THE Love-sick Court OR THE Ambitious politic.  
A COMEDY  
Written by Richard Brome:  
Nil mea, ceu mos est, commends carmina curo 
 Se nisi comendent carmina dispereant.  
LONDON, Printed by J. T. for A. C. and are to be sold by Henry Broom, at the Gun in Ivy-lane, 1658.   

PROLOGUE.  
A little wit, less learning, no Poetry  
This Playmaker dares boast: 'tis his modesty.  
For though his labours have not found least grace,  
It puffs not him up or in mind or face,  
Which makes him rather in the Art disclaim  
Bold Licence, than to arrogate a Name;  
Yet to the wit, the scholar, and the Poet,  
Such as the Play is, we must dare to show it  
Our judgements to but too: And without fear  
Of giving least offence to any ear.  
If you find pleasure in't, we boasting none,  
Nor you nor we lose by 'expectation.  
Sometimes at poor men's boards the curious find  
'Mongst homely fare, some unexpected dish,  
Which at great Tables they may want and wish:  
If in this slight Collation you will bind  
Us to believe you 'have pleased your palates here,  
Pray bring your friends w'you next, you know your cheer.   

Drammatis Personae.  

King of Thessaly.  
Philargus, the Prince, supposed Son of the late slain General.  
Disanius Two Lords. Justinius  
Stratocles a Politician.  
Philocles, A young Nobleman son of the late General, and twin with Philargus.  
Euphalus, A Gentleman belonging to the King.  
Geron, A curious Coxcomb and a Scholar.  
Matho, A villain, servant to Stratocles.  
Tersulus, A tailor, servant to Philargus.  
Varillus, A barber, servant to Philocles.  
Eudina, The Princess.  
Themile, Philocles' Mother.  
Placilla, Her Daughter.  
Garula, An old Midwife.  
Doris, Themilis Waiting-woman.  
4. Rustics.   
The Scene THESSALY.   

THE LOVE— SICK COURT.  
OR THE Ambitious politic.  


ACT. 1. SCENE. 1.  Disanius. Justinius. Meeting. _DIs. 
Good morrow my good Lord. How fares the King?  Jus. 
More sick in mind then body, by th'opinion,  
(Not only of the skilful Doctors, but) of all  
That come about him.  Dis. 
I that have not seen him  
Since he was sick, can guess, then at the cause  
Of his distemper. He is sick o'th' subject;  
Th'unquiet Commons fill his head and breast  
With their impertinent discontents and strife.  
The peace that his good care has kept 'em in  
For many years, still feeding them with plenty,  
Hath, like o'er pampered steeds that throw their Masters,  
Set them at war with him. O misery of kings!  
His virtue breeds their vices; and his goodness  
Pulls all their ills upon him. He has been  
Too long too lenitive: A thousand heads  
(Or say a hundred, or but ten) cut off  
Of the most gross ones, the prime, leading heads  
Of theirs a month since, had preserved him better  
Than all his doctors pills can purge him now.  Jus. 
You are too sharp Disanius. There's a means,  
As mild as other of the Kings clear Acts,  
In agitation now, shall reconcile  
All to a common peace no doubt.  Dis. 
What's that Justinius?  Jus. 
Stay: Here comes Stratocles.  Ent. Strat. Dis. 
I fear, in that  
Ambitious pate lies the combustible stuff  
Of all this late commotion.  They confer aside Str. 
Why is man  
Prescribed on earth to imitate the Gods,  
But to come nearest them in power and action?  
That is to be a King! That only thought  
Fills this capacious breast. A King or nothing!  Jus. 
He's deep in meditation.  Dis. 
On no good.  
It is some devilish waking dream affects him.  
I'll put him out— And as I was about  
To say my Lord.  Str. 
What? when Disanius?  Dis. 
About a month since,  
It stick still in my jaws. Be not ambitious,  
Affect not popularity. 'Tis the most  
Notable break-neck in a kingdom.  Str. 
In whom?  Dis. 
I know to whom I speak; would Stratocles  
As well knew who he is, and what he does:  
It would be better for him. Thank me not,  
I wish it for the king and kingdoms good,  
Not yours I do assure you, my great Lord;  
Yet mine own Peer, if you forget me not.  Str. 
You take your time Sir to make me your mirth.  
A time may come—  Dis. 
When you may be my King,  
And then up goes Disanius. Is't not so?  Str. 
Yes, up to Court, to be king Stratocles' fool.  Dis. 
The Court now privileges thee, or I would change  
A cuff with your great Soldiership and popular greatness  
With clowns and Citizens, and Gentry, sprung  
By their late peaceful wealth, out of their dongue.  
But let'em thank our pious King, not you  
That claim (as merit for your service done)  
Their loves and voices.  Jus. 
Cease my Lords this strife.  
The King may hear on't, whose perplexities  
Already are too grievous. Pray be silent,  
The king approaches.  Enter king & Eupathus. Dis. 
we'll attend his entrance.  King. Upon those terms they are come then, Eupathus? Eu. 
Four of the chief in the commotion,  
Upon the engagement of my faith, that you  
Had passed your kingly word for their return  
In safety, I have brought to Court, who wait  
Your present will and pleasure.  King. 
bring'em in.  
Disanius, welcome. I thought well to send for you  
To take a councillor's part of my late cares  
Into your consideration.  Dis. 
I attend  
Your highness' pleasure.  King. 
Nearer good Disanius.  They talk privately. Str. 
Do you deal in secret king? The Commons sent for  
To their examination, and this old  
Antagonist of mine called to confront me,  
And I prepared by no intelligence  
To fit me for th'encounter? Let'em come.  
I must not be denied to stand as fair  
In competition for the Crown as any man  
The King himself elects for his successor;  
The people are mine own through all his parts:  
He may command their knees, but I their hearts.  King. 
Stratocles, Justinius, Disanius sit.  
My lords, although our Laws of Thessaly  
To you, as well as to ourselves, are known,  
And all our customs, yet for orde's sake  
I shall lay open one to you. That is, when  
A king deceaseth without issue male  
(As I unfortunately must) the Commons  
Are to elect their King, provided that  
He be of noble blood, a soldier, and one  
That has done public service for the Crown—  Str. 
That makes for me.  King. 
Or else the son of some  
Great General slain in battle for his country  
(As my Adrastus was.)  Dis. 
O my brave brother!  King. 
Twenty years' sorrow for that soldier's loss  
Has not worn out his memory.  Str. 
Your grace  
Forgets not then Soldiers of fresher fame.  King. 
Some other time to boast good Stratocles.  Dis. 
'twere good you'd hear the king— A general,  
Or a general's son may be elected. There  
Your Majesty left.  King. 
Or if the sonless King  
Yet has a daughter, and he match her in  
His life time to a husband that is noble,  
He stands immediate heir unto the Crown  
Against all contradiction.  Str. 
Now think upon my service, Royal Sir.  Dis. 
Now think upon my Nephews, Royal Master,  
The sons of brave Adrastus, who was slain  
Twenty years since in fighting of your battle.  Str. 
'twere good you would hear the king. The husband of  
Your daughter must be elected. There you left, sir.  King. 
It rests now that a speedy choice be made  
Of a fit husband, one that may acquire  
eudyna's love, and people's approbation,  
The people, (for whose noise I must not rest  
Till my successor be appointed to them)  
Are wild till this election be made:  
They have, in arms, made their demand, and wait  Enter Eupathus 
My present answer.  Dis. 
O here they come. These be the principals 4 rustics.  
The heads, the heads, forsooth they call themselves.  
Head-carpenter, head-smith, head-plowman, & head-shepherd.  Kin. 
Nay, pray approach; & seem no more abashed  
Here then amongst your giddy-headed routs,  they all kneel. 
Where every man's a King, and wage your powers  
'gainst mine in foul defiance. Freely speak  
Your grievance, and your full demand.  1. Rus. 
'tis humbly all expressed in this petition.  2. Rus. 
By all means have a care that, to any question, we give the King good words to his face; He is another manner of man here then we took him for at home.  3. Rus. 
I sweat for't. I am sure I have scarce a dry thread in my leather linings.  4. Rus. 
They made us heads i' the country: But if our headships now, with all our country care should be hanged up at court for displeasing of this good King, for the next Kings good our necks will not be set right a-again in the next king's reign I take it.  1. Rus. 
My head itches to be at home again.  2. Rus. 
My head itches to be at home again.  3. Rus. 
My head and heart both aches for fear. Would  
I were honestly hanged out o'the way to be rid on't.  King 
There you may read my Lords what we before  
Found would be their demand. 'tis for a King  
That must succeed me.  Dis. 
And because you have  
Governed them long in peace, by which they thrive  
Their wisdom would have you entail that piece  
On them for after times; and so they nominate  
Ambitious Stratocles to be your heir.  Str. 
Envious Disanius, my merit is  
Their Motive.  King. 
Cease your strife.— You have stood, more inclined  
To lay your choice on Philocles, or Philargus  
The Twin-born sons of long since slain Adrastus.  1. Rus. 
May't please your Majesty we are informed  
That in their travails unto Delphos, both  
Of them are dead.  Dis. 
That information  
Was merely by suggestion (I dare speak it)  
Insinuated by Stratocles. They both live  
And are upon return.  1. Rus. 
Would we knew that.  
Lord Stratocles then should pardon us. he's a man  
Gracious amongst us. But—  2. Rus. 
Philargus! O—  
Philargus, be he living.  3. Rus. 
I say Philocles.  
Brave Philocles is the man.  Str. 
False, empty weathercocks.  4. Rus. 
I say Lord Stratocles is the man we know  
And aught to honour.  Str. 
There lives yet some hope.  Jus. 
What strange confusions this? Or whither will  
You run by several ways? Philargus one,  
Another Philocles; a third cries Stratocles.  
In this you say you'll have no king at all.  
This must be reconciled, or you pull ruin  
Upon yourselves. He, whom the king is pleased  
To give his daughter to must be your King.  1. Rus. 
All that we crave (and that upon our knees)  
Is, that the king will graciously be pleased  
To make a speedy choice, and give us leave  
With pardon to depart, and signify  
His Royal pleasure to the doubtful countries'.  King. 
tell'em they shall expect, then, but a month,  
In which short time my daughter's marriage  
Shall be consummate.  All Rus. 
The Gods protect your Majesty.  Ex. Rust. King. 
And now, my Lords, the commons being at peace,  
Let me prevail your private jars to cease.  Exeunt omnes.  

ACT 1. SCENE 2.  Eudyna. Thymele weeping. Eud. 
Madam, the cause is mine; 'tis mine to mourn  
In chief, if they be dead. They were your sons,  
'tis true, and though they were your only comforts  
Upon this earth, you but resign to heaven  
The blessings that it lent you. But to me  
They were a pair of equal lovers; and  
By me so equally beloved; and by  
The king my father so 'bove all men respected  
That I by either had been made a Queen,  
Which title I for ever will disclaim  
If they be dead.  Thy. 
O my Philargus. O my Philocles!  
Ye Gods I know they did not seek your Counsels  
Nor dare to approach your altars, but with all  
Due reverence and required ceremony.  
And could your Delphian Oracle, when they  
Were friendly competitioners for love,  
Answer them but with death?  Eud. 
The rumor, Madam,  
Carries so little show of truth, that you  
Do ill to take so deep a sense of it;  
Much worse t'expostulate, as if you had  
An injury done you by the Gods. Have you  
Been from mine infancy my governess,  
And careful councel-giver; and must I  
Find cause to chide you now? come dry these tears.  Enter Garrula. Gar. 
Where's my sweet princess?  
Where's my Lady governess?  Eud. 
O Garrula, welcome. I could never wish  
Thy company more usefully: For thou bring'st  
Some recreation on thy countenance always.  Gar. 
I am glad my countenance pleases you. It may:  
For I have on it now (could you discern'em)  
A thousand joys dancing within these wrinkles  
More than my feeble failing tongue can utter.  
And that's a grief to me 'mong all my joys;  
The failing of the tongue, the tongue, the tongue  
Is a great grief to any woman. But  
To one in years, and well in years, as I am,  
It is a grief indeed, more than the loss  
Of any other member.  Eud. 
But I pray thee  
Let not that grief deprive us of the hearing  
Of, at least, one of thy whole thousand joys.  Gar. 
'tis a report of joy and wonder, princess;  
Enough to make not only you, and you,  
But King and kingdom glad, could I but utter't.  Eud. 
Thou dost speak well enough, and enough too,  
I pray thee tell it.  Thy. 
'tis some feigned stuff  
She hopes to palliate our sorrows with.  Gar. 
'Tis a report, worth more than all the stories  
That I myself have told in childbed chambers,  
To restore spirit to the pallid flesh.  
And I have been a woman as good at it  
(Without vain boast be't spoke) as any she  
In Thessaly, that ere durst undertake  
The office of a Midwife: And that the queen  
Your Mother knew, when I delivered her  
Of the sweet babe (your self.) She is in bliss  
Now in Elysium. But you, Madam Governess,  
Can yet remember good old Garrula,  
That took into the light your twin-born sons,  
And thereby hangs a tale—  Thy. 
What means this woman?  Eud. 
Good Garrula, thy news? thy present story?  Gar. 
'Tis such a story, that could I but utter't  
With volubility of tongue!— But O  
This tongue, that fails me now; for all the helps  
Of Syrups, and sweet sippings. I still go  She sips oft of a bottle ather girdle. 
Provided, as you see, to cherish it.  
And yet it falters with me.  Eud. 
We shall ha''t  
Anon I hope. Placilla, what's your news?  Ent. Placilla. Pla. 
'Tis excellent Madam. And I was ambitious  
To bring you the first taste of it. But if  
Garrula has in that prevented me,  
I can with no less joy relate it yet.  
My brothers are returned, and safe, from Delphos.  Thy. 
Be thou as true as th'Oracle.  Eud. 
Now, Madam.  Pla. 
Mother, 'tis true.  Gar. 
'Tis that I would ha' told you  
Had not my tongue failed me i'th' utterance.  Eud. 
Thy tongue ran fast enough, but lost its way.  Pla. 
Three minutes, Madam, brings'em to your presence.  Eud. 
How is it with you, Madam? Let not joy  
Beget a worse effect than did your fears.  Thym. 'swounds 
Help, Garrula.  Gar. 
Ods pity, what d'ee mean.  
Madam, look up, and speak up too you were best,  
Do you know who talks to you? Speak; and speak well too.  
I shall speak that will be worse for you else.  
Madam, you know, that I know what I know.  Thy. 
I am well I thank you, Garrula.  Gar. 
O are you so?  Eud. 
I have observed that often in her language,  
This chattering Midwife glanceth at the knowledge  
Of some strange hidden thing, which like as with  
A Charm, she keeps my Governess in awe with.  
I guess it but some trifle: For I know  
The Lady is right virtuous; yet it may  
Be worth my inquisition at fit time.  Thy. 
You have felt the comforts of my friendship Garrula,  
And had you common charity, you'd forbear me.  Gar. 
I— done Madam. Be secure. But yet,  
Though I forbear to speak, I not forget.  Eud. 
You have not yet, Placilla, told the means  A shout & crying Philar. & Philocles, etc. 
Of your rich knowledge.  Pla. 
Nor shall I need now Madam  
These shouts of joy that followed them to Court  
Attend them to your presence.  Eud. 
O let us meet'em. Madam, come away.  Thy. 
O ye Gods, I thank ye.  Ex. omnes pret. Gar. Gar. 
I have a son there too, as dear to me  
As any Mother's only born can be,  
Whose name's not voiced with theirs. Yet by your favour  
Great Madam Governess, he has discharged  
The office of a Governor o'er your sons,  
As well as you have over the king's daughter.  
And they have sucked more of his Helicon  
Then she has of your doctrine: which their breeding  sips he bottle. 
Together with their Travels through his care  
Will testify (I doubt not) to my honour,  
That have brought forth a son of such performance.  Dis. 
Did not I say, 'twas Stratocles that raised  Ent. Dis. Jus. Phila. Philo. Eud. Thy: Pla. Geron. 
That hideous rumor of their deaths, among  
His wild idolators, in hope to gain  
Election by their ignorance and rudeness?  Jus. 
'Twas well those factious heads were wrought to come  
Before the King to find his clemency,  
And probably that these were living.  Dis. 
And how they then shrunk in their necks from Stratocles!  
It has so laid the flames of his ambition,  
That these may safely now tread out the fire.  Phila. 
Welcome again my princely Nephews, welcome.  Phil. 
Thanks, courteous Uncle.  Thy. 
You interrupt me, brother.  Dis. 
Good woman, cry thee mercy. Mothers are such things!  Gar. 
Why, what things are we mothers?  Dis. 
O the old night-piece with her dark lantern by her.  Gar. 
You'll give us leave to take  
The comforts due unto us in our age,  
For which we suffered sorrow in our youth!  
Our children are our children young or old.  Dis. 
So is my horse my horse.  Gar. 
You have replied,  
As Whilom did a Counsellor at Law,  
Who said his adverse Advocate had pleaded  
To as much purpose as a hen i'th' forehead.  Dis. 
Geron. thouart welcome. Thou still keep'st thy humour,  
Thy travels ha' not changed thee. Thou camest home  
As wise as thou went'st out.  Ger. 
So Whilom said,  
A miser, having much increased his store,  
He had as much still as he had before.  Dis. 
Enough, I'll give thee over.  Thy. 
O my dear offspring; every sight of you  
Is a new recompense, and satisfaction  
For all the pain and travel of your birth.  
In you your father's memory shall live  
Beyond the malice of the grave and death:  
And I, when my rejoicing shall be full,  
And cannot take addition, freely yielding  
My flesh to dust, shall yet be blessed by those  
Who shall give testimony to your virtue.  Philar. 
'twere a sufficient spur to noble actions  
To be rewarded but with your content,  
Which to procure we make our business.  Thy. 
Philocles,  
Your brow is clouded. Has the Oracle  
Adjudged against you. Pray let us partake  
The knowledge of the Delphian decree;  
And which of you stands highest in the favour  
Of wise Apollo, to be husband to  
Princess Eudyna here the kingdom's heir.  
What speaks the Oracle?  Philoc. 
Such a Verdict, Madam,  
Requires an O Oedipus to construe it.  
I neither know't, nor am solicitous  
After the meaning.  Gar. 
Wisely spoken, Pupil.  
So Whilom answered an Egyptian Porter  
To one demanding what he bore concealed?  
'tis therefore covered that thou shouldst not know.  
The cases are alike.  Eud. 
Pray let us hear it.  
Cannot your Tutor Geron play the Hermes  
T'interpret it?  Gar. 
I am not Enigmatical:  
But all for Apothegms. Besides, I say  
(As Whilom Aristippus of a Riddle)  
It is not safe to lose what being bound  
Doth trouble us so much.  Gar. 
Let me come to't.  Dis. 
Yes by all means: For as one Whilom said  
The blind are best i'th' dark.  Gar. 
My Lord, your trumps  
Are ever shot at me. Blind as I am,  
I perceive that. And make much of your Riddle,  
I know both what it can and will come to,  
Better without the sight of it, than all  
You can, with all your wise constructions.  
And so I leave you.  Thy. 
Not in anger, Garrula.  Gar. 
Madam, you know I know. I must take leave  
To take a Nap.  Exit. Dis. 
And Governor Geron, wait upon your mother,  
Trust our cares with your charge.  Ger. 
So Whilom said  
A School boy, when another raised his top,  
Let me alone, myself can keep it up.  Exit. Eud. 
And now let me entreat that we may hear  
The hidden sentence. Happily so many  
May guess at the intent.  Dis. 
She longs to hear  
Which of the two is pricked to be her husband.  Phi. 
Here it is. If there be any thing.  Dis. 
Let me be Clerk. I hope at least to read it.  
Contend not for the Jewel, which  
Ere long shall both of you every.  
Pursue your Fortune: For 'tis she  
Shall make you what you seem to be.  
Apollo, thy great wisdom hath quite fooled mine.  Philo. 
Nothing but contradictions.  Thy. 
As how, Philocles.  Philo. 
He commands here.  
Contend not for the Jewel— we agree,  
Eudyna is the Jewel.— which shall both of you every.  
How shall she enrich us both? Can she be wife to us both?  
Then here he bids  
Pursue your Fortune.— And we both agree  
Eudyna is that Fortune too: she's both  
The Jewel we must not contend for; and  
The Fortune we must both pursue. Then here  
He says 'tis she shall make us what we seem to be.  
What do we seem? we are no Hypocrites  
In flesh or spirit; no fantastic bodies  
Or shadows of humanity.  Philar. 
No, Delphos is but a den of jugglers, which profanely  
Abuse divinity, and pretend a God  
Their Patron to authorise their delusions.  Dis. 
Nephews, the Gods had need be cautilous  
For what they speak if you may be their Judges.  Thy. 
What thinks good Justinius?  Jus. 
My Lords, here's two commands;  
One, that you not contend to gain the jewel;  
The other, that you both pursue your fortune.  
Both these commands are thus to be obeyed;  
Contend not for her as to violate  
Your unexampled friendship, which you are  
Renowned for o'er all Greece; And both pursue  
Your fortune in her without either's grudge,  
At tother's happiness in her choice.  Philar. 
Noble Justinius, thanks.  Philoc. 
This we can do.  Philar. 
And for the happiness which we both aspire to  
We here confirm the friendship long since plighted,  
Which never shall be broken by Philargus.  Eud. 
Noble Philargus.  Philoc. 
So vows Philocles,  
'Tis not the cloudy language of the Gods  
Shall make our breasts tempestuous or stormy:  
But with the same serenity and quiet,  
As heretofore our hearts shall mingle still,  
And fortify their truce. Let the event  
Expound their Riddle. If good, it is our merit;  
If bad, we know our virtue can correct it.  
Mean time Philargus take the word of Philocles,  
That though there be no happiness on earth  
I can esteem above Philargus' friendship,  
But fair Eudyna's love, which only is  
The treasure I can covet from Philargus;  
And cannot look to live but to enjoy it  
Rather than justle with his friendship, I  
Will die to lose it.  Eud. 
Noble Philocles.  Philar. 
You have made my vow, my brother Philocles,  
And friend, which is above it. I will seek  
And rather die than fail to gain her love:  
But that, and the whole kingdom in addition  
Must divide our friendship or affection.  
As we are Twins in birth, we'll be in mind  
Unto our latest breath. Let Greece hereafter  
Forget to mention the Tyndarides  
With their alternate Deities, and tell  
Of two Thessalian brothers could refuse  
A happiness (which only is not Heaven)  
In detestation of priority;  
Would not be happy, 'cause they might not share  
An individual, both Time and Thing.  Eud. 
Love, and ambition (I have heard men say)  
Admit no fellowship; It holds not here.  
These will have neither wife nor crown alone.  
They each desire my love; but neither can  
Enjoy't unless he were the other man.  
My love is doubly ta'en, yet must gain neither,  
Unless I could enjoy them both together. O, ye Gods!  
Why made ye them two persons, and assigned  
To both but one inseparable mind?  
Or, why was I marked out to be that one,  
That loves and must embrace, or two, or none;  
O my perplexity.  Sinks. Dis. 
Look to the Princess.  Philar. 
Madam. How fares the life of goodness.  Philoc. 
She sinks. Dear Mother, Sister; bring your aids.  Philar. 
To keep the world alive give your assistance.  Jus. 
Ye Gods be now auspicious.  Dis. 
A love-qualm.  
To bed with her and call for Cupid's aid,  
He best can cure the wound that he has made.  Exeunt omnes.  
Explicit Actus primus.   


ACT. 2. SCENE. 1.  Doris reading a Letter. Do. 
My Lesbia, my Cinthia, my Licoris  
Or (which is best of names) my lovely Doris— that's I.  
I still am thine and cannot commutate,  
I am as certain to thee as thy fate.  
'tis not my study, or my travails can  
Make me to thee appear another man:  
Thou may'st affirm of me as Whilom did  
Xantippe of her husband whom she chid,  
Grave Socrates regardless of his worth  
He still returned the same that he went forth.  
Before I visit thee, thus may'st thou hear on  
Thine in the tribulation of love— Geron.  
Ha, ha, ha. Old Whilom Geron,! art thou come again?  
Could Delphos not detain, nor the Sea swallow thee  
But I must be in danger to be punished  
With the porcupine bristles? Fate deliver me.  En. Placilla Pla. 
Doris, you must be vigilant in attendance,  
And see that no man pass this lobby, towards  
Her grace's lodging. 'tis your charge: look to't.  Dor. 
Mistress you know your Mother laid that charge  
On me before, and I am ready here  
To answer every comer in his kind  
Had you forgot it?  Pla. 
Pardon me, I had;  
But my care hurts not. One thing more good Doris.  
If my dear brother Philocles come to visit,  
prithee call me. Speak, wilt thou.  Do. 
— help your head.  
I must not stir from hence, yet I must come  
To call you forth. Away, somebody comes.  Pla. 
I trust unto thee Doris.  Exit. Dor. 

What a sick Court is here? she's love-struck too.  
I can with half a sense find her disease;  
But cannot guess the object of her love.  
She keeps the fire so close up in her bosom,  
That she will sooner perish by't, then suffer  
A spark of it fly out to make discovery.   

The Princess she's love-sick for two; and her  
Despair of gaining either's her consumption.  
But what think I of their loves, when mine own  
Is trouble enough? Now the visitants;  
My great Lords Howdies are upon the entry,  
And the unwelcom'st first.   Ent. Matho. Ma. 
Good morrow Lady.  
May I crave admittance to the Lady Governess?  Dor. 
Yes, you may crave it Sir, But not obtain it:  
Her nearness to the Princess at this time  
Is by so strict necessity required.  Ma. 
May I prevail then, to impart the duty  
I have in charge, unto the Lady's daughter?  Dor. 
That is the Mistress whom I wait upon,  
Though now at remote distance: She attends  
Her Mother at this instant, and her Mother  
The Princess in much privacy. If I  
May be thought worthy to receive the knowledge  
Of what you have in trust unto the Princess,  
It shall be orderly conveyed unto her Grace.  Ma. 
Lord Stratocles, solicitous for glad tidings,  
(Beseeching that her Grace be pleased to take  
The tender of his service; and affirming  
Upon his honour that no rest affects him  
Until he shall receive a perfect knowledge  
Of her recovery) prays to be advertised  
In what condition of health she fares;  
Or to gain leave to visit her himself.  Dor. 
Sir, you have lost much time: you might have said  
How does the Princess? And I answer thus,  
She is most dangerously sick; not to be seen  
By him or any man.  Ma. 
Yet let her know  
My Lords obsequious care for her recovery.  Dor. 
I'll tell my Mistress, who shall certify  
Unto my Lady, who shall intimate  
Unto the Princess what you have left in trust  
With me, her grace's handmaid thrice removed.  Ma. 
I will acquaint my Lord; who for your care  
Shall upon his advancement to the Crown  
Give me command, who will give present order  
Unto my man for your promotion.  
Your diligence deserves it.  Exit. Dor. 
My great Lords especially parasite. I am beholden to you.  
Here comes another; an importunate,  Ent. Tersulus. 
Though impertinent suitor of mine own.  Ter. 
My beauteous Doris, first my love presented  
Unto yourself, my Lord Philargus craves  
To know how fares the Princess.  Dor. 
This comes nearer  
To my regard then t'other; and deserves  
A comfortabler answer. She's not well Sir,  
But much amended in her health. 'Tis like,  
Your Lord (would he approach to visit her)  
Shall find a fair admission to her Grace.  Ter. 
I dare not (to delay my Lord a minute  
Of these glad tidings.) Stay to prosecute  
My love-suit to yourself.  Dor. 
No, no; away.  
Away good Tersulus; and hazard not  
Your Lords, for your own fortunes.  Ter. 
Yet my Doris—  Dor. 
Yet again man.  Ter. 
Be pleased to think of me.  Dor. 
I shall, and better of you when you are gone.  Ter. 
Winged with that hope, I fly.  Exit. Dor. 
A pretty nimble fellow and a tailor.  Ent. Varill. 
I could almost affect him, did not this  
More supple handed Barber put him by.  Var. 
Sweet Doris! thus, by me Lord Philocles  
Salutes the Princess.  Kiss. Dor. 
This requires an answer  
Of health indeed.  Var. 
How fares her highness?  Dor. 
Well. Exceeding well, and longs to see your Lord.  Var. 
I'll haste to tell him so  Dor. 
Nay, good Varillus,  
I have not gained a conference with you  
Since your return from Delphos.  Var. 
At more leisure  
I'll tell thee wonders, Doris.  Dor. 
Something now.  Var. 
Ha'you seen your lover Geron, the old tutor,  
Since our arrival?  Dor. 
Here is an Epistle  
Came from him to my hands this morning. Hang him.  Var. 
Well: he has been the whole mirth of our journey  
In the discovery of his love to you.  
His meat, his drink, his talk, his sleep, has all  
Been Doris, Doris, nothing but your remembrance  
Has been the trouble of his company;  
I'll tell thee at large hereafter. The fair Princess  
Is well you say.  Dor. 
She was well when I left her,  
But subject too much passion: She is well  
And ill, and well again all in three minutes.  
Great Ladies may be so. But if I should  
Be sick and well, and sick again and well  
Again as oft as she; the world would say  
I had it— And had been a courtier, to some purpose.  Var. 
They would say the Handmaid had been handled so.  
Would they?  Dor. 
Like enough, but great ones must not be talked on  Var. 
You have detained me to my undoing.  
See, my Lord!  Enter Philocles. Dor. 
I'll send his sister to appease him.  Exit. Philo. 
You have done ill Varillus to neglect  
A duty of that consequence, that I  
Expected in your quick return, was this  
A time to loiter?  Var. 
My good Lord, the princess  
Is well again; restored to absolute health.  Philoc. 
'tis happy news. But why was I delayed  
In this account? was it too precious for me?  
Redeem your fault by some ensuing service,  
Or you may lose a master, that has loved you.  Ex. Var. 
I must proceed to gain Eudina's love  
From my Philargus or l lose myself.  
And gaining it, I must forgo Philargus,  
And equally be lost. O sister, welcome.  Enter Placilla. 
I must request your aid.  Pla. 
In any thing  
Wherein I may be useful, best of brothers.  Philoc. 
I would entreat you be my advocate  
In love unto Eudina.— O, but hold,  
Shall I be treacherous unto my brother?  
A brother! What's a brother? A mere name;  
A title which we give to those that lodged  
In the same womb; so bedfellows are brothers;  
So men, inhabiting one town, or country  
Are brothers too: for though the place containing  
Be greater, the relation is the same.  
A friend! I that's the thing I violate,  
Than which, nor earth nor heaven hath aught more sacred,  
'tis my Philargus, nay myself I injure,  
If I content myself.  Pla. 
Why, brother Philocles—  
Did I say brother? How my tongue conspires  
To torture me! If Brother be a naked  
Title or name (as he suggests) I would  
It had nor being, name, nor title. Philocles  
You're passionate.  Philoc. 
Fond reason I disclaim thee,  
Love is a strain beyond thee, and approaches  
The God's estate: Friendship's a moral virtue  
Fitter for disputation, than observance.  
Eudina. O Eudina! In what price  
Art thou with me, for whom I cast away  
The Souls whole treasury Reason and Virtue?  
Placilla, you must woe Eudina for me.  
Do you startle at it? Pray do't, as you love me.  Pla. 
If I were she you should not need an advocate.  Philoc. 
I charge you by this kiss.—  Pla. 
Your wages  
Corrupts your agent to be false. O whither;  
Into what Sands will the rash Pilot, Love?  
Drive this weak vessel? did I call it Love?  
'tis sooty, hellish fire; unlawful flame:  
Yet such as we may easier tax, then tame.  Philoc. 
What troubles you Placilla? O you are  
Already entertained to mediate  
For him you better love, Philargus, do:  
He best deserves her; I'll woe for him too.  Enter Doris. Dor. 
Madam, my Lady calls for you? My Lord  
The Princess has ta'en notice of your visit  Exit Plac. 
And wishes you draw nearer if you please.  Philoc. 
I meet that wish with swift, but fearful feet.  
My joys are bitter, and my woes are sweet.  Exit. Dor. 
I have heard men say when they on gamesters look  
(Though equally affected to both parties,  
Or both were strangers to'em yet) they'll yield  
A secret inclination which should win.  
I am for Philocles, now, against Philargus,  
Who is as noble, and as free to me,  
As ever Philocles was. But tarry Doris;  
You have a bet upon the game I take it,  
Your love unto Varillus. If his Lord  
Rise to a Kingdom, you may hope to climb  
The ladder of a Ladyship by the man.  
But not too fast: Here's one pursues the game  
That is as like to win. Why if he does?  Enter Phlargus 
His follower Tersulus loves me past Varillus,  
And may as much advance me. But I love not  
Him, And the love of honour above husbands  
Has been so common among Ladies, that  
The fashions stale and ugly.  Philar. 
So't must be.  
And so by transposition of my love  
I shall be quiet, and Philocles doubly happy.  
Doris, go seek my mother, and perceive  
If I may see the Princess.  Dor. 
Yes my Lord.  Exit. Philar. 
Love, thou art well compared to fire, which where  
It doth obey and serve being commanded  
By higher powers of the soul, it fares  
Like to the stone or jewel of a ring,  
Which joins the orb, and gives it price and luster:  
So glorious is that love, so necessary.  
But, where it rules and is predominant,  
It tyrannizeth; Reason is imprisoned;  
The will confined; and the memory  
(The treasury of notions) clean exhausted;  
And all the senses slavishly chained up  
To act th'injunctions of insulting love,  
Parched on the beauty of a woman. Thou  
Masculine love, known by the name of friendship  
Art peaceful and morigerous: But that  
Of woman, is imperious and cruel.  
Why should I then lose Philocles for Eudina?  Ent. Eudina. Thymile Eudi. reading a letter. 
Why? Can I look on her and ask a Reason?  
O the divinity of woman! sure  
There is no heaven without'em. If the Gods  
Should thrust out Jove as he deposed his Father  
And elect me to be their thunderer  
I'd not drink Nectar to forgo Eudina.  Thy. 
Fie, fie Philargus, you're a sluggish Lover.  
I have been careful for you, yea and partial  
Against your brother Philocles, to prefer  
Your love to his: And you to suffer him  
A whole hour opportunity before you!  Philar. 
Has he been here?  Thy. 
And is. Only for you  
I have beguiled him of her presence, that  
Till you have made first presentation  
Of love to her he shall have no access.  Philar. 
Now Philocles, I suffer in thy injury;  
And to proceed in it were treachery.  
I would retire— But that magnetic beauty  
To which are chained thousands of hearts and eyes  
Has captived mine: nor must I seem to slight  
A mother's care. She's not the first ('tis known)  
That of two sons hath best affected one.  Thy. 
Why move you not Philargus towards the Princess.  Philar. 
Madam, you see she's busy.  Eud. throws away the Letter. Eud. 
Stratocles—  
May thy ambition hoist thee into air;  
And thy loose wings, like thy licentious paper,  
There failing thee, let fall thy vicious body  
To earth, as here thy name lies to be trod on.  
Philargus, you are welcome.  Philar. 
Princely Madam,  
That language from your gracious lips is powerful  
To save him from the grave, that only lives  
By your free favours.  Eud. 
Nay, my dear Philargus,  
I thought me nearer to you, than that you  
Should rove at me with Courtship. Stratocles  
(The emblem of whose pride lies there in paper)  
Shot from afar indeed; yet, like a Jove  
(A self-conceited one) presumed to strike  
Love by command into me by his Letters.  Philar. 
I cannot flatter pride, nor undervalue  
Abilities. 'Tis true that Stratocles  
Has been a useful servant to the State;  
But, doubtless, he would make as ill a Master.  Eud. 
No more of him.  Philar. 
Nor more be thought of him.  
And therefore Madam, by your fair command,  
To avoid all Court-circumlocutions,  
I tender thus my service, and crave hearing.  Eud. 
You have it freely.  Thy. 
To avoid all lets,  
I will withdraw myself.  Exit. Philar. 
The King has graciously been pleased, in lieu  
Of my slain father's services; and for love  
To us his sons, (by us much undeserved)  
To recommend unto your noble choice  
My brother and myself. You standing doubtful  
Whether to choose, we to avoid dispute  
Of violating friendship, did implore  
The Council of the Oracle to direct  
You in th'election. But the hidden sense  
In the dark sentence hath perplexed both you  
And us with more anxiety.  Eud. 
It is too true.  Philar. 
Yet you are not prescribed; your choice is free.  
To take your lot in Philocles or me.  
We both, by strong injunction must pursue  
Your sacred Love, yet keep our friendship true.  
Then thus illustrious Madam.  He kneels. Eud. 
Not so low.  Philar. 
As low as future duty must compel me,  
When you shall be my Queen, let me beseech  
The favour that I seek and would obtain,  
Equal with heavenly bliss, to shine on Philocles.  Eud. 
That he may be your King?  Philar. 
May he prove so.  Eud. 
Be all example lost.  Philar. 
Friendship, with favour, may  
Hold between King and Subject: But one throne  
Cannot estate two Kings; Love's number's one.  Eud. 
O my Philargus, you have opened now  
The meaning of the Oracle. I have the sense  
Most perfectly. You have beyond example  
Preserved your friendship with your brother; and  
In wooing for him have won me to yourself.  
I am your own.  She kisses him. Philar. 
I am amidst the Gods.  
The wealth o'th' world, the beauty of the Heavens,  
And powers of both shall not redeem my interest.  
— Provided that I lose not Philocles.  Ent. Philo. Thy. Pla. Eud. 
In that your constancy you win me more.  Thy. 
Your importunity hath prevailed. See Philocles,  
The Princess, and Philargus.  Philoe. 
O, you are partial.  He sinks. Pla. 
O help, my brother; speak, dear Philocles.  Philar. 
Ye Gods, how comes this? Let me raise him up,  
Brother, and friend; speak, 'tis Philargus calls thee.  Philoc. 
Philargus, let me go. 'Tis your advantage.  Eud. 
Let me request the cause of your disturbance,  
Good Philocles.  Philo. 
No other but myself.  
Honoured Eudyna: For, who feeds to danger  
Upon a dish he loves, ought not to blame  
The meat, but his unbridled appetite.  Pla. 
How do you now? What a cold moisture  
Spreads o'er his temples here.  Eud. 
Let me come to him:  Thy. 
I can read his grief.  Eud. 
What's that to the redress?  Thy. 
The Delphian God, medicines inventor knows  
That and not I.  Eud. 
His grief's a jealous passion  
Upon my supposed favour to Philargus.  
Shake it off Philocles, I am thine, as much  
As ere I was, or his.  Philoc. 
It is no jealousy  
Only a fear Philargus had broke friendship:  
So, my souls better part exited, left  
The other languishing.  Philar. 
Had you expired  
In that belief, and I had understood it,  
My shadow should have posted after yours  
Unto the Elysian fields to vindicate  
So causeless imputation.  Thy: 
And because  
You charged my son with partiality  
Let us remove, Philargus, come Placilla.  Eud. 
You will not take him from me. Stay Philargus.  Thy. 
What would you do with both?  Philar. 
I may not stir,  
When she, whose power above me countermands  
The precepts of the Gods requires my stay.  Thy. 
What not to give you brother Philocles  
An opportunity for equal hearing?  
Your grace will not deny't him.  Eud. 
True, I may not.  Philar. 
That spell convinces all. Friendships above,  
And must control obedience, and love.  Exit with Thym & Placil. 
'tis not to injure thee my dear Philargus,  
That here I linger, to oppose thy love;  
But to prefer it.  Eud. 
What says Philocles?  Philoc. 
To say I love you, Madam, with a zeal  
That dares to meet the trial of Martyrdom,  
And suffer't for your sake, might get a name,  
A glorious one, and an immortal Crown:  
Yet so I should forgo (in leaving you  
On earth, a heaven on it) the bliss,  
Which, grieving, I should in Elysium miss.  
No, I will love you better than to die,  
And be mine own chief mourner; yet must crave,  
Under your gracious favour, leave to suffer  
More than a thousand deaths, that is, to live  
And part with my fair hopes in you for ever.  Eud. 
What means my Philocles?  Philoc. 
Princely Madam,  
Consider the necessity, which now  
By further search I gather from the hidden  
Oraculous perduit; by which I am tied  
Not to contend for you, that is, I must not  
Wound friendship in Philargus: But pursue  
My fortune, which is to gain love from you.  
For whom it says not, but the meanings plain,  
I for Philargus should your love obtain.  
The Gods deal after as they please with me,  
My suit is that you take Philargus.  Eud. 
O—  
Philocles you have made a double conquest  
For you have got the victory of me  
Which was before assigned unto Philargus.  
Your fortune thus embraces you  she kisses him Philoc. 
This now,  
And with Philargus' friendship were to me  
A fortune 'bove the envy of the Gods.  Eud. 
He cannot disallow't. He wooed me for you,  
And won me to himself, as you have now  
Suing for him.  Philoc. 
I must not hold you then.  
His title, as his friendship precedes mine.  Eud. 
Yet still the choice is mine. I may take you  
Without offence to him. But now he comes,  Ent. Philar. Thy. Pla. 
And has again an equal interest,  
Strange love! In others absence I took either  
And loved each best; Now both at once appear,  
Neither is mine. Fate, let me die to one  
Rather than live in this confusion.  Thy. 
Now Madam, whethers love do you approve.  Eud. 
Confound me not with question. They are each  
Wedded to others' friendship: Either is  
More studious for the other than himself.  Philar. 
And ever must.  Philoc. 
And will be.  Eud. 
So will I  
For both of you then for myself.  Thy. 
Alas.  Eud. 
Then let's continue thus with Maiden love,  
With modest freedom, unsuspected joys,  
As we had all been formed in one womb,  
Till Heaven determine of us.  Ent. King and Eupathus. King. 
To determine  
Of you Eudyna, is by heaven committed  
In present unto me. On you depends  
The future glory and prosperity,  
Both of my house and Kingdom. 'tis besides,  
Exacted of me by my near Allies,  
And by my Subjects (whom I must secure)  
To constitute a Successor: And no longer  
Will I expect your answer, than five days.  
By then you must declare who is your husband;  
Or else expect one from myself; the man  
Whose name I am as loath to mention  
As you to hear, even Stratocles.  Eud. 
Nay, death first.  King. 
Be you obedient; and by the way,  
Take my approvement of Lord Philocles,  
Not that I slight Philargus.  Eud. 
Here's a mystery too,  
As dark as that from Delphos. He approves  
My choice of Philocles, slighting not Philargus.  King. 
Come both you equal brothers; leave her to  
Her thoughts a while.  Ambo. 
In all obedience.  Ex. King, etc. Thy. 
What strange amazement hath surprised you Madam?  
No study, nor no strife can alter fate  
Or the decrees, the Gods determinate.  
A husband you shall have, be confident.  
Be, as you were; secure of the event,  
Till time produce it.  Pla. 
Madam, be yourself.  Eud. 
Yet five days for love's war. Jove grant I have  
By then, to end the strife, a peaceful grave.   
Explicit Actus secundus.   


ACT 3. SCENE 1.  Garrula. Geron. Gar. 
Would you thus offer, by your own disease  
To shorten your Mother's days? Or can you pine  
And I not grieve? or cannot grief kill me  
Do you think?  Ger. 
A wise Philosopher Whilom did affirm,  
That women who have passed the fire of love  
Have hearts, which grief can neither pierce, x move.  Gar. 
Son, your Philosophy fails you, as your love  
Blinds you: For Cupid's fire I know may be  
Quenched by old age: But grief's unquenchable.  Sips her bottle. 
My tongue still falters with me (there's my grief)  
And there are not so many fathoms twixt  
A woman's tongue and heart, but grief may find  
The bottom, but for care to keep it up  
By sending down an Antidote before it.  Sips again. Ger. 
But Whilom did the love-sick Poet prove,  
No antidote against the power of Love.  Gar. 
Forbear your Whiloms, and your old said saws,  
And since you are in love, and by that love  
Grown sick with the concealment.  Ger. 
As Whilom  
Th' Athenian boy who stole a fox did hide  
Under his coat his theft from being descried  
Until it tore his genitals— his entrails  
I should have said.  Gar. 
No more I say  
Of your disease, but to the cure, which is  
The love of Doris. How ha'you tried her, son.  Ger. 
By oratory, Epistles, and by gifts  
Which Whilom Ovid said were best of shifts.  Gar. 
Yes, such a gift it might be, and so fastened.  Ger. 
But she, as Whilom said Anominus  
Retorteth all with scorn injurious.  Gar. 
Yet will you leave your Whiloms? And go seek  
My Lady Governess? say I would speak with her.  Ger. 
But Whilom said Diogenes ('tis true)  
To one that would, I will not speak with you.  Gar. 
Will you say as I say; and do as you're bidden?  
It is not her great ladyship's daughter's handmaid  
Shall scorn my son while I know what I know.  
If you love Doris, run and tell her so.  Ger. 
For Doris love, as Whilom Daedalus.  
I will take wing. But see I am prevented.  Ent. Thymil. Thy. 
O Garrula! well found, I was in quest of you.  Gar. 
And I was e'en a sending for you, Madam.  Thy. 
What an imperious beldame's this. But I  
Must humour her. Sending for me do you say?  
For what, good Garrula.  Gar. 
Sending for you? Yes Madam, so I said,  
And say't again. What, what, I know what I know.  
You know I do; and that there is no such  
Distinction twixt the honours of your birth  
And place; and mine of age and knowledge, but  
You might vouchsafe the summons when I send.  Thy, 
What needs this Garrula? I am here you see.  Gar. 
You know I know, and have deserved some favours,  
I do not boast for what. You know.  Thy. 
O me!  
Who trust those secrets whereon honour rests  
To custody in Mercenary breasts  
Do slave nobility; and though they pay  
A daily ransom, ne'er redeemed away.  
Pray let us be more private, though indeed  
I love your son for his great care of mine.  Gar. 
O, do you so? Go forth son Geron, till  
I call. All shall go well I'll warrant thee.  Ger. 
Whilom, so  
Said a Physician, meaning to restore,  
And killed the Patient was but sick before.  Exit. Thy. 
Why Garrula do you maintain a strife  
Still in my grieved mind twixt hope and fear?  
Cannot so many years of my known kindness  
Win yet a confidence of secrecy.  
You are as deeply bound by oath too as myself.  Gar. 
I do confess my oath, and would not break it;  
Yet, Madam, as you are a woman, you  
May know a broken oath is no such burden  
As a great secret is; besides the tickling  
A woman has to in and out with't. Oh  
The tongue itch is intolerable! And were I  
A woman of tongue, as most are of my calling  
(Though Midwives ha' been held the best at secret  
Councel keeping) it had been out I fear.  Thy. 
But still take heed dear Garrula.  Gar. 
Yes Madam.  
Yet there are kindnesses required on your part.  Thy. 
Have I not still been kind?  Gar. 
My memory serves me; and but that my tongue  
Now falters with me— I could recount  Sips. 
All the rewards I have had from time to time,  
Since you translated me from a Country housewife,  
Into the Midwife Royal; what in Gowns,  
In Gold, in Jewels, Chains and Rings; and (which  
I prize 'bove all) my syrups and my sippings.  Sips. Thy. 
Your place of honour in the Court—  Gar. 
What, what?  
I hope I had that before i'the king's favour,  
As his Queen's Midwife. She is in Elysium.  Sip. Thy. 
Then Garrula your learned son's preferment,  
Tutor and Governor to my Sons.  Gar. 
Thereby  
Hangs a tale, Madam. Now I come to th'point;  
My son affects your daughter's handmaid Doris,  
Who slights his love. I must now by your power  
Obtain her for my Son.  Thy. 
Be confident,  
Though I confess I hold her worthless of him.  Gar. 
I tell him so: But love has blinded him.  
Ho Geron, I say Geron, come and hear.  Ent. Geron. Ger. 
So Whilom prisoners have been called to come  
From dungeon deep to hear a blacker doom.  Thy. 
Geron, be comforted. By all my power,  
Doris shall be your own.  Ger. 
Then Whilom, as  
Ovid his Corynna sweet, said o—  Ent. Doris. 
She comes, she comes. My joys do overflow.  Thy. 
Now Doris, what portends your haste? Speak Maid,  
Is it to Geron, or to me, your business?  Dor. 
His ill looks, had almost made me miscarry't.  
Madam, the Princess instantly desires  
Your company.  Thy. 
But by her grace's favour,  
And your leave, Doris, I will trench so far  
On both your patiences, and for your good,  
As to be witness of an interchange  
Of some few words twixt Geron and yourself.  
Why look you from him so? he loves you, Doris.  Dor. 
That's more than I ere knew, or read, by all  
He speaks or writes to me. He cloaths his words  
In furs and hoods, so, that I cannot find  
The naked meaning of his business, Madam.  Thy. 
Speak plainly to her, Geron.  Gar. 
To her Son.  Ger. 
My business is the same, that Whilom drew  
Demosthenes to Corinth, some repentance,  
So I pay not too dear.  Dor. 
Lo you there, Madam.  Gar. 
You must speak plainer, Son.  Thy. 
And be you kinder, Doris.  Dor. 
But not so kind, good Madam, as to grant  
I know not what.  Ger. 
O forfeit not the praise  
That Whilom Aristotle gave your Sex,  
To be enriched with piety and pity.  Dor. 
I know not what to pity, but your want  
Of utterance. It is some horrid thing  
That you desire, and are ashamed to speak it.  Ger. 
No, gentle Doris, nothing but the thing,  
Whereby great Alexander Whilom said,  
He knew himself a mortal, and no God,  
Coition—  Dor. 
Be it what it will; I cannot  
Give what I understand not. You're too aloof.  Gar. 
There's comfort, Son. And I'll give thee instructions  
To come more close to her.  Thy. 
I'll ease your care,  
And be myself his Agent. he's too learned,  
Geron, you speak too learnedly, as if  
You wooed a Muse: And Doris understands not,  
But by your posture, what you'd have. I'll put  
Your meaning into woman's words; and such  
As shall be sure to speed. But first I'll wait  
Upon the Princess. Garrula, will you go?  Gar. 
And thank you for my Son: But still— I know.  Thy. 
Nay, I will do't Geron, be confident.  Ger. 
I thank your Ladyship as much as they  
Who Whilom— Whilom—  Dor. 
Knew not what to say.  Gar. 
He's overjoyed.  Thy. 
Go Geron, lead the way.  Exeunt. omnes.  

ACT 3. SCENE 2.  King. Stratocles. Disanius. Justinius. King. 
Pray trouble me no further. I have said,  
That if in five days' space she make not choice  
Of one of those whom (I must tell you Stratocles)  
She loves, and I prefer before you, then  
I'll weigh your suit, and reasons; and till then  
I say't again, you are a trouble to me.  Str. 
A trouble Sir? That were a time that knew me,  
A trouble to your enemies, not you,  
When this same lump of earth (which now's a trouble)  
Stood a sole Bulwark of your Realm; repelling  
Arms of foes; shrouding your fearful Subjects  
Under my shield; guarding your fields and Vineyards  
From desolation; your Palaces from ruin;  
And am I now a trouble?  Dis. 
Stratocles,  
You lose the glory of your deeds by blazing  
Your own renown. He that commends himself,  
Speaks upon trust, and is his hearers slave.  Str. 
Peace, envy, and be thankful for thy life  
Which thy tongue forfeits.  Just. 
Let my mildness tell you,  
You are irreverent before the King,  
Who has not been forgetful of your worth,  
Nor slow in your reward. Then moderate  
Your heat with counsel; and be first assistant  
Unto the public good: So shall you merit  
The first regard in honours and affairs  
Of private nature.  Sra. 
So.  King. 
This Oracle  
Troubles me not a little. I had thought  
Thereby to have declined this weighty care  
From my declining shoulders, and have given  
My country satisfaction, and myself,  
In choosing of a son and successor.  
But I am prisoner in the Labyrinth  
Of the God's verdict.  Just. 
Their sublimity  
In matters of the future seldom stoops  
To humane apprehension; yet vouchsafes  
To answer our demands: but chides withal  
Our too much incense with obscurity.  
Your grace however may presume, where they  
Shall deign to spend a word, and take an offering,  
It is a certain augury of good.  King. 
Thou hast allayed my fear. Justinus come,  
Lead me thy brains assistance. For in thee  
I find a temper that accords with me.  Exit King Just. Dis. 
Soldier, I dare yet tell thee thou art rash;  
Foolish as valiant; and as easily may'st  
For all thy lostiness be undermined  
As the base bramble: Boasting weakness, thee  
And promising Ambition leads thee up  
An earthly exhalation into th'air;  
Where with a little borrowed light, one moment,  
Thou shinest the mark and wonder of all eyes;  
But soon consumed and darted to the Centre,  
Becomest the scorn of men and sport of Children.  Str. 
You are oath sect of Cinicks, and have learned  
To bark Philosophy.  Dis. 
Then shall you hear  
Your now adorning multitude upbraid  
Your insolence and pride, and gain the name  
Of Prophets by your downfall, while one swears  
He had foretold it long; Another dreamt it;  
All jointly cry we never could endure him;  
See what a look he has; what brawny lips;  
What poisonous eyes; and what an impudent front!  Str. 
You will outrun your privilege of prating  
And suffer for't.  Dis. 
I am too prodigal  
Of seed upon so flinty soil as thou.  
Be as thou art, and perish.  Exit. Str. 
Ignorant wretch,  
That out of all thy bookish Theory  
Knows not the soul to be Aerial  
And of a soaring nature; not unlike  
The noble Falcon that will never cease  
To work 'bove all that tops her. The supreme  
Estate on earth, and next unto the Gods  
Is majesty; and that's my present gain,  
Though I have all but that, yet wanting that  
All is as none to me: And since my way  
Must be upon the Ruins (sour Disanius)  
Of thee, and of thy glories in thy Nephews  
The Kings dear darlings, for whose precious sakes  
I must attend five days (yet be a trouble)  
I'll travail through your bloods: thyself has gi'n me  
The quicker motion by thy timely envy.  
Thou hast set spurs to the pale horse of death,  
That into dust shall trample all those lets  
Which stand twixt me and the Thessalian Crown,  Enter Matho. 
Upon whose back I'll set this Rider.  Mat. 
My sovereign Lord.  Str. 
I like that compellation:  
Thou stillest me as thou wishest me, on whom  
Depends thy consequent advancement, Matho.  
But we but dream of sovereignty and sleep  
To the Achievement: something must be done  
With wakeful eyes and ready hands my Matho.  Mat. 
Now my King speaks himself. Let but your eye  
Find out the way these ready hands shall act  
The strength of your designs. I can perceive  
That now the labour of your Jove-like brain  
Is bringing forth the Pallas, shall inspire  
Me, to perform the work of my advancement.  Str. 
'tis not yet ripe for the delivery,  
But thou shalt quickly have it. Follow me.  Exit.  

ACT 3. SCENE 3.  Eudina. Thymele. Placilla. Eud. 
Good Madam, let me be excused. The mirth  
You offered to allay or quench my sorrows  
Might have been well received at former times:  
But now it is unseasonable.  Thy. 
Yet think on't, Madam,  
How gravely Geron goes, and with what scorn  
The wanton Girl recoils.  Eud. 
Good, speak no more on't.  Thy. 
Then Beldame Garrula's reasons urging Doris,  
Showing how either of his pupil's grace  
In your electing Philocles or Philargus,  
Though to them doubtful, is a sure advancement  
To her by Geron.  Eud. 
Still you move like those  
That do in merry tales misspend their breath  
To those that are that day marked out for death.  Thy. 
You may not say so (Madam) 'tis in you  
By taking one, to give new life to two;  
yourself, and if you'll give me leave to name  
The other, be it Philargus: or, if chance  
Shall favour better, Philocles or him,  
Let it be him that gives you the first visit.  Eud. 
That were to fancy in ourselves an Oracle;  
Or to give fortune power, to execute  
The judgement of the Delphian God.  Thy 
Who knows  
But that his Oracle would have it so.  Pla. 
Was it for that you now sent for Philargus.  Aside Thy. 
Say, shall it be so Madam; or suppose so?  Eud. 
This pleases better yet than Geron's wooing.  
Praythee Placilla sing. And may thy voice  
Attract him that may prove the happier choice.  Pla. 
I'll try my best in notes, and what they want  
I'll strive to make effectual in my wishes.  Eud. 
Thanks kind Placilla.— But the leaden weights  
Of sleep oppress mine eyelids, and I shall not hear thee.  Thy. 
Yet sit, and let her sing: you'll sleep the better.  Placilla Sings. After a strain or two, Eudina sleeps, and enters, as a vision at the several doors, Philargus and Philocles; They meet and embrace affectionately: then whisper a while: Then suddenly start off, and draw their swords: menace each other, and severally depart. The song ended, Eudina affrightedly starts up. Eud. 
Stay Philocles, stay Philargus. Let not fury  
Lead you to end that difference with your swords,  
Which only fits my life to satisfy.  Thy. 
What means your Grace.  Eud. 
pursue'em, with prevention,  
Before they meet again, or one or both  
Must perish; did you not observe their challenge,  
And either's daring other to the field?  Thy. 
Who Madam, where? and when?  Eud. 
Now; here; your sons.  
How can you ask?  Thy. 
Because we were awake  
And saw nothing.  Pla. 
Collect your spirits Madam: you slept.  Eud. 
It was an ominous dream then.  Thy. 
And of good,  
I dare divine it Madam. And now see  Enter Philargus. 
Whom fortune first hath sent to be your choice.  
Philargus, you have won the glorious prize.  Philar. 
But does the glory of the world, Eudina, grant it.  Eud. 
My affrightment shakes me still—  
O my Philargus, I am now inspired  
Sure by a vision from the Gods, with knowledge,  
That, in my choice of you, or Philocles,  
I shall become the ruin of you both.  Philar. 
'tis not in fate to wound our common friendship.  Eud. 
'tis better in myself to kill the danger.  Philar. 
The Gods avert such purposes. If you  
Deprive the world of your fair self, than we  
Both fall by necessary consequence.  
But what are we? This Thessaly must suffer.  
The King must yield, to see a new and strange  
Succession appointed to his Crown;  
And by his subjects, not himself.  Eud. 
'tis that  
Deters me: yet let me prevail Philargus  
(To quit me of my fears) that ere I pass  
My faith unto a husband, your and Philocles,  
Before the Gods, your Mother, and myself,  
Once more, do celebrate your vow of Friendship.  
And let me be excused in this: for I  
Must tell you, dear Philargus, that tho' now  
My love be fixed on one of you (albeit  
I name not which) I will not take him with  
Least scruple of a fear of losing him  
Again by th'other's spite; nor leave that other  
Less loved by me, than now he is, for ever;  
And though but one can be possessed of me  
One friendship, yet, must marry us all three.  Philar. 
The Gods have spoke it in you; it is their  
Divine injunction; Madam, I obey it,  
And dare engage as much for Philocles.  Thy. 
This is most fair: now, till you meet, 'tis fit  
You fall on lighter purposes for your health.  
Son, here was mirth today; although the Princess  
Relished it not.  Philar. 
I heard of geron's love  
To his fair Doris. We are now become  
His Tutors, Madam, to be amorous.  Thy. 
Placilla, come you hither. I observe  
A change in you of late; and do suspect  
The Reason. What! Do you blush at my suspicion?  
Nay then you make't my knowledge. You are in Love.  
I'll yet come nearer you. I guess with whom:  
And at fit time I'll school you for't.  Eud. 
Come Madam;  
Now if you please we'll take some air.  Philargus 
Craves leave to seek his brother.  Philar. 
Yes Madam.  Thy. 
I wait o'your Grace. Nay, do not look displeased:  
I tell you Girl, there is danger in it.  Exit Eud Thym. Philar. 
Stay Placilla.  
What! has my Mother chid you. I'll not question  
Her Reason, nor your fault; but pray thee sister  
If Philocles approach to see the Princess  
Ere my return, tell him I stay at's lodging,  
First, to confer with him.  Pla. 
I will my brother.  Philar. 
Introth thou weepst. Therefore to comfort you,  
Because I know by some infallible signs,  
You are more tender of his Love than mine.  
He stands in equal competition yet  
With me for fair Eudina. And if Fortune  
Allots her me, I'll be as kind a brother  
And still the same to you as Philocles.  
I pray thee dry thine eyes.  Ent. Matho disguised with a letter. Mat. 
If a disguised face and a counterfeit hand  
Ever prevailed, may these in this plot speed.  Philarg. reads 
My Lord, I had this in charge to render to you.  Ex. Matho Pla. 
I am discovered in my lawless love.  
Remember, Cupid, whom thou makest thy Anvil;  
A poor weak virgin. If thou art a God,  
Be just and reasonable: It savours not  
Of justice, to provoke incestuous flames,  
Nor Reason to enforce an Ardency  
Of things impossible. Let me not burn  
With neighbouring fire, which, to enjoy, I must  
Therefore despair because it is so near.  Philar. 
Ha! where's this fellow? is he gone?  Pla. 
Yes, brother.  Philar. 
'tis Philocles his hand! An eager challenge!  
A challenge, and to me, his friend and Brother.  
Now Oracle, where's your Riddle? Answer me,  
Apollo's fiddlestick. O ye Delphian Priests,  
You hang religion up, like painted clothes  
Before unseemly walls, to cloak their filth  
And palliate their wicked mysteries.  Pla. 
How do you brother?  Philar. 
Sick in Philocles.  
You'll hear more of his kindness to you shortly.  Exit. Pla. 
He suspects too, with much displeasure, my  
Unreasonable Love to Philocles.  
But why should we be Reasons followers  
With loss of liberty? which of the Creatures  
Alleys his heat toward any of his kind,  
'Cause the same belly gave them being? They  
Observe no difference of Sire, or Dam,  
Brother, or Sister, being mature for love.  
Ah, whither am I going? Bestial thoughts  
Forth of my bosom; Leave me not my Soul,  
Or my soul's better part, my reason. Oh  
It was returning but a flaming shaft  Enter Philocles. 
Of love has set its Mansion afire  
And frights it back again.  Philoc. Placilla. 
Sister.  Pla. 
That name of Sister, like a violent cold  
Upon an extreme heat, fevers my blood  
To death.  Philoc. 
methinks you are sad and troubled sister.  
Why thus alone? Or have you entertained  
That troublesome companion, Love? Come tell me  
I can advise you very learnedly:  
For Cupid's Scholars are more exquisite  
In giving council then in using it.  Pla. 
How shall I answer him? I dare not look on.  Philoc. 
Why are you sad.  Pla. 
Out of conformity  
Unto the present garb: I have assumed  
Only a veil of sadness.  Philoc. 
Thou art only happy,  
Whose sorrow is but outward, as a stranger  
Called to be present at a funeral  
Clads himself like the rest, is serious,  
And silent with a countenance dejected,  
And Testudineous pace; but has not tears,  
No groanings for a loss to him unknown:  
The Obsequies performed unclothes himself  
Of grief and weeds together. But my sister,  
You are not pleased to talk upon this subject.  
Where is the Princess?  Pla. 
He'has given me now a Colour for my sadness.  
The Princess is retired; She has been troubled  
With a most fearful dream of a Duello  
Betwixt you and Philargus to be fought.  Philoc. 
With friendly Courtesies?  Pla. 
Nay, with swords she said.  Philoc. 
Ha, ha, ha.  Pla. 
Philargus hath been with her, and to him  
She told her fears, enjoining him, that both  
Of you should come, and jointly before her  
Declare your constant friendship.  Philoc. 
That's soon done.  Pla. 
But trust me Sir, I fear Philargus took not  
All as she meant it; for at his departing,  
He looked displeasedly; and, when I demanded  
His health's condition, he said he was sick  
In Philocles.  Philoc. 
In Philocles his absence,  
As I am in his. That was his meaning sister.  Pla. 
Pardon my fear; which is, that he's not friends w'ye.  Pheloc. 
Away, your fear has made you idle.  Pla. 
No.  
It is my love, in that black horror clad,  
Which will, before it leaves me, make me mad.  Exit. Philoc. 
I'll seek him out.  Enter Matho disguised, a Letter. Math. 
My Lord, I was commanded  
To convey these into your Lordship's hands.  Philoc. 
By whom were you employed?  Math. 
My Lord 'twas not  
The man that moved me. For I know him not;  
But the reward. I humbly take my leave.  Exit Philoc. 
My brother write. Ha! Are we at such distance?  
Thou art no Prophetess, Placilla, art thou?  He Reads. Brother Philocles, we are the laughing stock of the Natition; and injurious both to the King, our Country, the divine Eudina, and ourselves, by our childish love. The time is short, meet me, (I conjure you by our Friendship) within three hours, in the North vale of Tempe; where it shall be the God's election to take one of us, and leave the other for Eudina. Expostulate not with yourself, much less with me otherwise then by weapon, or never expect to see your Brother Philargus. 
O Gods and men! where shall we go to find  
Friendship and truth? Be't so: For in th'event  
We may be happy both: But with this odds;  
One with Eudina, t'other with the Gods.  Exit.  
Explicit Actus Tertius.   


ACT 4. SCENE 1.  Varillus. Tersulus. Var. 
We should love one another, brother Tersulus,  
More inwardly, and be in friendship true  
As our Lords are. Prithee let their example  
Piece up all difference betwixt us.  Ter. 
Piece up,  
I know your meaning and your jeer Varillus,  
In your piece up.  Var. 
Fie on thy jealousy. 'Cause thou art a tailor,  
howe'er a Gentleman by place, thou think'st  
I jeer thy quality.  Ter. 
You should not. For  
Look back unto the world's beginning; there  
you'll find a tailor was before a Barber.  Var. 
Nay if you go to rip up old Antiquity.  Ter. 
Rippe! there he is again.  Var. 
You may as well  
Collect, that the first man (who you suggest  
Was his own tailor) was his own Barber first.  Ter. 
As how?  Var. 
Do you think he did not scratch his head  
In casting how to fashion out his breeches?  
And that's in part, you know, the barber's office.  Ter. 
The scratching of the head.  Var. 
And still  
In use 'mongst Tailors on themselves. But note  
The foul corruptions brought in by Time;  
Of old they did but rub invention up,  
How to contrive their work: But now their heads  
Wrists, fingers, all have got an itch by't, which  
Nothing but stealing can allay; though that  
Can never cure it.  Ter. 
Lying and stealing went  
Of old together: now they are shared it seems  
Between the Barber and the tailor.  Var. 
Sharp.  Ter. 
Your instruments are sharp as mine, Sir Barber,  
And you can pick more out of your Lords ears  
Then I take from his Garments with my shears.  Var. 
Agree good brother, or would we had Doris  
To stickle twixt us.  
There you're afore me too.  Var. 
But come, Lords followers are their Apes in most things,  
Why should not we be as friendly Rivals, now  
In Doris Love, as are our Lords in the  
Princess Eudina's. We will take up a fashion.  Enter Doris Dor. 
Varillus, where's your Lord?  Var. 
I know not Doris.  Dor. 
Tersulus, where's yours?  Var. 
I know not Doris.  Dor. 
You Echo one another. You're commanded  
Both by the Princess and the Governess  
To seek'em out.  Both. 
Your love commands our stay.  Dor. 
Coupled together? Go yet one of you.  
You I can spare best.  Var. 
Why him?  Dor. 
You then.  Ter. 
Why him?  Dor. 
Do you conspire? I will return your care.  Ter. 
Nay gentle Doris stay. For, 'tis in vain  
To seek our Lords. They are both rod singly forth  
To take the Air. Mine an hour since.  Var. 
Mine even now. I came but since to call  
My brother Tersulus.  Dor. 
Your brother Tersulus?  Ter. 
As deeply vowed in friendship as our Lords are.  Var. 
It is with us as 'tis with them: we both  
Are brothers, friends; yet Rivals in your love.  
Can you now, as the Princess is to them,  
Be equally affected to us both?  Dor. 
Do you stay me to abuse me.  Var. 
Nay, dear Doris.  
We love our Lords? and as you love the Princess,  
Who loves them, love you us. You are Eudina,  
I Philocles, and he Philargus is.  Dor. 
Are the men mad.  Ter. 
Suppose so Gentle Doris.  Var. 
The King commands you to make present choice  
Of one of us, or else ambitious Stratocles  
(That's Geron) must enjoy you. Now sweet Princess  
Be speedy in your choice. The kingdoms good  
Depends upon it. And in your Election,  
O make Philargus blessed: He best deserves you.  Ter. 
Admired friend, and brother Philocles,  
Your courtesy o'ercomes me: I must sue,  
Though my heart aches the while as much for you.  Dor. 
This is fine fooling—  
Good Barber Philocles, and tailor Philargus,  
You shall not need to trim up his Affection,  
Nor you to stitch up his with your forced courtesies.  
I know, in this, each woos but for himself,  
And my Affection runs as even betwixt you,  
As nothing but your sizors, or your shears  
Had parted.  Var. 
See Stratocles, alias Geron.  Enter Geron. Ger. 
So Whilom did contend two warlike Princes  
For a fair Hand, till a powerful King  
Subdued them both and it. Doris, take heed,  
Be wary in your conversation  
(As Whilom Tully warned his tender son)  
With such Plebeians, lest their vulgar breeding  
Corrupt your education.  Var. 
Must she be  
Your pupil learned Geron.  Ger. 
And myself  
Her only study; such as Whilom was;  
Ulysses to Penelope.  Var. 
Take heed Doris  
How you become his wife: For he will love you  
So by the book, as he will never lie with you  
Without an Author for't.  Ger. 
Sir, she shall be  
More precious to me then Homer's Iliads,  
Whilom to Alexander, which he made  
His mighty bedfellow: But why stand I  
To render this account? The Princess sent you,  
Doris, to call their Lords to walk with her,  
And take the air of Tempe.  Ter. 
They are gone to take the air already, sir.  Ger. 
Come you with me then, Doris.  Dor. 
And why with you  
Antiquity? I have heard you all this while,  
And though you boast you have an interest in me,  
We are not yet one volume, both bound up  
And clasped together.  Var. 
She speaks in his Element.  Dor. 
No, I am yet loose paper; and 'twere good  
To keep me so; for when I'm bound I must  
Obey, be searched, examined and corrected.  
Yet this I'll do, and now be serious,  
If you will all obey my rule; and try  
Your fortunes who shall have me.  Var. Ter. 
We agree.  Ger. 
Their merits bear no aequability  
With mine.  Var. 
A very Stratocles.  Dor. 
You boast your worth, and stand on confidence  
In powerful advocates: But what are all  
Unto my Love, and (which is more) my will?  
If you will hear my proposition, hear it.  Var. Ter. 
We are agreed. Pray hear't.  Ger. 
Let's hear it then.  
The Gods, in Love, Whilom have stooped with men.  Dor. 
That you all love me, I believe; and am  
Content that every one of you do think  
Himself prime man in my Affection:  
And one of you I'll take. But yet my choice  
Must wait upon Eudina's. Therefore mark  
If your Lord wins the Princess, and becomes  
The Kings immediate Heir, I will be yours;  
If your Lord, yours.  Ger. 
Therein the odds is mine,  
For they are both my Lords.  Dor. 
Then if both have her, I'll be yours: not else.  Ger. 
As Whilom said, None of the wisest Clerks,  
When the Sky falls we shall have store  Dor. 
Of Whilomes: Ha, ha, ha.  Var. Ter. 
Ha, ha, ha.  Ger. 
Your Mistress, Lady, Princess, and my Mother  
Shall know your.  Dor. 
Away, old Whilom.  All. 
Ha, ha, ha.  Ger. 
Your Lords too I'll acquaint.  Dor. 
Away, old child,  
Go tell it Mother, do.  
If you had spent, in the Philosophers school  
Your time no better, than in Cupid's Lectures,  
What a strange dunce you had been. Tell her, Love shows  
In you, as Whilom— she knows what she knows.  Ger. 
Your Love I will forget; your scorn remember  
In black revenge, and so—  Dor. 
Farewell December.  Var. 
he'll to his Mother now. But tell me, Doris,  
What means that Beldame in she knows, she knows:  
She's often up with't to the Governess.  Dor. 
It has relation to some uncouth passage  
Betwixt them, in my Lady's youth I guess,  Var. 
'tis some smock-secret I believe. But Gentlemen,  
You know how I have laid myself out to you.  Ter. 
That, as the Princess shall bestow herself  
On either's Lord; you will embrace his man.  Dor. 
Right.  Var. 
And to that you'll hold?  Dor. 
Yes  
This for a Creed, That heaven must make its choice and hold you  
Of one of them, before she take the other.  
You understand me; and now cease your strife:  
When th'ones Lord's dead, I'll be the other's wife.  
So farewell Gentlemen. I have stayed too long.  Var. 
She has given us both a hint now, would we take it.  Dor. 
You did not hear me say, Kill you his Lord,  
Nor you kill his.  Exit. Var. 
But she has laid a ground  
To end a strife, that I should ne'er ha' found.  Ter. 
Varillus, come, our Lords may be returned:  
And we be shent for loitering.  Var. 
I must think on't.  Exit.  

ACT 4. SCENE 2.  Matho in his disguise. Mat. 
Now for my Combatants. Th'appointed ground  
Is here; the time draws on; and the event  
Foreseen in my imaginary light  
Of every pass projected in their fight.  
In the first passage, each shall wound the other;  
Then shall they give, lend, pay, change wound for wound,  
Till both of them lie fainting on the ground.  
Holding between their teeth their doubtful lives:  
When I, to end the question, friendly come in,  
And with an equal hand dispatched'em both.  Ent. Philarg. 
And so into my ambush. One approaches.  Exit. Philar. 
This is the place. What is't that urges me  
So promptly to deed, which being acted,  
Will be th'astonishment of Heaven and earth?  
Applauded nowhere but in Hell. Fair Tempe,  
Let it not be derived to after Ages,  
By any uncouth mark upon thy face,  
Let not thy grassy locks, that shall receive  
The drops of blood, wither and die, condemning  
The place that bore them to continual baldness;  
Let not the impress of our labouring feet  
Hold its proportion; nor that part of earth,  
Whereon the slain shall measure out his length,  
Reserve the stamp, and make it monumental,  
By a perpetual spring of more procere  
And bigger bladed grass: And, when my soul  
Hath found an Exit (which my purpose is  
My Brother's sword shall open) let the valley  
(When he's departed) sink and undermine  
The bordering hills that they may cover me.  Ent. Philoe. Philoc. 
He hath prevented me in haste: In death  
I shall prevent his happily expected  
Labour and toil, who for no other end  
Am here arrived but to be sacrificed  
For expiation of his discontent.  Philar. 
Let all the eyes of heaven be hooded, only  
One star to guide his point unto my heart,  
Which instantly shall fall, and be extinct  
In my distilled blood; that so the Gods  
May not behold him. May some magic spell  
Instruct his arm and weapon how to slay  
My name and memory, that of me, there be not  
Any desire; on him no Imputation.  Philoc. 
My cure is only how my breast may swallow  
His point, without revealing mine intent.  Philar. 
I so't shall be: a violent assay  
For provocation; and then spit myself  
Upon his steel.  They espy one another draw, and pass at each other, instantly both spread their arms to receive the wound. Philoc. 
Philargus. What! so quick,  Philar. 
What's meant by this?  Philoc. 
That should be my demand  Philar. 
Are you so changeable?  Philoc. 
Not I Philargus.  Philar. 
This was my resolution;  
Will you stain  
The reputation raised of your high valour.  Philoc. 
I came to make experiment of none  
But what consists in suffering.  Philar. 
That's my part.  Philoc. 
myself  
If you deny me that last friendly office.  Phila. 
Brother you dally with me. Therefore I conjure you  
By fair Eudina let your anger loose;  
Break up this cask of blood, and give the earth  
A draught unto her health.  Philoc. 
By the same Beauty  
(Than which no greater subject of an oath)  
I swear to be your nuptials sacrifice,  
Be you the Priest. I'll suffer without noise  
In my displayed bowels you shall read  
An augury of bliss unto you both.  Philar. 
This is hard measure, Philocles, to mock  
Ere you destroy.  Philoc. 
I'll mock no more. Adieu.  He offers to kill himself, Philargus closes with him. Philar. 
Hold, hold, and be not prodigal of that blood,  
More precious than Pactolus golden streams.  They struggle, and both fall down, still striving to hold each other's sword. etc. Philoc. 
Was then your challenge but to try me only?  Philar. 
Yours was, it seems; but none went out from me.  Philoc. 
Then are we both ensnared by treachery.  Enter Matho. Math. 
This I foresaw 'twould come to. 'Save ye lordings.  
And whither travail ye? Do you not want a guide  
To help ye on your way?  Matho draws they start up and disarm him. Philar. 
This is the villain  
That summoned me.  Philoc. 
And me. Villain, what art thou?  Math. 
Unhappily guessed. I pray inquire no further.  Philar. 
What monster art thou?  Philoc. 
Unworthy on thy face to bear man's ensign.  
Who has suborned thee? See 'tis Stratocles' man.  He unbeards him. Philar. 
Die villain, die. And were thy master in thee,  
The thirst of whose ambition sought our bloods;  
His flesh with thine should here become a prey  
Unto the Ravens.  Math. 
O, be pitiful  
And spare my life, my Lords, and I'll reveal  
Matters of weight and wonder; which, concealed,  
Will yet cost both your lives, and make the Princess,  
If she not answer my Lords fierce desires,  
Subject to rape and murder.  Philoc. 
How can she  
So fall into his power.  Philar. 
We shall abuse  
The trust the Gods have put into our hands  
If we neglect to execute justice on thee.  Math 
Let me but warn ye of Eudina's danger,  
Whereby her virgin Innocence may not suffer,  
And then inflict your furies on me.  Philoc. 
That charms our ready hands and steel. Speak quickly.  Math. 
This very hour she's to be surprised  
By my Lord Stratocles, here, on Tempe plains,  
Where she is come to walk, slenderly guarded  
To take the air. He with a strength will seize her  
And hurry her hence unto his Mansion house,  
To yield to his desire, or death, if suddenly  
Prevention be not made.  Philar. 
'tis worth our care.  Math. 
Preserve me from his vengeance, and I'll bring you  
Unto his enterprise.  Philoc. 
We must not trust him,  
He may have laid an Ambuscado for us.  Enter 6 Rust. with Weapons Philar 
See brother, stand upon our guard.  Math. 
Help, help, aid me good people, help.  Philoc. 
What means the villain now.  1. Rus. 
What's the complaint?  2. Rus. 
What is your grievance, speak?  Math. 
I am a servant to Lord Stratocles  
Who has preserved your country and your lives.  1. Rus. 
We are the more beholding to him; on.  2. Rus. 
'Twas more his gentleness then our deserving; on.  Math. 
These two are his malignant enemies;  
And finding that my Lord is in these parts  
Together with the Princess, fair Eudina  
(Who has made him her choice) they lie in wait  
To murder him, as they had me, had not  
The Gods sent you to rescue me.  1. Rus. 
'Twas more their Gentleness, than your deserving, on.  Math. 
I have no more to say, but that you take'em  
On your allegiance to safe custody,  
And let me pass.  1. Rus. 
Un'ch, That would be more  
Our gentleness than your deserving too. on, on.  Philar. 
Dear friends—  1. Rus. 
Good, interrupt us not we'll hear ye in order.  
On you, Sir, ere you go; and come not back  
For any thing unspoken you left behind.  Math. 
I thank you, Sir, I had like to ha'left my sword deserving,  
Behind, which they disarmed me of.  1. Rus. 
That was their Gentleness more than your  
(They having three swords, and you none to guard you)  
They killed you not indeed, yet on again.  
What further do you charge'em with.  Math. 
No more, nor you, less you detain me longer.  1. Rus. 
Now you grow bold, and saucy I must tell you.  2. Rus. 
Now you're a knave, a villain and a Traitor,  
Lest you no more behind you but a sword?  
I saw a scabbard on your face of late,  
A false one: Seek it out.  3. Rus. 
O here it is.  Takes up the false beard. 1. Rus. 
Put it him on again. On with it, on.  
Resist and we will hang thee. Now my Lords,  
My Princess I may say: For one of you  
Must be our King. We know you though you know  
Not us; you may perhaps hereafter know us  
More by your Gentleness than our deserving.  Phil. Phil. 
O worthy Country men.  1. Rus. 
We are the heads of Tempe; and the chief  
Swain heads of Thessaly (the King has known us)  
And here we came to lay our heads together  
For good of common wealth. Here at the verge  
Of this adjoining Thicket is our Bower  
Of consultation; and from thence (regardful  
Ever with eye and ear for common good)  
We saw a beard pulled off; and heard that mouth,  
(Which now is dumb) open a plot, unlike  
The pitiful complaint he made to us.  Philar. 
But saw you not some passages before?  
Of his attempt upon our lives?  1. Rus. 
Good Gods.  2. Rus. 
No we came in but then. Those are enough  
To hang the man, and turn his Lord out of  
Our Country favour: If we find he has  
That plot upon the body of the Princess  
Of Rape and Murder. He can be no King  
For us: for, sirrah, we have wives and daughters.  En. Stra. Eud. Soul. 1. Rus. 
Stand close. See who comes here.  Stra. 
So, now go back my friends. There's some reward.  Sol. 
Thanks to the noble bounteous Stratocles.  gives a purse Srat. 
Lady your tears are bootless.  Exit Soldiers Eud. 
Help ye Gods.  Str. 
Your cries as unavailable. The Gods  
(To whom your friendly foolish lovers  
Have sacrificed each other) have given you up  
To me the only worthy of you.  Eud. 
No they are both sublimed into one star,  
Yet of a double influence, that shall  
Strike death into thy purposes, and give  
Me light by which t'ascend with them to live  
After my present death.  She offers to kill herself with a knife, he holds her. Str. 
Your haste to death shall not prevent my lust.  Philoc. 
She must outlive thy Lust and the false Traitor  Rus. 
Hold, hold, disarm, but kill him not.  2. Rus. 
we'll keep him tame.  Str. 
You have odds o'me.  Eud. 
I am in heaven already.  Philar. 
Live wonder of the heavens, a star on earth  
Out shining theirs.  Eud. 
What a short journey 'tis  
For heavenly minds to reach unto the Gods!  Str. 
Betrayed!  1. Rus. 
No not betrayed. You're but well meet my Lord,  
But that's our Gentleness more than your deserving.  Str. 
Am I become the shame and scorn of peasants.  1. Rus. 
Or if you'll ha''t betrayed, then blame your own  
Overmuch policy and want of Beasts  
To carry it to Market. We ne'er lay  
More burden on a Ass, than he can bear  
Here in the country: what is done at court  
We know not. Here perhaps is one can tell,  
Know you this bearded Satire?  Pull off Matho's beard. Str. 
Coward, slave,  
Thy faintness hath betrayed me.  Math. 
No, 'twas odds,  
Such as men meet that fight against the Gods.  1. Rus. 
The fellow has some Grace; he weeps: But come  
Princess and Princes, what is now your pleasure  
We do unto these men?  Eud. 
For me, I have learned  
By mine own sufferings in my afflictions  
To be compassionate. I wish their pardon.  Str. 
That mercy wounds me deeper with remorse  
Then all my lost designs, and their derision  
Have done with indignation.  1. Rus. 
There is some hope these yet may prove new men.  Eud. 
Lord Stratocles,  
Those wounds that pierce the heart with true contrition  
Do bring the precious balm in'em that cures it.  Philar. 
We wish yours may be such.  Philoc. 
And that this shame  
May guard you innocent of future blame.  2. Rus. 
Here's sweetness upon sweetness.  1. Rus. 
Now it remains, that we advise ourselves,  
Brethren of Tempe, that since these delinquents  
Are fallen into our hands, that we discharge  
Our Country loyalty with discretion,  
And not release him from our power, but by  
The power above us. (that's the kings) we'll wait  
On you to court. On you for your new loves,  
And you for old acquaintance.  Eud. 
I'll acquaint my father with your care,  
He shall be witness of our bringing in  
The ambitious Politic trapped in his own gin.   

ACT 4. SCENE 3.  King. Disanius. Justinius. King. 
Bereft of all my joys and hopes at once!  
Is there no comfort, nor no counsel left me?  
Why stand you gazing thus with sealed lips?  
Where is your counsel now, which you are wont  
In trifling matters to pour out in plenty?  
Now, in the peril of my life and state  
I cannot get a word. Give me my daughter,  
Or take my Kingdom too. Where is she? Tell me.  Dis. 
All we can say or hear is, she was taken  
Out of her private walks by violent hands,  
Only we guess the master of the plot  
Was Stratocles, who now is missing in the Court.  King 
He asked my leave to leave the Court, and had it.  Dis. 
'twas a fit gloss for his fowl treachery.  King 
But what ha' you said for her recovery.  Just. 
We have dispatched a hundred several posts  
To every coast and angle of your Kingdom:  
No way of finding her is left unsought.  Dis. 
Could we find Stratocles, she might be found.  King 
Still upon him? Where's Philocles? where's Philargus?  
They are missing too.  Dis. 
Hell has not in't a thought  
That can detract their honours.  Jus. 
Yet a Rumor  
Is spread about the Court; they are gone to fight.  Dis. 
'Gainst whom?  Jus. 
Against themselves. Nay more, that they  
Have fought, and both are slain.  Dis. 
You may as soon  
Believe the Arctic and Antarctic poles  
Can meet it opposition, amidst  
The firmament, and jointly in a fall  
Extinguish both their lights in Neptune's bosom.  King 
Whence springs this Rumor.  Dis. 
Stratocles is the head  
We may be confident; and his men the pipes  
That have dispersed it.  Kin. 
Still you judge Stratocles.  Ent. Thym. weeps. 
What purpose can he have in't.  Dis. 
O my sister  
Has heard the news too. Weep not tender sister,  
Your sons are safe.  Thy. 
Yes they are with the Gods.  King. 
And, had they ta'en Eudina with them too,  
My doubts and fears were over, well as yours.  Ent. Garr. weeping Dis. 
Here's one that makes a face, an ugly one,  
And would weep too, had she but moisture in her.  
How now! Whose mere's dead, Garrula? Take thy bottle  
And turn that into tears. Or dost thou wring  
Thy face because that's dry? Gi'mee 't, I'll fill it.  Gar. 
My son, oh, oh my son is at death's door.  Dis. 
And is death so unkind to keep it shut  
Against him? Out upon him churl.  Gar. 
My liege  
And Madam (it shall out) you might have saved  
My son's life in your servants love, whose scorn  
Will be his death, except the King divert it,  
And I shall tell him what you know I know—  Thy. 
O me undone.  Gar. 
And open such a secret  
Unto his majesty—  King. 
Yet forbear me now.  Gar. 
Do you slight me in the care of my son's life?  
Do you scorn my secret too, that may be worth  
More than your kingdom to you?  Dis. 
Away old fool.  Gar. 
Now you shall never know't.  Dis. 
For thy good will  
The king would thank thee, in offering at some mirth  
To cool his grief, but that it is too hot  
Yet to be touched.  Jus. 
Indeed you do not well  
To move the King, or to perplex the Lady  
Now in their sorrows fullness.  Gar. 
What's their sorrow  
To mine? My sons a dying.  Jus. 
Her sons are dead,  
And the king's daughter lost.  Gar. 
But I pray, say,  
Is my Lord Philocles and Philargus dead?  Jus. 
'Tis said so.  Gar. 
Then I say my son shall live.  Dis. 
And so wilt thou while thou canst lift thy bottle  
To that old Mazer.  Gar. 
Hem! A hem! a ha!  Dis. 
Do you rejoice, and show the rotten half tooth  
You have left that they are dead.  Gar. 
No I rejoice  
That the advancement that the giglet gaped for  
In one of their fine followers is lost,  
In hope of which she scorned my son. But now  
He shall scorn her and live.  Dis. 
Out envious trot  Gar. 
I'll comfort him with the news.  Dis. 
away you Hag,  Exit Gar. 
Here comes one merry look.  Eup. 
Joy to the king.  Enter Eupathus. Eupa. Dis. 
Well said, speak up and home good  Eup. 
Your daughter's safe returned so is your son, Madam,  
For which you are to thank the Gods: This is  
Their true relation.  He gives the King a paper. Dis. 
Where is Stratocles?  Eup. 
Caught in the snares of his foul treachery.  Dis. 
Bravely and honestly spoken Eupathus.  He reads to Thym. aside. Eup. 
And by their hands whose voices he had once  
For his election.  Dis. 
What his country heads?  Eup. 
They all turn head upon him now.  Dis. 
Brave heads  
Observe my judgement now, my king: Those heads  
I will so souse in our best Greekish Wines,  
That they shall be such heads! O heads, heads, heads!  King. 
I do approve your judgement good Disanius,  
But wish you not insult o'er man's dejection.  
We find that Stracocles is much penitent  
And troubled at his trespass.  Dis. 
A halter still him  
For an ambitious hypocritical Traitor.  King. 
The time for my Eudina's match draws near,  
And I no longer will attend on fortune,  
I have decreed it past recall, regardless  
Whether against the oracle, or with it.  Thy. 
Yet am I confident in your assertion  
You priests of Delphos.  Dis. 
he'll bestow her yet  
On Stratocles, if she stand longer doubtful  
In a fair choice.  Eup. 
Fear not my Lord. That doubt  
Your Country heads will clear. He has lost them  
For ever.  Dis. 
O brave heads! I will so ring  
Their ears with jewels of praises and preferment  
That they shall glare like direful comets at him.  King. 
One she shall choose of them: If not, I'll put  
A third upon her.  Thy. 
With your pardon Sir,  
Why are you (for I find it is so) stronger  
For Philocles?  King. 
No reason urges me;  
And yet I find an inclination in me  
That pleads for him. I can perceive you too,  
Are partial towards Philargus. Can you yield  
A reason for't?  Thy. 
Yes, Sir, he is my eldest.  King. 
Alas, But not an hour. Well, I'll remit  
My power propounding, and accept  
Her choice of either, made within the time.  Thy. 
ay, there my hopes do anchor; else they were  
Certain of Shipwreck: yet the perilous waves  
My vessel rides on seems so many graves.   
Explicit Actus Quartus.   


ACT 5. SCENE 1.  Philocles. Philargus. Philoc. 
Brother, and friend, I'm deaf to all dissuasion.  
I charge you by Eudina's love, our friendship,  
And (if there be) ought that you hold more sacred,  
Move not to alter my fixed resolution.  Philar. 
That resolution's mine; And I conjure you  
By the selfsame respects, and all that are  
Or may be hollowed, to let me depart.  
I will remove but for some few day's journey  
Whence you shall duly hear from me. But rather  
I'll travail to th' Antipodes, then here  
Linger the vain impediment of your joys  
In your Eudina.  Philoc. 
Travel's my design.  
Eudina must be yours. She is a bliss  
Which heaven created for you.  Philar. 
Can a bliss  
Be purchased with your absence? No: 'Twill torture  
Equally in fruition as in want.  
Were it a Kingdom only, we could part it  
Without the quarrel of the Thebean brothers;  
Or, were it heaven itself, Castor and Pollux  
Should have our imitation. But Eudina  
Is only indivisible.  Philoc. 
Add to it this,  
Their sentence is erroneous, that deny  
Partition to the soul: For ours do witness,  
Friendship can give her a division,  
And make reciprocal community  
Of all her faculties. But still Eudyna  
Is indivisible. Why name I her,  
Whom to forget must be my only task?  
Brother adieu.  Philar. 
'Tis I that must take leave.  Enter Disan. Dis. 
Is it even so?  Philoc. 
I fear we are prevented.  Dis. 
Nephews, why left you so the presence? I  
May justly fear you were ill advised in it.  
The King expects your quick return, and will not  
Let pass this peremptory day, set down  
For matching of his daughter; to preserve  
Life, State, or Kingdom. Have you a purpose,  
First having begged that villain Stratocles pardon,  
To give him up your interest in the Princess?  
The Kingdom too, to boot? will you compel  
The King to give him all?  Philar. 
Not so good Uncle.  Dis. 
What do you less in flying from the presence,  
When that affair is now in agitation?  Philoc. 
Uncle, you saw withal the great distraction  
We left the Princess in. How when she looked  
Upon Philargus, she inclined to him;  
And when on me to me; when on us both  
How ecstasied she fell!  Philar. 
A strong necessity  
There is that one of us absent.  Dis. 
Therefore  
You both fly off to travel several ways!  
Come, let me tell you your courtesy is foolish,  
And you unworthy to have such a fortune  
Hang like a pregnant cloud over your heads  
Ready to be dissolved in showers upon you,  
While your own madness conjures up a wind  
To blow't away.  Philar. 
Uncle, you are unjust,  
I would remove to let that golden shower  
Light upon Philocles.  Philoc. 
I upon Philargus.  Dis. 
I could even swaddle'em both for a brace of Babies.  
Your folly makes me mad: will you return  
Yet to the presence, both of you?  Philoc. 
Uncle, you know  
To be both there, is neither to be there,  
But to breed more perplexity in Eudyna.  
Pray take Philargus.  Dis. 
Nephew, come, be wise:  
It is a crown that Courts you; and the name  
Of friend, or Brother ought to stand aloof,  
And know a distance, where such dignity  
Is tendered. Take your opportunity,  
I find you coming, come.  Philarg. 
I pray take Philocles.  Dis. 
I'll take him for the wiser man then. Nephew,  
Come, and embrace your fortune, and forget not  
To thank the Gods your Brother has no more wit.  
A Kingdom and a beauteous bed-fellow  
(There Nephew, there!) Do not those bear a sound  
'Bove friend and Brother, ha?  Philoc. 
not in mine ears.  Dis. 
What frost has seized their blood, & brains, which neither  
Beauty nor dignity can thaw? Go travel.  
What stay you for? young Gentlemen sometimes  
Wait for a gale of gold to blow'em out  
O'th' harbour; Stratocles will furnish you,  
And thank you more than for his forfeit life.  Philoc. 
Stratocles can gain nothing by my absence,  
While her Philargus stays.  Philarg. 
No, nor by mine,  
While Philocles remains.  Dis 
Shall I make a motion,  
Will one of you remain?  Both. 
One must and shall.  Dis. 
Then yield to take your lots for't. (I will make'em)  
As you respect my love; your mother's life;  
The kingdoms good; Eudynas love and life,  
Let it be so. Pause not upon't, but do't.  
See, here's ink and paper. I am inspired,  
Apollo, with thy wisdom. Love.— and friendship.  
See, here's a pass for one, and a plantation  He writes two lots. 
For tother. Love and friendship Gentlemen.  
Love shall abide at home, and friendship walk,  
According to the custom of the world.  
Let it be so. Come study not, but draw,  
I'll draw upon ye both else.  They drew the lots. Philar. 
Friendship for me then.  Philoc. 
See here I have it brother. And yours is love.  
My love be prosperous to you. My horse, my horse.  Enter Varillus Var. 
All's ready, Sir.  Philoc. 
In the first place then bring  
A parting cup, that by the grapes Elizar  
As Jove by Acheron, I may protest  
My constancy and zeal unto my purpose.  Var. 
And now's my time to act thy purpose, Doris.  Exit. Dis. 
Kick not your heels against the Gods, Philargus,  
It is most evidently their decree  
That you abide and Philocles remove.  Philoc. 
I do obey my Lot. And noblest brother.  
Be you as free in love, as I from envy.  Philar. 
But how can you forgo that equal interest  
You have with me in Thessaly, and Eudina?  Diss. 
Why should that trouble you? you see he does  
forego't; and is a going. Would he were gone once.  Philar. 
Can love allow't?  Philoc. 
Variety of objects  
Like Nails abandon one a neither. So  
May I, by novelties of Travail, lose  
The thought of Love; and cheerfully return  
Both hers and yours in a more just relation.  Enter Varillus with a bowl of wine. 
Give me the bowl. Now brother to that love  
You owe the fair Eudina, unto which  
I give th'addition of mine own, and all  
The joves that ere I wished myself and her,  
And to that friendship, which nor Time, nor absence  
Shall ever end or alter.  He drinks and gives Varillus the bowl. Var. 
Now the service that may redeem my faults  
Is to be done.  Philar. 
Give it me full, Varillus.  Var. 
I'll give you more than you expect by this.  He puts in a powder. Philar. 
You have the victory in friendship, brother,  
Who, by your resolute absence will enforce  
And drive me to a happiness; wherein  
I must not cease, in all the strength of prayers  
Of sacrifice, and vows; in all my goods  
Of fortune, mind and body to be yours:  
Which that you may return to repossess  
With the more speed, this health to auspicate  
And expedite your travails.  Var. 
They are done  
Already if my Pothecaries skill fail not.  Philoc. 
With this embrace my brother, and my last  
Of present ceremony, I now wish you  
In th'arms of your Eudina—  
And may my better part of soul, which now  
I leave in trust with you, by you be breathed  
Into her breast; that she may lively find  
She has my love in yours; and that in you  
She has us both.  Dis. 
So, so, enough. Ha'ye done yet?  Philoc. 
How is it with you brother?  Philarg. 
As it is  
With souls that leave the world in peace.  Dis. 
For shame  
Leave womanish ceremony. Will you part  
Before it be too late?  Philoc. 
Too soon I fear.  
Philargus! Brother! Friend! Ye Gods, how comes this?  Dis. 
What is he dead? I see then how it comes.  
You or your man, or both ha' poisoned him.  Philar. 
No, 'twas myself.  Dis. 
Thou wilt not go out o'th' world  
With a lie i'thy mouth? Speak yet again,  Var. 
He has said well for me already,  Philoc. 
Gone, past recovery, but he shall not pass  
Without my company.  Dis. 
Wilt thou die mad too?  He offers to kill himself. Dis. snatcheth his sword away. 
Come, Sir, let go your whiblin. He has yet  
Some breath. Run for Physicians— No, Sir, stay.  
I will not quit you so. I can read guilty lines  
Palpably on this villain's visnomy.  
Is there no more i'th' house? some help here! ho!  
Nephew forbear. As you will have me think  Philocles offers again to kill himself. 
You guiltless of your brother's blood, forbear.  
How am I tortured! Ho! Philargus; rub him,  
Rub him, he may live yet.  Philoc. 
O that the world  
Might be so happy!  Dis. 
So, well said: A box  
Or two in kindness will not do amiss.  
Stir not you sirrah. O, Sir, you lay hold  Enter Tersulus. 
On that same traitor.  Var. 
I'll not stir my Lord.  Dis. 
I'll hold you to your word, Sir, run, Sir, you  
And fetch Physicians.  Ter. 
O my Lord, fallen dead!  Dis. 
Stay but to look upon him, and I'll swear  
Thou art his murderer. Fetch the king's Physicians,  Exit Tersulus 
If not to cure him; yet to rip the cause  
Out of his sudden death. I guess they'll find  
Your handiwork in's maw.  Var. 
You heard him say  
It was himself that did it. I am cleared.  Enter Eupathus. Eup. 
My Lord, the King, impatient of your stay,  
Has sent it.  Dis. 
What has he sent. Has he sent means  
To call this man from death, or that from falling  
After him into th'grave?  Eup. 
O heavy spectacle!  Dis. 
But, come I will not cry tho'. Pray assist me,  
In with this body, Charity commands  
When grieved necessity entreats your hands.  Exeunt omnes.  

ACT 5. SCENE 2.  Geron. The four Rustics. Ger. 
My Rustici amici, your Council and  
Your virtue have restored me. And 'tis true  
As Wholom said the good Antisthenes'  
Virtue is armour 'gainst the very fates.  1. Rus. 
We told you for your good, good Mr. Geron,  
Fond love became you not.  2. Rus. 
It sat upon your coat like burrs or briars  
Stuck in the hindlocks of our fleecy sheep;  
Who shake their heads; figgle, and writhe their tails,  
And bleat for woe; sprinkle the ground behind'em  
Sometimes I wiss: 'twould make one laugh and pity'em  
And all at once, but all remediless.  
Till we with helping wit and hands release'em  Gar. 
A wise man then in love is like a sheep  
i'th' briars. As Whilom said  3. Rus. 
But (by the way)  
What was that Whilom, Sir, you speak much of him,  
But what was he pray.  Ger. 
An ancient Britain, whom I have affected  
As idly as my love. But I'll forget it  
And use that word no more. The clowns have found me.  4. Rus. 
But will you now proceed upon your plot  
For th'honour of Tempe plains, and Tempe swains.  Ger. 
You can all dance.  2. Rus. 
After our country guise.  3. Rus. 
Like so many light horses.  1. Rus. 
So can our wives  
Who have followed us up to Court we thank'em  
Pray Juno we get them honestly home again.  Ger. 
There is no doubt. However fear you nothing  
As why— 'tis hard to leave off an old custom.  2. Rus. 
The why was out, but loom stuck in your teeth.  Ger. 
'tis well it did so. You can dance you say.  
A dance I have projected for the Princess  
whoever marries her it shall serve. As why—  1. Rus. 
Again 'twas e'en a coming.  Ger. 
You are as quick as why—  2. Rus. 
And there again.  1. Rus. 
Nay we are heads, I tell you Master Geron,  
And should have wit; and show't we can i' th'country,  
In the head vein, though hear at Court, like courtiers  
We'll show it in our heels. Pray therefore on.  Ger. 
On, let us then to practise. King and court  
Shall see, to crown their joys, some country sport.  Exeunt omnes.  

ACT 5. SCENE 3.  King. Justinus. Eudina. Thymele. Attendants. King. 
No answer, no return? Must I entreat,  
Yet have my undeserved favours slighted?  Thy. 
Yet, Sir, your Kingly patience.  King. 
Stupid folly  
'Twere longer to attend. My vow is past  
And registered in heaven; the minute is  
At hand, that calls down thunder on me, which  
No tear, or prayers can mollify or aver't,  
If I upon so long deliberation  
Shall falsify. So, call in Stratocles.  Exit. Attendants. Eud. 
O my dread father. Yet one hours' patience  
Till Eupathus or Disanius return.  
One short, short hour: I may not live so long.  
His wife you named; though you may force me take him.  King 
I'll leave that to the Gods.  Eud. 
They will forgive. Give them your imitation  
In mercy, as in power on earth. I know Disanius  
Went not in vain to call'em to your presence.  
And him that he brings first into this room  
O Philocles or Philargus I will take,  
Though he precede the other but one foot,  
I have it by inspiration from the Gods.  King 
You are full of dreams.  Thym. 
This cannot, Sir, be long  
In trial. King Yet I am not bound to wait  
On those ingrateful men. O Stratocles,  Enter Strato. 
You have from your late Errors, which your then  
Headstrong ambition hurried and cast you in  
With that humility purged yourself, that I  
Conceive you now a temperate Man; and am  
Instructed by the clemency of the Gods  
To cherish and reward your virtue. Therefore  
From their divine appointment, as my hands—  Eud. 
(O mighty, Sir—  King 
Dare not to disobey me)  
Receive Eudina.  Str. 
Royal King and Master,  
Mistake not so the pleasure of the Gods.  
My forfeit life you have forgiven me:  
Your Kingly power and grace might do it. You  
Have given it freely: but I took't with caution,  
By future service to make good your gift:  
But for my forfeit love to fair Eudina,  
And my lost honour to the twin-born brothers,  
There can be no redemption, if I add  
By acceptation of your bounteous offer  
A second trespass, greater than the former.  King 
Do you refuse her then.  Str. 
In hope she'll plead  
My pardon to your grace.  Eud. 
The Gods have wrought  
Effectually for me.  King 
Strangely, unexpected  
Are you become a suppliant Placilla?  Pla. 
In the behalf, Sir, of your loyal subjects,  Ent. Pla. with a petition. 
The Swains of Tempe.  King. 
I expected, rather,  
News from your unkind brothers. See Justinius,  
The Commons, rather than I shall bestow  kneels. 
My daughter upon Stratocles, do beseech me  
To take a further time.  Just. 
You're happy, Sir,  
In his refusal and in their request.  
They are fair predictions of ensuing joys  
To you, your daughter, and the Kingdom, If  
I may be worthy to divine so much.  King 
howe'er thy divination proves, thy wish  
Is worth our thanks. And we may have  Enter Eupathus 
Glad tidings presently. Now Eupathus  
Where is Disanius, Philocles, and Philargus?  
Why come they not?  Eup. 
They are all at hand my liege.  
This paper may excuse their stay.  King 
O do  The K. reads the paper. 
They plead excuse then?  Thym. 
I am full of fears.  Eud. 
And I of sudden joy.  Plac. 
Pray all be well.  
The King has struck his breast, and seems perplexed.  King 
Justinius, Stratocles, read here this Paper.  
Go Eupathus, and let them enter. Stay.  
Yet go, bring them in their prescribed manner.  
I'll send the woman off, whose sudden grief  
May be a bar to our proceedings. Madam—  Thy. 
I fear that Garrula has detected me.  King 
I must entreat a while your absence, Lady.  Thy. 
May I presume to ask your reason, Sir.  King 
My will has been above your question. Pray,  
Let me request you go.  Thy. 
I know obedience.  King 
And go Placilla, send old Garrula to me.  Thy. 
Now 'tis most evident. O mighty, Sir,  
Conceive not worse of me then Garrula.  
Let us appear together.  King 
What means this?  Thy. 
You may be pleased to hear me first.  King 
Pray pull not  
More weight upon your breast than you can bear,  
By your impertinent stay. Go I command you.  Thy. 
I must obey. However 'tis too late  
To change the resolution of my fate.  Exit. Thym. Pla. King 
I have not known her thus. I fear distraction  
Foreruns the voice of grief, as to prevent it.  
Heaven knows I called for Garrula, but to send her  
With best directions to prepare and arm  
Her tender soul against the sting of sorrow  
Before it should approach her. But Eudina  
You must be valiant; and not let the sight  
Of death in others shake your confidence.  Eud. 
How means your majesty?  King 
Suppose that both  
Your fatal lovers, Philocles and Philargus  
Slept in the caves of death.  Eud. 
I should not live then;  King 
Suppose his destiny had cut off one,  
And, in him, all the impediments, that crossed  
You in th' enjoying of the other, say  
Which could you wish survivor? But you have  
Declared your constant purpose to possess  
The first Disanius brings into this presence.  
Come; one is dead. There is a strict necessity  
You know it. Now collect your Reason: For 'tis not  
Your passion for the dead; nor your dislike  
Of Stratocles; no though my subjects yield you  
A longer time, shall make me tempt the Gods  Recorders. Ent. Disanius before a hearse. Philocles after. Varillus manacled and led by Tersulus. Euputhus supports Philocles, as ready to sink with grief. 
By breaking of my vow. Be steadfast then,  
As you respect a father; and take courage.  
See Philocles lives.  Eud 
Philargus then  
Is brought in dead before him by Disanius;  
And unto him the first to be brought in  
My faith was vowed; and he is now my choice.  King 
What being dead? Could you affect'em so  
Equally, both alive, that you forbore  
To choose, because you could not have'em both;  
And now seek only him cannot be had?  The hearse set down. Eudinae kneels to it. Philo. kneels 
What Love, what madness call you this? good Gods,  
Throw not your wrath upon me in destruction on the other  Just. 
Nor let your passion Master you great, sir, side,  
As sudden grief does her. But give a little  
Scope to her sorrow. She will soon return  
And meet her Reason in obedience  
To your desires.  King. 
I thank thee good Justinius.  A Song. During which Disanius etc. discourse with the King. Disanius seems to acquaint the King with the manner of Philargus' death, pointing at Varillus. The King seems much troubled; but at the end of the song, (as by the king's appointment Disanius raiseth Philocles, and Justinius raiseth Eudina, and bring them to the King while Eupathus with the Attendants go forth with the hearse, the Recorders playing. which done, King. 
Your virgin tears and vows o'er your lost love  
I did attend with pardon, my Eudina,  
In hope you are now compliant to my will.  Dis. 
Grieve not your father Madam.  Eud. 
I ha'done;  
And as the Gods direct him to command me,  
I must and will obey.  Dis. 
So that's well said.  King. 
The Gods have pleased Eudina to determine  
Your doubtful choice, reserving Philocles  
Unto your love without competitor:  
Therefore it now remains that he be taken  
Into your liking; whom I have decreed  
My successor.  Eud. 
His merits are above  
Me and this land; In which what interest  
My birth hath given me I resign to him.  
Only let me beseech a further respite.  King. 
For what? the celebration? I consent;  
But for the contract, this immediate hour  
Shall see it knit beyond all dissolution.  Dis. 
I that I thirst to see.  King. 
Give me your hands.  Eudina gives her hand. 
Yours Philocles.  Dis. 
Why give you not your hand,  
Dare you not trust the King with't? should he now  
Show a jade's trick and fly back.  Philoc. 
I beseech  
Under your highness' Pardon, yet, a respite.  Dis. 
More respites yet? Was ever hopeful match  
Driven so round about?  King. 
Why this delay?  Philoc. 
My brother's blood cries in me for your justice  
Which must be executed on his murderer  
Before I safely can, or dare possess  
His interest in the faith of fair Eudina.  Dis. 
O, is that all? that may be soon dispatched.  
Come forwards Poisoner. Good your Majesty,  
For expedition, make me his judge,  
And hangman too (I care not) rather than  
Suffer this match hang o'the tenters thus.  King 
Has he confessed the fact?  Dis. 
Yes, yes to me.  
I beat it out of him. Quickly good King.  King 
Your patience good Disanius' Sirrah speak.  Var. 
It was my act. But may your mercy look  
Upon my love in it unto my Lord.  King 
Your Lord shall be your judge then.  Philoc. 
I adjudge him  
To sharp but lingering tortures (for his death  
Alone can yield no satisfaction)  
Tortures that may draw in, by his confession,  
As accessaries with him, all the homicides  
That are i'th' Kingdom.  Dis. 
A hard matter that.  Philoc. 
Nor can I think his only brain and hands  
Composed the poison.  Dis. 
Hang him, he's a Barber,  
And uses Aqua fortis, oil of Vitriol,  
Mercury, and such like, to cleanse his Razors.  Just. 
'Tis good that you Varillus clear your conscience  
And, if you had confederates in the fact,  
Give up their names.  Ter. 
Varillus, I suspect  
Doris joined hand with you in my Lord's death.  Dis. 
What's that you mutter?  Ter. 
It shall out my Lord;  
The handmaid Doris put him on't; I know't  
By what she said to us both we being her lovers.  Dis. 
The tailor proves an honest man: because  
He cannot have the wench himself, he'll hang her.  Var. 
Of her I had the poison, 'tis confessed.  Exit Tersulus Dis. 
O that whore. King. Find her and drag her hither.  Enter Thymele. Thy. 
Where's my Philargus? Give me yet his body,  
That with a mother's tears I may embalm it.  Dis. 
You have heard the woeful news then; but my sister  
Could grief recall Philargus, we would weep  
A second deluge for his reparation;  
Renew his breath by sighing, and awake him,  
With groans out of his Sepulchre.  Thy. 
Already  
Have you interred him then? you made strange haste.  
Was it your subtlety to send me hence,  
Fearing my cries might have revived him, king?  
And so again delayed your daughter's marriage?  
I have enough to cross it yet Philargus  Dis. 
What's that?  Str. 
Distraction sure.  King 
My fear foresaw't.  Thy. 
You are deceived, for from my depth of sorrow,  
Through this thick film of tears, I can perceive  
You are about to join the hands and faiths  
Of Philocles and Eudina,  King. 
Is not that  
Enough to dry your tears, and show, you that  
The Gods were rather merciful in leaving  
This son, then rigorous in taking tother?  Dis. 
Or would you now, cause you have lost Philargus,  
Kill Philocles too by crossing of this contract?  Thy. 
It is the pleasure of the Gods I cross it.  Ent. Gar. Dis. 
Of devils it is. What can she mean? Go sleep.  Gar. 
King by your leave.  Dis. 
What says old suckbottle now?  Thy. 
Nay I am here before you Garrula,  
And now will tell the long hid secret for you.  
And if I err in it, disprove me.  Gar. 
Tell't then.  
My faltring tongue will fail me. I can hear tho'.  Drinks Thy. 
This contract must not be.  King 
You then must yield  
More reason than I find you have.  Thy. 
yourself  
Can never make it. You will sooner join  
The Wolf and Lamb. Falcon and Dove together.  King 
No trifling I command you Thymele.  Philoc. 
If you be serious, Mother, hold us not  
In this suspense.  Thy. 
Let not the royal blood  
Of Thessaly be stained with an incestuous match.  King 
How!  Gar. 
She says right. They are both your lawful children  
By your own virtuous Queen now in— Elysium.  King 
What dreams are these of your distempered heads,  Thy. 
This is no dream or fable. But unfeigned  Sip. 
As truth itself: Which with your gracious leave  
I shall demonstrate, humbly craving pardon  
For my so long concealment, as I'll yield  
Due reason for it.  King. 
Freely speak, you have it.  Thy. 
You may remember in your civil wars,  
(Those cruel wars, as I may justly style 'em)  
In which my husband fell—  Dis. 
O my brave brother!  Thy. 
When open Rebels and domestic Traitors  
Pursued your Crown and life; your gracious Queen  
To have been brought to bed; and was believed  
To have miscarried by an abortive birth.  King. 
True: In her flight she was constrained to take  
A neighbouring cottage; and use the help  
Of the Swains wife.  Gar. 
That swain-ess was myself,  
Though my deserts have glorified me since:  
And by my help (and somewhat of the Gods)  
She then made you the Father of that Prince.  Dis. 
Take up thy bottle— Sister, speak you on.  Thy. 
Th'affrighted queen (yet wise in that extremity)  
Suspecting that the innocence of her babe  
Born to a Kingdom, could not be secured  
In those combustions from apparent danger,  
Sent him to me in private, then in travel  
Of my Philargus— Charging me to fain  
A second labour, with the Midwife's aid,  
For Philocles: I did, and was reputed  
Mother of both.  King 
I cannot think our Queen  
Would keep us ignorant of so good a Fortune.  Thy. 
I moved her oft to tell you. But she answered,  
All is not sound, There's danger, yet; And when  
After Eudyna's birth she felt herself  
At point of death, she strictly did enjoin  
Me and this woman, only conscious with her,  
By oath of which she had prepared this copy  A paper. 
In her own hand, to keep it silent, till  
Philocles should be able to secure  
Himself from treachery; or that your term  
Of life expiring, or some accident  
Of no less consequence required detection.  
For further proof—  Kin. 
My joy forbids more questioning  
Give me my flesh and blood into my bosom.  
Thrice happy Fathers if your Children were  
Borne to you thus of perfect Age. But where  
Is now a Match for my Eudina. I  
Have here a successor.  A shout within and crying Philargus, Philargus. etc. King. 
Hah! Voices i'th' Air that cry Philargus?  Eud. 
Voices that do tell me, I must follow him  
Up to the heavens, and there be married to him.  Des. 
Here's the She-Devil now.  Ent. Turs. with Dor. Dor. 
You need not pull me  
For that man's love, I laid thy Lord to sleep:  
Had I loved thee best, than his Lord had slept.  Dis. 
How does he sleep? speak impudent baggage, how?  Dor. 
How? With a powder, Sir, which my own father  
A skilful pothecary prepared; who, if  
Philargus die, shall hang with us for Company.  Dis. 
Your father?  Dor. 
Yes, But now the perils past.  
See, if he sleep, 'tis walking.  Enter Philargus Eupathus. Philoc. 
Ha! Philargus.  
Or but the shade; the spirit of my friend.  Philar. 
Be not amazed, as at an apparition.  Thy. 
Doth my son live? O then I have enough.  Dis. 
Come hither. come hither you three. I will discharge  
The scene of you, Thy love unto thy Lord  
(Though somewhat unadvisedly employed)  
Deserves reward; I'll see it given thee,  
Thy Lord and King shall thank thee: take thy wench,  
She has love in her wit, and wit in her anger.  
I like the luck of things; that ill intents  
Should bring forth good events. Thy faithfulness  
To thy Lord too was happy. Go, I'll I'll see you  Ext. Var. Ter Dor. 
All royally rewarded. How now Geron?  Ger. 
My Lord I see here's joy towards, as why—  Ent. Ger. Dis. 
'Slife, stand not Whiloming now man: but be brief.  Ger. 
Cry mercy. I had left it. But my Lord  
To celebrate the flowing joys in Court,  
I and my Country heads have framed a Masque,  
Rather an antic dance, rather a country toy,  
Rather a Rustic round; rather a—  Dis. 
Hoy day!  
Thy Rather's worse than thy Whilom. Dost know  
What time o'day 'tis.  Ger. 
'tis a rural thing  
To be presented at the Princess wedding  
And, if you think it meet, I will induce  
The practice of it presently. As why—  Dis. 
Go fetch the heads and heels, I'll stay the King,  
To see and laugh at'em. That's grace enough.  Exit Geron. King 
Philargus you have much to know; the which  
We will Eudina tell you, now she's yours.  
Receive her and our blessing.  Philar. 
Were I dead  
(As I was thought to be) your name pronounced  
Over my grave, beyond all Necromancy,  
Would call fresh blood into my veins again;  
Strengthen my nerves, to break the Iron gates  
Of death; and force my joyful spirit from  
Th' Elysian Paradise to live with you.  King 
You shall not be a looser Thymele:  
Philocles shall be yours, and in exchange  
Placilla mine.  Philoc. 
To me my beauteous spouse  
Thou art as Juno to her Jupiter,  
Sister and wife.  Thy. 
Your highness may be pleased  
Now at so happy leisure to perpend  
The Oracle; which truly hath effected  
Each word of the prediction.  King 
Who can repeat the answer, I ha'lost it.  Dis. 
I have it.  
Contend not for the jewel, which  
Ere long shall both of you enrich.  Philoc. 
Eudina does so: me in a dear sister.  Philar. 
Me in a Peerless wife.  Dis. 
Pursue your fortune: for 'tis she  
Shall make ye what you seem to be.  Philoc. 
She has done that too: For now indeed we're brothers  King 
Apollo thou hast filled us all with joy,  
But has our joy already filled our Court  Loud Music is here. 
With Music?  Dis. 
Will your Majesty yet sit  
And see the practice of a presentation,  
Against the Marriages by your Swains of Tempe  
With thanks; and give it all the grace we may?  Ger. 
From Tempe plains, the Tempe Swains  Enter Geron and the Swains and Nymphs for the dance. 
With mirth and Melody,  
With Dance and Song do hither throng  
To greet your Majesty.  Gar. 
O there, look there, Madam my Son, and all  
My old Temperian Neighbours.  Ger. 
We cannot hope in all our scope,  
To gain much praise for skill,  
But it shall be enough, if ye  
Accept of our good will.  The Dance. King. 
My thanks to all.  All 
Heaven bless your Majesty.  Exeunt. King. 
Thanks to Apollo. Let his temple be  
The place of our solemnity. His Altars  
Let them be laden with Arabian spices;  
Let his Priests lead, in a devout procession,  
The horned Sacrifice, mantled with Garlands  
And we (our Temples crowned with Laurel) follow  
With Music, sounding Hymen and Apollo.    
FINIS.   

epilogue.  
'tis not the poet's art, nor all that we  
By life of Action can present unt'ye  
Can justly make us to presume a Play  
Is good till you approv't: which that you may  
It cannot misbecome us, since our gains  
Come by your favour more than all our pains.  
Thus to submit us unto your commands  
And humbly ask that favour at your hands.