THE CARDINAL, A tragedy, AS It was acted at the private House IN BLACK friars, WRITTEN By JAMES SHIRLEY.  
Not Printed before.  
LONDON, Printed for Humphrey Robinson at the Pigeons, and Humphrey Moseley at the Arms in St. Paul's Churchyard. 1652.   

To my worthily honoured Friend G. B. Esq  
SIR,  
I Did suffer at the first some contention within me, and looking upon myself, was inclined to stifle my ambitious thoughts in this Dedication; but when some time, and a happy conversation, had preferred me to more acquaintance with you, (which was more argument to me, than the fame I had heard of your reputation, with the most temperate and ingenious men) I found you not only an excellent Judge, but a good Man: at this my modesty took full encouragement, to make this offering, which as I conceive to be the best of my flock, I knew not a better Altar whereon to make it a sacrifice, with this protestation, that it comes (and that is it only, which makes all devotions acceptable) from the heart, and your candid acceptance will bind me with all my services, and remembrance, to merit a reception with you, in the quality and honour of,  
Sir, Your most humble devoted Servant, JA. SHIRLEY   

Prologue.  

THe Cardinal, cause we express no scene,  
We do believe most of you Gentlemen  
Are at this hour in France, and busy there,  
Though you vouchsafe to lend your bodies here;  
But keep your fancy active, till you know  
By th' progress of our Play, 'tis nothing so;  
A poet's art is to lead on your thought  
Through subtle paths and workings of a plot,  
And where your expectation does not thrive,  
If things fall better, yet you may forgive;  
I will say nothing positive, you may  
Think what you please, we call it but a Play,  
Whether the comic Muse, or lady's love,  
Romance, or direful Tragedy it prove,  
The Bill determines not; and would you be  
Persuaded, I would have't a Comedy,  
For all the purple in the name, and state  
Of him that owns it; but 'tis left to fate;  
Yet I will tell you ere you see it played,  
What the Author, and he blushed too, when he said  
(Comparing with his own for 't had been pride  
He thought, to build his wit a pyramid.  
Upon another's wounded Fame,) this Play  
Might rival with his best, and dared to say  
Troth I am out; he said no more; you then,  
When 'tis done, may say your pleasures Gentlemen.    

To the surviving Honour and Ornament of the English Scene, james Shirley.  

AS Fate, which doth all human matters sway,  
Makes proudest things grow up into decay;  
And when they are to envied greatness grown,  
She wantonly falls off, and throws them down:  
So, when our English drama was at height,  
And shined, and ruled with Majesty and might,  
A sudden whirlwind threw it from it seat,  
Deflowered the Groves, and quenched the muse's heat.  
Yet as in Saints, and Martyred bodies, when  
They cannot call their blessed Souls again  
To earth; Relics, and ashes men preserve,  
And think they do, but what, blessed they deserve:  
So I, by my devotion led, aspire  
To keep alive your noble Vestal fire,  
Honour this piece, which shows, Sir, you have been  
The last supporter of the dying Scene;  
And though I do not tell you, how you dress  
Virtue in glories, and bold vice depress;  
Nor celebrate your lovely Duchess fall,  
Or the just ruin of your Cardinal;  
Yet this I dare assert, when men have named  
johnson (the Nations Laureate,) the famed  
Beaumont, and Fletcher, he, that won't see  
Shirley, the fourth, must forfeit his best eye.   
HALL.   

Persons.  

KIng of Navarre.  
Cardinal.  
Columbo, the cardinal's Nephew.  
Alvarez.  
Hernando, a Colonel.  
Alphonso.  
Lords.  
Secretary to the Duchess.  
Colonels  
Antonelli, the cardinal's Servant.  
Surgeon.  
Guard.  
Attendants, &c.  
Duchess Rosaura.  
Valeria, Ladies.  
Celinda, Ladies.  
Placentia, a Lady that waits upon the Duchess.   
Scene Navarre.   

THE CARDINAL.  

ACT I.  Enter two Lords (at one door) Secretary (at the other.) 1 Lord. 
WHo is that?  2 Lo. 
The Duchess Secretary.  1 Lo. 
Signior.  Secr. 
Your Lordship's Servant.  1 Lo. 
How does her Grace since she left her mourning  
For the young Duke Mendoza, whose timeless death  
At Sea, left her a Virgin and a Widow?  2 Lo. 
she's now inclining to a second Bride,  
When is the day of mighty marriage  
To our great cardinal's Nephew, Don Columbo?  Secr. 
When they agree; they won't steal to Church,  
I guess the ceremonies will be loud, and public.  
Your Lordships will excuse me.  Exit. 1 Lo. 
When they agree? alas poor Lady, she  
Dotes not upon Columbo, when she thinks  
Of the young Count D'Alvarez, divorced from her  
By the king's power.  2 Lo. 
And Counsel of the Cardinal to advance  
His Nephew to the Duchess bed; 'tis not well.  1 Lo. 
Take heed, the Cardinal holds intelligence  
With every bird i'th' air.  2 Lo. 
Death on his purple pride,  
He governs all, and yet, Columbo is  
A gallant Gentleman.  1 Lo. 
The darling of the War, whom Victory  
Hath often courted; a man of daring  
And most exalted spirit, pride in him  
Dwells like an ornament, where so much honour  
Secures his praise.  2 Lo. 
This is no argument  
He should usurp, and wear Alvarez title  
To the fair Duchess, men of coarser blood  
Would not so tamely give this treasure up.  1 Lo. 
Although Columbo's name is great in war,  
Whose glorious art and practice is above  
The greatness of Alvarez, yet he cannot  
Want soul, in whom alone survives the virtue  
Of many noble Ancestors, being the last  
Of his great family  2 Lo. 
'Tis not safe, you'll say, to wrestle with the King.  1 Lo. 
More danger if the Cardinal be displeased,  
Who sits at helm of State; Count D' Alvarez  
Is wiser to obey the stream, than by  
Insisting on his privilege to her love,  
Put both their fate upon a storm.  2 Lo. 
If Wisdom, not inborn Fear make him compose,  
I like it; how does the Duchess bear herself?  1 Lo. 
She moves by the rapture of another wheel  
That must be obeyed, like some sad passenger,  
That looks upon the coast his wishes fly to,  
But is transported by an adverse wind, sometimes  
A churlish Pilot.  2 Lo. 
She has a sweet and noble nature.  1 Lo. 
That commend; Alvarez, Hymen cannot tie  
A knot of two more equal hearts and blood.  Enter Alphonso. 2 Lo. 
Alphonso?  Alph. 
My good Lord.  1 Lo. 
What great affair  
Hath brought you from the confines?  Alp. 
Such as will  
Be worth your counsels, when the King hath read  
My Letters from the Governor; the Arragonians,  
Violating their confederate oath and league,  
Are now in arms; they have not yet marched towards us,  
But 'tis not safe to expect if we may timely  
Prevent Invasion  2 Lo. 
Dare they be so insolent?  1 Lo. 
This storm I did foresee.  2 Lo. 
What have they, but the sweetness of the King,  
To make a crime?  1 Lo. 
But how appears the Cardinal  
At this news?  Alp. 
Not pale, although  
He knows they have no cause to think him innocent,  
As by whose Counsel they were once surprised.  1 Lo. 
There is more  
Than all our present art can fathom in  
This story, and I fear I may conclude,  
This flame has breath at home to cherish it;  
there's treason in some hearts, whose faces are  
Smooth to the State.  Alp. 
My Lords, I take my leave.  2 Lo. 
Your friends good Captain.  Exeunt. Enter Duchess, Valeria, Celinda. Val. 
Sweet Madam be less thoughtful, this obedience  
To passion, will destroy the noblest frame  
Of beauty that this Kingdom ever boasted.  Cel. 
This sadness might become your other habit,  
And ceremonious black for him that died;  
the times of sorrow are expired, and all  
the joys that wait upon the Court, your birth,  
and a new Hymen that is coming towards you,  
invite a change.  Dut. 
Ladies, I thank you both,  
I pray excuse a little melancholy  
That is behind, my year of mourning hath not  
So cleared my account with sorrow, but there may  
Some dark thoughts stay, with sad reflections,  
Upon my heart for him I lost; even this  
New dress, and smiling garment, meant to show  
A peace concluded twixt my grief and me,  
Is but a sad remembrance: but I resolve  
To entertain more pleasing thoughts, and if  
You wish me heartily to smile, you must  
Not mention grief, not in advice to leave it;  
Such Counsels open but afresh the wounds  
Ye would close up; and keep alive the cause,  
Whose bleeding you would cure; let's talk of something  
That may delight; you two are read in all  
The Histories of our Court; tell me Valeria,  
Who has thy vote for the most handsome man?  
Thus I must counterfeit a peace, when all  
Within me is at mutiny.  Val. 
I have examined  
All that are Candidates for the praise of Ladies.  
But find— may I speak boldly to your Grace?  
And will you not return it in your mirth,  
To make me blush?  Dut. 
No, no; speak freely.  Val. 
I won't rack your patience Madam, but  
Were I a Princess, I should think Count D' Alvarez  
Had sweetness to deserve me from the world.  Dut. 
Alvarez! she's a spy upon my heart.  Val. 
he's young, and active, and composed most sweetly.  Dut. 
I have seen a face more tempting.  Val. 
It had then  
Too much of woman in't, his eyes speak movingly  
Which may excuse his voice, and lead away  
All female pride his captive; His hair Black,  
Which naturally falling into curls—  Dut. 
Prithee no more, thou art in love with him.  
The man in your esteem Celinda now?  Cel. 
Alvarez is (I must confess) a Gentleman  
Of handsome composition, but with  
His mind (the greater excellence) I think  
Another may delight a Lady more,  
If man be well considered, that's Columbo,  
Now, Madam, voted to be yours.  Dut. 
My Torment!  Val. 
She affects him not.  Cel. 
He has person, and a bravery beyond  
All men that I observe.  Val. 
He is a Soldier,  
A rough-hewn man, and may show well at distance;  
His talk will fright a Lady; War, and grim-faced  
honour are his mistresses; he raves  
To hear a Lute; Love meant him not his Priest.  
Again your pardon Madam; we may talk,  
But you have art to choose and crown affection.  Dut. 
What is it to be born above these Ladies  
And want their freedom? they are not constrained,  
Nor slaved by their own greatness, or the Kings;  
But let their free hearts look abroad, and choose  
By their own eyes to love; I must repair  
My poor afflicted bosom, and assume  
The privilege I was born with; which now prompts me  
To tell the King he hath no power nor art  
To steer a lover's Soul.  Enter Secretary. 
What says Count D'Alvares?  Sec. 
Madam he'll attend you.  Dut. 
Wait you as I directed, when he comes  
Acquaint me privately.  Sec. 
Madam, I have news,  
'Tis now arrived the Court, we shall have wars.  Dut. 
I find an Army here of killing thoughts.  Sec. 
The King has chosen Don Columbo General,  
Who is immediately to take his leave.  Dut. 
What flood is let into my heart! how far  
Is he to go?  Sec. 
To Arragon.  Dut. 
That's well  
At first, he should not want a pilgrimage  
To the unknown World, if my thoughts might convey him.  Sec. 
'tis not impossible he may go thither.  Dut. 
How?  Sec. 
To the unknown other World, he goes to fight,  
That's in his way, such stories are in nature.  Dut. 
Conceal this news.  Sec. 
He won't be long absent;  
The affair will make him swift to kiss your grace's hand.  Dut. 
He cannot fly  
With too much wing to take his leave; I must  
Be admitted to your conference; ye have  
Enlarged my spirits, they shall droop no more.  Cel. 
We are happy, if we may advance one thought  
To your grace's pleasure.  Val. 
Your eye before was in eclipse, these smiles  
Become you Madam.  Dut. 
I have not skill to contain myself.  Enter Placentia. Pla. 
The cardinal's Nephew, Madam, Don Columbo.  Dut. 
Already? attend him.  Ex. Plac. Val. 
Shall we take our leave?  Dut. 
He shall not know Valeria how you praised him.  Val. 
If He did, Madam, I should have the confidence  
To tell him my free thoughts.  Enter Columbo. Dut. 
My Lord, while I'm in study to requite  
The Favour you ha' done me, you increase  
My debt to such a sum, still by a new honouring  
Your servant, I despair of my own freedom.  Col. 
Madam, he kisseth your white hand, that must  
Not surfeit in this happiness— and Ladies,  
I take your smiles for my encouragement:  
I have not long to practise these Court tactics.  Col. 
He has been taught to kiss.  Dut. 
there's something, Sir,  
Upon your brow I did not read before.  Col. 
Does the Character please you Madam?  Dut. 
More,  
Because it speaks you cheerful.  Col. 
'Tis for such  
Access of honour, as must make Columbo  
Worth all your love; the King is pleased to think  
Me fit to lead his Army.  Dut. 
How, an Army?  Col. 
We must not use the Priest, till I bring home  
Another triumph, that now stays for me  
To reap it in the purple field of glory.  Dut. 
But do you mean to leave me, and expose  
yourself to the devouring war? no enemy  
Should Divide us; the King is not so cruel.  Col. 
The King is honourable, and this grace  
More answers my ambition, than his gift  
Of thee, and all thy beauty, which I can  
Love, as becomes thy Soldier, and fight  She weeps 
To come again, a conqueror of thee;  
Then I must chide this fondness.  Enter Secretary. Sec. 
Madam, the King, and my Lord Cardinal.  Enter King, Cardinal, and Lords. King: 
Madam, I come to call a Servant from you,  
And strengthen his excuse; the public cause  
Will plead for your consent; at his return  
Your marriage shall receive triumphant ceremonies;  
Till then you must dispense.  Card. 
She appears sad  
To part with him, I like it fairly Nephew.  Val. 
Is not the General a gallant man?  
What Lady would deny him a small courtesy?  Cel. 
Thou hast converted me, and I begin  
To wish it were no sin.  Val. 
Leave that to narrow Consciences.  Cel. 
You are pleasant.  Val. 
But he would please one better. Do such men  
Lie with their Pages?  Cel. 
Wouldst thou make a shift?  Val. 
He is going to a bloody business;  
'Tis pity he should die without some heir;  
That Lady were hard-hearted now that would  
Not help posterity, for the mere good  
O'th' King and Commonwealth.  Col. 
Thou art wild, we may be observed.  Dut. 
Your will must guide me, happiness and conquest  
Be ever waiting on his sword.  Col. 
Farewell.  Ex. K. Col. Card Lo. Dut. 
Pray give leave to examine a few thoughts;  
Expect me in the Garden.  Ladies 
We attend.  Ex. Ladies. Dut. 
This is above all expectation happy;  
Forgive me virtue that I have dissembled,  
And witness with me, I have not a thought  
To tempt or to betray him, but secure  
The promise I first made to love and honour.  Enter Secretary. Sec. 
The Count D' Alvarez Madam.  Dut. 
Admit him.  
And let none interrupt us; how shall I  
Behave my looks? the guilt of my neglect,  
Which had no seal from hence, will call up blood  
To write upon my cheeks the shame and story  
In some red Letter.  Enter D' Alvarez. D' Alv. 
Madam, I present  
One that was glad to obey your Grace, and come  
To know what your commands are.  Dut. 
Where I once  
Did promise love, a love that had the Power  
And office of a Priest to chain my heart  
To yours, it were injustice to command.  D' Alv. 
But I can look upon you Madam, as  
Becomes a servant, with as much humility,  
(In tenderness of your honour and great fortune,)  
Give up, when you call back your bounty, all that  
Was mine, as I had pride to think them favours.  Dut. 
Hath love taught thee no more assurance in  
Our mutual vows, thou canst suspect it possible,  
I should revoke a promise made to heaven  
And thee so soon? this must arise from some  
Distrust of thy own Faith.  D' Alv. 
Your grace's pardon  
To speak with freedom, I am not so old  
In cunning to betray, nor young in time  
Not to see when, and where I am at loss,  
And how to bear my fortune, and my wounds,  
Which if I look for health must still bleed inward,  
(A hard and desperate condition;)  
I am not ignorant your birth and greatness,  
Have placed you to grow up with the king's grace,  
And jealousy, which to remove, his power  
Hath chosen a fit object for your beauty  
To shine upon, Columbo his great favourite;  
I am a man, on whom but late the King  
Has pleased to cast a beam, which was not meant  
To make me proud, but wisely to direct,  
And light me to my safety. Oh, Dear Madam!  
I will not call more witness of my love  
(If you will let me still give it that name)  
Than this, that I dare make myself a loser,  
And to your will give all my blessings up;  
Preserve your greatness and forget a trifle,  
That shall at best when you have drawn me up,  
But hang about you like a cloud, and dim  
The glories you are born to.  Dut. 
Misery  
Of birth and state! that I could shift into  
A meaner blood, or find some art to purge  
That part which makes my veins unequal; yet  
Those nice distinctions have no place in us,  
there's but a shadow difference, a title,  
Thy stock partakes as much of noble sap  
As that which feeds the root of Kings, and he  
That writes a Lord, hath all the essence of  
Nobility.  D' Alv. 
'Tis not a name that makes  
Our separation, the king's displeasure  
Hangs a portent to fright us, and the matter  
That feeds this exhalation is the cardinal's  
Plot to advance his Nephew; then Columbo,  
A man made up for some prodigious Act,  
Is fit to be considered; in all three  
There is no character you fix upon  
But has a form of ruin to us both.  Dut. 
Then you do look on these with fear.  D' Alv. 
With eyes  
That should think tears a duty to lament  
Your least unkind fate; but my youth dares boldly  
Meet all the tyranny o'th' stars, whose black  
Malevolence but shoot my single tragedy;  
You are above the value of many worlds  
Peopled with such as I am.  
〈…〉 if Columbo  
Engaged to war, in his hot thirst of honour,  
Find out the Way to death?  D' Alv. 
'tis possible.  Dut. 
Or say, no matter by what art or motive  
He gives his title up, and leave me to  
My own Election?  D' Alv. 
If I then be happy  
To have a name within your thought, there can  
Be nothing left to crown me with New blessing;  
But I dream thus of heaven, and wake to find  
My amorous soul a mockery; when the Priest  
Shall tie you to another, and the joys  
Of marriage leave no thought at leisure to  
Look back upon Alvarez, that must wither  
For loss of you, yet then I cannot lose  
So much of what I was, once in your favour,  
But in a sigh pray still you may live happy.  Exit. Dut. 
My Heart is in a mist, some good star smile  
Upon my resolution, and direct  
Two lovers in their chaste embrace to meet;  
Columbo's bed contains my winding sheet.  Exit.  

ACT II.  Enter General Columbo, Hernando, two Colonels, Alphonso, two Captains, and other Officers, As at a Council of War. Columbo. 
I See no face in all this Council, that  
Hath one pale fear upon't though we arrived not  
So timely to secure the Town, which gives  
Our enemy such triumph.  1 Colo. 
'Twas betrayed  Alp. 
The wealth of that one City  
Will make the enemy glorious.  1 Colo. 
They dare not plunder it.  Alp. 
They give fair quarter yet,  
They only seal up men's Estates, and keep  
Possession for the City's use, they take up  
Now wares without security, and he  
Whose single credit will not pass, puts in  
Two lean comrades, upon whose bonds 'tis not  
Religion to deny 'em.  Colu. 
To repair this  
With honour Gentlemen?  Her. 
My opinion is  
To expect a while.  Colu. 
Your reason?  Her. 
Till their own  
Surfeit betray 'em, for their Soldier  
Bred up with coarse and common bread, will show  
Such appetites on the rich cates they find,  
They will spare our swords a victory, when their own  
Riot and Luxury destroys 'em.  1 Colo. 
That  
Will show our patience too like a fear.  
With favour of his excellence I think,  
The spoil of Cities takes not off the courage,  
But doubles it on Soldiers; besides,  
While we have tameness to expect, the noise  
Of their success and plenty will increase  
Their Army.  Her. 
'Tis considerable, we do not  
Exceed in Foot or Horse, our Muster not  
'Bove sixteen thousand both; and the Infantry  
Raw, and not disciplined to act.  Alp. 
Their hearts,  
But with a brave thought of their country's honour,  
Will teach 'em how to fight, had they not seen  
A Sword; but we decline our own too much,  
The men are forward in their arms, and take  
The use with Avarice of Fame.  They rise and talk privately. Colu. 
Colonel.  
I do suspect you are a coward.  Her. 
Sir.  Colu. 
Or else a traitor, take your choice, no more,  
I called you to a Council Sir, of war,  
Yet keep your place.  Her. 
I have worn other names.  Colu. 
Deserve 'em, such  
Another were enough to unsoul an Army;  
Ignobly talk of patience till they drink  
And reel to death? we came to fight and force 'em  
To mend their pace; thou hast no honour in thee,  
Not enough noble blood to make a blush  
For thy tame Eloquence.  Her. 
My Lord, I know  
My duty to a General, yet there are  
Some that have known me here; Sir, I desire  
To quit my regiment.  Colu. 
You shall have licence. Ink and paper—  Enter with Paper and Standish. 1 Colo. 
The General's displeased.  2 Colo. 
How is't Hernando?  Her. 
The General has found out employment for me,  
He is writing Letters back.  All Cap. 
To his Mistress.  Her. 
Pray do not trouble me, yet prithee speak,  
And flatter not thy friend, dost think I dare  
Not draw my sword, and use it, when cause  
With honour calls to action?  Al. Colo. 
With the most valiant man alive.  Her. 
You'll do me some displeasure in your loves,  
Pray to your places.  Colu. 
So,  
Bear those Letters to the King,  
It speaks my resolution before  
Another Sun decline to charge the enemy.  Her. 
A pretty Court way  
Of dismissing an Officer, I obey; success  
Attend your Counsels.  Exit. Colu. 
If here be any dare not look on danger,  
And meet it like a man with scorn of death,  
I beg his absence, and a coward's fear  
Consume him to a ghost.  1 Colo. 
None such here.  Colu. 
Or if in all your Regiments you find  
One man that does not ask to bleed with honour,  
Give him a double pay to leave the Army;  
there's service to be done, will call the spirits  
And aid of Men.  1 Colo. 
You give us all new flame.  Colu. 
I am confirmed, and you must lose no time;  
The Soldier that was took last night, to me  
Discovered their whole strength, and that we have  
A party in the town; the River that  
Opens the City to the West unguarded;  
We must this night use art and resolutions,  
We cannot fall ingloriously.  1 Capt. 
That voice is every man's.  Enter Soldier, and Secretary with a Letter. Colu. 
What now?  Soul. 
Letters.  Colu. 
Whence?  Soul. 
From the Duchess.  Colu. 
They are welcome;  
Meet at my Tent again this evening; yet stay,  
Some Wine— The Duchess health—  
See it go round.  Sec. 
It won't please his Excellence.  1 Colo. 
The Duchess health.  2 Cap. 
To me! more wine.  Sec. 
The Clouds are gathering, and his eyes shoot fire;  
Observe what thunder follows.  2 Cap. 
The General has but ill news, I suspect  
The Duchess sick, or else the King.  1 Cap. 
May be the Cardinal.  2 Cap. 
His soul has long been looked for.  Colu. 
She dares not be so insolent! it is  
The Duchess hand; how am I shrunk in Fame  
TO be thus played withal? she writes, and counsels,  
Under my hand to send her back a free  
Resign of all my interest to her person,  
Promise, or love; that there's no other way  
With safety of my honour to revisit her.  
The woman is possessed with some bold Devil,  
And wants an exorcism; or I am grown  
A cheap, dull, phlegmatic fool, a Post that's carved  
I'th' common street, and holding out my forehead  
To every scurrile wit to pin disgrace  
And libels on't; did you bring this to me Sir?  
My thanks shall warm your heart.  Draws a Pistol. Sec. 
Hold, hold, my Lord.  
I know not what provokes this tempest, but  
Her Grace needs showed more freedom from a storm  
When I received this paper; if you have  
A will to do an execution,  
Your looks without that engine, Sir, may serve.  
I did not like the employment.  Colu. 
Ha, had she  
No symptom in her eye, or face, of anger  
When she gave this in charge?  Sec. 
Serene, as I  
Have seen the morning rise upon the spring,  
No trouble in her breath, but such a wind  
As came to kiss and fan the smiling flowers.  Colu. 
No Poetry.  Sec. 
By all the truth in prose,  
By honesty, and your own honour Sir,  
I never saw her look more calm, and gentle.  Colu. 
I am too passionate, you must forgive me;  
I have found it out the Duchess loves me dearly,  
She expressed a trouble in her when I took  
My leave, and chid me with a sullen eye;  
'Tis a device to hasten my return;  
Love has a thousand arts; I'll answer it,  
Beyond her expectation, and put  
Her soul to a noble test; your patience Gentlemen;  
The king's health will deserve a sacrifice of Wine.  Sec. 
I am glad to see this change, and thank my wit  
For my redemption.  1 Col. 
Sir, The Soldiers curse on him loves not our Master.  2 Col. 
And they curse loud enough to be heard.  2 Cap. 
Their curse has the nature of Gunpowder.  Sec. 
They do not pray with half the noise.  1 Col 
Our General is not well mixed,  
He has too great a portion of fire.  2 Col. 
His Mistress cool him, her complexion  
Carries some phlegm, when they two meet in bed?  2 Cap. 
A third may follow.  1 Cap. 
'Tis much pity.  
The young Duke lived not to take the virgin off.  1 Col. 
'T was the king's act to match two rabbit suckers.  2 Col. 
A common trick of State,  
The little great man marries, travels then  
Till both grow up; and dies when he should do  
The feat; these things are still unlucky  
On the male side.  Colu. 
This to the Duchess fair hand.  Sec. 
She will think  
Time hath no wing, till I return.  Colu. 
Gentlemen,  
Now each man to his quarter, and encourage  
The Soldier; I shall take a pride to know  
Your diligence, when I visit all your  
Several commands.  Omnes. 
We shall expect,  2 Col. 
And move by your directions.  Colu. 
You're all noble.  Exeunt. Enter Cardinal, Duchess, Placentia. Card. 
I shall perform a visit daily, Madam,  
In th' absence of my Nephew, and be happy  
If you accept my care.  Dut. 
You have honoured me,  
And if your entertainment have not been  
Worthy your grace's person, 'tis because  
Nothing can reach it in my power; but where  
There is no want of zeal, other defect  
Is only a fault to exercise your mercy.  Card. 
You are bounteous in all; I take my leave;  
My fair Niece, shortly, when Columbo has  
Purchased more honours to prefer his name,  
And value to your noble thoughts; mean time  
Be confident you have a friend, whose Office,  
And favour with the King, shall be effectual  
To serve your Grace.  Dut. 
Your own good deeds reward you,  
Till mine rise equal to deserve their benefit.  Exit Cardinal. Exit Placen. 
Leave me a while.  
Do not I walk upon the teeth of serpents;  
And, as I had a charm against their poison,  
Play with their stings, the Cardinal is subtle?  
Whom 'tis not wisdom to incense, till I  
Hear to what destiny Columbo leaves me;  
May be the greatness of his soul will scorn  
To own what comes with murmur, If he can  
Interpret me so happily; art come?  Enter Secretary with a Letter. Sec. 
His Excellence salutes your Grace.  Dut: 
Thou hast  
A melancholy brow; how did he take my Letter?  Sec. 
As he would take a blow, with so much sense  
Of anger, his whole soul boiled in his face,  
And such prodigious flame in both his eyes  
As they'd been th' only seat of fire; and at  
Each look a Salamander leaping forth,  
Not able to endure the Furnace.  Dut. 
Ha! thou dost  
Describe him with some horror.  Sec. 
Soon as he  
Had read again, and understood your meaning,  
His rage had shot me with a pistol, had not  
I used some soft, and penitential language,  
To charm the Bullet.  Dut. 
Wait at some more distance;  
My soul doth bathe it self in a cold dew;  
imagine, I am opening of a Tomb,  
Thus I throw off the Marble to discover,  
What antic posture death presents in this  
Pale monument to fright me—  Reads. 
Ha? my heart that called my blood and spirits, to  
Defend it from the invasion of my fears,  
Must keep a guard about it still, lest this  
Strange and too mighty joy crush it to nothing.  Antonio. Sec. 
Madam.  Dut. 
Bid my Steward give thee  
Two thousand Ducats; art sure I am awake?  Sec. 
I shall be able to resolve you, Madam,  
When he has paid the money.  Dut. 
Columbo now is noble.  Exit. Dut. Sec. 
This is better than I expected, if my Lady be  
Not mad, and live to justify her bounty.  Exit. Enter King, Alvarez, Hernando, Lords. King. 
The War is left to him. but we must have  
You reconciled, if that be all your difference.  
His rage flows like a torrent, when he meets  
With opposition, leave to wrestle with him,  
And his hot blood retreats into a calm,  
And then he chides his passion; you shall back  
With letters from us.  Her. 
Your Commands, are not  
To be disputed.  Kin. 
Alvarez.  1 Lo. 
Lose not  
yourself by cool submission, he will find  
His error, and the want of such a Soldier.  2 Lo. 
Have you seen the Cardinal?  Her. 
Not yet.  1 Lo. 
He wants no plot—  Her. 
The King I must obey;  
But let the purple gown-man place his engines  
I'th' dark that wounds me.  2 Lo. 
Be assured  
Of what we can to friend you, and the King  
Cannot forget your service.  Her. 
I am sorry  
For that poor Gentleman.  Alvar. 
I must confess, Sir,  
The Duchess has been pleased to think me worthy  
Her favours, and in that degree of honour,  
That has obliged my life to make the best  
Return of service, which is not, with bold  
Affiance in her love, to interpose  
Against her happiness, and your election;  
I love so much her honour, I have quitted  
All my desires, yet would not shrink to bleed  
Out my warm stock of life, so the last drop  
Might benefit her wishes.  Ki. 
I shall find  
A compensation for this act, Alvarez,  
I hath much pleased us.  Enter Duchess with a Letter, gentleman-usher. Dut. 
Sir, you are the King,  
And in that sacred title it were sin  
To doubt a justice, all that does concern  
My essence in this world, and a great part  
Of the other bliss, lives in you breath.  Ki. 
What intends the Duchess?  Dut. 
That will instruct you, Sir, Columbo has  
Upon some better choice, or discontent,  
Set my poor soul at freedom.  Ki. 
'tis his character—  Reads, 
Madam, I easily discharge all my pretensions  
To your love, and person, I leave you to your  
Own choice, and in what you have obliged  
yourself to me, resume a power to cancel  
If you please.  Columbo. 
This is strange.  Dut. 
Now do an act to make  
Your Chronicle beloved and read for ever.  Ki. 
Express yourself.  Dut. 
Since by Divine infusion,  
For 'tis no art could force the General to  
This Change, second this justice and bestow  
The heart you would have given from me, by  
Your strict commands to love Columbo, where  
'Twas meant by heaven, and let your breath return  
Whom you divorced, Alvarez, mine.  Lords. 
This is but justice, Sir.  Ki. 
It was decreed above,  
And since Columbo has released his interest  
Which we had wrought him, not without some force  
Upon your will I give you your own wishes,  
Receive your own Alvarez, when you please  
To celebrate your Nuptial, I invite  
myself your guest.  Dut. 
Eternal blessings Crown you.  Omnes. 
And every joy your Marriage  Exit King, who meets the Cardinal, they confer. Alvar. 
I know not whether I shall wonder most  
Or joy to meet this happiness.  Dut. 
Now the King hath planted us  
Methinks we grow already, and twist our loving souls  
Above the wrath of thunder to divide us.  Alv. 
Ha? The Cardinal  
Has met the King, I do not like this conference;  
He looks with anger this way, I expect  
A tempest.  Dut. 
Take no notice of his presence,  
Leave me to meet, and answer it, if the King  
Be firm in's Royal word, I fear no lightning;  
Expect me in the Garden.  Alv. 
I obey,  
But fear a shipwreck on the coast.  Exit. Card. 
Madam.  Dut. 
My Lord.  Car. 
The King speaks of a Letter that has brought  
A riddle in't.  Dut. 
'tis easy to interpret.  Car. 
From my Nephew? may I deserve the favour?  Dut. 
He looks as though his eyes would fire the paper.  
They are a pair of Burning glasses, and  
His envious blood doth give 'em flame.  Car. 
What lethargy could thus unspirit him?  
I am all wonder; do not believe Madam,  
But that Columbo's love is yet more Sacred,  
To honour, and yourself, than thus to forfeit  
What I have heard him call the glorious wreath  
To all his merits, given him by the King,  
From whom he took you with more pride than ever  
He came from victory; his kisses hang  
Yet panting on your lips, and he but now  
Exchanged religious farewell to return,  
But with more triumph to be yours.  Dut. 
My Lord,  
You do believe your nephew's hand was not  
Surprised or strained to this?  Car. 
Strange arts and windings in the world, most dark,  
And subtle progresses; who brought this Letter?  Dut. 
I enquired not his name, I thought it not  
Considerable to take such narrow knowledge.  Car. 
Desert, and honour urged it here, nor can  
I blame you to be angry, yet his person  
Obliged, you should have given a nobler pause,  
Before you made your faith and change so violent  
From his known worth, into the arms of one,  
however fashioned to your amorous wish,  
Not equal to his cheapest fame, with all  
The gloss of blood and merit.  Dut. 
This comparison,  
My good Lord Cardinal, I cannot think,  
Flows from an even justice, it betrays  
You partial where your blood runs.  Car. 
I fear Madam,  
Your own takes two much licence, and will soon,  
Fall to the censure of unruly tongues;  
Because Alvarez has a softer cheek,  
Can like a woman trim his want on hair,  
Spend half a day with looking in the glass  
To find a posture to present himself,  
And bring more effeminacy than man,  
Or honour to your bed; must he supplant him?  
Take heed, the common murmur when it catches  
The scent of a lost Fame—  Dut. 
My Fame Lord Cardinal?  
It stands upon an innocence as clear  
As the devotions you pay to heaven,  
I shall not urge my Lord your soft indulgence  
At my next shrift.  Car. 
You are a fine Court Lady.  Dut. 
And you should be a reverend Churchman.  Car. 
One, that if you have not thrown off modesty.  
Would counsel you to leave Alvarez.  Dut. 
'cause you dare do worse  
Than Marriage, must not I be admitted what  
The Church and Law allows me?  Car. 
Insolent? than you dare marry him?  Dut. 
Dare? Let your contracted flame and malice, with  
Columbo's rage higher than that, meet us  
When we approach the holy place, clasped hand  
In hand, we'll break through all your force and six  
Our sacred vows together there.  Car. 
I knew  
When with as chaste a brow you promised fair  
To another; you are no dissembling Lady.  Dut. 
Would all your actions had no falser lights  
About 'em.  Car. 
Ha?  Dut. 
The people would not talk and curse so loud.  Car. 
I'll have you chid into a blush for this.  Dut. 
Begin at home great man, there's cause enough,  
You turn the wrong end of the perspective  
Upon your crimes, to drive them to a far,  
And lesser sight, but let your eyes look right  
What giants would your pride and surfeit seem?  
How gross your avarice, eating up whole families?  
How vast are your corruptions and abuse  
Of the king's ear? at which you hang a pendent,  
Not to adorn, but ulcerate, while the honest  
Nobility, like pictures in the Arras,  
Serve only for Court-Ornament; if they speak,  
'Tis when you set their tongues, which you wind up,  
Like clocks to strike at the just hour you please;  
Leave, leave, my Lord, these usurpations,  
And be what you were meant a man to cure,  
Not let in Agues to Religion;  
Look on the church's wounds.  Car. 
You dare presume  
In your rude spleen to me, to abuse the Church?  Dut. 
Alas you give false aim, my Lord, 'tis your  
Ambition and Scarlet Sins that tob  
Her Altar of the glory, and leave wounds  
Upon her brow; which fetches grief, and paleness,  
Into her cheeks; Making her troubled bosom  
Pant with her groans, and shroud her holy blushes  
Within your reverend purples.  Car. 
Will you now take breath?  Dut. 
In hope, my Lord, you will behold yourself  
In a true glass, and see those injust acts  
That so deform you, and by timely cure,  
Prevent a shame before the short haired men  
Do crowd and call for justice. I take leave.  Exit. Car. 
This woman has a spirit, that may rise  
To tame the Devils, there's no dealing with  
Her angry tongue, 'tis action and revenge  
Must calm her fury; were Columbo here,  
I could resolve, but Letters shall be sent  
To th'Army which may wake him into sense  
Of his rash folly, or direct his spirit  
Some way to snatch his honour from this flame,  
All great men know, The soul of life is same.  Exit.  

ACT III.  Enter Valeria, Celinda. Valeria. 
I Did not think Celinda when I praised  
Alvarez to the Duchess, that things thus  
Would come about, what does your Ladyship  
Think of Columbo now? it staggers all  
The Court, he should forsake his Mistress, I  
Am lost with wonder yet.  Celind. 
'Tis very strange  
Without a spell; but there's a fate in love,  
I like him ne'er the worse.  Enter two Lords. 1 Lo. 
Nothing but marriages, and triumph now.  Val. 
What new access of joy, makes you my Lord,  
So pleasant?  1 Lo. 
there's a Packet 〈…〉  
Makes the King merry, we are all concerned in't?  
Columbo hath given the enemy a great,  
And glorious defeat, and is already  
Preparing to march home.  Col. 
He thrived the better for my prayers.  2 Lo. 
You have been his great admirer, Madam.  1 Lo. 
The King longs to see him.  Val. 
This news exalts the Cardinal.  Enter Cardinal. 1 Lo. 
He's here,  
He appears with discontent, the Marriage  
With Count D'Alvarez hath a bitter taste,  
And not worn off his palate; but let us leave him.  Ladies. 
We'll to the Duchess.  Exeunt. manet Car. Card. 
He has not won so much upon the Arragon  
As he has lost at home, and his neglect  
Of what my studies had contrived to add  
More luster to our Family by the access  
Of the great Duchess fortune, cools his triumph,  
And makes me wild.  Enter Hernando. Her. 
My good Lord Cardinal.  Car. 
You made complaint to th' King about your General.  Her. 
Not a complaint my Lord, I did but satisfy  
Some questions o'the Kings.  Car. 
You see he thrives  
Without your personal valour, or advice,  
Most grave and learned in the wars.  Her. 
My Lord,  
I Envy not his fortune.  Car. 
'Tis above  
Your Malice, and your noise not worth his anger,  
'Tis barking 'gainst the moon.  Her. 
More temper would  
Become that habit.  Car. 
The Military thing would show some spleen;  
I'll blow an Army of such Wasps about  
The world; go look your sting you left i'th' Camp, Sir.  Enter King, and Lords. Her. 
The King.  Exit. 
This may be one day counted for.  K. 
All things conspire my Lord to make you fortunate,  
Your nephew's glory—  Car. 
'Twas your cause and justice  
Made him victorious, had he been so valiant  
At home, he had had another conquest to  
Invite and bid her welcome to new wars.  K. 
You must be reconciled to providence, my Lord;  
I heard you had a controversy with  
The Duchess, I will have you friends.  Car. 
I am not Angry.  K. 
For my sake than you shall be pleased,  
And with me grace the Marriage;  
A Churchman must show Charity, and shine  
With first example, she's a woman.  Car. 
You shall prescribe in all things; Sir, you cannot  
Accuse my love, if I still wish my Nephew  
Had been so happy to be constant to  
Your own, and my election; yet my brain  
Cannot reach how this comes about; I know  
My Nephew loved her with a near affection.  Enter Hernando. K. 
He'll give you fair account at his return.  
Colonel, your Letters may be spared, the General  
Has finished, and is coming home.  Her. 
I am glad on't, sir; my good Lord Cardinal  
'Tis not impossible but some man provoked,  
May have a precious mind to cut your throat.  Car. 
You shall command me Noble Colonel;  
I know you won't fail to be at th'wedding.  Her. 
'Tis not Columbo that is married Sir.  Car. 
Go teach the postures of the Pike and Musket,  
Then drill your Myrmidons into a ditch,  
Where starve, and stink in pickle, you shall find  
Me reasonable, you see the King expects me.  Her. 
So does the Devil; some desperate hand  
May help you on your journey.  Exeunt. Enter Secretary and Servants. Sec. 
Here this, I this will fit your part: you shall wear Slashes, because you are a Soldier; here's for the blue mute.  1 
This doublet will never fit me, Pox on't, are these Breeches good enough for a Prince too? Pedro plays but a Lord, and he has two laces more in a seam.  Sec. 
You must consider Pedro is a foolish Lord, he may wear what lace he please.  2 
Does my beard fit my clothes well Gentlemen?  Sec 
Pox o'your beard.  3 
That will fright away the hair.  1 
This fellow plays but a mute, & he is so troublesome, and talks.  3 
Mr. Secretary might have let jaques play the soldier, He has a black patch already.  2 
By your favour Mr. Secretary, I was asked who writ this play for us.  Sec. 
For us? why art thou any more than a blue mute?  2 
And by my troth, I said, I thought it was all your own.  Sec. 
Away you Coxcomb.  4 
Dost think he has no more wit than to write a Comedy? my Lady's Chaplain made the Play, though he is content for the honour and trouble of the business, to be seen in't.  Enter 5th. Servant. 5 
Did anybody see my head Gentlemen 'twas here but now? I shall have never a head to play my part in.  Sec. 
Is thy head gone? 'tis well thy part was not in't, Look, look about, has not jaques it?  4 
I his head? 'two'not come on upon my shoulders.  Sec. 
Make haste Gentlemen I'll see whether the King has supped; Look every man to his wardrobe and his part.  Exit. 2 
Is he gone? in my mind a mask had been fitter for a marriage.  4 
Why mute? there was no time for't, and the scenes Are troublesome.  2 
Half a score Deal tacked together in the clouds, what's that? a Throne to come down and dance; all the properties have been paid forty times over, and are in the Court stock, but the Secretary must have a play to show his wit.  4 
Did not I tell thee 'twas the Chaplains? hold your tongue Mute.  1 
Under the Rose and would this cloth of Silver doublet might never come off again, if there be any more plot than you see in the back of my hand.  2 
You talk of a plot, I'll not give this for the best Poets plot in the world and if it be not well carried.  4 
Welll said Mnte.  3 
Ha, ha; Pedro since he put on his doublet, has repeated but three lines, and he has broke five butt on's.  2 
I know not but by this false beard, and here's hair enough to hang a reasonable honest man, I do not remember to say a strong line indeed in the whole Comedy; but when the Chambermaid kisses the Captain.  3 
Excellent mute.  Enter another Servant. 5 
They have almost supped, and I cannot find my head yet.  4 
play in thine own.  5 
Thank you for that, so I may have it made a property, if I have not a head found me, let Mr. Secretary play my part himself without it.  Enter Secretary. Sec. 
Are you all ready my Masters? the King is coming through the Gallery, are the women dressed?  1 
Rogero wants a head.  Sec. 
Here with a pox to you, take mine, you a player? You a puppy-dog is the Music ready?  Enter gentleman-usher. Gent. 
Gentlemen, it is my Lady's pleasure that you expect till she call for you, there are a company of Cavaliers in gallant Equipage newly alighted, have offered to present their Revels in honour of this Hymen; and 'tis her grace's command, that you be silent till their Entertainment be over.  1 
Gentlemen?  2 
Affronted?  5 
Mr. Secretary, there's your head again; a man's a man; have I broken my sleep to study fifteen lines for an Ambassador, and after that a Constable, and is it come to this?  Sec. 
Patience Gentlemen, be not so hot, 'tis but deferred, and the play may do well enough cold.  4 
If it be not presented, the Chaplain will have the greatest loss, he loses his wits.  Hoboies. Sec. 
This Music speaks the King upon entrance; retire, retire, and grumble not.  Exeunt. Enter King, Cardinal, Alvarez, Duchess, Celinda, Valeria, Placentia, Lords, Hernando; (they being set) Enter Columbo, and five more in rich habits Vizarded; between every two a torch bearer: They Dance, and after beckon to Alvarez as desirous to speak with him. Alv. 
With me!  They Embrace and whisper K. 
Do you know the Masquers Madam?  Dut. 
Not I Sir.  Car. 
there's one, but that my Nephew is abroad,  
And has more soul than thus to jig upon  
Their hymeneal night, I should suspect  
'Twere he.  The Mass lead in Alvarez. Dut. 
where's my Lord D' Alvarez?  Recorders. K. 
Call in the Bridegroom.  Enter Columbo, four Masquers, bring in Alvarez dead, in one of their habits, and having laid him down, Exeunt. Dut. 
What Mystery is this?  Car. 
We want the Bridegroom still.  K. 
Where is Alvarez  Columbo points to the body, they unvizard it, & find Alvar. bleeding. Dut. 
Oh 'tis my Lord he's murdered.  K. 
Who durst commit this horrid act?  Col. 
I Sir.  K. 
Columbo? ha!  Col. 
Yes; Columbo that dares stay  
To justify that act.  Her. 
Most barbarous.  Dut. 
Oh my dearest Lord!  K. 
Our guard seize on them all, this sight doth snake  
All that is man within me; poor Alvarez  
Is this thy wedding day?  Enter Guard. Dut. 
If you do think there is a heaven or pains,  
To punish such black crimes i'th' other world,  
Let me have swift, and such exemplar justice  
As shall become this great assassinate,  
You will take off our faith else, and if here  
Such innocence must bleed, and you look on,  
Poor men that call you Gods on earth, will doubt  
To obey your Laws, nay practise to be Devils,  
As fearing if such monstrous sins go on  
The Saints will not be safe in Heaven.  K. 
You shall,  
You shall have justice.  Car. 
Now to come off were brave.  Enter Servant. Ser. 
The Masquers, Sir, are fled, their horse prepared  
At gate expected to receive 'em, where  
They quickly mounted, coming so like friends  
None could suspect their haste, which is secured  
By advantage of the night.  Col. 
I answer for 'em all, 'tis stake enough  
For many lives, but if that poniard  
Had voice, it would convince they were but all  
Spectators of my act; and now if you  
Will give your judgement's leave, though at the first  
Face of this object your cool bloods were frighted,  
I can excuse this deed and call it Justice;  
An act, your honours, and your office Sir,  
Is bound to build a Law upon, for others  
To Imitate; I have but took his life,  
And punished her with mercy, who had both  
Conspired to kill the soul of all my fame  
Read there,— and read an injury as deep  
In my dishonour, as the Devil knew  
A Woman had capacity or malice  
To execute read there, how you were cozened Sir,  
Your power affronted, and my faith, her smiles  
A juggling witchcraft to betray and make  
My love her horse to stalk withal, and catch  
Her curled Minion.  Car. 
Is it possible  
The Duchess could dissemble so, and forfeit  
Her modesty with you, and to us all?  
Yet I must pity her; my Nephew has  
Been too severe, though this affront would call  
A dying man from prayers, and turn him Tiger,  
There being nothing dearer than our fame,  
Which, If a common man, whose blood has no  
Ingredient of honour, labour to  
Preserve, a Soldier (by his nearest tie  
To glory) is above all others, bound  
To vindicate; and yet it might have been less bloody.  Her. 
Charitable Devil!  K. Reads. 
I Pray, my Lord, release under your hand, what you dare challenge in my love or person, as a just forfeit to myself, this act will speak you honourable to my thoughts, and when you have conquered thus yourself, you may proceed to many victories, and after, with safety of your famit visit again  The lost Rosaura. 
To this your Answer was a free resign?  Col. 
Flattered with great opinion of her faith,  
And my desert of her (with thought that she,  
Who seemed to weep and chide my easy will  
To part with her, could not be guilty of  
A treason, or Apostasy so soon,  
But rather meant this a device to make  
Me expedite the affairs of War) I sent  
That paper, which her wickedness not justice,  
Applied (what I meant trial) her divorce;  
I loved her so, I dare call heaven to witness  
I knew not whether I loved most; while she,  
With him, whose crimson penitence I provoked,  
Conspired my everlasting infamy;  
Examine but the circumstance.  Car. 
'Tis clear,  
This Match was made at home before she sent  
That cunning writ, in hope to take him off,  
As knowing his impatient Soul would scorn  
To own a blessing came on crutches to him;  
It was not well to raise his expectation,  
(Had you, Sir, no affront) to ruin him  
With so much scandal and contempt.  K. 
We have  
Too plentiful a circumstance to accuse  
You Madam, as the cause of your own sorrows,  
But not without an accessary, more  
Than young Alvarez.  Car. 
Any other instrument?  K. 
Yes I am guilty, with herself, and Don  
Columbo, though our acts looked several ways,  
That thought a lover might so soon be ransomed;  
And did exceed the office of a King  
To exercise dominion over hearts,  
That owe to the prerogative of heaven  
Their choice, or Separation; you must therefore,  
When you do kneel for Justice, and Revenge,  
Madam, consider me a lateral agent  
In poor Alvarez Tragedy.  1 Lo. 
It was your love to Don Columbo Sir.  Her. 
So, so; the King is charmed; do you observe,  
How to acquit Columbo, he would draw  
Himself into the plot; Heaven, is this Justice?  Car. 
Your Judgement is divine in this.  K. 
And yet,  
Columbo cannot be secure, and we  
Just in his pardon, that durst make so great,  
And insolent a breach of Law and Duty.  2 Lo. 
Ha, Will he turn again?  K. 
And should we leave  
This guilt of blood to Heaven, which cries, and strikes,  
With loud appeals the palace of eternity,  
Yet here is more to charge Columbo, than  
Alvarez blood, and bids me punish it,  
Or be no King.  Her. 
'Tis come about my Lords.  K. 
And If I should forgive  
His timeless death, I cannot the offence,  
That with such boldness struck at me. Has my  
Indulgence to your merits which are great  
Made me so cheap, your rage could meet, no time  
Nor place for your revenge, but where my eyes  
Must be affrighted, and affronted with  
The bloody execution? This contempt  
Of Majesty transcends my power to pardon,  
And you shall feel my anger Sir.  Her. 
Thou shalt have one short prayer more for that.  Col. 
Have I i'th' progress of my life  
No actions to plead me up deserving,  
Against this ceremony?  Car. 
Contain yourself.  Col. 
I must be dumb then; where is honour?  
And gratitude of Kings, when they forget  
Whose hand secured their greatness? take my head off,  
Examine then which of your silken Lords,  
As I have done, will throw himself on dangers;  
Like to a floating Island move in blood;  
And where your great desence calls him to stand  
A Bulwark, upon his hold breast to take  
In death, that you may live: but Soldiers are  
Your valiant fools, whom when your own securities  
Are bleeding you can cherish, but when once  
Your state and nerves are knit, not thinking when  
To use their surgery again, you cast  
Them off, and let them hang in dusty armouries,  
Or make it death to ask for pay.  K. 
No more,  
We thought to have put your victory and merits  
In balance with Alvarez death, which while  
Our mercy was to judge, had been your safety;  
But the affront to us, made greater by  
This boldness to upbraid our royal bounty,  
Shall tame or make you nothing.  Lor. 
Excellent.  Her. 
The Cardinal is not pleased.  Car. 
Humble yourself  
To th' King.  Col. 
And beg my life? let cowards do't  
That dare not die, I'll rather have no head  
Than owe it to his Charity.  K. 
To th' Castle with him.  
Madam, I leave you to your grief, and what  
The King can recompense to your tears, or honour  
Of your dead Lord, expect.  Dut. 
This shows like justice.  Exeunt.  

ACT IV.  Enter two Lords, Hernando. 1 Lord. 
THis is the age of wonders.  2 Lo. 
Wondrous mischiefs.  Her. 
Among those guards which some call Tutelar Angels,  
Whose office is to govern Provinces,  
Is there not one will undertake Navarre?  
Hath heaven forsook us quite?  1 
Columbo at large?  2 
And graced now more than ever.  1 
He was not pardoned,  
That word was prejudicial to his fame.  Her. 
But as the murder done had been a dream  
Vanished to memory, he's courted as  
Preserver of his Country; with what chains  
Of Magic does this Cardinal hold the King?  2 
What will you say my Lord if they inchant  
The Duchess now; and by some impudent art,  
Advance a Marriage to Columbo yet?  Her. 
Say? I'll say no woman can be saved, nor is't  
Fit, indeed, any should pretend to Heaven  
After one such impiety in their sex,  
And yet my faith has been so staggered, since  
The King restored Columbo, I'll be now  
Of no Religion.  1 
'Tis not possible  
She can forgive the murder, I observed  
Her tears.  Her. 
Why so did I, my Lord,  
And if they be not honest, 'tis to be  
Half damned to look upon a woman weeping.  
When do you think the Cardinal said his prayers?  2 
I know not.  Her. 
Heaven forgive my want of charity  
But if I were to kill him, he should have  
No time to pray, his life could be no sacrifice,  
Unless his soul went too.  1 
That were too much.  Her. 
When you mean to dispatch him, you may give  
Time for Confession, they have injured me  
After another rate.  2 
You are too passionate Cousin.  Enter Columbo, Colonels, Alfonso, Courtiers, (they pass over the Stage.) Her. 
How the gay men do flutter to congratulate  
His Goal delivery? there's one honest man,  
What pity 'tis a gallant fellow should  
Depend on knaves for his preferment.  1 
Except this cruelty upon Alvarez,  
Columbo has no mighty stain upon him;  
But for his Uncle—  Her. 
If I had a Son  
Of twelve years old, that would not fight with him,  
And stake his soul against his cardinal's Cap,  
I would disinherit him; Time has took a lease  
But for three lives I hope, a fourth may see  
Honesty walk without a crutch.  2 
This is  
But Air and Wildness.  Her. 
I'll see the Duchess,  
You may do well to comfort her,  1 
We must attend the King.  Her. 
your pleasures.  Exit Her. Enter King and Cardinal. 1 
A Man of a brave soul.  2 
The less his safety;  
The King and Cardinal in consult.  K. 
Commend us to the Duchess, and employ  
What language you think fit, and powerful  
To reconcile her to some peace. My Lords.  Car. 
Sir, I possess all for your sacred uses.  Exeunt Severally. Enter Secretary and Celinda. Sec. 
Madam, you are the welcom'st Lady living.  Cel. 
To whom, Mr. Secretary?  Sec. 
If you have mercy  
To pardon so much boldness, I durst say,  
To me— I am a Gentleman.  Cel. 
And handsome.  Sec. 
But my Lady has much wanted you.  Cel. 
Why Mr. Secretary?  Sec. 
You are the prettiest,  Cel. 
So.  Sec. 
The wittiest,  Cel. 
So.  Sec. 
The merriest Lady i'th' Court.  Cel. 
And I was wished to make the Duchess pleasant.  Sec. 
She never had so deep a cause of sorrow,  
Her Chamber's but a Coffin of a larger  
Volume, wherein she walks so like a Ghost,  
'twould make you pale to see her.  Cel. 
Tell her Grace I attend here.  Sec. 
I shall most willingly.  
A spirited Lady, would I had her in my closet,  
She is excellent company among the Lords,  
Sure she has an admirable treble— Madam.  Exit. Cel. 
I do suspect this fellow would be nibbling  
Like some whose narrow fortunes will not rise  
To wear things when the inventions rare, and new,  
But treading on the heel of pride, they hunt  
The fashion when 'tis crippled, like fell tyrants;  
I hope I am not old yet, I had the honour  
To be saluted by our cardinal's Nephew  
This Morning, there's a man!  Enter Secretary. Sec. 
I have prevailed,  
Sweet Madam use what Eloquence you can  
Upon her, and if ever I be useful  
To your ladyship's service, your least breath commands me.  Enter Duchess. Dut. 
Madam, I come to ask you but one question,  
If you were in my State, my state of grief,  
I mean an exile from all happiness,  
Of this world, and almost of heaven, for my  
Affliction is finding out despair,  
What would you think of Don Columbo?  Cel. 
Madam?  Dut. 
Whose Bloody hand wrought all this misery?  
Would you not weep as I do? and wish rather  
An everlasting spring of tears to drown  
Your sight, than let your eyes be cursed to see  
The murderer again? and glorious?  
So careless of his sin, that he is made  
Fit for new Parricide, even while his soul  
Is purpled o'er, and reeks with innocent blood.  
But do not, do not answer me, I know  
You have so great a spirit, (which I want,  
The horror of his fact surprising all  
My faculties) you would not let him live:  
But I, poor I, must suffer more, there's not  
One little star in Heaven will look on me,  
Unless to choose me out the mark, on whom  
It may shoot down some angry influence.  Enter Placentia. Pla. 
Madam, her's Don Columbo says he must  
Speak with your Grace.  Dut. 
But he must not, I charge you.  
None else wait? Is this well done,  
To triumph in his Tyranny? speak Madam,  
Speak but your conscience.  Enter Columbo, and Secretary. Sec. 
Sir, you must not see her.  Col. 
Not see her? were she cabled up above  
The search of Bullet, or of Fire, were she  
Within her Grave, and that the toughest Mine  
That ever nature teemed and groaned withal,  
I would force some way to see her; do not fear  
I come to Court you Madam, you're not worth  
The humblest of my kinder thoughts, I come  
To show the man you have provoked, and lost;  
And tell you what remains of my revenge.  
Live, but never presume again to marry,  
I'll kill the next at th' Altar, and quench all  
The smiling tapers with his blood; if after  
You dare provoke the Priest, and heaven so much,  
To take another, in thy bed I'll cut him from  
Thy warm embrace, and throw his heart to Ravens.  Cel. 
This will appear an unexampled cruelty.  Col. 
Your pardon Madam, rage, and my revenge  
Not perfect, took away my eyes, you are  
A noble Lady, this, not worth your eye-beam,  
One of so slight a making, and so thin,  
An Autumn leaf is of too great a value  
To play, which shall be soonest lost i'th' Air;  
Be pleased to own me by some name, in your  
Assurance, I despise to be received  
There, let her witness that I call  
You Mistress; honour me to make these Pearls  
Your carcanet.  Cel. 
My Lord, you are too humble in your thoughts.  Col. 
there's no vexation too great to punish her.  Exit. Enter Secretary. Sec. 
Now Nadam?  Cel. 
Away you saucy fellow; Madam, I  
Must be excused, if I do think more honourably  
Than you have cause of this great Lord.  Dut. 
Why is not  
All woman kind concerned to hate what's impious?  Cel. 
For my part—  Dut. 
Antonio, is this a woman?  Sec. 
I know not whether she be man or woman,  
I should be nimble to find out the Experiment,  
She looked with less state, when Columbo came.  Dut. 
Let me entreat your absence, I am cozened in her,  
I took you for a modest, honest Lady.  Cel. 
Madam, I scorn any accuser, and  
Deducting the great title of a Duchess,  
I shall not need one grain of your dear honour  
To make me full weight, if your Grace be jealous  
I can remove.  Exit. Sec. 
She is gone.  Dut. 
Prithee remove  
My fears of her return,— she is not worth  Ex. Sec. 
Considering, my anger's mounted higher;  
He need not put in caution for my next  
marriage, Alvarez, I must come to thee,  
Thy Virgin, Wife, and Widow, but not till  
I ha' paid those Tragic duties to thy Hearse,  
Become my piety and love, but how?  
Who shall instruct a way?  Enter Placentia. Pla. 
Madam, Don  
Hernando much desires to speak with you.  Dut. 
Will not thy own discretion think I am  
Unfit for visit.  Pla. 
Please your Grace he brings  
Something he says imports your ear, and love  
Of the dead Lord Alvarez.  Dut. 
Then admit him.  Enter Hernando. Her. 
I would speak, Madam, to yourself.  Dut. 
Your absence.  Her. 
I know not how you Grace will censure so  
Much boldness, when you know the affairs I come for.  Dut. 
My Servant has prepared me to receive it,  
If it concern my dead Lord.  Her. 
Can you name  
So much of your Alvarez in a breath  
Without one word of your revenge? O Madam,  
I come to chide you, and repent my great  
Opinion of your virtue, that can walk,  
And spend so many hours in naked Solitude,  
As if you thought that no arrear were due  
To his death, when you had paid his Funeral charges,  
Made your eyes red, and wept a handkercher;  
I come to tell you that I saw him bleed,  
ay, that can challenge nothing in his name,  
And honour, saw his murdered body warm,  
And panting with the labour of his spirits,  
Till my amazed Soul shrunk and hid itself,  
While barbarous Columbo grinning stood,  
And mocked the weeping wounds; it is too much  
That you should keep your heart alive, so long  
After this spectacle, and not revenge it.  Dut. 
You do not know the business of my heart,  
That censure me so rashly; yet I thank you,  
And if you be Alvarez friend, dare tell  
Your confidence, that I despise my life,  
But know not how to use it in a service,  
To speak me his revenger, this will need  
No other proof, than that to you, who may  
Be sent with cunning to betray me, I  
Have made this bold confession, I so much  
Desire to sacrifice to that hovering Ghost,  
Columbo's life, that I am not ambitious  
To keep my own two minutes after it.  Her. 
If you will call me coward, which is equal  
To think I am a Traitor, I forgive it,  
For this brave resolution, which time  
And all the Destinies must aid, I beg  
That I may kiss your hand for this, and may  
The soul of angry honour guide it.  Dut. 
Whither?  Her. 
To Don Columbo's heart.  Dut. 
It is too weak I fear alone.  Her. 
Alone? are you in earnest? why? will it not  
Be a dishonour to your Justice, Madam,  
Another arm should interpose? but that  
It were a saucy act to mingle with you,  
I durst, nay I am bound in the revenge  
Of him that's dead, (since the whole world has interest,  
In every goodman's loss) to offer it;  
Dare you command me, Madam?  Dut. 
Not command,  
But I should more than honour such a truth  
In man, that durst against so mighty odds,  
Appear Alvarez friend and mine; the Cardinal—  Her. 
Is for the second course, Columbo must  
Be first cut up, his Ghost must lead the dance.  
Let him die first.  Dut. 
But how?  Her. 
How? with a Sword, and if I undertake it,  
I won't lose so much of my own honour,  
To kill him basely.  Dut. 
How shall I reward  
This infinite service? 'tis not Modesty,  
While now my husband groans beneath his tomb,  
And calls me to his marble bed, to promise  
What this great act might well deserve, myself  
If you survive the Victor, but if thus  
Alvarez ashes be appeased it must  
Deserve an honourable memory;  
And though Columbo (as he had all power,  
And grasped the fates) has vowed to kill the man  
That shall succeed Alvarez—  Her. 
Tyranny.  Dut. 
Yet if ever,  
I entertain a thought of love hereafter,  
Hernando from the world shall challenge it,  
Till when, my Prayers, and fortune, shall wait on you.  Her. 
This is too mighty recompense.  Dut. 
'Tis all just.  Her. 
If I outlive Columbo I must not  
Expect security at home.  Dut. 
Thou canst  
Not fly, where all my fortunes, and my love,  
Shall not attend to guard thee.  Her. 
If I die—  Dut. 
Thy memory  
Shall have a shrine, the next within my heart  
To my Alvarez.  Her. 
Once again your hand,  
Your cause is so religious you need  
Not strengthen it with your prayers, trust it to me.  Enter Placentia, and Cardinal. Pla. 
Madam, the Cardinal.  Dut. 
Will you appear?  Her. 
And he had all the horror of the Devil  
In's face, I would not balk him.  He stares upon the Cardinal in his Exit. Car. 
What makes Hernando here? I do not like  
They should consult, I'll take no note; the King  
Fairly salutes your Grace, by whose command  
I am to tell you, though his will and actions  
Illimited, stoop not to satisfy  
The Vulgar inquisition, he is  
Yet willing to retain a just opinion,  
With those that are placed near him, and although  
You look with Nature's eye upon yourself,  
Which needs no perspective to reach, nor art  
Of any optic to make greater, what  
Your narrow sense applies an injury,  
(Our selves still nearest to ourselves) but there's  
Another eye that looks abroad and walks  
In search of reason, and the weight of things,  
With which if you look on him, you will find  
His pardon to Columbo cannot be  
So much against his justice, as your erring  
Faith would persuade your anger.  Dut. 
Good my Lord,  
Your phrase has too much landscape and I cannot  
Distinguish at this distance you present  
The figure perfect, but indeed my eyes  
May pray your Lordship find excuse, for tears  
Have almost made them blind.  Car. 
Fair, peace restore 'em!  
To bring the object nearer, the King says,  
He could not be severe to Don Columbo  
Without injustice to his other merits,  
Which call more loud for their reward and honour,  
Than you for your revenge; the Kingdom made  
Happy by those; you only by the last  
unfortunate, nor was it rational,  
I speak the Kings own Language, he should die  
For taking one man's breath, without whose valour  
None now had been alive, without dishonour.  Dut. 
In my poor understanding, 'tis the Crown  
Of virtue to proceed in its own tract,  
Not deviate from honour, if you acquit  
A man of murder, 'cause he has done brave  
Things in the War, you will bring down his valour  
To a crime, nay to a bawd, if it secure  
A rape, and but teach those that deserve well  
To sin with greater licence; but dispute  
Is now too late, my Lord, 'tis done, and you,  
By the good King, in tender of my sorrows,  
Sent to persuade me, 'tis unreasonable  
That Justice should repair me.  Car. 
You mistake,  
For if Columbo's death could make Alvarez  
Live, the King had given him up to Law  
Your bleeding Sacrifice; but when his life  
Was but another treasure thrown away,  
To obey a clamorous Statute, it was wisdom  
To himself and common safety to take off  
This killing edge of Law, and keep Columbo  
To recompense the crime by noble acts,  
And sorrow, that in time might draw your pity.  Dut. 
This is a greater tyranny, than that  
Columbo exercised, he killed my Lord,  
And you not have the charity to let  
Me think it worth a punishment,  Car. 
To that  
In my own name, I answer; I condemn  
And urge the bloody guilt against my Nephew,  
'Twas violent, and cruel, a black deed,  
A deed whose memory doth make me shudder,  
An act that did betray a tyrannous nature,  
Which he took up in War, the school of vengeance;  
And though the king's compassion spare him here,  
Unless his heart Weep itself out in penitent tears.  Dut. 
This sounds  
As you were now a good man.  Car. 
Does your Grace  
Think I have conscience to allow the murder?  
Although when it was done, I did obey  
The stream of nature, as he was my Kinsman,  
To plead he might not pay his forfeit life,  
Could I do less for one so near my blood?  
Consider Madam, and be charitable,  
Let not this wild injustice, make me lose  
The character I bear, and reverend habit.  
To make you full acquainted with my innocence,  
I challenge here my soul, and heaven to witness  
If I had any thought, or knowledge with  
My nephew's plot, or person, when he came  
Under the smooth pretence of friend to violate  
Your hospitable laws, and do that act  
Whose frequent mention draws this tear, a whirlwind  
Snatch me to endless flames.  Dut. 
I must believe,  
And ask your grace's pardon, I confess  
I ha' not loved you since Alvarez death,  
Though we were reconciled.  Car. 
I do not blame  
Your Jealousy, nor any zeal you had  
To prosecute revenge against me, Madam,  
As I then stood suspected, nor can yet  
Implore your mercy to Columbo, all  
I have to say is to retain my first  
Opinion and credit with your Grace,  
Which you may think I urge not out of fear  
Or ends upon you, (since, I thank the King,  
I stand firm on the base of royal favour)  
But for your own sake, and to show I have  
Compassion of your sufferings.  Dut. 
You have cleared  
A doubt my Lord, and by this fair remonstrance,  
Given my sorrow so much truce, to think  
That we may meet again, and yet be friends.  
But be not angry, if I still remember  
By whom Alvarez died, and weep, and wake  
Another justice with my prayers,  Car. 
All thoughts  
That may advance a better peace, dwell with you.  Exit. Dut. 
How would this cozening Statesman bribe my Faith  
With flatteries to think him innocent?  
No, if his Nephew die, this Cardinal must not  
Be long-lived; all the prayers of a wronged Widow  
Make firm Hernando's Sword, and my own hand  
Shall have some glory in the next revenge;  
I will pretend my brain with grief distracted,  
It may gain easy credit, and beside  
The taking off examination  
For great Columbo's death, it makes what act  
I do in that believed want of my reason,  
Appear no crime, but my defence; look down  
Soul of my Lord, from thy eternal shade,  
And unto all thy blessed companions boast,  
Thy Duchess busy to revenge thy Ghost.  Exit. Enter Columbo, Hernando, Alfonso, Colonel. Col. 
Hernando, now I love thee, and do half  
Repent the affront my passion threw upon thee.  Her. 
You won't be too prodigal o' your penitence.  Colu. 
This makes good thy Nobility of birth,  
Thou mayst be worth my anger and my sword,  
If thou dost execute as daringly,  
As thou provokest a quarrel, I did think  
Thy soul a starveling, or asleep.  Her. 
You'll find it  
Active enough to keep your spirit waking,  
Which to exasperate, for yet I think  
It is not high enough to meet my rage—  
D''ee smile?  Col. 
This noise is worth it, Gentlemen;  
I'm sorry this great Soldier has engaged  
Your travel, all his business is to talk.  Her. 
A little of your Lordship's patience,  
You shall have other sport, and swords that will  
Be as nimble 'bout your heart, as you can wish,  
'Tis pity more than our two single lives,  
Should be at stake.  Colon. 
Make that no scruple Sir.  Her. 
To him then that survives if fate allow  
That difference, I speak that he may tell  
The World, I came not hither on slight anger,  
But to revenge my honour stained, and trampled on  
By this proud man, when General, he commanded  
My absence from the field.  Colu. 
I do remember,  
And I'll give your Soul now a discharge.  Her. 
I come to meet it, if your courage be so fortunate.  
But there is more than my own injury  
You must account for Sir, if my sword prosper,  
Whose point and every edge is made more keen  
With young Alvarez blood, in which I had  
A Noble interest; does not that sin benumb  
Thy Arteries, and turn the guilty flowings,  
To trembling jelly in thy veins? canst hear  
Me name that murder, and thy spirits not  
Struck into air, as thou wert shot by some  
Engine from heaven?  Col. 
You are the Duchess Champion;  
Thou hast given me a quarrel now; I grieve  
It is determined all must fight, and I  
Shall lose much honour in his fall.  Her. 
That Duchess  
(Whom but to mention with thy breath, is sacrilege)  
An Orphan of thy making, and condemned  
By thee to eternal solitude, I come  
To vindicate, and while I am killing thee,  
By virtue of her prayers sent up for justice,  
At the same time, in heaven I am pardoned for't.  Col. 
I cannot hear the Bravo.  Her. 
Two words more  
And take your chance, before you all I must  
Pronounce that noble Lady, without knowledge,  
Or thought of what I undertake for her.  
Poor soul, she's now at her Devotions,  
Busy with heaven, and wearing out the earth  
With her stiff Knees, and bribing her good Angel  
With treasures of her eyes, to tell her Lord  
How much she longs to see him; my attempt  
Needs no commission from her, were I  
A stranger in Navarre, the inborn right  
Of every Gentleman to Alvarez loss,  
Is reason to engage their swords, and lives,  
Against the common enemy of virtue.  Colu. 
Now have you finished? I have an instrument  
Shall cure this noise, and fly up to thy tongue,  
To murder all thy words.  Her. 
One little knot  
Of phlegm that clogs my stomach, and I ba 'done;  
You have an Uncle called a Cardinal  
Would he were lurking now about thy heart,  
That the same wounds might reach you both, and send  
Your reeling souls together. Now have at you.  Alph. 
We must not Sir be idle.  They fight, Columbo's Second slain. Her. 
What think you now of praying?  Colu. 
Time enough;  He kills Hernando's Second. 
Commend me to my friend; the scales are even,  
I would be merciful, and give you time,  
Now to consider of the other World,  
You'll find your soul benighted presently.  Her. 
I'll find my way i'th' dark.  They fight, and close, Columbo gets both the swords, and Hernando takes up the seconds Weapon. Colu 
A stumble's dangerous.  
Now ask thy life— Ha?  Her. 
I despise to wear it,  
A gift from any but the first bestower.  Col. 
I scorn a base advantage— ha.  Her. 
I am now  
Out of your debt.  Columbo throws away one of the swords. They fight, Hernando wounds Columbo. Col. 
thoust done't, and I forgive thee.  
Give me thy hand, when shall we meet again?  Her. 
Never, I hope.  Col. 
I feel life ebb apace, yet I'll look upwards,  
And show my face to heaven.  Her. 
The matters done,  
I must not stay to bury him.  Exit.  

ACT V.  Enter two Lords. 1 Lord. 
COlumbo's death doth much afflict the King.  2 Lo. 
I thought the Cardinal would have lost his wits  
At first, for's nephew, it drowns all the talk  
Of the other that were slain.  1 
We are friends.  
I do suspect Hernando had some interest  
And knew how their wounds came.  2 
His flight confirms it,  
For whom the Cardinal has spread his nets.  1 
He is not so weak to trust himself at home  
To his Enemies gripe.  2 
All strikes not me so much,  
As that the Duchess, most oppressed Lady,  
Should be distracted, and before Columbo  
Was slain.  1 
But that the Cardinal should be made  
Her Guardian, is to me above that wonder.  2 
So it pleased the King, and she, with that small stock  
Of reason left her, is so kind, and smooth  
Upon him.  1 
She's turned a child again; a madness,  
That would ha' made her brain and blood boil high  
In which distemper she might ha' wrought something.  2 
Had been to purpose.  1 
The Cardinal is cunning, and howe'er  
His brow does smile, he does suspect Hernando  
Took fire from her, and waits a time to punish it.  2 
But what a subject of disgrace, and mirth,  
Hath poor Celinda made herself by pride,  
In her belief Columbo was her servant.  
Her head hath stooped much since he died, and she  
Almost ridiculous at Court.  Enter Cardinal, Antonelli, Servant. 1. 
The Cardinal  
Is come into the Garden, now—  Car. 
Walk off,  
It troubles me the Duchess by her loss  
Of brain is now beneath my great revenge,  
She is not capable to feel my anger,  
Which like to unregarded thunder spent  
In woods, and lightning aimed at senseless trees,  
Must idly fall, and hurt her not, not to  
That sense her guilt deserves a fatal stroke,  
Without the knowledge for what crime to fright her,  
When she takes leave, and make her tug with death,  
Until her soul sweat, is a pigeon's torment,  
And she is sent a babe to the other World,  
Columbo's death will not be satisfied,  
And I but wound her with a two edged feather;  
I must do more, I have all opportunity,  
(She by the King now made my charge) but she's  
So much a turtle I shall lose by killing her,  
Perhaps do her a pleasure, and preferment;  
That must not be.  Enter Celinda with a Parchment. Anto. 
Is not this she, that would be thought to have been  
Columbo's Mistress? Madam, his grace is private,  
And would not be disturbed, you may displease him.  Cel. 
What will your worship wager that he shall  
Be pleased again before we part.  Ant. 
I'll say this Diamond Madam, 'gainst a kiss,  
And trust yourself to keep the stakes.  Cel. 
'Tis done.  Ant. 
I have long had an appetite to this Lady,  
But the Lords keep her up so high— this toy  
May bring her on.  Car. 
This interruption tastes not of good manners.  Cel. 
But where necessity my Lord compels,  
The boldness may meet pardon, and when you  
Have found my purpose, I may less appear  
Unmannerly.  Car. 
To th' business.  Cel. 
It did please  
Your Nephew, Sir, before his death to credit me  
With so much honourable favour, I  
Am come to tender to his nearest of blood,  
yourself, what does remain a debt to him.  
Not to delay your Grace with circumstance,  
That deed, if you accept, makes you my heir  
Of no contemptible estate— this way  He reads. 
Is only left to tie up scurrile tongues,  
And saucy men, that since Columbo's death  
Venture to Libel on my pride, and folly;  
His greatness, and this gift which I enjoy,  
Still for my life, beyond which term; a Kingdom's,  
Nothing, will curb the giddy spleens of men  
That live on impudent rhyme, and railing at  
Each wandering fame they catch.  Car. 
Madam, this bounty  
Will bind my gratitude and care to serve you.  Cel. 
I am your grace's Servant.  Car. 
Antonelli,  Whisper. 
And when this noble Lady visits me  
Let her not wait.  Cel. 
What think you my Officious, Sir; his grace  
Is pleased, you may conjecture? I may keep  
Your Gem, the kiss was never yours.  Ant. 
Sweet Madam—  Cel. 
Talk if you dare, you know I must not wait,  
And so farewell for this time.  Car. 
'Tis in my brain already, and it forms  
Apace, good, excellent revenge, and pleasant!  
She's now within my talons, 'tis too cheap  
A satisfaction for Columbo's death,  
Only to kill her by soft charm or force,  
I'll rifle first her darling chastity,  
'Twill be after time enough to poison her,  
And she to th' world be thought her own destroyer.  
As I will frame the circumstance, this night  
All may be finished; for the Colonel,  
Her agent in my nephew's death (whom I  
Disturbed at Counsel with her) I may reach him  
Hereafter, and be Master of his fate.  
We starve our Conscience when we thrive in State.  Exeunt. Enter Secretary, and Placentia. Sec. 
Placentia, We two are only left  
Of my lady's Servants, let us be true  
To her, and one another, and be sure  
When we are at prayers, to curse the Cardinal.  Pla. 
I pity my sweet Lady.  Sec. 
I pity her too, but am a little angry;  
She might have found another time to lose  
Her wits.  Pla. 
That I were a man?  Sec. 
What wouldst thou do Placentia?  la. 
I would revenge my Lady.  Sec. 
'Tis better being a woman, thou mayst do  
Things that may prosper better, and the fruit  
Be thy own another day.  Pla. 
Your wit still loves  
To play the wanton.  Sec. 
'Tis a sad time Placentia,  
Some pleasure would do well, the truth is, I  
Am weary of my life, and I would have  
One fit of mirth before I leave the world.  Pla. 
Do not you blush to talk thus wildly?  Sec. 
'Tis good manners  
To be a little mad after my Lady;  
But I ha' done; who is with her now?  Pla. 
Madam Valeria.  Sec. 
Not Celinda? there's a Lady for my humour,  
A pretty book of flesh and blood, and well  
Bound up, in a fair letter too; would I  
Had her with all the Errata.  Pla. 
She has not  
An honourable Fame.  Sec. 
Her Fame? that's nothing,  
A little stain, her wealth will fetch again  
The colour, and bring honour into her cheeks  
As fresh; if she were mine, and I had her  
Exchequer. I know the way to make her honest,  
Honest to th' touch, the test, and the last trial.  Pla. 
How Prithee?  Sec. 
Why, first I would marry her, that's a verb Material;  
Then I would Print her with an Index.  
Expurgatorius, a table drawn  
Of her Court Heresies, and when she's read  
Cum Privilegio, who dares call her Whore?  Pla. 
I'll leave you, if you talk thus.  Sec. 
I ha' done,  Placentia, 
thou may'st be better company  
After another progress; and now tell me,  
Didst ever hear of such a patient madness  
As my Lady is possessed with? she has raved  
But twice; and she would fright the Cardinal,  
Or at a supper if she did but poison him,  
It were a frenzy I could bear withal;  
She calls him her dear Governor—  Enter Hernando disguised having a Letter. Pla. 
Who is this?  Her. 
Her Secretary? Sir,  
Here is a Letter if it may have so  
Much happiness to kiss her grace's hand.  Sec. 
From whom?  Her. 
That's not in your Commission Sir  
To ask, or mine to satisfy, she will want  
No understanding when she reads.  Sec. 
Alas,  
Under your favour Sir, you are mistaken,  
Her Grace did never more want understanding.  Her. 
How?  Sec. 
have you not heard, her scull is broken Sir  
And many pieces taken out, she's mad.  Her. 
The sad fame of her distraction  
Has two much truth it seems.  Pla. 
If please you Sir  
To expect a while, I will present the Letter.  Her. 
Pray do  Exit Placen. 
How long has she been thus Distempered Sir?  Sec. 
Before the Cardinal came to govern here,  
Who for that reason by the King was made  
Her Guardian, we are now at his devotion.  Her. 
A Lamb given up to a Tiger! may diseases  
Soon eat him through his heart!  Sec. 
Your pardon Sir,  
I love that voice, I know it too, a little,  
Are not you? be not angry noble Sir,  
I can with ease be ignorant again,  
And think you are another man, but if  
You be that valiant Gentleman they call—  Her. 
Whom? What?  Sec. 
That killed, I would not name him if I thought  
You were not pleased to be that very Gentleman.  Her. 
Am I betrayed?  Sec. 
The Devil sha'not  
Betray you here, kill me, and I will take  
My death you are the Noble Colonel;  
We are all bound to you for the general's death,  
Valiant Hernando? when my Lady knows  
You are here, I hope 'twill fetch her wits again,  
But do not talk too loud, we are not all  
Honest i'th' house, some are the cardinal's creatures.  Her. 
Thou wert faithful to thy Lady, I am glad  
'Tis night, but tell me how the Churchman uses  
The Duchess?  Enter Antonelli. Sec. 
He carries Angels in his tongue, and face, but I  
Suspect his heart, this is one of his spawns.  
Signior Antonelli.  Ant. 
Honest Antonio.  Sec. 
And how, and how— a friend of mine, where is  
The cardinal's Grace?  Her. 
That will be never answered.  Aut. 
He means to sup here with the Duchess.  Sec. 
Will he?  Ant. 
We'll have the charming bottles at my chamber,  
Bring that Gentleman, we'll be mighty merry.  Her. 
I may disturb your jollity.  Ant. 
Farewell sweet—  Sec. 
Dear Antonelli— a round Pox confound you.  
This is Court Rhetoric at the back stairs.  Enter Placentia. Pla. 
Do you know this Gentleman?  Sec. 
Not I.  Pla. 
My Lady presently dismissed Valeria,  
And bade me bring him to her bedchamber.  Sec. 
The Gentleman has an honest face.  Pla. 
Her words fell from her with some evenness & joy.  
Her Grace desires your presence.  Her. 
I'll attend her.  Exit. Sec. 
I would this Soldier had the Cardinal  
Upon a promontory, with what a spring  
The Churchman would leap down, it were a spectacle  
Most rare to see him topple from the precipice,  
And souse in the salt water with a noise  
To stun the fishes; and if he fell into  
A net, what wonder would the simple seagulls  
Have, to draw up the o'ergrown Lobster,  
So ready boiled? he shall have my good wishes,  
This Colonels coming may be lucky. I  
Will be sure none shall interrupt 'em.  Enter Celinda. Cel. 
Is her Grace at opportunity?  Sec. 
No sweet Madam,  
She is asleep, her Gentlewoman says.  Cel. 
My business is but visit, I'll expect.  Sec. 
That must not be, although I like your company.  Cel. 
You are grown rich Mr. Secretary.  Sec. 
I Madam, Alas!  Cel. 
I hear you are upon another purchase.  Sec. 
I upon a purchase?  Cel. 
If you want any sum—  Sec. 
If I could purchase your sweet favour Madam?  Cel. 
You shall command me, and my fortune Sir.  Sec. 
How's this?  Cel. 
I have observed you Sir a stayed,  
And prudent Gentleman— and I shall want—  Sec. 
Not me?  Cel. 
A Father for some Infant; he has credit  Aside. 
Ith' world; I am not the first cast Lady  
Has married a Secretary.  Sec. 
Shall I wait upon you?  Cel. 
Whither?  Sec. 
Any whither.  Cel. 
I may chance lead you then—  Sec. 
I shall be honoured to obey, my blood  
Is up, and in this humour I'm for any thing.  Cel. 
Well Sir, I'll try your Manhood.  Sec. 
'Tis my happiness,  
You cannot please me better.  Cel. 
This was struck  
I'th' opportunity.  Sec. 
I am made for ever.  Enter Hernando, and Duchess. Her. 
Dear Madam, do not weep.  Dut. 
You're very welcome,  
I ha' done, I won't shed a tear more  
Till I meet Alvarez, then I'll weep for joy;  
He was a fine young Gentleman, and sung sweetly,  
And you had heard him but the night before  
We were married, you would ha' sworn he had been  
A Swan, and sung his own sad Epitaph;  
But we'll talk o'the Cardinal.  Her. 
Would his death  
Might ransom your fair sense, he should not live  
To triumph in the loss, beshrew my manhood;  
But I begin to melt.  Dut. 
I pray Sir tell me,  
For I can understand, although they say  
I have lost my wits; but they are safe enough,  
And I shall have 'em when the Cardinal dies;  
Who had a Letter from his Nephew too  
Since he was slain.  Her. 
From whence?  Dut. 
I know not where he is? but in some Bower  
Within a Garden he is making Chaplets,  
And means to send me one, but I'll not take it,  
I have flowers enough I thank him while I live.  Her. 
But do you love your Governor?  Dut. 
Yes, but I'll never marry him, I am promised  
Already.  Her. 
To whom Madam?  Dut. 
Do not you  
Blush when you ask me that, must not you be  
My Husband? I know why, but that's a secret;  
Indeed if you believe me, I do love  
No man alive so well as you, the Cardinal  
Shall never know't, he'll kill us both, and yet  
He says he loves me dearly, and has promised  
To make me well again, but I'm afraid,  
One time or other he will give me poison.  Her. 
Prevent him Madam, and take nothing from him.  Dut. 
Why, do you think 'twill hurt me?  Her. 
It will kill you.  Dut. 
I shall but die, and meet my dear loved Lord,  
Whom when I have kissed, I'll come again, and work  
A bracelet of my hair for you to carry him,  
When you are going to heaven, the poesy shall  
Be my own name, in little tears, that I  
Will weep next winter, which congealed i'th' frost  
Will show like seed-Pearl, you'll deliver it?  
I know he'll love, and wear it for my sake.  Her. 
She is quite lost.  Dut. 
I pray give me Sir, your pardon,  
I know I talk not wisely, but if you had  
The burden of my sorrow, you would miss  
Sometimes your better reason; now I'm well,  
What will you do when the Cardinal comes?  
He must not see you for the world.  Her. 
He sha'not,  
I'll take my leave before he come.  Dut. 
Nay stay,  
I shall have no friend left me when you go,  
He will but sup, he sha'not stay to lie wi' me,  
I have the picture of my Lord a-bed,  
Three are too much this weather.  Enter Plecentia. Pla. 
Madam, the Cardinal.  Her. 
He shall sup with the Devil.  Dut. 
I dare not stay,  
The Shank will be angry, I'll come again.  Exeunt. Her. 
This sorrow is no fable, now I find  
My curiosity is sadly satisfied;  
Ha? if the Duchess in her straggled wits,  
Let fall words to betray me to the Cardinal,  
The Panther will not leap more fierce to meet  
His prey, when a long want of food hath parched  
His starved maw, than he to print his rage  
And tear my heartstrings, every thing is fatal,  
And yet she talked sometimes with chain of sense,  
And said she loved me; ha, they come not yet;  
I have a sword about me, and I left  
My own security to visit death.  
Yet I may pause a little, and consider  
Which way does lead me to't most honourably;  
Does not the Chamber that I walk in tremble?  
What will become of her, and me, and all  
The world in one small hour? I do not think  
Ever to see the day again, the wings  
Of night spread o'er me like a sable Hearse-cloth,  
The Stars are all close mourners too; but I  
Must not alone to the cold silent grave,  
I must not; If thou canst Alvarez open  
That Ebon curtain, and behold the man,  
When the world's justice fails shall right thy ashes,  
And feed their thirst with blood, thy Duchess is  
Almost a Ghost already; and doth wear  
Her body like a useless upper garment,  
The trim and fashion of it lost. Ha?  Enter Placentia. Pla. 
You need not doubt me, Sir, My Lady prays  
You would not think it long, she in my ear,  
Commanded me to tell you, that when last  
She drank, she had happy wishes to your health.  Her. 
And did the Cardinal pledge it?  Pla. 
He was not  
Invited to't, nor must he know you are here.  Her. 
What do they talk of prithee?  Pla. 
His Grace is very pleasant  A Lute is heard. 
And kind to her, but her returns are after  
The sad condition of her sense, sometimes unjointed.  Her. 
They have Music.  Pla. 
A Lute only,  
His Grace prepared, they say, the best of Italy  
That waits upon my Lord.  Her. 
He thinks the Duchess  
Is stung with a Tarantula.  Pla. 
Your pardon.  
My duty is expected.  Her. 
Gentle Lady.— a voice too?  

Song within.  
S. Come my Daphne, come away,  
We do waste the Crystal day;  
'Tis Strephon calls. Da What says my love?  
S. Come follow to the Myrtle Grove,  
Where Venus shall prepare  
New Chaplets for thy hair.  
D. Were I shut up within a Tree,  
I'd rend my bark to follow thee.  
S. My Shepherdess, make haste,  
The minutes slide too fast:  
D. In those cooler shades will I  
Blind, as Cupid, kiss thine eye.  
S. In thy bosom then I'll stay,  
In such warm Snow who would not lose his way.  Chor. 
WE'll laugh and leave the world behind,  
And Gods themselves that see,  
Shall envy thee, and me;  
But never find  
Such joys, when they embrace a Deity.   
If at this distance I distinguish, 'tis not  
Church music, and the air's wanton, and no Anthem  
Sung to't, but some strange Ode of love, and kisses,  
What should this mean?— ha, he is coming hither,  
I am betrayed, he marches in her hand,  
I'll trust a little more, mute as the Arras  
My sword and I here.  He observes Enter Cardinal, Duchess, Antonelli, and Attendants. Car. 
Wait you in the first Chamber, and let none  
Presume to interrupt us.  Ex. Serv. 
She is pleasant; now for some art to poison all her innocence.  Dut. 
I do not like the cardinal's humour, he  
Little suspects what guest is in my Chamber.  Car. 
Now Madam you are safe.  Dut. 
How means your Lordship?  Car. 
Safe in my Arms, sweet Duchess.  Dut. 
Do not hurt me.  Car. 
Not for the treasures of the world, you are  
My pretty charge, had I as many lives  
As I have careful thoughts, to do you service,  
I should think all a happy forfeit to  
Delight your Grace one minute; 'tis a heaven  
To see you smile.  Dut. 
What kindness call you this?  Car. 
It cannot want a name while you preserve  
So plentiful a sweetness, it is love.  Dut. 
Of me? how shall I know't my Lord?  Car. 
By this, and this, swift Messengers to whisper  
Our hearts to one another.  Kisses. Dut. 
Pray do you come a-wooing?  Car. 
Yes sweet Madam,  
You cannot be so cruel to deny me.  Dut. 
What my Lord?  Car. 
Another kiss.  Dut. 
Can you  
Dispense with this my Lord? Alas I fear  Aside. 
Hernando is asleep, or vanished from me.  Car. 
I have mocked my blood into a flame, and what  
My angry soul had formed for my revenge,  
Is now the object of my amorous sense,  
I have took a strong enchantment from her lips,  
And fear I shall forgive Columbo's death  
If She consent to my embrace; come Madam.  Dut. 
Whither my Lord?  Car. 
But to your bed or couch,  
Where if you will be kind, and but allow  
yourself a knowledge, love whose shape and raptures  
Wise Poets have but glorified in dreams,  
Shall make your chamber his eternal Palace;  
And with such active and essential streams  
Of new delights glide o'er your bosom, you  
Shall wonder to what unknown world you are  
By some blessed change translated; why d'ye pause?  
And look so wild? will you deny your Governor?  Dut. 
How came you by that Cloven foot?  Car. 
Your fancy  
Would turn a traitor to your happiness;  
I am your friend, you must be kind.  Dut. 
Unhand me,  
Or I'll cry out a rape.  Car. 
You won't sure?  Dut. 
I have been cozened with Hernando's shadow,  
Here's none but heaven to hear me, help, a rape,  Car. 
Are you so good at understanding then,  
I must use other argument.  He forces her. Her. 
Go to, Cardinal.  Strikes him. Ex. Dut. Car. 
Hernando, Murder, Treason, help.  Her. 
An army sha'not rescue thee, your blood  
Is much inflamed, I have brought a Lancet wi'me,  
Shall open your hot veins, and cool your fever;  
To vex thy parting Soul, it was the same  
Engine that pinced Columbo's heart.  Car. 
Help, Murder.  Enter Antonelli and Servants. Anton. 
Some ring the bell, 'twill raise the Court,  
My Lord is murdered, 'tis Hernando.  The bell rings. Her. 
I'll make you all some sport,— So, now we are even,  
Where is the Duchess, I would take my leave  
Of her, and then bequeath my curse among you.  Her. falls. Enter King, Duchess, Valeria, Lords, Guard. K. 
How come these bloody objects?  Her. 
With a trick my sword found out, I hope he's paid.  1 Lo 
I hope so to; a Surgeon for my Lord Cardinal.  K. 
Hernando?  Dut. 
justice, Oh justice Sir, against a ravisher.  Her. 
Sir I ha' done you service.  K. 
A bloody service.  Her. 
'Tis pure Scarlet.  Enter Surgeon. Car. 
After such care to perfect my revenge  
Thus banded out o'th' world by a woman's plot?  Her. 
I have preserved the Duchess from a rape,  
Goodnight to me and all the world for ever.  Dies. K. 
So impious.  Dut. 
'Tis most true, Alvarez blood  
Is now revenged, I find my brain return,  
And every straggling sense repairing home.  Car. 
I have deserved you should turn from me Sir,  
My life hath been prodigiously wicked,  
My blood is now the kingdom's balm; oh Sir,  
I have abused your ear, your trust, your people,  
And my own sacred Office, my conscience  
Feels now the sting, oh show your charity,  
And with your pardon like a cool soft gale  
Fan my poor sweating soul; that wanders through  
Unhabitable climes, and parched deserts;  
But I am lost, if the great World forgive me,  
Unless I find your mercy for a crime  
You know not Madam, yet against your life.  
I must confess, more than my black intents  
Upon your honour, you're already poisoned.  K. 
By whom?  Car. 
By me,  
In the revenge I owed Columbo's loss,  
With your last meat was mixed a poison that  
By subtle, and by sure degrees must let in death.  K. 
Look to the Duchess, our Physicians?  Car. 
Stay, I will deserve her mercy, though I cannot  
Call back the deed, in proof of my repentance,  
If the last breath of a now dying man  
May gain your charity, and belief, receive  
This Ivory box, in it an antidote  
'Bove that they boast the great magistral medicine,  
That powder mixed with wine by a most rare  
And quick access to the heart will fortify it  
Against the rage of the most nimble poison,  
I am not worthy to present her with it,  
Oh take it and preserve her innocent life.  1 Lo. 
Strange, he should have a good thing in such readiness.  Car. 
This that which in my jealousy and state  
Trusting to false predictions of my birth,  
That I should die by poison, I preserved  
For my own safety, wonder not, I made,  
That my companion was to be my refuge.  Enter Servant with a bowl of Wine. 1 Lo. 
Her's some touch of grace.  Car. 
in greater proof of my pure thoughts I take  
This first, and with my dying breath confirm  
My penitence, it may benefit her life,  
But not my wounds; oh hasten to preserve her,  
And though I merit not her pardon, let not  
Her fair soul be divorced  K. 
This is some charity, may it prosper Madam.  Valeria. 
How does your grace?  Dut. 
And must I owe my life to him whose death  
Was my ambition? take this free acknowledgement,  
I had intent this night with my own hand  
To be Alvarez justicer.  K. 
You were mad,  
And thought past apprehension of revenge.  Dut. 
That shape I did usurp, great Sir, to give  
My Art more freedom and defence, but when  
Hernando came to visit me, I thought  
I might defer my execution,  
Which his own rage supplied without my guilt,  
And when his lust grew high, met with his blood.  1 Lo. 
The cardinal smiles.  Car. 
Now my revenge has met  
With you my nimble Duchess, I have took  
A shape to give my act more freedom too,  
And now I am sure she's poisoned, with that dose  
I gave her last.  K. 
thouart not so horrid?  Dut. 
Ha! some Cordial.  Car. 
Alas no preservative  
Hath wings to overtake it, were her heart  
Locked in a quarry, it would search, and kill  
Before the aids can reach it; I am sure  
You sha' not now laugh at me.  K. 
How came you by that poison?  Car. 
I prepared it,  
Resolving when I had enjoyed her, which  
The Colonel prevented, by some art  
To make her take it, and by death conclude  
My last revenge; you have the fatal Story.  K. 
This is so great a wickedness, it will  
Exceed belief.  Car. 
I knew I could not live.  Surgeon. 
Your wounds, Sir, were not desperate.  Car. 
Not mortal? ha? were they not mortal?  Surg. 
If I have skill in Surgery.  Car. 
Then I have caught myself in my own Engine.  2 Lo. 
It was your fate you said to die by poison.  Car. 
That was my own prediction to abuse  
Your faith, no humane art can now resist it,  
I feel it knocking at the seat of life,  
It must come in, I have wracked all my own  
To try your charities, new it would be rare,  
If you but waft me with a little prayer,  
My wings that flag may catch the wind, but 'tis  
In vain, the mist is risen, and there's none  
To steer my wandering bark.  dies. 1 Lo. 
He's dead?  K. 
With him  
Die all deceived trust.  2 Lo. 
This was a strange impiety.  K. 
When men  
Of Gifts and sacred Function once decline  
From virtue, their ill deeds transcend example.  Dut. 
The minute's come that I must take my leave too.  
Your hand great Sir, and though you be a King,  
We may exchange forgiveness, heaven forgive,  
And all the world. I come, I come Alvarez  dies. K. 
Dispose their bodies for becoming funeral;  
How much are Kings abused by those they take  
To royal grace? whom when they cherish most  
By nice indulgence, they do often arm  
Against themselves; from whence this maxim springs,  
None have more need of Perspectives than Kings.  Exeunt.   

Epilogue.  Within. 
Mr. Pollard, where's Mr. Pollard for the Epilogue?  He is thrust upon the Stage, and falls. Epilogue. 
I Am coming to you Gentlemen, the Poet  
Has helped me thus far on my way, but I'll  
Be even with him; the Play is a Tragedy,  
The first that ever he composed for us,  
Wherein he thinks he has done prettily,  Enter Servant. 
And I am sensible; I prithee look  
Is nothing out of joint? has he broke nothing?  Serv. 
Nor Sir, I hope.  Epi. 
Yes, he has broke his Epilogue all to pieces,  
Canst thou put it together again?  Ser. 
Not I Sir.  Epi. 
Nor I, prithee be gone, hum? Mr. Poet,  
I have a teeming mind to be revenged.  
You may assist, and not be seen in't now.  
If you please Gentlemen, for I do know  
He listens to the issue of his cause,  
But blister not your hands in his applause,  
Your private smile, your nod, or hum, to tell  
My fellows, that you like the business well;  
And when without a clap you go away,  
I'll drink a small-beer health to his second day;  
And break his heart, or make him swear, and rage,  
He'll write no more for the unhappy Stage;  
But that's too much, so we should lose; faith show it,  
And if you like his play, 'tis as well, he knew it.  
FINIS.   

A Catalogue of the author's Poems already Printed  

Tragedies.  
THe Traitor  
Philip Chabot Admiral of France  
Loves Cruelty  
The Maid's Revenge  
Duke's Mistri;  
The Cardinal.   

Comedies and Tragi-comedies.  
The School of Compliment  
The Lady of Pleasure  
Hyde-park  
The Constant Maid.  

Falsely ascribed to Jo. Fletcher.  The Coronation  
The Changes, or Love in a Maze  
The Grateful Servant  
The Patron of Ireland  
The Humorous Court  
The wedding  
The Ball, or French Dancing Master  
The Gamester  
The Example  
The Bird in a cage  
The Royal Master  
The Opportunity  
The Witty Fair one  
The Imposture  
The Brothers  
The Sisters.   
A Masque of the four Honourable Inns of Court, presented before the King and Queen's Majesty at Whitehall in the Banqueting house.  
Poems.  
FINIS.