still, whose Inarticulate breath  
Heaven through a purer sacrifice than all our orisons.  Pros. 
Is she not fit than  
For Turin, than for Milan sir? I saw  
You take prisoners, and in my fury had  
Discretion to achieve the best.  Alva. 
O thou hast lost my heart; hence doth proceed  
This recreant act, that to thy savage courage  
I could never join the temperature  
Of sweet Philosophy; hadst thou been learnt,  
And read the noble deeds of gentle knights,  
Reason had checked thy rage, thy valour would  
Have been more pitiful than to have lead  
A virgin into harsh captivity.  Pros. 
I thought I had done well.  Alv. 
How! well? draw back that falsehood in thy breath  
Again, or I will pierce thy heart, that thou.  
Mayst die Impenitent.  Draws his sword, Call. stays him. 
Unhand me Callandine, drop reg've already met  
My better thoughts; why should I waste my wrath  
On such a forester? wild as the woods,  
Where he should graze with the brute heard, who though they want  
Discursive soul, are less inhuman far than he.  Pros. 
She was the daughter of our greatest enemy,  
And so I used her sir.  Alva. 
A choleric bear; or hungry Panther would  
Have used her with more soft remorse; had I  
Encountered her in the mad heat of chase,  
In all the fury of the fight, I would  
Have taught my angry steed the easy and  
The peaceful motion of a lamb,  
She should have set his back, soft as the air,  
And in her girdle bridle him, more kerbed  
Than in his foaming bit, whilst I her slave,  
Walked by, marking what hasty flowers sprung up,  
Invited by her eye-beams from their cold roots;  
And this would each true soldier do, that had  
Refined his courage with the sober checks  
Of sweet Philosophy.  Pros. 
Would you had taught me some Philosophy  
Before I learned to fight.  Enter Frivolo. 
All hope is past; she was conveyed in one  
Of your swift chariots sir, which it doth seem  
Altesto did unhappily o'ertake,  
And she's ere this within our Turnt walls.  Pros. 
Such language and such news better become  
The fatal birds of night, so Ravens croak  
When they fly o'er the mansions of the sick  
And bode their deaths.  Alv. 
Prospero, see me no more,  
thou'rt a disease unto my injured sight:  
Fly to some lustful coast, where none but goats  
And Satyrs live, where the name of virgin is  
As strange as this thy cruelty, there thou  
Mayst hope to wander not contemned, should I  
Behold thy face again, and let thee live,  
My patience would become my vildest guilt.  Cal. 
See, sir, he weeps; can you endure him mourn  
And languish thus, whom heretofore you did  
Embrace in the chief ranek of love, not moved  
( Sir) with his tears?  Alv. 
No more than to behold  
The pudled channel overflow; he saw  
Her weep, and could endured; the drops fell down  
Me thinks, as when the piteous Pelican  
Wounds her remorseful hreast.  Pros. 
Sir, have I in one hasty moment, so  
Far merited my ruin that no means  
Is left to win me to your former grace.  Alv. 
Never, unless thou couldst restore  
Evandra's liberty, she is ere this  
Within my father's reach, whose nature is  
Severe, and mortal to her father's blood,  
An ancient vow he took, will make her destiny.  
So sad, I fear to think on it, poor Evandra.  Pros. 
I sent her in good conduct to my house,  
Where is a cave, so art fully cenceld  
Within my garden's verge, that not the sun's  
Most prying beams, not human search  
Can ere discover it, He hide her there,  
Till time and apt convenience can dispose  
Her unto Milan.  Alva. 
Fly then, loose not the sick hope with slow  
Pursuit, fate keep her from my father.  Pros. 
I● strive to groan away my breath, and die.  Exit Pros. Cornet flourish afar off. Frivo. 
Hark sir, the Duke your father sure  
Doth ride in triumph through the town, to meet  
And celebrate your victory.  Alva. 
Give order that our troops march, march slowly on;  
Our Drums should now in fable cases beat  
Our colours soulded, and our Muskets be  
Reversed, whilst our dejected pikes we trail,  
But that I fear, 'twould breed inquiry in  
My father of a cause, he must not know,  
O Callandine Evandra is in bonds.  Exit. Enter Vasco, Tristan, Leonel wounded and led. Vasco. 
Prepare the waggon Tristan, spread a mat in it  
And( dost hear) bid my Ancient tear of's colours  
For a coverlet, 'tis thine sir, all our shift?  Trist 
All's ready sir, i'th' bottom of the hill,  
He shall used like a Queen when she lies in.  Vas. 
Softly Tristan, he moves as weakly as  
His sinews were of spinner's threads, so cut  
And carved; he hath made your skin, sir, only  
Fit to be worn in summer; this Prospero  
Is a Turk when's whinyards drawn, and shines in's eyes.  Leonel 
He used me nobly sir, when I had bled( could  
Myself past strength to conquer him, we  
I hope to find such mercy in an enemy,  
Less I had fallen beneath the force of your  
Alvero, Prince of Piedmont.  Vas. 
I there's a man; 'tis true, Lord Pros. poro vallant,  
I think he dares meet the devil in duel,  
And give him two flashes of lightning odds, but  
He wants that they call learning sir, Prince Alvero;  
Is( as they say) a philosopey man:  
He takes of Rabins, and strange Hebrew roots;  
Things we dull soldiers hither learn then mention.  Trist. 
He can tell you sir how many showers fell  
Since Noah's flood.  Vas. 
Ay, and how many cloaks those showers have wet.  Leonel. 
Have you no knowledge of the Lady sir  
That was surprised from my protection by young Prospero?  Vas. 
Good; was ever creature of heavens making  
So libidinous as paltry man? now  
Has he a mind to the Lady? she sir,  
Is safe in Turin, whither strait we mean  
To lead you too.  Leon. 
Some comfort yet, it is decreed I must  
Endure my bondage where she suffers hers,  
Poor Evandra's was fater so niggardly  
She could allow no more protection for  
Thy beauty than my single fortitude?  Trist. 
Come move on sir, it will be late ere we  
Shall reach the town.  Leon 
What other for tune had the bat tail?  Ves. 
We swaddled your Duke home he and the rest  
Of your bruised countymen have wondrous need  
Of capon's grease.  Leon 
Strange giddiness of war; some men must groan  
To further others mirth, what fury rules  
O'er human sense, that we should struggle to  
Destroy in wounds, and rage, our life, that heaven  
Decreed so short? in is a mystery  
Too sad to be temembred by the wise,  
That half mankind consume their noble blood,  
In causes not beloved, or understood.  Exeunt.  

Act. 2. scene 1.  Exter Vasco, Frivolo, Tristan. Fri. 
You have heard the proclaimed law Vasco.  Vas. 
I would there were no law, or that no man  
Were learned enough to read 'em, or that we had  
Courage enough not to obey them  Trist. 
Frivolo, what law is this?  Friv. 
It is proclaimed all female prisoners  
After a year should have free liberty  
To return to Milan, and ransomless.  
Only a year is given to us the conquerors,  
That those we took of birth, and dowry may  
( If we can woo them to consent) marry us,  
But we have no power to use constraint, nor to  
Enforce a maidenhead, on pain of death.  Vas. 
My beldame hath ta'en order with her maidenhead  
Ten years ere I was borne.  Friv. 
I'th' mean time Tristan,  
As a requital for our hopes, we must  
Maintain them at our own charge?  Trist. 
Must not the men we took pay ransom?  Vas. 
Yes, yes, they pay: I have a Knight given me  
By young Count Prospero shall sell his spurs  
Ere he scape free, I will pawn him till he  
Be worn toth' title of a Squire.  Frivo. 
Thou art as cruel as a Constable  
That's waked with a quarrel out of his first sleep.  Vas. 
Hang him bold Caraian, he indites finely;  
And will live as well by sending short Epistles  
Or by th'sad whisper at your gamesters elbow  
When the great by is drawn, as any bashful  
Gallant of 'em all.  Trist. 
But what's the cause our Duke is so severe  
Unto the heir of Milan( whom 'tis said  
Shall suffer instant death) yet is thus kind  
To others of her sex.  Frivo. 
She dies to satisfy  
A vow he made in's youth, when those of Milan  
Took his brother prisoner, and would not be  
Appeazed without the for feature of's head.  Trist. 
I am not yet instructed Frivolo,  
Why should not then the rest we took die too?  Frivo. 
Evandra is a sacrifice for all;  
His other mercy takes from th'cruelty  
He shows on her.  Enter Altesto Vas. 
From whence Altesto comes your loftiness?  Altest. 
Why, from the Duke; I had laid me  
For breakfast a fine comfortable gin.  Vas. 
What was't, a wench?  Altest. 
A rack Vasco, a rack;  
A certain Instrument that will extend, and draw  
Our sinews into treble strings, and stretch  
Our great shin bones, till they become slender  
As knitting needles, or a spider's legs.  Vas. 
Didst thou commit Treason? 'tis well thou hast  
A brain for any thing, the age requires  
Parts, we cannot eat else; but quick, the cause.  Altest. 
'Twas to discover where I left Evandra,  
Whom Prospero delivered to my charge;  
I answered a full truth, that I restored  
Her to his hands, at his return to's house,  
And this( as fortune would vouchsafe) the Duke  
Believed without applying( Gentlemen)  
The recreation of the rack.  Fri. 
But she is not yet found.  Altest. 
No, and the Duke believes her still I'th' Town.  
Therefore a guard is placed at all the gates to hinder her escape.  Vasco. 
I do not like  
This cutting off young wenches heads; 'tis thought  
They cannot kiss handsomely without them.  Trist. 
But how does Prospero excuse her flight?  Altest. 
He says she's stolen away, but shows no manner how;  
And th' angry Duke, though he be precious in  
His love, threatens him much.  Vas. 
Some angel stole her from him, and Gentlemen  
If I have any skill in magic you  
Shall see her three days hence pirking in a Cloud,  
Southward of yonder Star; look up, just there;  
With her Ivory Lute hanging at her back,  
And working me a scarf of sky-coloured satin.  Altest. 
A halter ( Vasco) to save the poor State  
The charge of a penny, thou'lt have need on't.  Vas. 
What's become of Melora, your fair prisoner?  
You hear the Proclamation.  Altest. 
Yes, and am well pleased, I mean to woo, and marry her, she hath  
Twelve thousand crowns by good intelligence.  Vas. 
If she consent; but I am of the faith,  
Such Suckets are but seldom swallowed by  
Us wealthy Aldermen o'th' camp; a jointure  
Is the word Altesto, and then you'll show her  
A young back with a Sword hanging over't,  
Worse than a handsaw.  Altest. 
Just now I left her at my mother's house;  
And sirrah Vasco, she looks, oh rogue, rogue!  
A Flanders peak i'th' middle of her brow,  
Which straight I spy, and shake, and melt, then speak  
Fine language to her, and am duteous with  
My Bonnet at her Instep thus—  Vas. 
thoust sound the way.  Altest. 
Then Vasco she moves back, discovering but  
The very verge of both her picked toes,  
But in white Shoes, and then I'm taken that  
I stand like one of the Turks chidden mutes,  
A girl in a Bongrace thus high may ravish me.  Fri. 
Alas poor Gentleman!  Altest 
But Vasco, her fiugers, by this good day,  
I think they are smaller than thy point tags,  
And she behaves them on the Virginass  
So prettily, I'd wish no more of he ven,  
Than once to hear her play Fortune my Foe:  
Or John come kiss me now.  Vas. 
Those are tunes my old widow prisoner sings  
With more division than a water work  
When the main pipe is half stopped.  Fri. 
You have a year allowed to woo her Vasco.  Trist. 
She's rich; I knew her husband, he thrived much  
By a monopoly he had of dead women's hair,  
All Milan talked of it; she kept another shop  
Under St Maudlin's wall, and quilted ushers Calves.  Vas. 
Well Gentlemen, let's waste no time, I'll to  
My Barbers straight, purge, shave, and wash, for know  
If cleanness and good looks will do't I'll teach  
Her Grandameship to mump, and marry too,  
Or my arts fail; Frivolo, you and Tristan  
Follow me, I shall employ you both.  Altest. 
I am for Prospero, he sent to speak with me.  Exeunt. Enter Alvero, Prospero( with a Key, and Lights.) Pros. 
Sir, you have made me know my cruelty,  
'Twas such incomely valour, that I blush  
To name't, and trust me, could I sink low as  
The centre whilst I kneel, still would I thus  
Implore your pardon, and your love. knelt  Alva. 
Arise, I have a memory so apt  
T'advance my pity 'bove my anger when  
It mentions thee, that I'll forget the cause  
That made thy guilt, and me to mourn; but O,  
This dismal place brings it again to thought,  
This looks methinks like to the dark  
And hidden dwelling of the winds, as yet  
Unknown to men, where storms engender, and  
The whirling blasts that trouble Nature till  
She tremble at their force, and ruin all  
The sumptuous piles of Art.  Pros. 
Necessity hath caused this choice, till the  
Severe inquiry of your Father be  
Appeased, and we can shape her a disguise fit to  
Convey her from the town.  Alva. 
With soft and gentle summons call, that she  
May climb unto the top, and verge o'th' cave.  Prof. 
Evandra speak, ascend to us; I am  
Your penitential Enemy, that come  
To weep away my trespass at your feet.  Alva. 
Evandra, rise, break from this thick  
And silent darkness, like the eldest light.  The Stage opens, Prospero lifts Evand. un. Evan. 
Ha! my Lord the Prince?  Alva. 
O noble mind, what expiation can  
Make fit this young and cruel soldier for  
Society of men, that hath defired  
The Genius of triumphant glorious war  
With such a rape upon thy I berty?  
Or what less hard than marble of  
The Parian Rock, canst thou believe my heart,  
That nurced and bred him my Disciple in  
The camp, and yet could teach his valour no  
More tenderness than injured Scythians use  
When they are vexed to a revenge? but he  
Hath mourned for it, and sure Evandra thou  
Art strangely pitiful, that dost so long  
Conceal an anger that would kill us both.  Evand. 
Sir, I am nobly recompensed, in that  
You will vouchsafe me worthy of your grief,  
And though I die forgotten here( a poor  
And luckless maid) lost like a blossom which  
Th' injurious wind buries in dust, yet so  
Much courtesy deserves to be remembered even in heaven.  Alva. 
Was this a subject fit to bear the pride  
And insolent calamity of war?  
As well had it become in the world's youth  
The Giant Race, to hunt with mighty spear  
And iron shield, the soft and tender Ermine;  
Evandra, I have loved thee much, and long.  
Why dost thou start, as if some jealous thought  
Did whisper that my love devised this snare  
To keep thee here within my power and reach?  Evand. 
I cannot think you are so cruel to  
Yourself, t' afflict the thing that you esteem.  Alva. 
No beauteous maid, had I behold thy flight  
In our stern exercise of wrath, I would  
Have made the bloody field a garden fit  
I' adorn the shows of a triumphant peace;  
And every soldier like a reaper clothed,  
Fit to use his sickle than his sword.  
Still thou recoylest like the chaste Indian plant, at the  
That shrinks and curls his bashful leaves,  
Approach of man.  Evan. 
drop reg've lost my reason, and I want the courage  
To entertain you kindness as I ought.  Alva. 
Is it because my years a little have  
O'ergrown my youth, or that the enmity  
Our father's interchange begets in thee  
A factious hate, till't make thy duty sin?  
But 'tis not possible thou canst create  
A thought will merit such a name.  Evan. 
The gentle business sir of love is fit  
For hours more calm, and blessed than those  
A captive can enjoy.  Alva. 
These are not words  
To quiet me in sleep, & peaceful thoughts.  Pros. 
Nor shall I evermore relish delights  
And triumphs of the court, or haughty joys  
Of war and victory.  Alva. 
Evanara live, be yet some happiness  
Unto thyself, and with the patience that  
Becomes a maid's divinity, relieve  
Thy heart with easy hope of liberty,  
Enforcing a content within this dark  
And solitary cave, till I have power  
With apt disguise to further thy escape,  
Which shall be hastened with my ablest skill.  
Believe me good Evandra, the honour of  
My birth and soul shall warrant it.  Evan. 
You are a Prince renowned, and precious for  
Your faith, and courtesy.  Alva. 
Think not I'll use advantage, or constraint  
Upon thy love, a virgin's heart( I know)  
Is sooner stroked than checked into a kind  
Surrender of her breast.  Evan. 
Sir, all the bounties that the heavens provide  
For truth and clemency, fall on your still.  Alva. 
If thou suspect'st drop reg've not enough of cold  
And holy temper to resist the flames  
Of appetite, command that I shall see  
Thee here no more, & my obedience straight  
Shall be restrained within a sacred vow,  
For I would have thy thoughts ( Evandra) safe  
As thy beauties are.  Evan. 
It were a crime  
Greater( I hope) than I shall ere commit  
To doubt such princely goodness can pervert itself.  Alva. 
Then I shall cherish opportunities  
To hasten my return.  Evan. 
Not angels sure when they converse, can meet  
With less intent of sin, and more of joy?  Alva. 
Well, I must see thee oft, thy wondrous eyes  
Have softened all my spirits to a calm  
And easy temper for thy sway, that I  
Could change my corslet, and my iron vests  
Of rugged war, to move in gentle pace,  
Unto the tuneful whispers of thy Lute,  
Still clothed in tender garments of thy work,  
And for a plumed Helmet wear chapletts  
Of flowers, in a mysterious order ranked  
By thy white virgin hand, theu like thy neat  
Ore'busie maid, bind up thy loser philetting,  
And pleat in curls thy soft dishevelld hair.  
I'll make my frequent visits here till thou  
Confess how much I am subdued.  Evand. 
I am oppressed with fear, the watchful Duke  
Your father should observe, unto this sad  
Unusual place, your stolen approach, & then  
My sorrows would be doubled in your danger.  Alva. 
Danger? how noble lovers smile at( such  
A thought? 'tis love that only fortifies  
And gives us mighty vigour to attempt  
On others force, and suffer more than we  
Inflict; would all the soldiers that I lead  
In active war, were lovers too, though lean,  
Feebled, & weakened with their Ladies frowns;  
How when their valours stirred, would they march strong,  
Through hideous gulfs, through numerous herds  
Of angry lions, and consuming fire?  Knock within. Evan. 
What doubtful noise is that?  Alva. 
'Tis Colladine, I did appoint him here.  
Stay Prospero, let him not enter yet;  
O envious chance, must we depart so scone?  They put Evendra down in the cave. 
Descend like the bright officer of day,  
Whilst darkened we thy beauteous absence mourn,  
And every flower doth weep till thy return?  Opens the door, let's in Calladine. Pros. 
His looks declare there's hazard, and some haste.  Alv. 
What wouldst thou? speak.  Cal. 
The Duke your father( sir) is much perplexed;  
He calls for Prospero, and it is feared,  
Will torture him to find Evandra's flight.  Alva. 
He shall not yet appear; I will endure  
His anger's edge with venture of myself.  
Stay till I send.  Exit. Cal. 
My Lord, I grieve to see your sorrows bear  
So great a weight, as makes you groan unto  
Yourself; this silence, and fixation of  
Your eyes, until unchanged objects cause  
Them ache, is much unlike your wont mind;  
Suspect not but the Prince will qualify  
His Father to a peace, and a more just  
Interpretation of your worth.  Pros. 
Know Calladine, 'tis not Evandra's bonds,  
Nor all the torments that th' incensed Duke  
From cruelty or art can minister,  
Have power to freeze, and fix me like a statue thus;  
I have another cause that swells my heart,  
Till it grow too spacious for my breast.  Cal. 
Alas sir! your favours have obliged me so  
That I must share your grief, and 'twould perhaps  
Afferd some remedy to share the cause.  Pro. 
I know not Calladine in the vast world  
One I more love, or would so boldly trust;  
But thou wilt think me mad.  Cal. 
My Lord, I'll forget then my manners, and  
My reason too.  Pro 
Come, thou shalt know, I love—  
How wilt thou smile to seem ambitious eyes  
Look higher than the Eagle, when he soars  
To elevate his sight? I love—  Cal. 
Who is't you love?  Pro. 
Evandra; now mix pity in thy scorn.  Cal. 
'Tis sad the Prince and you should meet with so  
Much violence in the same choice.  Pro. 
At first, i'th' rage of fight, I gazed on her,  
With half discernings of her form, a mi●●  
Of fury hung between us then, but since  
That I have viewed her beauty with some care,  
And seen how sweetly she demeans her in  
Calamity, I have o'erthrown my heart  
With liking her too much.  Cal. 
It will require great wisdom to persuade  
In this, the cause is dangerous.  Pro. 
Would I had ne'er been born, than I had miss  
The sight and memory of her, and my  
Fond errors should have been as much unknown  
As my uncreated self.  Enter Altesto. Alt. 
My Lord, your servant gave me entrance with  
Command that I should speak with you.  Pro. 
'Tis true; Altesto you've a maiden prisoner,  
Called Melora; 'tis my request that you  
Conduct her hither in disguise; though law  
Newly proclaimed, allow no ransom for her,  
You shall be paid your own demand.  Altest. 
I'll obey your Lordship, she shall attend  
You straight; what use can he employ her to?  Prosp. 
Come Calladine, ease me with thy counsel.  Exeunt. Enter Vasco, Tristan, Frivolo, Lelia. Vas. 
Is Lelia your own prisoner Tristan?  Trist. 
The powerful purchase of my sword.  Vas. 
What is she heir to? a brass thimble, and  
A skein of brown thread? she'll not yield thee in  
Algiers above a ducat being stripped;  
And for her clothes they're fitter for a paper-mill  
Than a palace.  Fri. 
Let her serve your captive widow.  Vas. 
Why Tristan, that's a years' wages for you;  
'Tis well thought on; will you serve Lelia?  Lel. 
I hope sir I shall be fit to serve.  Vas. 
Yes, serve for an hospital, when the sins  
Of the camp are retired into your bones;  
She's vilely out of linen.  Trist. 
How can I helped?  Vas. 
Let her make love to a Sexton, and steal shrowds.  Fri. 
Trust my knowledge Vasco, she's for thy turn,  
Present her to thy widow, she may woo  
In thy behalf, toast plum cakes for her Muskadine,  
And brush her velvet hood on holy-days.  Vas. 
Tristan convey her to her as my gift;  
But Lelia you must speak notable words  
Of me, first what a goodly man I am;  
That I get Matrons at a hundred and ten  
With double Twins, and how in time of war  
I fill up the muster with mine own Issue.  Lel. 
Marry sir, heaven forbid.  Vas. 
D'ye hear? this wench has been villainously  
Ill bred; and I'll lay my life  
She sings at her work too the holy carol  
O'th' Lady's daughter converted in Paris;  
She was of Paris properly, &c.  Trist. 
Fie Lelia, you must now take care, you are  
Not now i'th' camp, but in a civil Common wealth.  Lel. 
I shall endeavour sir to learn.  Vas. 
Nor must you persuade you Mistress rise  
Too early to her beads, she may catch cold,  
Having already a pestilent cough,  
And so will die before I marry her.  Lel. 
I hope I shall not be so mischievous.  Vas. 
Well Gentlemen, the fruitful hour is now  
Drawn near that gives success, this morning must  
Expose me to great charge.  Fri. 
Thou dost not mean  
To court her at her window with rare music?  Vas. 
No, she's very deaf, so that cost is saved.  Fri. 
What other charge? she hath no teeth sit for  
A dry banquet, and dancing she is past,  
Unless with crutches in an Antimasque.  Vas. 
I must provide her Culleises, and Broths  
That may stir metal in her, in this case  
She is, know my good friends, I find  
Her no more fit for the business of increase,  
Than I am to be a nun.  Trist. 
Thou wilt take care to trim thy person.  Vas. 
I came just now from consultation with  
My Barber, who provides me a large main,  
A lock for the left side, so rarely hung  
With Ribbanding of sundry colours sir,  
Thou'lt take it for the rainbow newly crisped  
And trimed, Bucephalus ne'er wore the like.  Fri. 
When you have reached Sir Leonels ransom,  
And the rich widow's wealth, we are forgot,  
Like creatures of Japan, things hardly to  
Be searched for in the Map.  Trist 
In one short month I shall not know his name.  Vas. 
'Tis then because thou canst not read, for thou  
Shalt find it fairly carved on each new Church  
And hospital, I mean to build apace,  
And have my blue boys March through the streets  
Two and two, provided for in guilded Primmers,  
And their chaps of mutton; go haste to the widows,  
Present your Damsel, I'll be with you straight;  
My captive Knight would speak with me.  Exeunt. Manet Vas. Enter Leonel. Leon. 
I am bold sir to make free use of your  
Most spacious rooms for benefit of air.  Vas. 
Sir you are welcome, 'tis a liberty  
That I expect, and I joy much your wounds  
So prosper in their cure.  Leon. 
You show your inclination kind and noble:  
But is there of Evandra yet no news?  
You promised to inquire whether her flight  
Be true, or to what place she made escape.  Vas. 
No certainty is known, but all the Court  
Troubled with doubts, shortly you will hear more.  Leo. 
If you could bring me sir to Prospero,  
Or to the Prince, on some affairs that may  
Perhaps advantage them, and my own good,  
You shall oblige me much to serve you in  
My better state of fortunes  Vas. 
I will endeavour it, and as you find  
Me ready to assist all your requests,  
I hope sir, you'll see cause to pay your ransom  
With what haste you can, for I would fain be able  
To do good deeds, & we have many poor  
I'th' town that want their charity, who have  
A will as ready as their wealth.  Leon. 
Believe me you express a soul that hath  
Been bred, and exercised in holy thoughts.  Vas. 
Faith sir not much, only you know a man  
Would joy to do some good whilst he's alive,  
For after death our gifts I ever thought  
Rather proceeded from a devout necessity,  
Than any free desire.  Leon. 
'tis wisely urged.  Vas. 
It hath been a maxim I have held long.  Leo. 
And it becomes you still; my ransom shall  
Be suddenly prepared.  Vas. 
I thank you sir; follow, & I'll procure  
You an address toth' prince or Prospero.  Exit. Leon. 
If she were fled, her person is of so  
Esteemed, and eminent a rate, that straight  
Her instant residence must needs be known.  
There is much art in these affairs; how will  
She look on me, that in so great a cause  
Could strike, or yield to angry fate? I will  
Endure her scorns, as a deserved reward,  
Nor should a lover's hopes grow cold because  
The Influence that last did govern him,  
Was sick, and cold, that destiny is gone,  
The firmament contains more stars than one.  Exit.  

Act. 3. Scaena 1.  Enter Leonel and Prospero,( with a light and a key.) Pros. 
It glads me to behold your strength so well  
Restored, and sir, I wish the fortune of  
My sword, had met another cause, & enemy;  
Your ransom I have paid, and so much prize  
Evandra's happiness, that since you make't  
Appear your company will render her  
Some quietness, and joy, in this her sad  
And solitary state, you shall both see, and stay with her.  Leon. 
From my first infancy I took my speech  
And breeding in her father's court, and by  
My nearness to her, both in deeds and place  
I'th' day of fight, you may believe I am  
Of quality enough to be esteemed and well-comed in her misery.  Pros. 
Your valour then did speak you more than all  
The praise your modesty can urge,  Leon. 
My Lord, it is your gentleness to have  
A courteous faith, but I am bold to think  
My sight will comfort her so much that she  
Will pay you thanks for giving so free trust  
Unto my confidence.  Pros. 
My kindness to you I shall reserve  
Till happier hours, this sir, is for her sake,  
That she may have the benefit of your  
Approach, retire a while within, that key  
When I am gone, will open you a door,  
That leads unto a cave.—  Exit Leonel. 
Melora? where art thou? this way, the light  
Conducts thee; thou art safe.  Enter Melora. Mel. 
How dark, & like the dusty hollowness  
Of tombs where death inhabits, this appears?  Pros. 
Now you shall know the cause why I have bought  
Your liberty, Evandra, daughter to  
Your Milan duke, lies here imprisoned by  
The chance of battle, and thus hidden, and  
Reserved, till we can free her by disguise.  Melor. 
O sad discovery of a sorrow worse  
Than I endure, I hoped she had escaped.  Pros. 
I heard that thou wert taken in her train,  
But when the stories of thy beauty and  
Thy virtues reached mine ear, I did believe  
Thou hadst familiar knowledge of her face  
And thoughts.  Mel. 
I know too much of her, to think that Heaven  
Could thus permit her languish in a Cave.  Pro. 
None can resist their destiny; but good  
Melora comfort her, and prithee for  
Kind pity when your conversation shall  
Beget some pleasant hour, mention my care,  
And then my love; for know, she hath so wrought  
Upon my heart, that trust me I shall melt  
Like Tapers overcharged with flame, and die;  
Wilt thou implore in my behalf?  Melo. 
Your bounties have obliged me to perform  
My best, else I were cruel sir.  Pro. 
Fear no surprise, you are secure, for twice.  
To day, my house by stern Authority  
Was searched, but vainly they suspect, and strive  
To find this hidden dwelling, that no art  
Can imitate for secrecy and depth.  Mel. 
will you be gone?  Pros. 
I'm sent for to the palace where I'm told  
I shall endure for this concealment more  
Than nature's strength can bear, but L've a soul  
Dares welcome it with scorn.  Ent. Evand. Mel. 
Lend me the light; look, there's Evandra sir.  Pre. 
It is, remember me, that I may live.  Exit. Mel. 
This mingled passion of strange grief and joy,  
I can no longer quietly contain;  
Hail the most beauteous virtue of the world.  Evand. 
Loved Melora, what dismal chance, more than  
My sorrow can digest, hath brought thee here?  Mel. 
Why am I thought on, or enquired for as  
A creature that deserves a life, whilst you  
Remain within the house and arms of death?  Evan. 
I fear thou art a captive too.  Mel. 
Or else the tyranny of war had been  
Too much unjust; were't fit you languish thus,  
And I like to a wanton bird should play  
And wing the air at liberty? and yet  
My ransom's freely paid.  Evan. 
Then tho' art now no prisoner?  Mel. 
A prisoner to you, or else my heart  
Were dull, and rudely mannered to permit  
Evandra suffer here alone; this war  
Hath quickly nurced strange riddles too of love.  Evan. 
Thou dost complain with cause, 'tis in the Prince.  Mel. 
Another of your Enemies; too much  
Of leisure I shall have t'acquaint you with  
The accident that brought me to your sight.  Enter Leonel. Evan. 
Melora, who is that?  Mel. 
Bless me how miracles increase to fright  
Astonishment! sure there is magic in  
This place; Madam, my Brother Leonel.  Leon. 
Ha Melora? art thou here too? such mysteries  
In change so soon arrived I have not read.  Evan. 
But what unheard of star directed thee  
To see, and taste our miserable state?  Leon. 
Ere I begin the little history  
Of the short time that thus hath varied us,  
Low as the earth I full to make you pitiful. kneels  
For give the crime of destiny, not me,  
That left me feeble as an Aguish girl  
With the faint loss of blood, when I had took  
Upon my youth & strength, the noblest cause  
That ere employed the anger of a man,  
Your liberty; but Leve●ites, and Doves  
Are valianter than I, for else what make  
You in captivity?  Evan. 
Believe me sir, your passion is so great  
I understand it not; pray rise, I know  
You fought with all the forward will and might  
That human rage could show, but the success  
Of valour they above dispose, that are  
More wise and stronger than ourselves.  Leon. 
Sure I could weep, but that my eyes  
Have not enough of funeral dew to melt  
Away 〈◊〉, pray pardon my neglect.  
You'll find I am not courteous to myself.  Melora. 
The time compels distracted thoughts in all.  Evan. 
There is a bank within, though cold and bare,  
Where never flower( in a despair of sun)  
Durst fix his root, there we will fit, talk and  
Compare our miseries; then sing like Philomela.  
That wisely knows the darkness only fit  
For mourning and complaint; lead there the light.  Exeunt. Enter Duke( with letters) Alvero, Prospero, Calladine, attendants. Duk. 
Evade me not with such fond circumstance,  
Fit only to persuade the easiness  
Of untaught babes; have I not here received  
Her father's letters, that petition her  
Release? why should he soothe me thus with low  
Demeanour in his phrase, if she were free?  
Or if not in the town enclosed and hid,  
Where would she sooner fly than to his arms?  Alva. 
Sir, give my duty boldness to believe  
If she were here, & some good man( that now  
Conceals her in his piteous fear) shall to  
Assuage your wrath deliver her, you would  
Nor mark her out for death?  Duk. 
No sir, how cheap then, and how frail will you  
Suppose my vows? what need we trick,  
And dress our Altars with such reverend care  
Let's rather straight pervert their use, grease them  
With gluttony, and feasts, defile and wash  
Them with the riots of excessefull wine;  
Is perjury the least of guilt you can  
Persuade me to commit?  Alva. 
I wish you would allow my obedience leave  
To utter truth; the vow you made was rash,  
And not confirmed with oath, or church solemnity.  Pros. 
And I am taught the cruelties, or the  
Revenge we threaten, heaven is pleased when they  
Are never acted but forgot.  Duke. 
Her stern, and deathed father, when we sought  
And wooed his mercy with humility,  
More than dejected hermits on their knees  
Render to Saints, used not my brother with  
Remorse, but snatched him from the world in all  
His pride of youth, his wise, and ripened thoughts,  
When he was fit to rule a nations fate,  
And exercise mankind in what was bold,  
And good, then shall I not revenge the best  
Of all my blood, whilst I have here the chief of his.  Alva. 
Alas, this act sir, was not hers, nor in  
The justice of our reason is it possible  
By derivation or descent to share a guilt.  Pros. 
Would I had lost the benefit of strength  
When I surprised her, to become the instrument  
And pleasure of your rage.  Duke. 
How Count? so bold? hear me thou saucy child  
And minion of the war, whom fortune, not  
Success from virtue sprung, hath listed to  
A pride more dangerous than traitor's thoughts,  
Though I have searched thy house, & am defeated by  
Some charm of my discovery, I still  
Believe thou know'st her residence, & bring  
Her to my sight, ere yet the Sun decline, or thou shalt die.  Alva. 
I must not live to see it then, nor can  
My business here on earth, entice me to  
One minutes stay in my mortality,  
When I behold your goodness so decayed.  Duke. 
Alvero was that said like one that knows  
His duty to a Father, and a Prince?  Alv. 
I would be heir unto your virtue sir,  
As well as to your blood.  Duke. 
Have I outlived my courage, office, and  
My reason too, tamely to suffer this?  
I know thy false ambitious cunning well,  
Thou fain wouldst vex my weary soul away  
That thou mightst reign, and triumph o'er my tomb;  
But hear, and tremble at my vow.  Cal. 
Sir, for regard of heaven repent what you  
Would speak, ere uttered it become too great  
A sin for mercy to excuse.  Duke. 
No more fond Calladine, I am resolved,  
Since thou art covetous to own his guilt,  
He shall be safe, and thou endure his punishment;  
Bring me Evandra here ere yet the day  
Conceal his light, or the next darkness shall  
Eternally be thine  Alv. 
If on my knees I can persuade you to  
An easier doom, thus I endeavour it.  Pros. 
I beg not to entreat your rigor less,  
But as 'twas first designed you would convert  
It all on me.  Alva. 
That kindness was ill mannered Prospero;  
Dost think thou art more worthy of the cause  
When 'tis to be Evandra's Sacrifice?  Duke. 
Ne'er strive, thou shalt have sufferance enough,  
And gloriously, alone; hence from my fight  
Thou birth ill gotten, and my marriage stain.  Alva. 
I'll keep my duty still, though not your love.  Ex. Alva. & Pro. Cal. 
Dread sir, call back your vow, and then the Prince,  
Yet comfort him; what will the world esteem  
Of such an act as time ne'er paralleled,  
And no Posterity be so unkind as to believe?  Du. 
Thou Mayst as well persuade th'assembled winds  
From all their violence at Sea; lend me  
Thine ear— do this, but Calladine take heed  
Thy prosecutions are not faint; I have  
A younger son in Sicily, renowned  
And dear to Fame, him I will strive to plant  
I'th' people's hearts; as thou are Loyal follow me.  Exeunt. Enter Altesto, Frivolo, Vasco,( fantestically accouterd.) Vas. 
Just in the posture as you see me Gentlemen,  
Not a hair less i'th' Lock; and I believed  
The heart of woman was not able to  
Resist such amorous forms.  Altest. 
But she would none?  Vas. 
Name her the pleasures of the marriage bed,  
She cries she is more taken with the grave,  
'Cause there we are not waked with cough not aches.  Altest. 
Why sure she knows, for she looks as she had  
Been long buried.  Vas. 
And then I used fine phrases,  
And talked( what call you it?) of Hymen's Tapers,  
Which she interprets sir, according to  
Some modern doctress of her Sect, hell fire,  
A warmth( you know) we soldiers do abhor.  Fri. 
'Tis base to need it after death; we have  
Been hardly bred, and can endure the cold. Enter Widow, and Lelia.  Vas. 
She comes, this is her breathing room, use your  
Endeavours Gentlemen; tell her, her frowns  
Already have so wrought, that my life now  
Will ne'er be fit to come into a Lease.  Wid. 
Lelia a chair, I cannot last; 'tis more  
Than 58 years since I had hams to trudge.  Vas. 
I am your Guardian that come to visit you.  Wid. 
What need it sir? I practise no escape, I cannot fly.  Vas. 
No? were the window open  
You would behave yourself as nimbly on  
Your wings as any witch in Europe.  Wid 
What says he Lelia, a witch?  Lel. 
He says we must one day all fly upward,  
Heaven is the place we wish for.  Wid. 
'Tis well said sir, for thither we must go,  
Both old and young, no remedy.  Vas. 
As soon as you please if you're but marry me.  Wid. 
Does he talk of marriage?  Lel. 
He says, if you please for sooth.  Wi. 
Alas my vow of widowhood is not yet  
Expired; if he comes some ten years hence—  Altest. 
About that time she'll make a good wife  
For an Antiquary to get Records on.  Frt. 
Although her skin be Parchment, 'tis not large  
Enough to write her Annals in, sn'ath lived so long already.  Uas. 
How did you like the cullelse widow that I sent you last?  Wid. 
Why sir? It went down.  Uas. 
Though the Sea were turned to plum broth, 'twould all down;  
I have measured her throat, 'tis wider( gent.)  
And deeper than a well; alas the Duke  
Considers not my charge, I'd rather boold  
Too Young Giants, and allow each of them  
A wolf in stead of a dog t'eat) their fragments.  Alt. 
Thou shouldst get her month searched, I'll lay my life  
Sh'ath new furnished her gums with artificial teeth,  
She could not grind so else.  Friv. 
Though you must seed her at your own cost, the proclamation  
Believe me allows none but natural teeth.  Uas. 
When she is once i'th' fit of swallowing,  
If a cap on float in her broth, why she  
Considers it no more than a small be, or a May fly.  Lelia. 
You should bear up, you are too backward sir.  Uas. 
Sayst thou so wench; widow prepare yourself,  
For I must marry you to night, or else  
You fast to morrow; if the Duke will not  
Afford us fasting days, I shall make bold  
To borrow 'em o'th' calendar; this night;  
No longer time to delay a good deed.  Wid. 
Uh, uh, uh.  Altest. 
This cough ( Vasco) is of some great antiquity.  
How wilt thou sleep by her?  Frivo. 
A little Opium after supper, and let her cough like a  
Cannon from a sort, I'll free thee from waking.  Vas. 
Come, come, provide; trim up your hood widow.  
And air your petty coats i'th' sun, it is  
A case of conscience Gent. we must  
All marry, and live chaste.  Wid. 
Why sir, if we must needs.  Altest. 
I thought she would consent; good heart; it is  
As towardly an old thing. Dear Vasco,  
Provide us music, we'll dance her to death:  
Thou shalt be her husband ere night, and her  
Executor before morning.  Vas. 
Sooth Gent. that's all I desire,  
Any thing, that is reason contents me.  Friv. 
Go, kiss her, by this hand a Brownist( is  
More amorous; a notched premices a very  
Aretine in comparison of thee.  Vasco kisses her. Vas. 
By your leave widow.  Wid. 
Much good may't do you sir; these comforts come  
But seldom after fourscore, the world( indeed)  
Is grown so wicked that we never think  
Of comforting one another.  Lel. 
I told you she would soften sir; alas,  
A little raw, and modest at the first.  Altest. 
A very green pippin of the last years growth.  Vas. 
You shall find me a kind of sparrow widow,  
A barley corn does as much as a potato.  Wid. 
Blessing on your heart sir, we should do good  
Freely( as they say) without egging on.  Uas. 
Rise, and stir your feet, 'tis healthful for you.  They lift her up, 
There— softly,— so—  Altest. 
If one of the hairs of my eye brow lie  
But in her way, she's gone, and falls like an  
Elephant, whose legs are cut with a chain shot.  Friv. 
Her Os Sacrum needs a little Prop.  Vas. 
Why Gentlemen, there's ne'er a wench in Italy  
Moves farther in a day, provide her litter  
But easy, and her two mules well fed.  
Courage widow; how is it now?  Wid. 
A certain stitch sir in my side, but 'twill away in time.  Vas. 
I you are young enough,  
But given too much to hoyting, and to barley break,  
Then dance naked till you take cold; good faith  
You must look too't Lelia, take heed you air  
Her wedding smock.  Altest. 
Let it be made of cat's skin fur:  Frivo. 
Or a watch man's rug gown, but that her skin  
Will wear it out too soon.  Vas. 
Frivolo, you are too loud.  Frivo. 
I warrant thee I have measured her ears,  
She hears in distance but an inch length.  Uas. 
You'll in, and set the house in order widow? I'll fetch a priest.  Wid. 
Truly sir, I'd fain ask my friend's advice,  
One that hath seen but little of the world  
Would be glad you know of counsel.  Vas. 
No counsel widow, nay, if you want metal  
Let them call't rashness, our youth will excuse all.  Wid. 
Well Sir, you know where marriages are made,  
'Tis not my fault; Lelia, provide a broom  
And sweep away the rheum near the green Couch;  
And( d' you hear) look for one of my cheek teeth  
That dropped under the wanscore bed.  Lel. 
And shall I stopped forsooth with salt?  Wid. 
Ay, and fling't i'th' fire; you are weary sir?  Uas. 
No quite so lusty( widow) as yourself,  
But shall keep pace the journey being so short.  Enter Altesto. Alt. 
Quick, in with her Uasco, whilst the fit holds.  Exeunt Widow, Uas. Lel. 

With cable and thong he drew her along,  
so heavily to the Priest,  
And vowed to untoe her, ere he did woo her,  
make her up after who list.   Frivo. 
Ah Rogue, thou art a very lark in the morning.  Altest. 
And what at night Frivolo?  Friv. 
A very owl.  Altest. 
Thou art a coxcomb, beyond all redemption  
Of wit, less thou straight resolve to marry Lelia;  
Thy friends will think the match so fit, none shall  
Forbid the banes; I knew her mother too:  
She's wondrous rich in pewter, small wine cask,  
And spits.  Friv. 
Yes, I have heard o'th' wealthy Dowager,  
She kept a the ched Nunnery in my quarter.  Enter Tristan. Trist. 
where's Uasca Gentlemen? I am in haste.  Altest 
Why then for more dispatch answer you self.  Trist. 
The Duke hath sent for him, by Calladine,  
Who told me 'twas for business of import;  
The Court is all disturbed, but for what use  
He is designed, I cannot learn; where is he?  Altest. 
Follow, we'll convey thee to him; strange luck;  
Sir Leonells' ransom, this widow's wealth,  
And now employed at Court? Uasco thou'rt a gone man,  
Usury, furrd gowns, long dinners, and short sleeps,  
Thou art condemned to without help; or hope.  Exeunt. Enter Evandra, Melora, Leonel,( at one door) at the other Prospero,( muffled and hid) A Table and lights set out, Evandra sits to read. Leo. 
Sister, where is your tenderness? shall I  
Be ever lost through your defect of will  
And courage to present me to her care  
In winning characters? tell her how long  
With fervency I have pursued my love.  Melo. 
Unhappy Leonel, why dost thou tempt  
Me with impossible desires how oft  
Have I solicited thy suit with a  
Repulse? and she hath charmed me by a vow  
Never to mention's more, till her release.  Pros. 
False Leonel, did I for this assist  
Thee to enjoy her loved society,  
That thou shouldst rival me, and have more fit  
Convenience for thy wishes, than me self?  
Melora is his sister too, what strange  
New chances have these later hours produced?  
I have no Advocate, nor am I hold  
Enough to be mine own.  Leon. 
I see you love me not;  
And since I am a trouble to your sight,  
Ere long thou shalt behold my face no more.  Pro. 
Thou art a Prophet to thyself, and I  
Thy Priest to cut thee out in Sacrifice,  
Although unworthy of Evandra's deity.  Leon. 
Melora, can you show no kind remorse?  Mel. 
Alas, you do mistake my power and will;  
Think on some other beauty, for the world  
Hath many that may make you fortunate.  Leon. 
None but Evandra governs in my breast.  Pro. 
Her thou shalt ne'er enjoy; lend me thine ear—  Leads him aside. Leon. 
Ha! Prospero?  Pro. 
False Knight; was this the cause  
That made thee beg concealed admittance here  
To practice love where I had planted mine?  Leon. 
My Lord I understood not of your love.  Pro. 
If thou art bold, and since thy vanquishment  
Dar'st tempt a second hazard of my sword,  
Go wait me on the garden mount, there I  
Will order, though my heart is doubtful to  
Enjoy Evandra's love, thine never shall.  Leon. 
I will expect thee there, and fiercely long  
To ravish from thy crest the honour that  
I lent thee in our former fight.  Exit. Enter Alvero. Alva. 
Evandra, reach me thy fair hand that I  
Seal on it my last farewell.  Evand. 
Ha, whither do you go?  Alva. 
Where shadows vanish when the world's eye winks,  
Behind a cloud, and they are seen no more;  
The place of absence where we meet( by all  
The guess of learned thought) we know not whom,  
Only a prompt delight we have in faith  
Gives us the easy comfort of a hope,  
That our necessity must rather praise than fear as false.  Evan. 
O horrid mystery! my tender senses are amazed▪ I fain  
Would learn what it is dangerous to know.  Mel. 
Why do the stars neglect us thus? why should  
We lose the noblest and the best of men?  Pro. 
Me thinks my spirits climb and life me to  
A valiant envy of his sufferings.  Alva. 
That thou mayest live here safe till Prospero  
Restore thee unto liberty and light,  
I must to darkness go, hover in clouds,  
Or in remote untroubled air, silent  
As thoughts, or what is uncreated yet:  
Or I must rest in some cold shade where is  
No flowery spring, nor everlasting growth,  
To ravish us with scent, and show, as our  
Philosophy hath dreamt, and rather seems  
To wish than understand.  Evan. 
All this for me; you shall not die; why will  
You lay so cheap a value on yourself,  
To think the world should lose you for my sake,  
Alas, a needless trivial Virgin that  
Can never show in hopeful promise half  
That excellence which you reveal in art?  Alv. 
It is decreed; Evandra thou mayst live  
T' increase the small example we have lest  
Of virtue, which hath made thy breast her throne;  
Time hath begun to wear away my youth,  
And all the good I can perform is to  
Preserve the future hope of it in thee.  Evan. 
Melora, help, sorrow hath filled my heart  
With such a heaviness, that I must sink  
Beneath its weight— here let me lie, and mourn,  
And chide that haughty destiny that thinks  
Us so unworthy of their care.  Mel. 
My Lord the Prince, Is it no less than death  
Of her, or you, can ease your father's wrath?  Alv. 
‛ The doom is past, and the sad hour will want  
No wings to hasten its approach; come hither Prospero.  Pro. 
It must not be; though I want phrase to show  
My nature smooth, it shall appear in deeds.  Alv. 
I charge thee by our love, by all my care  
That bred thee from thy childhood to a sense  
Of honour, and the worthiest feats of war,  
Thou keep Evandra safe till happier days  
Conspire to give her liberty, use her  
With such respective holiness as thou  
Wouldst do the relics of a Saint enshrine,  
And teach thy rougher manners tenderness  
Enough to merit her society.  Pro. 
What need this conjuration sir? I mean  
To die for her, that I may save your life;  
A brave design, dissuade me not, though I  
Fail oft in choice of fitting enterprise,  
I know this is becoming sir, and good.  Alva. 
Thou die for her? alas poor Prospero  
That will not satisfy, the shaft aims here,  
Or if it would, I do not like thou shouldst  
Thus press into a cause that I reserve  
To dignify myself; urge it no more.  Pros. 
What am I fit for then, if not to die.  Eva. 
How am I worthy of this noble strife?  Alva. 
Evandra rise, that I may see some hope  
And comfort in thy strength, before I take  
My everlasting leave.  Evan. 
You have the voice of death already sir.  Mel. 
Dismal it sounds, like the last groan which men  
In torture breath out with their soul.  Alva. 
I could have wished I might enjoy thee and  
Be mortal still, mix in a love that should  
Produce such noble virtues as would soon  
Entice the Angels to live here, yet not  
By'rour conversation grow impained; but these  
Are wishes made too high, and late to thrive.  
For evermore farewell.—  Evan. 
O sir, where will you leave me then?  Alva. 
How pity moistens me? there in the Cave.  Evan. 
It is the mansion Sir of death, something  
Horrid as midnight thoughts can form so frights  
Me still, I tremble when I enter it.  Alva. 
Ha! what that is but human dares disturb thy quietness?  Pro. 
Sir let me see, it dies if it be vulnerable.  Alva. 
Still you usurp my business Prospero—  
Bide there, I will go down myself.  Evan. 
Sir, 'twill not presently appear.  Alva. 
I will attend its saucy leisure then. descends the Cave.  Evan. 
Lock safe the door Melora with this Key.  Pro. 
what's your design? mean you t'imprison him?  Evan. 
Discover ( Prospero) the inside of  
Thy breast; dost thou affect the Prince?  Pro. 
Next to the absent blessings that our faith  
Persuades us to, eternity of joys.  Evan. 
Why then wilt thou permit that he should taste  
A long forgetfulness in a dark grave?  
Let us invent some way to ease him of  
This penance undeserved, and suffer it ourselves.  Mel. 
O glorious maid! this goodness will confer  
A dignity for ever on our sex.  Pro. 
I'm strangely taken with this virgin's thoughts,  
Let me embrace your hand upon my knee—  
I thank you much, you have some mercy on  
My dull unknowing youth, and can believe  
Me fit for noble enterprise, though he  
Unkindly did deny my suit: I'll to  
The Duke and tempt his fury till he cause  
My death, perhaps when his revenge hath quenched  
Her thirst with my warm blood, it may grow cold,  
And kindly tempered to you both,  
And then drop reg've fully satisfied the crime  
Of your captivity, and his free sufferance.  Mel. 
This soldier hath a great and daring heart.  Pro. 
But how shall I enjoy her then? I scarce  
Can understand the happiness it bears:  
'tis odd ambition this, but yet 'tis brave,  
He do't: besides, though I'm not learned to know  
With certainty, yet I have hope I shall  
Be sensible of all her visits to  
My tomb, and every flower she strews will there  
Take growth as on my garden banks, whilst I  
( Delighted spirit) walk and hover 'bout  
Their leaves, comparing still their scent with hers;  
O 'twill be wondrons brave! Lady, dispatch,  
That I may go, and die.  Evan. 
Since you express your will, so kind, and violent,  
That small provision there allotted to  
Sustain my life, reach up, and straight convey  
Into the cave, that he may find it out,  
And not exchange the pain his father would  
Inflict, for famishment.  Pros. takes from behind the Arras a bottle and bag, they open the Cave. Pros. 
I had almost forgot false Leonel,  
He waits me on the mount, I will be with  
Him straight, and end his hopes by a long sleep  
Ere I begin mine own.  Descends the Cave. Evan. 
Once more Melora lock the door; now they  
Are both secure, 'tis thou and I that must  
Take solemn leave, and never meet in this  
Our beauty, colour, or our warmth again.  Melo. 
I am astonished at her excellence,  
And scarce have humble grace enough to keep  
Ambitious envy from my thoughts.  Evan. 
Why should these mighty spirits lay so vast  
An obligation on our sex, and leave  
Eternal blushes on our souls, 'cause we  
In acts of kinder pity, and remorse  
( The virtue's sure, wherein we most excel)  
Durst not adventure like to them?  Melo. 
The Prince deserves a liberal choice of lives  
To ransom his; would mine would satisfy.  Evan. 
How Melora? I cannot think thou dost  
So faintly love my happiness, and my  
Renown, to wish to hinder me of both.  Melo. 
Alas, th'example is so good, I fain would follow it.  Evan. 
But there is reason that I suffer first.  
I have a mourning weed within which thou  
Shalt dress, and teach me wear, than so  
Apparelled like my cause, I'll walk to'th Duke.  Melo. 
O leave me not behind, let me accompany  
Your mourning too, perhaps my death may be  
Accepted best, and you be thought more fit to live.  Evan. 
Thy inclinations have a noble sense,  
Thou shalt along; go, call thy brother in,  
And call aloud, this hollowness is such  
He will not hear thee else.  Mel. 
Hoa, Leonel? my brother Leonel.  Enter Leonel Leo. 
'tis strange, this Prospero appears not yet,  
Sure he is faint, and's aguish courage comes  
To him by fits; what is your will?  Evan. 
If thou dost love me Leonel( as thou  
Hast sworn, and with assertions most devout)  
I know there is no strict command I can  
Present, but thy obedience will perform.  Leo. 
Bring me to trial straight, if I prove weak  
Or false, I am unworthy to appear  
In the sun's light, or evermore enjoy  
The better influence of your eyes.  Evan. 
Give me confirmed assurance on your knee  
That you will execute with real faith,  
And punctual circumstance, what I injone.  Leo. 
Let me salute your hand, I breath on it my vow.  Evan. 
Now I'll inform thee Leonel; the Prince  
And Prospero are both within the cave,  
Shut and enclosed by us, where hourly thou  
Through a small slender wicket shalt convey  
Such food, as a disguised servant of  
The house( who heretofore provided our  
Relief) shall help thee to, take here this key  
And not permit their passage forth, till I  
Am gone t'ordaine by death their liberty  
Secure, which I will suffer to appease the angry Duke.  Leon. 
Furies and Fiends cease on my senses straight;  
What have I promised in the rashness of  
My dull and inconsiderate love?  Evan. 
If thou dost break thy vow the curses of  
The Saints, and mine( which dying will not least  
Afflict thy perjury) fall on thy heart.  Mel. 
Never be called my brother, nor assume  
The honour of my valiant father's name.  Evan. 
Melora come, we are too slow in such  
An act as will outlive all history.  Ex. Evan. and Mel. Leon. 
O what a dull inhuman Lover am  
I grown! that simply by a forward and  
Unskilful duty can consent the Queen  
And Lady of my life should be a Sacrifice  
To hinder others deaths? this sure is such  
A great example of a female fortitude  
As must undo all men, and blushing make  
Us steal from our unjust advancement o'er  
The world; tear off our saucy beards before  
The scattering winds that give us the pre-eminence  
Of sex; when this is known let women sway  
Counsels, and war, whilst feeble men obey.  Exit.  

Act. 4. Scaena. 1.  Enter Calladine( in a night gown,) and a Servant. Cal. 
A Lady sayst thou in a mourning Vest?  
What should this early visit mean, ere yet  
By full appearance of the Sun we can  
Distinguish day from night?  Ser. 
Sir, she importunes much to speak with you,  
Says her affair asks secrecy and haste.  Cal. 
Retire a while without, and let her in.  Exit Ser. Enter Melora( in mourning) she unveils, 
Since first my eyes had judgement to discern  
A mean from excellence, they ne'er beheld  
A beauty so o'er coming and exact;  
What are the loved commands you'd lay on me?  
I not remember that I ever saw  
A face I would more willingly obey;  
If it were civil too I'd ask your name.  Mel. 
Believe me gentle Sir when that is known  
You'll think me too unfortunate to live;  
I am called Evandra.  Cal. 
Ha! the Princess? wisely did Prospero  
Preserve thee from my sight, thy beauty is  
Too great and dangerous for youth to know  
And be secure; though I ne'er saw her till  
This blessed hour, yet Fame assisted me  
T'imagine an Idea like herself;  
But why have you forsaken your concealed  
Abode, and thus adventure into th'view  
Of men? I fear it is not safe.  Mel. 
'Tis to employ your virtue sir; I know  
You love the Prince, though not with so devout  
A heart as mine; for that I may restore  
Him unto liberty and's Fathers love,  
I here present myself to cruel death.  Cal. 
This is a valiant piety, a gratitude  
That shows her mind more noble than her shape;  
She is not known unto the Duke more than  
By guessing Characters ta'en from report;  
She must not die; though lately his commands  
Have singled my allegiance out, it is  
Religious sure to fail in this.  Mel. 
Sir, expectation of the ills we must  
Endure do more perplex us than the pain  
Itself. I crave you'd not protract my sufferance.  Cal. 
My thoughts have fashioned it unto my wish;  
Is there not a captive called Melora,  
( Most beautiful and young) that hath of late  
Familiar been to your society?  Mel. 
I fear he hath discovered me;  
D'ye know the Lady sir?  Cal. 
Only by Prospero's report, and I  
In charity desire her person safe;  
Your death alone will satisfy the Duke.  Mel. 
My prayers have much endeavoured that it may;  
And Sir t' assist your kind humanity  
Receive this key, 'twill give you entrance where  
She now remains a prisoner by my art;  
It is a narrow closet that o'er looks  
The Orchard grove; you know the house, 'tis Prospero's.  Cal. 
I am familiar there with all the vaults,  
And hidden passages.  Mel. 
Sir, for regard of honour suffer not  
Her freedom from that place, till I am dead,  
For she's so much delighted with this cause,  
That with unwilling falsehood I was fain  
To take advantage of her orisons,  
And whilst she kneeling lengthened her discourse  
With heaven, steal on this funeral habit, and  
In haste close up the door to hinder her  
Pursuit, where now she stays lamenting her  
Enforced secure estate, and envying of  
This danger which I cheerfully embrace.  Cal. 
My life shall warrant hers, be pleased to enter there,  
And stay till I inform the Duke of your appearance and approach.  Melo. 
Most willingly; but still sir I implore your mercy would  
Secure that Lady, and the Prince, how e'er  
The angry stars provide for me.  Cal. 
It is no less unkind t'importune than  
To doubt my care; there Lady, through that door—  
Expect my sad return will be too soon.  Melo. 
Forgive me best Evandra, that I thus  
Assume thy name, and have beguiled thee of  
So brave a death, the motive that persuades me to't  
Did not become thy knowledge nor my tongue.  Exit Cal. 
This Princess hath a soul I could adore  
Whilst it remains eclipsed on earth, nor shall  
It yet reach heaven; both being utterly  
Unknown, will make the plot with easy help  
Succeed. Melora straight I will present  
T'appease the fury of the Duke, and then  
This Lady and the Prince are free; through blood  
Is the best issue of our hopes; if fate  
Ordain it thus, I shall prove fortunate.  Enter Frivolo, Tristan, musicians, and Boy. Altesto. 
Come boy, lift up your voice to you' bay window.  
Sing the Song I gave you last night, and firk  
Your fiddles bravely too, bear up the burden.  Boy. 
No morning red, and blushing fair, be through your glass, or curtains spied,  
But cloudy grey, as the short hair, of your old everlasting Bride.  Chor. 
So old, so wondrous old, i'th' nonage of Time,  
Ere Adam wore beard, she was in her Prime.  Boy. 
Whose swarthy, dried westphalia hips, are shrunk to mummy in her skin,  
Whose gums are empty, and her lips, like eyelids hairy and as thin.  Chor. 
So old so wondrous old, &c.  Boy. 
For amorous sighs which virgins use, she coughs aloud from lungs decayed,  
And with her palsy cannot choose but shake, like th'trembling of a maid.  Chor. 
So old, so wondrous old, &c.  Boy 
And when her nightly labour swells, to vast extent, her pregnant womb,  
Midwives believe, that it foretells, a hopeful tympany to come.  Chor. 
So old, so wondrous old, &c.  Boy. 
What need her husband then vex heaven, and for a plenteous offspring beg,  
Since all the Issue can be given, is that which runneth in her leg.  Chor. 
So old, so wondrous old, &c.  Altest. 
Good morrow to the right worshipful leader captain Vasco,  
And to's his right reverend Bride.  
Now gentlemen scrapers you may be gone:  Ex. music. Enter Vasco( dressing himself.) Vas. 
My good friends, a certain salt shower should have  
Seasoned your feathers, had not my luck been  
To marry with one that consumes all her moisture  
In thume, a mere Egyptian cloud for drought.  Altest. 
But why so soon abroad? Vasco are these  
A bridegroom's hours? thou art as early up  
As creditors i'th' term.  Fri. 
Or Sergeants when  
The needy gallant means to steal a journey.  Trist. 
And they prevent it by arresting his innocent horse.  Vas. 
Business at Court; but Gentlemen this is  
A resurrection to me, believe't  
I'm risen from the dead, from bones more dusty  
Than theirs that did begin their sleep beneath  
A marble Coverlet some thousand years ago.  Enter Widow, and Lelia. Altest. 
Alas poor Vasco! widow's can strangely mortify.  Wid. 
Put Dates and Amber in the gruel Lelia,  
And let it boil long.  Lel. 
And shall I make the Poultice straight, and send  
Your other hood forsooth to be new lined?  Wid. 
First stay till you have ripped my velvet muff,  
I'll have that lining serve.  Vas. 
She's risen too; pure soul,  
Devotion and Aches keep her still waking.  Wid. 
How do you Sir? we must comfort one another.  Vas. 
There is need of't, no mariner ere had  
A wors●●ight in a storm.  Altest. 
〈◊〉 is usage Vasco will hardly mollify  
Her Iron Chest, and make her bags open.  Vas. 
Nay, drop reg've ta'en order for her wealth if she  
Would be so courteous now to die.  Altest. 
Believe me, you'll find her very obstinate  
Touching that point; 'tis true, a woman that  
Had the least dram of kindness or of reason  
Would for her husband's benefit depart  
This transitory at a minute's warning,  
Make a low curtsy, take her leave and die,  She listens. 
With less noise than flies forsake us in a frost.  Vas. 
Ay, you speak of kind reasonable women,  
Alas she's of another mould; she'd think't  
A strange request if I should urge it to her,  
Though it be evidently for my good.  Fri. 
What is't for her to die once? alas,  
She knows well she hath eight lives more to come.  Altest. 
Frivolo says right. I think captain 'twere fit  
You make a motion to her; see how 'twill work.  Vas. 
Never Gentlemen; if her own good nature  
Will not persuade her to't, let her e'en live  
Till she be thought so much a Ghost, that the state  
Command her take a house in a churchyard,  
And never walk but at midnight.  Wid. 
What do they say Lelia?  Lel. 
Forsooth devising for your worships good.  Wid. 
Kind heart! methinks you are not merry Sir.  Vas. 
Who, I? as jovial as a condemned man I.  Wid. 
Will you fit down and eat a little broth?  Vas. 
I shall be cawdled like a haberdasher's wife  
That lies inn of her first child; but methinks  
Upon a stricter view you look not well,  
Your blood absents itself, are you not faint?  Altest. 
Ay, and her eyes shrink, and retire into  
Their melancholy cells; your breath smells somewhat  
Of earth too, but 'tis nor much.  Fri. 
By'rlady but take heed, my Grandam thus  
Was taken spinning at her wheel, and died  
So quickly( as they say) as one would wish.  Trist. 
drop reg've seen a corpse look better in a shroud.  
If you have any business now with heaven  
'Twere fit your prayers were short, for I much fear  
You'll not have breath enough to utter it.  Wid. 
'Tis more than I feel; look I so ill Lelia?  Lel. 
As you were wont forsooth, most strange and ugly.  Wid. 
Come, lead me in: pray husband do not grieve,  
'tis but a sit that ever takes me once  
In fifty years: but weep hot, 'twill away.  Vas. 
Every tear shall be as big as a turnip  
When I weep; the good pox comfort you, Wench  
Follow the game close, still breath death to her.  Lel. 
Warrant you sir, I cannot do a better  
Deed than put her in mind still of her end.  Exit Widow and Lelia. Vas. 
Marry a widow, and be coffined up  
With clouts and a skeleton? by this day,  
I lay last night locked in surgeon's box;  
Compared unto her bed, a Pothecaries b'ing  
Is a Venetian couch, and canopy.  Alte. 
Those that seek gold, must dig for it in mines.  Vas. 
Well my camp companions, what think you now  
O'th' court? I am sent for thither to take charge  
Of what is yet the moiety of a miracle.  
But you are all content to thrive, to jet  
And strut like lustful Turkeys with your plumes spread.  Altest. 
'tis not amiss; my good Lord Frivilo,  
I kiss your soft hands; noble sir keep on  
Your Cordovan, I swear your glove is a  
Preferment, 'bove the merit of my lips.  Fri. 
You cherish my ambition sir— seignior  Tristan? 
your professed slave: I pray keep on  
Your way, I'd rather build another wall  
Than to dishonour you by taking this.  Trist. 
Believe it sir, both hands must be cut off  
Ere I mistake to place you near the left.  Vas. 
This practice will do well, follow apace,  
I must with speed to Caladine.  Exeunt. Enter Evandra, Caladine. Evan. 
'Tis strange, it seems he knows me not, and that  
The falsely, kind Melora wears my name  
He speaks as if her life he tendered more  
Than mine, it is a mistake I fain would cherish.  Cal. 
I did not think the stock of nature could,  
In this her colder age, be rich enough  
To store the world with two such beauties that  
Together take their growth, and flourishing,  
And this unto my instant judgement seems  
( If such amazing forms admit of difference)  
The more exact, but that the blood & stile  
Of Princess makes the other claim our reverence  
As well as love, and for Alvaro's sake, I wish  
I could procure that she might live.  Evan. 
I have considered what you told me sir,  
And though the Princess through a fond excess  
Of love, would hasten a calamity  
That all the world must grieve and wonder at,  
Yet I could give her reason an excuse,  
For I myself to ease her sufferance  
Could willingly endure the same.  Cal. 
It ripens more, and swifter than my hopes  
Design; you reach at an ambition Lady,  
So great and good, my wonder interrupts  
My language still, I cannot praised enough.  
Can such a virtuous courage dwell in your sex?  Evan. 
If you uprightly love her and the Prince,  
( Whose care she is) straight lead me to the Duke,  
And try how real my professions are.  Cal. 
Forgive the office you invite me to,  
Which by the hopes of my religion could  
My life excuse, I should esteem't too cheap  
An offering; this, Lady, is the fatal way—  Evan. 
Melora, now my fortune is above  
Thy art, and I shall equal thee in love.  Exeunt. Enter Duke( with Letters) Vasco, Altesto, Frivolo, Tristan, Attendants. Duke. 
Again in low petitionary stile  
He begs me by these letters to release  
His daughter, and doth proffer sums so vast  
To ransom her, as would o'ercome the covetous:  
But I have sent him such denial, with  
Disdain, as must distract and break his heart.  
Vasco, you've heard how ill I am obeyed  
By these presumed smooth traitors of the Court,  
And I have chosen you to show a duty  
Fitting the stricter discipline of war,  
To actuate all my will with instant diligence.  Vas. 
You must enjoin me sir commands that are  
Most horrid, and unnatural, when I  
Prove slow, or faint to execute.  Duke. 
If these your officers and friends become  
Disloyal to your will, you may provide  
The rack and tortures to enforce 'em too't.  Va. 
If their own appetites will not persuade.  
There is small hope from punishment.  
Mark sir, that whey-faced fellow in the red,  
The Rack is his delight, and gives him as  
Much ease, as when he's stretched with laziness  
And a cool morning's sleep.  Duke. 
Is't possible!  Vas. 
drop reg've seen him suffer the strappado thrice,  
Hang in this politic posture in the air,  
As he were studying to circumvent nature,  
And no sooner down but calls for a wench.  Duk. 
I know you have the skill to govern them.  
Be sure that Prospero's house be diggd until  
The pinnacles and the foundations meet.  
Unless they deal by sorcery and charms,  
I'll find these buried lovers out, and my  
False son the Prince, that covets darkness more  
Than blessed light, or my respect.  Vas. 
I do not like this business should concern  
The Prince; although the rack be somewhat out  
Of season with my old bones, for his sake  Enter Melora and Servant. 
I shall become a parcel traitor too.  Mel. 
I feared that Caladine delaying his  
Return so long, might frustrate all my glory;  
And how Evandra's skill might work with him  
Was dangerous. I do not see her here.  Ser. 
Pray heaven my Master do not check my forwardness  
T'obey your will; he meant you should keep home.  Melo. 
My presence here will make his benefit;  
I told thee so before; trust my excuse in thy behalf.  Duk. 
What lady's that?  Melo. 
One that to pleasure you with a revenge,  
Present myself to execution, with  
As liberal joy, as to the marriage priest.  
And when I name myself Evandra, you  
Will know enough to satisfy your wrath.  Duke. 
Is the beloved Bird flown from the dark cage?  
Their magic was not strong enough to hinder destiny,  
And you will find small amorous pity in  
My frozen age. My guard cease on her straight.  Enter a Guard, and bind her. Altest. 
Vasco, this is Melora my prisoner?  Vas. 
Peace devil, peace, thou wilt destroy brave mysteries.  
A noble girl; I conceive all; now would  
My gracious widow be burnt to charcoal  
Ere she had brain, or nature for a plot  
Like this; I could eat her, and her clothes too,  
By this hand, her very shoes were a rare mess.  Melo. 
If you expect to find me here a lowly suitor,  
'tis but to hasten sir your glad content  
With a dispatch upon my life, and that  
The Prince may be ●ton'd unto your love.  Duke. 
Her spirit seems to stir my manhood more  
Than it astonisheth my sense. I am  
Resolved to farther your desires( brave dame)  
With all the help of cruelty and haste.  Enter Caladine and Evandra. Cal. 
Death slave, what make you here? the Princess too?  
Why did you give her liberty?  Serv. 
She told me sir, it was with your consent.  Cal. 
She hath ore'reached my skill, I am undone.  Duke. 
Stay Caladine, another prize? come back  
And render me that Lady's name.  Evan. 
He knows it not; my name's Evandra sir.  Mel. 
I fear I am deprived of my intent.  Duke. 
We must to Delphos sure t'untie these doubts  
And wonders with an Oracle.  Evan. 
Do not believe that Lady sir, she hath  
Beguiled me of my name, and is so sick  
And fond with an improper love, she would  
Betray herself unto a pain, she knows  
Not how to merit nor endure like me.  Mel. 
O Sir, I find her language is most apt  
And powerful to persuade, but let your faith  
Consider my affections too.  Evan. 
Why dost thou let thy kindness wrong we thus,  
Undoing thy Religion with thy love?  Mel. 
'Tis you confer the Injury, that will  
Not suffer me to die in peace.  Vas. 
Rare wenches both; all this is for the Prince.  Duke. 
Though small inquiry would discover soon  
Who justifies the truth, yet I will end  
The difference so as shall afford you equal joy,  
And not endanger a mistake in me;  
Convey them to the Fort, they shall both die.  The Guard lays hold on them. Vas. 
Hath this Duke buried all his goodness in's  
Reverge! sure he is libd, he hath certainly  
No masculine business about him.  Duke. 
Lead them away.  Cal. 
I'll follow too, and mourn the obsequy  
Ere ceremonious death make it complete.  Mel. 
Forgive this emulation( Madam) you  
Shall know a cause that will invite you to't.  Evand. 
Poor Melora! I pity not myself but thee  Exeunt Cal. Evand. Mel. and Guard. Duke. 
Now let my Son, and's Minion Prospero  
( Rebellious as himself) resign toth' Fiends  
Their dark and hidden tenements again,  
Come forth free and secure, for since they valued death  
As a delight they shall not suffer it;  
Go straight proclaim their next appearance safe,  
For it will pleasure me they should stand by  
To see, and not be able to resist, the justice of revenge.  Vas. 
Sure revenge is a strange kind of Lechery;  
How it hath altered him!  Duke. 
Vasco, now the enchanted house may stand;  
But be you here to morrow with some strength  
To guard their execution from impediments  
Of rage, or pity; they shall suffer early.  Exit. Vas. 
I thank your grace for any employment.  
Altesto, art thou a rogue?  Altest. 
A little( Sir) infected with your company.  Vas. 
Art thou so very a rogue, if I command.  
Thee from the Duke, to cut off these Lady's heads,  
Thou'lt whet the Axe thyself, and doit with the  
Dexterity of a Fleming?  Altest. 
I will see thy head in a leathern case first,  
Kicked in a football match from goal to goal.  Vas. 
Why I thank thee; what say you Frivolo,  
Wenches and Surgeons have cost you dear,  
Have you remorse enough to do't?  Fri. 
drop reg've a mind rather to rebel, break shops  
Open, and make choice of my silks, without  
Taking notice( sir) of the mercer's book.  Trist 
Such wholesome business would more take me too  
Than cutting off poor Lady's heads, unless  
Your fair widow ( Vasco) come in my reach,  
I could behead her for her left ear ring,  
Though it be but an agate set in Copper.  Vas. 
Come let's to bed; the Sun to morrow will  
Rise black, or I shall think him a dull insensible  
Planet, and deserves no more adoration than a farthing candle.  Exeunt. Enter Leonel, Alvero, Prospero. Leon. 
Sir, you have heard how she betrayed me to  
A Vow, and with what cruel menacings  
My Sister and herself petitioned heaven  
T'assist their curses in a punishment  
Upon my afterlife, if I were perjured by  
A breach of what my promise did assure.  Alva. 
It was a vow no less unkind than rare,  
T'imprison us that had no cause nor will  
To do a noble stranger injury;  
But I have learned a tame Philosophy,  
Persuades me to forgive all but myself.  Pro. 
How comes the date of your strict vow expired,  
And that you now afford us liberty?  
Which if my memory be just, you said  
She did enjoin you should not be, ere she  
Was gone to suffer death.  Leon. 
Sir, she is gone, my Sister too; one that  
Attends by your command these hidden walks  
In breathless haste just now distilled the poisonous news  
Through my sick ear.  Alva. 
Gone? and to die? adorned  
( Me thinks) like to an ancient sacrifice  
With flowers, which are not sure the issue of  
The spring, but of her beauty, and her breath.  Pro. 
Would I had patience to endure calamities  
Like this! but I'm forbid by my galld heart;  
Why did you keep us limited and locked  
I'th' Cave when we had power to hinder her  
Departure, and her death? 'twas a bold crime.  Leon. 
Sir, I have hope I gained your pardon when  
I mentioned the misfortune of my vow.  Pro. 
I understand not such injurious vows:  
Thou lov'dst her Leonel, and through the pride  
Of envy couldst not yield, since thy own hopes  
Grew faint, that mine should ere be prosperous;  
Therefore with cunning willingness endured  
Her desperate fally to the Duke.  Leon. 
That I did love her sir is a most true  
And fitting glory to proclaim; but that  
I'm guilty of so base a slander as  
Your rashness hath devised provokes me to  
A rage that may prove dangerous: reclaim  
Your thoughts, and teach them more civility.  Pro. 
The Prince grows solemn with his grief, lest we  
Disturb him let's retire aside, and I'll  
Whisper such reasons to thee as shall want  
No courage to be truths, though they inflame.  They walk aside. Alva. 
Fountains that ever weep have in their tears  
Some benefit, they cool the parched earth,  
And cherish a perpetual growth; the sad  
Arabian tree that still in balmy drops  
Dissolves her life, doth yield for others help  
A medicine in those tears: but trivial man  
Though he hath sense to mourn, may weep and melt  
His injured eyes to viewless air, yet all  
Th' expense affords is vainly to discern  
His mourning gives his sorrows life, and length,  
But not the guiltless cause a remedy.  lies down. Leon. 
My Lord, I stayed upon the garden Mount,  
And in the heat of my impatience was  
So kind, much to lament your tardiness;  
But now I must have leave to think one that  
Delights to heap up wrongs, hath fury more  
To dare than do.  Pro. 
Were this a Temple, and the Prince  
Employed i'th' reverend business of a Priest,  
I could not suffer such a boast from one  
That I have used with so much clemency  
In fight— defend thy life, or it is mine.  ( They draw and fight) Leon. 
Are you so masterly— again— I find  
No lightning in your eyes, nor in your sword.  Pros. 
You have the skill, but I'll distemper it—  Alva. 
Hold, hold, eager and silly ministers  
Of wrath, is this a time to bleed, when e'er  
The morning sun uncloud his pensive face,  
There will be streams of blood let out enough  
To make him drink till he be sick with sacrifice?  
Give me thy sword. How Prospero? are my  
Commands grown wearisome and cold—  Pros. 
There sir— I'm still rebuked like to a boy.  Alva. 
How long shall I direct thy temper to  
A gentle and a soft demean ere thou  
Grow wise, and mild Enough to govern it?  
Let me entreat you sir, to sheathe your weapon too.  Leo. 
Sir, you are worthy to command; and know  
I wear it for my guard, not insolence.  Pros. 
I am appointed all my actions still,  
As my stupidity made me not fit  
To know, but suffer injuries.  Alva. 
Why dost thou frown? the sullen wrinkles on  
A lion's brow carry a grace, 'cause they  
Become a beast, but he that can discern  
The nobleness of valour should be smooth  
As Virgins in their bridal ornaments.  Pros. 
Sir, I am taught; how e'er my senses are  
Not so mistaken and so weak, but that  
They know him false; he loved Evandra.  Alva. 
Is that a crime? thou toldest me in the cave  
Thou lov'dst her too.  Pros. 
I ne'er durst tell you so,  
Till you discerned my passions, and enforced  
A true discovery of their hidden cause.  Alva. 
But I esteemed it for a virtue known,  
And it endeared thee more to my respect.  
Pray tell me sir, did you love Evandra?  
And with a heart sincere as she deserved?  Leon. 
Sir, the confession may be honour, but  
No shame I did, and with a fervency  
Upright as my Religion could produce.  Alva. 
O what a prompt and warm delight I feel  
When others reason are inclined unto  
My choice? 'tis strange the senseless world should so  
Mistake the privilege of love, the best  
Of objects! heaven affects plurality  
Of worshippers, t'adore and serve, whilst we  
In that chief hope are glad of Rivalship;  
And why should Ladies then that imitate  
The upper beauty most to mortal view,  
Be barred a numerous address? or we  
Envy each others lawful, though ambitious aim?  
Come, join your hands, and seal a friendship here,  
Good as inviolate, lasting as truth.  Leo. 
You give my wishes sir, a full content.  Pros. 
I want the skill to promise sir, but I'll  
Perform all your desires with noble saith.  Alva. 
And now let me embrace you both, for we  
Are lovers all, though when the morn must rise  
To see and blush at th'actions of the world,  
Like sad distressed Turtles we shall want  
Our mate, than we may sit and mourn beneath  
The willow that ore'shaddowes every brook,  
There weep, till we are vanished quite in tears  
T'increase the stream, whose senseless murmurings  
Will be excused hereafter in our cause.  Pros. 
O that my heart would be the officer  
Of death unto itself, and break without  
My irreligious help; my life is tired.  Leo. 
And I have thoughts so wild, so much unsafe,  
They would be sin in utterance, as in act.  Alva. 
Give me your hands; with a slow funeral pace  
we'll move, to see this dismal tragedy.  
Let's bear it bravely, like such lovers as  
Have reason can persuade their courage to  
Attempt things bold and fit; whilst there was hope,  
We cherished it with proffer of our lives,  
But now the strength of Armies cannot free  
Her from my father's wrath; nay, hand in hand—  
To show this truth in loves Philosophy,  
That as one object equally allures  
Th'ambition of our hope, so we not interchange  
Malignant thoughts; but several lovers, like  
Strange Rivers that to the same Ocean trace,  
Do when their torrents meet, curl and embrace.  Exeunt.  

Act. 5. Scaena. 1.  Enten 2. ambassadors with letters, Caladine, Vasco, Altesto, Frivolo. Cal. 
Your Letters merit to have power on my  
Respect and diligence; I shall afford  
You both; but when I bring you to the Duke  
'Tis to be feared you'll find the privilege  
Of all my favour there is lost.  1 Emb. 
Access and audience Sir is all our hopes  
Presume to get, the times befriend us not.  2 Emb. 
We had swift notice of these Lady's danger;  
And Sir, how e'er it prove, your wishes must  
Oblige us to a lasting gratitude.  Altest. 
What are these strangers Vasco, that envy  
Our sleep, and wake us before day?  Vas. 
Ambassadors from Milan, whose hopes want  
Some cordial water, for they're very sick.  Cal. 
Vasco, it is the Duke's command that you  
Assemble straight some strength from the cast Regiments  
To guard the palace yard.  Vas. 
What need it Sir? to my knowledge the two Ladits have no  
Other weapons than Bodkins, and their nails  
Close pared; besides, a thread of Eglantine,  
Or a small wood been stalk, will setter them  
As fast as Cables of a galley-gross.  Cal. 
I but deliver what I had in charge.  
My Lord's ambassadors this is your way.  1 Emb. 
These preparations are severe; I doubt  
His mind will not be easily reclaimed.  2 Emb. 
You see the generous people like it not.  Exeunt. Emb. and Cal. Vas. 
Altesto, go and muster up from all  
The Lanes and Alleys in the Town a troop  
Of fine fleet rogues, such as will turn their backs  
To a bullet and outrun it, yet love  
Commotion too, I would have such Altesto,  Fri. 
Let me furnish you; hell shall not yield a Regiment  
Of Fiends that will be more invisible  
At the approach of Justice or Religion.  Altest. 
O for a tiny short trussed Bakes that  
I knew; A Carman too, that died some three  
Months since with eating meazled pork; they would  
Have Marched to such a war with cowlstaff and  
Baton like Hercules.  Enter Tristan( leading the Widow) and Lelia. Vas. 
How now? whither move you so fast, like a  
Fleet snail over a cabbage leaf, so early too?  
She sleeps less than carriers, traitors, or Madmen.  Tri. 
She requests me to be the staff of her age.  Vas. 
But whither I pray?  Wid. 
Why sir, to see the show.  Vas. 
The show! the motion of Queen Guinivers death  
Acted by puppets would please you as well;  
The Jade too is as full of remorse as  
A bear that wants his supper.  Wid. 
I would have a safe place, where I may stand  
And weep without having my handkerchief  
Stolen away.  Lel. 
It is of pure cambric forsooth,  
And made of her Grandmothers wedding Apron.  Wid. 
Yes truly, and wrought when I was a maid.  Altest. 
That's an antiquity beyond all record.  Vas. 
Sirrah Tristan, be you sure you avoid  
No throng; a crowd well shuffled, and close packed,  
May do now a special courtesy;  
Let her be squeezed, for she's as rotten as  
A hollow tree that stands without a root.  Trist. 
My shoulder shall help too at a dead lift.  Fri. 
A Scaffold that were weakly built would serve.  Wid. 
We must make haste; farewell lamb.  Exeunt. Trist. Wid. Lel. Vas. 
Lamb, which my own translation renders calf.  Altest. 
'Twill be long ere thou grow up to a bull:  
For few will venture to help thee to horns.  Vas. 
Well Gentlemen pity my case, I have  
Endured another night would tire a Perdu,  
More than a wet furrow and a great frost.  Fri. 
Will she not die?  Vas. 
I have persuaded her, but still in vain;  
And all the help the Laws afford us poor  
Mistaken men, that marry gold instead  
Of flesh, is a divorce, it must be thought  
On suddenly; Altesto, haste to your charge.  Altest. 
Good morrow Cavaliers.  Vas. 
'Twill be an hour yet before that greeting  
Be in season; pray heaven Tristan remember the crowd.  Exeunt. Enter Alvero, Prospero, Leonel. and Boy( to sing.) Alva. 
This glorious hazard in thy sister ( Leonel)  
Doth equally perplex my sufferance  
With what the fair Evandra must endure.  Leo. 
You now have heard the cheerful Art she used  
To be the first that should confirm her love  
With prostitution of her virgin life.  Alva. 
But why for me? how poor they make me now,  
That have betra'yd me to a debt the wealth  
Of Saints( that are in kindness ever rich)  
Is not of able value to discharge;  
I love them both with equal flame, and I  
Distinguish neither's beauty when compared;  
'Tis virtue and remorse give Ladies eminence  
In the severe discretion of my heart.  Pro. 
I want the wisdom how to love; but I  
Am sure I find I love, and 'tis too much  Alva. 
Come sing; would music had the power to give  
A life, as it hath had to move things dead.  

Song.  

O draw your curtains and appear, Ere long, like sparks that upward fly,  
We can but vainly say you were, So soon you'll vanish from the eye.   

And in what Star we both shall find( For sure you can't divided be)  
Is not to lover's Art assigned, 'Twill puzzle wise Astrology.    Enter Evandra, and Melora, above. Evan. 
Who is it that assumes the office of  
The dying Swan? all music now( Methinks)  
Is obsequy, and he that sings should sing his death.  Mel. 
The gentle and most valiant Prince, bold Prospero.  Evan. 
And there behold the faithful Leonel.  Leon. 
O pardon me that I have kept my vow.  Evan. 
Brave youth! I prize thy truth great as thy love;  
We now are marked here, and enclosed for death,  
So you have all a blessed liberty.  Alva. 
A liberty? we are more bound than slaves unto  
Th' unwieldy oar; like harnessed cattle in  
A team, we draw a load of sorrow after us  
That tires our strength.  Evan. 
There was no way but this  
To keep you still among the living, who  
Before endeavoured nobly to procure  
Our freedom with your deaths; do not repine  
At destiny, all remedy is past.  Alva. 
A fatal truth; for we but now dejected on our knees  
Did woo my father's mercy, and in vain.  Mel. 
Then strive not by untimely rage to help  
And further our impossible release  
With certain hazard of yourselves; our last  
Suit is, we may begin our willing death  
As quietly as undisturbed sleep.  Evan. 
The silly crime of envy which unlearned  
And haughty Lovers use, I shall prevent;  
You'll want the object now, that makes you interchange  
The vexed remembrance of each others claim.  Alva. 
Were you to live we could not share that guilt;  
Though number make us three, wise love hath given  
Us all one peaceful heart.  Evan. 
O Melora! were it but timely now  
To wish continuance of mortality,  
Like them, we should not differ though the same  
One virtue were our mutual hope and choice;  
But you should chide her sir, for she hath loved  
Your happiness too much, vainly to lose  
Her life when mine would satisfy.  Alva. 
Why Melora didst thou undo my soul  
With so strange courtesy? but why did you  
Evandra? stay, o stay, leave us not yet.  Evan. 
The Guard are entered here, and now the last  
And shortest of our hours is come; farewell  
Brave Prince; brave Leonel farewell; farewell brave Prospero.  Mel. 
The gentle valiant Prince  
Farewell; and valiant Leonel farewell;  
Farewell the hardy Prospero Ex. from above.  Leon. and Pro. draw their swords. Alva. 
Nay, stir not Gentlemen, it is in vain,  
They are beyond all human help; would you  
Scale heaven, and cool the saucy Sun with your  
Frail breath when he doth scorch you with his beams?  
For such is now the enterprise that strives  
To rescue them from this high Fort.  Leon. 
Would I were in a Cannon charged, then straight  
Shot out to batter it, and be no more.  Pro. 
Would all the stones might be ordained my food  
Till I could eat their passage out.  Alva. 
These angry exaltations show but poor.  Pro. 
Sir, whither shall we go?  Alva 
To see them die; but not like vain and choleric boys, to show  
A fury that can hazard none but our  
Disdained swords; yet still my worthy friends  
There is an undertaking left, and such  
As valiant lovers may perform; why should  
The base and dirty Guard be honoured with  
Our opposition or our blood? have we  
Not grief enough to die without their help?  
Let us with fixed and watery eyes behold  
These Ladies suffer, but with silence still,  
Calmly like pinioned doves, and when we see  
The fatal stroke is given, swell up our sad  
And injured hearts until they break.  Leon. 
I do not find myself unapt for this.  Pro. 
My breast contains an angry lump that is  
Too stubborn for a quiet bravery;  
He that shall strike Evandra's life shall feel  
Me till he sink low as the hollowness where devils dwell.  Alva. 
This way; let us avoid the gazing multitude.  Exeunt. Enter Duke, Caladine, Vasco, 2 ambassadors, and Attendants. Du. 
Have you unto your Officers given charge  
To guard the passage from the Fort unto  
The palace yard with bold well-governed men?  Vas. 
All is directed Sir as you command;  
But for their government, if it be to be had  
In prisons, galleys, or stews, you may  
Trust them with a mutiny.  Cal. 
His resolution's fi'xd, and there remains  
No comfortable sign to flatter hope.  Du. 
My Lord's ambassadors sit down; and though  
You now behold a Prince that rather loves  
To be thought cruel than to break his vow,  
Do not believe to be severely just  
Is tyranny; you shall have fair admittance,  
Yet your request unkindly ought to be  
Denied; and though your Master( when the chance  
Of war rendered my brother in his power)  
Stole in the dark his noble life, and durst  
Not give the wrathful act a general view;  
I'm not ashamed to publish my revenge,  
It shall be openly performed, to show  
I not suspect men's censure or dislike.  1 Emb. 
Sir, he that ministers revenge may hurt  
And damage others, but can bring no good  
Or real profit to himself.  2 Emb. 
And with your highness' leave, we think it were  
More wise to mulct our Master's treasure, which  
Shall be exhausted freely to your own  
Proportion and content, so you will take  
His Daughter and her loved companion from  
The danger of this day.  Enter Evandra, Melora, Guard, at one door: Alvero, Prospero, Leonel, at the other. Du. 
I will not sell my brother's blood;  
The prisoners approach; make room; ere long  
They shall enjoy the liberty of souls;  
Vasco, lend me thine ear.  whispers. Alva. 
How beautiful is sorrow when it dwells  
Within these Lady's eyes? so comely, that it makes  
Felicity in others seem deformed.  
I wish my patience may be strong enough.  Leon. 
I now begin to doubt I am not fit  
To see their hazard and endured.  Pro. 
Nor I; my loyalty already stirred  
Beyond the temperate sufferance of a man.  Du. 
Thou seest the Prince wears trouble in his locks;  
Though any opposition he can make  
Be but impertinent and weak, yet charge  
Thy Officers, if he endeavour to  
Disturb my will, imprison him i'th' Fort.  Vas. 
I shall observe him Sir; I do not like  
This employment; the Prince will find no  
Enemies in all my tribe.  Du. 
If you have any words from Milan that  
Imports their knowledge, ere they die, be brief  
My Lord's ambassadors; I give you leave  
To whisper your affair, or if you please,  
To make it public to the world.  1 Emb. 
Your cruel resolution's sir, have so  
Confined our liberality, that all  
We shall deliver to Evandra now  
Is but her Fathers and her country's tears,  
And those we can by deputation pay  
To the indang'ring of our eyes.  2 Emb. 
And to Melora, that in kindness thus  
Hath shared her destiny, we do confer  
The world's eternal wonder and applause.  Evan. 
It will deprive me of some joy in death, to think  
My Father needs must suffer by a vain  
Unprofitable grief, and 'tis the last  
Request I make, that he would wisely now  
Forget my obsequies and name.  Mel. 
And my desires make suit, that those who shall  
Hereafter write the business of this day  
May not believe I suffer for the hope  
Of glorious Fame, but for a secret in my hidden love.  1 Emb. 
Question your justice Sir, must they both die?  Du. 
Both; and I think my payment is but short,  
When I consider well the measure of  
My brother's worth, with their unvalued Sex,  
And wish some man that boasts your Master's blood  
Were singly here to undergo their fate,  
It would more pleasure my revenge, but since  
There is no hope in that desire, away, lead them to death.  Leon. 
Stay Sir, reprieve them but one minutes space  
Until you hear a stranger speak.  Alva. 
What means this noble youth?  Du. 
Be sudden in thy speech, for my revenge brooks no delay.  Leon. 
If I produce a man allied unto this Family you so abhor,  
Great as yourself in title and descent,  
Will you with solemn vow confirm their liberty,  
And take his life to satisfy your wrath?  Du. 
By th' honour of a Prince's faith I will;  
And such a miracle would ravish me.  Leon. 
I dare believe your vow, you were so just  
Though cruel in your last, and know my joys  
Must take the privilege to boast you now  
Have lost the power to make them die.  Duk. 
It shall be wonderful if that prove true.  Leo. 
I am not Leonel the Milan Knight,  
But Leonel the Duke of Parma's Son,  
Heir to his fortune and his fame.  Evan. 
O Melora! thy brother will reveal  
Himself and quite undo our glorious strife.  Leo. 
By this you find I am to Milan near  
Allied; but more to tempt your fury on  
My life, know 'twas my valiant Father took  
Your brother prisoner, and presented him  
Where he received his death; my Father that  
So oft hath humbled you in war, and made  
His victories triumph almost upon  
The ruins of your State.  Alva. 
So young, and filled with thoughts so excellent,  
That they surprise my wonder more than love!  
Well mayest thou worship, Prospero, but dar'st not envy him.  Pro. 
B'ing your Disciple Sir,  
I'm better taught; but 'tis no crime to wish  
Fortune had made me heir of Parma and  
Not him, than I had died for them.  Vas. 
This is some comfort yet; I'm for the Ladies.  Cal. 
But' thath not given our sorrows a full cure.  Du. 
Sir you are boldest with yourself; but you  
Shall see I need no provocation to  
Observe my vow; unbind the Ladies there,  
And bear him straight to death.  1 Emb. 
Stay Sir, he must not die.  Du. 
How? age and grief makes thee a fool, and mad.  1 Em. 
He must not Sir, if your revenge be wise,  
And fix your anger where 'tis most deserved;  Takes off a false beard. 
Behold Milan himself your Enemy;  
Live princely youth, and let my years( which time  
Would soon determine) be the ransom of  
My chiefest blood; Evandra do not weep.  Evan. 
O Sir, there was less use of me; why would  
You with this danger on yourself destroy  
That noble fame I virtuously pursued?  Mel. 
Our hope of endless glory now is lost.  Alva. 
Sure heaven intends more blessings to this day.  Du. 
I have achieved my wishes in full height;  
This was a justice sir, more than I could  
Expect from my own Stars; free Leonel  
And let him suffer the prepared stroke.  2 Emb. 
First hear me speak, and fir how ever you'll  
Interpret the discretion of my words  
I am resolved he shall not die, nor none  
Of these, though all in your command and power.  Vas. 
Sayst thou so old Shaver? make but that good,  
The maids of Savoy shall everlastingly  
Pay thee tribute in dainty gloves and Nosegays  
To stick in thy girdle.  Du. 
This were a mystery would please indeed.  2 Emb. 
Look on me well: I am your brother Sir;  ( Pulls off a false beard) 
And though ten years I have been hidden from  
Your sight, this noble Duke hath used me so,  
I cannot call it banishment, but the  
Retired and quiet happiness of life.  Alva. 
How wisely have the heavens contrived this joy!  1 Emb. 
And though his fortune in the war, which made  
Your Armies ever flourish with success,  
Taught me prevent my country's ruin by  
Detaining him from your employment there,  
Yet he enjoyed all the delights that solitude  
Affords: and when he chose his happiness  
In Books and deep Discourses of the learned,  
I searched the most remote and knowing world  
For men to furnish his desires.  2 Emb. 
It is acknowledged sir, and with a bounteous thanks.  Duk. 
How welcome are these miracles? let me  
Embrace thee as the greatest joy that since  
My birth I have received. O my loved brother,  
Thou seeest though absent drop reg've been faithful to  
Thy virtues, and thy memory.  2. Emb. 
But sir, too strict a master of your vow;  
Yet 'tis a fault my gratitude should more  
Admire with thankfulness, than chide.  Duk. 
This happy day deserves a place supreme  
And eminent i'th' Kallander.  2. Emb. 
First I will give into your courteous arms  
The Duke of Milan sir, good & renowned;  
And now the bold and princely Leonel;  
Then Alvero my honoured nephew that  
Deserves the best of human praise and love.  The Duke embraces them. Alva. 
Dread sir, that every one may share the joy  
And blessings of this precious hour, let me  
Restore poor Prospero into your breast.  Duk. 
He shall be cherished and his faults forgiven.  Pros. 
I shall deserve it sir in future deeds  
Of honour, and of loyal faith; how I  
Am raped to see those wonders strangely thrive?  Vas. 
What think you of the stars now Caladine?  
Do these small twinkling Gentlewomen  
Look to their business well? have they a care of us?  Cal. 
It is beyond our merit or our hope.  Vas. 
I'll buy me an optic, study astrology,  
And visit 'em every fair night o'er my house leds.  Duk. 
The chiefest happiness of virtue is  
Th'increase, which to procure, with Hymen's help  
we'll knit, and intermingle lovers hearts.  
Come my Alvero, I'll bestow thee straight.  Melo. 
A little patience sir, and hear me speak  
Before you give what lawfully is mine.  Duk. 
Indeed thou dost deserve him by thy love.  Mel. 
In love Evandra's interest justly  
Doth equal mine, but I appeal unto  
His vow, which sure her goodness will assist.  Alva. 
And my religion shall persuade me keep;  
But where ( Melora) was it made?  Melo. 
Within my father's court, when five years since  
( Disguised you stole to see a triumph there)  
You promised if our houses enmity  
Were ever reconciled, the church should join our hands.  Leon. 
Sir, what my sister speaks I'm witness to,  
And hope this day shall end our parent's strife  
In a kind peace.  Duk. 
Which thus I do confirm;  
Take him Melora, with him all the joys  
Thy virtues or our prayers can procure.  Alva. 
Didst thou for this with kind Evandra strive  
Who should encounter danger first? although  
Thy beauty's changed, it is not lost; I now  
Remember thee, and my vows prophecy.  Embrace. 1. Emb. 
Now my best Evandra give me thy hand;  
And hear receive it valiant Leonel;  
That I may ratify the faith I gave,  
If ere this war expired she should be thine.  Duke. 
Then he may challenge present interest,  
For we may meet to hear voices and lutes,  
But never more the angry Drum.  Evan. 
Alvaro's virtues sir, and yours, have both  
An equal claim; persons I ne'er admired  
So much to make a difference in my choice;  
Therefore my father's promise, and my love  
Have made me yours.  Leon. 
I am o'ercharged with my felicity.  Alv. 
To Evandra, gladness be still renewed,  
Who since I see so worthily bestowed,  
My love is quieted in everlasting rest.  Evan. 
And mine by your exact, and perfect choice.  Pros. 
These glad achievements are so well deserved,  
I not malign your joys; I'll to the war  
And fight to win you a perpetual peace.  Vasco takes Milan aside. Vas. 
I'm bold to crave acquaintance with your grace,  
And to begin it with a suit.  1 Emb. 
It shall be granted Sir.  Vas. 
I have married your grace's countrywoman,  
And was a little( sir) mistaken in her age,  
Would you'd procure us a divorce.  1 Emb. 
If you can make't appear she is too old.  Vas. 
She writes a hundred and ten( Sir) next grass.  1 Emb. 
'Tis a fair age; well Sir, you shall have a divorce,  
And what the profits of her dowry would  
Have been, I will myself bestow on you.  Vas. 
Such another good day makes us all mad.  Du. 
Come, to the Temple, and let's join those hearts.  
That with such pious courage have endured  
The trial of a noble constant faith,  
Whom tortures nor the frowns of death could move.  
This happy day we'll consecrate to love.  Exeunt. 
FINIS.   

PROLOGUE  
But that the tyrant custom bears such sway,  
We would present no Prologue to our Play,  
Since we have learned in Prologues all the scope  
Is with weak words to strengthen weaker hope,  
When with sad solemn phrase we court each ear  
Not to observe, but pardon what you hear:  
Or if there were but one so strangely wise  
Whose judgement strives to please, and trust his  
he at an easy charge we could provoke( eyes,  
To a kind doom with this grave long old cloak.  
Now for the over-subtle few, who raise  
Themselves a trivial fame by a dispraise,  
Our bold opinion is, they may descry  
Some easy wit, but much more cruelty.   

EPILOGUE.  
Troth Gentlemen you must vouchsafe a while  
T' excuse my mirth, I cannot choose but smile,  
And 'tis to think, how like a subtle spy  
Our Poet waits below to hear his destiny;  
Just in the Entry as you pass, the place  
Where first you mention your dislike or grace:  
Pray whisper softly that he may not hear,  
Or else such words as shall not blast his ear.