THE FLOATING ISLAND: A tragicomedy, Acted before his Majesty at OXFORD, Aug. 29. 1636. By the Students of Christchurch.  
Written by WILLIAM STRODE, late Orator of the University of OXFORD.  
The airs and Songs set by Mr. HENRY Law, servant to his late Majesty in his public and private music.  
LONDON, Printed by T. C. for H. Twiford in Vine-court Middle-Temple, N. Brooke at the Angel in Cornhill, and J. Place at Furnivals-inn-gate. 1655.   

To the Reader.  
BEfore you read so far as the Prologue, be pleased to consider this tragicomedy was both written and presented above eighteen years since; and if now it seem( in Language or Plot) to fit these times, it must be by prophecy, the Author also himself having been long dead. He wrote it at the instance of those who might command him; else he had scarce condescended to a Play, his serious thoughts being filled with notions of deeper consideration. 'Tis sufficient for its worth that the best liked it best; the rest( especially those great ones of the weaker Sect) should claim no lawful Judicature over it, since it was not written for them, though they thought themselves too severely dealt with, which yet was an injury to the Author as well as his Poem. Were this translated into Latin or Italian, it would be grateful to foreign Wits; and if at home it find less welcome, 'tis because there is not so much true wit among us as was or ought to be. It is not now inscribed to any for Protection, but left dedicated( as it was by the Author when it was first born) to the Authors noble Patron. If you bid this welcome, you'll be gainers by it; for than you'll encourage us to publish other Pieces of this Authors, which( we dare say) will convince you to say( what the best and most knowing of this Nation have confessed) that our Author was one of the 〈◊〉 judicious wits of England. Farewell.   

To my most Honoured Patron, Sir JOHN HELE, Knight.  
THis Draft at once cried Up and Down amain  
By divers men, up by the same again  
At divers times, hath plainly found thereby  
That it hath censured been Tumultuously.  
'Twixt Actors and Spectators did appear  
Small difference; and through a Jealous fear  
The Scaffold played the Stage; to say't I'm loathe,  
Affection against Reason played in both.  
Yet Reason at a nearer view gained sway,  
The Censure ended just as doth the Play.  
After this various Fate, because indeed  
Of pleasing more than Four there was small heed,  
From Court and Oxford home it comes to you,  
Secure of Reason and Affection too.  
You lent the Author; and 'tis therefore just  
The work should yield you Tribute for your Trust:  
If Friends make wits, and wit-wrights Poets be,  
Than This is His, and He your Poetry.  
Your most Humble and most affectionate Servant, WILLIAM STRODE.   

Authori Illustri.  
MIlle modis superare Tibi conceditur astra,  
Quae solùm caelo splendida sunt nitido:  
Dum Tua lux tenebras, et opaca nube recessus  
Invenit umbrosos, et sine sole vias.  
Gemmula nocte micans non est vulgar bus apta  
Auribus, aspectum Principis illa decet.  
Haud minus ista Tui Comaedia Principe digna,  
Nec nisi Regali conspicienda foro,  
Transtulit in Scenam quae res penetralibus imi  
Pectoris inclusas, implicitumque nefas.  
Ipse oculus mundi nostris valedicit ocellis,  
Cum semel occiduos aequore mersit equos:  
Ter sex( STRODE) tuus solares splendor in annos  
Fulsit, et in dubio lumine fulget adhuc.  
Tu tamen ecclipsin pateris, signumque futuri  
Deliquium nostri funeris illud erat.  
J. D.   

After the Appearance of a FLOATING ISLAND, Enter the Prologue, as coming out of the Sea. To the King and Queen's Majesty.  
WHatever Element we light upon,  
( Great Monarch & bright Queen) 'tis yours alone.  
Shaken from my station on that giddy Shore,  
That floats in Seas, in wretchedness much more,  
I hardly scaped to tell what storms arise  
Through rage of the Inhabitants: mine eyes  
Behold a wonder; blustering Tempests there,  
Yet Sun and Moon fair shining both so near.  
Should your Land stagger thus, I wish the Age,  
Might end such acting sooner than the Stage:  
Yet in these Tumults you shall only see  
A tottering Throne held firm by majesty.   

To the university,  
Before whom it was afterwards acted.  
WHich is more waving, yonder Sea, or Land,  
Or Passions dwelling there, we doubt; but stand  
Here firm and safe; for blustering Tempests there  
We see in every eye, fair clearness here.  
The Sun and Moon, more out of sight than mind,  
Have for our comfort left these Stars behind.  
We hope to find spectators, and we may,  
For you'll not act the Humours of the Play;  
Or fret at Passions ere you read them calmed  
In the next word. Your stomaches feel no Qualm  
Rising through smell of rude Philosophy:  
Nor shall you find much more than to descry  
An academic Birth. The Royal race  
Of Austria thinks the swelling lip a grace,  
And would not lose that mark by which 'tis known;  
Men love the Blot which proves the child their own.  
Whether you come to see a Play or hear,  
Whether your censure sit in th' Eye or ear,  
fancy or Judgement, careless of Event  
We aim at Service; cannot miss th' Intent.   


The Persons.  
Prudentius the King deposed.  
Intellectus Agens his counsellor.  
Sir Amorous a Courtly Knight.  
Hilario his Son a merry jovial Gent.  
Malevolo a Malicious contriver.  
Melancholico a malcontent turned Puritan.  
Irato an Angry Lord.  
Audax a bold Captain.  
Sir timorous-fear-all a Cowardly Knight.  
Livebyhope a Favourite  
Desperato a desperate Soldier turned physician.  
Memor a Lawyer and Recorder.  
fancy the new instated Queen.  
Concupiscence the lustful daughter of Amorous:  
Fuga the coy daughter of Malevolo.  
Morphe the beauteous Mistress of Amorous.  
Morpheus the God of dreams.  
6 Dreaming Masquers  
groom of the Chamber.  
Ovidian a Poet.  
Model a Tireman.  
Painter  
musician  
Hilario's boy, and Atendants.    

The Floating Island.  

Actus I.  

SCENA. I.  The Scene turns to the Court of Prudentius. Enter from several ways Sr. Amorous, and Morphe. AM. 
Well met sweet Morphe,  
Empress of my heart,  
And all hearts else, if made of flesh like mine.  
You must not pass untouched.  Mor. 
What mean you Sir?  Am. 
To print you Mine;  Mor. 
Hands off Sir Amorous.  Am. 
Why should such coyness wrinkle such a Brow?  Mor. 
Why should such boisterous incivility  
Defile your Courtship? All your courtly Arts  
Of Singing, Playing, Dancing, Poetry,  
Will grow suspected pleaders of mere Lust:  
Forbear for my sake: this rude force in you  
May chance to blot a white repute in me.  Am. 
The blot I'll thus rub out.  ( Offers to kiss. Mor. 
I'll wash it thus.  ( Spits. Am. 
How can the eye, that sees not love the light?  
Blame your own beauty if you blame my Love.  Mor. 
I blame th' Expression.  Am. 
If the thing be good,  
Expression makes it better.  Mor. 
Yes, if chaste,  Am. 
Chaste Love is nothing.  Mor. 
Nothing to th' unchaste.  
Forbear I pray, and fear a near example.  
Do you not know the King hath taught the Passions  
Within this Floating Isle more modesty,  
By banishing your child Concupiscence?  Am. 
Others perhaps shall quickly know I know it,  
And that I know it as rough tyranny.  
What for a trick of youth such Discipline?  
Doth breeding Subjects call for Banishment?  
Or giving life deserve a civil Death?  
Hold; stand; in vain you strive; I am resolved;  
Should now the King look on, and call a kiss  
Treason, should poison punish this sweat touch,  
Thus far I durst presume.  Mor. 
Shame on your rudeness.  ( Ex. Mor. Am. 
Are not our Eyes and lips and touch our own,  
Not to be used without a special warrant?  
At length we shall not satisfy mere Nature,  
Nor spit without a Counsel. If my girl  
Partake my spirit, then like me she'll try,  
What fury Love can in the Passions raise,  
To shake this Stoic from his chair of Rule.  
I'll move my Fellows.   

SCENA II.  Enter to him Irato, Malevolo, Audax. Ir. 
How? not fight this Duel?  
Duel forbidden to the Valiant?  Am. 
Some other cause, it seems, moves these already.  ( aside) Mal. 
Be sure, Irato, by Prudentius law  
Personal Valour now is nothing worth.  
Hope with his Pen, Sr. timorous with his knife,  
Or Desperato's man with single Halter  
May pass in equal rank with you, or me,  
Or Captain Audax.  Au. 
Not with me, I trow.  Mal. 
Yes, if this Law should stand.  Am. 
Not so however.  Mal. 
Not if?  Au. 
If to a generous Passion?  Am. 
I see these sparks are glowing. Noble sparks,  
Let Amorous add fire. Love burns with Hate.  
Thy Hand Malevolo, and 'gainst the King.  Ir. 
Why what's your grief?  Am. 
My daughter's Banishment.  Mal. 
Great cause: yet none need press a single grief:  
We find ourselves all pinched of liberty:  
We walk in chains, called Justice, Temperance,  
Such rusty curbs; and none can further start  
Then the strict keeper will allow us length.  Ir. 
'tis so; we're used like Dogs, or ringed like bears;  
Whither Prudentius leads us we must follow:  
But if we take a loose, or swell and roar,  
We must be whiped for't; Sirs, Prudentius whips us.  Am. 
Can this be brooked by them that draw the Sword?  Ir. 
And amongst them, by one that will exact  
Life for a word, pay death for crabbed looks?  Au. 
And amongst them, by one that scales the wall,  
That swims in Armour, flies against the mouth  
Of thundering Ordinance? must also He,  
Must He be ordered by a sit still thus?  Mal. 
So he hath been. For my part, if I broach  
Some biting Libel, venomous word or Book  
Against some prosperous Object which I hate,  
My ears are questioned. Locks which I have scorned  
Must hide my ear stumps.  Ir. 
And me thinks I spy some want upon your Nose.  Mal. 
Is your spleen up?  
Rage for yourself. You also may remember  
Brave Lord Irato when you hardly kept  
Your Neck. Some fellow Peers, for as few blows,  
Have lost it quite.  Ir. 
My veins will burst.  Mal. 
And captains  
Not to be numbered; All as bold and stout  
As Audax here, for undertaking reskues,  
And following them too far in open streets,  
Have been cashiered of Lberty and Life.  Au. 
But shall not be again. I'll hang the Law.  Mal. 
Then as for you, Sr. Amorous, you may talk  
Not only of your daughter's Banishment,  
But of your Sisters whiped, your carred Aunts,  
And Mulcts upon yourself.  Am. 
The truth to tell,  
My hard restraint is worst of all. I live( If it be life) confined to mine own Bed: Prudentius bridles up my mouth from kissing,  
Yea and from speech, and calls that stinting manners.  
I cannot cast a fair inviting look,  
But he pulls back the Nerve. I scarce dare think,  
Or sigh beyond my stint. One Sigh a day  
Is all that I must spend for her that keeps  
And may command my breath. Prudentius  
Locks up my wind like Aeolus; 'tis calmed,  
And may not issue forth to bear a whisper.  Ir. 
Mend your Comparison. Prudentius  
Like Aeolus? No, Aeolus sometimes  
Permitts a Tempest: does Prudentius so?  Au. 
The Passions cannot stretch beyond his line,  
But they are censured, Perturbations called,  
Breakers of Peace; if calmed, they nothing are:  
We lose both Name and Nature by restraint.  Ir. 
For what's a Lord I ask you but his Anger?  Mal. 
Or what's a great man but oppression?  Au. 
A Captain but his Cutting?  Am. 
And a Knight  
What but his Pleasure? O this frost of Reason  
Hath numbed my joints. I that with sprightly vigour  
Dancing to please my Mistress, could have rose  
To fetch her from the Moon( had she been there)  
Or as she stood salute her, now have lost  
Those active legs, and not by doing service  
To any Creature but Prudentius.  
I live a hermit in the Court; to me  
It seems a college or a Nunnery.  Ir. 
To me a Prison.  Au. 
A mere school to me.  Mal. 
To me an Inquisition: worse: a Hell.  
Where Objects still we meet, and may not reach.  
You Amorous like Tantalus behold  
Two red white Apples in a well made face,  
Which you as soon may touch as reach the Sun;  
Which doth but scorch the gazer.  Am. 
I'll to Hell:  
'tis less to starve for Apples then for cheeks.  Mal. 
You being stired Irato thirst for blood,  
And thirst you may, but not be satisfied:  
You must take blows and bear'em; your Reward  
( O poor!) is to o'ercome by suffering;  
As now I kick you; stand: you must not rage,  
For this is Patience; now I pull your Nose;  
You must not fume, lest you impatient prove.  Ir. 
Let me kill thee, or serve Prudentius still.  Mal. 
you must keep Peace. I speak but as a Friend;  
And only tell what you have told yourself.  
You Audax, like Ixion, though you dare  
To set on Heaven, must wheel about yourself  
When Reason bids you.  Au. 
Audax will run on  
Though thunder meet him.  Mal. 
Yes; but I myself  
Like Titius vainly feed the vulture Hate  
With mine own heart, and wreck it not on others,  
Those favourites which I hate. Shall this be ever?  Ir. 
How long shall I like to a painted George  
Advance my idle Sword? What must I strike  
Like Jack o'th' clockhouse, never but in season?  Mal. 
How long shall I like a grim Statue stand,  
Look hatred and use none? Prudentius  
Hath he Medusa's head?  Am. 
hay ho, how long!  Au. 
How long shall I like a fell Mastiff held,  
Yelp for the glorious danger that I love!  
Water itself if bounded in too straight,  
Will foam and swell and break thick bonds of Rock.  
I wish we Passions were as strong as water.   

SCENA. III.  Enter to them Hilario Singing, Dancing and Passing by. 

My limbs I will fling  
Out of joint, and sing,  
And dancing will shake my hair:  
Not how at each beck,  
Nor break my neck  
With sorrow and deep despair.   

Such a chirpiu din,  
with mirth within,  
And a head not needing a clout,  
Is much better far  
Than a careful chair,  
And a wreath of thorns without.   ( Exitarus. Am. 
The Boy may be our Tutor. Hilario my Boy!  Hil. 
Sir.  Am. 
We were taking care how thou Mayest be merry thus always; never be checked for drinking, for singing, or for playing thy pranks.  Hil. 
I imagine your design: and thereto promise, give, grant, let, set and submit my full assent and consent: In witness whereof here's my hand with a clap, and my seal with a kiss; Your son and servant Hilario.  Am. 
But stay, whence now?  Hil. 
From my blubbering Sister Concupiscence;  
who desired me forsooth  
To arm and conduct her to Lady fancy.  Am. 
And whether bound?  Hil. 
I go to be merry with or upon  
Melancholico and Desperato,  
Either to quicken their dumps, or by laughing  
at their dulness to heighten myself.  Am. 
Where are they?  Hil. 
Not far; close by; here at the Hart.  Mal. 
Courteous Sir, send them hither,  Hil. 
I shall or will Sir.  Mal. 
We must no longer ripe up greivances,  ( Ex. Hil. 
But think of Remedy.  Au. 
Passions must not stay.  Ir. 
Why with a murrain do we stay to say so?  Mal. 
In brief do all consent to free themselves  
From this oppression?  Ir. 
What a Question's that?  Am. 
Give a Command that it be asked no more.  Au. 
We all consent.  Mal. 
All are not here.  Am. 
Indeed  
We want two serviceable men now sent for.  Ir. 
Delays intolerable!  Am. 
We want besides Sir timorous Fear all.  Au. 
we'll force that doughty Knight  
To know his good when all is done; and so  
Prevent his Treason.  Ir. 
Consultation too.  Am. 
And where is Livebyhope?  Mal. 
No matter where.  
His hopes will make him turn to any side  
That shall succeed.  Am. 
For female Passions,  
Their fortune lies in ours.  Mal. 
Then to proceed,  
The way to free ourselves lies, thus, or thus;  
Kill, or dethrone Prudentius.  Ir. 
I begin To think on Sr. Raviliack, and Sr. Garnett.  Au. 
The boldest way is safest.  Ir. 
Yes, if bloodiest.  Am. 
Or if he will escape.  Ir. 
Let him go far enough.  Mal. 
Then who shall do the fear?  Au. 
I.  Ir. 
Ay, or else  
I'll kill some other; what? should I for get  
My ancient Trade of killing?  Mal. 
Let him do't  
Who first hath opportunity.  Am. 
To this We all must swear.  ( They lay two Swords across) Ir. 
By all the wounds which on my flesh are scored,  
And all the ghosts drop reg've made.  Au. 
By all attempts  
And all the mines of Bullets in my entrails;  Mal. 
By all my pangs of hare and black designs;  Am. 
By all the goodly nymphs, and Morphe chief.   

SCENA IIII.  Enter to them Prudentius, Intellectus Agens, and Liveby hope with attendants. Pru. 
D'ye long for action? have ye too much Peace?  
Orecloyed with blessings? you Malevolo  
Bend hate against th' unjust.  Mal. 
My hand is cramped;  
Strike Audax.  Au. 
O his brow! I turn to fear.  Pru. 
You Amorous love true beauty, Honesty.  Mal. 
Thy spleen Irato.  Pru. 
Thou Irato fight  
Merely for public peace.  Ir. 
Sweetness!  Mal. 
Witchcraft!  Pru. 
Audax, be bold, but stay till I have bid  Ex. Pru. & Int. & Liveby▪ following. Au. 
S't. Liveby hope  Liv. 
I must attend his Majesty.  Int. 
Go back, and secretly o'erhear this meeting.  ( Liv. returns▪ Am. 
Ha! What Schooling call you this?  Mal. 
What Vision?  
That Eye of subtle Intellectus Agent  
Troubles me somewhat; and I doubt of Liveby.  Ir. 
Now I could kill myself.  Au. 
Now I, Prudentius  
He came upon us like the Basilisk,  
Or like a wolf; but had we seen him first—  Mal. 
You could not do it then: never by day.  Am. 
Why so?  Mal. 
You saw the cause. His flaming Temples  
Strike with such charming Power, such secret Spells,  
That if you see the Light upon his Face,  
Your spirits quail; it must be done by night.  
And Desperato, he must be the man.  Au. 
Why He above All Us?  Mal. 
Tush, we are foiled;  
Already foiled; and may be so again.  
Besides Irato spends himself: he's now  
So full of heat, I doubt he'll then grow cold.  
But Desperato to his mischief goes  
With art and argued resolution,  
Strong in cold blood.  Ir. 
I perfectly abhor  
All Judgement, Plo●●s, and Consultations▪  
To canvas thoughts, to toil and vex the  
In weighing means, and picking out the best,  
This is as bad as to have served Prudentius.  Mal. 
And how thinks Audax?  Au. 
So. Or else I'm mad.  
To plot is base; and to demur contrivance  
Of things that should be done, as soon as thought,  
Is foolish too. What turn our powder up,  
Then smother't under ground, then by degrees  
Give fire! Such creeping mischief hath no luck.  Ir. 
Come Martial Law, come Captain Martial Law  Au. 
And wise Malevolo, when have you e'er heard  
Of great attempts without the hand of Audax?  
Come we'll too't presently.  Mal. 
Even as you please.  Liv. 
( in secret) I sweat with hearing.  
I'll now run with this lest I may come too short of telling more.  Am. 
Only this word.  Liv. 
Then yet I'll stay.  Am. 
Be sure,  
If you miscarry we are all undone.  
Go with Ulysses in this night-attempt,  
Be each of you to him a Diomed.  Mal. 
Stay till they come.  Am. 
Lo here they are. Who else?   

SCENA V.  Enter to them Melancholico, Desperato and Sr. Timorous. Ir. 
What and Sr. timorous too? Come▪ mend your pace.  
What? doth Prudentius moderate your feet?  
And make you snails as well as slaves?  Mal. 
Free Passions,  
( So ye must be) we know your greivances.  
Brother Melancholy, discreet you are,  
But not expressive; unprefered you are,  
Because precise; but say, would you with State  
Insold your arms; look sad, and feel content;  
Live careful over bags, retire yourself  
To solemn grief in Temples of delight,  
Sigh in a sister's bosom, and complain  
Of Persecution at a plenteous Feast?  Ir. 
Yes, yes. I'll answer for him.  Mal. 
Sooth, you may.  
Sadness is pleasant, but the cause is not.  Au. 
And Desperato, once my old Comrad,  
Once Noble, and again to be the same,  
But now as void of cash as of employment,  
Would you, in Peace forgot, bar of a Pension,  
Having no lands but bare highways, now run  
All hazards for new Fortune?  Desp. 
Yes apace.  Ir. 
Why parley then? can he not first draw blood?  
Do Cutters ask what money have you first?  Tim. 
Blood and Cutters? his speech is rough.  Mal. 
he's mad.  
Say on.  Ir. 
Nought's done through such long talk.  Mal. 
Such Choler.  Au. 
Wouldst thou have power to raise more flames than Nero,  
To fire the World, prevent his final doom,  
Stare awfully, stab others with applause,  
Hang, drown thyself, to immortality.  Desp. 
Such change I long for; roused from Lethargy  
I am revived.  Au. 
Thou liest, thou art not yet.  ( Desp. offers to draw) 
Hold, hold thy hand: I did but tempt thy mettle,  
To search the truth.  Desp. 
And Sir, 'tis well you say so.  Ir. 
This Bully, s right, why now I'm pleased  Am. 
Sr. Tim.  
My fellow Knight, you know( but do not tremble)  
How oft the King hath misimposed on you  
Those dreadful, those horrible, terrible  Tim. 
Good Sir.  Am. 
Those heart-labouring employments,  
Which Audax begged.  Tim. 
I pray.  Am. 
He sought thereby  
Merely to vex and to disgrace your spur▪  
But wouldst thou hug thy Pillow or thy Love  
Without disturbance, or the noise of danger?  
How sayst?  Tim. 
I love to live, and love in safety.  Mal. 
Then in a word.  Au. 
He first kick hence this Knight,  
he'll prove a five through fear; his trembling humour  
Will shake our secrets out.  Am. 
Which to prevent,  
He stirs not from this company.  Mal. 
Then know,  
Our common medicine is Prudentius ruin.  
Last comers, do ye twist in full consent?  Mel. & Desp. 
We do.  Ir. 
then kiss the Sacramental Sword.  Am. 
Sr. Tim. you came unsought, but being come,  
You must consent, or will be beaten too't.  Tim. 
Ay, I do consent— but caution must be had;  
This is no common sport: what Engines use ye?  Au. 
Not you, be sure. Will Desperato join  
With me and this brave Count?  Desp. 
Yes, and strike home.  Mal. 
Then for the time: we think close midnight best.  Mel. 
And fittest; cause the crowned  
Fox is watchful.  Tim. 
Be sure you take disguise to pass unknown,  
Though it be night.  Au. 
O wit and valour both!  
Vizards to Passengers will be but signs  
Hanged out to move suspicion; and to leave  
Him ignorant whom we assault is loss▪  
Unto the glory of our bold revenge.  Mal. 
What shall be done with Memor the Recorder,  
One whom I hate, yet have no reason for't,  
Like an old debt-book, or mine own Conscience▪  
Shall he be blotted out, or shall he stand?  Am. 
Alas he's all Record, Example, custom,  
What's done Quadragesimo primo Henrici tertii,  
Tricesimo primo Henrici octavi;  
And these suit more with Passion then with Reason.  Mal. 
What shall be done with Common sense the Judge?  Am. 
He also more inclines to sense then Prudence,  
Leans to the Commons rather than the King.  Au. 
As for the rest, they ne'er shall trouble us;  
Cut off the head, we need not fear the Members.  Mal. 
Who shall succeed? I mean, in place, and show,  
Not in the tyranny of strict Command;  
Who shall assemble, lead, encourage us,  
And give some fashion to our commonwealth?  Am. 
What say to fancy? will not fancy do't?  Au. 
No better choice: for fancy nearest is  
To unyoaked Passion.  Am. 
And 'tis most proper,  
That since by Passion this revolt is made  
From Reason unto Sense, the Rule should pass  
From man to Woman.  Au. 
She, she, fancy she.  Liv. 
( in secret) O now for wings like thought, this to relate  
First to the Agent of Prudentius;  
And then to bear first news to new Queen fancy.  ( Ex. Liv. Au. 
She, fancy's Queen.  Am. 
She'll be a pleasant Mistress  
Rather than governess, leading each Passion  
Whether himself inclines. Nay she'll invent  
New Objects for their several content.   

SCENA VI.  Enter to them groom of the Chamber. Groo. 
Silence through all the Court, the King would rest.  Desp. 
Let him Eternally.  Mal. 
The time grows nigh.  
You three to th' task of Blood: the rest to Fancy.  ( Ex. Passions. Groo. 
I doubt this earnest talk portends no good,  
The business hath been hot.—  Enter form the Bedchamber Prudentius crowned, and Intellectus Agens. Pru. 
We would be private.  ( Ex. Groome. 
Liveby the Relator is most creditable.  Int. 
A right ingenuous man.  Pru. 
And you have sent him  
To take advantage of the changing State,  
With Caveat to reserve his heart for Us.  Int. 
The Pinch and my best thoughts did so instruct me.  Pru. 
'tis well, I dearly thank your sharp observance,  
Suspecting Treason by their startled brows;  
And then your art of finding out, and now  
Your Providence for our Restablishment.  
But O, O this ungrateful Rout, whom I have taught  
Both how to fear and Love, and what to Loath,  
Wherefore to Greive and Joy, and in what place  
To rouse their anger and audacity  
By Rule and Circumstance, and with such sweetness  
As might befit a Wooer more than King.  
Have I these Vipers bred within my breast  
With greater Care and Pangs than can a Mother  
The child within her womb? have I broke sleep  
Tossed after slumbers, early rose, and spent  
The day from Sun to Sun in painful Counsel;  
Sent Birds about their Coasts, sent Eyes and Tongues  
Abroad the world, to watch and guard,  
and work,  
And keep all safe, and make them great, for This  
For This Reward? Ask Heaven and Earth, if I  
Have not with utmost care procured them Bread,  
Cloth, Health, Peace, Manners, and Religion!  
For Prudence is the womb and forge of all  
This mortal bliss. What ere I took from Them  
Was for their use; like Vapour now exhaled,  
And soon returned in Showers to fat their Land.  
Oft have I bore them under both these wings,  
One under each, when they inclined to Fury,  
Would push each other down a Precipice,  
Not steep like th' alps, but steep on either side,  
There on a narrow ridg, an edge, a third,  
( Such is the mean, so placed betwixt two gulfs)  
I bore them in their Strife. For this and more  
They have not paid( what's cheaper?) Single Duty.  
Nothing but Grudgings, Whispers, Evil words:  
These are their thanks.  Int. 
The greater glory yours:  
What Crown like This to govern out of alms!  Pru. 
But now they seek the Crown; my life they seek.  Int. 
They'll beg hereafter that you'll take the Rule,  
Which now they wrest out of your hands.  Pru. 
Perhaps.  Int. 
Mean while your life is safe.  Pru. 
And while 'tis safe,  
Though they forget their Duty, I, le not leave  
A father's care, but will be still a King  
In love, though not in power.  Int. 
This is a sign  
Of future greatness. Then cast off this Crown  
As but the sheddings of renewing State,  
Now to be burnished. Leave it on your Pillow:  
For that they seek. But it returned shall be  
With double service both of Heart and Knee.  Pru. 
Be Thou my Prophet.  Int. 
Ware; the caitiffs come.   

SCENA VII.  Enter Audax, Desperato, Irato with Swords: the first bearing a Torch. Au. 
This Torch must out, or some must blind their eyes;  
And look not all at once, lest all be  
struck.  
The Chamber's here.  Desp. 
Come set your Points  
And Postures right; stand sure.  Pru. 
Why should not I  
Step in, and daunt them?  Int. 
'tis not safe to tempt  
United Impudence too far: withdraw.  Pru. 
When Folly's ripe, I'll to my Diligence.  Int. 
And I to serve you with Intelligence.  
I'll guide you to some cloister.  Ir. 
Now: there's the Nest.  ( Ex. Pru. & Int. Desp. 
But what? the eagles' flown.  Ir. 
Damned treachery!  
Treason amongst us traitors!  Desp. 
Less Resolution  
Than mine had served this Task.  Au. 
However my Lads,  ( Brings forth the Crowd. 
Our Labour is not lost. Here's what we seek for.  Ir. 
Thus when the Beaver smells the Hunters aim,  
He throws away the price of his escape.  Au. 
Now shall I offer what affront I please.  Ir. 
I'll stab with honour at what word mislikes me.  Desp. 
No Peace shall stand unless our pleasure make it.  Au. 
Fancy, we come. Stay, hark, stand, hark. This sound  Music begins softly. 
The Sirens make, 'cause fancy shall be crowned.  ( Ex. Omnes.  
Finis actus Primi.   

Actus two  

SCENA. I.  
The Scene turns to Fancies Court.  Enter Concupiscence and Fuga. Conc. 
The Day appears in Scarlet; and the Sun  
Seconds the luster of our rising Queen.  
I ne'er longed more for night, then for this morning.  Fug. 
'twill be to you a double day, and bring  
Your Mistress Majesty, you Liberty.  Conc. 
Fuga, the case is altered; he that banished,  
Himself is vanished. Thus the King and I,  
Or I and he, are up and down like Buckets.  
Ha wench! these Moral men are taught,  
I trow,  
What 'tis to wrong kind hearts. Return with me  
Periwigs, Powders, Fucuses for Ladies,  
Chioppiens for short, for crooked Farthingals;  
For tainted Artificial breath; Teeth movable;  
Such as may serve a Family by turns,  
To eat, and laugh abroad: now welcome helps  
For all decays of Nature, Arts for allurement;  
Be licenced Ladies for Variety  
Now to mistake your Servant, Usher, Page,  
For your own Lords, and without heresy  
In married State.  Fug. 
Fie Madam how you talk!  Conc. 
How talk I Madam Simpers? do not thus  
And broader too as mincing Dames as you,  
When met together? Do you see your Servant?   

SCENA II.  Enter to them Sr. timorous with a Paper. Conc. 
Sr. timorous Fear-all inches and inches to you  
Just like a Spy.  He steals to Fuga and offers the Paper, she refuses; Concup. snatches and reads it. Fug. 
And still he comes in secret  
lest he be spied.  Conc. 
What's this? a silent motion?  
The Bill hung out will show us what it is.  
Lady, I dare not with the praise of arts  
With any thing but Love assay your parts;  
Which are so rare, that when I strive to write,  
The scant Expression seems not Love but spite.  
Well wrote Sr. Tim.  Fug. 
You cannot say well spoke.  Conc. 
Can you not use your mouth? no way, Sr Tim.?  
Why do you love? you are not fit to love;  
Think me your Mistress; now address yourself  
In form befitting.  Tim. 
Hum!  He offers to Salute and steps back again; she makes to him. Conc. 
I must make up  
Your will with my performance.  Tim. 
Hum— I fear Fuga will frown.  Conc. 
Thy Mother was a Fuga.  
Nor give nor take? not in a fair Salute?  
Tongue-tied and Lip-bound too? O that it were  
In fashion for my Sex, my Sex, to woo.  Fug. 
Lady, you seem to me in word and action  
Too loose and open.  Conc. 
My Complexion  
Is I confess the same with Messaline's;  
We might have lain together in one Egg  
As well a Helena and Clytaemnestra.  
To me no such desire as of our Like,  
No Joy like Union. But your ears and age  
Want breeding yet;  
I'm sorry for offending:  
I thought I knew my Sex; but if I do not,  
I know myself.   

SCENA III.  Enter to them Hilario. Hil. 
What here ye whirlygigs, while Queen fancy calls you? Where's Concupiscence, where's Concupiscence? After all your Starching, Quilling, Turning, Seeking, Pinning; after your Jury of Pedlars, Tire-women, Lacemakers and sempsters, still where's Concupiscence? Your Lady fancy finds many grievous defects; there wants a Pin or two at least. One of her ribbon Fancies are loose; a long hair hath umweaved itself out of its curled sphere, and passionately broke forth out of Order. Fly, fly, ye Baggases.  ( Ex. Conc. Fug. 
Baggases?  Hil. 
As for my Sister, she's one I'm sure: She colours for it; her willow gown with ●ay me forsaken wretch is a challenge, a mere challenge to all pittiful-minded Amoroses: She's true touch, all the world can tell. Would you were so too Lady for Sr. Tim's sake. Stay Fuga, you must stay one minute; for I must show on you how Sr. Tim. must woo.  Fug. 
I see every one's ready to be a Dunces Teacher.  Singing and Dancing he drives her to the drink of the Stage; She returns to escape. So twice or thrice. Hil. 
Thus Sr.  Tim. 
This is Loves Trenchmore.  Fug. 
Fie on you all.  ( Ex. Fuga. Hil. 
A pretty wench. Sr. Tim, but that she's saweed  
With some of her father's Humour; this coyness calls her  
Ma'evolo's Daughter. But what of that?  
Every coy lass is of Cockeril condition,  
And must be wooed as Cockerils fight, chase and retreat;  
And then she'll love you like your shadow;  
Fly thou, she'll follow; follow thou, she'll fly,  
For I say no, and for her no say I.  
Thus when a long time ye have turned backs one to another,  
Ye may at length turn faces.  Tim. 
Sr. I shall sometimes  
Repair to your wit for my direction.  Hil. 
You may— and I shall readily afford it to your folly  ( Ex. Tim. 
For mine own merriment.  Enter Hilario's Boy. Boy. 
The Queen's at hand.  Hil. 
And they not ready yet with their tedious Phantastticalia!   

SCENA IIII.  Enter also fancy, Concupiscence going backward before, carrying an umbrella over her, Fuga and Memor following. After a while the Solemnity. Mem. 
Just in that Posture, Madam, as you walked,  
Horatius killed three men.  Conc. 
Three? what no more? Why, I have killed three hundred, would three thousand.  Fan. 
Where's that appearance which we have expected? And where's my glass?  Fug. 
You have one in your watch.  Fan. 
That's not big enough. Run Fuga; come hither Concupiscence, pin this handsomer.  Ir. 
Au. Desp. ( within) I'll bear The Crown or nothing.  Mel. 
( within) I the Crown or nothing.  Liv 
( Enters and out again) I'll fit each Passion to his own content.  Hil. 
Boy, fill up the Time with noise.  Boy. ( Sings) 

Hail thou great Queen of varous Humours,  
Some loving hearts, some raging tumors,  
Some sadder souls embracing Rumours;  
Such a mixed crew  
None yet ever knew  
So steady and true  
As these in heaping honours on you.   Enter in the midst of the song Amorous ushering the solemnity, Irato bearing the Sword, Malevolo the sceptre; then six others bearing six Crowns, two in a rank. First Audax on the right hand bearing a Crown of Gold, and with him Poet Ovidian a laurel: then Desperato a Turkish turban, and with him timorous a Persian Cydaris: Lastly Livebyhope a Crown of all coloured feathers circled at the bottom with pearl, and with him Model her Tireman a Coronet of black beaugled wire set with black and Silver spangles. Having done obeisance, they stand and present in Order. Am. 
Great goddess, most adored of men, behold,  
Amorous thy lovingest Passion, brings the rest  
To offer at thy Feet ensigns of State.  Ir. 
I that unsheathed my anger with my Sword  
To make thee great, present this Sword of Justice.  Mal. 
I that with Plots have wrung this awful Secpter  
From other hands, will hold hold it fast in thine.  
I'll find or make new matter of great ruin  
To raise thy Throne,  Au. 
This massy Crown of Gold,  
The price of nightly danger, won by Audax,  
Left by Prudentius, let it crown thy Temples,  Ovid. 
Else let thy shining brow recrown this laurel,  
Worn but by Caesar Monarch of the world,  
And thy Ovidii, makers made of thee.  Desp. 
Let Desperato wrap thy semal head  
With Imniu State, the Crown of that grand signior  
Who worships most these two, Woman and Fate.  Tim. 
But timorous brings the Persian Cydaris,  
Which droped from Xerxes' Temples in his flight.  Liv. 
Liveby a Crown of Feathers here presents  
To represent the light and easy yoke,  
Which all the Passions hope.  Mod. 
Model thy Tireman  
Offers for company this Crown, not costly,  
But yet of pretty fancy, new Invention.  Fan. 
We thank the wit and pains of all your service.  
We'll wear these crowns in turn, and try them all. Liveby, reach hither.— Where's Recorder Memor?  Liv. reaches his feathered Crown. Au. reaches the Golden, Mal. the sceptre. Mem. 
Here.  Au. 
First take this, the chief true real Crown.  Mal. 
These were the honours which Prudentius wore.  Fan. 
Were those his honours? they shall ne'er be mine.  
Those only I except.  Ir. 
Wisely excepted:  Am. 
Great Lady, say not so: put on this Crown,  
And with your Head crown it: then let your Hand  
Give Life unto this sceptre, and to Us:  Fan. 
I'll rather not be Empress, then assume  
Or that, or this.  Au. 
Say so?  Hil. 
Prettiest of pretties;  
We here would have a Queen, and she'll not wear  
The badge and ensign that should make her so.  Fan. 
Is none a Prince, but she whose head supports  
The burden of a Crown?  Liv. 
Indeed Authority  
Lies not in this: then Kings could do no more  
Without the leave of this authentic toy  
Then can a Constable without his staff.  Fan. 
A Crown would crook my neck, which for a realm  
I would not mar.  Hil. 
Nor mar that Ruff for three.  Fan. 
If this condition needs must be enforced,  
I willingly resign what you confer.  Mal. 
Then some of us shall be a gainer by it.  Am. 
Do not so slight the labour of your Servants,  
Who ventured far to gain this wreath; in which  
Lies the significance of all the rest.  Ir. 
Let her refuse once more.  Fan. 
My Noble friends,  
It signifies too much, too great a Care,  
Too high Command. Should my free wand'ring thoughts  
Be hooped and compassed in with weight and care,  
Or should that staff keep down your sprightly humours, fancy might then be styled Prudentia.  
No; though I reign, provide yourselves live free.  
This only is my Law, that each man use  
His proper humour, be it Vice or virtue,  
Inordinate or stayed. Who minds his pleasure  
Shall best deserve; myself will teach him how;  
And guide him in't. For your own sakes and mine,  
Offer no more that badge of Tyranny.  All but It. Mal. Au. & Desp. 
Fancy beyond all fancy.  Ir. 
Plague on Dissemblers;  
First on herself; then on these rascals here;  
Who first persuaded her to take the Crown,  
And then admire her for refusing it.  Liv. 
Pleases your highness with your radiant hair  
To grace some other badge of Majesty?  Fan. 
To show I do not quite reject your Favours,  
Nor slight the proffered Rule, reach me the laurel,  
And then the glass. 
* she looks   Liv. reaches the crowns in turn. Mem. 
Even thus did mighty Caesar!  Fan. 
'Tis too Imperious This.  Mem. 
Wit beyond Caesar's!  Au. 
Excellent Lady!  Fan. 
'tis too Imperious  
If rule it mean; if height of wit, too low:  
'tis like a Tavern, Bush and begs for sale,  
Which Fancy scorns. Small Poet, take it you.  
What's next? the turban.— What a Turk am I now!  
Had I with this a large Seraglio,  
I'd lend them to Sr. Amorous.— The next.—  
This Persian Cydaris hath made some Sophies  
That scarce were wise before: when I sit next  
In Solemn Counsel, I'll wear This.— But now;—  
This feathered Crown like a Mercurial hat  
Shall lift me from the ground; herein I'll grace  
The present Fashion.— The tiremans' Coronet  
May be in Fashion too; and pity 'tis not;  
I like it well.— But Liveby, 'tis your Favour  
That must take place, and give us Majesty.  
Set it on firm, and somewhat glancing.— So.  
I, marry Sir; why, this befits us right.  Hil. 
Would I had brought my fool's Cap to present her,  
My fool's Cap would have gotten the start of Favour  
From Live by for ever.  Fan. 
Thanks Liveby, and I'll study a Reward.  Liv. 
Your humblest Creature.  Fan. 
This fits the Quality  
Of our intended Rule, which shall be light,  
Light as your Liveby said, and soft and sweet,  
And various, and pliable to every passion.  
I'm bound to All, and much to Amorous,  
And most to Liveby For besides this present,  
You brought me tidings first of this advancement,  
And crowned me in my Eare. Who likes the news,  
Must needs regard the teller.— One I miss  
Amongst the Passions, Melancholico.  Liv. 
He sullen grew because he might not bear  
The massy Crown.—   

SCENA V.  Enter to them Melancholico bringing Fancies Picture crowned with Gold. Painter and musician. Conc. 
— Now he hath brought himself.  Fug. 
And somewhat else.  Mel. 
Although I wanted Grace  
To plant the massy Crown upon your head  
In the true substance, yet I found a way  
To crown you in this Picture. Here's the Painter;  
And here a tried musician; men of Arts,  
Which Melancholy much affects.  Fan. 
And I.  
But mend your piece. That Crown delights not me.  
Some sudden business calls me to confer  
With certain female Artists!— Liveby,  
Take you the keeping of those Ornaments.—  ( She offers to go forth. Mal. 
What? have we made a shuttlecock our Queen?  ( She returns.) Fan. 
Stay, I had quite forgot to strew mine honours  
On these deservers. You Malevolo  
Be our chief counsellor: be you Irato  
The Lord controller: Livebyhope shall be  
The Master of Requests: you Amorous  
Shall be the Master of our Ceremonies;  
For which here's Poet, Painter, man of music,  
And man of Properties: I give you leave  
To use them for yourself in wooing Morphe.  
But you my Poet whom I well respect,  
Shall be my Secretary, and you shall turn  
The long-breathed stile of Proclamation  
To lyric Verse.  Liv. 
Most understanding Queen!  Ir. 
A pretty cur! my hands now itch to try  
Whether he be true Spaniel breed, or no;  
O I could beat and kick him, and see whether  
He'll fawn then to.— You were not best to flatter  
Yourself into an Earldom, one degree  
Above mine Honour.  Tim. 
Take heed my Lord: he's likely to be great;  
A Favourite can hurt.  Ir. 
What then? must I  
Therefore take heed? bid me take heed again,  
And it shall be the last, last Caution,  
You ere shall give. What? give a Lord  
good Counsel?  Fan. 
The rest, if they themselves can find a way  
How I may pleasure them, I'm crowned their servant:  
You know your Law; each man pursue his humour.  
I'll rule by fancy since I am Queen Fan;  
And use as little wisdom as I can.  Au. 
And so it seems.  Ex. Fan. with her women. Am. Liv. Mem. Poet, Mus. Hil. 
Ha ha ha ha ha ha—  
How merry shall I live!— 
* Hil. —  ( I'v eman. Ex. Paint. 
Sr. Shall I mend This piece?  Mel. 
Mend! mar, or break it if you will.  
Now shall I turn far more precise than ever,  
And praise Prudenius days throw discontent.  Au. 
Slighted? contemned? baffled? fool's preferred?  ( Ex. Mel. and Paint. 
I'm well rewarded.  Ir. 
Hark Sr. timorous,  
You gave me Counsel.  Tim. 
Out of Love indeed Sir.  Ir. 
You gave Prudentius warning to escape.  Tim. 
Not I, indeed not I, Sr. Amorous knows  Ir. 
How e'er I'll kick thee now, cause 'tis my humour;  
I'll take thee to be Liveby, 'tis my Humour.  Tim. 
The Queen shall know how you  
have kicked my Knighthood.  Ir. 
I kicked thy breech, two foot above thy Knighthood.  
I trust I shall have cause to kill thee too.  
Mean while, to stir my choler, I'll control Roughly, most roughly.  Desp. 
I to feed my humour,  
( For little I shall have to feed my body)  
Must run some desperate course. The stream of Favour  ( Ex Desp. 
Runs cross from me, to Hope and Amcrous.  Au. 
Did we expose ourselves to utmost danger  
To gain a Crown for Her that more regards  
A Cap and Feather?  Mal. 
I her counsellor  
Who altars with each puff, more flickering  
Than Flag or Streamer? Then I'll write on Sand,  
Or print the air. But still I wonder much,  
How Liveby being absent from our Counsels,  
Carried the first Intelligence. His telling  
In Her esteem outweighs our Action.  Au. 
This shows what women love, the tongue and ●atling.  Mal. 
How says this man of Fate? is Livebyhope,  
That primrose thing, that forward bud, long lived?  Ir. 
Ha! I think no; unless I may control him  
To be no Favourite.  Mal. 
Men of that calling, If I might counsel them for their best safety,  
Ought not to live too long. For we can hate.  Au. 
Challenge.  Ir. 
Or stab.  Au. 
And call these things our Humours.   

SCENA. VI.  Enter to them Intellectus Agens. Int. 
The safest Armour is un weaponed boldness.  
Thus privileged I'll trust their savage hands.  
All happiness, that is, true Liberty  
Unto the Passions; how d'ye like your choice?  Au. 
First tell us where Prudentius hides himself.  Int. 
Within a Sanctuary, where his thoughts  
Are sequestered from earthly cares to heaven.  Au. 
Our choice we like beyond Prudentius,  
Just so, as fancy Liveby's feathered crown  
Beyond my Golden.  Mal. 
We like the power of choosing.  Ir. 
And some variety though joined with losing—  Ex. Passions. Int. 
Who e'er Usurps, considers not his task,  
How he must soothe the lowest of his villains,  
Give highest place and all to every one,  
Else all will be displeased. The King shall know,  
What seeds of discontent and headlon folly  
Appear already in this warring state.  
Closed in too safe, they broke their hedge; what less  
Then wand'ring now through wretched wilderness?  Ex. Int. Agens.  
Finis Actus secun.   

Actus III  

SCENA I.  Enter Memor and Sr. timorous. Mem. 
I think your cause exceeds the Cognisance  
Of common sense. He like a Juryman  
Can only sinde and judge the outward fact:  
As whether now your kicks look white or blue;  
Whether his threatening words were high or low;  
What favour followed, whether sweet or sour;  
Whether the kicks were Rough or gentle;( Rough  
Your Grinkling says) These with some other notions  
Thereto belonging, as the quantity,  
The Figure, Number, the swift motion,  
Or ceasing of your kicks; these he can judge of.  
But as for higher speculations  
Of Passions rising out of mere conceit,  
How it was raised, what punishment is  
due,  
This proper lbyelongs to fancy's audience.  
Was there no cause?  Tim. 
None given, but apprehend.  Mem. 
The worse for you; this shows there was no malice,  
But single heat. Were the kicks thick and many?  Tim. 
Six strong ones in one instant.  Mem. 
Still the worse.  
It shows mere heat. What said he, 'twas his humour?  Tim. 
Even so.  Mem. 
Yet worse. 'tis Law, that every Passion  
May follow his own humour. Anger's his.  
Besides he's writ a Lord: all things considered,  
I give you counsel to be patient,  
To ask if he be pleased to give you more;  
To break a Tooth, pull hair, strike out an Eye.  Tim. 
Accept my thanks: I see the Law itself  
Is very timorous against great Persons.—  ( Ex. Tim. Mem. 
I now can see no use of Law at all,  
Law is cashiered: where all things are permitted  
What need of plea? what can be called unjust?  
And are not these the Popular days we looked for,  
When we expected Cunning should be sovereign?   

SCENA II.  Enter to him Malevolo. Mal. 
In mischief we must use the men we hate.  
You are the man I seek. Have you considered  
Those State-projections?  Mem. 
Sr. we want some laws,  
Such as were made for certain Lord Protectors.  Mal. 
Indeed this lawful murder is an Art  
Of Excellence, and yet as easy too  
For Statesmen Lawyers as physicians.  Mem. 
An Art familiar in the Roman State,  
As ancient too as the first Monarchy.  
O I could tell you laws worth millions to us,  
By fair entrapping of the wealthy Clergy.  ; Mal. 
Have you no model to ensnare a Prince?  Mem. 
Henry the third, though wise and valiant,  
Was caught in a strong line knit by himself,  
Here i'th' mad Parliament,  Mal. 
As how?  Mem. 
Twelve Peers  
Under pretence of evil Officers  
And grand abuses, were selected out,  
Strengthened with laws to prune Prerogatives,  
To tutor and reform the State; to size  
The King's expense, and to appoint him Servants,  
Both menial and forinsecal.  Mal 
is't possible The King should seal to this?  Mem. 
O Poverty,  
She to Obedience is the Lay-mother.  
As some say Ignorance is the Clarklike,  
Betwixt superiors and inferiors,  
Look either way, this rule is mutual,  
The poorer must be servant to the richer.  
Henry brought low with various Action  
Could not subsist without their subsidies.  
Keep thy Prince poor, than thou shalt rule thy Ruler,  
And subject thy Commander.  Mal. 
This we tried To fasten on Prudentius: but he  
Too wise, too frugal was. Now fancy  
Through giddiness of mind, and vast expense,  
Will prove less wary and more prodigal.  Mem. 
Let some ensnaring Law be once proposed, fancy will yield, not ponder.  Mal. 
Well, think you;  
I'll speak and speed. O 'tis the praise of hate  
To practise ruin and pretend the State.  Mem. 
But Sir, I trust upon your furtherance  ( Mal. about to go. 
About impropriations.  Mal. 
You I'll remember  
First, or myself I ever shall forget.  ( Ex. Mal.  

SCENA III.  Enter fancy in a Cydaris, Concupiscence, Fuga, Hilario before them. Fan. 
The Cydaris well fits me; now must I  
〈◊〉 ●●er this Persian Crown with mutual fitness.  
What thing was proper to the Persian Kings,  
Say Memor.  Mem. 
Persian Kings did wed their Sisters.  Fan. 
Though in my Person thus I cannot wed,  
I'll licence others. You Hilario  
May, if you please, enjoy your lively Sister  
Concupiscence.  Hil. 
I thank your Majesty  
Both that I may, and may not; for to me  
Nothing so pleasing is as Liberty.  
I would not be bound to that neither, though I love it best;  
If I were, I should long for the prison.  
Bind me to be rich, I shall play at ducks and Drakes with pieces;  
Bind me to my good behaviour, I shall feel an itching desire to beat the Justice.  
O what a prentice should I make! I should run away no oftener than I came in fight  
Of the threshold. And most of the Passions,  
I think, have a spice of this humour.  Fan. 
But can no bond please you like Liberty?  Hil. 
Neither bond of Matrimony, nor bond of friendship,  
Nor bond of Usury, nor bond of iniquity;  
I rejoice in the present, I desire nothing, and therefore would be tied to nothing.  Fan. 
Concupiscence your Sister's of another mind.  Conc. 
I could well endure to be bound, so I might be loose too.  Fan. 
The Theme which I proposed was Royalty,  
No less than Persian. Then Concupiscence,  
How is't we are so thinly waited on,  
By female Passions? are there no more women  
Of Passion kind?  Conc. 
Of Passionate enough.  
But to say Truth, the female Passions  
As soon as they are born, turn all to sins  
And they are all my Children.  Mem. 
Then have you  
More Daughters far than Danaus, or Margaret  
Countess of Henneberg: whereof one did equal  
The weeks, and th' other the days of the year  
With numerous issue.  Conc. 
I have more by thousands.  
I'm as Fruitful and quick of Delivery  
As any Uermin, spreading as Potatoes;  
My race ruas o'er the World.  Fan. 
Or what age are they?  Conc. 
As old as myself very near.  Mem. 
Then you  
Continued a maid no longer than Quartilla.  Conc. 
O never at all that I can remember.  Mem. 
You bear your age exceeding well.  Conc. 
I hope  
I shall be young forever; I have the virtue  
Of making old folks young by touching them.  Fan. 
Are none of those your Children ripe and handsome  
And fit for our attendance?  Conc. 
Pride my Eldest  
She is the likeliest.  Fan. 
Let her be admitted.  Conc. 
She's now i'th' Spanish Court; but when she comes—  Hil. 
Then the Court and her Mother will teach her to fall both ways,  
Forward and Backward.  Fan. 
Till she return, is't not in fancy's power  
To change a Sex, and make some Passion Female?  Mem. 
The like hath been; I have heard of a female  
By mere force of Fancy turned Male. So Iphis  
A maid, in love with a maid, was transformed  
Just on the marriage Eve. Tiresias  
Was Male and female annually by turns;  
Some Hermaphrodites have been both at once.  Conc. 
Would I could live and turn Hermaphrodite.  Fug. 
Would I could live and be of neither Sex.  Fan. 
What think ye of transforming Amorous?  Hil. 
He's undone then: he cannot show his legs, nor use his Postures  
Nor enjoy his Idol Morphe.  
No, change Sir timorous,  
He's as fearful as a Hare, and may be as changeable:  
He hath many Symbolical conditions of womanhood already:  
He is female in every part but one, and half female in his clothes  
Give me but an Inch of ribbon from Fuga,  
and I'll undertake to present him  
The Lady Timida.  ( Ex. Hil. Fan. 
Fuga  
Give him one of your changeable fancy's,  
Thus first ourselves must whet our own Invention;  
Else others will not stir. Men do not strive  
Methinks to please me as they ought to do.  
No other rarities these many Ages  
But Powder, Printing, Seaman Card, and Watches?  
So much vain dotage for the fond Elixir?  
Why are not yet my crystals malleable,  
To make our Gold no Gold, and foil the diamond?  
Why want I Instruments to measure out  
The Year, the Day, the hour, without the help  
Of Sun, or turning of these tedious wheels?  
Nothing to carry me but Barges, Coaches?  
Sedans, and Litters? through the air I'd pass  
By some new waftage▪ I must have my house  
Conveyed by wheels and sails and plumbers hung  
In some deep pit, deep as the way is distant,  
To hurry me, my Family, and it,  
Whether I please. I'll travel like the snail,  
With all my house; but swifter than the falcon.  Fug. 
Rare Lady!  Conc. 
Ravishing Inventions!  Fan. 
Why have not I not my Beds stuffed all with wind,  
Baths filled with Maydew, Flowers preserved till winter,  
As well as Snow till Summer: choicest Fruits  
Growing and ripe in midst of January?  
Why have not I Ponds running through my Cellars,  
For Bottles and for Fish called by their names?  
Why not in drough an Artificial rain,  
Scattered by spouts, to cheer my Paradise?  Mem. 
I wish you had these things; I ne'er saw such.  Fan. 
Cheap I can have Aeolian bellows made  
Within the bowls of Andirons, where the water  
Shall blow the fire by which 'tis rarified.  
I will have Vaults which shall convey my whispers  
In steed of Embasies to foreign Nations;  
Places for echoes to pronounce a speech,  
Or give a Suffrage like a multitude:  
Consorts well played by water; Pictures taught  
By secret Organs both to move and speak:  
We spend ourselves too much upon the tailor;  
I rather would new mould new fashion Nature.   

SCENA IIII.  Enter Amorous and Liveby one way, Malevolo another way. After a while a show. Am. 
Pleases your highness to behold a show,  
Wherein some Passions are displayed by Dreams  
How they affected are by Day.  Fan. 
I'll see it.  
What means that whisper?  ( Mal. & Mem. whisper. Mal. 
'tis an honest project  
Thought on by Memor, out of love to Churches,  
To buy back saleable impropriations  
With charitable money. Doth it please you?  Fan. 
This task was fit for Prudentius  
Then Sense or Passion. This although I grant,  
Yet take it with condition. Memor knows  
Conveyance old and new, the Right and Wrong.  
In things not sacred he may use his cunning,  
In this he must be just. To you I say,  
It was not seasonable to move this business  
When shows were coming.  Mal. 
This yourself did move  
By asking.  Mem. 
Now.  Mal. 
Then make you here a Law,  
That none these three days shall prefer a suit  
Or motion under forfeiture of life.  
Me you shall find content; I'm no Troubler.  Mem. 
This trap is laid full right.  Liv. 
Stay, stay great Queen.  
This Law will seal my mouth, and tie your hands,  
And stop the necessary speed of business,  
Whereby your Crown may be dissolved.  Fan. 
Away,  
Away Malevolo.  Mal. 
My snare for Liveby  
Is broke, but violence shall it supply.  
You Memor have your wish.  ( Ex. Mal. & Mems Enter Amorous with the show. 
Morpheus in a Cloud-coloured Cassock with a wreath of Poppies and a Caduceus from a black Cell. Then at his call, six sleeping Persons in their night caps half down their Faces, and in their wastcoates, representing in their clothes downwards Memor, Malevolo, Irato, timorous, Hilario, Desperato. Morpheus shakes his Caduceus over them severally as they stand in Couples. Being moved they fall successively into their proper gestures, and lastly all dance together in those gestures.  More. 
I Morpheus King of dreams, whose might  
Can equal fancies in the night,  
Have caused the night six dreams to send:  
As I appointed they attend  They enter from a black Cave. 
Now Memor turn thy Books and prate,  
Plead with thy hands and fees than take.  
Shrug, scratch, Malevolo, and grin,  
Grasp thy foul heart and feel thy sin.  
Irato, bend thy fist and draw,  
Offer to thrust, keep fear in awe.  
Shak timorous, offer to fly,  
Begin to sink, offer to die.  
Hilario clap thy hands and laugh,  
Skip, leap, and turn, offer to quaff.  
Despair start, stand, and crush thy throat,  
Then stab thy breast and groan death's note.  The Dance. ( After the dance, Ex. Masquers. Fan. 
Whose labour was this sport?  Am. 
Liveby's invention and my contriving.  Fan. 
For this I'll send you to your dearest Morphe.  
Go at what hour you please, and say I want  
Her company at Court. You, Hope, for this,  
And for preventing that pernicious Law,  
Ask what you will.  Liv. 
Grant the Monopoly  
Of Watches, or of Beavers. Fan take them both;  
And ask again.  Liv. 
When woodlands shall be turned  
To other use, grant me a twelfth as forfeit.  Fan. 
Be it confirmed▪  Liv. 
I was about to ask  
The Patronage of Churches in Sea-towns;  
Where popular choice maintains a Faction  
Brought in with merchandise from foreign parts.  
But that were better taken to the Crown.  Fan. 
Take what thou wilt. Thou  
Beg'st to give us share.  
None can please all, the best the better fare.  ( Ex. Omnes.  

SCENA. V.  The Scene turns to fields, walks & scattered houses. Enter Hilario, and then Sir timorous with Fuga's ribbon. Hil. 
By this way Sir timorous should come; whom I as sent from his wronged Lady Fuga have engaged in a quarrel against Audax. And yonder comes the pitiful Earthquake most lovingly trembling.  Tim. 
What should I do here? some desperate knave or other, Desperato himself( it may be) hath robbed me of my best weapon. I thought not to have fought with steel, but with Gold; and to have brought this needy Captain to an honourable submission by dint of Cash. What disasters have I? That unreasonablly wicked, that devilish two faced Cutter knew me too well: for when I drew this harmless blade, he looked upon it as slightly as upon a riding wand; and bade me familiarly put up that, and draw my purse. Certainly I have too much of the Mother; I am that which they call a Coward, and all the world knows it. Wherefore( O ribbon) I take it extreme scurvily of Fuga, that she being of the same temper herself, doth not consider her temper in me.  Hil. 
Now this Craven stands as ticklish on the point of running as a bowl on the top of a ridg.  Tim. 
Two steps further I'll move. I have been coming a quarter of a mile these two hours at least; and yet I sweat till the very drops run a race; my shaking fever is turned to a cold sweat, and that's a true Prognostication of death.  Puts on his Cap. 
Good night to all the world; for this is that fatal piece of ground which I shall anon-measure with my carcase. Never a Bush nor Hole here? though it be called Champion ground I shall not fight: perhaps I shall make use of its plainness, and give ground a mile or two; that shall be my way of fighting. For if I the Challenger stand still on my guard, it will not stand with mine honour: And then while I keep my backsword point still in his face( I have seen the play at cudgels) he will wheel about me, and falsifying a blow at the head will strike me just on the legs where my heart lies. Then shall I be quite spoiled for running away; which I think I had best do presently, for I hear him coming. O—  Hil. 
Now I see Sir Tim, thou art a Lad of mettle.  Tim. 
Mettle? I protest Sir I had rather drink this cold iron filled small to dust and be a Lad of mettle so, then to thrust it whole into any man's flesh whatsoever; much less into my Enemies. You see then what power Love hath, and how Fuga is beholding to me.  Hil. 
Most dreadfully.  Tim. 
Is not the time yet past? I think I may retire with honour, and say he durst not meet me.  Hil. 
It wants yet half an hour. If you hold not out your time, then he'll assault you openly in Court, and make your shame public, which otherwise will be but private. I'll stand secretly by you, and if need require will step in and part you.  Tim. 
Stand not far off I beseech you for when I am killed I shall not be able to call.— O my heart!— the giant's coming— O— Hilario— Malevolo passes by.  Mal. 
Saw you not here Irato?  Tim. 
No believe me Sir; no I thank heaven. Hilario!— Now comes Audax. O— I have but a minute to live. Irato passes by.  Ir. 
How now stinkard, how does thy breech? sawst thou not here Malevolo?  Tim. 
He past by in haste; just now in haste.— Well. Two Furies are past. I'll not wait for the third, go Love and Honour whither they will. Hilario!— I fear he hath left me. I'll raze my Flesh with a slight cut, and swear I received that wound in fight. But now I think on't better, I have an issue under my left arm; I'll force that bigger till it bleed, and swear that into a wound. For sure a fresh one would be far greater pain. Soft, I am loath to suffer so much, if I may choose Hilario?—  Hil. 
What a Champion are you? not dare to look a man in the face?  Tim. 
Sweet Hilario, I consider thou hast no Sword to help me: stretch thy wit, and invent some speedy way, how I may escape with honour, and not fight?  Hil 
You cannot possibly escape fighting.  Tim. 
Sweet Hilario do not kill me before hand with saying so.  Hil. 
Why then will you be ruled by me?  Tim. 
In any thing, any thing. Quickly for love of Life.  Hil. 
I have promised to furnish the Queen with a new Lady attendant.  Tim. 
What then?  Hil. 
Put on woman's apparel, you shall be she; by name of Madam Timida.  Tim. 
Ha! Say on.  Hil. 
Then shall you be free, not only from this quarrel, but from all future beatings and challenges.  Tim. 
Safe and sound!  Hil. 
Then shall you have perpetual access to Fuga, bully.  Tim. 
Safe and delicious!  Hil. 
Then to steal her affection you may habit yourself like her.  Tim. 
Safe and wise!  Hil. 
Then as for you honour, who can upbraid you when you are nowhere to be sound: 'twill be supposed by your sweet friend, that you died in her quarrel, Audax if he himself talk will be dangerously questioned.  Tim. 
But will you be secret?  Hil. 
For mine own sake, mine own sake, Sir Tim.  Tim. 
Dearest Hilario, thou art my preserving Angel.  Hil. 
Make haste, before you can new cast yourself I'll come to present you.  ( Ex. Tim 
Poor snake, I delivered no challenge; I only frighted him to a more willing Metamorphosis.   

SCENA VI.  Enter by him Concupiscence in a citizen's habit. Conc. 
hay ho for a husband; Two three, or more,  
As many as I meet; 'tis fit, that we  
Ladies Attendant should be qualified  
For three at least.  Hil. 
What ere the habit be, this is the Face  
The Voice and language of Concupiscence,  
Why, how now Sister, taking the air alone?  Conc. 
A safe Conscience never fears any man.  Hil. 
I think thou fear'st not any, but lov'st all.  
Such was thy wont; and hast thou now a Conscience?  Conc. 
Be grave or silent, know I'm rectified.  Hil. 
Pox on your train: by feigned honesty  
You seek to woo me. I'll unveil you straight.  
What think you of two husbands, three, or more,  
As many as you meet?  Conc. 
Why didst thou hear me?  Hil. 
Lady's Attendant should be qualified  
For three at least.  Conc. 
That I spoke merrily.  Hil. 
If thou hadst ten, thou still wouldst cry more Hymens.  Conc. 
If so you think, think on, I think so too.  Hil. 
But when will all thy maidenheads be spent?  
Tell me sincerely, truly, and bodily.  Conc. 
They come again like Teeth, I'm breeding now.  Hil. 
Then are thy maidenheads like Hydra's heads,  
Not to be tamed but by a Hercules.  
Who has the next?  Conc. 
I am resolved to part it  
Betwixt a Courtier and a Citizen:  
The Courtier has the maid, the Citizen  
Shall have the head.  Hil. 
Sister, I cannot wed you,  
You have too much complexion for my use:  
But I'll provide you one shall bear the name  
Of Husband.  Conc. 
Let him be honest, quiet.  Hil. 
Of you own garb, say he be Melancolico.  
And so I'll rid myself of Fanci's march.  Conc. 
I care but for his shadow having Servants.  Hil. 
Farewell Carnality.  ( Ex. Hil. Conc. 
Hilario thinks  
He took me, when alas 'twas my intent  
The Boy should overhear, and so become  
If not a Husband, such an Officer.   

SCENA VII.  Enter to her Audax. Au. 
What's here? Concupiscence?  Conc. 
Nor stare, nor startle;  
As I hope to look fair, I'm nothing changed  
In mind or body. Nowhere, but in habit.  Au. 
And why in This?  Conc. 
O for Variety.  
Fancy permits all change. This dress sometimes  
Pleases the Courtier better than his Ladies.  Au. 
Is it but so? come then my Paphian drum,  
I'll brace the close.  Conc. 
Soft Sir, you march too fiercely.  
I have a task which first you must perform;  
I fear you will not do't; you do not love  
me;  
Promise me first; the task I can assure you,  
Befitts your Valour, and will pay itself.  Au. 
Is it to kill the Queen, that thou mayst reign?  Conc. 
No, nor her maid; thou shalt but use her kindly.  Au. 
Speak plain, be bold.  Conc. 
Then thou shalt ravish Fuga.  
She twits me with my Servants, Favours, looks,  
My Words, and 'scapes: in This you bear a share.  
If this to me bring shame, you are not free.  Au. 
Is this your heavy task? no more but This?  
Only to ravish? is not the work Reward?  
I'll do't effectually; herself shall thank me.  Conc. 
But I'll outthank her far; I'll ravish thee  
With fast embraces. Take this kiss in earnest  
Of future payment. Though I seem a Vestal,  
To thee I'm Venus.  Au. 
Venus, be secured.  ( Ex. Au. Conc. 
Then, when her fruit shall swell, and I stand simpering,  
Turned to a seeming Saint, O how I'll triumph  
In grave reproof and holy Admonition!  
This 'tis to be too chaste.— here come the Stagemen.   

SCENA VIII.  Enter to her Malevolo, Irato, Memor. Mal. 
Sir you and we were acted at the Court.  
We losers are made laughingstocks, and sport  
For open Stages.  Ir. 
Tell my Sword the Author;  
That it my write his doom upon his flesh.  Mal. 
This Creature can inform us.  
Who I pray  
Were your late witwrights in the Masque?  Conc. 
Hope penned it,  
My Father Amorous( without Offence)  ( Ex. Conc. 
Contrived the show.  Mem. 
This trick Malevolo  
Was chiefly meant to you, because your pen  
Hath scourged the Stage.  Ir. 
However Lord Irato  
Shall act a red Catastrophe on Liveby:  ( Ex. Ir. and Mem. Mal. 
I'll watch his haunt and hunt  
him to his fall;  
You Amorous too. This mirth of theirs at last  
Shall close their sweetness with an Aloed taste.  
These once removed, who can be great but I;  
Whose word shall sway but mine? Then power is sweet  
When Rubs are made the stairs to mount our feet.  ( Ex. Mal.  
Finis Actus 3.   

Actus IIII  

SCENA I.  Enter Desperato in a physician's habit. Desp. 
Whatever change succeed, still wretchedness  
My old inseparable mate hangs on.  
Therefore I seem ridiculous; my grief  
Is others mirth; Malevolo says I'm acted▪  
Henceforth I'll find new Company: since Fate  
Bars me from others happiness, I'll spread  
My misery to others; and I'll thrive  
Merely in spite, to make men miserable.  
This is my humour; 'tis begun already.  
The Gold I took from timorous, if questioned,  
I can defend; I took it in my humour;  
And that's good law; I took it in a humour  
Most desperately bent; and it hath made me  
Such as men see, an able man for mischief;  
Clad me in th' outside of a mystery,  
Furnished my shelves with Pots, with Boxes, Names,  
Slight Medicines, and strong poisons. Time hath been,  
When I in War served Death a prenticeship;  
There learned to open veins, to lance and kill;  
Now I am free o'th' Trade; a Soldier then,  
Physician now; I'll do the self same work,  
But now more Artificially.—   

SCENA II.  Enter to him Melancholico. Mel. 
— The godly  
〈◊〉 in distress; the wicked, that usurp  
The children's right, do here grow fat and prosper:  
Wherefore I thought of drowning. Verily  
●●ulesse that Conscientious Lawyer,  
Good Memor, from rebought Impropriations,  
Had thus deducted and distributed  
The better part to us oppressed Brethren,  
Affliction some, and some Devotion  
Had brought me to despair. Now I'll not see him.  Desp. 
Methinks dejected Melancholico  
Should prove fit Timber for my fatal work.  
What, Melancholico? not know your friend,  
Whose medci'nal skill cures Body, mind, and State?  
Trust thou art not over lucky; art?  
Dost feel no misery?  
I thought ere this should have had thy custom.  Mel. 
Verily  
My sickness could but little cure your purse.  Desp. 
It might have brought me practise howsoever,  
And that's the only Fee of new professors.  Mel. 
But are you then indeed a true professor,  
And one of Us? Sooth I profess sincerity,  Desp. 
Hath not the same which caused sincerity,  
Caused a foul spleen? no hypochondric Vapours?  Mel. 
For that a godly Lawyer gave me physic:  Desp. 
Then take it next from a Divine.  Mel. 
That Lawyer  
First took it from Divines, then gave it me.  
And I can give you counsel to your physic:  
You have a fair advantage in men's sickness  
To prick the Conscience, and to let them know,  
Their only way is to relieve the brerens,  
And 〈◊〉 their stock of holy usury  
For new Plantations. You shall have a share.  Desp. 
This is a verier rogue than I myself.  Mel. 
And what I pray moved you to turn physician?  Desp. 
Want set me on, a booty set me up.  
Now let me know of mutual courtesy,  
What was your dose?  Mel. 
'Twill buy all yours; 'twas Gold.  Desp. 
Why then, thou'st run unto presumption,  
Not to despair. I hear you are to marry;  
Which if thou dost, than thou wilt come to me,  
For Ratsbane, Hensbane, some such wholesome banes,  
To cure thy bands of Matrimony.  Mel. 
Hence.  ( Ex. Desp.  

SCENA III.  Enter to him Hilario and Concupiscence. Hil. 
Friend Melancholico,  
How is't? Sister, stand by a while. Methinks  
Upon a sudden you are grown brisk and cheerful,  
Fit company for me, nay for a wife.  Mel. 
You'll never leave your waggery and jesting.  
" You called Peculiars rags of Popery.  Hil. 
Sometimes you are too sad and solitary:  
Is this jesting? and solitariness  
Requires due Recreation; Is this jesting?  
And Recreation much consisteth in  
The yoke of a meet helper; you may call  
This jesting too; but is't not sport in earnest?  Mel. 
The Saints allow no sport.  Hil. 
Then love in earnest.  
You know you cannot well converse with men;  
Your looks are indisposed, your language sparing,  
Your manners different. But to a woman  
A long Parenthesis of busied silence  
Does passing well. Then in her company  
You have a world, and none to contradict.  
And in her Ear you may reform the Church,  
Or purge the State, as safe, as if you spoke  
Unto the air or whispered to yourself,  
For so she is. Think on a wife.  Mel. 
No wife.  Hil. 
Then on a spouse.  Mel. 
Now you say somewhat.  Hil. 
Now.  
He'll marry words not substance. The word whore  
Would have spoilt all. This blockhead suits with me  
As frost with fire. But for your sake I'll thaw him.  Mel. 
Have you not injured that fair promising Sister  
By leaving her alone?  Hil. 
She meditates.  Mel. 
She walketh gravely, turns her eye devoutly.  Hil. 
The white's pure, the black as full of Adultery  
As thou art of hypocrisy; she harbours  
A good conceit of you. Shall she conceive Further?  Mel. 
If that her name be right.  Hil. 
She was Concupiscence, now called Temperance Sister  
This is your Husband whom I so commended.  Conc. 
I choose not for myself.  Mel. 
Sister and Spouse,  
If so you please, our hands shall us unite  
Marches are made in Heaven; few words suffice  
The Night consummates. As for other rites  
I hold them superstitious Ceremonies.  
I had forgot her Portion.  Hil. 
She's a widow,  
He show you her Estate.  Mel. 
He first retire  
And clasp her hand in zeal.  Conc. 
my Lord and bridegroom.  Hil. 
The devil and his Dam you are. Come Brother.  Mel. 
Once more. I like your meditation,  
But do not spend yourself therewith too much.  ( Ex. Hil. and Mel. Conc. 
Now I am double sheltered in my hair,  
With name of Husband, and this formal guise.   

SCENA IIII.  Enter to her Audax. Conc. 
Now welcome Servant; have you won the Fort?  Au. 
Hell take her, she's a man.  Conc. 
A man?  Au. 
Just so I found, scarce left him so.  Conc. 
O you mistook. Sir timorous is transformed to wait at Court:  
'Twas Phanci's own device. O I could laugh.  Au. 
I made him so much woman as to cry;  
" Else I had made him woman with my Sword.  Conc. 
Alas poor Timida.  Au. 
The thing so trembled,  
No leaf nor ague like him.  Conc. 
Ha ha ha.  Au. 
Did you intend to put this trick upon me?  Conc. 
No by the kisses which shall satisfy  
Thy height forthwith, and pay thy error full.  
Besides I'm satisfied with this mistake  
As well as with the right. Aspersion  
Shall blot the name of Fuga full as much.   

SCENA V.  Enter to them Sir Tim. as Timida. After a while Fuga, alike dressed. Au. 
What's this? the He or She?  Conc. 
No matter which.  Au. 
If it be she, I'll ravish her; if he,  
Than thou shalt do't.  Conc. 
Neither▪ 'tis done enough.  Au. 
Tim hath a fine time on't.  Conc. 
Come, you have a better.—  Tim. 
Is this to be a woman? O I could tear,  ( Ex. Conc. & Au. 
As timorous as I am, my lawns to rags,  
And scratch my face, and stick my heart with pins,  
Or straight turn valiant. Would my Fuga knew,  
What she hath scaped through me.  
And here she comes.  ( Enter Fuga. 
O Fuga, female habit and strange sufferings  
Have lent me tongue enough. Now I can speak;  
And boldly say I have deserved your love.  Fug. 
Wherein Sir Lady?  I Tim. 
Now in this your habit saved you from a hideous ravishing. Audax with whom I should have fought, came on me  
With love more rude than rage, blasted my face  
With breath like brimstone, turned my limbs like twigs;  
I live by miracle.  Fug. 
You came too near  
Uuto a Sex from which you should keep further.  Tim. 
Shall I not then be near and dear unto you?  Fug. 
Experience tells you what a boisterous thing  
'tis to be ruffled by a man.  Tim. 
Still so? Why I have been a woman for thy sake;  
I hear within these weeds a mind as tender,  
White skin, blue veins, and arms as soft as thine.  Fug. 
But still you are a man, and I still Fuga.  Tim. 
Nothing can merit love from peevishness.  
What shall I do? I'll straight turn man again,  
And suffer for myself. Farewell coy woman,  
Ungrateful, and unwise. My ravishment  
Is fairly past, but yours may be the next.  
How e'er when I appear myself, the noise  
Of what is past will light upon your name.  
I bore the loathsome suffering for thee,  
Now shalt thou bear the foul reproach for me.  ( Ex. Tim. Fug. 
Much I was overseen, too much extremely;  
I could run after him; but if he turn  
I shall run back again. O I am lost;  
My Honour, Safety, and perhaps some liking,  
All these are lost, with these I'm lost, lost Fuga.   

SCENA VI.  Enter to her Amorous. Am. 
This change of State gains me small perfect pleasure.  
Mere meditation on Morphe's beauty  
Will not suffice. Come Fuga, since thy Ocean  
Cannot be minished by some drops, give freely  
What Audax forced.  Fug. 
That I am miserable  
Is't not enough, unless I bear more burdens  
Of common scorn, or( which is worse) true staining?  
Good Sir, of all the Passions you are gentlest;  
Though you esteem me light, which I am not,  
Yet take some weight unto yourself. Consider  
That after this you cannot worthy be  
Of Morphe, never woe with confidence.  Am. 
Thus still a Female Sermon puts me by,  
And I gain nothing by my Liberty.  
Once more I ask.  Fug. 
Once was too much before.  Am. 
Once more.  Fug. 
First kill me.  Am. 
Then to make you quick  
Is past my cunning.  ( Ex. Amorous.  

SCENA VII.  Enter Hilario, Concupiscence, after a while Melancholico. Hil. 
Joy to you Madam Fuga, you know why.  ( Ex. Hil. Conc. 
If I could give you Joy of what I loath,  
And you delight in, this if I could do  
Without a sin, I would.  Fug. 
Is false report  
Worse than true guilt? how is't this filthy Strumpet  
Looks like a Saint, and I as foul as hell?  Conc. 
Lady, an Eye refined sees more than dull ones,  
And holiness far clearer than Uncleaness.  
I wonder what loose words and actions  
Have passed from you, to give encouragement  
To the kind ravisher; for I have heard  
None can be ravished without some consent.  
Be humbled, know you fault, live chaster Lady.  ( Enter Mel. Fug. 
Sure I should think I'm guilty.  Mel. 
Out upon thee.  
Fie Temperance, what here? wilt thou have Eggs  
And rotten Oranges flung at thee too?  
What can you choose no other company  
But this lewd, cracked abominable piece?  Conc. 
You see your company is scandalous,  
I must take leave.  ( Ex. Mel. & Conc. Fug. 
If there be any power  
To see and judge, I challenge his assistance.  
What have I done, unless too steadfast coyness  
Be now accounted looseness? what's my Crime,  
That such a general storm of loud disgrace  
Conspires to bear down Innocence? Hold heart,  
Hold my weak spirits: for if this continue  
I shall grow desperate.—   

SCENA VIII.  Enter to her Malevolo. Fug. 
— Pity me Father,  
My name is stained beyond all patience.  
Sir timorous having foolishly put on  
My shape; in stead of me was rudely ravished  
By blustering Audax. The reproach is mine.  
You know a darksome cloud can much obscure  
The face of water though as pure as crystal.  Mal. 
Audax shall rue this base attempt, whose shadow  
Blots your opinion, and portends more danger  
Unto your Person. Cast your cares on me.  Fug. 
I may communicate, not cast them off.  ( Ex Fug. Mal. 
I thought to use him in a bold design  
'Gainst Liveby, and I will; 'tis dangerous  
Unto himself. If combat rain one,  
Vengeance pursues the other: thus I'll make  
The vanquished and the victor both my prey,  
And whilst they fight, myself shall win the day.   

SCENA ix..  Enter by him Irato and Audax quarrelling. Ir. 
What, you that Office? know your turn; give place  
First to your betters. You be General?  Au. 
Yes I. And know, that whilst I hold a Sword  
To prove my worth, the Sun beholds none better.  
Neither your Lordship nor Controwlership  
Can dastard me.  Ir. 
But I shall teach you distance.  Au. 
Make me draw back one inch, and gain this place,  
Than thou gainest That. Be calmer good Irato.  Ir. 
Unwing the Lightning, stop Araxes floods,  
Then mayest thou stop my wrath, and guard thyself  
Against my stroke.  Mal. 
Hold, hold; what means this Fury?  
May I be Umpire in your difference?  Au. 
Know it you may; this fierce and haughty Lord  
Crosses my aim, and stands competitor  
For what he understands not, to be General.  Ir. 
Not understand? give way Malevolo.  Au. 
You may be fit to quarrel in a Tavern,  
But not to lead an Army.  Ir. 
Give me scope;  
Unless thou wouldst be broached on the same blade,  
And coupled plunge in Styx; open the way.  Mal. 
Why would you seek this Office?  Ir. 
Cause I scorn  
That any man should be preferred before me.  Mal. 
And why would you?  Au. 
Because I can do service;  
And would gain honour, equal unto His.  Mal. 
There's yet no Army levied, there's no cause,  
But doubtful Rumour.  Au. 
When there is, I'll lead it.  Mal. 
Yes, both alike; while you contend for shadows, Liveby will bear the substance from you both.  
Rid him, than you may talk.  Au. 
What says Irato?  Ir. 
Agreed.  Mal. 
Then you shall take him now in th' Evening,  
Coming from Intellectus: there's his haunt,—  ( Ex. Ir. & Au. 
Now try your fury on a third; for I  
Staunched not this combat out of love, but hate,  
To turn them hot, and mad, on Liveby's blood;  
That done, meet seas again; I'll be no Isthmus;  
But spur their heat, and clap them on the shoulder.  
For I myself first raised this bruit of war,  
For fuel of some new commotion;  
Which luckily takes fire betwixt these two.   

SCENA X.  Enter by him Amorous and musician. Then Morphe. Mal. 
Now Amorous; you sit in fortune's lap,  
Your Mistress sits in yours; you spend your days  
In Honour, and Delight.  Am. 
I shall the more,  
If with your liking.  Mal. 
Mine? I am your Theme  
For mirth at Court; one of your Hobby-horses: And glad of such perferment; but I'll dash  
And poison your sweet delicates.  Am. 
Your hate ( Ex. Mal. Shall not break off my Scene of Love.  
Stand there,  
And send thy notes like shafts through Morphe's Eare.  Musician Sings. 
Sweet Morphe lend a feeling ear  
To the soft strains wherein I bear  
My soul, and sigh it out to thee  
Composed of sweeter harmony;  
With one kind word or smile  
Reprieve the man a while,  
Who life doth crave  
Thy print to save,  
And fears to make his breast, thy Pictures grave.  Mor. 
( Above) Why do you trouble both yourself and me,  
With such fond circumstance of open wooing?  Am. 
I'm glad at any rate to hear your voice,  
Though sent in chiding. But my dearest Morphe,  
I have a business to you from the Queen,  
Besides mine own.  Mor. 
This you pretend to wrong me.  
Though I be loyal, yet my loyalty  
Ought not to make me traitor to myself.  Am. 
If I be false or any way immodest,  
Accuse and shun me.  Mor. 
Shall I then believe you?  Am. 
Add to that curse a greater if you can,  
And may it fall upon me.  Mor. 
Well, I come.  ( Mor. descends. Am. 
Now having liberty to act my will,  
No Law but this vain curse to hold me in,  
How shall I bear myself?  Mor. 
What will the Queen?  Am. 
She calls you to her company at Court.  
She wants your privacy; you likewise want  
Her public presence: O you wrong your beauty  
By shutting such a Jewel from the gaze  
Of solemn adoration.  Mor. 
Pray excuse me;  
If I have beauty, let me keep it well.  
The various Fashions, and new Fancies there,  
In the opinion of us plainer beauties,  
Do but Sophisticate the Elements  
Of native Colour, and distort the lines  
Of proper figure. What should I do there?  
Say I am sickly, as this news hath made me.  
Farewell Sir Amorous.  Am. 
Nay, 'tis not modesty  
But blunt stupidity to part so soon.  
May I not walk and take you by the arm,  
And pass a fair discourse? what hurt in This?  
May I not feed my spirits with the air  
That fans your cheeks? lighten mine eye from yours?  
Is this immodest?  Mor. 
Hark.  Am. 
'Tis the clash of weapons.   

SCENA. XI.  Enter Live by hope pursued by Audax and Irato They speed him and pass along. Liv. 
Help Amorous, help.— O— it comes too late.  Am. 
Ignoble Swords, and bloody butcherers!  
Who would believe that two such Hercules  
Should join against a single Hylas thus.  
It was not manly.— Morphe— O my life!  ( Mor. 'sounds. 
This hideous sight hath struck her gentle spirits  
With frighted numbness. Water, spirits, help.—  Enter Mus. and out again 
Out strip the wind, fly for a physician.—  
I'll rub her Temples, rouse her by the name  
Which she best knows: Morphe.  Liv. 
O!  Am. 
Life there appears;  
Is there none here? how should I save them both?  
Help there, 'tis but a swoon. I feel some breath.  
I'll bear her hence.— O that my arms might clasp  ( Ex. Am 
Her living thus, and willing.—   

SCENA XII.  Enter Intellectus Agens. Int. 
— Hence did thrill  
That piercing noise. What's here? see false mine eyes!  
Poor Liveby slain? then for thy sovereign's favour  
Thou diedst a Martyr.  Liv. 
O, Intellectus help.  Int. 
He speaks; there's hope of life. If Art can save  
A third so mangled, thus I'll bear thee to't.  
Although my breast have used to bear its burden  ( Ex. Int. bearing Liv.) 
Within, and not without.—  Am. 
( above)— Look carefully  
Unto your Lady. Let the Physitan  
First speak with me.— Now to my second load.—  ( He descends.) 
What? vanished? I have heard of walking ghosts,  
Never of walking carcases. Then surely  
The Murderers have dragged him hence. His blood  
Will rise upon their cheeks; and it shall speak  
Loud on my Tongue.—   

SCENA XIII.  Enter by him fancy in a turban, Fuga, after a while musician, Desperato. Fan. 
— Now in my Turkish turban  
I walk to find Sir Amorous in his heaven.  
Be not so deeply discontented Fuga.  Fug. 
Unless you clear me openly, I die.  Fan. 
I find you Amorous somewhat near your centre.  
Your Morphe fittest is to be a Queen.  
I go to wait on her, and fetch her home  
With me.  Am. 
Sweet Soul( that's all she is by this)  
I cannot tell you in what world she is,  
Nor where I am myself.  Fan. 
And why?  Am. 
She's dying,  
Frighted with such a dismal accident,  
That when I tell it, I much fear your highness  
Will be as weak as she.  Fan. 
Speak, I am armed.  
Where's Livebyhope?  Am. 
The same I fain would know:  
Last when I saw him, he was laid for dead.  Fan. 
How dead?  Am. 
'tis so. Just now: not far from hence,  
Two bloody villains, Audax and Irato,  
Pursued and sped him with two mortal wounds.  
I ran to help; Morphe fell in a sound;  
I bore her hence; mean while his corpse were gone.  Fan. 
I am perplexed beyond my power of bearing.  
My arm is lopped, my Kingdom is all tumult▪  
The Passions taking vantage of my Law,  
Follow their humours to their mutual ruin;  Enter Mus. with Desp. Am. seems to talk with him. 
And run like Vessels till they quite run out.  Am. 
Mix some ingredient to excite her Love.  
Doctor, thou shalt be rich,  Desp. 
I'll fit you all.  
Morphe for physic sends, Malevolo  
Hath purchased me long since to give her poison;  
Sir Amorous buys a Love-pill: I myself,  
Even I, that will be Master in conclusion,  
Intend to mix them all: then fight confusion.  ( Ex. Desp.  

SCENA XIIII.  Enter to them Audax and Irato, at length Malevolo secretly. Au. 
Pleases your highness to decide by choice,  
Or leave it to our Swords, who shall be General?  Fan. 
Then I am bound to honour one of them  
For their good service. Bloodhounds, have ye murdered  
One worth you both? and dare to ask reward  
Of me? of me so wronged? So both will join  
In mutual revenge, and fall together,  
Fight for't.  Ir. 
Fond Queen, what if our rage proceed,  
To hew Sir Amorous for telling this,  
You for distasting? all will be but humour.  Au. 
Then give us not occasion to proceed.  Fan. 
Proceed, I pray you, do. Lo, here's my breast.  
Tent it; to find the grief which I conceive  
For Liveby's Death, and your more horrid Lives.  
What, have ye surfeited with blood? good Amorous,  
Do't thou, do't straight: what these refuse as Rebels,  
Do as a Friend. Kill me, but kill me gently,  
With some sad strain under this spreading oak.  Am. 
I hope 'twill ease not kill you.  
Sing of Venus.  ( Musician Sings. 

Once Venus' cheeks that shamed the morn  
Their hue let fall;  
Her lips, that Winter had out born,  
In June looked pale:  
Her heat grew cold, her nectar dry.  
No juice she had but in her eye,  
The wont fire and flames to mortify.  
When was this so dismal sight?  
When Adonis bade good night.  ( Ex. Mus.  Fan. 
The same which turned her beauty, turns my Fancy,  
Alas poor Liveby.— What d'ye mean to thrust?  
Fie what a press is here? stand off; for I  
Am but a Cloud: your elbows pierce me through;  
Your hot and angry breaths will straight dissolve me.  ( Enter Malevolo secretly. 
And I shall crack into a shower of tears.  Am. 
Alas she's craked indeed, the  
Queen's distempered.  Fan. 
Do you not see, and hear a Lamb there bleating?  
Pray kill him not, he bears the head of Liveby.  Au. 
In a mad world what use of place? what business?  Ir. 
Now had I any anger left, I'd shred  
That fiddler into atoms.  Au. 
O, I'm struck  
( Plague on Malevolo that fets us on!)  
I'm struck at heart with leaden heaviness!  Ir. 
I feel my veins now curdled; what success  
But Horror of this Fact?  Mal. 
I see and hear  ( Ex. Ir. & Au. 
Enough to grate me. O that plots well laid  ( Ex. Mal. 
Should thus be dashed and foiled.—   

SCENA XV.  Enter Melancholico with a Petition, after him Sir timorous in man's habit. Mel. 
— That naughty Boy Hilario hath matched me to the devil.  
Hell flames are in her; she hath stuck a brand  
" Into my bones; I sue for just divorcement.  Am. 
Did not you snuffle till you matched my Daughter?  
Peace, or you'll shame yourself.  Fan. 
A pretty Picture, Here's Day and Night united in one piece;  
Look here a Swan, look there a foul black Raven.  Tim. 
Justice great Queen against a multitude.  Am. 
That's hard to be obtained.  Tim. 
Against Irato, Tilario, Desperato, Audax:  
Some beat, some cheat, some rob, some ravish me.  Fan. 
What sayst? Go on and still that howling kennel.  
I know you well, for all you are a tortoise,  
And have lived like a frog in diverse Elements.  
Of what Gender are you? Go learn of Protens  
How to do tricks. If you be dull and blockish,  
You must be beaten. Come to me for Justice?  
Judge one another, or get you all to Liveby.  Tim. 
He's in his grave.  Fan. 
And therefore get ye to him.  Tim. 
No doing's here: I'm gone.  Mel. 
And I: but whither?  Ex. Tim. & Mel. Fan. 
No Amorous, Liveby sleeps, but Morphe's dead.  Am. 
Heaven help you Lady.  Fan. 
But I can soon restore her.  
" Take you the sent of a traveller's toes,  
" The sneeze of a Sleeper fresh from his nose;  
" The fat of a friar well fed with fasting,  
" The lean of a Drunkard consumed with tasting;  
" The juice of a lemon that's civil at seasons,  
" Twelve dancing Capers, ten lunatic Reasons;  
" Two dying notes of an ancient Swan,  
" Three sighs a thousand years kept if you can:  
" Some scrapings of Gyges' his Ring may pass,  
" With the skin of a Shadow caught in a glass;  
" Six penny worth of Thoughts untold,  
" The jelly of a Star before it be cold;  
" One ounce of Courtship from a country-Daughter,  
" A grain of Wit, and a quart of Laughter.  
" Boil these on the Fire of Zeal or of Lust,  
" With some beech coals, lest the Vessel bust.  
" If you can get these Ingredients, I'll compound them for you.  
" Then when she is perfectly recovered, she shall be married  
In rich cloth of Rainbow laced with sunbeams.  Am. 
I hope Desperato hath given her other physic.  Fan. 
Desperato? is he her physician?  
Since hope is dead, we all must to despair.   

SCENA XVI.  Enter Model bringing a message. Mod. 
Pardon the messenger if he relate  
What he could wish were false. Morphe once was:  
But after physic brought by Desperato,  
Raging and crying Amorous, She died.  Fan. 
Lo now, believe your Cybill next.  Ex. Fan. Fug. Mod.— Am. 
— If madness  
Be now so near allied to prophecy,  
I shall grow Prophet too. What angry Star  
Thus frowns on all the Passions, most on me?  
Ere since Prudentius days, we only toiled  
In wretched mazes of confusion,  
Mischief, and discontent. I have not passed  
One hour in those delights whereof I dreamt;  
And now the object of my happiness  
Is clean extinct. But how? O there's the torment!  
My torment's doubled through myself the cause.  
Cursed be my heedless Love, which not content  
With likely hopes, with honest ways of wooing,  
The ways to long enjoining, headlong ran  
To arts forbid. She had such Innocence  
Even in her body, Temper so unforced,  
That violent mixtures tending but to Love  
To her were poisons. Yet methinks, sometimes,  
There's Death in Desperato's looks; perchance  
He's devil in his dumps, as I in lust.  
Where shall we find the bottom of our woe,  
Who but on Passion have no ground to go!  Ex. Am.  
Finis Actus IIII.   

Actus V  

SCENA I.  
The Scene turns to the house of Despair. A Table there laid.  Enter Desperato. Desp. 
Grow blacker yet my thoughts, grow blacker yet:  
Your Plummets have not fadomed the full depth  
Of Passions misery. I have invited them;  
But I must change their cheer; and make it stronger  
Than food and bare discourse. I only live  
For others-death, and then I'll fill the heap  
With mine own ruin: rather with mine ease:  
For now the Passions flow like shoals of Fish  
Into my net; they sue to me for Counsel;  
Even to me; whose joy is in their death.  
Just so the fearful deer pursued with dogs,  
Flies to the keepers lodge, a surer Fate.  
To poison is dull art; myself am sorry  
For doing ill so poorly; my design  
Is now more glorious; for I'll make them act  
Their death upon themselves, and thank me for't  
Amidst their groanings. There have been with me  
fancy herself, distracted for her Liveby;  
Irato, Audax for massacring him;  
Sir timorous and Fuga for impatience  
Of their abuse. Unless Recorder Memor  
Skilled in the Law, have ways to scape my Noose,  
I doubt of none. drop reg've bid them to a Feast;  
But such a one, as Tantalus would shun;  
Where I shall feed on all the guests that come.   

SCENA II.  Enter Sir Amorous. Am. 
Black Desperato, did I lay two thirds  
Upon thy spindle? hast thou cut them both,  
Morphe's and mine?  Desp. 
Why Sir, I mixed your Philtre.  Am. 
She lives not me to love nor to be loved.  
Didst thou mix nothing else?  Desp. 
You know sometimes  
That Death and Cupid do mistake their sh●●●es:  
Had I mixed poison too and served two humours,  
Both mine and yours, it might be well digested.—  Am. 
If I had not a dear request unto thee,  
To give me of the same, I would exact  
Thy life for hers, however it was spilt.  Desp. 
If I had not designed to kill some others  
Out of mere kindness, thou shouldst try my skill  
Of letting blood as well as giving physic.  
But since I owe thee kindness out of hate,  
Come to my Banquet, thou shalt have thy sauce.  
There thou shalt meet thy friend Malevolo,  
Who shared in this, and gave as much for poison  
As you did for your Philtre. I dealt honestly,  
And pleasured Both. Come, thou shalt have thy sauce.  Am. 
Devil, I thank thee.—  ( Ex. Am.  

SCENA III.  Enter Malevolo. Desp. 
— Now▪ Malevolo.  Mal. 
To hate was still my honey. But this gall  
Of being hated totally of all,  
I cannot bear: for now I cannot hurt,  
Having no Credit. Give me from thy store  
A dram of poison. I have been thy friend,  
Let it be strong.  Desp. 
First shake hands you must  
With all the Passions, or at least make show  
Of formal reconcilement: stay a while,  
My Guests and Cheer are coming.—   

SCENA IIII.  Enter to them Irato, Audax. Ir. 
— Have we found  
This monster here? we'll send thy ugly soul  
Unto her fellow fiends for tempting us.  Mal. 
I prompted you to kill. Were not you ready  
To do as bad as I could say? Mean while  
I turned you from destroying one another.  Au. 
'Twas for thine one black Ends.  Mal. 
And say it was:  
Might not I hate, as well as you might kill?  
My humour was as lawful.  Au. 
Hadst thou kept it  
Home to thyself.  Mal. 
I labour not excuse,  
But accusation of your equal Crimes.  Desp. 
He says the right; and hospitality  
Doth now require, ye should defer your broils.  ( Ex. Desp.  

SCENA V.  Enter to them fancy in the tiremans' Coronet, hair disheveled, in black and Silver habit. Fuga, Amorous, timorous. Fan. 
Sir, here's a Crown,( and 'tis the worst of mine)  
Not to be matched in all the globe of heaven  
Now shall I feed upon Ambrosia?  
Most divelishly. What gods are these two Mars-es'?  Am. 
Hell is broke loose; here are more fiends than two.  Fug. 
It shames me to look up; through grief I cannot.  Tim. 
Would I could die a sleep in some dark hole  
Unknown unto myself and all the world.  Am. 
Malevolo, th' art damned.  Mal. 
How know you that?  Am. 
And thou must sink to hell now instantly  
For killing Morphe. Thou shalt drink the same  
That very poison.  Mal. 
Well, so you'll begin.   

SCENA VI.  Enter Hilario before Melancholico and Concupiscence, brought in a Sedan. Hil. 
Now Sister you are right: now you can snuffle  
‛ As well a Melancolico. Care of fiction  
" With help of somewhat else hath brought perfection.  
" None come in Pomp but you: weakness is stately.  
" 'twere brave if these two beasts that draw without  
" And these two rotten carcases within  
‛ Made it not look so Cart-like. My clean couple,  
If you would be divorced, there's none can do't  
Like Desperato; he can separate  
At a world's distance; that ye never shall meet  
To clamour me or others, or yourselves.  Fan. 
A pretty kind of Coach; one horse before  
And one behind!  Am. 
Horses? why, these are Men.  Fan. 
I see it now; it is the glassmans' pack.  
Have you good choice of Glasses, made in Figure  
Of Guns and Trumpets, or of Rats and owls?  
Last time I saw the like, I bid a Gallant  
Begin a health, and after break his glass:  
So did the rest; but do not do so now,  
lest for a glass some should mistake a Lady.  Hil. 
Females are Venice mettle.  Am. 
These sad men  
Use to be sumptuous in their Feasts.  Hil. 
And witty.  Tim. 
I fear 'twill be too great.  Ir. 
Too tedious.  Au. 
Welcome and bold I'll be.—   

SCENA VII.  Enter Desperato before his banquet served in covered dishes, Desp. 
— Aerious Queen,  
Here are no Phoenix eggs; had nature any,  
You should have some: and eggs sublimed with Amber  
I thought too mean. I have not now selected  
Rare filling meats, but rarely physical,  
And swiftly curing all the maladies  
Which time can throw upon the face of man.  
Each dish contains a general remedy,  
Beyond th' Elixir, or the golden liquor,  
Though it were drunk in th' Antimonial Cup.  
Open and try.  Am. 
What's here? Knives, Bodkins, Daggers?  Mal. 
Ropes, silken, hairy, hempen?  Tim. 
Little papers,  
Of witty, loving, raging, sleeping poisons?  Desp. 
There's Wine to temper them.  Hil. 
So, where's the Wine?  
I still come somewhat merry to a Feast,  
And still go merrier back. This is my mess:  
All this to all.  Fan. 
Is this our entertainment?  Desp. 
Could Art invent, or Wealth procure you better?  
The Greatest, Wisest, Stoutest, and the fairest  
Have chose these Cates to relish their last palates:  
Have you not heard of Mithridates, Cato,  
Of Hannibal, and Cleopatra? These?  
These gods on earth have trauled to their home  
With such provision. Taste. One taste of these  
Forever frees from Hunger, Thirst, Want, grief:  
These are receipts for immortality.  Tim. 
But through a mortal way.  Desp. 
That sleeping dose  
Will steal thy fearful soul insensibly.  Tim. 
Then that shall bear me hood-winked unto Lethe;  
There I'll forget my wrongs.  Hil. 
Manners however;  
First let the Queen begin. I broke that Rule  
Myself, and therefore m●m.— Well danced you'd Scaffold.  He falls into a chair. Desp. 
These things the most of you desired; All want,  
You're welcome all.  Hil. 
No, no more I thank you.  Desp. 
Death to the wretched soul as needful is,  
As sleep unto the weary. Why should men  
Condemned to misery thus toil to mend  
Their Fates which cannot alter?  Hil. 
This Desperate  
What a gift he has! he never was at th' University;  
Never took Orders, and yet lectures as good Divinity  
As commonly we find in most Dutch Systems  
Or City-conventicles.  Desp. 
Pleases your highness  
To choose and give the signal, that we all  
May wait upon your dying.  Fan. 
Reach me then  
The witty poison.  Am. 
Me the loving mixed;  
That when I die, embracing her Idea,  
My Soul may keep that print, and bear from hence  
A heaven within me. He that stripped of flesh  
And lust still loves, will show true love indeed.  
But you Malevolo shall take my part.  Mel. 
My place in heaven is sure; what need I hast?  
Yes, 'cause I live in hell.  Desp. 
Then take these banes  
Mentioned before.  Hil. 
Do; as good he poison thee  
As thou else drown thyself.  Mel. 
Poison I have too much,  
Already, and in vain. Reach me your halter.  Hil. 
Hoh hoh hoh; a halter? a dagger, he's so rotten,  
He'll ne'er hold hanging. Now for my part, sleep  
Kills me sufficiently; I'll die before hand.  Conc. 
In lust I lived with man; to kill that sin  
Lend me that poniard, so I'll manly die.  Fug. 
This Bodkin is my husband; this alone  
Shall know my flesh, and find I was a Virgin.  Au. 
Come join Irato, as we lived let's hang,  
Two nooses and one rope will serve us both.  Ir. 
'tis a dog's death, and therefore not unfit.  Hil. 
Hoh hoh hoh.  Mal. 
Choice I neglect whatever can dispatch  
Loathed life is sweet. My hate would fain turn home,  
But cannot: Still methinks I feel content  
In seeing such a fruitful race of mischief,  
Because it sprung from me. If Fancies madness  
Had not unhinged the course of my design,  
And brought remediless confusion  
On all the Passions here at once; unseen  
Beloved and honoured, I with Art and Pleasure  
Had done what Desperato does by chance.  
He only held the Net; I hunted in  
The store of game: The praise is mine. And now  
I die not with remorse of hate, but want  
Of objects to be hated. Thus the worm  
Having consumed the Orb wherein it lived,  
Doth lastly turn its hunger on itself.  
Should I survive I could not find more work,  
Unless I learn, d to pity what is done.  
That's worse than death.  Desp. 
When I have rid you all,  
If I slink off let all the world besides  
Fling stones. In such good company to fall,  
Must needs be lightsome. And before out death  
A hymn is necessary. Then sing good Fellow.  
An Attendant sings in a base.  
Come heavy souls oppressed with the weight  
Of Crimes, or Pangs, or want of your delight,  
Come down in Lethe's, sleepy lake  
Whatever makes you ache.  
Drink health from poisoned bowls  
Breathe out your cares together with your souls.  
Cool Death's a salve  
Which all may have  
There's no distinction in the grave;  
Lay down your loads before death's iron door,  
Sigh, and sigh out, groan once, and groan no more.   

SCENA VIII.  Enter towards the end of the song Intellectus Agens with a book. Livebyhope and Morphe. Au. 
Ha! thou com'st to challenge: but thou art spirit,  
I cannot wound thee. Stay some few short minutes,  
Till I have quite undressed me of my flesh;  
And stand on equal terms, than I will fight.  
Else if thou canst, kill me; and take my flesh;  
Then I'll kill thee again. Thus o'er and o'er  
Wel'l kill each other and be ghosts by turns.  Ir. 
My anger is not high: I only guess  
He comes to show the way to following ghosts.  Fan. 
I gave him once a house, my most remote,  
Perchance 'tis in Elysium, he invites me.  Am. 
But Morphe stands as if she bid me come  
Like a clear spirit fitly to salute her.  Mal. 
Why should that sight fling Ice into this heart?  Tim. 
and Fug. O horrid!  Desp. 
Come what will, I can but die.  Mal. 
Hath this shrewd scholar conjured up these ghosts?  Int. 
I see you are amazed; the snares of death  
Are tangled on your hands: you think these sights  
A pair of ghosts; feel, and when you feel them  
True flesh, alive and warm, next you must know  
They are a token sent from Prudentius.  Am. 
How? from Prudentius? hath he raised the dead  
And wretched both at once? and sent me Morphe?  Fan. 
And given me hope again? a dainty show,  
whoever contrived it.  Am. 
Be thou shade or substance,  
Since thou appearest in such a lovely shap,  
My soul I'll mingle with thine airy hand,  
And strive to suck from thence the hated poison.  
But soft, I may do rashly.  Int. 
Know once more,  
These are not ghosts, nor ever were; but live  
Preserved with care, and sent with love from him,  
Whom ye refused, your King Prudentius.  Am. 
By heaven, true flesh and warm.  Fan. 
Why speaks not Hope If he have breath?  Ir. 
Speak: free us from thy blood,  
For which we have been angry with ourselves.  Au. 
Speak, if thou canst, thou must.  Liv. 
I feared to startle  
Unsettled heads with unexpected speech.  
High Mistress, your distracted grief for me  
Had almost killed me when I was recovered.  Fan. 
I am recovered by this voice.  
Then tell me  
Thy preservation.  Liv. 
Audax and Irato  
Knoworth how they left me.  Au. 
Kill us for amends:  Liv. 
Alas your death's would profit me no more  
Than mine could you: but gracious Intellectus  
Found and releived me, while Sir Amorous  
Carried in Morphe.  Int. 
Him I took up gasping  
Tempered like Ice before it thaw and crack,  
In such a glimmering state of doubtful life.  
As Candles have before they blaze and vanish.  Mal. 
These ropes will all be mine.  Int. 
And her I saved.  
By looking on her mixed and poisonous physic.  
The simples I extracted, and gave out  
The same effect which likely would have followed.  Am. 
Pardon my fault, I nothing mixed but love,  
Those villains added poison.  Mor. 
Heaven forgive  
As I forgive you all.  Am. 
Give me some poison, ( Int. Liv. and Mor. stay him. You stay me too?  Mor. 
Although I love thee not  
Beyond an honest man, I cannot see  
Thee die neglected.  Hil. 
What a coil is here  
With ghosts? I cannot take my rest for ghosts.  
People, you're welcome to this world. How fare  
My fellow sleepers, ghosts, your countrymen.  Int. 
Thank not my care for this, but thank Prudentius;  
Ask not what Genius sent me to relieve  
Expiring Hope, it was Prudentius:  
Ask not what star compelled my timely visit  
Of Morphe poyson-traped, it was Prudentius.  
From him proceeds their preservation;  
And yours in them. Snatched from the jaws of death  
As lights blown in again you live through him.  
This is your castaway, your dross, Prudentius.  Ir. 
I think we wronged him in our heedless anger.  Au. 
And yet his love seems payment for desert.  Fan. 
How shall I rule this crazed and tottering State?  Mal. 
I smell in what half point the wind is turning.  
One breath will carry all the Passions  
Back to Prudentius sails. Now for a fetch.  
Well, I'll prevent them all. Call back Prudentius,  ( Aloud) 
Let's sue to him for grace.  Au. 
Call back Prudentius.  ( Aloud) Mal. 
'tis quickly done. If this way lead to peace  
I opened it; but still I would stand safer.  
Audax, you have a Drum. Now do not you  
And Lord Irato end your business sneaking.  Fan. 
Liveby you kept the crowns: go with him Amorous,  
Carry his own: I ne'er esteemed the Golden.  
I can be Queen alone, and govern subjects.  
Of mine own making; more, than Kings can muster  
Or Earth bring forth.  Am. 
I'll take Recorder Memor  
To lay our suit in form. Then on our knees  
We'll beg to serve him so, even so forever.  Hil. 
Come, to our old new Sun.  Int. 
He's in his Court;  
And now methinks his presence guilds the walls.  ( Ex. Int. Liv. Am. Mel. 
Though weak we'll go along.  Conc. 
Weak legs can kneel.  Desp. 
This piece of mine own banquet le assume  
And walk in penance of a solemn halter.  ( Ex. Om. preter. Mal. Mal. 
I'll go some nearer way, and recompense  
My forward breach with much more forward duty.  
For this Event spun out by Intellectus  
Makes me think honesty may weigh with cunning.  
Some sheep, some Fox will make a perfect man.  
Howe'er, me thinks, these swordmen might compound  
Our Peace in arms, and plead with violence.   

SCENA. Ix..  The Scene returns to Prudentius his Court. Enter one way Prudentius, Memor with the Crown, Intellectus, Livebyhope, Amorous with the Sword. By another way Malevolo soon after. Mem. 
Without a seisin no possession.  
Your Crown is undefiled, untouched.  Pru. 
Place thou  
The world in my balance, place in theirs  
All Levity, then weigh them both. Next tell me  
How ended those commotions which arose  
Betwixt the third King Henry and his rebels?  Mem. 
He sentenced his Metropolis to flames  
Their goods to his Exchequer, and their lives—  Pru. 
No more. Should I do so? do not I know  
What dooms have passed upon untrusty  
Lawyers?—  Mem. 
I Sink before your mercy, be't like Henry's.  Mal. 
Kneeling is but a Subjects compliment. I sink.  Am. 
And I.  ( a Drum.) Mal. 
we might have stayed to hear What means this Drum.   

SCENA X.  Enter Irato, Audax. Au. 
— We have descried a Fleet;  
And therefore called to arms.  Ir. 
Submissively  
We prostrate our repentance with a suit,  
That I and Audax may decide in Duel  
Who shall be sacrificed for both to justice,  
And the survivor may be General.  Pru. 
The Fleet which you suspect, is your defence;  
Unknown to you I sent it forth to guard  
This Island from the dangers you have called,  
By Tumult, Lust, Debate, and Discontent.  
As for your Duel, 'tis a Savadg fury  
By us forbid. But you have lately tried  
A new found Duel,( was it honourable?)  
Two upon one. Or was it Captain like  
To kill a friend? In any likely way  
Hope would have furthered Audax: but when boldness  
Grows impudent it turns a foe to Hope.   

SCENA XI.  Enter fancy, Fuga, Hilario, timorous, Melancholico and Concupiscence. Soon after Desperato. Fan. 
King of Affections:—  Pru: 
Queen of Inventions.—  Fan. 
Unless you think yourself beholding to me  
You are not fit to be my King. The  
Passions  
I have so suffered in absurdity,  
That now they beg your reign which they shook off.  Hil. 
I see there is some mirth in misery.  Fan. 
I kneel unto your grace to use me so,  
As one that hath been Queen, and yet no Queen,  
Rather a show then sovereign. I walked  
But in mock-majesty. Say it were true,  
I sought it not, and what is worth a taking  
If not a Kingdom?  Hil. 
Down my frolic joints,  
Kneeling is now in fashion. Down, down Fuga;  
Concupiscence and Melancholico  
Favour yourselves with kneeling.  Mel. 
I kneel not  
To thee, but to thy power; I kneel to thee  
But not adore thee.  Conc. 
Pardon.  Enter Desperato. Desp. 
— Thus attired  
I wear my sentence. Sir, I can but offer  
That power of doom which I myself might take.  Pru. 
If you ask pardon, ask it of your  
Prince;  
For I nor am, nor will be.  Au. 
Royal Sir,  
Why have you given us lives, if not to take  
Or to preserve them?  Am. 
Hope, speak for us Hope.  Liv. 
Be pleased thou god on earth.  Int. 
I likewise join  
In this request.  Pru. 
I'll send them Epimetheus  
My Brother Afterwit; and he shall rule them.  
Those fools whom Prudence cannot prerestrain,  
The lash of Afterwit brings home again.  Au. 
We'll die upon this place.  Mal. 
And each man turn  
To his own grave.  Pru. 
Do, and do not burden  
Me with new cares for new Rebellion.  Au. 
We groan unto you?  Pru. 
Why? for here are many  
That would be Kings, Amorous, this gay thing,  He offers about his Crown. 
Which overlooks a  
Kingdom, may command  
All Choice of pleasure: take it for that use:  
No? then Malevolo to devour your flock,  
T' engross the Elements, and let none breathe  
That may resist, and only spare a few  
That may for fear do service, is't not glorious?  
Work with this Engine. No? are you grown modest?  
Then Desperato, what a life it is  
To have the power of hanging, or of causing  
Some to prevent the gallows in their prison.  
What, hang your head so dully at a Crown.  Hil. 
This is to offer salads unto dogs.  Pru. 
Irato, anger is a King's perfection  
As roaring is the Lions. When his eye  
Darts lightning, when he snaps his dagger hard  
Cries hah and starts, doth he not then seem god like,  
And well deserve the name of Thunderer?  
Be thou that Jove. Not you? Then Captain Audax.  
You took great pains to win, now wear this Crown.  Au. 
Any but yours I would.  Pru. 
Could ye get crowns  
Abroad as soon as pull off one at home,  
Ye should be Kings or Deputies all over.  
Now there can be but one: would that be Memor.  Mem. 
In all records I find no Lawyer crowned.  Hil. 
A Lawyer needs it not: to pen the Law,  
And then interpret it as much as making.  Pru. 
fancy you must be troubled once again  
With this bright load.  Fan. 
I loathed it at the first.  
Grant me the sovereignty of changing fashions,  
Promotion of new Projects, leave to wear  
Such Coronets at these, I ask no more.  Pru. 
When I am King, be this thy Royalty.  
Poor Diadem, since here thou canst not get  
A Master, lie thou there for the next comer,  
Or sink into thy oar.— None stoop  
to take thee?  
What all refuse, I once refused of all  
Am fit to wear.  Au. 
Long live Prudentius.  ( Int. & Liv. Crown him.) Pru. 
Then once more chained in Gold, I'll bear your burden.  
Henchforth to awe your folly, be assured,  
None of your crooked actions words or looks  
Hath scaped my notice. They camefresh unto me  
With tongues of spirits: But I'll leave the chiding  
To your own Conscience. Now, thus reconciled,  
I'll pardon your deserts, cannot reward them.  
If you expect in sign of peacesome matches  
You are deceived. Amorous shall not wed  
Morphe, without a fair probation.  
And timorous I forbid; such must not marry  
As have no mettle, lest they spoil their race.  
But Melancolico and Concupiscence  
Shall keep their state; i'th' suburbs, or new-England.  
Now rise. For show of future correspondence,  
Rank yourselves friendly with your opposites.—  Am. 
I live not by my line of life, but yours.  Mal. 
Love is a willing Passion, full of sweetness,  
But not so serviceable as loyal hate;  
This loves with zeal and with comparison,  
Works against all for one. to serve your State  
Let others love, whilst I for you shall hate;  
Myself, if that you please; and others so,  
That hate with virtue hand in hand shall go.  Pru. 
'tis well, 'tis very well. Live as you look,  
Irato bear the Sword: I'll view them all.  
Thus betwixt love of good, and hate of ill.  
With slight of this; and chaste desire of that,  
With sadness to be wise, joy for good ends  
boldness for just attempts, fear of unfit;  
Hope for true peace, despair of nothing less  
Than mere Impossibilities, we'll walk  
To Immortality upon those lines  
Which a wise Prince's breast nought else defines.  Exeunt Omnes. 

A Scheme of Posture.  
Prudentius  
Fancy  
Amorous  
Concupiscence  
Hilario  
Audax  
Livebyhope  
Irato  
Intellectus  
Memor  
Malevolo  
Fuga  
Melancolico  
Timorous  
Desperato   

After the music ended, the Island appearing settled. Enter the epilog. To His Majesty.  
BY this short Model of self-policy,  
We find what use of Outward sovereignty.  
The Isle is settled, rage of Passion, laid,  
And fancy stoops to Prudence. Things so stayed,  
Our Scene which was but Fiction now is true;  
No King so much Prudentius as you:  
Whose Rule is Reason, Throne the heart; And now  
No souls so Passionate as we; that bow  
Both with the weight of Duty and of Debt.  
Henceforth our hearts all motion shall forget  
But yours. Your Rule alone is fit to sway;  
Yet we no less your benefits obey.  
'Twixt both, our loyalty will nameless prove;  
That makes it virtue, these will have it Love.   

To the University.  
THe Isle is settled, Rage of Passions laid  
Fancy to Prudence bows. Let all be stayed  
In your Acceptance too, and then each breast  
Will cease its Floating, and as firmly rest  
As doth our Scene. One Passion still would prove  
An Actor when the Scene is shut, Our Love.  
FINIS.